HAKOL - July/August 2023

Lehigh Valley and Yoav leaders meet in Israel to celebrate 20 years of Partnership2Gether and plan the future.

JFLV 2023 CAMPAIGN HONOR ROLL p9-11

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE p17

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER p14-15

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New task force will help older adults age at home

By Rabbi Allen Juda Chair of the Older Adults Task Force

Cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead once wrote, “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”

We are fortunate to have many caring members of the Lehigh Valley Jewish community, and one group has been working diligently since last summer to “change the world” for those aging in place. There is evidence from across the country that older adults prefer to remain in their own homes as long as possible rather than enter a long-term care residence. But people may need some help doing so.

Fortunately, our communal leaders recognize the need to provide more services to our growing population of older adults. In the spring of 2022, Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of the Jewish Fed-

eration of the Lehigh Valley, invited Debbie Zoller, executive director of Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley, to collaborate on the formation of an Older Adult Task Force. As I was completing five years as JFS president, I was honored that they asked me to serve as the chair. I have been interested and involved in local older adult issues for over 40 years.

Since October 2022, task force members, each of whom brings a unique perspective to the area of aging, have been researching best practices and programs for older adults who are aging in place in other JFS and Federation locations around the country. In order to be successful, we are rolling out services in one area at a time to further assess need and usage.

The task force agreed that the new initiative would be the formation of the JFS@ Home program.

The first pilot program is

Home Repairs and it has two components:

1. Home maintenance referrals

After extensive research into local home maintenance resources, professional services are available for those in need of a minor home repair. JFS will provide the names and contact information. If you prefer not to be alone in your home with the home maintenance professional, a JFS volunteer can be assigned to stay with you during the first scheduled meeting, and during follow-up appointments upon request. Limited financial assistance may be available if you meet eligibility criteria.

2. Leaf raking this fall

If you need assistance with leaf raking, JFS will organize volunteers on Sunday, November 12. The Hillel organizations at Lafayette Col-

lege in Easton, Lehigh University in Bethlehem and Muhlenberg College in Allentown have generously agreed to have their students help you.

We will keep you updated as we research more programs and services. Thank you to our task force members and generous donors for their commitment to enhancing services for Jewish older adults in the Lehigh Valley. The task force plans to hold some focus group meetings this fall to hear directly from our older adults what additional services and programs they most need.

In addition to these new programs, JFS offers other specialized older adult services. Our case management program connects individuals to services and programs in the areas of transportation, food insecurity, socialization and

in-home supports. Please contact Carol Wilson, older adult social worker, to inquire about ways JFS may assist you. Call her at 610-821-8722 Monday through Thursday or email her at cwilson@jfslv.org.

As the Psalmist wisely implores, “Do not cast us away as we grow old, Do not desert us as our energy wanes.” The Federation and JFS are working together to make sure that no older adult in our community feels cast off or abandoned.

LV community’s Bob Grey voted chair of World ORT

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

Robert Grey has been elected as the new chair of World ORT, making him the chief lay leader of this global education network guided by Jewish values.

Grey, an honorary board member of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, has been with World ORT since retiring several years ago from his position as general counsel at the utility company PPL in Allentown. About 20 years

ago, he served as president of the Federation’s board.

“I had a great experience with the Lehigh Valley Federation,” he said, mentioning that he enjoyed working with Mark Goldstein, the executive director who died in 2018. That solid relationship continues with Jeri Zimmerman, current executive director. “I really like working with her,” Grey said. “She’s done a terrific job.”

It was the Federation that brought Grey and World ORT together, particularly Taffi

Ney, a member of the Federation’s professional staff for 28 years before retiring in 2014. Grey wanted to get involved with international Jewish education, and Ney put him in touch.

Grey said his years with the organization founded in 1880 to provide education for Jewish boys in czarist Russia have been exciting. He’s worked hands on in various aspects of its efforts, including leading a mission to Ukraine in 2017. “One thing led to the next,” he said, “and they suggested that I might start as board chairman.”

Today, World ORT provides supplemental Jewish and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education opportunities for more than 200,000 Jews and non-Jews in more than 30 countries, including Israel. It runs some schools outright and is affiliated with others, training teachers and providing resources for those.

“The real appeal for me,”

Grey said, “is that World ORT is operating in underserved areas. It’s an inspiring program that helps meet the needs of those it serves.”

Heading into the future in his new leadership role, Grey first wants to make sure World ORT’s current efforts are well supported. “I believe organizations do their best when the leadership structures work the best,” he said, looking to enhance the role of the board.

One focus will be Ukraine. “After the war there ends,” he said, “we’ll have to think through what kind of role we can play.” Ukrainians will continue to resettle in other countries. “We’ll want to strengthen our roles with our affiliate schools,” he said, including sending missions to make sure goals are being met.

In his professional life, Grey is a partner at the multinational law firm K&L Gates. He also teaches a seminar on energy law at Columbia Law School and is on the advisory boards of Columbia College

and Emory Law School.

A serious art collector, he serves on the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Photography Council as well as on the advisory board of the Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth College.

He and his wife, Sue, have two children and four grandchildren. They maintain a residence in Allentown, and he said he’ll remain involved with the Federation.

“I really enjoy the people on the board,” he said, “and I look forward to continuing my relationships with them and with the professional staff as well.”

Trexler Middle suitcases’ to honor victims.

FROM THE DESK OF JERI ZIMMERMAN p3 LVJF TRIBUTES p8

Allentown teen hangs mezuzah with Gov. Shapiro

By Talia Vaknin Special to Hakol

I feel a sense of warmth and comfort each time I come across a doorpost with a mezuzah. So I felt honored to take part in hanging the firstever mezuzot in the Pennsylvania governor’s residence.

