View photos from an Israeli exhibit of optimistic scenes from the post10/7 Gaza area, as well as other features, on our Celebrating Israel pages. p22-25
FROM THE DESK OF JERI ZIMMERMAN p3
LVJF TRIBUTES p9
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER p12-13
JEWISH DAY SCHOOL p14
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE p15
COMMUNITY CALENDAR p27
“Walking around Kibbutz Holit more than 100 days after the murderous terrorist attack on October 7, you can still see evidence of lives that were suddenly cut short,” reads a draft of the presentation Lee Kestecher Solomon was preparing for the Yom HaZikaron ceremony to be held in the JCC Kline Auditorium on Monday, May 13. “Blooming wild gardens, books waiting for readers next to their beds, and an endless silence creeping between the houses, whose walls are pierced by bullet marks.”
The ceremony for Israel’s
Memorial Day will feature the stories of victims of the Hamas massacre, as well as stories of fallen Israel Defense Forces soldiers and victims of other acts of terrorism. Solomon, director of community engagement for the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and organizer of the remembrance event, lived in Kibbutz Holit, near the Gaza border, some years ago, and she knew some of the Israelis killed by Hamas terrorists.
One of those was Hayim Katsman, a 32-year-old who had just earned a doctorate from the University of Washington Jackson School of International Studies in 2021. His particular interest was the intersection of religions
10/7 through the
in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Hamas killed Katsman when he was trying to help a neighbor during the attack. In a troubling instance of dark irony, Katsman was the guy friends knew as dedicated to the ideal of Israelis and Palestinians living together in harmony. He often volunteered to help either who needed it. “He would drive Gazans from Gaza into Israel for doctors’ appointments,” Solomon said.
There will be many prayers said during the event. Songs will be sung, including a video duo with a young Israeli paramedic who was killed on October 7 and the popular Israeli band Knesiay-
at HaSechel. The paramedic recorded herself singing the Israeli song “Nothing Will Hurt Me,” written for victims of a 1990s attack, and the band put her video together with their own version of the song in a new video after she was gone.
Solomon’s husband, Ariel, director of Hebrew and Judaics at the Jewish Day School, will tell the story of Katsman. Eric Lightman, executive director of the JCC, will share his experiences from and thoughts about his trip to Israel in February. Seventhgrader Alexis Gabay-Ratner will sing.
The ceremony is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to wear a white
shirt to show our unity as a community. Registration is required. Visit jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/yom-hazikaron-2024.
Lehigh Valley audience struggles through harrowing yet important documentary
By Carl Zebrowski EditorThe opening imagery of the documentary “Supernova” includes a crowd of dancing teens and 20- and 30-somethings in front of a stage, arms extended in the air, heads and hands bobbing in rhythm to the live music.
You hear the overdubbed voice of a woman talking in Hebrew on her cell phone.
“We’re here with some friends,” she says. Her name is Maya Regev. “Don’t worry, Dad.”
“What is that place called, where you’re at?” her dad asks.
She’s at the Nova Music
Festival in southern Israel on the Shabbat morning of October 7, 2023. But she needs to ask someone for the specific location.
“Re’im,” she then tells her dad. He’s worried about Maya and her brother, Itay, who are at the festival together. “It’s really, really close to Gaza,” he says.
“Supernova: The Music Festival Massacre” premiered in the United States early this year. The film covers 24 hours that begin with 3,500 most young Israelis gathering to listen and dance to live bands before Hamas launched its now-infamous surprise attack.
Dozens of Muhlenberg College students and members of
the Lehigh Valley Jewish community sat in the Muhlenberg Hillel on April 11 to watch the film, which had premiered in the United States in February.
“When I heard that there was an opportunity to organize a viewing of the ‘Supernova’ documentary on campus,” said Leah Kressel, Israel cochair at the Hillel, “I knew immediately that it was crucial to hold a screening for people to watch it.”
Its one hour moves along quickly, and as startlingly and jarringly and excruciatingly as you might expect. More so.
“The story will speak for itself,” Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh
Valley, told the audience just before the screening. Federation helped make the event happen.
Hamas terrorists killed 365 people in Kibbutz Re’im that day. Hundreds of others were wounded. Forty were kidnapped and taken back to Gaza to be held as hostages along with 200 people from other areas.
Tracing the tragedy as it unfolded, the filmmakers edit together footage from cell phones, handheld video cameras, and dash cams—and from both sides: attackers and victims. They talked on camera with festival-goers, first responders, and parents whose children were taken as hostages.
Two of the survivors who tell their story on screen spent nine hours hiding a porta-potty, struggling to keep perfectly still and silent. Meanwhile, terrorists with automatic rifles and bombs combed the area looking for festival-goers.
Maya Regev spends much of the day just trying to survive—and to find Itay, from whom she got separated. Their father sped to the scene in his car after their phone call. He found out whatever details he could about the situation and implored police and soldiers to find his kids.
The news was good for the Regev family. They survived. Maya and Itay were hospitalized with injuries, but soon were released.
The room in the Muhlenberg Hillel was silent when the film ended. The event organizers had prepared for a quiet break during which viewers could recompose themselves. Then, post-film discussion sessions would follow for viewers to open up about their thoughts and emotions. Any talking waited for that time.
Later, Danielle Hadge, Leah Kressel’s fellow Israel cochair at the Hillel, said, “Even though for many it was an excruciating film to view, it was extremely important for everyone to be aware and knowledgeable of what truly occurred, the horrific events that happened on October 7.”
Ira Blum, director of the Hillel, concluded, “My prayer is that by gathering together, as Jewish life at Muhlenberg and the Lehigh Valley, we find strength and comfort in one another, in our broader Jewish family here, in Israel, and beyond, and ultimately healing and hope.”
We are still hopeful for the release of the remaining hostages.
Twenty-five women philanthropists turned out for the Lion of Judah Annual Thank You Luncheon on Wednesday, March 3. Laurie Wax, president of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Women’s Philanthropy, hosted the event at Cumin N Eat Indian restaurant in Allentown.
The group welcomed new Lions Lauren Rabin and Anne
Falchuk and officially gave them their Lion pins.
Lion Suparna Damany, who was raised in India as a Hindu, spoke to the gathering. She focused on the similarities between Judaism and Hinduism and India and Israel.
“Considering that in my life I have more Jewish friends than Hindu, and a Jewish mother, and a Jewish man as a life partner, whose mother
was a Lion,” she said, “I started calling myself a Hinjew.”
She went through a list of points Jews and Hindus have in common. “Both faiths have been fundamentals to other religions,” she said: “Christianity, Islam, and Mormonism from Judaism; Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism from Hinduism.”
Neither tries to convert nonbelievers.
“Both Judaism and Hinduism accept that there are several paths to God,” she said. In fact, she explained, “there are some people now that profess a belief in both faiths and call themselves Hinjews. I thought I
was being clever.” She paused: “But maybe someone stole it from me!”
The two cultures place a high value on family and education. “Hindus and Jews in the United States are the most educated groups where they live,” she said.
The similarities and differences came together in a public display of goodwill and camaraderie in 2007 for the world’s first Jewish-Hindu leadership summit. Damany reported that Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Yona Metzger told the crowd in New Delhi, “Jews have lived in India for over 2,000 years and have never been discriminated against. This is something unparalleled in human history.
Damany continued, in her own words: “Both com-
munities share a history of being oppressed. Yet Jews have never faced persecution by Hindus, and there are no reports of Hindus being persecuted by Jews.”
Globally, there are over 18,000 Lions of Judah, women of all ages from all over the world, who care deeply about the Jewish future. The Lion of Judah traces its roots back to 1972, when Norma Kipnis Wilson z”l and Toby Friedland z”l of Miami had a vision of women coming together to make a change through giving. Every Lion plays a vital role in promoting social justice, aiding the vulnerable, preserving human dignity, and building flourishing Jewish communities.
MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024 • 4:30-6:30 PM • JCC
Join us for pizza and conversation with Hadas Kuznits, KYW Newsradio reporter, who will speak to high school students and their parents about how to address antisemitism on social media and how to look at the news with a
Hadas Kuznits grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs, graduated from Akiba Hebrew Academy in Lower Merion, and served for two years in the Israel Defense Forces. She has been writing and reporting for KYW Newsradio in Philadelphia for over 20 years.
Visit her channel at www.youtube.com/@HadasOnAir.
To register, scan the QR code or visit jewishlehighvalley.org or call 610.821.5500 or email mailbox@jflv.org
While it continues to be the Federation’s campaign slogan, we are able to do our important and noble work because of our commitment to be: Here for Good. The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley ensures that our Jewish community thrives from dor l’dor. Good doesn’t just happen on its own. It comes from our collective dedication to the promise of a flourishing Jewish future. It is also our commitment to community programming so that we can count on one another to continue to help good grow. Just as we have in the past. Just as we will in the future.
As we began the 2024 campaign and program year, with all the hopes and aspirations that a new year brings, none of us could have been prepared for the horrific events of October 7.
Like many Jewish communities around the world, we no doubt shifted our focus and found ourselves at an important crossroads. How will we respond to the challenges that these unbearable events brought? How will we respond to and support our beloved State of Israel
and our family and friends there? How will we ensure a secure community and, in light of rampant antisemitism, how will we convey our passion and hopes for Jewish life to the next generation?
I have spoken in the past about the importance of creating a kehillah kedosha—a sacred community—about how, with all our agencies and synagogues working together, the Lehigh Valley Jewish community will remain vibrant and strong. It is you, our many donors and volunteers, who help us provide for a resilient Jewish community. This year, we found ourselves launching an unprecedented Israel Emergency Campaign while maintaining a vibrant annual campaign. Our Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs is the lifeline that keeps our communal agencies and synagogues healthy. To those who have given to both our Israel Emergency Campaign and to our annual campaign, my sincere thanks and appreciation for your strong generosity. If you have not yet made a gift to
either campaign, I encourage you to consider making a donation. Every gift makes a difference in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Your generosity delivers vital funding to ensure that critical programs and services are available here and around the world. It is why we are here. And when a crisis strikes, it is why we are here for the community long after it passes.
Jewish Federations play significant roles not just as funders but as community conveners. I am proud of the work we do at our Jewish Federation and I am blessed to be working with our board of directors, our volunteer leaders, and our staff to bring us into the next chapter of Jewish life in the Lehigh Valley. I am also grateful for the many grassroots efforts that we see in our community to keep hope and resilience at the forefront of our activities since October 7.
What will the next chapter of our story look like? The book about our community will not be written by a single author. It will be a collaborative piece, with
essay and verse from many contributors. I hope you will be a strong part of our efforts as we move ahead. And as we move forward, I remain dedicated to keeping you apprised of our progress. I am confident that transparency, accountability, focus, and impact will continue to guide us on our journey together.
There will be change and we will be smart about the programs we implement and the decisions we make.
Once again, our campaign slogan, Here for Good, emphasizes and reminds us of our responsibility to provide for the greater good. Our community is fortunate to have so many talented people with ideas to share. Your input is valued and
most welcome.
We have a great deal of work ahead of us and, with your help, we will commemorate tragic events together and we will celebrate many remarkable accomplishments together.
I look forward to seeing you as we begin to plan for the next year ahead so that together we can share in this journey. To each of you, I say a heartfelt “thank you” for the difference you are making each and every day. May we continue to go from strength to strength!
HAKOL is published 11 times per year for the Jewish communities of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and vicinity by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.
COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS
Submissions to HAKOL must be of interest to the entire Jewish community. HAKOL reserves all editorial rights including, but not limited to, the decision to print any submitted materials, the editing of submissions to conform to style and length requirements, and the placement of any printed material. Quotes may be edited for grammar and clarity. Articles should be submitted by e-mail or presented as typed copy; “Community Calendar” listings must be submitted by e-mail to hakol@jflv.org or online at www.jewishlehighvalley.org. Please include your name and a daytime telephone number where you can be contacted in the event questions arise. We cannot guarantee publication or placement of submissions.
MAIL, FAX, OR E-MAIL TO: JFLV ATTN: HAKOL 702 N. 22nd St. Allentown, PA 18104 Phone: (610) 821-5500 Fax: (610) 821-8946 E-mail: hakol@jflv.org
HAKOL STAFF
CARL ZEBROWSKI Editor
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JFLV EXECUTIVE STAFF
JERI ZIMMERMAN
Executive Director
AARON GORODZINSKY
Director of Development
DENISE AHNER Director of Finance & Administration
LEE KESTECHER SOLOMON Director of Community Engagement
HADASSAH LERNER GRINBERG Director of Community Programming
ROBBY WAX JFLV President
WENDY EDWARDS Office Manager
GINGER HORSFORD Donor Services Associate
All advertising is subject to review and approval by The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley (JFLV). JFLV reserves the right to decline, withdraw and/or edit any ad. The appearance of any advertising in HAKOL does not represent an endorsement or kashrut certification. Paid political advertisements that appear in HAKOL do not represent an endorsement of any candidate by the JFLV.
JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY
MISSION STATEMENT
In order to unite, sustain, and enhance the Lehigh Valley Jewish community, and support Jewish communities in Israel and around the world, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is dedicated to the following core values:
• Supporting Jews in need wherever they may be.
• Supporting Israel as a Jewish homeland.
• 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
The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley welcomes Hadassah Lerner Grinberg as its new director of community programing.
Her journey to the Lehigh Valley began in April 2024, following a connection made nine years earlier—meeting her husband at Camp Ramah in the Poconos, where they both served as shlichim, or Israel liaisons, from the Jewish Agency for Israel.
Grinberg was born and raised in Israel, to an American father and British mother, and grew up in a community settlement in Samaria called Peduel. During her national service, she dedicated herself to counseling at-risk children at the Neve Wizo children’s home.
