The Voice of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community
www.jewishlehighvalley.org
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Issue No. 422
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July/August 2019
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Sivan/Tamuz/Av 5779
AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION EST. 1977
Thanks to your support, we raised $2.4 million for Jewish needs this year! p12-15
This is “your time” to thrive — learn about our active older adult community in this month’s special section.
WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY p4 LVJF TRIBUTES p8 JEWISH DAY SCHOOL p18 JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE p19 JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER p20 COMMUNITY CALENDAR p30-31
Hot Israeli band to perform at mega community concert By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Community Development & Operations The Lehigh Valley will come together for a one-night-only, all-theway-from-Israel performance by popular band Hatikva 6 on Nov. 21 at the Musikfest Café at SteelStacks. With 40 million YouTube views and countless hits at the top of the Israeli charts, Hatikva 6 is renowned for its global and roots style with Hebrew, English and French lyrics. “We wanted something positive, exciting and fun to bring the community together,” said Lauren Rabin, who is co-chairing the event with Aliette Abo and Carol Steinberg. “Hatikva 6 is a globally inspired band. They are multilingual, socially aware and extremely popular in Israel,” Rabin continued. “Their inspiring music represents Israeli culture, and we wanted to bring a little taste of that to the Lehigh Valley to celebrate Israel, each other
and our community as a whole.” For co-chair Abo, the mission is simple: bring the unity to community. “Music can be the proponent of peace and unification,” Abo said. “We are excited to bring people together to enjoy and celebrate each other.” The concert is presented by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, on behalf of its community partners, and is open to all. “I think it shows that Federation has a big tent and wants to bring the whole community together,” said co-chair Steinberg. “Whether you’re active in one organization or another, or you’re not active in any organization, it’s a chance to get together, have fun and support our common goals.” Included with each general admission ticket is valet parking,
wine and sweet and savory bites. Sponsors will have reserved seating and the opportunity to meet the band after the performance. “This concert will have an extraordinary impact,” said Abo. “It will be reflected for a long time to come.”
This event will sell out, so get your tickets now! General admission tickets are $100. Sponsorships start at $500 and benefit the Jewish Federation in its mission to provide social services for people in need locally, in Israel and around the world. To purchase tickets and sponsorships or learn more, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/hatikva6.
Mark Klein Vacation Camp brings Jewish children together through JCC and JDS By Stephanie Bolmer HAKOL Editor This fall, a new initiative is kicking off which will bring more Jewish Day School students into the Jewish Community Center. The newly created Mark Klein Vacation Camp aims to bring
Camp JCC fun to JDS students on days when school is out. On Jewish holidays and teacher in-service days when the JDS is closed, their students will be able to attend vacation camp programming at the JCC for no additional charge. This will include 17 full days and two half Non-Profit Organization
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days next year for JDS students in pre-K through 8th grade. “We see this as a way to get our JDS students to feel like the JCC is their second home and to get our students excited about all the incredible offerings the JCC has, from summer camp to the pool to Soccer Shots and Stagemakers,” said Amy Golding, JDS head of school. A main catalyst behind making this new program a reality is the generosity of Mark Klein, z”l, and his wife, Patty, through a gift to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. “Mark was a fun-loving man who himself loved camp,” said Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of the Jewish Federation. “When I spoke to Patty about this idea, she thought it would be a wonderful way of remembering him.” The Federation will provide
Patty Klein presents a gift bestowed to the Jewish Federation by her husband Mark, z”l. A portion of the gift will help fund vacation camp at the JCC for Jewish Day School students. supplemental funding so that all students who pay tuition to go to the JDS are able to participate. “We are thrilled to be able to support the collaboration between the JDS and the JCC and to enrich the lives of families in our community,” said Israel Zighelboim, co-chair of the Federation’s Community Planning Committee, which is working to bring this and other future collaborative projects between the JDS and JCC to life.
The JCC is equally enthusiastic about this new venture. “It’s like a win-win-win,” said JCC executive director Eric Lightman. “It’s a win for JDS and a win for the JCC, and it’s a win for the Jewish children in the community. This is really a first step as we continue to explore what the synergies are between our programs and opportunities to work together to build our Jewish community.”
Tending the blossoms of friendship in Yoav It is always special to visit Israel, but even more so when you are welcomed with open arms. In June, I had the wonderful opportunity of being in Israel with Miriam Zager and Aaron Gorodzinsky to visit our Partnership2Gether community in Yoav. We were there to reimagine our partnership and to create new opportunities for stronger connections. The Yoav Regional Council is located in the southern district of Israel near Bet Guvrin and Kiryat Gat and not too far from Rehovot. It is made up of 14 moshavim and kibbutzim and is led by its first woman mayor, Matti Sarfatti
Harcavi, who is not only warm, witty, articulate and charming, but is also a noted agronomist. While in Yoav, we were treated like royalty and graciously hosted in the homes of P2G committee members who made us feel like family. The Partnership2Gether committee is unique in that both Israelis and Americans serve and together make recommendations for how to strengthen Israel-Diaspora relations. During our meetings, we learned that there is tremendous talent within the Yoav communities, including cheese and hummus makers, jewelry and
ceramics artists, wood crafters and agriculture specialties such as wine growers, to name a few. In the future, we hope to experience these unique talents both in the Lehigh Valley and in Israel. There was a general feeling that we are not reaching enough people in either community. The number increases yearly, but we would like to impact more people. Our work together was to assess the trends and challenges in both communities and to develop strategies for engaging people to connect including the next generation, sharing issues of security and resiliency, creating
Federation staff take on new roles
Stephanie Smartschan
Aaron Gorodzinsky
Two long-time Federation staff members have taken on increased responsibilities to help lead the Jewish community into the future. Stephanie Smartschan is serving as the new director of community development and operations after spending the past eight years as director of marketing.
In her new role, Smartschan will help to create, implement and evaluate the Federation’s strategic vision and annual operating plan. Smartschan’s new responsibilities will include leading Women’s Philanthropy, further developing and managing corporate sponsorships, planning and implementing large-scale campaign and
community-wide events and helping to manage internal operations. In addition, she will continue to provide oversight and guidance to the Marketing Department on all projects and publications. Aaron Gorodzinsky is now the new director of campaign and security planning after serving as the director of outreach and community relations for the past six years. In his new role, he will take the lead on the Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, including its Men’s Division and Maimonides Society. He will also continue to oversee the Community Relations Council and serve as the go-to person for all things security. He will also remain the community’s liaison to its Partnership2Gether region in Yoav, Israel.
The Lehigh Valley-Yoav Partnership Park in Blessed Memory of Mark L. Goldstein We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship by requesting that trees be planted in the Mark L. Goldstein Friendship Park, a Yoav-Lehigh Valley Partnership Forest. IN MEMORY KERRY ACKER Judy Alperin Aaron Gorodzinsky MAAYAN ELGIN SERUR (Daughter of Familia Elgin Serur) Familia Cohen Salsberg SILVIA GORECKI Valeska and Israel Zighelboim RACHAMIN (Yahrzeit) Jane and Arthur Kaplan ALAN SCHOR (Husband of Marilyn) Carole and Mike Langsam IN HONOR SYBIL BAIMAN In honor of your special birthday Arlene and Richard Stein Barbara and Fred Sussman DAFI DATAT Thank you for your efforts with the
Twinning Program Partnership2Gether EILEEN AND ROBERTO FISCHMANN In honor of 40th wedding anniversary Steven Aronsky AARON FRALEY In honor of being elected as Regional Aleph Moreh Aaron Gorodzinsky CAROL BUB FROMER AND GARY FROMER In honor of receiving the Kobrovsky Award for Campaign Leadership Eileen and Roberto Fischmann AMY GOLDING In honor of receiving the Mark L. Goldstein Award for Outstanding Jewish Communal Professionals Eileen and Roberto Fischmann ERIC HIRSCH Mazal tov on your high school graduation Aaron Gorodzinsky YIFAT KOREN Thank you for your efforts with the Twinning Program Partnership2Gether NANCYANNE AND GUY LERNER In honor of your special anniversary Elaine Lerner EVA LEVITT In honor of a successful term as JFLV president Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Eileen and Roberto Fischmann EVA LEVITT Heartfelt appreciation for your dedication and service Kristin Wannisky LARRY LEVITT
Heartfelt appreciation for your dedication and service Kristin Wannisky ANN LEVY In honor of your 75th birthday Michele and Gil Levy ERNEST LEVY In honor of 80th birthday Michele and Gil Levy ANN AND ERNEST LEVY In honor of 50th wedding anniversary Michele and Gil Levy JEAN MANDEL In honor of 90th birthday Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald RABBI SETH PHILLIPS & MARGE KRAMER In honor of the birth of your granddaughter Eileen and Roberto Fischmann BRUCE REICH In honor of successful presidency of Temple Beth El Aaron Gorodzinsky CARAH TENZER In honor of receiving the George Feldman Award for Young Leadership Jane and Bob Cohen Eileen and Roberto Fischmann JESSICA AND NICK VOLCHKO In honor of the birth of your daughter, Zoe Rose Shalom Baby SDOT YOAV Thank you for your efforts with the Twinning Program Partnership2Gether AMIT ZEHAVI In honor of daughter Neta’s bat mitzvah Partnership2Gether Committee
TO ORDER TREES, call the JFLV at 610-821-5500 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org. 2 JULY/AUGUST 2019 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Jeri, Aaron and Miriam at Matti’s vineyard in Moshav Segula. new educational opportunities and addressing assimilation and maintaining Jewish identity. Many projects were identified and suggested for the next program year. We hope to have more collaborative efforts around Israel Memorial Day and Israel Independence Day, bring talent and expertise from Yoav to the Lehigh Valley and promote new encounters in Yoav with people travelling from the Lehigh Valley. We committed to again host teens from Yoav who will work
at our JCC camp. For the first time, four women from Yoav will travel this summer with a group of women from the Lehigh Valley on a Momentum trip (formerly known as the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project). The group will spend the night in home hospitality in Yoav before the Momentum tour begins. We hope to see the partnership between the Lehigh Valley and Yoav blossom and reach many more people in the next program year.
HAKOL STAFF STEPHANIE BOLMER Editor
HAKOL is published 11 times per year for the Jewish communities of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and vicinity by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.
COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS Submissions to HAKOL must be of interest to the entire Jewish community. HAKOL reserves all editorial rights including, but not limited to, the decision to print any submitted materials, the editing of submissions to conform to style and length requirements, and the placement of any printed material. Articles should be submitted by e-mail or presented as typed copy; “Community Calendar” listings must be submitted by e-mail to hakol@jflv.org or online at www.jewishlehighvalley.org. Please include your name and a daytime telephone number where you can be contacted in the event questions arise. We cannot guarantee publication or placement of submissions. MAIL, FAX, OR E-MAIL TO: JFLV ATTN: HAKOL 702 N. 22nd St. Allentown, PA 18104 Phone: (610) 821-5500 Fax: (610) 821-8946 E-mail: hakol@jflv.org
ALLISON MEYERS Graphic Designer DIANE MCKEE Account Representative TEL: 610-515-1391 hakolads@jflv.org
JFLV EXECUTIVE STAFF JERI ZIMMERMAN Executive Director STEPHANIE SMARTSCHAN Director of Community Development & Operations TEMPLE COLDREN Director of Finance & Administration AARON GORODZINSKY Director of Campaign & Security Planning JIM MUETH Director of Planned Giving & Endowments WENDY EDWARDS Office Manager GARY FROMER JFLV President
EDITORIAL BOARD Monica Friess, Acting Chair Barbara Reisner Judith Rodwin Sara Vigneri
Member American Jewish Press Association
All advertising is subject to review and approval by The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley (JFLV). JFLV reserves the right to decline, withdraw and/or edit any ad. The appearance of any advertising in HAKOL does not represent an endorsement or kashrut certification. Paid political advertisements that appear in HAKOL do not represent an endorsement of any candidate by the JFLV.
JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY MISSION STATEMENT
In order to unite, sustain, and enhance the Lehigh Valley Jewish community, and support Jewish communities in Israel and around the world, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is dedicated to the following core values: • Supporting Jews in need wherever they may be. • Supporting Israel as a Jewish homeland. • Supporting and encouraging Jewish education in the Lehigh Valley as a means of strengthening Jewish life for individuals and families. • Supporting programs and services of organizations whose values and mission meet local Jewish needs. To accomplish this mission the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is committed to the following operating guidelines: • Raising and distributing funds to support the core values. • Developing Jewish leaders. • Building endowments to support implementation of core values. • Committing to ongoing Jewish community strategic planning. • Fostering cooperation among organizations and community building. • Evaluating all decisions with respect to fiscal responsibility. • Identifying unmet needs and investing in community initiatives to help get them started. • Coordinating and convening a community response as an issue or need arises. • Setting priorities for allocation and distribution of funds. • Acting as a central address for communication about events, programs and services of the Jewish community as a whole. Approved by the JFLV Board of Directors on November 15, 2000
Community leaders honored, elected at Federation Annual Meeting By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Community Development & Operations
honoring us with the Kobrovsky Award,” Carol said. “The annual campaign is very meaningful to us. It’s an epic undertaking by many, many people.” They thanked all of the volunteers, staff members and donors who made the campaign successful. The celebration also featured a special tribute to Mark Klein, z”l, by his wife Patty and good friend Lenny Abrams. They presented the Federation with a check for $200,000, which Mark left to the Annual Campaign and Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation. Early in the meeting, Eva Levitt gave her final report as president of the Jewish Federation, speaking about how she had accomplished her goals of growing the campaign, attracting more young people and running a mission to Israel. At the meeting’s conclusion, Levitt physically passed the gavel as Gary Fromer was elected the Federation’s next president. “I’m pretty sure that I’m the last person that 25 years ago you would say would be doing this right now or ever. The last in this entire room and probably for many blocks from here,” Fromer said. He went on to talk about how his family and community have changed his perspective and increased his involvement over the years. “This community is a unique and special community, and I think the fact that we can go from strength to strength is really a wonderful and incredible thing for us,” he said.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF EDWIN A. DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY
The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley brought the community together on June 12 for its annual celebration and meeting. New this year: Award winners shared their thoughts in video interviews shown at the event. “I give my time because I get a lot in return. That’s kind of like, I think, the simple answer,” said Carah Tenzer, who received the George Feldman Achievement Award for Young Leadership. “Receiving an award is just the icing on the cake to doing all these really fulfilling projects,” said Tenzer, who has contributed her talents to the Federation, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Day School and Jewish Family Service. “I love what we’ve been able to do, so I don’t need an award for it, but it’s really very nice to have gotten one.” Debi Wiener and Lauren Rabin spoke about the origins of the Branches of Love Initiative, which received the Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction for its viral tree of life necklace sales in the wake of the tragic shooting in Pittsburgh. The true award for them, they said, was receiving thank you notes from around the world and inspiring hope. “That meant the world; of anything, that really was the greatest,” said Wiener. “This is so exciting, obviously. We were so honored to be receiving the Schiff Award in Allentown,” said Rabin. “It’s so special,
and I think it motivates us. We keep thinking, OK, what are we gonna do next?” Jewish Day School Head of School Amy Golding received the inaugural Mark L. Goldstein Award for Outstanding Jewish Communal Professionals. In her video, she spoke about how Goldstein, long-time executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley who passed away in October 2018, inspired her to become the professional she is today. “I am humbled to be receiving this award today,” Golding said. “Mark Goldstein’s legacy inspires us to wholly give of ourselves, to help make the Jewish community of the Lehigh Valley flourish. Mark’s passion, dedication and drive is what motivated me to want to be the professional I am today, and I think about him often as I make decisions.” Goldstein’s wife, Shari Spark, presented the award. “This award, in its inaugural presentation, is named for Mark, z”l, a consummate professional who dedicated his entire teen and adult life to the continuity and vibrancy of the Jewish community,” Spark said. “Thank you for establishing this truly meaningful award, a tribute that Mark would have been very proud of.” Carol Bub Fromer and Gary Fromer, who served as co-chairs of the Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs for the past two years, received the Kobrovksy Chairman’s Award for Campaign Leadership. “Thank you so much for
Federation Executive Director Jeri Zimmerman presents the Kobrovsky Award to Carol Bub Fromer and Gary Fromer.