During my junior and senior years at Jack M. Bar-

rack Hebrew Academy, I participated in the Jewish Leadership Initiative (JLI), a selective program that allows students to explore their leadership and enhance Jewish life at the school. Our teacher had the idea to start an annual JLI retreat, a bonding and educational experience for our class, and the destination was up for discussion. One of my fellow JLI members, Jonah Shapiro, son of Gov. Josh Shapiro, explained that as the family had not been in the governor’s residence long, they had yet to hang mezuzot.

So, at the end of January, we were off to Harrisburg!

Upon our arrival, we met with the residence staff to teach them about the meaning and significance

of a mezuzah and why this visit filled our class with so much joy. They attentively listened as we explained that Jews hang mezuzot to protect a Jewish home or space, referring to the Exodus story when God passed over the homes with doorposts smeared in lamb’s blood during the final plague in Egypt.

I spoke about Governor Milton Shapp, in office from 1971 to 1979. Shapp changed his last name from Shapiro fearing that his Judaism would hurt his election chances. I pointed out the remarkable transition from Shapp nervously concealing his Judaism to the Shapiro family celebrating Shabbat dinners on Friday evenings in the same house.

My classmates and I hung

mezuzot all around the house, but as I hammered the mezuzah at the front entrance with Governor Shapiro, the physical reminder that Jews must be outwardly proud of our people struck me because, after thousands of years of hostility, perseverance is still part of the Jewish character. Collectively, we recited the blessing over the mezuzah: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix a

mezuzah.” Our history, grit and bravery are displayed loud and proud for all of Pennsylvania in one of its most historic buildings.

Diabetic woman phones for help then nearly passes out

In early 2022 the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Maimonides Society of health-care professionals donated a motorcycle-ambulance to the mostly volunteer United Hatzalah emergency services in Israel in memory of Dr. Michael Ufberg z”l. Ambucycle No. 1283 and its rider, EMT Yonatan Auoat, continue to make a life-or-death difference with speedy responses through the congested streets of the city of Netanya.

By Avraham Sacks United Hatzalah

A woman in her 50s recently learned that she had diabetes after suffering symptoms since childhood without a diagnosis. She began the routine of injecting insulin and monitoring her glucose level, but there can be quite a learning curve to that.

One evening she was a little overzealous with the insulin, and her blood sugar

dropped to a dangerously low level. Fortunately, she realized what was happening and called the emergency hotline for help.

EMT Yonatan Auoat was at home nearby when he received the urgent alert from dispatch. He ran outside to Ambucycle No. 1283, sped past the evening traffic and pulled up quickly to the address on Unterman Street.

Hurrying inside, he discovered the woman semiconscious. He calmed her down

and administered oral glucogel to help stabilize her blood glucose level. He continued to monitor vital signs and her condition gradually improved. When the ambulance arrived, he updated his colleagues on the situation and assisted with patient transfer. The woman was then evacuated to the hospital for further treatment and observation and was later released.

Israel@75 tour Zettlemoyers stop at ‘Allentown, PA’ high school in Ma’alot during trip

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

Cherie and Richard Zettlemoyer stood in front of a high school beneath the large lettering “Allentown, PA” this spring. They weren’t in Pennsylvania. They were touring Israel for its 75th anniversary celebration as part of a group organized by the Jewish Federations of North America.

“There’s an Allentown, PA, high school in Ma’alot,” said Cherie. “That’s amazing.”

It’s no less amazing that she has a close personal connection to it. The Murray H. Goodman Allentown, PA, Comprehensive High School was named for the main donor to the Jewish Federation of Allentown (now Lehigh Valley) campaign that funded construction of the building in the 1980s. The chair of that $6 million campaign was Cherie’s dad, Nate Braunstein.

It was through the efforts of Jeri Zimmerman and Aaron Gorodzinsky of the Jewish Federation that the Zettlemoyers were able to be at the school apart from the rest of their tour group. “We were treated like royalty,” Cherie said of their visit. “It makes you feel proud.”

The fundraising campaign was the local response to Prime Minister Menachem Begin’s 1977 Project Renewal and its call for the Diaspora to help plan and implement projects in underprivileged neighborhoods in Israel.

Before the school opened, students in the rural Ma’alot area had to ride buses to class dozens of miles from home.

Another stop was Leket Israel, the National Foodbank. The foodbank is stocked with produce that farmers can’t or simply don’t take to market. The Zettlemoyers and the Federations group joined volunteers there working to prepare the fruits and vegetables for distribution.

Israel@75 tour continues on page 4

Talia Vaknin, daughter of Lora and Sharone Vaknin, recently graduated from Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy.

As summer rushes by, we look ahead to a hopeful new year

It’s hard to believe that the summer is flying by so quickly! We at the Jewish Federation are spending a good part of the summer planning our new program year, scheduling committee meetings, preparing for a new annual campaign, organizing the launch of new projects, and meeting with affinity group and event chairs. We are excited about the possibilities that our 2023-2024 year presents. Although it is sad to see the summer rush by, the anticipation of a new year brings with it the hopes and possibilities of wonderful things to come. The theme for our 2024 Campaign for Jewish Needs, chaired by Billy Markson and Vicki Wax, continues to be Here for

Good, and we especially can’t wait to connect and engage with you to realize the greater potential that exists within our community.