With a passion for communication and storytelling, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in media, majoring in journal-
ism at Ariel University. During her student job at the Jewish Agency, she interviewed and evaluated candidates for the Jewish Agency’s U.S. mission.
Following her academic pursuits, Hadassah embarked on a professional journey that included four years at the Ministries of Transport, Foreign Affairs, and Finance, where she served as a strategic project manager and
media advisor for Minister Israel Katz.
After that, she spent two and a half years at Savyon Local Council, directing the spokespersons department with a focus on advocacy, advertising, and PR.
In her leisure time, Hadassah enjoys practicing yoga and taking leisurely walks with her dog.
You can reach her at 610821-5500, ext. 331.
Before Hadassah Lerner Grinberg, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s new director of community programming, left Israel to settle in the Valley, she visited Yoav, the Valley’s Partnership2Gether sister community in Israel. In her new role with the Federation, she’s facilitator of the P2G program. Here’s her report on her early April visit:
I’m pleased to to share with you the wonderful day I had with Hannah Bachar, volunteer chair of the Yoav Partnership2Gether committe, and Amit Zehavi, the Jewish Agency manager of our partnership committee.
Our day began at Sdot Yoav Primary School, where I learned about the joint initiative involving schools from the Lehigh Valley and Israel. The program holds significant meaning for both children and parents, and there’s a strong desire to reignite its
and restore the bonds between the children. The enthusiasm from the school’s teachers to revive the program was palpable.
Our journey then took us to the memorial site Givat Tom and Tomer, named for two soldiers from Yoav who died in a helicopter disaster in 2003, Tomer Kider Chizik and his close friend Tom Kitain. The site also honors 73 other fallen. We thought about possibilities for supporting and upgrading the site.
Next, we visited Nof Sadot Primary School in Moshav Negba, where we saw the impressive ninja facility donated by the Lehigh Valley community. We also saw the space designated for a scientific
incubator, another donation from the Valley. The school principal expressed deep gratitude to the Valley community for the partnership, highlighting the students’ enjoyment of the facilities.
Our group went to the beautiful Kedma Youth Village, home to children from distressed families. There, we saw the boxing facility donated by the Valley, soon to be inaugurated in honor of Emmanuel Moreno z”l and his nephew Itay Moreno, who bravely fell in battle in Gaza. The village director is planning a ceremony to unveil the facility, acknowledging the generous contribution from the Valley.
From there we continued to the meeting at the Yoav
Regional Council, engaging with key figures such as Orit Daskal, the director of culture; Milli Friedman, responsible for the elderly; Galia Golan, the finance manager; and Uri Tamir, the council treasurer. They proposed numerous collaboration ideas and expressed sincere gratitude for the Valley’s contribution to the council’s emergency rescue forces.
We then met with the steering committee, enjoying an Israeli dinner while discussing the desire to strengthen the relationship and cooperation between the Yoav Council members and the Valley community. I was profoundly impressed by the warm and hospitable people of Yoav, whose commitment
The Older Adult Task Force, a joint program between Jewish Family Service and Federation, is looking to create listening/focus groups to explore services that may be helpful for older adults.
YOM HASHOAH
Sunday, May 5, 2024
6:00 p.m.
Even if you do not currently require services, you are welcome to join a listening/focus group.
To join a listening/focus group, please call 610.821.5500 or email mailbox@jflv.org.
Jewish Community Center Program featuring EVITCHKA: A True Story of Survival, Hope and Love. The memorial reading of the names of Holocaust victims will begin at 6:00 p.m.. The Evitchka program will begin at 7:00 p.m.
YOM HAZIKARON Monday, May 13, 2024 6:30 p.m.
Jewish Community Center
to fostering relationships with the Valley shines brightly, particularly during these challenging times.
I gained invaluable insights into the P2G program and the profound impact it has on both Yoav and the Lehigh Valley. I eagerly anticipate our upcoming meeting to explore the myriad opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead.
Scan the QR code to watch a video about the P2G program.
Join us to observe Israel’s Memorial Day and remember the fallen soldiers of the IDF, the Israelis who have died in terrorist attacks, and the victims of the October 7 massacre. Everyone is encouraged to wear a white shirt.
YOM HA’ATZMAUT
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 6:00 p.m.
Congregation Keneseth Israel Celebrate Israel’s birthday with Israeli music, a special Israel at 76 photo exhibit, mitzvah stations, and more. Kids are encouraged to bring their tzedakah box to donate to Federation’s Israel Emergency Campaign.
Hadas Kuznits knows a little about the news. She’s been writing and reporting for one of Philadelphia’s best known
and most respected news sources: KYW Newsradio. If you’ve lived a long time within the station’s broadcast range—the Lehigh Valley is—you can hardly think of the name without hearing the jingle in your head.
Kuznits will be coming to the Valley on May 20 to speak to three different Jewish community audiences: Jewish Family Service in the morning, Jewish Day School after that, and teens and parents at
the JCC from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The teens and parents talk, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, will focus on navigating TikTok and other social media as a critical-thinking news consumer and detecting truth from fiction in the news. Pizza will be served.
Also part of the talk will be what it’s like in Israel now, post-10/7. Kuznits spent time there in March and has posted narrated videos from
her visit to her YouTube page at YouTube.com/@HadasOnAir.
Kuznits, a Montgomery County native and graduate of Akiba Hebrew Academy in Lower Merion and Temple University, reported for KYW from Israel during the 60th anniversary of its statehood and from the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver for the historic nomination of Barrack Obama as presidential candidate. For
both events, she provided onair reports, photos, and video blogs.
Before beginning her studies at Temple, she spent two years in the Israel Defense Forces, serving as an instructor. She also traveled and worked as a tour guide in Europe and Israel.
Register for the event at jewishlehighvalley.org/calendar, email mailbox@jflv.org or call 610.821.5500.
By Carl Zebrowski Editor“I’m a little anxious tonight,”
Joel Chasnoff told a crowd in the JCC’s Kline Auditorium on April 3 for a Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Main Event.
Chasnoff, coauthor of the book “Israel 201: “Israel 201: Your Next-Level Guide to the Magic, Mystery, and Chaos of Life in the Holy Land,” was visiting his native United States from Israel. He’d made aliyah from his boyhood home in the Chicago suburbs after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in the 1990s.
He told the Lehigh Valley audience he was nervous about his family back in Israel, nervous for the Israeli people, for Israel itself. Two days earlier, an Israel Defense Forces air strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria killed 16
people, including an Iranian military leader and officers. Iran immediately vowed a forceful response. There was no doubt a response would come. The only questions were how forceful and when?
Chasnoff was at the JCC for what was billed as “a night of storytelling and reflections about our magical relationship with Israel.” His goal, here as elsewhere during his present tour in the States, was to give the audience a better idea of what it was like to be a Jew living in Israel—specifically an American-born Jew.
“I want to bring you the good stuff,” he said, “but also the challenges.” The subject matter of his presentation was more or less the subject matter of “Israel 201”—with the recent war with Hamas and its repercussions added into the mix.
“We didn’t want to write
The Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation introduced a new vehicle at its past endowment meeting that will allow donors to continue to support our Federation and be recognized as members of the Maimonides Society in perpetuity.
The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is proud to have established the first Maimonides Society in our country. Today this healthcare division has over 110 members and is growing each year. Wanting to ensure that the legacy of our donors continues to shine and support the work of the Federation forever, we are continuing to innovate by establishing more vehicles for investment.
the intro to Israel, because we felt like that story has been told over and over,” he said of the book. “We wanted to write a deeper book about Israel, the next level, which is the 201. They are the things that nobody knows about, including many Israelis.”
The anxiety Chasnoff was experiencing about the moment-to-moment situation in Israel led him to walk outside for a break and some fresh air before his presentation began. His wife and three daughters were back home, where seemingly anything could happen at any time.
Rain suddenly burst out of the sky as he walked. “Is that normal here?” he asked. Just
as quickly as the downpour started, it ended. “A rainbow formed and I reminded myself there is good in the world.”
He began his story with his aliyah and the inspiration behind it. That took things back to his childhood, his first connection with Israel: the board game appropriately named Aliyah. The game and its objective were simple. You kept moving your token in one direction, toward Israel, until you became the first one to reach the destination.
A little bit later, there was the long visit his family made to Israel. “I look back at my teen tour as one of the as one of the most meaningful six
A Maimonides Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (MPACE) fund can be created at any time. With a minimum amount of $40,000, your MPACE will distribute to our annual campaign 4.6% of your contribution (about $1,800) on your behalf, while honoring your Maimonides Society legacy.
An MPACE account can be funded through appreciated stock, cash, a life insurance policy, or a 401(k) or Individual Retirement Account. Your MPACE fund would provide vitality to our Federation’s annual campaign and cement your legacy in the Maimonides Society while allowing our Federation to continue to meet the needs of local and global Jewish communities year after year. It would be your legacy. All MPACEs will continue to be recognized on the Maimonides Society site and in the Maimonides directory.
The appropriate method of funding can best be determined after reviewing your financial and tax objectives with your advisors. For more information, please contact us at 610-821-5500 or aaron@jflv. org.
$18 Per Person Register by scanning the QR Code or by visiting the link below.
“There’s actually samples of psilocybin in the coffee,” joked Zach Goldsmith, president of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Maimonides Society, as he opened the society’s March 31 Brunch and Learn on “Psychedelics: Blessing or Curse?”
A general audience might not recognize “psilocybin,” but this one, filled with Maimonides healthcare professionals, surely did: the psychoactive component found in magic mushrooms. Of course there was none of it in the food and drinks served
at the event, but the thought harks to the fame or infamy of psychedelic drugs used recreationally.
The presentation that followed, by Dr. Sam Bub, a retired 50-year veteran of family medicine, would delve into an aspect of the drug that’s gaining traction in serious circles: medical use. Bub spent the hour making the case that properly used psychedelics can be more blessing than curse and that legislation enabling further study and clinical use should be supported.
Bub went to medical school in his native South Africa. He said that back in his
It’s important to report any incident of antisemitism or of a suspicious person, vehicle, or situation.
One reason it’s critical is that we don’t want any of these acts underreported. This becomes especially important when applying to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Grant Program. Proper reporting may lead to the award of a grant, which could improve the safety and security of Jewish organizations in our community.
There is a new tool on the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley website to assist you when reporting an incident. It will automatically send a notice to the duty desk of the North American Jewish community’s Secure Community Network, to SCN’s regional director, and to me.
For questions or to talk about security concerns in general, contact me at 872-400-0239 or tbrooks@securecommunitynetwork.org.
early days, he didn’t want to become a practicing psychiatrist, “but psychiatry is what I was really interested in.”
He got into family practice and treated a lot of people over his career, moving to the United States and opening a practice in the Lehigh Valley.
“I realized that with many of the patients, there were other reasons they came to see me,” he said—namely mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
When drugs were required for treatment, valium and Prozac were the go-tos. Sometimes they worked.
“Nothing gave as much pleasure as treating someone with depression and seeing them get better,” Bub said, “seeing their relationships with their family change.”
Mental health problems have become more frequently diagnosed in recent years. Bub pointed to a study from 2023 that determined that one-third of adults suffer from anxiety or depression. He named the two main symptoms of depression as loss of interest, and sadness and hopelessness. If those symptoms last three weeks or more, the patient can be diagnosed with depression.
“And what’s scary is the 18- to 24-year olds—50% seem to have some sort of
said. The suicide rate among youths 15-19 has risen 35% since 1999.
One trouble with treatments for mental health symptoms is that they don’t target the root of the problem. “They work,” Bub said, “but it doesn’t cure anything.” Treatment, then, can last a lifetime.
Eventually Bub started hearing about using psychedelics to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. Something had to change in that area, given medicine’s general failure, for example, at helping military veterans who suffered the characteristic symptoms: flashbacks, stress, anxiety. “We’ve done very, very poorly in treating these unfortunate individuals,” Bub said.
How can psilocybin specifically help? Brain studies show that when the amygdala is stimulated, a person’s heart rate goes up. With the amygdala also involved in memory, memories can trigger the stress reaction—a classic Pavlovian response. “What does psilocybin do to the brain?” Bub said, explaining the process in layman’s terms. “It analyzes the
dampens it down. It says listen, this trauma has occurred, but you don’t have to have the same physical reaction.” How does the treatment with psychedelic drugs work? Bub showed a video clip of a patient being treated with LSD. After taking the drug, the patient remained in a room along with a trained guide for four to five hours, wearing headphones playing calming music, blood pressure being taken regularly as a precaution. “With help of a guide,” the narrator says, “you can use that experience and understand it.”
Psychedelics Continues on page 21
Please make your pledge by June 30 for the 2024 Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs.
For almost 70 years, Federation has been HERE FOR GOOD.
And with your help, we’re not going anywhere.
A group of 10 women from the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley drove to the Philadelphia suburbs on Wednesday morning, May 1, to hear authors Emmanual Acho and Noa Tishby discuss antisemitism-related topics from their brand-new book, “Uncomfortable Questions
with a Jew.”
The group of Women’s Philanthropy members who made the trip along with Lee Kestecher Solomon, director of community engagement for the Jewish Federation, included Debi Wiener, Laurie Wax, Miriam Zager, Vicki Wax, Crissy Toff, Tama
Tamarkin, Sylvia Bub, Beth Kushnick, and Lauren Rabin. They joined others from eastern Pennsylvania in a gathering at Har Zion Temple in Penn Valley sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
The audience heard Acho, a former Philadelphia Eagle
nature of Judaism, providing clear insights into the roots of Jewish hatred in America.
and author of “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man,” and Noa Tishby, author of the New York Times best-selling “Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth,” explore sensitive topics like Jewish stereotypes, power dynamics, and the
Tishby, an Israeli American, and Acho, of Nigerian American heritage, offered diverse perspectives in a dialogue whose goal was to educate and empower participants to recognize and address bigotry, emphasizing that hatred against one is a threat to all.