Left, outgoing President Eva Levitt passes the gavel to Gary Fromer. Top right, 2018 Feldman Award winner Valeska Zighelboim presents to Carah Tenzer. Bottom right, Amy Golding receives the Mark L. Goldstein award from Shari Spark.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2019 3
WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY
Powerful story captures My Mother’s Pin hearts at Spring Event
By Lynne Shampain Pomegranate A year after my mother died, I was going through her jewelry and found a large pin in the shape of a pomegranate. It looked very familiar, as I was aware that this pin originated through our Lehigh Valley Jewish Federation. When I turned it over, I saw the inscription “Jewish Federation of Allentown, Pennsylvania.” What was a Jewish woman in the Wyoming Valley doing with a pin from Allentown? Likely, she received it from the Jewish Federation of Greater Wilkes-Barre. As to when she received it, I had no idea. Sometimes a series of events will converge to spur action. The Women’s Philanthropy Spring Event was titled “For My Mother.” Attendees were offered the opportunity to make a donation in honor or in memory of their mothers. I noted that there was also a Pomegranate and Lion of Judah Spring Recognition scheduled for June 4. In addition, I had become a member of the Jewish Federation LIFE & LEGACY team earlier this year and had met with women who were giving to the Annual Campaign at the Pomegranate level to discuss their legacy. It was time for me to join! Primarily to honor the memory of my mother, Janice Savitz, z”l, I gratefully accepted a new Pomegranate Pin at the Women’s Philanthropy Spring Event. It looks new and shiny next to my mother’s tarnished version. How amazing that the inscription on the older version is so much clearer. I will cherish both pins as I remember and thank my mother for her devotion to Jewish causes and her inspiration to me.
SPONSORED BY THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY’S WOMEN’S DIVISION
welcoming new babies to the Lehigh Valley If you’re expecting, know someone who is, or have a new baby, PLEASE LET US KNOW! Contact Abby Trachtman, 610-821-5500 | abbyt@jflv.org SPONSORED BY
At the Women’s Philanthropy Spring Event on May 21, featured speaker Jeannie Smith shared the story of her mother, Irene Gut Opdyke, and how she single-handedly rescued 12 Jews during the Holocaust. Smith’s story – and the animated way in which she told it – left many of the women in tears. Former lone soldier Maddy Schonberger also shared her story of serving in the Israeli army and talked about her new initiative, Forward Socks, which provides socks to lone soldiers. The socks were given as favors at the event, and for each pair a second pair was donated.
Lone soldier Maddy Schonberger, Spring Event Co-Chair Debi Wiener, speaker Jeannie Smith and Co-Chair Chelsea Karp.
Upper Left, Jen Oxfeld receives her Pomegranate Pin from Iris Epstein. Lower Left, the women had the opportunity to bring their mothers and daugthers to the event. Right, Beth Kushnick and Ellen Gordon.
And they’re off! The third group of women traveling to Israel with the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and Momentum (formerly known as the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project) gathered for a send-off party before they depart for Israel on July 28. Follow their journey on the Jewish Federation’s Facebook page and in the September issue of HAKOL.
Handmade Afghans
BY EVA LEVITT
All proceeds benefit projects in Israel:
Food Banks in Israel Neve Michael Youth Village
For prices or to place an order, call Eva 610-398-1376.
All payments are made payable to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley 4 JULY/AUGUST 2019 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Lions and Poms learn that Israeli company is about more than jewelry
By Stephanie Bolmer HAKOL Editor There was a lovely array of delicious Mediterraneanstyle foods in the kitchen, but most of the crowd was in the dining room, which had been turned into a mini-jewelry store for the night. The Megemeria Collection, the line of silver and gold jewelry hand made by Ethiopian students for the Israeli brand Yvel, was on full display, and had caught the eye of the guests gathered for the Lion of Judah and Pomegranate Spring Recognition on June 4, graciously hosted by Roberta Epstein in her Allentown home. Eventually, the ladies made their way in to partake of the buffet and bar, including a signature pomegranate cocktail, before settling in to listen to the night’s speaker. Daniel Sahalo, U.S. Manager for Megemeria, was introduced by Iris Epstein and Amy Fels. Epstein reminded the women gathered that through their gifts to the Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, “we are change agents responsible for changing lives for the better here and all over the world.” Fels echoed the sentiment by “expressing how proud [she is] to be part of this amazing group of women.” Changing lives, like Sahalo’s. Born in Ethiopia to a farming family of 11 children, his parents sold everything they had just to afford the guide to lead them out of the country, which had been torn apart by civil war. He walked barefoot eight weeks through the desert to a refugee camp en route to Israel, his final destination, which he eventually reached via a four-hour flight packed into a cargo plane through Operation Moses in 1984, at the age of five. His only sister contracted malaria on the journey and died. “It was all my parents could do to stop, dig a grave to bury her, and continue
on,” Sahalo shared. Despite their hardships, his family did eventually make it to Israel, where they started life over in a strange land of modern conveniences, like toilets and electricity. They believed that all they had gone through was worth it, however. “The bottom line for my parents was to get a better life for their kids. And, I think they did because look where I am—Allentown,” Sahalo joked. Sahalo grew up in Israel and went on to serve in the Israel Defense Forces in the 101st Paratroopers Brigade. This time, when he saw the army plane, it was with pride knowing that he was going to be riding in it to serve his new home. After enrolling in the officers’ academy, he finished his active service as a captain. He is still in the reserves today, though he went on to Hebrew University and studied international relations. He worked for the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee for almost 20 years, coordinating programming for older adults all over Israel. Now, however, he is dedicating himself full-time to the mission of the Megemeria School of Jewelry & Art, run by Yvel, helping other immigrants like himself. “About four years ago, I visited a very unique place,” said Sahalo. That was Megemeria, started by Orna and Isaac Levy in 2010 to serve single Ethiopian mothers in their 30s-50s in Israel. It has grown and is now open to all immigrants needing help at a fresh start in the promised land. Twenty-one students each year receive a monthly stipend so they can focus on learning gold-, silverand gemsmithing, as well as other skills to help them with acculturation into life in Israel. Meaning “Genesis” in Amharic, the native language of Ethiopia, Megemeria offers its students the opportunity for a bright new beginning in life.
The ladies gathered at Roberta’s house watched a short video telling them about how Isaac Levy was also an immigrant himself, making aliyah from Argentina, and hoping to make high-end jewelry in Israel. His wife Orna grew up around pearls. Together, the couple are now a dynamic team creating beauty in both their wearable artwork and with the social impact of Megemeria. The Levys are proud that today over 90 percent of Yvel’s more than 100 employees are
immigrants hailing from 23 countries. Many are graduates of the school, employed to design and create a jewelry collection inspired by their personal journeys of longing and renewal. All proceeds from sales of the Megemeria collection benefit the school and social business, ensuring that Megemeria continues to cultivate positive social change. Sahalo ended the night with answering questions from the group. He reminded them that “Israel is the Amer-
ica of the Middle East—people will do anything to get there.” That made the shopping which followed at the pop-up jewelry store in the dining room a meaningful moment of tzedakah, as the Lehigh Valley women connected with and supported the immigrant artisans in Israel through picking out and buying their beautiful gifts. In addition to their own purchases, each guest received a silver and pearl necklace as a favor and reminder of the work of Megemeria.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER GOGAL PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER GOGAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Above left, tournament Co-Chair Richie Schiff and family. Above top right, reverse raffle prizes are handed out. Above bottom right, Erica Hyman and Linda Epstein hit the links.
Above, golfers head out on the Lehigh Country Club course. Below, Lenny Abrams and Fred Sussman enjoy the putting green.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER GOGAL PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER GOGAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Above, the Branches of Love Initiative is honored with the Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction. Below left, putting contest finalist Brooke Paster.
6 JULY/AUGUST 2019 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Left top, Bill Markson, Gary Fromer and Steve Oberlender enjoy cocktail hour. Left bottom, Herb Levy receives his raffle prize.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER GOGAL PHOTOGRAPHY
GOLFERS TEE UP FOR A CAUSE
Golfers hit the links for 8th Schiff tournament By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Community Development & Operations With a little rain and a light breeze, it was a beautiful day for golf on June 17 as foursomes hit the links for the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s eighth annual Mortimer S. Schiff Memorial Golf Tournament. Proceeds from the tournament support the Federation’s efforts in prejudice reduction and tolerance education, including providing free Holocaust education programs in local public schools. Out on the course, players stopped for additional chances to win prizes, including by getting the longest drive, closest to the pin and into the pot of gold. At Hole 16, each golfer took a shot at a hole-in-one that would come with a lease on a Lexus. Throughout the day, players took putts to try and qualify for the semi-final round of the putting contest. Ten golfers sunk their putts in the qualifying rounds, but Brooke Paster came the closest in the semi-finals to make it to the final round. Her attempt to make the 50-foot putt for $10,000 came just so close, but she still walked away with a great consolation prize. Time on the Lehigh Country Club course was bookended by brunch and dinner in the clubhouse. At dinner, the Branches of Love Initiative was honored with the Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction for its viral tree of necklace sales in support of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. The award was first presented a few days earlier at the Federation’s Community Celebration & Annual Meeting. Tournament co-chairs Barnet Fraenkel and Richie Schiff pulled tickets and announced reverse raffle prizes. Lee Pace of BB&T was the big winner in the reverse raffle, with a grand prize of $5,000. Pace generously donated half of his winnings back to Federation. The tournament is made possible through the support of Lexus of Lehigh Valley, the Mortimer S. Schiff Family Foundation and all of the sponsors and players who participate.
PANTONE 485 CVU PANTONE Process Yellow CVU PANTONE Reflex Blue C PANTONE 1395 CVC
Above, golfers spend a nice day on the course at Lehigh Country Club. Below, tournament Co-Chair Barnet Fraenkel putts with his foursome.
A special thanks to the 2019 Golf Tournament Committee: Honorary Chairman Leonard Abrams Chairmen Barnet Fraenkel Richard Schiff Committee Houman Ahdieh Patty Carlis Scott Delin Stewart Furmansky
Erica Hyman Richard Lerner Herb Levy Bill Markson Peter Pettit Donald Senderowitz Larrie Sheftel Jay Stiver Scott Waldman Jean B. Weiner
To see more photos from this year’s tournament, “like” Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2019 7
IN HONOR LENNY ABRAMS In honor of your special birthday Sybil and Barry Baiman LORI AND HOUMAN AHDIEH In honor of Bayley’s graduation from Moravian Academy Vicki Wax SYBIL BAIMAN In honor of your special birthday Lenny Abrams GARY BAKER In honor of upcoming marriage Vicki Wax BILL BERGSTEIN In honor of son Dave’s engagement to Megan Wendy and Ross Born SYLVIA BUB In honor of your Special Birthday Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein Francine and Anthony Godfrey NANCY AND MIKE BUSCH In honor of birth of granddaughter, Abby Randi and Donald Senderowitz CHUCK COHEN In honor of the development of the Wilkes-Barre Jewish Community Center Bonnie and Bobby Hammel JEANETTE AND EDUARDO EICHENWALD In honor of Amy receiving the Mark L. Goldstein Award for Outstanding Jewish Communal Professionals Sylvia and Sam Bub JEANETTE AND EDUARDO EICHENWALD Thank you! Cheryl Funk JOAN EPSTEIN In honor of your special birthday Arlene and Rob Hurwitz FRAN AND JAY FISHER In honor of Lauren’s graduation Carol Bub Fromer and Gary Fromer PETER FISHER AND KATHY ZIMMERMAN In honor of twins Henry and Benjamin’s graduations from college Carol Bub Fromer and Gary Fromer BRIAN FORD In honor of a successful upcoming term as JCC President Wendy and Ross Born CAROL BUB FROMER AND GARY FROMER In honor of receiving the Kobrovsky Chairman's Award for Campaign Leadership Sybil and Barry Baiman Wendy and Ross Born Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein Bonnie and Bobby Hammel Beth and Wes Kozinn GARY FROMER
In honor of a successful upcoming term as JFLV President Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein Bonnie and Bobby Hammel Randi and Donald Senderowitz JEFF GEVIRTZ In honor of your engagement Helene and Leno Scarcia AMY GOLDING In honor of receiving the Mark L. Goldstein Award for Outstanding Jewish Communal Professionals Wendy and Ross Born Sylvia and Sam Bub Muriel Charon Carol Bub Fromer and Gary Fromer Eydie and Neil Glickstein Beth and Wes Kozinn Suzanne Lapiduss Robin and Alex Rosenau Helene and Leno Scarcia BONNIE AND BOBBY HAMMEL In honor of birth of grandson, Louie Wells Hammel Wendy and Ross Born MINDY AND ERIC HOLENDER In honor of Samantha’s graduation from The George Washington University Sylvia and Sam Bub Carol Bub Fromer and Gary Fromer Vicki Wax MINDY AND ERIC HOLENDER In honor of Tyler’s graduation from Barrack Hebrew Academy Vicki Wax ERICA AND NAT HYMAN In honor of Julia’s college graduation from Georgetown Sylvia and Sam Bub Carol Bub Fromer and Gary Fromer MR. AND MRS. JEFFREY KESSEL Congratulations on your new home Jane and Arthur Kaplan IRIS KLEIN In honor of your special birthday Arlene and Rob Hurwitz ROBERTA AND ROBERT KRITZER In honor of granddaughter Sarah Schwartz’s bat mitzvah Eydie and Neil Glickstein Roberta and Alan Penn EVA LEVITT In honor of a successful term as JFLV President Wendy and Ross Born Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein Carol Bub Fromer and Gary Fromer Bonnie and Bobby Hammel Beth and Wes Kozinn Robin and Alex Rosenau EVELYN AND JAY LIPSCHUTZ
Congratulations on your new home Roni and Tom Englert ALLI AND SCOTT LIPSON In honor of Meredith’s graduation from Muhlenberg College Sylvia and Sam Bub Carol Bub Fromer and Gary Fromer Vicki Wax DON AND LOIS LIPSON In honor of Meredith’s graduation from Muhlenberg College Sylvia and Sam Bub JEAN MANDEL In honor of 90th birthday Elaine Snyder JANE AND BILL MARKSON In honor of the marriage of your son Jon to Julia Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel Ed Nissenbaum Marc Nissenbaum Randi and Donald Senderowitz AVIVA AND EVAN MARLIN In honor of the birth of twins Dahlia and Phineas Laurie and Robby Wax AMY AND RICHARD MORSE In honor of son Kenny’s engagement Vicki Wax JUDY AND ANDY MURMAN In honor of the birth of great-granddaughter, Luciana Grace Rosendale Wendy and Ross Born Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald AUDREY AND RICK NOLTE In honor of the birth of grandson, Benjamin David Kane Wendy and Ross Born Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald ADINA AND RABBI MOSHE RE’EM In honor of the marriage of your son Yochai to Shira Galler Selma Roth PENNY AND ADAM ROTH In honor of your wedding anniversary Audrey and Jerome Cylinder LORRIE SCHERLINE In honor of son Lyell’s engagement to Tracy Anne Eiskowitz Francie Ficelman GAIL AND EDWARD SCHWARTZ In honor of Sarah Schwartz’s bat mitzvah Roberta and Alan Penn JANICE AND STUART SCHWARTZ In honor of granddaughter Sarah Schwartz’s bat mitzvah Eydie and Neil Glickstein Roberta and Alan Penn AUDREY AND ARTHUR SOSIS In honor of grandson Baram’s graduation Roberta and Jeff Epstein Vicki Wax ARLENE AND DICK STEIN In honor of grandchildren’s graduation Roberta and Jeff Epstein DICK STEIN In honor of a speedy recovery Sybil and Barry Baiman CARAH TENZER In honor of receiving the George Feldman Achievement Award for Young Leadership Wendy and Ross Born Muriel Charon
Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein Carol Bub Fromer and Gary Fromer Beth and Wes Kozinn Robin and Alex Rosenau Helene and Leno Scarcia EILEEN AND MICKEY UFBERG In honor of grandson’s bar mitzvah Beth and Wes Kozinn MIRIAM AND MIKE ZAGER In honor of Ben’s graduation from Tufts University Sylvia and Sam Bub Carol Bub Fromer and Gary Fromer Vicki Wax MIRIAM AND MIKE ZAGER In honor of Matt’s graduation from Parkland High School Vicki Wax JERI AND LEN ZIMMERMAN In honor of Gadi and Shai’s college graduations Wendy and Ross Born Nancy and Michael Busch Beth and Wes Kozinn JERI ZIMMERMAN In honor of being named JFLV Executive Director Sheryl and Rance Block Nancy and Michael Busch Beth and Wes Kozinn Helene and Leno Scarcia KATHY ZIMMERMAN In honor of a successful term as JCC President Wendy and Ross Born IN MEMORY EDNA BRILL (Wife of Harry, mother of Sam and Eli) Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein Randi and Donald Senderowitz MAURICE FELDMAN (Father of Neil Feldman) Marlene Wolf BERNIE FILLER (Husband of Bunny) Beth and Wes Kozinn EUGENE KLEIN (Father of Amy Silverman) Wendy and Ross Born Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel SHIRLEY LEVY (Mother of Abby Wiener) Beth and Wes Kozinn LARRY RIFKIN (Father of Benjy and Sarah, grandfather of Leila and Jackson) Selma Roth FRANK SMITH (Father of Sandi Fine) Suzanne Lapiduss Randi and Donald Senderowitz BEN-AMI SUSSMAN (Husband of Sylvia Sussman, Uncle of Jane Cohen and David Weinstein) Wendy and Ross Born Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel Elaine Snyder PAUL TAUSTER Jane and Arthur Kaplan GLADYS YASS (Mother of Rhonda Flagg) Glenda Jaffe
MARK L. GOLDSTEIN MEMORIAL FUND SHARI SPARK In appreciation for tutoring Sarah for her Bat Mitzvah Karen and Patrick Dacey AMY GOLDING In honor of receiving the Mark L. Goldstein Award for Outstanding Jewish Communal Professionals Joan Brody HELEN AND SOL KRAWITZ HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND IN HONOR PETER FISHER AND KATHY ZIMMERMAN In honor of twins Henry and Benjamin’s graduations from college Susan Engelson Friefeld BONNIE AND BOBBY HAMMEL In honor of birth of grandson, Louie Wells Hammel Lynda and Stuart Krawitz LAURIE AND BUDDY LESAVOY In honor of Brett’s graduation from Penn Dental Lynda and Stuart Krawitz JANE AND BILL MARKSON In honor of the marriage of your son Jon to Julia Lynda and Stuart Krawitz KATHY ZIMMERMAN In honor of your successful Presidency of the JCC Susan Engelson Friefeld KATHY ZIMMERMAN Thank you for all you do Susan Engelson Friefeld IN MEMORY NATE BRAUNSTEIN (Husband of Marilyn) Susan Engelson Friefeld EDNA BRILL (Wife of Harry, mother of Sam and Eli) Susan Engelson Friefeld Lynda and Stuart Krawitz SIDNEY ENGELSON (Father of Susan Engelson Friefeld) Susan Engelson Friefeld MARION HALPERIN (Mother of Marcia Halperin, David Halperin and Alan Halperin) Susan Engelson Friefeld JOSEPH KURLANSIK (Husband of Helen, Father of Brenda Kurlansik) Susan Engelson Friefeld BEN-AMI SUSSMAN (Husband of Sylvia Sussman) Eloise Cohen Engelson 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 610-8215500 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org to place your card requests. Thank you for your continued support.