Beginning with the launch of our Maimonides Society, chaired by Zach Goldsmith, and Women’s Philanthropy, chaired by Laurie Wax, we look forward to opening our 2024 campaign with our Lion of Judah and Pomegranate event and our Major Gifts Reception. Both our Maimonides Society and our Women’s Philanthropy will have a new look and feel in the coming year. In addition, we are excited to reignite our Young Leadership affinity group with a family picnic chaired by Rachel Levin, Aviva Marlin

and Lyell Scherline. Stay tuned for more information about our summer events!

We are also excited to be moving forward in bringing a regional security advisor to the Lehigh Valley to work with our agencies and synagogues. This initiative is a partnership with the Jewish Federation of North America’s LiveSecure, Secure Community Network (SCN) and the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg. The program will provide training, assessments, tools and resources needed to protect those inside our agencies. Our goal is to ensure the safety, security and resiliency of our Jewish communities. Together, we will be working to foster a culture of empowerment,

collaboration and vigilance, ensuring that our Jewish organizations operate safely and securely. This project is made possible by a generous, local matching grant, funds being raised in our community and matching funds from the national LiveSecure program of JFNA.

Your participation in and support of all of these initiatives is what brings our communal hopes and possibilities to fruition. Because of your support, we are Here for Good!

As summer winds down and Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year, approaches, we may also

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

find ourselves in a time of prayer, self-reflection and repentance. This is an opportunity to review our actions during the past year and look for ways to improve ourselves, our community and our world in the year to come. Take a moment to reflect on goals and aspirations, hopes and possibilities — what can be when we work together. Wishing you, your family and our community all the best for a relaxing summer with best wishes for all that the coming year has to offer!

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ROSH HASHANAH

Sunday, September 10

THANKSGIVING

Sunday, November 12

CHANUKAH

Wednesday, December 13

HAVDALAH

Saturday, January 20

PASSOVER

Sunday, April 14

SHAVUOT/SHALOM BABY

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

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ROBBY WAX JFLV President

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 HONOR MARLENE AND ARNAN FINKELSTEIN

In honor of your 60th wedding anniversary

Nancy Lipton

AARON GORODZINSKY

In honor of receiving the Mark L. Goldstein Award for Jewish Communal Professionals

Emily, Brian, Al and Sam Ford

Elaine and Leon Papir

THE KOPANS FAMILY

In honor of the birth of Lucas

Aleksandres Kopans

Daniel Sinsley

SANDI TEPLITZ

In gratitude for your kindness

Jeanette and Eduardo

Eichenwald

IN MEMORY

JERRY BENSTOCK

(Brother of Shelley Stettner)

Lenny Abrams and Family

ARLENE HURWITZ

(Wife of Robert Hurwitz)

Nancy Bernstein

Arlene and Richard Stein

ANDY KOPYT

Sunday, June 2 of the Lehigh Valley of the Lehigh Valley of the Lehigh Valley of the Lehigh Valley

(Wife of Nelson Kopyt)

Michelle, Jim, Matthew and Bryan Rohrbach

MIKE NOTIS

(Husband of Cooky Notis, Father of Mark Notis)

Judy Diamondstein Alperin

Linda and Neil Dicker

Eileen and Roberto Fischmann

Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel

HARVEY SPARK

(Father of Shari Spark)

Sheryl and Rance Block and Family

Emily, Brian, Al and Sam

Ford

Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie Schechner

Suzanne Lapiduss and Family

Elaine and Leon Papir

Michelle, Jim, Matthew and Bryan Rohrbach

MARGO WIENER

(Wife of Steve Wiener)

Eileen and Roberto Fischmann

Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel

TO ORDER TREES, call the JFLV at 610-821-5500 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org

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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

Israel@75 tour

continued from page 2

“We spent the day packaging cabbages,” Rick said.

The group also visited the Ethiopian Jewry Heritage Center in the Florentine section of Tel Aviv and learned about the two rounds of airlifts in the 1980s and 1990s that brought Ethiopian Jews to Israel. The group listened to a talk by a central figure in the second round of airlifts, which brought in 14,000 immigrants.

Back in biblical times, there were Ethiopians living in Israel, before they ended up in the Horn of Africa.

“They were cut off from the world,” said Cherie, referring to the relocation. “They were living there thinking they were the only Jews in the world.”

The situation in Ethiopia was dire both times the Israel Air Force flew cargo planes into neighboring Sudan to bring thousands of waiting Ethiopians back to Israel.

“These people walked hundreds of miles through the desert,” Cherie said. “They’re finally home.”

Other visits for the group included the Netanya Museum and its exhibits commemorating the Jews who fought alongside the British in the world wars and the Neot Kedumin Nature Reserve, a re-creation of a biblical-era park.

On Shabbat, the Zettle-

moyers parted from the group to visit the Lehigh Valley’s Partnership2Gether sister region, the rural Yoav, including going down into the caves 150 feet below ground at Beit Guvrin National Park. “Yoav is much further developed than when the partnership started,” said Rick, remembering his and Cherie’s first trip to Israel years ago.

The highlight of the anniversary celebration portion of the trip was a concert at a

Women kick off new year with book talk, board meeting

The Women’s Philanthropy will begin its new campaign year on September 7 with a board meeting to include the newly elected members, followed by a talk by community member Amy Oselkin about her recently published poetry book. This will be Laurie Wax’s first meeting as new president.

The book event is for “The Story Behind the Poem: A Reflection on Mommyhood, Miscarriages and Marriage,” which Oselkin released in time for Mother’s Day. The idea to publish the book was her husband, Martin’s: poems, along with the stories behind them, plus family photos.

pain and help you heal.”

The book’s underlying narrative starts with Oselkin meeting Martin in 2001 at Emory University in Atlanta. After graduation, they moved to Los Angeles. When a medical residency took Martin to New York City, they were stuck on opposite sides of the country. That was 2006.