Seeking to transform feelings of isolation, fear, and helplessness into a moment of unity, hope, and optimism, Marina Adamsky, Naomi Schachter, Crissy Toff, Britt Linn, and Amy Golding joined forces to organize an evening of music and celebration featuring rapper Kosha Dillz.
An activist and advocate for Jewish voices and Israel advocacy, Kosha Dillz spent several hours in Allentown on Thursday, April 18. He engaged with Jewish Day School students and later
performed a concert at Temple Beth El.
Born Rami Even-Esh to Israeli parents in New Jersey and having celebrated his bar mitzvah in Israel, Kosha Dillz has been honing his craft since the age of 17. At the JDS, he led a rap class for second- to eighthgraders, teaching them lyrics, beatboxing, improvisation. They ended with a small performance.
The evening at Temple Beth El commenced with DJ Britt Linn, a JDS teacher, setting the mood with Israeli music. It continued with a fireside chat between Naomi Schachter and Kosha Dillz, exploring the experience of being a Jewish performer in
today’s climate. The night progressed into a vibrant celebration of dance, laughter, inspiration, and unity, with attendees ranging from three to 83 years old.
Kosha Dillz performed his new single, “Bring the Family Home,” denouncing antisemitism and advocating for the return of hostages. The sight of youth proudly wav-
ing Israeli flags stirred emotions, prompting tears of longing for the safe return of our hostages and hope for a brighter future.
“It was fitting to have an event promoting Jewish pride and unity right before Passover—a time for redemption for the Jewish people,” Marina Adamsky said.
The event’s planners
extend our gratitude to Temple Beth El for supporting this initiative, providing the venue, and prioritizing the security and safety of all attendees. It is our hope that this event showed our youth that one can and should be proud to be Jewish, that our adults can feel united in our joint effort, and that tomorrow will be better.
Continued from page 5
weeks of my life,” he said. His parents’ goal was for him to fall in love with Jerusalem. He joked that he instead fell in love with the soldiers in their uniforms, and the women.
When he got home, he had a sit-down with his parents. “I’m not going to college,” he told them. “I’m going to join the Israeli army.” He explained to the audience, “When I was in Israel, I felt like a more complete version of myself.”
His parents said: College now, IDF later. So off to Penn it was. Then came Israel, and the 71st Tank Battalion. He was 24.
Chasnoff got to know Israelis up close and very quickly. The ensuing years have only further immersed him in a fascinating, unending learning process.
One thing he was completely certain about regarding his new countrymen: Israelis call it as they see it. “They’ll tell you exactly how you can be a better person just like them,” he said.
And if they ever get things wrong? “They do not apologize in Israel,” he said. “In the Middle East, apologies make you look vulnerable.”
He added that if there ever is an apology, it’s like those his wife gives him: “I’m sorry
you’re an idiot.”
Someone in the audience asked if he ever had times that made him seriously consider moving back to the United States.
“Honestly,” he answered, “this morning I had one of those moments.” There was the ongoing war with Hamas in the south, boiling tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon in the north, and the likely upcoming attack by Iran (which came a week and a half after Chasnoff’s engagement here). He also lamented some everyday life frustrations—“cars are taxed 100%,” Targets don’t have parking lots, to name two. And education. “The schools—it’s not a secret— are not that great.” But Israeli kids are probably taught lessons in school that many American kids aren’t: “They’re learning what it is to give to a cause that is bigger than you.”
As for the war with Hamas and the way it’s viewed around the world, someone asked, why can’t Israel, with all its impressive accomplishments, seem to win a
PR contest? Antisemitism loomed large in Chasnoff’s answer. “When it’s a Jewish message,” he said, “it doesn’t count as much.”
In addition, in a world focused on quickly changing images and short videos, often without context, he said, “There’s nothing more compelling than crumbling buildings in Gaza and starving children in Gaza.”
“We’re in a paradigm of oppressor and oppressed. Israel is seen as the oppressor,” with its tanks and guns and planes,” he continued. “Hamas is seen as a wing of the oppressed. This is the world that 20-somethings and 30-somethings live in.”
Meanwhile, he said, the civilian situation in Gaza is
made worse because “100% of aid that goes into Gaza is taken by Hamas. There’s a second Gaza under Gaza— tunnels. Every dollar that they have received since 2005 has gone into building this tunnel system.”
Chasnoff’s talk finally came around to national politics, here and there. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval ratings were in the tank, Chasnoff said. “Most Israelis want a new election,” he explained. “Most Israelis do blame Netanyahu for the October 7 attacks, either directly or indirectly.”
Then there’s the president of Israel’s main ally. “I think it makes a difference who the president of the United State is,” said Chasnoff, alluding to
this year’s presidential election. He believes that whatever Biden has been saying about the situation in Israel, his actions have remained mostly supportive. “We need to take what he’s saying with a grain of salt,” he said. Biden has an election to try to win and a diverse constituency to try to satisfy.
Chasnoff ended the night’s discussion—a little laughing, a little crying—with signs of and hope for the best. He pointed out that 22% of Israel is not Jewish, yet “day to day, Israelis Jews and Arabs get along very well. We have among us 2 million non-Jews who could have risen up against us but did not.”
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IN HONOR
JOAN BASS
In celebration of your birthday
Beth and Wesley Kozinn
SAM BUB
In honor of being recognized by JFS at Cheers for Volunteers
Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald
MARILYN CLAIRE
In celebration of your grandson Holden’s Bar Mitzvah
Joan and Richard Bass
Roberta and Robert Kritzer
Vicki Wax
JEANETTE AND EDUARDO EICHENWALD
In celebration of your grandson Jackson’s Bar Mitzvah
Beth and Wesley Kozinn
BARNET FRAENKEL
In celebration of your retirement
Laura and Bob Black
Janice Schwartz
AMY GOLDING
In celebration of your son Jackson’s Bar Mitzvah
Beth and Wesley Kozinn
ARLENE AND RICHARD
STEIN
In celebration of your granddaughter’s marriage
Roberta and Jeff Epstein
MELISSA AND RON STEIN
In celebration of your grandson’s Bar Mitzvah
Carol and Stewart Furmansky
STEPHANIE AND STEPHEN SZILAGYI
In celebration of your daughter’s marriage
Roberta and Jeff Epstein
MIRIAM ZAGER
In honor of being recognized by JFS at Cheers for Volunteers
Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald
IN MEMORY
MICHAEL H. BOREK
(Father of Michael Borek)
Herma Abramson
MARILYN BRAUNSTEIN
(Mother of Cherie Zettlemoyer)
Karen and Peter Cooper
Jeanette and Eduardo
Eichenwald
Beth and Wesley Kozinn
CORA CARLIS
(Mother of Ian Carlis)
Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie Schechner
SHIRLEY ENGELSON
(Wife of Jack Engelson)
Jeanette and Eduardo
Eichenwald
Roberta and Robert Kritzer
BOBBY HAMMEL
(Husband of Bonnie Hammel)
Jane and Arthur Kaplan
CIREL HILLMAN
(Mother of Judy Hillman and Michael Hillman)
Evelyn Brown
ROBERTA ‘BOBBIE’ KLINE
(Mother of Jill Kornfeld)
Sondra and Ira Berman
ETHEL MELAMUT
(Mother of Brenda Morris, Deborah Minkoff and Jonathan Melamut)
Sheila Berg
Marlene and Arnan
Finkelstein
Aaron Gorodzinsky
Beth and Wesley Kozinn
Eileen Ufberg
LOIS RATNER
(Mother of Amy Morse)
Beth and Wesley Kozinn
GARY SALVESEN
(Bother of Nancy Amols)
Jeanette and Eduardo
Eichenwald
JILL SCHONFELD
(Wife of Ivan Schonfeld, mother of Brandi Fretti)
Wendy and Ross Born
Jeanette and Eduardo
Eichenwald
Vicki Wax
HELEN AND SOL KRAWITZ HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND
IN HONOR
MARGE CARROLL
In honor of being recognized by JFS Cheers for Volunteers
Susan Engelson Friefeld
LYNDA AND STUART KRAWITZ
In honor of being recognized for your work with the Helen and Sol Krawitz Holocaust Memorial Fund
Susan Engelson Friefeld
IN MEMORY
SHIRLEY ENGELSON
(Wife of Jack Engelson, aunt of Susan Engelson Friefeld)
Susan Engelson Friefeld
Lynda and Stuart Krawitz
LENNY GURVITZ
(Father of Ellie Gurvitz)
Susan Engelson Friefeld
Joan Lesavoy and Family
ETHEL MELAMUT
(Mother of Brenda Morris, Deborah Minkoff and Jonathan Melamut)
Susan Engelson Friefeld
We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship through recent gifts to the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation. The minimum contribution for an Endowment Card is $10. Call 610-821-5500 or visit jewishlehighvalley.org to place your card requests. Thank you for your support.
IN HONOR
JOAN BASS
In celebration of your birthday
Marilyn Claire
JOAN EPSTEIN & IRIS KLEIN
In celebration of your Special birthdays
Marilyn Claire
MARC FREEDLINE
In celebration of your Special Birthday
Lynne and Mark Shampain
IN MEMORY
MARILYN BRAUNSTEIN
(Mother of Cherie Zettlemoyer)
Lynne and Mark Shampain
ELISSA (LISA) SHEDROFF
Wife of Steven Shedroff
Lynne and Mark Shampain
Honorable
Sunday, June 2, 2024 at eleven o ’clock Scan QR Code for
Hakol’s Yoav Calling! columnist, sent this photo from the Lehigh Valley’s Partnership2Gether sister region of Yoav, Israel. The sign on the chair covered in yellow, to be left empty in honor of the hostages, says,
“It’s not a seder without you.” Galon expected an empty place to be set at many seder tables throughout Israel. No doubt it was the same at many tables here in the Valley.
“Bring them home now!”
By Billy Thompson Digital Marketing Associate
PJ Library welcomed returning families and several new ones to its Passover party at Congregation Keneseth Israel on April 14.
For this year’s event, Abby Trachtman, project coordinator, put together a scavenger hunt for the kids. Situated around the room were seven
stations featuring Passoverthemed activities. The kids were given a list of clues describing how to complete each activity at each station, which inspired them to explore.
The stations were abuzz with kids making clay sculptures, planting seeds in decorated pots, and playing a guessing game. The name of the game was to feel within a box to determine what maror vegetable was concealed inside. At the matzo condiment table, kids got to prepare matzo with cream cheese and preserves, as well as enjoy other light refreshments.
The egg-spinning station looked like a favorite. There was the risk of an overzealous spin getting egg on the carpet, but happily there was no such accident!
Izzy the Whiz and Passover McClean began the customary PJ Library readings, with student rabbi Alex Malanych giving a lively performance. The crowd really livened up with the reading of “Let My People Go,” the story of the exodus of the Jews from slavery in Egypt.
Wrist bells were given out to the kids, and everyone joined in singing “Miriam's Song,” based on Exodus 15:20-21. The most enthusiastic of the bunch stood up and danced along. It was a joyous time all around.
The days are getting longer, the trees are turning green again, and Coca-Cola Stadium’s boys of summer are a month into their 2024 season. That means it’s soon time for Jewish Heritage Night at the IronPigs. Tuesday, June 18, is the night.
As has become the tradition, Jewish Day School kids will sing Jewish songs and “Hatikvah” before the game.
Members of the Jewish community will throw out the ceremonial “first pitch” (actually it’s multiple pitches). A kosher meal with a hot dog and desert will be served.
All community members are invited to attend the game in Allentown—until the
available tickets run out. The Philadelphia Phillies’ TripleA affiliate is playing the Norfolk Tides, affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Admission includes a Jewish Heritage Night hat made specially for this occasion.
“Jewish Heritage Night is the perfect opportunity to bring our Jewish community together for a fun-filled night at the ballgame,” said Aaron Gorodzinsky, director of development for the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and organizer of this event. “Jewish communities have a deep connection to baseball, and having the possibility to attend the game, be proudly Jewish, receive a gift from the
IronPigs, and enjoy a Kosher hotdog at the ballpark makes it a special night for all.”
The game starts at 7:05 p.m., but doors open at 6. Make sure to get there early for the pregame “first pitch” and the kids singing.
$23 tickets include a field-level seat, a voucher for a glatt kosher meat meal certified by the Lehigh Valley Kashrut Commission, and the Jewish Heritage Night hat; $17 tickets include a field-level seat and the Jewish Heritage night hat. (Please, no mix-
ing of different-price tickets within a family.)
Most Lehigh Valley synagogues are selling the tickets, as are the JCC and JDS. Or
By Carl Zebrowski Editor
Sunday, April 7, was six months to the day since Hamas attacked Israel and took more than 200 hostages. Over 130 of them have not been returned home.
“May it be six months and not a moment more,” said Tama Tamarkin, one of the organizers of a local group that meets every Sunday in a Lehigh Valley park to run or walk together as a public reminder of the hostages and call for their release.
This week’s meeting had special meaning, marking the half-year point in captivity.
“This gathering is our opportunity to come together to support each other,” said Naomi Schachter, “to support our hostages, and to hopefully be building this energy, this feeling of hope, and prayer, to bring them home.”
Tamarkin, Schachter, and Miriam Zager had established the local group two months earlier. It’s part of Run for Their Lives, a global group
with over 200 local chapters across the globe. Each week, supporters of all backgrounds, religions, and political affiliations gather, shoot a short video for posting, and then run or walk together (those who are able).
For this six-month-anniversary gathering, there was a short ceremony in the Lehigh Valley park to begin the event. Members of the community took turns reading the names of the hostages aloud. Some told hostages’ personal and family stories.
A middle school girl spoke passionately to the gathered. “We have the tenacity, the determination, to bring every one of the 134 hostages home!” she said. After that, she sang, as she has done famously at many Jewish community functions (and will do at the Yom HaZikaron ceremony on May 13 at the JCC).