SteelStacks is the perfect venue for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah! SteelStacks is the perfect venue for your next event. The ArtsQuest Center and the surrounding campus is an ideal location to host a spectacular social or corporate experience your guests will be talking about for years. From the first hello to the final farewell – every detail is handled by ArtsQuest’s courteous hospitality professionals.
Contact us today! call Chelsea at 610-297-7116
8 JULY/AUGUST 2019 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Congregation Brith Sholom hosts 14th Annual Golf and Barbecue to honor Jerry Hausman
Florence and Jerry Hausman, z"l By Ron Ticho Congregation Brith Sholom Congregation Brith Sholom invites members of the community to the 14th Annual Golf Outing and Barbecue in memory of long-time community leader Jerry Hausman, z”l, who passed away in January. The event will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 1 p.m. at the Locust Valley Golf Club in Coopersburg. Non-golfers are invited to join for an amazing kosher barbecue buffet catered by Boscov’s starting at 6 p.m. Proceeds from the event will support Congregation Brith Sholom. Hausman was the driving force behind the golf outing since its inaugural event in 2005. Throughout the community, Hausman was known for his service, philanthropy and compassion. A long-time member of Congregation Brith Sholom, he served on the board and as president for the congregation. Hausman was instrumental in uniting the Bethlehem community with the greater Lehigh Valley Jewish community. The golf outing will be a shotgun start, scramble format starting at 1 p.m. and will include a hole-in-one contest for a new 2019 Lexus UX 250h and several other contests and prizes. There will also be an opportunity to win $1 million.
Q&A with Liat Efraim, Yoav’s resident cheesemaker Editor’s Note: In advance of the program “Say Cheese: Make & Taste with an Israeli Cheese Expert” on Aug. 8, co-sponsored by Partnership2Gether and Congregation Keneseth Israel, HAKOL had a few questions for Liat Efraim, the cheesemaker of Yoav. Q: Tell us about yourself and how you came to be in Yoav? I moved to the Yoav Regional Council about 11 years ago with my family: Arnon, my husband, Ofer, 17, (she was one of the Camp JCC Yoav teens last year) and Omer, 11. Before that, we lived in the city of Gedera. We were looking for a kibbutz with a small community with extensive culture and excellent education. We heard so many good things about Kibbutz Gat, and, to our delight, there was just the possibility of entering the kibbutz. Q: How did you become a cheesemaker? Why cheese? Two and a half years ago, I completed a long position in the horse riding community in Israel. I was responsible for sports (jumping, dressage, western, vaulting) at the Israeli Equestrian Federation. I decided to fulfill my dream of learning to make cheeses. To my great joy, I met a wonderful person and an excellent professional, and I learned from him the secrets of making cheese. Q: What is a typical day like for you? I get up very early every morning at 5:30 am to go
to the dairy farm and make cheese out of the milk that comes directly from the milking. Around noon, I return home and continue my daily routine, taking care of my home and my children and my second job as director of the Israel Equine Veterinary Association. In addition, I am involved in the kibbutz culture—as one of the librarians, a connecting mother in the youth movement in the kibbutz (HaShomer HaTzair), part of the educational administration, cultural committee and, of course, the steering committee of Lehigh Valley– Yoav Partnership. Q: What is your favorite part of your work? The thing I like the most about my work is the process of cheese making. It's amazing to me that milk that is milked in the morning turns into cheese a few hours later. I also like to think about new flavors and invent new cheeses. In the end, it's a source of great pride that I make cheeses by myself and get good feedback
from people. Q: What can people expect at the event happening here in Allentown? I am very excited to be visiting the Lehigh Valley, and especially for the event! It will be a nice evening, in which I'll explain in general the process of making cheese and the various types of cheese and how each one of them requires a different treatment. There will be a tasting of cheeses (unfortunately, not mine, as I cannot bring cheeses from Israel), and, in addition, each one of the participants will prepare a pellet of labaneh balls coated in different toppings. I’m sure it will be delicious, and I very much hope that the participants will get a general idea of the cheese making process and enjoy the evening! Q: What’s your favorite cheese? What is my favorite cheese…? This is a difficult question. I can’t decide—I love all of them!
Cost: $150 per person, includes cart, greens fee and dinner ($500 per foursome). $50 per person for barbecue dinner (steak, chicken and salmon). To register by Aug. 21, contact Tammy at 610-866-8009 or tammy@brithsholom.net or for more information, go to www. brithsholom.net/golf.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2019 9
Partnership2Gether Committee trip to Yoav feels like going home In June, Miriam Zager, the Lehigh Valley's Partnership2Gether chair, Aaron Gorodzinsky, the Federation's Partnership manager, and Jeri Zimmerman, Federation executive director, visited Yoav, Israel, for strategic planning and discussions on the upcoming year.
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PHOTO CAPTIONS 1. Visiting the Lehigh Valley-Yoav Partnership Park in Blessed Memory of Mark L. Goldstein. 2. A reunion with teens from past years who have worked at Camp JCC. 3. Visiting the El Azi village in Yoav, the only Arab village in our Partnership2Gether region. 4. Spending time with the women from Yoav who will join the Momentum trip. 5. Visiting a bomb shelter that also serves as a music room, funded by the Federation through its Partnership.
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10 JULY/AUGUST 2019 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Yoav celebrates Shavuot and Partnership2Gether visit despite scorching summer temperatures
2 nights with the Yoav teens
Once again this summer, four teens from the Lehigh Valley’s Parternship2Gether community of Yoav, Israel are serving as counselors at Camp JCC, along with Israeli camp shlicha Loren Fatal. On July 16, they hosted a dance party at Temple Beth El with community shlicha Rotem Bar to teach Israeli dances to the community. The next opportunity to meet the teens is a food tasting on Tuesday, July 30, at 6 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center. Get a sampling of Israeli food and culture as the teens prepare dishes that are close to their homes and hearts. Don’t miss this chance to connect with these young people from Yoav and the delicious culture of Israel! LVKC supervised, free and open to everyone. RSVP to the Jewish Federation at 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org.
Above, Shavuout ceremonies in Yoav. By Nurit Galon Partnership2Gether After a long, cold and rainy winter (excellent for agriculture!), the summer is here with a vengeance, and it is really, really hot with temperatures in the high 30s and even low 40s (that’s 90s to 100s for you!). But this hasn't affected the numerous and varied activities going on all over Yoav, highlighted with visits from executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Jeri Zimmerman; Miriam Zager, Lehigh Valley chairperson of the Lehigh Valley–Yoav Partnership2Gether; and Aaron Gorodzinsky, director of campaign and security planning at the Jewish
Federation. As we all know, technology has its place, but nothing replaces the personal face-to-face meetings. Our very welcome visitors took part in an opening reception with 40 representatives of Yoav in the educational and community fields in Yoav under the auspices of Yoav Mayor Dr. Matti Zarfati Hacarvi and Yoav Partnership Chairperson Hana Bachar. This was followed by a meeting with former Yoav youth counselors to the summer camp of the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, and a send-off to this year's counselors, who couldn't wait to begin at camp! Their stay also included all-too-brief visits to some of the Partnership projects in Haela School, Tom and Tomer Memorial Hill walks and gardens and the taboon (clay oven for making pitot!) in Beit Gubrin. Jeri brought greetings to the final lecture in the Hevruta series, alongside the down-to-earth and very serious discussions with the Yoav Steering Committee regarding projects and funding for the coming year. A final breakfast with some of the Lehigh Valley and Yoav women taking part together in seeing and experiencing many and various aspects of Israel—and suddenly, it was time to say good-bye. But only temporarily! Here in Yoav, we love to have visits from Lehigh Valley delegations, families, students, groups—you are all welcome, just try us! In the agricultural communities of kibbutzim and moshavim, Shavuot is tradition-
ally celebrated in the fields, with the harvesting of the first fruits—including the babies born within the previous year, dances with irrigation pipes, rondos with the tractors, floats from the various branches containing their produce, and children's dance groups and choirs. It's the right time to discover that you have family in one of the communities so that you can join in! As we see in Lehigh Valley published events, Yoav, too, offers a wealth of music festivals, sports and art activities—in short, something for everyone of every age! On the national side, our southern border with Gaza is never quiet. At any given moment, a balloon, rocket or dynamited kite may be sent over. Our kibbutzim and moshavim and cities next to Gaza never know if this will be a quiet day or if fires will once again prevent the workers from going into their fields or the children from leaving the shelters. I don't think even we who occasionally suffer can imagine how it is possible to live a normal life like this. Once again, elections are in the air, and every day brings new candidates forward. For the media, this is a bonanza— for the public, mostly just irritating! Recently, we also saw the demonstrations of the Ethiopian community throughout the country, forcing us to ask ourselves, are we really prejudiced? To all our friends in the Lehigh Valley—have a wonderful, carefree and healthy summer!
Sep. 25 - 7:30 PM - $67/$59 Sponsored by Sheridan Communication and RCN; Series sponsored by Capital BlueCross
453 Northampton St., Easton, PA 610-252-3132 1-800-999-STATE www.statetheatre.org
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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2019 11
2019 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs
$2,470,672 raised Because of your support of the 2019 campaign, we are able to help when help is needed, provide a safety net for those who must rely upon it, and nurture the core institutions that are the fabric of a rich and dynamic Jewish community.