The next stop was Philadelphia, together. That’s when she suffered her two miscarriages. “I don’t even like going to that area anymore,” she said.

2,500-year-old amphitheater on the Mediterranean Sea in Caesarea. More than 3,500 people attended. “There were nine or 10 of the top artists in Israel,” Cherie said. “The acoustics there are phenomenal.”

Of course the group tour stopped in Jerusalem. And at the very end of the trip, the Zettlemoyers got to return to the city on their own to see additional sites. Again Zimmerman and Gorodzinsky were involved in the planning. Cherie said the combination of stops with the group and the later special additions was just right.

“Jeri and Aaron worked very hard on all this,” Cherie said. “We’re very appreciative. They really came through.”

One of Oselkin’s main goals with the publishing project was to connect with other women who have been in similar situations. “Your experience is unique,” she said, “but there are other women, when you’re ready, who are able to share in your

Soon Martin took a job as a physician in diagnostic radiology and neuroradiology with St. Luke’s University Health Network. They moved outside Allentown, which is where they live now with their three children. Amy has been the Clarks Shoes spokesperson on QVC for the last decade.

Today there’s the poetry book, which not only has given Oselkin a way to con-

nect with other women but also will serve as a family document when her kids are grown up. In a happy coincidence, some of her own favorite poems also happen to be her kids’ favorites. “The ones they like best are the ones about them,” she said.

The Women’s Philanthropy board meeting will begin at 6 p.m. on the 7th and the book program immediately afterward at 6:30. All women in the community are invited to attend.

Beth

Beth

Rachel

Partnership2Gether leaders reunite for week in Yoav

By Aaron Gorodzinsky Director of Campaign and Security Planning

we savored a traditional poike one-pot dinner while overlooking the enchanting sunset at Kfar Menachem. This delightful evening brought together the Yoav and Lehigh Valley partnership committees, allowing us to raise a toast and celebrate a week filled with success and meaningful connections.

thoughtful design and construction of the educational facilities.

Our exploration continued at the Kibbutz Gat sustainability park, a project funded by the kibbutz and partially supported by a Partnership2Gether special grant. The park serves as a versatile venue for birthdays, weddings and other community gatherings, promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness.

tery, glass, metal and even a shark’s tooth!

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Partnership2Gether committee traveled to Yoav, Israel, in June for our annual meeting and to celebrate 20 years of partnership. Our trip was a great opportunity to visit some of the projects we have funded in the past and to connect with our friends.

Day

Our adventure began with a visit to the Gaines Arts Center, where we were immersed in a unique exhibition hall made from recycled containers. Inside, we had the pleasure of experiencing a diverse collection of art pieces.

Our second day started with a visit to the Beit Guvrin caves, a site recognized by UNESCO. We marveled at the famous bell cave and delved into the rich historical background of this extraordinary place.

The day concluded with a delightful dinner, which further deepened the bonds between our group members. Anticipation filled the air as we eagerly looked forward to visiting the Knesset and reconnecting with Matti Sarfatti Harkavi, the former mayor of Yoav who is now a sitting member of the Knesset.

where we learned about the harmonious coexistence of the village’s residents and the rest of the municipality. Although the village has existed for a long time, it officially became part of Yoav in 2003.

Next on our itinerary was a trip to the Tzafit high school music room, where talented teenagers honed their skills using professional recording equipment. This music center served as a hub for all members of Yoav, fostering a stronger sense of community by bringing together individuals from different generations to form multigenerational bands. The center was made possible in part by a P2G project grant awarded to the school. The grant aimed to encourage and nurture the students’ passion for music, providing them with opportunities to explore and express their creativity.

Continuing our journey, we arrived at the Sdot Yoav school, where we had the pleasure of meeting children who participated in the Under the Same Moon program. This

To conclude the day, our dedicated committees from Yoav and Lehigh Valley held a meeting to reflect on the past year and collaborate on meaningful programming for the coming year. During our meeting we were able to plan exciting activities that will strengthen our Partnership2Gether people-to-people connections.

Day 3. Strengthening bonds and exploring Jerusalem

The third day opened with a visit to the Yoav municipality, where we had the honor of meeting the newly elected mayor, Nati Lerner. During our meeting, Mayor Nati reassured our group of the municipality’s unwavering commitment to our partnership and extended a special invitation for two committee members to meet privately in his office.

As a gesture of appreciation, PA Rep. Mike Schlossberg presented Mayor Nati with a flag that had flown at the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, symbolizing the deep connection between our communities.

Following this, we embarked on a bus journey to Jerusalem to meet with representatives of the Jewish Agency for Israel. They graciously provided us with a tour of their building and shared insightful information about how our Federation dollars are used to build a better country and strengthen the bond between the Jewish people in Israel and the Diaspora.

A few of us took the opportunity just before bed to visit the Kotel (the Western Wall) and say some prayers. It was a special visit at night, and we all recharged our spiritual connection to the land.

Our day drew to a close at Kedma, a youth village that offers support and stability to teenagers from all across Israel. We had the privilege of meeting two remarkable individuals who shared their inspiring stories and showed us their state-of-the-art technology lab and baking station. These resilient young individuals find a second family and the motivation to succeed within the nurturing environment of Kedma.

Day 5. Celebrating our Partnership2Gether

Day 4. A Journey into politics and human connection

The next day we embarked on a private tour of the Knesset with former Mayor Matti. Her political journey began with her involvement in Partnership2Gether as its chair. She later served as the mayor of Yoav for 12 years before being elected to the Knesset as a member of the Yesh Atid Party.