Everyone pulled together to shoot the video. “Run for their lives. Bring them home now! Allentown, Pennsylvania,” they said in unison.
you can buy them at jewishlehighvalley.ticketspice.com/ jewish-heritage-night-at-theironpigs-june-18-2024.
Then they hit the trail, bearers of a large Run for Their Lives banner leading the way.
“We walk peacefully,” Tamarkin said. “It’s not a protest. It’s not a rally. We are not chanting.” The group is just making its presence known and drawing attention to the cause.
Zager added, “It’s just one thing that we can do to keep the hostages in the front of our minds and think about what they’re going through, and hopefully bring a little more attention to their plight right now, and pray that something good will happen.”
By Eric Lightman Executive Director
Leonard “Lenny” Gurvitz passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at the age of 100. Lenny served the JCC for over three decades and his name was synonymous with the JCC for much of our organization’s history.
Lenny began his career in Buffalo in 1950 as the JCC’s youth director, moving on to be the program director at the Omaha JCC, before finally settling into the same job at the Allentown JCC in 1955. Lenny came to Allentown at a transitional time, first working in our old building at 6th & Chew St., then in a temporary facility on
19th St. while our current building was under construction, and eventually helping to open our 22nd St. home. He was promoted to assistant executive director in 1959, and was eventually named the JCC’s second executive director in 1965 upon George Feldman’s retirement. He held this post until his own retirement in 1988, and relocated to South Florida soon thereafter.
Among Lenny’s proudest accomplishments over 33 years at our JCC were the creation of Friendship Circle, the acquisition and development of the Center Valley campsite where he also served as its first camp director, and the creation of the Jewish Center Youth (JCY) regional youth group. And even once he retired, he continued building community, spearheading a social group for ex-Allentonians who had retired
in South Florida. In 2018, at the age of 95, Lenny was able to return to Allentown one last time for our Centennial Celebration.
Although I never was able to meet Lenny, I had the pleasure of speaking with him on the phone many times over the past five years, including on my first day of work when he called me to introduce himself and wish me good luck. We often shared letters and photos, and he remained interested in the JCC’s challenges and successes until the end.
Lenny’s hard work and dedication to the JCC throughout his lifetime helped to build the foundation for what we achieved, and continue to achieve, over the past century. We thank him for his many years of service to our organization, and we pray that his memory will be a blessing.
By Rachel Doyle Youth & Camp Director
In an upcoming summer filled with potential and promise two young women from the Yoav Region in Israel, Tahel Schemer and Maya Katzab, will be arriving in the United States to embark on a mission of hope and cultural exchange at Camp JCC. Camp JCC continues our long-
standing tradition of bringing young Israelis to camp to share the vibrant culture of Israel with American campers. Their journey will begin with excitement and suitcases packed with Israeli music, dance, and stories, all ready to be shared in a year where positivity and hope are integral to the camp experience. Summer Camp is, first and foremost, fun for our campers and
our staff. Still, we also have the added responsibility of teaching those around us at the JCC about Israel and providing the opportunity to embrace Israeli culture and values. Tahel and Maya are excited to get here and do just that.
With your help, they are set to become an integral part of our community. Their infectious enthusiasm and genuine love for their culture will make each activity a favorite among our campers. Their experiences are anticipated to go beyond just fun; there will be an exchange of cultures where campers will learn about Israeli holidays, food, and daily life, fostering a bond that will last for years to come. The distance from their homeland will do little to dampen their spirits; instead, it will magnify their passion for sharing their heritage. The
interactions will enrich our campers’ understanding of a different culture and strengthen the resolve of the two young ambassadors here to represent their country. By summer’s end, Tahel and Maya will have left behind lasting memories and a legacy of cultural appreciation that will resonate well beyond camp, embodying the hope and joy that cultural sharing can bring. Please join us in welcoming these two young ladies to the Lehigh Valley this year. Summer is just around the corner and we can’t wait to see them!
If you would like to host, schedule a weekend activity, or dinner with the young women, please scan the QR code and fill out the form.
Additionally, the students had the opportunity to smell a honeycomb and learn how honey is made!
Our ECE students had a sweet second week of school! For Rosh Hashanah this year, a couple of our ECE classes gathered in the gym for a special honeybee presentation (minus the bees).
This past month, Eric Lightman, the executive director of the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, participated in a solidarity mission to Israel. The group, organized by the JCC Association of North America, comprised 40 executive staff and lay leaders representing Jewish communities across the United States and Canada.
Excitement fills the air as the Siegel JCC prepares to host the Mid-Atlantic Mini & Junior Maccabi Games in Wilmington, DE, on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Modeled after the esteemed JCC Maccabi Games, this one-day Olympic-style competition is custom-tailored for young athletes aged 9 to 12, offering them a platform to showcase their athletic talents while embracing their Jewish heritage.
The 2023-2024 season begins in mid-November with practices and games starting in December. We are recruiting for teams in grades 1-2, grades 3-4, and grades 5-6. We are always looking for coaches and volunteers to help us make the program a success. Practices take place during the week, with games on Sundays both at home and away. Whether they are new to the sport or are looking to play with friends, JHoops is the perfect opportunity for your child to get in the game. Our teams will once again be competing in the Rising Stars Basketball League, in both boys and girls leagues. All teams must have a required minimum number of players to run. Our time in the league for the 2022-2023 season was a huge success, giving our teams opportunities to play (and win) in a league that fits our players’ skills. Stay tuned for our home game schedule!
gardens, witnessing the devastation that befell a peaceful neighborhood in which 25% of its residents were murdered or taken as hostages.
The group also toured the site of the Nova Music Festival where 346 people lost their lives while celebrating peace and love, in the worst single attack against Jews since the Holocaust.
Dr. Robbie Roeshman, a master beekeeper for 35 years, along with his wife, Adrienne London, are beekeepers in the Lehigh Valley. The presentation was a fun and interactive experience with props, beekeeping supplies, a honeybee song, and a waggle dance! The students enjoyed pretending to be bees and buzzing around the gym. The students learned that honeybees get all their food from flowers and the food consists of nectar and pollen. Afterwards, the students had the opportunity to look at a container of nectar and a container of pollen. The students now know that nectar is a liquid and pollen looks like dust.
The trip was intended to bear witness to the atrocities and aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks and the ensuing war, to show the North American community’s collective support for Israel, and to bring the experience of the current reality of life in Israel back to local communities. Over the course of four very busy days, the group toured sites and met with leaders from around the country.
As anticipation builds for this monumental event, the Games promise a day brimming with camaraderie, competition, and community spirit. The festivities will kick off with the grandeur of the Opening Ceremonies, where teams will march in to the thunderous applause of an enthusiastic audience, proudly representing their communities and laying the groundwork for a day of friendly rivalry and sportsmanship. At the heart of the Games lies a diverse lineup of team and individual sports, providing opportunities for every participant
to shine. Among the talented athletes poised to compete are swimmers Hannah Berger, Atacia Halpern, Penelope Levin, Eli Mendelson, Riley Slanker, Emma Smartschan, and Josie Zolotsky. These young swimmers are ready to make a splash in the pool, demonstrating their speed, technique, and unwavering determination. As Maccabi Delegation Head, Jodi Lovenwirth is proud to be a part of the leadership team, with Miriam Zager, the swim coach, who has made invaluable contributions to the success of the event.
Levin are prepared to showcase their endurance and tenacity. Notably, several participants, including Hannah Berger, Atacia Halpern, Emma Smartschan, Eli Mendelson, Josie Zolotsky, and Rebecca Kolpon will demonstrate their versatility by participating in the Mile Run.
coming together in solidarity and celebration.
To register or for more information about JHoops visit lvjcc.org/JHoops.
The trip’s most emotional moments came during the group’s tour of some of the devastated communities near the Gaza border, including Kibbutz Nir Oz. With a military escort and wearing bulletproof vests while fighting across the border continued just a mile away, the group walked through the burned remains of houses and
By Heather Lavin Program DirectorStagemakers Youth Theater welcomes both new and returning performers to our stage as we present The Addams Family Young @ Part. Performances are Thursday, November 9 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 12 at noon and 4 p.m. at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley.
In honor of the 134 Israeli hostages, a yellow ribbon and Israeli flag representing each hostage is displayed outside the JCC of the Lehigh Valley building, installed by Naomi Schachter, Tama
The honeybees collect nectar from flowering plants and bring the nectar back to the hive. Once the honeybees are back in the hive, the nectar is stored inside the empty combs made of beeswax. The honeybees then flap their wings very quickly to remove the excess moisture. Afterwards, the honeybees make a wax to create a seal over the honeycomb for protection. Finally, beekeepers harvest the honey by collecting the honeycomb frames and scraping off the wax cap that seals the honey. The frames are then placed in an extractor to spin honey out of the comb. After the honey is extracted, it is strained to remove any remaining wax or other particles. After straining the honey, it is time to bottle, label, and bring it to you! How does honey connect to the High Holidays? Because eating apples and honey is a tradition on Rosh Hashanah, of course! We
With the opening of winter programs we will also bring back our popular JHoops Jr. classes. Both Pre-K and Kindergarten-aged athletes will have the opportunity to be introduced to basketball and learn basic skills. These practices are once a week and include inhouse recreational scrimmages.
In addition to swimming, the Games will showcase tennis, with Dylan Oselkin poised to display his skills on the court. This adds an exhilarating dimension to the competition as athletes test their agility, precision, and strategic prowess in pursuit of victory. Adding to the excitement, the Mid-Atlantic Mini & Junior Maccabi Games will introduce new individual events, HORSE Basketball Skills, Soccer Penalty Kick, and Home Run Derby, where athletes Yael Shimon and Penelope
The group also met with colleagues from the Israel Association of Community Centers who are currently working to maintain community services for Israel’s 300,000 citizens in border communities who have been evacuated for safety for the past 105 days. “I told these amazing leaders that we understand the difficulty and the importance of their work,” Eric said after returning from his trip. “They do the same work that our JCC staff do back in Allentown. But although we have had our challenges over the years, we’ve never had to deal with the type of personal and collective trauma they are now faced with.”
Expanding the horizons of the Games, this year’s event will include a doubles Pickleball tournament, offering players Samuel Brown and Saige Reuther a chance to demonstrate their teamwork and agility on the court. This dynamic addition adds an extra layer of excitement and competition as participants navigate the court with speed, agility, and precision.
Beyond the thrill of competition, the Games will also emphasize the importance of community engagement and giving back. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in a service project, embodying the values of repairing the world (Tikkun Olam), respect (Kavod), and joy (Rina) among young athletes. These values are central to the Maccabi Games and are woven into the fabric of everything we do, benefiting everyone regardless of religion.
At its core, the Mid-Atlantic Mini & Junior Maccabi Games aim to create a space where children of all ability levels can engage in friendly and healthy competition, fostering a sense of pride (Ga’ava), respect (Kavod), and camaraderie. Through the celebration of unity, achievement, and heritage, the Games inspire young athletes to recognize the strength of their community and the power of
As the countdown to the MidAtlantic Mini & Junior Maccabi Games begins, anticipation is mounting for a day filled with unforgettable moments, cherished friendships, and inspiring displays of athleticism. The JCC of the Lehigh Valley is proud to come together with young athletes and their families to join in this celebration of youth, sport, and heritage, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
wish all of you a happy and healthy new year. If you’re looking for a sweet way to celebrate, local honey is available all year round at the Game Preserve Apiary, which is located at 4542 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA 18078. Contact Dr. Robbie Roeshman and Adrienne London at 610-360-4191 or 13beekeeper@gmail.com for more information.
Combating Antisemitism. Israel’s leaders inquired about the current challenges in the North American community and how its leaders are addressing them, and shared their belief in the importance of Jewish unity worldwide and strengthening the connection between Israel and Diaspora Jewry. They also expressed how deeply meaningful it was for such a group to visit at such a difficult time.
On another day, the group met with President Isaac Herzog at Beit HaNasi (the President’s House) in Jerusalem, as well as former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and representatives from the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and
“Israelis are dealing with a trauma, a fear, and an anger that they have not experienced in 50
By Jodi Lovenwirth Aquatics Directoryears,” Eric reflected. “At the same time, they are a model of strength and resilience. They are united in the need to bring home the 134 remaining hostages as soon as possible, and eliminate the existential terrorist threat they are facing, and are willing to fight and volunteer until this task is complete. From what I learned and experienced on this trip, I believe strongly that this is the fight of all Jewish people, and anyone who embraces peace and freedom.”
To join in on the fun and celebrate the work of this great cast and crew, you can cheer them on in person in November. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family whom her parents have never met. She confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before– keep a secret
Tamarkin and Miriam Zager. They have also created an installation in the lobby.
The butterfly is a symbol of transformation, freedom, and rebirth. These butterflies have
from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.