THANK YOU. PRIME MINISTERS CIRCLE $100,000+ Ross Born° Wendy Born*° Lewis and Roberta Gaines° Robert and Bonnie* Hammel° Just Born Inc° Charles and Figa* Kline Foundation° Anonymous (1) THEODORE HERZL SOCIETY $50,000 - $99,999 Shelley Stettner*°
Richard and Marsha Timmerman*° The Wax-Goldman Family Funds Vicki Wax* Robby and Laurie* Wax Steven and Nancy* Wax Goldman KING DAVID SOCIETY $25,000 - $49,999 Leonard Abrams° Fischmann Family Fund° Roberto and Eileen* Fischmann Tama Fogelman* and Family° Dr. Harold and Sandra* Goldfarb° Mark (z”l) and Patty* Klein° Joseph B. and Rita* Scheller° The Mortimer S. Schiff Memorial Golf Tournament TREE OF LIFE SOCIETY $18,000 - $24,999 The Fraenkel Family°
Gary Fromer and Dr. Carol Bub Fromer* KING SOLOMON CIRCLE $10,000 - $17,999 The Philip and Muriel Berman Foundation Dr. Jeffrey and Jill* Blinder° Charles Cohen and Rebecca Binder* The Martin Cohen Family Foundation° Jeff and Roberta* Epstein Jonathan and Iris* Epstein Susan Gadomski*° Judy Auritt Klein Lion of Judah Endowment Kobrovsky Family Fund Elaine Lerner*° Master Family° Richard and Susan* Master MCS Industries Harry Louis Yanoff & Jeanette Master Yanoff Charitable Fund Orgler Family Fund
Dr. Richard and Barbara* Reisner° Robert & Judy Auritt Klein Family Fund Lisa Scheller* Dr. Stuart A. and Janice* Schwartz° Seidel Cohen Hof & Reid LLC° Daniel and Nancy* Cohen Phillip and Ellen* Hof Chris and Tara Reid BUILDERS OF ISRAEL $5,000 - $9,999 Alan and Sandy* Abeshaus Dr. Marc and Aliette* Abo Bernard and Flo Kobrovsky Special Fund Sadie Berman Lion of Judah Endowment Hon. Alan and Donna Black* Dr. Sam and Sylvia* Bub° Peter and Karen* Cooper° Dr. Eric J. and Amy* Fels Dr. Peter Fisher and Kathy Zimmerman* Dr. Jeffrey Gevirtz° Robert J. and Susan* Grey Shirley F. Gross*° Barry and Carol R.* Halper° Nat and Erica* Hyman Dr. Wesley and Beth* Kozinn° Stuart and Lynda* Krawitz Dr. Lawrence and Eva* Levitt° Stanley R. Liebman Estate Dr. William and Jane* Markson° Michael and Linda* Miller° Dr. Alan and Judith* Morrison° Drs. Steven and Nancy* Oberlender Daniel Poresky° Dr. Robert and Lota* Post° Rhoda Prager*° Sandra Preis*° Sylvia and Herb Rosen Foundation Dr. Alex and Robin* Rosenau° Shaoli Rosenberg* Drs. Jarrod and Nicole* Rosenthal Lorrie Scherline*° Irwin and Ellen* Schneider° Mark and Deena* Scoblionko° Elizabeth Scofield* Larrie and Judy* Sheftel° Edith Simon*° Dr. Frank and Tama* Tamarkin Dr. Michael and Eileen* Ufberg° Dr. Robert and Carol* Wilson James and Linda* Wimmer° Ilene Wood* Dr. Israel and Valeska* Zighelboim Jeri Zimmerman* Anonymous (4) SABRA CIRCLE $2,500 - $4,999 Alan and Marsha* Abraham Dr. Houman and Lori* Ahdieh Air Products Foundation Leonard and Beverly* Bloch Foundation° Dr. David and Sara-Jane* Bub Dr. Ian and Patricia* Carlis° Lawrence Center Glenn and Jan* Ehrich° Andrew and Dr. Lisa* Ellis Veronica Fischmann* Dr. Jay and Fran* Fisher° Frances & Abraham Schwab Memorial Fund Louis and Shirley* Furmansky°
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Stewart and Carol* Furmansky° Dr. Mark and Carmyn Gittleman° Dr. Gordon and Rose Lee* Goldberg° Dr. Steve and Audrey* Kanoff° Dr. Arthur and Jane* Kaplan° Dr. Robert and Janice* Kaplan Drs. Andrew and Deborah* Kimmel° Martin and Judy* Krasnov° Dr. Harold and Linda* Kreithen° Robert and Roberta* Kritzer Dr. Michael and Carole* Langsam° Dr. Brian LeFrock Donald and Lois* Lipson° Dr. Richard and Roberta* London° Ryan and Claudia* Mattison Dr. Jay and Marla* Melman° Dr. Holmes and Jeannie* Miller° Dr. Michael and Ruth* Notis° Dr. Noah Orenstein and Diana Fischmann Orenstein* Dr. Robert and Joanne* Palumbo Rabbi Seth Phillips and Marge Kramer* Phoebe Altman Lion of Judah Endowment Judith Rodwin* Dr. Abraham and Nancy* Ross and Family Cathy Sacher*° Dr. Mark and Lynne* Shampain° Dr. Elliot Shear Jack and Amy* Silverman° Dr. Arthur and Audrey* Sosis° Dr. Jay E. and Margery* Strauss° Sylvia Perkin Perpetual Charitable Trust Dr. Kenneth and Alla* Toff° Dr. Edward Tomkin and Sandra Wadsworth Arthur and Barbara* Weinrach° Steven and Margo* Wiener° Dr. Michael and Miriam* Zager and Family Larry and Carolyn Zelson Anonymous (2) GATES OF JAFFA $1,500 - $2,499 Dr. Howard Altman° Richard J. Mongilutz and Kelly Banach* Dr. Alan Berger° William M. and Peggy* Berger° Steven Bergstein and Nanci Goldman Bergstein° Dr. Marc and Lauren* Berson° Dr. Michael and Nancy Busch Marilyn Claire*° Dr. William and Gail* Combs Helen Cook*° Patrick and Dr. Karen* Dacey Ann Falchuk* Norman Falk Finkelstein Family Fund Dr. Hal and Kimberly Folander Jerome and Sally Frank Dr. Ronald and Emily Freudenberger Dr. Lawrence and Vicki* Glaser° Linda Glickman*° Neil and Eydie* Glickstein°
Mitzi Goldenberg* Drs. Zach and Andrea* Goldsmith Dr. Marsha Gordon* Dr. Robert and Tracy Grob Dr. Paul Gross° Bennett Grossman Esther Halperin*° Hausman Family Dr. Jonathan and Marjorie* Hertz Stuart Horowitz° Dr. Howard Israel° Dr. John Jaffe° Dr. Jeffrey and Nancy Jahre Rabbi Allen and Toby* Juda° Dr. Robert and Stephanie* Kricun° Dr. Michael and Fay* Kun Ferne Rodale Kushner*° Dr. Howard and Beth* Kushnick Dr. Paul and Diane* Lemberg and Family Howard and Rachel* Levin Dr. Jay and Evelyn* Lipschutz° Dr. Gerald and Ethel* Melamut° Robert and Betty* Mendelson Katherine Molinaro* Dr. Michael and Cary* Moritz Morris & Dyna Gorfinkel Memorial Fund Dr. Robert and Amy* Morrison Dr. Richard J. and Amy* Morse Mort & Myra Levy Philanthropic Fund Taffi Ney*° Dr. Mark and Alice* Notis° Alan and Roberta* Penn° Drs. Andrew and Flora* Pestcoe Michael and Ilene* Prokup° Bruce and Enid Reich The Ringold Family* Dr. Marvin and Janet Rosenthal° Selma Roth* Dr. Michael and Lynn F.* Rothman Dr. Andrew and Jacqueline Schwartz Ronald and Martha* Segel° Donald and Randi Senderowitz Dr. Darryn Shaff Ruth Sheftel* Howard and Susan* Sherer Dr. Bruce and Donna Silverberg Spiro Special Gift Fund Spiro-Weinberger Fund Dr. Frederic A. and Gilda Stelzer° Fred and Barbara K.* Sussman° Dr. Adam Teichman Dr. Ryan and Carah* Tenzer Dr. Darren and Stefanie* Traub Dr. Michael and Janet Ulman* Dr. Marc and Susan* Vengrove° Dr. Andrew Wakstein Dr. Benjamin and Ellen Weinberger° Jean Weiner*° David and Deborah* Wiener Gail Wolson*° Dr. Eric and Helaine* Young Leon and Debbie* Zoller Anonymous (6) CHAVERIM $500 - $1,499 Richard and Karen* Albert° Dr. Richard and Judith* Aronson° Barry and Sybil* Baiman Marietta Banach* Tama Lee Barsky* Richard and Joan* Bass Sanford and Patricia* Beldon Larry and Susan W.* Berman° Joseph and Sharon* Bernstein Rance and Sheryl* Block° Michael and Rita* Bloom° Dr. Stuart and Joan* Boreen Dr. Jeffrey and Nan* Bratspies° Samuel and Dr. Janet* Brill Richard and Kira* Bub Dr. Elliot and Chelsea* Busch Harvey and Elizabeth* Cartine
Charles L. Fletcher Memorial Fund Dr. Jessica Cooperman* Albert and Eva* Derby Richard and Ruth* Derby° Eduardo and Jeanette* Eichenwald° Dr. Mark and Ellyn* Elstein° Joan Epstein*° Dr. Bruce Feldman° Brian and Emily* Ford Dr. Ari and Margee* Forgosh Frank Penn Family Fund Hon. Robert and Ronnie Freedberg° Dr. Henry and Monica* Friess and Family Ronald Gelber Leonard and Rhoda* Glazier° Lance and Ellen* Gordon Alan Greenberger° Sandra Greenfield* H. Sheftel Memorial Fund Drs. Harvey and Melissa Hakim Aron and Julie* Hochhauser Arthur and Susan* Hochhauser° Dr. Arthur and Barbara* Hoffman° Roslyn Holtz* Dr. David and Susan* Hyman° Gwen Jacobs* Selma Jacowitz* Jules and Tama Fogelman Fund Andrew and Nancy Kahn° Dr. Barbara Katz* Seth and Kathi* Katzman° Dr. Jay and Phyllis* Kaufman° Lisa Kirshner* Drs. William and Susan* Kitei° Maxine S. Klein*° Dr. Joshua and Teri* Krassen Joshua and Danielle* Kroo Karen Kuhn*° Dr. Hartley Lachter and Dr. Jessica Cooperman* Dr. Paul H. and Elaine* Langer° Gerson Lazar Family Fund Martha B. Lebovitz*° Dr. Henry Lehrich Bernard and Laurie LesavoyLesavoy Butz & Seitz LLC Gilfrid and Michele* Levy Lillian Schwab Memorial Fund Scott and Allison* Lipson Pam Lott* Eric Luftig Jean Mandel*° Drs. Evan and Aviva* Marlin Dr. David and Robyn Meir-Levi David and Judy* Mickenberg Edith Miller*° Morton and Judy* Miller° Michael Molovinsky° James and Shelah Mueth Dr. Jonathan Munves Jay and Bobbi* Needle Marc Nissenbaum° Dr. Michael and Martina Obenski° Dr. William and Marjorie Ofrichter° Dr. Martin Oselkin Dr. David and Carole* Ostfeld° Dr. David and Ann* Packman Leon and Elaine* Papir° Henry and Phyllis* Perkin Allen and Sandra* Perlman Edward and Beth* Posner° Alison Post* and Morgan Godorov Elaine Rappaport-Bass*° Dr. Daniel Relles Nan Ronis* Adam and Penny* Roth and Family Jerry Roth Memorial Fund Sheila Saunders*° Naomi Schachter* Marcia Schechter*° Nathan and Rusty* Schiff Michael and Brenna Schlossberg John Schneider Bernard and Sara* Schonbach Schwartz Family Fund Elliot and Linda* Sheftel° Dr. Andrew and Rachel* Shurman Dr. Howard and Diane* Silverman°
Nina Silverstein° Rabbi Michael Singer and Alexis Vega-Singer* Lynda Somach*° Marcy Staiman* Richard and Allison Staiman Lenore Stecher* Dr. Phil and Diane* Stein Dr. Richard and Arlene* Stein° Dr. Ronald and Melissa Stein and Family Barry Goldin and Cheri Sterman* Aimee Stewart*° Dr. David and Laurie Strassman Dr. Michael F. Stroock° Sussman Family Fund Ron Ticho and Pam Lott* Dr. Mark and Abby* Trachtman Dr. Stephen and Beverly* Volk° Dr. Stanley and Judith* Walker Dr. Ronald and Beverly* Wasserman° Martin and Frances* Weinberg Robert and Sandy* Weiner° Rosalyn Weingrod * Michael Weinstein° Gerald Weisberger and Gail Ehrens* Jerry and Flossie* Zales° Richard and Cherie* Zettlemoyer Dr. Larry and Debra Zohn° Anonymous (15) SHORASHIM $250 - $499 Herma Abramson* Alexander Sach Philanthropic Fund Alfred T. Gifford Family Fund Isabella Alkasov* Miriam Bandler*° Dr. Peter and Barbara Barbour Fran Bassett* Dr. Noy and Andrea Bassik David and Clara* Bergstein R. Bill Bergstein° Robert and Laura* Black° Andrew and Dr. Christy* Block and Family Boas Family Fund Akiva and Rachel* Boonswang Sally Brau*° Evelyn H. Brown*° Jane Cohen*° Marcia K. Cohen*° Temple and Ann Coldren Roger and Sharon* Collins Daniel Pomerantz Fund Donald Denburg° Elaine N. Deutch* Dr. George and Roberta* Diamond° Dr. Neil and Linda* Dicker Fred and Gail* Eisenberg Eleanor Extract* Samuel and Lynn* Feldman° Marcia Felkay*° Phyllis Ford* Neil Forgosh Dr. Eric and Debbie* Gertner and Family Renee Gittler*° Sharon Glassman* Ann Goldberg* Dr. Brian and Alyssa Goldberg Amy Golding* Nathaniel and Joanna Golub Allan and Mary Goodman° Lothar and Wendy Gumberich Jay Haltzman° Etta Heller* Ricky Hochhauser* Ferne and Jack Kushner Fund Irving Kaplan and Caroline Goldblat° Chelsea Karp* Dr. Corey Kirshner Iris Klein*° Lillian Kobrovsky*° Hilary Koprowski* Gary and Jennifer* Lader
* Indicates an individual woman’s gift to the 2019 Campaign for Jewish Needs ° Indicates Silver Circle member
Bill Markson and Annual Campaign Co-Chair Gary Fromer enjoy the Federation's Major Donor Reception.
Team Latkey Balboa takes the win in the Federation's second annual LatkeVodka Hanukkah Cook-Off, in partnership with the Jewish Community Center.
Carol Bub Fromer, Annual Campaign co-chair, Iris Epstein, Women's Philanthropy President, and Amy Fels, Pomegranate Co-Chair, enjoy the Lion and Pomegranate Spring Recognition event.