During our tour, we had the privilege of sitting in the plenum’s reserved seats for special guests, admiring the Marc Chagall tapestry specially designed for the Knesset and beholding a copy of the Declaration of Independence. Additionally, we had the unique opportunity to visit the room where the decision to retake Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War was made, an extraordinary room not accessible to every visitor.

On our last official day, our mission made its way to the Anu Museum in Tel Aviv. The museum celebrates the Jewish people’s contributions to culture, theater, music, politics, the arts and more, and was recently remodeled. It’s a must for all to see!

As the day drew to a close,

exceptional initiative serves as a pillar program within our community, fostering connections between families in the Lehigh Valley and Yoav through letter exchanges and long-lasting relationships. During our time at the school, we also had the opportunity to explore various classrooms and to visit the bird garden. Yoav schools prioritize the connection between students and nature, evident in the

After the visit, we made our way to the market in Jerusalem, where we enjoyed a culinary tour of different Jewish foods from around the world. After the delectable feast, we embarked on an archaeological adventure, participating in the Temple Mount Salvage Operation atop Mount Scopus. With great excitement, we sifted through the earth and discovered fragments of pot-

YOUNG LEADERSHIP

In the evening, we gathered together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Partnership2Gether, an occasion that undoubtedly served as a testament to the enduring connections and shared accomplishments of Yoav and the Lehigh Valley. The celebration included live performances, music, food and reunions with old friends. It was the perfect way to end a very meaningful visit.

Our visit concluded with a private audience with Matti, who shared how her work at Partnership2Gether and her tenure as mayor inspired her to continue making a difference by running for the Knesset.

Returning to Yoav, we visited the El-Azi Arab village,

Coming back we look forward to a year of great partnership and people-topeople connections.

Happy birthday P2G YoavLehigh Valley! Let’s hope the next 20 years are even more successful.

1. Witnessing creativity

Day 2. Under the ground and Under the Same Moon

Federation’s annual meeting features awards, elections

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

The presentation of three major awards highlighted of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Community Celebration and Annual Meeting on June 8.

The night began with an Israeli-style picnic featuring hummus, falafel and other kosher specialties catered by Dror Levi, who runs the food truck that used to be parked in the JCC’s Tilghman Street lot.

After dinner, Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of the Jewish Federation, welcomed the crowd, and the award presentations followed. The three winners are well-known faces in the community: Fay Kun, Rachel Levin and Aaron Gorodzinsky.

Kun received the Mortimer S. Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction, given to a community member committed to spreading and teaching tolerance by word and action. Kun teaches students about the Holocaust and provides exhibits and artifacts that travel to schools throughout the Lehigh Valley. “Her message is simple,” Zimmerman said: “step up to stop bullying and other forms of ostracizing that can lead to greater terrors over time.”

The focal point of Kun’s educational talks is her mother’s story of surviving

the Nazi camps as a teenager.

“With antisemitism on the rise,” Zimmerman said, “this is an increasingly important time to educate and share this message.”

Lauren Rabin, last year’s winner of the George Feldman Achievement Award for Young Leadership, presented this award to Rachel Levin.

Levin’s involvement with the Federation began in 2016-17, when she participated in the leadership program Israel Next Door. Since then, she has been a member of the Federation’s board of directors and of the board of the Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy.

She chaired the 2022 Women’s Philanthropy Chanukah Party and participated in the 2022 Momentum trip to Israel. “The Chanukah party was so much fun,” said Rabin.

Levin recently led the Women’s Philanthropy Dignity Grows initiative to pack totes full of essential hygiene supplies for women in need. Working with Jewish Family Service and a sorority from Lehigh University, Federation volunteers filled and delivered 300 totes.

Zimmerman presented the Mark L. Goldstein Award for Jewish Communal professionals, established in 2019 in memory of the longtime Federation executive director. It went to Aaron Gorodzinsky, the Fed-

eration’s director of campaign and security planning.

“Aaron engages, motivates and serves our community with an open heart” said Zimmerman, mentioning that she was getting verklempt as she spoke about her second-incommand on the Federation staff. “He lives with a strong, personal vision and has committed himself to Jewish communal service, and our community is the lucky beneficiary.”

Gorodzinsky has a long list of credits in the community to his name, including managing the Federation’s 2023 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs; organizing the Main Event with the comedian Modi; helping the Jewish agencies secure government security grants; planning the Summit to Combat Antisemitism; managing the Maimonides Society of health-care professionals; implementing the Shine a Light campaign in cooperation with the mayors of Easton, Bethlehem, and Allentown; spearheading participation in the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition; and working with the clergy of the Bethlehem Interfaith Group.

Elections for Federation board members and officers wrapped up the business

portion of the meeting with Gary Fromer, chairman of the nominating committee and immediate past president of the Federation, officiating.

Dr. Eric Fels was voted onto the board for a two-year term. Bruce Reich, Vickie Semmel and Debi Wiener received three-year terms. Officers voted onto the board were Iris Epstein, treasurer; Beth Kozinn, secretary; Aliette Abo, Dr. Bill Markson and Dr. Israel Zighelboim, vice presidents; and Robby Wax, president.

Bob Grey; Nati Lerner, the Mayor of Yoav, Israel; Rita Scheller; and Jean Weiner were reelected to the honorary board.

Honorary board officers vot-

ed in were Ross Born, president; Lenny Abrams, Wendy Born, Danny Cohen, Barnet Fraenkel, Murray Goodman and Bobby Hammel, vice presidents; and Roberto Fischmann, treasurer. Zimmerman paid tribute to three longtime fixtures in the community who were retiring or moving on to new positions: Amy Golding, departing head of school at the Jewish Day School; Rabbi Melody Davis, retiring rabbi of Congregation Bnai Shalom; and Vikki Dunn, retiring executive director of Congregation Keneseth Israel.