Director Madison William, with choreographer Marcell Mackenzie and musical director Mackenzie Lynch, have taken these young performers on a journey throughout rehearsals.
long been viewed as heralds of good fortune. Each of the 134 butterflies has the name and age of a hostage yearning to be freed, to be home! We pray for them to be returned to us. You will notice two
Every year during late fall, the aquatics center at the JCC comes alive with smiling faces, cheering children, and blooming friendships. It’s swim season, featuring the JSeals Swim Team! This year is going to be packed with team building parties, swim meets, and lots of ruach (spirit). For anyone who doesn’t know what the JSeals is about, we are more than just a swim team, we are a family. This is a place for swimmers to build their skills while they grow their friendships. This close-knit group of friends all share their love of swimming while cheering on their teammates and watching them progress throughout the season. The 2023-2024 JSeals season begins on November 27. Each member has the opportunity to practice up to three times a week to build their swimming skills. Practices will consist of clear, concise, proven workouts,
Madison’s philosophy is “process over product.” In Stagemakers productions, performers spend far more time learning and building a show than they do performing it in front of an audience. While the stage performance is the ultimate goal, it is the rehearsal process that gives performers experience and opportunity for growth. This creative team, including stage
manager Tessa DeJesus and costume designer Kayla Stokes, has led a cast of over 40 middle and elementary school students through physical rehearsals that have challenged them to improve their skills as performers and cast members.
butterflies in the upper right corner. Those are the butterflies of two hostages Fernando Marman and Louis Har that were rescued and are now home with their families. #bringthemhomenow
For tickets and more information visit lvjcc.org/stagemakers.
instructed by qualified coaches. Our participants will also get to compete against other JCC swim teams in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Baltimore, Harrisburg, Cherry Hill, and Delaware. These exciting competitions consist of home and away meets, leading up to the championship meet in Delaware, where the swimmers get to show off their swimming abilities and hard work. To have some fun throughout the season, we will have various parties including a holiday party, pizza party, and the coveted DipN-Disco, which is scheduled for January 13, 2024. Mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss it! One of my proudest moments as Aquatics Director is not only watching the swimmers earn their trophies and medals, but watching these children become a family Registration is now open for the JSeals 2023-2024 season. For more information, call the JCC at 610435-3571 or visit lvjcc.org/JSeals.
JDS is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish
Valley
By Megan Hyman
Thewe’d be here only a few weeks at most. As the pandemic continued, we made decision after decision to establish roots and
JDS is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
There is one thing that Jewish schools, including our own JDS, know with certainty: while there is quite a lot to do in order to celebrate Passover with the students, planning for the “Yoms” cannot wait until after the Passover vacation. Ariel Solomon, the director of Hebrew and Judaics, was hard at work preparing for all our May events well before he led the Model Seder. Springtime offers one important day after the other.
There are so many reasons why life has been difficult since the war in Israel began. One repercussion has been how challenging holidays have been while the suffering continues. We struggled to navigate Chanukah and Purim. Even Passover, during which we tell the story of our nation in crisis, felt different. This year’s Yoms, however, can be encountered in a newer way.
We begin the month of May, which is also the end of the Jewish month of Nisan, with Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. We are facing rising levels of antisemitism that look all too familiar to those who know our recent history. At the Jewish Day School, our students have always been involved in Holocaust education. From our youngest children, who know that sometimes sad things happen but there are always helpers and heroes, to our middle school students, who learn about World War II, the camps, and the survival of our people against all odds, we ensure that the Shoah is not forgotten. Each lesson is customized to be age and developmentally appropriate for each class. This year the older students will be interacting with a program through Unpacked for Educators that explains the history in a way in which the students can relate. Never again has never been as important.
decision parents make about where to send their children for school is often one of the most stressful and difficult. Will the school strike the right balance between quality of education and overall child development? How will our child fit in? Luckily for our family, in a period of great uncertainty, the decision to choose the Jewish Day School of Lehigh Valley was the easiest “yes!” we’ve ever said.
Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. The JDS has always been a strongly Zionist school, and as the world focuses on Israel, we are prouder than ever. We will be giving honor and respect to the victims of October 7, the hostages, the Israel Defense Forces, and all the families that have been affected, along with the casualties and survivors of the wars and conflicts that came before.
By Megan Hymanan early childhood education program, the welcoming, intimate, and warm environment at JDS was an obvious place for us to turn. The administration and staff worked tirelessly to adhere to ever changing guidelines from the CDC and still make the magic of school very real for its students. Joseph FLOURISHED in this environment, and now that he’s in his third year as a student (kindergarten!) he loves the dynamic and joyful learn ing experience he’s had there. I’ll never forget when he came home to recite the full Pledge of Allegiance and knew all the words to the Hatikvah at three years old!
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 ever-
Tschool 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.
demic as built-in playmates and friends. The JDS has enabled that relationship to strengthen – they check in on each other on the playground and love to see each other in the hallways. It’s a joy to see the older children care for the younger ones. Evelyn is always so proud when one of the “big kids” helps her with her backpack at the end of the day, and Joseph talks about his “reading buddy” con-
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
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.
2020 with a 2-year-old son, Joseph and 4-month-old daughter, Evelyn. Having flown in from Dallas, Texas to be closer to family (Adam’s parents, Dr. David and Mrs. Susan Hyman who have lived in Al lentown for nearly 50 years), we assumed
Editor’s note: On Saturday, February 4, JDS parent Anastasiia Zavodnyk, was invited to be a guest speaker at Refugee Shabbat at Temple Beth El. Here are her remarks.
So, who is the refugee? It’s me. I can’t speak for everyone, only for myself and my family. But let my story be something that can show the general picture. The beginning of 2022 It was a happy time for me. I had a beautiful house near Kyiv, capital of Ukraine. I had a garden full of fruit trees and berry bushes. I had great plans – I was opening my own cafe and bakery store, I was setting up a big greenhouse to plant many vegetables there. My children went to great preschool
we’d be here only the pandemic sion after decision build a life here
demic as built-in playmates
The JDS has enabled strengthen – they check on the playground and other in the hallways. older children care for Evelyn is always so proud the “big kids” helps pack at the end of the talks about his “reading stantly!
When it came now five-year-old an early childhood the welcoming, vironment at for us to turn.
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
ing to a close. For professional reasons, we -
sion 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
staff worked tirelessly changing guidelines still make the for its students. in this environment, his third year as he loves the dynamic ing experience forget when he full Pledge of Allegiance words to the Hatikvah
One of the major tenets a devotion to the development confident students who to meet the world. This representative of our Sadly, our chapter in ing to a close. For professional are moving back to Texas sion of the school year. community that Amy and volunteers have created us forever. The friendships a family through the and we know these memories will bring us joy for years
sion 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 kids became extremely close dur ing the quarantine stage of the pan
Editor’s note: On Saturday, February 4, JDS par ent Anastasiia Zavodnyk, was invited to be a guest speaker at Refugee Shabbat at Temple Beth El. Here are her remarks.
So, who is the refugee? It’s me. I can’t speak for every one, only for myself and my family. But let my story be something that can show the general picture.
Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut follow quickly after and have always presented a dichotomy between grief and hope.
Yom HaZikaron, the Israeli Memorial Day for the fallen soldiers of the wars of Israel and victims of actions of terrorism, leads right into
Yom Ha’Atzmaut will be an exceptionally remarkable day at our school. We will be holding an Israel-themed Special Friends Day for our students’ families. Each grade will gift the audience with meaningful performances through dance, song, presentations concerning the recent events in Israel and Israeli innovations, poetry, and a Daglanut, or choreographed flag dance ceremony, to be carried out by our eighth grade. Families will then visit their children’s classrooms, where they will
enemy drone. It scared me to death, I never ever felt like this before. Next weeks were very scary for me. The
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.
For any parent grappling sion of where to send in the Lehigh Valley, an extremely supportive from the uncertainties our daily lives, and the ment to instill a love of ish values.
This year, his to join the three-year-old the same teachers siblings of her very shy at first, that and truly enthusiasm. her love of art, the sweetest friends. updates and photos app throughout
Our kids became ing the quarantine
me.
guage that my kids have – only because very important because we have the with their roots, which I hadn’t in my help and support made us confident
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.
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
enjoy activities led by the teachers. Israel will be celebrated by the hope for a better future: our children. May will conclude, and the month of Iyar will continue with the annual traditions that keep the JDS strong: our two first-grade events—their siddur party and Mother’s Day tea—our second-grade chumash celebration, and an exciting
guage that my kids have – only because of you. It is very important because we have the ability to reconnect with their roots, which I hadn’t in my childhood. Your help and support made us confident in our presence here, in the US!
So, who is the refugee? It’s me. I can’t speak for everyone, only for myself and my family. But let my story be something that can show the general picture. The beginning of 2022 It was a happy time for me. I had a beautiful house near Kyiv, capital of Ukraine. I had a garden full of fruit trees and berry bushes. I had great plans – I was opening my own cafe and bakery store, I was setting up a big greenhouse to plant many vegetables there. My children went to great preschool
field day for Lag B’Omer. Crafting these experiences and memories for our students and families is incredibly vital right now. We will make sure that our JDS will think of their Judaism and connection to Israel with pride, joy, and determination.
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 -
Am Yisrael Chai!
So, what is the difference between and other people who came here as sons why we came. I love Ukraine, it’s of my children and many past generations my husband’s family. We miss our home fore February 2022 we never thought ing abroad, we simply didn’t want to, satisfied with our lives and happy in the US because it was the best option the most difficult. It was hard, and because of usual immigrant’s difficulties ent language, different culture, finding local documents, impossible life without impossible life without a credit score, ficulty is not being allowed to go out for people, who decide to come here, big goal, who choose to live here and thing to make this “American dream” it is very hard for us, refugees, forced heart is still at our home with our parents, houses and gardens. And only our life here more like at home (through versations, care and support). Because day most important things are not material will never ever fill your heart and soul
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.
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
ent language, different culture, finding job, getting all local documents, impossible life without a car, almostficulty 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 to all of you! I am grateful for the ability day, in a safe, beautiful and ambitious grateful to all of you, for listening to porting my family and Ukraine. I believe end soon, that I can finally see my home friends and neighbors. But I, as all Ukrainians, in that fatal February, in pre-war days, our land, in our home; happy, confident days, full of ambitious plans.
So, I want to say a big, huge thank you one more 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
enemy drone. It scared me to death, I never ever felt like this before. Next weeks were very scary for me. The
evening we needed to shut all lights, because ritorial defense was looking for hiding russian realized that I couldn’t stand any more. I couldn’t tend as nothing serious was happening and enough for kids. The worse for me was to fear, to feel war. It’s not what children should until they are enough old to understand everything not be hurt by it. I want my children to be confident and have strong and healthy mental So, I asked my husband to leave our home. We left on 7th of March and on 8th of sians* came to our house. They occupied killed men, raped women, stole a lot of things, houses… it lasted 4 weeks. So, it was nothing pation during WW2… it was worse, much
*I use little letter instead of capital on purpose. this people anymore and it’s even hard for because what they have done and are still they are humans at all to me. And because it highlight it as my relation to them.
*I use little letter instead of capital on purpose. I don’t respect this people anymore and it’s even hard for me to call them people, because what they have done and are still doing doesn’t look like they are humans at all to me. And because it is my story, I want to
Now we are here. And we are very lucky, met people with very big open hearts full kindness, people who helped us with so many People from Jewish Day School, Jewish Community Lehigh Valley, Jewish Community Center. words to describe how grateful we are for great opportunity to know Jewish traditions
demic as built-in playmates and friends. The JDS has enabled that relationship to strengthen – they check in on each other
In 1963, President John F Kennedy designated May as Older Americans Month. The theme for 2024 is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on the health and well-being of older adults. This population is disproportionately affected by social isolation and loneliness which can then impact both their physical and mental health. Personal connections support one’s independence and the ability to age in place, which can help mitigate these effects. The theme of
connection is an integral component of all services Jewish Family Service provides for older adults.
JFS offers a wide range of supports and programs to meet the diverse interests of clients. Prospective participants first meet with our older adult licensed social worker to ensure the program they are interested in will meet their needs.
Because taking the first step into something new can feel difficult, JFS helps individuals by providing a warm and welcoming environment to its programs, which include some of the following:
Transportation programs through ShareCare Faith
In Action bring individuals not only to doctors’ appointments but also to the grocery store or to meet a friend. Reliable transportation options allow older adults to achieve and/or maintain their goal of nurturing meaningful relationships.
Mazel Meals connects individuals to volunteers who deliver monthly meals across the Lehigh Valley. Recipients look forward to interactions with the JFS volunteers who deliver the meals.
Creative Connections, in partnership with Cedar Crest College, allows participants to meet monthly with an art therapist and engage in a variety of artistic
activities as a means of creative expression, communication, and social interaction. The individuals have benefited from social connections and meaningful relationships.
Let’s Play is an opportunity for individuals to come together to play games, have a nosh, and make new friends.
Senior Chat, a Friendly Caller program, in partnership with ShareCare Faith In Action, pairs volunteers with an older adult who can look forward to a weekly phone call to discuss a range of topics.
Anticipating a date on the calendar is one thing, but knowing the phone
JFS has long relied on volunteers to extend the reach of the agency and capacity of programs. With 20 different types of volunteer opportunities, Jennifer Oxfeld, the volunteer coordinator, works with individuals from all ages and stages of life. This month we feature the teens who dedicate their time to JFS.
Teen Time Stocking allows teens to come in after school to help restock pantry shelves and work on special projects that benefit clients of the Community Food Pantry. Special projects include organizing the personal care section, putting together “Birthday in a Bag” items, and organizing other items for distribution.
Jennifer Oxfeld says, “I noticed that after teens completed their mitzvah projects with JFS, they wanted to continue volunteering, so I decided to create a slot after school to give our teens the opportunity to continue at JFS.” Teens can now come to JFS between 3 and 4 pm on the third Monday of every month. Registration is required so that JFS can plan the work in advance and make the experience meaningful.
“Teen Time Stocking is becoming a social as well as a volunteer opportunity. This is a chance to meet new people and get to know each other as they work side by side in the Food Pantry,” says Jennifer.
Al Ford began working with JFS before his bar mitzvah when he collected birthday supplies for clients of the food pantry, and he is now a regular at Teen Time Stocking. “I got involved through my parents,” Al says. “My mom and dad have both served on the board and through them I found out about this. I first started coming here when I did my mitzvah project. I collected supplies to make birthday celebration bags to give to clients. From there, I stayed with JFS and helped throughout the summer once a week. Now I stock shelves and help out where I can once a month. It’s good to give back to the community. As a kid, the community helped me and now I come here and give
back to the community.”