There was birthday cake for all as the community celebrated Israel's 71st at the JCC. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2019 13
Merry Landis*° Lawrence M. Lang and Elaine N. Deutch* Suzanne Lapiduss*° Susan Levin* Eileen Lewbart* Robert and Shirley* Malenovsky° Dr. Norman and Roberta* Marcus Mark Klein Family Fund Marvi Family Fund Debbie* Miller° Hank Narrow Dr. Douglas and Ruth* Nathanson Sandy Newman* Papir Family Fund Stephen and Marianne Phillips Julian Rappaport and Toby Brandt° Rabbi Moshe and Adina Re’em Harry and Carole* Rose° Michael and Linda Rosenfeld° Judd Roth Cary Rothstein* Samuel and Ann Born Foundation Dr. Norman and Jett* Sarachek° Joel and Linda Scheer Jane Schiff* James and Sandra* Schonberger° Renee Schwartz*° Sally Shapiro*° Stuart and Susan* Shmookler° Dr. Laurence and Mimi* Silberstein° Dr. Roger and Marna* Simon° Temple Beth El Sisterhood° Congregation Keneseth Israel Sisterhood° Congregation Sons of Israel Sisterhood° Adam and Stephanie* Smartschan Dr. Mark Stein and Sharon Albert* Stephanie Szilagyi*° Tenzer Family Fund Alan and Enid* Tope° Sharone and Lora* Vaknin Kimberly Valuntas* Robert and Marcia* Weill Joseph and Kristina* Weiner Bruce and Alicia* Zahn Anonymous (11) KEHILLAH $100 - $249 Richard and Maria* Ain Alfred Wiener Family Fund Amy Born Fund Patricia San Andres* Elaine Atlas*° Pnina Avitzur* Dr. Marsha Baar*° Karen Bader*° Jayson and Nurit* Baron Barbara Bassano* Belman Family Fund Michael Benioff Elaine Berk* Neal Berkowitz Scott Berman
Dr. Joan Bischoff* Randi Blauth* Glenn and Melisa Block° Dr. Edward and Lila* Borshansky John Botzum and Miriam Harris Botzum Ilya Bragin Joan Brody*° Victor and Leslie* Bunick Robert and Gail* Burger Sara Camuti* Allen and Marjorie* Carroll Muriel Charon* Audrey Cherney*° Ofer and Dana* Cohen Zachary and Ginny* Cohen Jerome and Audrey* Cylinder° Sarah Danna* Edwin and Rabbi Melody* Davis Leah Devine* Dr. Robert and Julie* Diamond David and Vikki* Dunn Dr. Abbott and Judy* D’ver° Barbara Einhorn* Lynda Extract* Howard and Shirley* Falk Dr. Alex and Harriet Feig° Dr. Ellen Field* Brenda Finberg* Michael Finley and Audrey Ettinger* Vivian Fishbone* Harry and Amy* Fisher Eric and Rebecca* Fleisch Bette Friedenheim* Jenna Fromer* Rachel Fromer* Dr. Allan and Sandra* Futernick Murray and Linda* Garber° Jerome and Gloria* Ginsburg° Brian and Judith* Goldman° Mark Kennedy and Arlene Gorchov*° Aaron Gorodzinsky Donald Greenberg Jeff and Elizabeth* Greenberg Arlene Griffin*° Ruth Gross*° Marion Halperin*° Rabbi Yaacov and Devorah* Halperin Suzanne Harris* Ronald and Joan* Harrison° Dr. Leo and Marilyn Heitlinger Alvin and Arlene* Herling° Syman and Anita* Hirsch Dr. Michael and Stacy* Hortner Charles and Dale Inlander° Michael and Donna* Iorio Julie Paige Fraenkel Fund Jennifer Kaplan* Carolyn Katwan* Dr. Lewis and Joan* Katz Martin and Susanne Katz Katz Family Daniel and Anne* Kaye Ilena Key* Ludmila Khodorkovsky* Kimmel Family Fund Renee B. Kleaveland* Rabbi Malkah Binah Klein*
and Neysa Nevins Barbara Kritz*° Ruth Kugelman*° Dr. Samuel Land Gilbert and Judy* Lappen Mary Laronge* Dr. Judith Lasker*° Frederick and Sherry Lesavoy° Ira and Arlene* Levine Lee and Mary Jane* Levine Leonard and Janice Levy Paul Levy and Helen Mack-Levy Boris and Ellen Lifschutz Eric and Margo Lightman Lisa Ellis Fund Dr. Zalman and Maya Liss° David and Marilyn* Louick° Dr. Henry and Pat Luftman Steven Markowitz° Matt and Allison* Meyers Janis Mikofsky* Gary and Diane* Miller° Norman and Maxine* Miller° Millie Berg Memorial Fund Natalie Millrod* Steven and Judy Molder Judith Murman* Rabbi Steven Nathan Michael Neuwirth Audrey Nolte* Benjamin Notis Michael Padin Pearl S. Brooks Family Fund Joseph and Eve* Peterson Dr. Peter Pettit Linda Piesner* Howard and Jane* Pitkoff Marlene Plotnick* Dr. Matthew and Denise* Pollack Abram and Alyssa Pure Raab Fund Dr. Mitchell and Carol Rabinowitz° Eric Rappaport and Choty Andres* David Reiff Ira and Erica* Robbins Dan Rockman Rosenau Family Fund Dr. Joel Rosenfeld Wendy Rothstein* Barth Rubin Ryan Sacher Phil Fund Fae Safer* Alan and Mary* Salinger° Helene Rae Scarcia* Seith Schentzel Melvin and Pearl* Schmier Ivan and Jill* Schonfeld Dr. Arthur Levine and Dr. Janet Schwartz* Eugene Search Brian Segel Joseph Setton Ezra Shapiro Stanley Shrager Barry Siegel° Serita Silberg* Abigail Silverman* Jessica Silverman* Micki Sinclair* Jonathan Smith Anne Snyder-Lyons* Susan Sosnow*
The Morrison family enjoys a cocktail reception for members of the Maimonides Society for healthcare professionals and their spouses. 14 JULY/AUGUST 2019 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Michael and Jane* Spitzer° Dr. Stanley and Manya Stein Michael and Sybil* Stershic David Vaida and Cantor Ellen Sussman* Tracy Sussman* Kenneth Szydlow Julie Thomases* Selma Tomkin* Sharon Trinker* Dr. Mark and Gayle* Unger° Dr. Steven Vale and Dr. Jennifer Gell* Volk Family Fund Dr. Arkady and Ilana* Voloshin Debbie Walther* Marcia Weingartner* Marjorie Weiss* Bernard and Adele* Wolensky° Norman and Sandra* Wruble Zelickson Family Fund Dr. Robert Zemble Anonymous (26) GENESIS $1 - $99 Abigail Silverman Fund Bonnie Abrams* Joseph Aflalo Aaron Alkasov Florence Applebaum* Dr. Mark Auerbach Max Averbach Zoe Averbach* Rotem Bar* Dr. Susan Basow* Carole Beck* Delores Bednar* Arthur and Phyllis Berg Aaron Berger and Nissa Gossom* Bernard and Sarina* Berlow Stephanie Berman* Jeffrey and Lisa* Bernfeld Jason and Tracy* Billig Jerome Block Stephanie Bolmer* Johanna Brams* Gerald and Audrey Brandis Jenna Brody* Susan Brody* Ziona Brotleit* Neil and Diane Brown Jerry and Wilma Brucker Betty Burian* Joyce Camm* Charles L. Fletcher Memorial Fund Linda Chmielewski*° Claudia Fischmann Fund Dr. Barry and Robbie Cohen Lisa Cohen* Elsa Collins* Arlene Dabrow* Danielle Staiman Mitzvah Fund Eric and Joanne* Daniels Eileen Denitz* Diana Fischmann Fund Marilyn Doluisio*° Wendy Edwards* Elana Michelle Schettini Fund Elena S. Cohen Charity Fund Joseph Epstein and Sheryl Feinstein Anita Evelyn*
E.G. Jerry Farris* Brad and Robyn* Finberg Jeffrey Fleischaker and Dr. Ophira Silbert* Keith and Randi* Fraley Rhoda Futterweit* Dr. Michael and Traci Gabriel Dr. Todd and Laura Garber Dr. Debra Garlin* Gail Gelb* Dr. Gene Ginsberg° Steven Glickman and Hannah Zabitz Shelley Goldberg* and Family Anita Goldman* Susan Goldman* Karen Goldner* Dr. Malvin and Lillian* Goldner Rosaly Greenberger* Harry and Paula* Grines Marcel and Sharon* Guindine Bernice Harris* Dolores Heller* Philip Heyman° Rita Hoffman* Robert and Arlene* Hurwitz Sondra Jacobs*° Jessica Silverman Philanthropic Fund Joseph Mozes Memorial Fund Jessica Kamber* Joel and Liz* Kamp Sidney and Helene* Kaplan Harriet Karess* Dr. Binae Karpo* Chaim and Carol Kaufmann Herbert Klivan Rosine Knafo*° Deborah Kohler*° Susan Kolpon* Barry Konigsberg Madeleine Langman* Peter and Madeline* Langman Gerson Lazar Family Fund Daniel Leisawitz and Daniella Viale* Robert Lembach Danielle Leopardi* Rebecca Levine* The Eva Levitt Knitting Project Nancy Levy* Howard Lieberman Doris Lifland* Lillian Schwab Memorial Fund Rebecca Lovingood* Rochelle Lower* Caren Lowrey* Leonard Lutsky° Silvia Mandler* David and Susan* Manela Louise Mapstone* Brie Marks* Marlee Senderowitz Fund Aliza Martin* Chahine Marvi* Robert Mayer and Jan Muzycka* Debrosha McCants* Ruth Meislin*° Judy Mickenberg* Dr. Robert and Ellen Miller* and Family Stanley Miller Billy and Marielle* Miner Steve Mittman Ji-In Friess Mitzvah Fund
Super Sunday Co-Chairs Naomi Schachter and Dana Cohen get ready for a fun community mitzvah day. More than $61,000 was raised on Super Sunday this year.
Susan Mohr* Daniel and Larisa Morgenbesser Anne Morris*° Morris & Dyna Gorfinkel Memorial Fund Jane Much* William and Sharon* Mullin Jeffrey and Sharon Murdoch Nancy Gevirtz Memorial Fund Myra Needle* Brian Neff Shirley Neff* Terry David and Shirley* Neff Richard and Paula* Nelson Melanie Onesto* Robert Prichard and Ellen Osher* Cantor Jill Pakman* Dr. Alan Parker Dr. Sidney and Harriet* Parmet Miriam Pitkoff* Mildred Poliner*° Adina Preis* Stacey Prohaska* Alan Raisman Andrea Reich* Reitars-Braunstein Family Fund Kevin and Lauren Reuther Linda Rich* Rissa Senderowitz Philanthropic Fund Robert Rockmaker Jodie Rosenblum* Phyllis Rothkopf* Lance and Pamela* Rozsa Barbara Rudolph* Sadie Berman Lion of Judah Endowment Michele Salomon* Rick and Amy* Sams Samuel Gevirtz Mitzvah Fund Mary Lou Scarf* Lynn Schiavone* John Schneider Warren and Rabbi Rebecca* Schorr
Jonathan Schultz and Karen Goldner* Jessica Schwartz* Susan Selsky-Hann* Dr. Stephen Shore Daniel Siegel Judi* Silverberg Richard Silverman Silverman Family Fund Debra Skinner* Michael Smith Rabbi Aryeh and Beth* Spero Norman and Cindy* Sussman° Sandi Teplitz*° Donald Thaler Harriet Theodore* Howard and Marilyn Tokosh Ufberg Family Fund Elaine Ungerleider* Veronica Fischmann Fund Daniel Leisawitz and Daniela Viale* Nicholas and Jessica* Volchko Lynn Waite* Dori Wallace*° Micki Wechsler* Les and Anita* Weintraub Barbara Wolfgang* Gladys Yass* Herman and Jessica* Ytkin Jessica Ytkin* Dr. Scott and Beth* Zimmerman Anonymous (21)
The donors noted above represent gifts to the JFLV 2019 Campaign for Jewish Needs. Every effort is made to correctly recognize all of our generous donors and honor their listing requests. If there are any inaccuracies or omissions, please call the Federation office at 610-821-5500. * Indicates an individual woman’s gift to the 2019 Campaign for Jewish Needs ° Indicates Silver Circle member
2019 SPONSORS 99.9 The Hawk 100.7 WLEV Adams Outdoor Altitude Marketing Alvin H. Butz, Inc. Balloons by Paulette BB&T Bonnie & Bobby Hammel Boscov’s Boutique 2Go City Center Concannon Miller Congregation Keneseth Israel Country Meadows Embassy Bank of the Lehigh Valley Giant Gross McGinley Jay & Paulette Stiver JLS Realty Just Born Lehigh Valley IronPigs Lehigh Valley Kashrut Commission Lesavoy Butz & Seitz Lexus of Lehigh Valley Midge Sokol and Family Mike Guman MorganStanley - Fraenklel-Cichocki Group Morgan Stanley - Scott Waldman The Morning Call Mortimer S. Schiff Family Foundation Neighbors Home & Garden Patient First Phoebe Floral Physical Graffi-Tee’s RCN RKL The Scherline Group Sprint TriOutdoor Valley Eye Group Wegmans Whole Foods Working Dog Press
LION OF JUDAH DONORS Sandy Abeshaus Aliette Abo* Rebecca Binder Donna Black Jill Blinder Wendy Born* Carol Bub Fromer Nancy Cohen Karen Cooper* Iris Epstein* Roberta Epstein* Eileen Fischmann* Tama Fogelman* Lisa Fraenkel*
Susan Gadomski Sandra Goldfarb* Susan Grey Shirley Gross Bonnie Hammel* Ellen Hof Mindy Holender Erica Hyman Patty Klein Judy Auritt Klein Lion of Judah Endowment* Beth Kozinn Lynda Krawitz
Elaine Lerner* Eva Levitt* Phoebe Altman Lion of Judah Endowment* Rhoda Prager Sandra Preis Barbara Reisner Shaoli Rosenberg Sadie Berman Lion of Judah Endowment* Lisa Scheller* Rita Scheller Lorrie Scherline
Janice Schwartz Elizabeth Scofield Edith Simon Shelley Stettner Marsha Timmerman Eileen Ufberg Vicki Wax* Carol Wilson Ilene Wood* Jeri Zimmerman
* LOJE
POMEGRANATE DONORS Marsha Abraham Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper Kelly Banach Sheila Berg Beverly Bloch Sylvia Bub Patty Carlis Marilyn Claire Helen Cook Karen Dacey Tamar Earnest Lisa Ellis Ann Falchuk Amy Fels Veronica Fischmann Linda Glickman Edyth Glickstein
Norma Goldenberg Nancy Goldman Marsha Gordon Carol Halper Esther Halperin Jane Kaplan Deborah Kimmel Roberta Kritzer Ferne Kushner Beth Kushnick Rachel Levin Lois Lipson Jane Markson Claudia Mattison Jeannie Miller Linda Miller Katherine Molinaro Judith Morrison
Taffi Ney** Nancy Oberlender Diana Orenstein Jennifer Oxfeld Phoebe Altman Lion of Judah Endowment Lota Post Lauren Rabin Judith Rodwin Robin Rosenau Nicole Rosenthal Selma Roth Lynn Rothman Cathy Sacher Deena Scoblionko Martha Segel Lynne Shampain
Judy Sheftel Ruth Sheftel Amy Silverman* Audrey Sosis Margery Strauss Tama Tamarkin Janet Ulman Jean Weiner Barbara Weinrach Deborah Wiener Gail Wolson Valeska Zighelboim Kathy Zimmerman Debbie Zoller * LOJE ** POME
MAIMONIDES SOCIETY DONORS Marc Abo Houman Ahdieh Howard Altman Marcus Averbach Noy Bassik Alan Berger Marc Berson Jeffrey Blinder David Bub Sam Bub Carol Bub Fromer Elliot Busch Michael Busch Ian Carlis William Combs Mitchell Cooper Karen Dacey Beth Delin Tamar Earnest Lisa Ellis Eric Fels Jay Fisher Peter Fisher Hal Folander Ronald Freudenberger Henry Friess
Jeffrey Gevirtz Mark Gittleman Lawrence Glaser Harold Goldfarb Andrea Goldsmith Zach Goldsmith Marsha Gordon Robert Grob Jonathan Hertz Eric Holender Stuart Horowitz David Hyman Howard Israel John Jaffe Jeffrey Jahre Steve Kanoff Arthur Kaplan Robert Kaplan Andrew Kimmel Deborah Kimmel Wesley Kozinn Harold Kreithen Robert Kricun Michael Kun Howard Kushnick Brian LeFrock Paul Lemberg
Howard Levin Lawrence Levitt Richard London William Markson Aviva Marlin Evan Marlin Gerald Melamut Jay Melman Michael Moritz Alan Morrison Robert Morrison Richard Morse Msark Notis Nancy Oberlender Steven Oberlender Martin Oselkin Robert Palumbo Robert Post Doron Rabin Richard Reisner Daniel Relles Michael Ringold Alex Rosenau Jarrod Rosenthal Nicole Rosenthal Abraham Ross Andrew Schwartz
Stuart Schwartz Darryn Shaff Mark Shampain Elliot Shear Amy Silverman Arthur Sosis Frederic Stelzer Jay Strauss Frank Tamarkin Adam Teichman Ryan Tenzer Kenneth Toff Edward Tomkin Darren Traub Michael Ufberg Marc Vengrove Andrew Wakstein Robert Wax Benjamin Weinberger Robert Wilson Eric Young Michael Zager Israel Zighelboim Larry Zohn
2019 CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS Aliette Abo Sheila Berg Marc Berson Rance Block Ross Born Wendy Born Sam Bub Sylvia Bub Carol Bub Fromer Marilyn Claire Daniel Cohen Karen Dacey Scott Delin Iris Epstein Amy Fels Eileen Fischmann Brian Ford Barnet Fraenkel Gary Fromer Stewart Furmansky Jeffrey Gevirtz Lawrence Glaser Barry Halper
Robert Hammel Hillel Students Lafayette Lehigh Muhlenberg Allen Juda Chelsea Karp Beth Kozinn Beth Kushnick Merry Landis Suzanne Lapiduss Paul Lemberg Eva Levitt Lawrence Levitt Moshe Markowitz William Markson Jeannie Miller Michael Miller James Mueth Taffi Ney Mark Notis Lota Post Elaine Rappaport-Bass
Lynn Rothman Mark Scoblionko Amy Silverman Nicole Smith Frank Tamarkin Tama Tamarkin Eileen Ufberg Michael Ufberg Robert Wax Arthur Weinrach Deborah Wiener Robert Wilson Israel Zighelboim Valeska Zighelboim Kathy Zimmerman
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Pigs go kosher for 6th Annual Jewish Heritage Night
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JCC celebrates a successful year 1
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7 PHOTO CAPTIONS 1. Executive Director Eric Lightman (left) and Stuart Krawitz (right) stand with award recipient Rance Block (middle) as he accepts his award. 2. Guests of the Annual Meeting congratulate Kathy Zimmerman and welcome Brian Ford. 3. Stuart Krawitz introduces a special “Years of Service” award to Rance Block, who has served over 30 years on the JCC Board. 4. Honorary President Bobby Hammel and Executive Director Eric Lightman give outgoing President Kathy Zimmerman gifts during the Annual Meeting. 5. JCC staff members Brenda Finberg and Jodi Lovenwirth sit down to enjoy breakfast. 6. Eric Lightman and Kathy Zimmerman give out “Years of Service” awards to board members ending their terms. 7. Jodi Lovenwirth (right) gives out swimming awards as part of the Wellness Awards at the Annual Meeting.