“We really are a blessed community,” said Zimmerman.

| HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Front row, from left: Rachel Levin with her Feldman Award, Fay Kun with her Schiff Award and Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of the Federation. Back row, from left: Aaron Gorodzinsky with his Goldstein Award and Robert Wax, Federation board president.

8th-graders pack ‘Holocaust suitcases’ in tribute to victims

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

One suitcase had a small stuffed horse in it. Another had a toy red 1930s car. One a paintbrush and paintsmeared palette. All of the several pieces of luggage lined up in a row and opened up had handwritten letters and old photos in them.

Eighth-graders at Trexler Middle School packed each of the suitcases to represent a specific Holocaust victim who was forced to pack up and leave home to go to a

Nazi camp. The luggage was on display in the JCC’s Kline Auditorium for the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Community Celebration and Annual Meeting on June 8.

Under the guidance of teachers Becky Hann and Conchetta Marucci, the students worked in pairs or small groups, each researching one Holocaust victim to learn details about that person’s life. They used the information they gathered to guide them in packing a suitcase that represented the

person’s story.

The suitcases were displayed museum-style along a wall of the auditorium. Each contained a letter written to a loved one, real or representative artifacts, photos of the person and family members, and other items. An introduction written by the students provides background for each suitcase story.

One of the suitcases was dedicated to the young Lilly Applebaum, whom Russians marched away to a camp. The suitcase contains an urn representing her grandmother’s ashes and medical supplies representing first aid that was provided during the march.

Lilly wrote letters attempting to contact her grandfather. One shown here, protected under glass in a frame, appears under Lilly’s heading “First Letter” and is dated April 30, 1945, after Allied troops had been liberating camps.

“I’m so worried about you,” it reads. “I’ve miss(ed) you since that

Federation endowment delivers best-in-class performance

By Lewis Gaines Investment Committee Chairman

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley endowment’s June 23 YTD return of 11.5% was dramatically higher than the Moderate Allocation Index benchmark return of 6.9%.

The portfolio has outperformed for more than 10 years in both up and down markets.

Since 2019, the low-cost, S&Pfocused index strategy has generated investment gains of $13.3 million, which is $5.6 million higher than the average similar-risk fund. As of June 2023, assets totaled about $40 million, of which $17 million was invested on behalf of community agencies.

The endowment’s longterm returns not only greatly exceed the benchmark, but

also are substantially above the returns of most small and large endowments. In the context of expected long-term returns of 8 to 9%, the demonstrated multiple-year return differences of 190 to 470 basis points are highly significant and have led to the $5.6 million in outperformance versus the average moderate-risk fund.

The outperformance resulted from:

• A focus on maintaining target exposure to stocks and not reacting to changes in investor mood and the always volatile economic and political news

• Heavy weighting to the S&P index as large-cap growth stocks have outperformed other equities

• A higher-than-benchmark target equity allocation (68% versus 60%), which generates higher returns in the long run

• No foreign stocks, which

have significantly underperformed U.S. stocks for many years

• Periodic reallocation between stocks and bonds to take advantage of both major short-term fluctuations and long-term trends

• Israel Bonds, which limit fluctuations (both up and down) in our investmentgrade bond portfolio while paying higher interest than U.S. Treasury Bonds

• Low advisory fees and a completely indexed equity portfolio

Goldman and the endowment investment committee continue to monitor the portfolio closely. Both believe the Jewish Federation is well positioned to continue with better-thanaverage returns.

MY LIFE, MY LEGACY: CAROL J. ROBINS

I was born in Philadelphia but grew up in Allentown in the home of Dr. Ben and Freda Lipsky Robins. My ancestors were from Latvia, Ukraine, Poland and Belarus.

At age 4, I went to nursery school at the Sixth Street JCC, taught by Faye Mozes. I later joined the Brownies, led by Geraldine Gribben, and the Girl Scouts, led by Bernice Harris.

Like many others, I learned how to swim thanks to Dennis McGinley. In fifth and sixth grades, we had

dances and “charm school.”

I recall the wonderful trip to New York in 1956, where we saw “Oklahoma” and “Carousel” on huge movie screens.

At JCC day camp, we went to Dorney Park with counselor Harriet Gorfinkel. In 1960 and 1961, I was a day camp co-counselor at the Coopersburg site. In high school, I joined B’nai B’rith Girls.

After Penn State, I wrote articles for Rodale Press and ended my career as a medical book editor in Philly and as a pharmacy journal editor in Yardley.

My mother was a volunteer the Nearly New clothing

day I left to the forced march. I walked for days without eating nor drinking any water. I was starving. I’ve been trying to meet you but it’s been so difficult. I hope I can return to see you again.

“There has been a lot going on in my life. I got taken by the Russians because I’m a Jew.

“If you got weak, they will shoot you.

“While walking, you will see dead bodies everywhere.”

Lilly survived the camps, the war and

the aftermath. As the informational placard the students supplied with the suitcase reads, “(November 5, 1928 –She is alive).”

and housewares program and enjoyed swimming at the JCC. After she died in 1992, I continued her tradition of attending the annual sports banquet to present the Ben Robins trophy in honor of my dad.

As a Life and Legacy member of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, I hope that our traditions and services will continue to benefit new generations as they have benefitted me throughout my life.

RECEIVE YOUR TAX CREDIT

Receive up to 90% of your contribution in tax credits. The Foundation will prepare k1 tax documents for you to properly file.