Emily Greenberg says, “For my mitzvah project, I wanted to do something relating to my bat mitzvah Torah portion, which was about sacrifices. I decided to do my volunteering at JFS. Sacrificing my time to help JFS and helping out other people who don’t have as much access to food as we do was meaningful to me. I decided to continue. I enjoy the people there and the kids I volunteer with,
will ring or a Mazel Meal will be delivered provides a consistent personal connection. While we appreciate that May is recognized as Older Adult Month, JFS embraces its spirit every single day.
For more information, please contact Carol Wilson, Clinical Coordinator of Older Adult Services, at 610.351.9956 or olderadults@jfslv.org.
and Jennifer, the volunteer coordinator, is very nice and always greets me when I come. I just really like the environment.”
If you would like to volunteer for Teen Time Stocking, contact volunteer coordinator, Jennifer Oxfeld, volunteer@jfslv.org.
We thank those individuals who have graciously supported Jewish Family Service by sending tribute cards:
GLORIA GINSBURG
IN HONOR
BILL BERGSTEIN
(Best wishes in new home)
Linda and Jim Wimmer
VIKKI DUNN
(In honor of wonderful leadership for Cheers for Volunteers)
Carol and Barry Halper
(In honor of the birth of greatgrandson Asher Beau)
Carol and Barry Halper
BARBARA AND LARRY
GINSBURG
(In honor of the birth of grandson Asher Beau)
Carol and Barry Halper
RABBI ALLEN JUDA
(In honor of Cheers for Volunteers)
Tamar Juda AVIVA MARLIN
(In honor of Cheers for Volunteers)
Chelsea Busch
IN LOVING MEMORY
MARTIN ARUM
(Husband of Gail Arum)
Joan Failla
Casey Goldblat
Barbara Harrison-Schlossman
Elaine Herzog
Talbot Houck Jr.
Anne Mattei
James and Bette McDermott
Alice Polumbo
Lynn Smith
LOIS RATNER
(Mother of Alyssa Emswiler and Amy Morse)
Linda and Jim Wimmer
ELISSA SHEDROFF (Wife of Steven Shedroff)
Mark Blass
A wonderful way to share your thoughtfulness with family and friends, the minimum contribution for a JFS Tribute Card is $18. Visit www.jfslv.org/give to place card orders. Questions? 610.821.8722. Thank you for your continued support.
Two hundred people attended the Jewish Family Service’s annual fundraiser, Cheers for Volunteers, on April 7 to celebrate 12 JFS volunteers representing Jewish community organizations across the Lehigh Valley.
These role models were recognized for their dedicated efforts to enrich and improve the lives of members of our community. They are: Alan Abraham, Sam Bub, Marge Carroll, Liz Fear, Barry Halper, Devorah Halperin, Gia Jones, Rabbi Allen Juda, Mary Laronge, Aviva Marlin, Vickie Semmel, and Miriam Zager.
The morning event was a perfect opportunity for community members to reconnect in a relaxed setting for the first time in person in four years.
(All photos are courtesy of Donna Fisher Photography.)
Sam Ford and Zachary Volchko have been buddies since they were little kids. Their families met at Temple Beth El in Allentown, where each will be called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah in May and June 2024.
Both are seventh-graders at Springhouse Middle School. Each began planning a similar mitzvah project without knowing the other’s intentions!
Sam decided to collect items for Sanctuary at Haafville, which provides a nurturing environment for animals in need, while Zachary did the same for Animals in Distress. When they realized they were doing similar things for different shelters, they combined their efforts.
Sanctuary at Haafville is home to cats and dogs, al-
though some reside temporarily in foster homes. Animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, treated for fleas and parasites, and tested for heartworm. Then they’re ready for adoption.
Sam, who plays in the school band and is in the debate club, explained that when his family adopted their dog, Jack, from the sanctuary, they thought it would be nice to help out. Animals in Distress is a sanctuary for animals who have little or no hope elsewhere. Its programs are designed to prevent suffering and save lives. They keep every animal admitted and provide medical care, behavioral rehabilitation, good food, shelter, and, of course, love, until a suitable home can be found.
Zachary, who is also in the school band, playing trumpet, explained that he chose to collect items for Animals in Distress because he and his family have fostered dogs and knew more supplies were needed. He has also volunteered at the shelter in the past and has volunteered at
events, making food and selling tickets. This summer, he will volunteer in the cat wing. His mom, Jessica Volchko, added that her family had adopted their first dog from Animals in Distress when she was a child, so they have a history there.
The Ford and Volchko families are putting collection boxes at the JCC and Temple Beth El. They have spread the word about this through social media and have set up an Amazon donation link where people can send items directly to Sam and Zachary, so the boys can deliver
them to the shelters.
If you would like to help Sam and Zachary with their mitzvah projects, you can donate at tinyurl.com/animalmitzvah.
Brian and Emily Ford and Nick and Jessica Volchko are so proud of their children’s desire to support these local animal shelters, since their families have fostered dogs and want to help all animals in need. They are thrilled that Sam and Zachary can collaborate on their mitzvah projects, as they have grown up together and have a special place in their hearts for
animals. Zachary remembers Sam’s fear of dogs at a young age, so he’s excited that Sam’s love for dogs has flourished!
In addition to the mitzvah projects, Sam and Zachary have made their first adult gifts of tzedakah to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs. For help developing your mitzvah project, contact Abby Trachtman, project coordinator, at abbyt@jflv.org or call her at the Jewish Federation office at 610-821-5500.
Zack is an
Diagnosed with psoriasis at a very young age, he has been an outspo-
ken advocate for the National Psoriasis Foundation, raising awareness and money since early on. He will continue that advocacy for his mitzvah project with a campaign to benefit the foundation.
The National Psoriasis Foundation is a united community of more than 8 million people in the United States living with psoriatic disease
and those who support them. Together, they are driving efforts to cure psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis while improving the lives of all those affected. Donor support allows the foundation, the leading nonprofit funder of psoriatic disease research in the world, to serve its growing and inclusive community while accelerating progress toward a cure.
Psoriasis is an immunemediated disease, a disease with an unclear cause that is characterized by inflammation caused by dysfunction of the immune system. There may be visible signs of inflammation such as raised plaques (which may look different for different skin types) and scales on the skin.
Zack is a youth ambassador for the foundation and has fundraised since age 4. He raised the second largest amount of money in Philadelphia for the foundation and was invited to speak in radio and television interviews representing it.
For his bar mitzvah project, he did a walk that was a combination fund and awareness raiser. His entire football team participated. During the walk, the group stopped at intervals for Zack to teach the participants about psoriasis.
Zack and his parents have been great advocates over the years, always informing his
teachers and classmates and their parents of his condition and explaining how it affects him. “Since I’ve has psoriasis most of my life,” Zack announces at the top of his donation page, “I’m always looking for ways to cure it and improve the lives of others affected by it.
“I decided to help raise awareness for this foundation because psoriasis has been a huge part of my life. I’ve lived with it for 11 years, and I’m often very annoyed by it, but I have pushed through it and faced many challenges, so I want to help raise money to
try to find a cure soon!”
Zack’s parents have also been involved with the foundation since his diagnosis. “We could not be more proud of the ambassador that he has become for the organization,” they said, “and we will continue to strive to educate and support the foundation.”
In addition to the mitzvah project, Zack has made his first adult gift of tzedakah to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs.
The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley has announced the three winners of the Levy Hillel Leadership Awards for 2024.
The Levy awards are given annually to college students involved with Hillels in the Lehigh Valley who have shown promise in community leadership through active participation in campus organizations and awareness of needs and concerns of the Jewish community. The annual prize was founded by Mort and Myra Levy z”l through the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation, the community endowment fund of Federation.
Here are this year’s winners from the three local Hillels—at Muhlenberg College, Lehigh University, and Lafayette College.
Teigan Brown Muhlenberg College
Teigan Brown is studying for a bachelor of science in neuroscience. Highlights of her Jewish community volunteer and leadership experience include BBYO board member, student leader and Birthright trip to Israel with the Muhlenberg College Hillel, and the Fellowship for Interfaith Leadership and Learning.
In recommending her for the Levy award, Ira Blum, director of the Muhlenberg Hillel, wrote, “Teigan brings a kindness, enthusiasm and reliability to her leadership on campus, and she has a special place in her heart for Jewish life at Muhlenberg. What stands out about Teigan is the thoughtful way in which she actualizes her Jewish identity through service to others.”
Here’s what Brown wrote in response to receiving the award:
When I first arrived on Muhlenberg’s campus in the fall of 2021, I sought a Jewish community. At the end of my first week, I attended Shabbat dinner at Hillel and was overwhelmed by the number of Jewish students I was surrounded by. Growing up in my small town in Pennsylvania, I was always one of the only Jewish students in my school. I’ve always had a handful of Jewish friends from religious school, but after my bat mitzvah, my family stopped attending services, and I got to choose
between continuing in reli gious school or joining our local BBYO chapter. During high school, I participated in BBYO, with other Jewish high schoolers from neigh boring school districts. We would drive for almost an hour, just to get to one an other’s house for meetings and events. While serving on the board of my chapter was one of the highlights of my junior and senior year of high school, I learned how much I wanted Judaism in my adult life. This was a big reason why I applied to Muhlenberg College in the first place. I’d gotten a taste of the power of community, and I wasn’t ready to let it go. But sitting in an overflowing dining room of Jewish students hugging and
week and the weekend, a few stress-free hours of relaxing and chatting with my friends, a weekly moment of reflection. Shabbat at Hillel started to feel like home, and I felt empowered to treat it the same way. Help ing to serve food and clean up the table after dinner were small acts of service I could do to support Hillel’s
position to have a positive impact on Jewish life. All of a sudden, I had found my people and my place. My Jewish community supported my exploration of my identity and encouraged me to define my faith in meaningful ways. One of the most valuable lessons I now help promote at Muhlen-
Thursday, June 6, 2024, 6:00 P.M. - JCC Kline Auditorium
Join the Jewish Federation at the JCC for an end-of-year gathering and meal* to celebrate our 2024 award winners, leaders & volunteers!
RSVP by Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Scan the QR code or visit the link below to register.
Continued from page 18
rect” way to be Jewish.
Being a member of Muhlenberg’s Jewish community has been one of the most impactful experiences of my college career. I’ve learned how to care for my spiritual health and practice my faith in meaningful ways—gifts that I will truly carry with me for the rest of my life. Since I couldn’t have achieved this without the support of this Jewish community, I am empowered daily to be an active participant in this community, to continue to uplift others and spread light.
Rose Genstein
Lehigh University
Rose Genstein is studying for a bachelor of science in business information systems. Highlights of her Jewish community volunteer and leadership experience include USY and the Lehigh University Hillel peer engagement staff.
Here’s what Genstein wrote in response to receiving the award:
Receiving the Levy Hillel Leadership Award is a profound honor that fills me with immense gratitude and humility. This recognition not only symbolizes the culmination of my efforts but also serves as a reminder of the unwavering support and guidance I have received from the Hillel community and beyond.
As I near the end of my senior year at Lehigh, I am reminded of the significance of leadership—to inspire, support, and uplift others. I am committed to continuing on this path of service and leadership, guided by values like community, kindness, and resilience.
My involvement with Jewish organizations, such as USY during high school, laid the foundation for my desire to continue fostering community in college. When I discovered Hillel, I knew it was the perfect fit. Over the past four years, being part of it has been an enriching experience beyond measure. It has provided me with invaluable leadership opportunities and experiences that I would not have had otherwise. I am immensely thankful for the sense of belonging it has given me, and I am proud to have contributed to Jewish life at Lehigh in meaningful ways. Hillel influenced my college journey, deepening my connection to my Jewish heritage.
While Hillel events and services have been outstanding, it is the sense of community and belonging that has truly resonated with me. Whether we are at
the Hillel observing holidays together, immersing ourselves in cultural events, or simply enjoying one another’s company, Hillel has become a cherished space where I feel truly in touch with my Judaism. It has played an indispensable role in nurturing my spiritual and cultural growth throughout my college experience.
I am deeply grateful for the lessons and friendships that Hillel has provided. The bonds we’ve formed, rooted in shared experiences and mutual support, are a testament to the strength of the Hillel community. The invaluable experiences have left an indelible mark on my heart, shaping me into the person I am today. The lessons I’ve learned about leadership, community, and identity will stay with me for a lifetime, guid-
ing me in both my personal and professional endeavors.
Naomi Shertzer
Lafayette College
Naomi Shertzer is studying for a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Highlights of her Jewish community volunteer and leadership experience include president of the Lafayette College board.
Ethan Berkove, professor of mathematics and director of the Lafayette College Hillel, recommended Shertzer for the award. Here’s what he wrote in his recommendation:
It is my pleasure to nominate Naomi Shertzer as the 2024 Levy award winner from Lafayette College. Naomi is a junior majoring in civil engineering with a minor in architecture. She has had multiple roles on the Hillel board over the years, including as the vice president of Religion and Culture and most recently as the president of the board since December 2023. In the former role, Naomi
led weekly services, the annual interfaith seder, and other religious observances.
Naomi’s contributions to Hillel in the past four months as president have been truly exemplary. Life on campus has become much more challenging for many Jewish students since October 7, and the Hillel Society is fortunate that Naomi has been willing to step in as president in the current climate. As the leader of the Hillel board and the public face of Hillel, Naomi has dealt with complicated and divisive issues carefully, thoughtfully, and effectively. She is an advocate for Jewish Life on campus, and a patient, calming, and upbeat presence in meetings.
It’s been a pleasure to work with someone who is so engaged in Jewish life, and cares so deeply about the college community. Of course, Naomi has many other qualities that are desirable in a leader. She
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Houman Ahdieh, M.D.
Daniel Ross, M.D.
Irena Cherfas, M.D.
Mark Krakauer, M.D., M.Phil
Lindsay Tilghman, O.D.
Kelsey Paciotti, O.D.
Magi Labib, O.D.