Allentown & Lebanon Allentown & Wilkes-Barre
Unlimited time. Unlimited mileage. No cost to you.
8. Breakfast at the Annual Meeting included a bagel spread and coffee. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2019 21
JEWISH DESTINATIONS
A life-changing year with Kivunim
By Benjamin Wilson Special to HAKOL Last year, I was fortunate to experience the gap year program, Kivunim. The program focuses on breaking down the participants’ preconceptions about the world, particularly about Israel and the Jewish community. International travel and cross-cultural dialogue are large components, with the goal of students forging a lifelong connection to Israel and the Jewish people. This is accomplished through intentionally designed travel experiences
and contact with the spectrum of religious traditions, cultures and world views throughout our 2,000-year-old Diaspora. The founder of Kivunim, Peter Geffen, was inspired by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel while working in the south of the United States during the Civil Rights Era. Heschel told Geffen, “You must teach the children a Judaism that can re-make the world,” and Kivunim is his way of doing that. Israel provides a challenging and inspirational setting for appreciating the possibilities of
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Muslim-Jewish coexistence and informs the broader encounter with the other. Everything is questioned and nothing is off limits to the program, which means pushing its participants to think critically about their history and people. An event as straightforward as Masada was scrutinized by our guide and educators. This mindset of questioning even the unquestionable is one of the most unique aspects of the program. The hope of this would be to make its students comfortable with any situation or stigma that they may encounter
no matter how significant. Our home base for most of the year was Beit Schmuel, a hostel near the old city of Jerusalem. I experienced Kivunim with 56 others. We studied, lived, ate and immersed ourselves in Israel together. On our off-weekends, we traveled the country, marveling in the beauty and wonder of Israel. Spending time in Israel, I gained deeper religious and emotional connections. Positioned equidistant from the old city and the city built beyond the walls, I had the ability to engage in both the religious and cultural epicenters—from Bakashot, with Hebrew songs and prayers sung by Moroccan and Middle Eastern Jews in the early hours of the morning, to visiting Mea Shearim, to shopping at the Mamilla Mall. I have celebrated singular Jewish holidays on previous trips to Israel, but to see and participate in the progression of holidays and the rhythm of Jewish life was particularly meaningful. I felt as close as possible to living like an Israeli without making aliyah. I went to the shuk for happy hour, dined at Azura, shopped for groceries at Supersal, mastered the public transportation system, polished my Hebrew, traveled all over the country, partied in the street on Purim, ate sufganiyot, argued with cab drivers and bargained with shopkeepers. I had the great fortune to be exposed to scholars, artists, clergy and educators ranging from the deputy mayor of Jerusalem, to the head Waqf Judge of the Muslim community in Israel. Some of the most memorable include Gershon Baskin, Shaul from Roots and Ruth Calderon. Gershon Baskin worked indirectly with Israeli intelligence and played a crucial role as negotiator in the release of Gilad Shalit. Shaul is a settler in the Gush Etzion region who is working with Palestinians in order to establish long lasting peace. Lastly, Ruth Calderon was responsible for creating the first secular Yeshiva in Israel and specializes in TANAKH and Judaism adapting to secular life. Every Sunday, our group went on an educational trip in coordination with our curriculum. These trips included different
speakers, beautiful views and challenging conversations. While some trips were more interesting than others, I took something out of them all. A few favorites were the Meshulash or “the Triangle,” Sde Boker, and the Gush Etzion Region. The Meshulash is an area where the border wall separates the village Barta’a right down the middle, causing one side to be in Israel controlled territory and the other to be in limbo. To finish our trip, we stayed in Sde Boker for three days and recapped our year, but the location of Ben Gurion’s grave and the desert were quite beautiful. Lastly, the Gush Etzion region is an area outside of Jerusalem, where we saw how the Israeli government and settlements work in tandem to divide the West Bank. Before each trip abroad, we studied each culture in-depth and from many different angles. We learned about the historical context of each place we visited and had a frame of reference before we arrived. It was a fascinating juxtaposition to study about ancient cultures and contrast that with observing contemporary Jewish life in the countries we visited. I am sure that due to these lectures and programs, the impact of each trip was much heightened. At the end of the year, I received a siddur inscribed with the following words: “May this siddur, familiar to some, alien to others, become a lifelong possession. Opened often or seldom, in moments of joy or sorrow, with powerful memories of synagogues across the world into which it and you have entered.” Opening the siddur, I am flooded with the memories of different cultures, languages, foods and experiences. This does hold true: one small book taken all over the world connecting me to the Jewish people in a way nothing else could. I hope you, dear readers, are beginning to understand the life-changing experience that is Kivunim—10 months, 12 countries, 55,178 miles and countless memories. Editor’s Note: Ben will be writing a series of articles over the next few months detailing different aspects of his experiences and travels from his year with Kivunim.
JEWISH DESTINATIONS
Searching for my family’s roots in Europe By Rabbi Allen Juda Special to HAKOL Seventy-four years after the Shoah, painful discoveries about the Holocaust are still coming to light. Modern companies uncover the use of slave labor and worse in their records. And for some of us, the personal stories of loved ones continue to raise questions about the details of what happened to our ancestors. My parents, grandparents, in-laws and many great-uncles, -aunts and their families all experienced the Holocaust. Obviously, some survived, and many perished. This spring, Toby and I traveled to Budapest, Vienna and Prague and took side tours to Terezin and Kosice, a small village near Prague. My maternal grandmother was born in Kosice, one of six siblings who survived childhood. As adults, the three sisters lived in Vienna. My grandparents and mother, with help from family in the United States, left Austria in September 1939. One great-aunt, Marta, and her husband, Franz, left for Palestine. The other great-aunt, Olga, and her husband, Isidor, also had the opportunity to leave for Palestine. Tragically, Isidor was a Hebrew teacher and felt that he wouldn’t be able to find work in Palestine, so they remained in Vienna. Toby and I visited several Jewish sites on our own, and one of them was the Stadttemple Synagogue in Vienna, which remains an active shul. Located there is a memorial to the 65,000 Austrian Jews murdered in the Shoah. The main exhibit is a series of rotating slate tablets with the names of the victims, and in front of the memorial is a book with all the names printed. There, I found my great-aunt and -uncle listed: Isidor and Olga Schlinger. Many ancestors made fateful decisions that led to life or death. Shortly before leaving on our trip, my sister sent me a picture of a return address on an envelope sent by my greatuncle Oskar, one of my grandmother’s brothers, from Terezin. This confirmed, at least in part, information we had that all three brothers and families may have passed through Terezin, two families on their way to Auschwitz. Terezin was the “model” concentration camp, used by the Nazis for propaganda purposes and shown to the Red Cross to prove that stories of death camps were an exaggeration. Terezin was in reality a transition camp, a Czech village where Jews and others were crowded into former apartments on their way to being murdered. Although street names and numbers have been changed in the village, our guide was able to show us the street where Oskar was living when he wrote the letter for which we still have the envelope. As I stood in the street photographing the buildings on both sides, a most uncomfortable thought occurred to me. The main reason I had wanted
Representation of living quarters in Terezin.
Rabbi Allen Juda stands at his great-grandparents’ graves.
to see Terezin was because my paternal grandparents, Isidor and Selma Juda, who somehow survived the experience, spent a few years in Terezin. They were German Jews transported from a small village, Kirch Goens, near Frankfort. We have the yellow stars they had to wear, as well as their armbands, which are stamped and embroidered “Terezin.” According to the information we have, my grandparents left for Terezin in May 1942 and may have been there until the end of the war. How did they survive when so many others did not? Is it possible that they received some consideration because my grandfather had been wounded as a German soldier during World War I? Or was it just luck? My parents did not meet and marry until years after the Holocaust. So my paternal grandparents were not even distantly related to my maternal great-uncles, -aunts and cousins while they were all in Terezin. But did they know each other? Was there any way in which they could help or harm each
from pictures we have from the 1930s. In a small Jewish cemetery which served several villages, we saw the tombstones of my great-grandparents, Alois and Josephine Reinisch and my great-great-grandmother, Rosalie Adler Lowy, as well as several other Lowys going back to the middle of the 18th century.
other? I highly doubt that I will ever find the answers to these or many other questions. Our trip to the village of Kosice was also enlightening. The house where my grandmother grew up still stands. The buildings where my greatgrandparents and great-greatgrandparents had a restaurant are unchanged on the outside
Today, Budapest, Vienna and Prague are beautiful, modern cities. We found kosher restaurants in each of them. We visited medieval and active synagogues in each of them. And we were able to affirm symbolically by our presence that despite the Holocaust and its lingering secrets, Jewish life and our families’ Jewish life continues.
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JDS hosts HRC Legacy Exhibit
By Stephanie Bolmer HAKOL Editor This spring, the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley transformed a spare classroom into a living history museum with the help of Shari Spark, coordinator of the Holocaust Resource Center. The HRC’s Legacy Exhibit typically visits 10 to 12 classrooms each year. This time, it was JDS’s turn to bring the history of the Holocaust to life. Along with Spark, JDS middle school students helped make some of the dioramas and displays that supplemented the HRC's many museum-
quality items. There were also students trained as docents to guide tours, which were open to community members during set hours. The students and community members who visited the exhibit also had the benefit of Holocaust survivors telling about their and their family’s experiences firsthand. One such volunteer was Eduardo Eichenwald, who was on hand to recount many stories, such as about his grandfather who was a cantor at a synagogue in Germany attacked during Kristallnacht. On May 8, there were half a dozen community members crowded into the classroom overflowing with artifacts, photographs and reproductions of World War II-era documents. “The middle school exhibit is interactive. It’s meant for students to walk through,” explained Spark. The mood was somber as those gathered did just that, being led from item to item by the
two student docents and Eichenwald. The group reflected on what they would do if they were faced with living in a society where such a stranglehold was placed on one’s every move, or what items they would bring with them if they were forced to pack all of their worldly possessions into one tiny suitcase. They also learned about those who resisted the Nazis, now known as “upstanders.” Spark explained that “upstander” is a new term, replacing the word “rescuer” in the vernacular of Holocaust history, because educators want to emphasize that anyone can stand up to evil. “That’s a very, very, very brave thing to do when you have no idea what the consequences will be,” Naomi Schachter, a JDS parent taking the tour, commented to the other visitors.
KI offers adult Hebrew and bar/bat mitzvah courses By Alan Salinger Congregation Keneseth Israel Borrowing from a wonderful article written by our latest adult Hebrew class, “it’s never too late to learn, refresh or improve your Hebrew skills.” KI is again offering its adult Hebrew and bar/bat mitzvah class, taught by Alan Salinger, to begin in September. If learning or improving Hebrew skills has been something that you’ve wanted to do, this is your opportunity. The “Basic Hebrew” program will have two separate components: “Basic Hebrew,” beginning in September 2019 using the book “Aleph Isn’t Tough, Hebrew for Adults Book 1,” and “Bar/Bat Mitzvah
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Preparation” beginning in January 2020, culminating with a bar/bat mitzvah in Spring 2020. Students can take one or both of the classes depending on their interests and abilities. For students who have little or no Hebrew education and want to pursue the bar/bat mitzvah path, both program components will be needed. For students who have some facility in Hebrew and might need a little brushing up, the bar/bat mitzvah component will be enough. Another alternative is selecting the “Basic Hebrew” course without continuing on to the bar/bat mitzvah preparation. The cost of each of the components is $125. For students in both the Hebrew and
bar/bat mitzvah classes, the total cost will be $250. This year, we will also be offering an intermediate program for students with Hebrew skills, using the text “Aleph Isn’t Enough, Hebrew for Adults, Book 2.” The class will cover a chapter a week, for a total 10-12 weeks. The cost will be $125. For both classes, the days and times will be set once the students’ availabilities are known. Anyone interested in the programs should contact the KI office at 610-435-9074. To facilitate our planning and programming, please call us with any questions or interest at your earliest convenience.
LETTERS FROM A LONE SOLDIER
A hot and busy summer
Helaina with her friend from her garin, Max Silverstein, when he visited her on base. By Helaina Zahn Special to HAKOL These past two months have been hot. I looked up the average temperature in Allentown for the summer, and it seems to be in the 80s. Those are the temperatures that I dream about! Here in the Jordan Valley where my kibbutz is located, our averages tend to be anywhere from 96 to 99 degrees. Someone please save me from the heat! Despite the intense heat of the north, down south on my base the temperature is much the same but lacks one key component that makes walking around my kibbutz feel like you just want to jump into a pool. My base is located in the desert, and there is no humidity here! Thank goodness! So, I travel between north and south, both with the same hot temperatures, but one is humid and one is tolerable because it is dry. I spend most of my time on the base, and this past month, a lot of new people have been coming in and out of my base. This is because the majority of courses are finishing quite soon. Before you are qualified to do a job in the army, you must (very similar to real-life work) take a course or several courses to demonstrate your ability to do the job. In the Air Force, the courses are held on a base in Haifa, and then for two weeks they take the "soldiers in training" to a base to see what their job will look like once they complete the course and start regular work. I was so fortunate to have a friend, Max, from my garin (the group of people I made aliyah with and currently live on the
kibbutz with) who is doing a course to work on engines and was placed on my base for his two weeks. Pictured are Max and me. It was so nice that he was here with me, even if it was only for a short while. I got to take him around my base and see some of his work as a technician. I think it might have hurt my Hebrew a little because I was speaking so much English for those two weeks, but it was worth it to have someone here who really knows my experience. The last day that Max was on my base we had a pool party. I know that is not what you were envisioning when you thought “army.” My base also has a village that houses families, so therefore we have a pool that everyone is welcome to use. This pool party was held to celebrate the ending of the first period of the year of 2019. Twice a year, my base has a celebration for the first half and the second half of every year. There is a pool party in the summer, and I haven't been here for the winter yet, so I can't tell you what happens. That night, our base had a big ceremony to give certificates to all those who received mitz'tai-en. This word means that you have been noticed by your commanders and officers to be the top of your division or unit. It is a great honor to get, but at the same time I find it a little funny because they start giving out mitz'taien to people in kindergarten. It is kind of like that gold star you got for being the best behaved for the week. Although in this case, it is the army, and you are being picked out of everyone in your division.