IN HONOR SHERYL AND RANCE BLOCK

In honor of your grandson Joseph’s confirmation

Carole and Michael Langsam

KIRA AND RICHARD BUB

In honor of your daughter Sienna’s

Bat Mitzvah

Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein

SYLVIA AND SAM BUB

In honor of your granddaughter

Sienna’s Bat Mitzvah

Jeanette and Eduardo

Eichenwald

Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein

DANNY COHEN

In honor of receiving an honorary

Doctor of Laws degree from Lafayette College

Ellen and Phil Hof

Eileen Ufberg

Vicki Wax

ANN AND MYRON FALCHUK

In honor of the birth of your granddaughter, Luna Falchuk

Vicki Wax

JUDITH AND JEROME FIELDS

In honor of your granddaughter

Sari’s high school graduation

Diane and Gary Miller

MARLENE & ARNAN FINKELSTEIN

In honor of your 60th wedding anniversary

Sylvia and Sam Bub

EILEEN & ROBERTO FISCHMANN

In honor of your daughter

Veronica’s marriage to Yakov

Susan and Marc Vengrove

EMILY AND BRIAN FORD

In honor of your son Al’s Bar

Mitzvah

Karen Kuhn and Family

BETTE FRIEDENHEIM

In honor of your Special Birthday

Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein

BETTE FRIEDENHEIM

In honor of your grandchildren

Jack Abram and Chloe Wang’s graduations

Roberta and Jeff Epstein

MICHELLE AND ROY GLASER

In honor of the birth of your grand-

daughter, Sloane Elizabeth O’Brien

Carole and Michael Langsam

AMY GOLDING

In honor of starting a new adven-

ture

The Shimon Family

AARON GORODZINSKY

In honor of receiving the Mark L.

Goldstein Award for Jewish Com-

munal Professionals

Jeanette and Eduardo

Eichenwald

Carol and Barry Halper

BOB GREY

In honor of being named Chair of World ORT

Eileen Ufberg

Vicki Wax

BOBBY HAMMEL

In honor of a speedy recovery

Barbara and Arthur Weinrach

JANE AND ARTHUR KAPLAN

In honor of your grandson Aiden’s Bar Mitzvah

Carole and Michael Langsam

LYNDA AND STUART KRAWITZ

In honor of your son Josh’s marriage

Wendy and Ross

Born

Carol and Barry Halper

ROBERT KRITZER

In honor of a speedy recovery

Elaine and Leon Papir

FAY KUN

In honor of receiving the Mortimer

S. Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction

Jeanette and Eduardo

Eichenwald

EVA LEVITT

In honor of a speedy recovery

Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein

RUSTY SCHIFF

In honor of your Special Birthday

Eileen Ufberg

CANTOR ELLEN SUSSMAN AND DAVID VAIDA

In honor of the birth of your granddaughter

Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald

EILEEN UFBERG

In honor of 5 of your grandchildren graduating school, high school and college

Sylvia and Sam Bub

LAURIE WAX

In honor of becoming President of Women’s Philanthropy

Jeanette and Eduardo

Eichenwald

CAROL AND BOB WILSON

In honor of son Ben’s college

graduation

Wendy and Ross Born

MIRIAM AND MIKE ZAGER

In honor of your son Matt’s graduation from Tufts University

Vicki Wax

ISRAEL ZIGHELBOIM

In honor of earning your executive

MBA from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Jeanette and Eduardo

Eichenwald

IN MEMORY

STEVEN ARONSKY

(Brother of Anne Gutman)

Randi and Donald Senderowitz

KENNETH (KENNY) BASS

(Step-son of Elaine RappaportBass, step-brother of Eric Rappaport)

Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein

Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie

Schechner

Beth and Wes Kozinn

Eileen Ufberg

IRA (BOB) BORN

(Father of Ross Born)

Susan and Marc Vengrove

RICHARD DERBY

(Husband of Ruth Derby, brother of Albert Derby)

Jeanette and Eduardo

Eichenwald

DORRIE DICKSTEIN

(Mother of Sue Pollan)

Wendy and Ross Born

HOWARD HESSAN

(Husband of Jeri Hessan)

Nancy and Michael Busch

Samantha and Ron Winokur

ARLENE HURWITZ

(Wife of Robert Hurwitz, mother of Randi Fraley)

Carole and Michael Langsam

Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz

Hank Narrow

Randi and Donald Senderowitz

Laurie and Robby Wax

MORRIS (MO) JALAZO

(Father of Carrie Glazier)

Janet Mozes

Randi and Donald Senderowitz

Ruth and Humi Vishniavsky

LORETTA KISTLER (Sister of Denise Ahner)

Vicki Wax

IRV LUSTRIN (Husband of Barbara Lustrin)

Nancy and Michael Busch

MICHAEL (MIKE) NOTIS

(Husband of Cooky Notis, father of Mark Notis)

Sheila Berg

Wendy and Ross Born

Carol and Stewart Furmansky

Sandra and Harold Goldfarb

Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie

Schechner

Andrea and James Jesberger

Carole and Michael Langsam

Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz

Randi and Donald Senderowitz

Eileen Ufberg and Family

Laurie and Robby Wax

Vicki Wax

Barbara and Arthur Weinrach

SIDNEY PARMET (Father of Howard Parmet and Jonathan (Yoni) Parmet)

Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein

ANN PEARL

(Sister of Stephen Cohen)

Eileen Ufberg and Family

EVE PETERSON

(Wife of Joe Peterson)