Amanda Hadeed, O.D.
is a capable, hardworking, and organized person who works well with others.
A quick look at Naomi’s resume shows that she is impressive in ways beyond her contributions to Hillel. She currently serves as the design director for the college newspaper, for example, a job that takes up at least one complete evening every week. She has used her design talents in her contributions to Hillel, where she is nearing completion of a revision of an in-house siddur for use on Friday nights and other occasions. Naomi also maintains a 3.74 GPA in a challenging academic program.
Having worked with Naomi since the start of the year, I appreciate everything she does to better the communities of which she is part. She is well-deserving of recognition for her many accomplishments.
484.533.7822 | www.hakimhealthpartners.com drmelissa@hakimhealthpartners.com Personal navigation through the health system
MELISSA HAKIM, MD Health Advocate
Applications are being accepted from Lehigh Valley Jewish students for the Frank and Ada Segel Family Student Scholarship program.
The program was established through a philanthropic bequest by Frank and Ada Segel’s daughter, Helen Segel, who recognized the importance of higher education and the need for financial assistance to students in the Jewish community. Frank and Ada were members and friends of Congregation Sons of Israel, and Helen wanted
Donate today to the Operation Swords of Iron Israel Emergency Campaign and have it matched dollar for dollar by the strong support of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation.
Learn how to give at jewishlehighvalley.org/swords-of-iron
to honor their memory with this act of tzedakah (charity).
Students who have been accepted or are enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution, who have a demonstrated record of service to the Jewish community and to the Lehigh Valley community at large, and who meet additional specific criteria established by the program’s scholarship committee are invited to apply. A scholarship may be awarded to one or more students on an annual basis for up to $3,000. Deci-
sions for awarding scholarships will be at the discretion of the committee.
Please call Congregation Sons of Israel at 610-433-6089 or email office@sonsofisrael. net for more information and to obtain an application. Applications, along with supporting materials, should be submitted by Monday, June 17.
Jim and Marie Vinup stood outside the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley on May 2 holding a sign supporting Israel and referencing Genesis 12:1-3. Marie had the complete Genesis verse in her
handbag in case anyone questioned her. When approached by Federation employees, Jim said: “It’s important to me. It really is.” We thank them for their support.
During May, you can help our Community Food Pantry families by donating deodorant. It can be dropped off at JFS during business hours, in the bins at the JCC and Temple Beth El, or ordered through the JFS Amazon Wish List
Thank you so much for the support you provide our food pantry families!
Continued from page 6
The history of using psychedelic drugs for medical purposes goes back hundreds, thousands of years. But efforts to forced them to the periphery worked. After the Spanish showed up in the Americas, for example, they banned their use. Torture was the punishment for lawbreakers. Fast-forward to 1971 and President Richard Nixon holding a press conference with bipartisan leaders to announce, “America’s public enemy number 1 in the United States is drug abuse.” He called for Congress to fight the problem.
The result was the Controlled Substances Act, which regulated the manufacture, possession, importation, and use of certain substances. Marijuana, psychedelic mushrooms, ecstasy, heroin, and mescaline were included.
“All the criteria they used,
certainly for the psychedelics, was totally wrong,” Bub said. “Totally wrong.”
Even as reports circulated in the 1960s spelling out the benefits of treating patients with psychedelics as part of a professional counseling program, extensive research could not be done to make a reasonable determination either way. The Controlled Substances Act had preempted it. “We lost 50 years of studies because of that act,” Bub said.
With all that lost time, there’s much catching up to do to find out how effective psychedelic drugs might prove to be in treating mental health problems. “We’re going to need a lot more studies to find out how we can use it,” Bub said. “Who knows what it’s going to be eventually?”
The limited studies that
have been done so far are promising. Bub showed a clip from the 60 Minutes news show, for example, covering a 2010s study on psilocybin given to 51 terminally ill cancer patients at Johns Hopkins University.
Patients in the experiment reported a decrease in feelings of anxiety and depression.
Summer Session Begins May 13
8 weeks, Mondays, May 13 - July 15 (no sessions May 27 and July 1)
Congregation Keneseth Israel, 2227 W Chew Street, Allentown
Materials fee of $40 due at time of registration (non-refundable).
Advanced registration is required. Call Carol Wilson at 610.821.8722 x113 to register.
Assistance is available if cost or transportation is a barrier.
Two-thirds of them said the study was the most important experience of their lives. “I’ve suffered from anxiety my whole life,” said one woman. “I’m comfortable…. I can die. I’m comfortable. I mean, it’s huge.”
In closing the presentation, Bub brought up the psychiatrist and psychedelics pioneer
Stan Grof and his professional opinion that psychedelics, used responsibly and with caution, would become as critical to psychiatry as the telescope is to astronomy. “Frankly,” said Bub, “I tend to agree with that statement.”
Tikvateinu
By Naftali Herz ImberI
Our hope is not yet lost, The ancient hope,
To return to the land of our fathers; The city where David encamped.
II
As long as in his heart within,
A soul of a Jew still yearns, And onwards towards the ends of the east,
His eye still looks towards Zion.
III
As long as tears from our eyes
Flow like benevolent rain, And throngs of our countrymen
Still pay homage at the graves of our fathers.
IV
As long as our precious Wall Appears before our eyes, And over the destruction of our Temple
An eye still wells up with tears.
V
As long as the waters of the Jordan
In fullness swell its banks, And down to the Sea of Galilee
With tumultuous noise fall.
VI
As long as on the barren highways
The humbled city-gates mark, And among the ruins of Jerusalem
A daughter of Zion still cries.
VII
As long as pure tears
Flow from the eye of a daughter of my nation
And to mourn for Zion at the watch of night
She still rises in the middle of the nights.
VIII
As long as the feeling of love of nation
Throbs in the heart of a Jew, We can still hope even today
That a wrathful God may have mercy on us.
IX
Hear, oh my brothers in the lands of exile,
The voice of one of our visionaries, [Who declares] that only with the very last Jew, Only there is the end of our hope!
By Rabbi Michael Singer Congregation Brith Sholom
As I write this column for Hakol’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut edition, Shabbat has ended and Iran has launched over 300 missiles and drones toward Israel. I have reached out to my family living in Israel and am grateful to God that they are all safe. Over the past seven months we have endured the horrors of the Hamas attack on October 7, the unbearable grief of the loss of 1,200 murdered men, women, and children and the 200-plus soldiers killed in action defending Israel, the pain and anguish of our people still held hostage in Gaza and their distraught families, and the rising hate and delegitimization of Israel both worldwide and right here at home.
Still, for me, one of the hardest aspects of these tragedies is not that our enemies would seek to hurt and destroy us, which sadly has been a part of our people’s long history, but the ignorance and actions of those of our own people who have joined with our enemies in denying Israel’s right to exist and even in calling for its destruction. I will leave the debate open about the over-
lap between anti-Zionism and antisemitism; instead I wish to focus this column on why I believe Zionism is an integral and inseparable part of our Jewish identity and Judaism itself. In this, I offer a commentary on “Hatikvah” (“The Hope”), Israel’s national anthem.
Naftali Herz Imber wrote the poem “Tikvateinu”(far left) in 1878 in Austrian Galicia. It consisted of nine stanzas and included our ancient connection to the land as well as the responsibility of Jews everywhere to maintain our hope of returning to the land of Israel. Imber wove religious references and language into the poem that would not be lost on Jewish readers.
“As long as in the heart, within, The Jewish soul yearns” Hatikvah
The first line of the song (stanza two of the poem) reflects that as long as there are Jews left in the world, the determination and hope of the Jewish people for redemption and return remains alive. This theme will be repeated in the last stanza. Imber understands that our yearning is so deep that it is a part of what Jewish souls ache for. Further it dispels the idea that Zionism was a new, novel concept born in the 1800s with Theodor Herzl and the formation of the World Zionist Congress. Instead, this idea was always a part of us, our people’s story, and our faith.
conditions throughout our history. We were not new to the land nor its history, and we lay no claim on any other place as our rightful national home. I believe this is inclusive and consistent with protecting the rights of others living in Israel and the possibility of peace with the Palestinians. But I unequivocally reject the false and specious belief that we, as Jews, have no claim to our homeland or the right to our own self-determination as an independent nation. This would deny and make a mockery of God’s promise to Abraham, the over 600 mentions of Jerusalem in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), the archeology of many thousands of years of Jewish life in the land, the language and literature of Hebrew from ancient to modern day, and the fact that there are more Jews living in Israel than in any other single place in the world.
“And towards the ends of the east, (the Jewish) eye gazes toward Zion”—Hatikvah
present and future. We are intimately tied in fate together. In my opinion, it is a dangerous fallacy to believe that Judaism and our very lives would not be torn apart should our enemies succeed. (May it be God’s will, they don’t!)
“Our hope is not yet lost, The hope of two thousand years, To be a free nation in our own land, The land of Zion and Jerusalem.”—Hatikvah
- www.microinnovation.net
The hope for the return to the Promised Land and the restoration of Jewish worship and independence has been a feature of Jewish faith and practice since our time as slaves in Egypt, the First Exile in 586 B.C., through the Roman conquest and Great Diaspora, and until this very day. No matter where our people resided outside the land, we always held Israel as our homeland and the center of our religious and spiritual world. We not only pray for this (and face Jerusalem when doing so); the sanctity and uniqueness of the land of Israel is central to Jewish belief. For example, certain mitzvot (commandments) such as shmitah (a seven-year cycle of rest for the land) can be fulfilled only in the land of Israel.
Finally, there was always a continuous Jewish presence in the land of Israel, even under the most difficult
In the original poem, the stanzas two through eight all begin with “As long as.” This is important because it connects both the history and the places within Israel to the continuing connective actions of our people. For instance, in four of the stanzas the imagery of eyes crying over the Wailing Wall, the destruction of the Temple, and the ruins of Jerusalem are pictured. The idea that we must never forget Zion and Jerusalem has continuously been expressed and central throughout Jewish practice. Some examples include breaking a glass at a wedding, leaving a part of our homes unfinished/ incomplete, observing fast days around the history of the destruction of Israel and Jerusalem including Tisha B’Av, and saying L’Shanah Haba’ah B’Yerushaliyim (Next Year in Jerusalem) at the Passover seder. Israel embodies not only the origins of our history, but as Imber reflects, the present moment of our lives as a people and faith. Yes, we still mourn for Zion and Jerusalem (words we continue to recite in comforting mourners) and feel the losses and suffering in Israel today. The lives of our brothers and sisters in the land are not separate from our own but a part of our collective
In stanzas eight and nine of the poem, Imber is specific about where the focus of our yearning lies: not to the nations we may find ourselves sojourning in, but instead toward our homeland, to Zion and Jerusalem. The bonds that connect us to one another and the land are those of love. And yes, we can and do love even that which is not perfect. This is vitally important, as we should all work to improve, change, and strive to better ourselves and Israel (America too). But this desire comes first and foremost from a place of love. For example, God loves and forgives us even knowing we continually make mistakes, or we love our spouses, partners, children, and friends even though they are not perfect, and they reciprocally know that we are not perfect. Yes, we can disagree. Yes, freedom with all its complexity is messy. But we must work to build up love as one of our highest motivating values, or we will lose ourselves and the relationships that are the root of our past, present, and future.
Zionism is the dream of Jewish indigenous people returning to our land as a free people, connected once again to our history, sacred places, language, culture, and faith. Guided by our best values and with dignity for all its residents, with God’s love and blessing, we will be able to build our own future. This is a hope that remains even unto the last of us, as long as we hold onto it and refuse to give it up. Herein lies the critical factor: we, as Jewish people, not only never forget but continue to believe that we can/ should/need/have the right to be a free people in our homeland, the land of Israel. We must renew this sacred commitment and continue to work toward this eternal hope.
Am Yisrael Chai!“Here Comes the Sun,” a new photo exhibit for Yom Ha’Atzmaut sponsored by the World Zionist Organization in Jerusalem, looks to the future with hope in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attacks.
In honor of the State of Israel’s 76th birthday, the exhibit’s curators chose optimistic photos that seek to convey a sense of return to normalcy in the better days that lie ahead. Most of the photos were taken by amateur photographers who live in the Gaza area.
Their work is gathered to present a vision of hope for rebirth from various perspectives. Here we present a sampling of the photos. The entire exhibit will be on display for the Yom Ha’Atzmaut Mitzvah
Carnival at Congregation Keneseth Israel on Tuesday, May 14, at 6:00 p.m.
Registration is required for the event. Please visit jewishlehighvalley.org/
Yo m H a ’ A t z m a u t
@ 76 Mitzvah Carnival Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
Congregation Keneseth Israel 2227 West Chew Street Allentown, PA 18104
Join us for a day to celebrate and do good deeds for Israel and our Jewish community!
There will be a special Israel at 76 photo exhibit, a variety of Mitzvah activity booths, great music and kosher snacks available.
Kids are encouraged to bring their tzedakah box to donate to the Israel Emergency Campaign.
Scan the QR code or visit the link below to register. Registration is required. Please bring a valid ID to the event to help with security.
yom to register.
The Kedma Youth Village in the Lehigh Valley’s Partnership2Gether sister region of Yoav, Israel, recently dedicated its new Lo Ira training facility. Funded by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, the facility was established in memory and in the spirit of Emmanuel and Itay Moreno, fallen Israel Defense Forces soldiers from Yoav, to prepare 11th and 12th graders physically and mentally for service in the IDF.
By Sandi Teplitz
A new take on an old favorite, these delicious
“tastefully.”
1 2/3 cups sugar
2 sticks salted European butter
4 eggs
1 cup half-and-half
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon lemon rind
2 1/2 cups each cake flour
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon powder
Ingredients for frosting:
1 pound confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup boiling water
1 drop blue food coloring, preferably natural
Mix the wet ingredients together. Sift together the dry ingredients and slowly add to the wet. Form 25 balls. Place 12 on one large, greased cookie sheet and 13 on another. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Wait two minutes, then remove to a cooling rack.