My friend Yehuda got picked from the Logistics Division. He is a driver and is also a lone soldier. Our situations, how we found our status of lone soldier, are drastically different. I immigrated and am without parents whereas his family is in the country because he was born here. He has the status of a lone soldier because he doesn't have any connection with his family or support from them since he left his sect of Judaism and his family is still Haredi. I find it very interesting to hear the different stories of how people became lone soldiers. There was so much more that happened over the summer months, like the Tel Aviv Pride Parade, my brother doing Birthright and extending his trip to visit me, celebrating Shavuot with vegans (traditionally a dairy holiday so this was very hard, by the way), going to a “Fun Day” in a water park with all the lone soldiers in the army, and celebrating July 4th in Israel, and more! I don’t have enough room to tell you about every experience I have been having here, so I guess you’ll just have to come see Israel for yourself! Helaina Zahn is an Allentown native who attended Hebrew school at Temple Beth El and graduated from Parkland High School. She graduated from Temple University before making aliyah and joining the IDF.
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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2019 25
Lehigh Valley kids love camp!
Above left, a snapshot taken on a recent visit to Pinemere Camp by Federation Executive Director Jeri Zimmerman. Above right, showing off an art project at Camp Gan Israel. Left, Camp JCC Pioneers making “snow.� Below left, hanging out at Pinemere. Below right, mastering archery at Camp JCC.
PJ Library families explore gardening
By Alyssa Pure Temple Beth El On Sunday, June 30, PJ Library families gathered at the Temple Beth El community garden. We painted planters, and while they dried in the sun, we explored the garden. We found vegetables that were growing and buds beginning to bloom. We also learned the importance of donating the food to those in need. 26 JULY/AUGUST 2019 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Next, it was time for a taste test. We tried our old standbys of tomatoes, green beans and sugar snap peas. Then we became adventurous, trying new things like kohlrabi and pea shoots from a local farm and, most interestingly, edible flowers! After our pots were dry, we filled them with soil and seeds to grow our very own gardens and finished the morning with a favorite PJ story and playtime.
Summer camp found in Hillel retreat
By Chloe Goldstein Muhlenberg Hillel Stepping foot onto Hope Lake Lodge in Cortland, New York, for my Hillel retreat called “Dwell,” I instantly immersed myself into a familiar environment: Jewish community united through beauty and relaxation. I’m not sure if the rustic cabins or the tall blades of grass that outlined a faraway lake rekindled the camp spirit, but something in between the nature and human connection ignited a comforting spark. If the term “summer camp” elicits nostalgia mixed with the scent of sunscreen and vast starry nights on a back porch, you are not alone. Summer camp language is embedded into Jewish culture. Subsequently after the Jewish small talk of “Where are you from?”, it usually proceeds with “Did you go to camp? Where did you go?” This topic is not only communal but transcendent. Within the Jewish
world, summer camp has become a gateway for independence, Jewish exploration, friendship, love and adventure. I have not been back to summer camp since 2015, my last year as a camp counselor at Crane Lake Camp in the Berkshires, however, I rediscovered the camp feeling through my recent work retreat, an unforgettable experience. I recognize my privilege in writing about camp. I am fortunate to have attended several summers at URJ camps both as a camper and as a counselor and that my parents encouraged both my sister and I to attend. Camp is a luxury. Now, looking back, I see how each summer spent molded me into the curious and caring person I am today. Camp taught me structure: how to fill a day with blocks of time between sports, arts and instructional swimming to furiously writing letters on a bunk bed to evening programs right before bed
time. I fell into a rhythmic routine. I relived a similar structure at my work retreat. One of the sessions I attended was a writing reflection with the task of writing a blessing for the new year. Mine was, “May next year be a year of growth, purpose and intentional living.” The word “intentional” stems from my camp experience, where I lived each and every moment plugged in to activity and soaking up opportunity. Camp strengthened my relationship to Judaism. Every song I learned, beautifully strummed along with a guitar while sitting on a bench in the warmth, connected me to my religious side, a muscle stretched more and more each summer. This, too, was revived through swaying and chiming into camp melodies at the work retreat with my fellow colleagues. Lastly, camp helped me to venture out of my comfort zone; to rock climb a little higher than the previous year, to laugh harder and, most importantly, to be my most authentic self, full of love, compassion and silliness. This retreat was special not only in supporting my professional development skills, but also in reminding myself that I’m never too old for camp and that feeling never quite dwindles.
Book review: ‘Refugee’ By Sean Boyle JDS Librarian Alan Gratz’s award winning historical fiction book, “Refugee” is based on the stories of three child refugees and their families’ journeys to seek safety in new countries. First is Josef and his family’s escape from Germany in 1939 aboard the MS St. Louis as part of the 937 Jewish refugees seeking passage to Cuba. Next is Isabel and her family’s attempt to reach the U.S. on a raft from Cuba in 1994. Last is Mahmoud and his family’s journey to Germany from Syria in 2015. Gratz weaves a complete story that demonstrates shared fears and heartaches as he interchanges the stories among the narrators. We experience the families’ determination and perseverance to continue their journeys. We feel Josef’s emotions when he discovers Nazi party members are part of the St. Louis’ crew. When Isabel’s raft’s engine stops in the middle of the ocean, the reader experiences her fear. We endure the increased anxiety as Mahmoud’s family continues to be told, “tomorrow,” while they wait for smugglers to take them to Greece. Ever since Gratz discovered the challenges of his paternal ancestor, who arrived in the U.S. in the early 1860s, he’s been interested in learning about Judaism and has included Jewish characters in most of his books. Gratz’s personal understanding of his relative’s decision to hide his faith motivates his research and writing. One of his explorations about Judaism was the real-life story of the 1939 journey of the MS St. Louis, and, although there
has been a lot written about the journey and its passengers, books for younger readers were lacking. While vacationing with his family in the Florida Keys, they found a Cuban refugee raft abandoned on the beach. This led him to think about Cuban refugees and their plight in the 90s. The currency of the Syrian refugee situation inspired Gratz to combine the three refugee situations into one book. Although the characters are not real historic figures, Gratz’s research confirms that everything they experience actually occurred during those same time periods. His characters are a culmination of the hundreds and thousands of real refugee experiences. Highly recommended for ages 10-120. A copy of “Refugee” is available at the Jewish Day School Library. “Refugee” (Gratz, Alan, New York, Scholastic, 2017, 340p.)
PJ Library Family of the Month:
THE MOND FAMILY
Yossi and Tobey get so excited when our PJ Library books arrive. They enjoy reading them to each other over and over. - THE MOND FAMILY To learn more about PJ Library and register to receive free Jewish-themed books for children from 6 months through 8 years, visit www.pjlibrary.org.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2019 27
PA House of Representatives celebrates Israel’s birthday
A milestone graduation celebration for Bedouin youth in Israel The Jewish Agency for Israel Editor’s Note: The Jewish Agency for Israel is an overseas partner of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. The Federation’s Annual Campaign helps to fund this and other Jewish Agency programs.
State Rep. Mike Schlossberg presents a unanimous proclamation celebrating Israel’s 71st birthday to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley board and staff during the Federation’s Board of Directors meeting in May. Pictured, from left: Aaron Gorodzinsky, Jeri Zimmerman, Rep. Mike Schlossberg, Eva Levitt, Eric Fels, Gary Fromer and Carol Bub Fromer.
Ringel Lecture shines light on palliative care Dr. Jenni Levy addresses the audience assembled for the 2019 Phyllis Ringel Memorial Lecture brunch hosted by Jewish Family Service on the importance and availability of palliative care. Palliative care helps alleviate pain and stress for patients facing serious illness and their families.
In June, 22 students celebrated an impressive personal and historic milestone at Neve Midbar-Nitzana, the Jewish Agency for Israel’s youth village and boarding school catering to Bedouin high schoolers: graduation. These students made up the first-ever graduating class from the Bedouin youth village school. Throughout Israel, the Jewish Agency has founded several youth villages with distinct programs to help young people coming from underserved communities or coping with severe emotional, behavioral and familial challenges. The youth villages are crucial facilities that provide much-needed education, intervention and healing in a positive environment. Over the course of the past four years, students at Neve Midbar-Nitzana received specialized attention from 50 dedicated instructors and staff members and enjoyed a diverse educational curriculum. “The youth village gave me life tools so it will be easier for me in the future,’’ said Majed Daraja, a graduate from the town of Bir Hadaj. “It’s important to me that my family is proud of me.” Students at the youth village studied core academic subjects, agriculture and ecology. The school’s educational environment respects Bedouin culture, builds leadership and cultivates the values of the State of Israel: democracy,
equality, civics and social activism. And now, these students are prepared to enter Israeli society, pursue employment and make an impact on the Bedouin community. “The Neve Midbar-Nitzana youth village is creating the next generation of Bedouin leadership in Israel,” said Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog. “The curriculum at Nitzana enables students to get to know all sectors of Israeli society, empower their communities through the tools they acquire at the village and integrate into Israel’s diverse mosaic.” Currently, Neve Midbar-Nitzana serves 100 children from homes in Bedouin towns and unrecognized Bedouin villages. Although much of their instruction is conducted in Arabic, Neve Midbar students also master Hebrew as one of their primary points of entry into Israeli society. “The next generation of the Bedouin community deserves an environment that is inclusive and supportive — one that propels individuals. With financial support from the Jewish Diaspora, the Jewish Agency has made strengthening all demographic groups in Israel one of its flagship goals,’’ said Herzog.
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Israeli students spreading love By Rotem Bar Community Shlicha I love the fact that, in almost every step of life the “average Israeli” takes, there is an opportunity to do something good—things like giving back to the community and the country by helping the elderly, those with special needs, new immigrants or the environment. At every crossroad I took in life, there was a program, a project, an act of kindness I could participate in, from my bat mitzvah to high school to my army service and studying in university. Tikkun olam is such a big part of our DNA that everywhere you are there is an amazing project you can be part of. Students all over Israel are spreading love and kindness by volunteering and taking part in innovative projects. Two projects that are happening now which I think are wonderful are at Shenkar College of Engineering, Design and Art and Ben Gurion University of
the Negev. If you want to study fashion in Israel, Shenkar College is definitely the place to be. Located in the center of Israel, in the city of Ramat Gan, many great Israeli designers are graduates of this school. This year, some fashion design students worked on a project where they put their skills to use to help Paralympic athletes. In a collaboration between Shenkar and the Israel Sports Association for the Disabled, students were able to create custom-made clothing for some of Israel’s Paralympic athletes. The athletes shared how it is not easy to find the right clothing for the sports field they are in while having their disability. The students were able to study the athletes’ movement and desires to create the perfect clothing for them. This is a great project that benefits both the students and the athletes. Another great project has been running for a few years now in the city of Be’er Sheva.
The Osim Rechov, or “Doing Street,” project is a joint initiative of the student union of Ben Gurion University of the Negev, the Be’er Sheva Municipality and the Negev development authority. The project is carried out in the old neighborhoods of Be'er Sheva, through joint action by residents and students. It contributes to connecting the local residents to the university students by strengthening the sense of belonging, as well as encouraging the residents' activity in the public sphere in which they live in. The guiding principles of this plan are derived from the “placemaking” concept, according to which the residents are responsible for the design of the space in which they live. At the basis of this planning concept, the community stands as an engine for urban renewal. The process is bi-directional: on the one hand, it produces a more beautiful and inviting looking neighborhood, and, on the other hand, it brings together the local community
around a joint project. These two projects are just some of the hundreds of projects in which students in Israel take part. I think one of the best
things about Israelis is their willingness to step up and help one another, and seeing that in so many universities across the country is truly inspiring.
INGREDIENTS: 1 envelope kosher plain gelatin 1/4 c. lemon juice 2 large egg yolks 6 tbs. sugar 1/4 c. sugar 1 c. fresh orange juice 1 1/2 tbs. grated orange rind Sprinkle of salt 1 1/4 tsp. pure vanilla 2 large egg whites 1 c. heavy cream, whipped Chocolate toffee for decoration TECHNIQUE: Sprinkle the gelatin over the lemon juice until softened. Beat yolks with 6 tbs. sugar. Whisk the juice, rind, salt and vanilla into the yolks, then pour into a saucepan. Cook, stirring until slightly thick—be sure it does not boil. Remove from heat and whisk in gelatin until dissolved. Chill just until it sets. Beat the whites until stiff with the remaining sugar. Alternate folding in whites and cream until blended. Chill for at least 6 hours. Decorate with coarsely crushed Skor or Heath bars.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2019 29
Community Calendar To list an event in the Community Calendar, submit your information on our website, www.jewishlehighvalley.org, under the “Upcoming Events” menu.
required, limited space available. RSVP to KI at 610-435-9074 or register at kilv.org.
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.
7:30 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace The hills are alive with the sound of Shabbas. With psalms we have sung for a thousand years. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Easton Jewish community.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
Sound of Music Shabbat
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30
Black Tie on Broadway Shabbat
7:30 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace Come hear Shabbat prayers sung to your favorite Broadway tunes. Featuring Broadway pianist Michael G. Tornick! Black tie optional. Champagne and French pastry oneg! Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Easton Jewish community. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13 THURSDAY, JULY 25
Kids Night Out: Milk, Cookies, & Stories
6:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley A FREE summer event series just for kids! Join us for four events this season at the J. Come dressed in your PJs as we enjoy a story and a snack. Be sure to bring a book to exchange with a friend! RSVP: lvjcc.org/kidsnight. Contact: Lisa Yoskowitz lyoskowitz@lvjcc.org FRIDAY, JULY 26
Early Shabbat Service & Potluck
6 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel RSVP to KI 610-435-9074 with what you will be bringing. No desserts please. FRIDAY, JULY 26
Dancing Shabbat
7:30 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace Dust off your dancing shoes and join us for an evening of dance and prayer. No prior experience necessary, we’ll teach you as we go! Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Easton Jewish community. TUESDAY, JULY 30
Israeli Food Tasting
6 to 8 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley Get a sampling of Israeli food and culture as the four teens visiting from our Partnership2Gether region of Yoav prepare dishes that are close to their homes and hearts. LVKC supervised, free and open to everyone. RSVP to the Jewish Federation at 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org. Sponsored by Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and its Partnership2Gether program. FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
Shabbat Through the Ages
7:30 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace From age-old melodies to present day all in one service led by guest artist Katyah Gohr. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Easton Jewish community. TUESDAY, AUGUST 6
Jewish Family Service: Schmooze & Schmear
10:30 to 11:45 a.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley Join facilitators Sam Bub and Leon Zoller in this new group for retired men to come together for some conversation and a bite to eat. There is no cost to attend. Please contact Chelsea Karp at 610-351-9953 to arrange for transportation if you would like to participate. THURSDAY, AUGUST 8
Kids Night Out: Yoga Under the Stars
Kids Night Out: Messy Art Night
6:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley A FREE summer event series just for kids! Join us for four events this season at the J. An opportunity to let your child’s creativity explode! From painting with marbles to painting with shaving cream! RSVP: lvjcc.org/kidsnight. Contact: Lisa Yoskowitz lyoskowitz@lvjcc.org FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
Early Shabbat Service & Potluck
6 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel RSVP to KI 610-435-9074 with what you will be bringing. No desserts please. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
Rock Shabbat
7:30 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace We’re going to rock around the clock tonight with The Main Street Cruisers. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Easton Jewish community. FRIDAY, AUGUST 23
Hava Nashira Shabbat
7:30 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace Let us sing the night away to Friedman, Nichols, Nelson, Aronson and more! Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Easton Jewish community.