Mix confectioners’ sugar with water to make frosting and divide it in half. Add the food coloring to one of the halves. Brush half of each cookie with white frosting. Brush the remaining half with blue. L’Chaim!
“The Blue Butterfly of Cochin,” by Ariana Mizrahi, illustrated by Siona Benjamin, Kalaniot Books, 2024, 32 pages.
By Sean Boyle Congregation Keneseth IsraelAriana Mizrahi’s latest picture book, “The Blue Butterfly of Cochin,” was written with assistance from the Indian Jewish Heritage Center and the Cochin Jewish Heritage Center. Leah, a storyteller, is a member of the ancient community of Jews from Cochin, India, and is anxious as they prepare, as an entire community, to make aliyah to Israel in the 1950s.
With the help of dreamlike colorful illustrations, Leah tells of her ancient community located on the southwestern
Malabar coast of India. In her synagogue’s courtyard there are often blue butterflies in the coconut trees as Leah tells her stories to the other children after Shabbat services. One magical butterfly befriends her after noticing her sadness during one particular Shabbat. She admits that she is both excited about finally getting to go to Israel and heartbroken about leaving Cochin. The butterfly comforts her by telling her that she will always have Cochin in her heart and in her stories. After Leah and her family settle in the Israeli desert at Moshav Nevatim, she is homesick for India and struggles with the difficulty in learning modern Hebrew, compared to the singsong rhythm of the Malayalam language. While drawing
pictures of her old community in India and especially her beloved blue butterfly, her neighbor notices the images and has Leah follow her for a special surprise. It is a grove of olive trees where blue butterflies are gathered. As Shifra comforts Leah, telling her about the olive grove, a blue butterfly comes to Leah and says, “Welcome home!” before flying off.
There is a section at the end telling of the 3,000-year-old history of the Jews of Cochin and explaining that although Leah’s story is fiction, it is based on actual examples and events from when the Malabari Jews left India. Although it is unlikely that Leah’s butterfly followed her from India to Israel, the butterfly portrayed in the story is the Junonia orithya, or blue pansy,
and is found in both India and Israel and is known to fly great distances. The book is printed on a Landa S10P nanographic printing press, built by Landa Digital Printing in Rehovot, Israel, which makes the only nanographic printers in the world. They use only a fraction of the ink of other printing processes and produce much sharper and crisper images and colors.
Kalaniot Books has free downloadable activity kits on their website for all its books, including original artwork from the illustrators. The book is highly recommended for ages 3-120. While designed for 3-6-year-olds, it can be enjoyed by anyone wanting to learn more about Jews from Cochin.
Sean Boyle is Congregation Keneseth Israel’s librarian and also serves as vice president, president-elect, of the Association of Jewish Libraries.
“Kugels & Collards: Stories of Food, Family, and Tradition in Jewish South Carolina,” by Rachel Gordin Barnett and Lyssa Kligman Harvey, University of South Carolina Press, 2023, 256 pages.
on orally to children and neighbors.
By Sandi Teplitz Specialto
HakolRegional Jewish cookbooks are among my favorites. The reader not only is treated to fascinating stories about families that have lived together in one area for generations, but also becomes privy to family recipe treasures, some of which were written on the stationery of chefs or casually passed
In this collection, the authors collaborated to produce a special edition of South Carolinian history, lore, and traditions along with fine courses of Southern food. Though not all the recipes are kosher in the strictest sense (some contain butter and meat), all are adaptable to Orthodox standards with easy substitutions.
The recipe I have chosen to include here was served on Christmas Day, when Southern Jews traditionally had nowhere to dine out. Barnett’s family gathered at her parents’ home and prepared this
casserole, a specialty of an employee of her family’s business, a fabulous cook. It is now yours to try. Don’t wait until winter; yellow squash is plentiful in the Lehigh Valley right now.
Cook the squash in boiling water until soft. Drain, then mash to get rid of excess water. Beat the eggs with the half-and-half and combine with the squash. Add the cheese and seasonings. Mix well. Pour into a greased 13-by-9 pan and bake at 350 degrees until bubbly and set.
Serve hot, and accompany with succotash, rice, sweet potatoes, and your favorite entrée. True Southerners will end the meal with a cool molded dessert.
To list an event in the Community Calendar, submit your information on our website, www.jewishlehighvalley.org, under the “Upcoming Events” menu. All events listed in the Community Calendar are open to the public and free of charge, unless otherwise noted. Programs listed in HAKOL are provided as a service to the community. They do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. The JFLV reserves the right to accept, reject or modify listings.
SUNDAY, MAY 5
Author Molly Golubcow
10 a.m., Congregation Brith Sholom
Molly Golubcow, author of “The Hotel on St. James Place: Growing up in Atlantic City between the Boardwalk and the Holocaust,” will speak at a brunch and learn cosponsored by Brtih Sholom and Congregation Am Haskalah. Brunch will be served first. RSVP to Tammy at 610866-8009.
SUNDAY, MAY 5
Yom HaShoah Commemoration
6-8 p.m., JCC
Join the community in commemorating the victims of the Holocaust. The memorial reading of the names of victims with local ties begins at 6. At 7, Larry Levitt and Stephanie Smartschan will tell the Holocaust story of Eva Levitt, one of six Jewish children out of 200 in her small town in Czechoslovakia who survived World War II. As told in Larry and Stephanie’s book, “Evitchka,” being released this same day, Eva’s story comes full circle in the 1980s with the chance to repay an unpayable debt. Register at jewishlehighvalley.org/yom.
THURSDAY, MAY 9
Women’s Philanthropy Dollar-a-Day Spring Event
6:30 p.m., Temple Beth El Amy Albertson will address important topics like antisemitism and Jewish pride from modern perspectives during an intimate Q&A-style conversation. A light dinner will be served. A minimum pledge of $365 to the 2024 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs is required to attend. Call 610-821-5500.
SATURDAY, MAY 11
Torah in Motion: Exploring the Weekly Parashah through Dance
10-11 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel
Join Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg in your yoga pants or sweats to explore Torah through moving your body. No dance experience necessary. Participants of all physical abilities are welcome. Open to all ages. Register by May 9 at kilv.org.
MONDAY, MAY 13
Yom HaZikaron Ceremony
6:30-8 p.m., JCC Kline Auditorium
Join the community for a ceremony to observe Israel’s Memorial Day and remember the fallen soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces and Israelis who have died in terrorist attacks. Register at jewishlehighvalley.org/yom.
TUESDAY, MAY 14
Yom Ha’Atzmaut Mitzvah Carnival
6-8:30 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel
Celebrate Israel’s birthday with Israeli music, a special Israel at 76 photo exhibit, mitzvah stations, and kosher snacks. Kids are encouraged to bring their tzedakah box to donate to the Jewish Federation’s Israel Emergency Campaign. Register at jewishlehighvalley.org/yom. Bring a valid ID for security.
FRIDAY, MAY 17
KI Creative Shabbat Service
7:30-9:30 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel
Join the Women of KI for a Creative Shabbat Service led by Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg and featuring guest soloist Rebekah Graver and the congregational choir, D’Var Torah by Martina Obenski, personal reflections from Audrey Nolte, and Kiddush and Kibbitz wine and appetizers before the service, at 7.
SUNDAY, MAY 19
KI Religious School Bake Sale
9 a.m.-3 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel
Join in the KI Religious School Bake Sale. All profits go to the religious school. Register at kilv.org/event/rsbake-sale.html#.
SUNDAY, MAY 19
KI Replacement of Flags 10-11 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel
Spend an hour for the annual replacement of U.S. flags on veterans’ graves in the KI Cemetery. This mitzvah requires no prior experience, no preparation, and no equipment. Register at kilv.org/ event/replacement-of-flags-event.html.
MONDAY, MAY 20
Hadas Kuznits of KYW Newsradio
4:30-6:30 p.m., JCC Kline Auditorium
Join us for pizza and conversation with KYW Newsradio reporter Hadas Kuznits, who will speak to high school students and their parents about how to address antisemitism on social media and how to look at the news with a critical eye. Kuznits grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs, graduated from Akiba Hebrew Academy in Lower Merion, and served for two years in the Israel Defense Forces. She has been writing and reporting for KYW for over 20 years. Register at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/teen-talkcombatting-antisemitism-with-hadaskuznits.
SATURDAY, MAY 30
Young Leadership End-of-the-Year Celebration
7:30 p.m., Bru Daddy’s in Allentown Celebrate the end of the campaign year with the new and improved Young Leadership at the Bru Daddy’s Brewing Company in Allentown. The event is adults only and will include a tour of the brewery. Cost is $18 per person. Register at jewishlehighvalley.org/calendar.
SUNDAY, JUNE 2
Shalom Baby and PJ Library Celebrate Shavuot
10:30-11:30 a.m., Jay’s Local
Join PJ Library and Shalom Baby to celebrate Shavuot. Weather permitting, the group will be outside on the lawn and play with sidewalk chalk and bubbles. A PJ Library book will, of course, be read. Snacks will be provided. For questions contact Abby Trachtman at abbyt@jflv. org or 610-821-5500, ext. 321. Registration required at jewishlehighvalley. regfox.com/pj-library-shavuot.
THURSDAY, JUNE 6
Community Celebration and Annual Meeting
6-8 p.m., JCC
Come out to celebrate the volunteers and contributors who made the Jewish Federation’s 2023-24 campaign year a success. A buffet dinner will be served, and annual awards will be given out. Registration required at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/annual-meeting.
TUESDAY, JUNE 18
Jewish Heritage Night at the IronPigs
7:05 p.m., Coca-Cola Park
Join the community at the ballpark in Allentown for a night of baseball, “Hatikvah” sung before the game by JDS kids at home plate, and kosher food. Most Lehigh Valley synagogues are selling tickets, as are the Jewish Day School and JCC. Or buy tickets online at jewishlehighvalley.org/ironpigs.
ONGOING EVENTS
FIRST OR SECOND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
Bnai Shalom Cash Bingo
1 p.m., Congregation Bnai Shalom
Join Bnai Shalom for its monthly bingo games on the first Sunday of the month. For more information call 610258-5343.
MONDAYS
Yiddish Club
2-3:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley via Zoom
Experience the joys of Yiddish via Zoom as part of Adults at the J. The group meets weekly to discuss topics like cooking, humor, music and all kinds of entertainment in the Yiddish language. Enjoy fun, fellowship, stories and more. Participants Zoom in from 5 states. No cost. Call 610-435-3571, ext. 501.
MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS
Online Jewish Yoga Studio Mondays 11-11:45 a.m., Thursdays 4-4:45 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality
Join yoga teacher and IJS faculty member Rabbi Myriam Klotz or Cantor Lizzie Shammash as she guides you in an all-levels yoga and movement session. Open to all, no experience needed. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/get-started.
TUESDAYS
Weekly Torah Study
11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality
Rabbi Jonathan Slater will lead a weekly program: “Torah Study to Sustain The Soul.” Open to all. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/get-started.
WEDNESDAYS
Yoga with Miriam Sandler: Chair-Supported Yoga
1-2 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom in person and via Zoom
Open to the public in person and live stream available to all via Zoom. *$10 drop-in fee payable to Congregation Brith Sholom. For more information email mbserow@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAYS
Torah Studies: A Weekly Journey into the Soul of Torah
7 p.m., Chabad of the Lehigh Valley in person and via Zoom
Torah Studies by the Jewish Learning Institute presents Season Two 5784, a 12-part series, in person and via Zoom.
Cost is $54 for the course, including textbook. For information, call 610-3516511 or email rabbi@chabadlehighvalley.com.
EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY
Hadassah Study Group
12:30 p.m., via Zoom
We discuss short stories from an anthology. Always welcoming new participants! Contact mjclaire@gmail.com or 610-972-7054 to sign up.
THURSDAYS
Lishma: Learn, Listen, Listen, Learn 10:30 a.m.-noon, Congregation Keneseth Israel or via Zoom
The program is held in person, enter through the 23rd Street entrance. Register at kilv.org
THURSDAYS
Basic Yiddish Class
4-5:30 p.m., JCC via Zoom
Learn to read, write, speak and comprehend Yiddish. Textbooks from Yiddish Book Center available for purchase. Contact 610-435-3571, ext. 501.
FRIDAYS
Kol HaEmek
8:30-9:30 a.m., WMUH 91.7
Radio show with Cantor Kevin Wartell. For information go to muhlenberg.edu/ wmuh.
SATURDAYS
KI Torah Study
9:30-11 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel
Join Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg for a study session making sense of the week’s Torah portion. Enter the building through the 23rd Street door.
SATURDAYS
Wisdom of the Talmud Class
After Shabbat Lunch and Schmooze, Congregation Brith Sholom
Join Rabbi Michael Singer in a discussion about Jewish law, ethics, customs and history as found in the pages of the Talmud. For information email tammy@ brithsholom.net or call 610-866-8009.
SATURDAYS, APRIL 27, MAY 18
KI Shabbat Yoga
10:30-11:30 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel
Experience Shabbat through movement with Jett Ulaner Saracheck and Ann Friedenheim after Torah study. For information, call Saracheck at 610-7621450 or Friedenheim at 610-462-2549. Register at kilv.org.
DAILY
Jewish Broadcasting Service
JBS is a Jewish television channel. Visit jbstv.org.
DAILY
Congregation Sons of Israel Minyanim Shacharit on Mondays and Thursdays
6:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 6:45 a.m.; Sundays 8:30 a.m. Congregation Sons of Israel welcomes all to the daily Shacharis and Mincha/ Maariv services. Sonsofisrael.net for the weekly listing.
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY
Daily Online Meditation
12:30 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality
One of their master teachers will lead a live daily guided meditation. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/get-started.
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