Say Cheese: Make & Taste with an Israeli Cheese Expert
7 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel Come learn about cheese making in Israel and prepare your own Labane cheese with Liat Efraim, a cheese-making expert from our Partnership2Gether region of Yoav. $18 to attend. RSVP 30 JULY/AUGUST 2019 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
7 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel Call KI at 610-435-9074 for more information. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
LUNCH & LEARN The American Dream: Lehigh Valley Jewish Families and the Textile Industry
12 to 1:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley Hear from the male members of the Jewish community who built successful textile production businesses and made their living in the Greater Lehigh Valley. Muhlenberg Professors Gail Eisenberg and Susan Clemens return to share even more of the oral history they’ve collected. Many local community members will be featured. $12 for lunch and program. RSVP to 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv. org or register online at www.jewishlehighvalley.org. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
The Israeli Elections: What’s Next?
10 to 11:30 a.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley With no government formed after the election this spring, Israel has taken the unusual step to call new elections for Sept. 17. Come find out what makes this election different from all other elections with featured speaker Rotem Bar, the Lehigh Valley’s Israeli shlicha. $10 for brunch and program. RSVP to the Jewish Federation at 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
PJ Celebrates Rosh Hashanah
Welcome Back BBQ
5 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel Reconnect after summer, meet new members, and say hello to old friends. FREE. Must RSVP so we know how much food to get: 610-435-9074 or online at kilv.org. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28
14th Annual Brith Sholom Golf Outing and Barbecue
1 p.m., Locust Valley Golf Club, Coopersburg 14th Annual Brith Sholom Golf Outing and Barbecue, in memory of Jerry Hausman, founder of the event and long-time community supporter. Contests and prizes featuring two hole-in-one contests – for a new 2019 Lexus UX 250h and a chance to win $1 million! The golf is great ... the kosher steak and chicken barbecue dinner even better. 1 p.m. shotgun start; scramble format; 6 p.m. dinner. Cost: $150 per person includes cart, greens fee and dinner (discount: $500 per foursome). $50 per person for those attending dinner only. To reserve a spot, contact Tammy at 610-866-8009. Sponsorships available: contact Co-chairs Steve Bergstein (sbergstein@ewblaw.net) and Jay Fisher (jfisher916@aol.com).
6:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley A FREE summer event series just for kids! Join us for four events this season at the J. Join us outside as we practice our mindfulness skills! You bring the yoga mat (or towel) and we’ll provide the instructor and refreshments! RSVP: lvjcc.org/kidsnight. Contact: Lisa Yoskowitz lyoskowitz@lvjcc.org THURSDAY, AUGUST 8
Mussar
3 to 5 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley Take a “ride” through Israel with Engineer Ari on a Rosh Hashanah Story walk. Visit different “stations” as you enjoy Rosh Hashanah activities, crafts, snacks and, of course, a PJ Library story. Stations designed by our Israeli shlicha Rotem Bar. Free. RSVP to Abby Trachtman at 610-821-5500 or abbyt@jflv.org. TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17
LIFE & LEGACY Year 2 Celebration
6:30p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley To recognize and celebrate our community’s generosity and the wonderful success of the LIFE & LEGACY program in the Lehigh Valley. Contact Jim Mueth at 610-821-5500 or jim@jflv.org to learn more. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Harvest 5K Run/Walk
1:30 p.m. registration, 3;30 p.m. race, Cedar Beach Park, Allentown Also includes a 1 mile fun run and virtual race. Proceeds benefit Central Elementary School. Enjoy big discounts on team registration. Pay $25 for first four members and $10 for each additional member up to 15 members per team. Register by Aug. 31 and get a free shirt.
Celebrate the beauty of Shabbat
with Cantor Wartell
FRIDAYS 8-9:30 AM WMUH 91.7 muhlenberg.edu/wmuh 484.664.3456
Shabbat & Yom Tov Candlelighting Times Friday, July 26
8:06 pm
Friday, August 16
7:41 pm
Friday, August 2
7:58 pm
Friday, August 23
7:31 pm
Friday, August 9
7:50 pm
Friday, August 30
7:20 pm
Ongoing Events SUNDAY to FRIDAY DAF YOMI 7:30 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Meeting all year long, this class covers the gamut of Talmudic law, studying one page of the Talmud each day, and completing the Talmud over the course of seven and a half years. Basic Jewish background is recommended. SUNDAYS
100,000 MILES/YR FOR KOSHER! First Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., Congregation Beth Avraham Open to all. Fascinating vignettes from a mashgiach who drives approximately 100,000 miles/year (yes, per year!) to keep the kosher supply chain intact. From rural Arkansas to frigid Nova Scotia, winter and summer, the demands are always there. Contact Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod, Kashruth Hotline (24/6), 610-9052166, rabbiyagod1@gmail.com.
siddur, learn about key prayers and continue our study of the te’amim (trope) for Torah and Haftarah. Required texts: “JPS English TaNaKh” or “Etz Hayyim Chumash,” “Aleph Isn’t Tough” (AnT) 1 & 2, Torah/Haftarah trope book. ORTHODOX JEWISH LIVING: WHAT IS IT & HOW? 8 p.m. Contact Rabbi Yizchok I. Yagod, 610-905-2166, rabbiyagod1@ gmail.com. THURSDAYS
JEWISH WAR VETERANS POST 239 2nd Sunday of the month, 10 a.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley Veterans and their significant others are invited as the guest of the Ladies Auxiliary. Come and enjoy comradeship; we’ll even listen to your “war stories.” A brunch follows each meeting. Questions? Contact Commander Sheila Berg at 610360-1267 or sh-berg1@hotmail. com. TEFILLIN CLUB & ADULT HEBREW SCHOOL 9:30 a.m. Tefillin; 10 to 11 a.m. Adult Hebrew, Chabad Tefillin is for Jewish men and boys over the age of bar mitzvah, to learn about, and gain appreciation for, the rich and enriching Jewish practice – the mitzvah – of donning tefillin. Contact 610-351-6511. TALMUD CLASS FOR BEGINNERS! 10 to 11 a.m., Congregation Beth Avraham of Bethlehem-Easton For information,contact Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod at 610-905-2166. TUESDAYS TORAH STUDY 12:30 p.m., at the home of Cindy Daniels, Easton Join Rabbi Melody of TCP to delve into the heart and soul of the Torah and how it applies to your life! No knowledge of Hebrew is necessary, nor is registration. Contact 610-2532031 for information. YACHAD TORAH STUDY GROUP 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley It doesn’t matter how much you know, it matters how much you want to know. Bring your curiosity to Yachad’s Torah study group and discover the wonders, adventures and meaning of the Torah. Moderated by lay leaders. Held in the front gallery at the JCC. Email barbart249@ aol.com for information. J-DAYS: CONNECTION CORNER AT THE J – YIDDUSH CLUB 2 to 3:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley Enjoy fun, fellowship, stories and more. Discuss topics like cooking, humor, music and all kinds of entertainment in the Yiddish language. Join other adults to experience similar interests. Register for the year and participate in as many of the weekly activities as you would like. $5/season or register for a full year: $18/ year. JCC members: free. Register with the JCC Welcome Desk or call 610-435-3571. Contact Amy Sams for more information about J-Days at 610-435-3571 ext. 182 or asams@ lvjcc.org.
WEDNESDAYS 101 JUDAISM CLASS 10 a.m., Temple Covenant of Peace Join Rabbi Melody for the 101 Judaism Class. All welcome! Contact 610-253-2031 for information. J-DAYS: CONNECTION CORNER AT THE J – MAH JONGG 1 to 3:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley Drop in for a friendly game of mahj and conversation. Join other adults to experience similar interests. Register for the year and participate in as many of the weekly activities as you would like. $5/season or register for a full year: $18/year. JCC members: free. Register with the JCC Welcome Desk or call 610-435-3571. Contact Amy Sams for more information about J-Days at 610-435-3571 ext. 182 or asams@lvjcc.org. KNITTING WITH FERNE 1 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel Free and open; no experience needed. Ferne is delighted to teach newcomers to knitting and crocheting as well as confer on projects with those who have more experience. A lovely way to spend a Wednesday afternoon!
CHRONIC CONDITIONS GROUP 2nd Thursday of the month, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Jewish Family Service The group is open to anyone that is coping with living with a chronic condition and looking for others to share life issues and garner support. Co-led by Susan Sklaroff-VanHook and Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper. Call 610-821-8722 to learn more. There is no charge for the group. ECCLESIASTES: A TIME AND A SEASON 10:30 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel Join a welcoming group of KI members and their friends to discuss a variety of topics relevant to the Jewish lives we have -- or want to have. No prerequisites except an open mind and a willingness to listen to each other. For more information or to get on the email list, contact shari@kilv. org or call 610-435-9074. TORAH ON TILGHMAN 12:15 p.m., Allentown Wegmans Cantor Ellen Sussman of Temple Shirat Shalom leads a lunch and learn on the Torah. RSVP to contactus@ templeshiratshalom.com or 610820-7666. SHABBAT
HADASSAH STUDY GROUP Every other Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Temple Beth El Allentown Hadassah presents a stimulating series of short story seminars. All are welcome to attend these free sessions in the Temple Beth El library. The group will be reading selections from anthologies available from Amazon.com. For dates and stories, contact Marilyn Claire, mjclaire@ gmail.com, 610-972-7054. BETH AVRAHAM TORAH STUDY 7 p.m. Torah: It is the common heritage that binds all Jews together. Explore the ancient wisdom of Torah together. All are welcome. RSVP: Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod, 610-905-2166, rabbiyagod1@gmail.com. TORAH STUDIES: A WEEKLY JOURNEY INTO THE SOUL OF TORAH 7 p.m., Chabad of the Lehigh Valley Torah Studies by JLI presents: Season Two 5779: A 12-part series. Cost is $36 for the complete series (textbook included). For more information contact 610-351-6511 or rabbi@chabadlehighvalley.com. ADULT B’NEI MITZVAH PROGRAM 7:15 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom Goals: In part two of the adult b’nei mitzvah program, we will continue to improve our Hebrew reading skills, explore the structure of the
BEGINNER’S GEMARA 8 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Facilitated by Dr. Henry Grossbard, this is an excellent primer for developing the analytical tools necessary for in-depth study of the Talmud. CONTEMPORARY HALACHIC ISSUES FROM THE PARSHA 12 p.m., Congregation Sons of Israel This class takes Halachah from the weekly Torah portion and brings it to bear on some of the most pressing issues of our time. CHAVURAT TORAH STUDY Saturdays following kiddush lunch, Temple Beth El Taught by Shari Spark. No sign-up needed. Length of each class will vary. Enrich your Shabbat experience by studying the parashat hashavua, the weekly Torah portion. Questions? Email Shari at shari@ bethelallentown.org. WISDOM OF THE TALMUD 1 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom Join Rabbi Singer in a lively discussion about Jewish law, ethics, customs and history, as found in the pages of the Talmud, Masechet Brachot. This year we are continuing to focus on the roots of the Amidah and what blessings are said over different foods. Books are available for order. No previous Talmud study required.
Congregations BNAI ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE 1545 Bushkill St., Easton – 610.258.5343 Conservative SHABBAT MORNING services are Saturdays at 10 a.m. Java & Jeans - last Saturday of every month. CHABAD OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY 4457 Crackersport Rd., Allentown – 610.336.6603 Rabbi Yaacov Halperin, Chabad Lubavitch SHABBAT EVENING services are held once a month seasonally, SHABBAT MORNING services are held Saturdays at 10 a.m., RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes are held Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. CONGREGATION AM HASKALAH 1190 W. Macada Rd., Bethlehem – 610.435.3775 Rabbi Malkah Binah Klein, Reconstructionist Weekly Shabbat services and a monthly family service with potluck dinner. Religious school meets Sunday mornings. Email am.haskalah.office@ gmail.com to learn more. CONGREGATION BETH AVRAHAM 439 South Nulton Ave., Palmer Township – 610.905.2166 | Rabbi Yitzchok Yagod, Orthodox SHABBAT EVENING starts half an hour after candle lighting. SHABBAT MORNING starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by a hot kiddish. CONGREGATION BRITH SHOLOM 1190 W. Macada Rd., Bethlehem – 610.866.8009 Rabbi Michael Singer, Conservative MINYAN is at 7:45 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. on Shabbat and holidays. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at Brith Sholom and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. at Temple Beth El. CONGREGATION KENESETH ISRAEL 2227 Chew St., Allentown – 610.435.9074 Rabbi Seth D. Phillips, Reform Services begin at 7:30 pm every Friday night. The first Friday of the month is a birthday celebration. Religious School is held on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and runs from kindergarten through confirmation (10th grade). CONGREGATION SONS OF ISRAEL 2715 Tilghman St., Allentown – 610.433.6089 Orthodox SHACHARIT: Sundays at 8:30 a.m., Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:45 a.m. MINCHAH/MAARIV: 20 minutes before sunset. FRIDAY EVENING: 20 minutes before sunset, 7 p.m. in the summer. SHABBAT MORNING: 9 a.m. SHABBAT AFTERNOON: 90 minutes before dark. TEMPLE BETH EL 1305 Springhouse Rd., Allentown – 610.435.3521 Rabbi Moshe Re’em, Conservative WEEKDAY MORNING minyan services at 7:45 a.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. SHABBAT EVENING services at 7:30 p.m. with the last Friday evening of the month featuring our Shira Chadasha Service. SHABBAT MORNING services at 9:30 a.m. followed by kiddush. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes every Tuesday at 4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. Midrasha school classes Monday at 6:30 p.m. Shalshelet meets bimonthly on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Shalshelet (the chain) is open to ALL 10th, 11th and 12th grade students in the Lehigh Valley. For more information, contact Alicia Zahn, religious school director, at school@bethelallentown.org. TEMPLE COVENANT OF PEACE 1451 Northampton St., Easton – 610.253.2031 tcp@rcn.com; tcopeace.org Rabbi Melody Davis, Cantor Jill Pakman, Reform TCP holds Shabbat morning services at 10 a.m. Dinner with the Rabbi first Friday of the month at 6:15 p.m. Call 610-253-2031 to make reservations. Second Friday of the month is Family Shabbat at 7:30 p.m. For more information about our Temple and activities, see our website at www.tcopeace. org or look us up on Facebook. TEMPLE ISRAEL OF LEHIGHTON 194 Bankway Str. Lehighton – 610-379-9591 Pluralistic Shabbat evening services are held monthly beginning with potluck at 6:30 p.m. followed by services at 7:30 p.m. All regular monthly events can be found at templeisraeloflehighton.com. TEMPLE SHIRAT SHALOM 610.706.4595 | Cantor Ellen Sussman, Reform TSS meets in congregants’ homes once per month and at Cantor Sussman’s home once per month. Call Cantor Sussman for details. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2019 31
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THE BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR! Thursday, November 21, 2019 @ 7 PM
Live at ArtsQuest’s Musikfest Café
Get your tickets now! www.jewishlehighvalley.org/hatikva6
Co-chairs: Aliette Abo Lauren Rabin Carol Steinberg Tickets: $100 Wine, Dessert & Valet Parking Sponsorship opportunities: Starting at $500