Carole and Michael Langsam

Randi and Donald Senderowitz

STUART SCHWARTZ

(Father of Ed Schwartz)

The Girls

HARVEY SPARK (Father of Shari Spark)

Wendy and Ross Born

Sylvia and Sam Bub

Jeanette and Eduardo

Eichenwald

Carol and Barry Halper

Carole and Michael Langsam

Randi and Donald Senderowitz

Vicki Wax

RABBI ARYEH SPERO

(Husband of Beth Spero)

Carole and Michael Langsam

MARGO WIENER

(Wife of Steve Wiener, sister of Roberta (Bobbi) Friedman)

Judy Diamondstein Alperin

Sheila Berg

Wendy and Ross Born

Nancy and Michael Busch

Sandra and Harold Goldfarb

Beth and Wes Kozinn

Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz

Norman Moses

Nita and Martha Murray

Randi and Donald Senderowitz

Eileen Ufberg and Family

HELEN AND SOL KRAWITZ HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND

HONOR

PEGGY AND BILL BERGER

In honor of your grandson’s Bar

Mitzvah

Lynda and Richard Somach

TRACY AND JASON BILLIG

In honor of your son Mason’s Bar

Mitzvah

Lynda and Richard Somach

ROBERTA EPSTEIN

In honor of your Special Birthday

Lynda and Richard Somach

LISA AND BARNET FRAENKEL

In honor of the birth of your grandson

Lynda and Richard Somach

SUZY AND GREG HARRIS

In honor of your daughter Abbey’s engagement to Ben

Lynda and Richard Somach

LYNDA AND STUART KRAWITZ

In honor of your son Josh’s marriage to Ali Goldstein

Lynda and Richard Somach

SHARON AND SAM LAND

In honor of your daughter’s marriage

Lynda and Richard Somach

SUZANNE LAPIDUSS

In honor of your grandson Mason’s Bar Mitzvah

Lynda and Richard Somach

ARLENE AND RICHARD STEIN

In honor of the marriage and engagement of your granddaughters

Lynda and Richard Somach

IN MEMORY

STEVE ARONSKY

(Brother of Anne Gutman)

Lynda and Richard Somach

BEV BLOCH

(Wife of Lenny Bloch)

Lynda and Richard Somach

JERRY GINSBERG

(Brother of Larry Ginsberg)

Lynda and Richard Somach

HOWARD LISTWA

(Husband of Sherree Listwa

Lynda and Richard Somach

LINDA MILLER

(Mother of Amy Sams)

Lynda and Richard Somach

NATALIE MILROD

(Mother of Terry Noel)

Lynda and Richard Somach

MICHAEL (MIKE) NOTIS

(Husband of Cooky Notis, father of Mark Notis)

Lynda and Stuart Krawitz

RENEE SCHWARTZ

(Mother of Pam Silverberg)

Lynda and Richard Somach

STUART SCHWARTZ

(Husband of Janice Schwartz)

Lynda and Richard Somach

MARGO WIENER

(Wife of Steve Wiener)

Lynda and Richard Somach

We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship through recent gifts to the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation. The minimum contribution for an Endowment Card is $10. Call 610-821-5500 or visit jewishlehighvalley.org to place your card requests. Thank you for your continued support.

THANK YOU!

$2.2 MILLION RAISED 2023 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs

Because of your support of the 2023 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+

Wendy Born*°

Ross 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

The Wax Goldman Family Funds

Vicki Wax*

Robert and Laurie* Wax

Steven and Nancy* Wax Goldman

KING DAVID SOCIETY

$25,000 - $49,999

Roberto and Eileen* Fischmann

Dr. Harold and Sandra* Goldfarb°

Hof & Reid LLC°

Daniel and Nancy* Cohen

Phillip and Ellen* Hof

Chris and Tara Reid

Master Family°

MCS Industries

Harry Louis Yanoff & Jeanette

Master Yanoff Charitable Fund

Sylvia Perkin Perpetual Charitable Trust

TREE OF LIFE SOCIETY

$18,000 - $24,999

Leonard and Enid Abrams Family Foundation

Bob Born z"l

Jonathan and Iris* Epstein

The Fraenkel Family°

Gary Fromer and Dr. Carol Bub Fromer*

Dr. Richard and Barbara* Reisner°

KING SOLOMON CIRCLE

$10,000 - $17,999

Air Products Foundation

Jeffrey and Sheryl Bartos

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°

Arnan and Marlene* Finkelstein

Susan Gadomski *°

Judy Auritt Klein Lion of Judah Endowment

Kobrovsky Family Fund

Ferne Rodale Kushner z"l*°

Michael Miller°

Judith Morrison*°

Robert & Judy Auritt Klein Family Fund

Lisa Scheller*

Janice Schwartz*

Richard and Marsha* Timmerman

Larry and Carolyn* Zelson

Dr. Israel and Valeska* Zighelboim

BUILDERS OF ISRAEL

$5,000 - $9,999

Dr. Marc and Aliette* Abo

Dr. Houman and Lori* Ahdieh

Sheila Berg*

Bernard and Flo Kobrovsky Special Fund

Donna Black*

Dr. Sam and Sylvia* Bub°

Dr. Mitchell Cooper and Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper*

Peter and Karen* Cooper°

Bruce Sheftel and Suparna Damany*

Glenn and Jan* Ehrich°

Finkelstein Family Fund

Dr. Jay and Fran* Fisher°

Frances & Abraham Schwab

Memorial Fund

Dr. Jeffrey Gevirtz°

Robert J. and Susan* Grey

Barry and Carol R.* Halper°

Nat and Erica* Hyman

Dr. Wesley and Beth* Kozinn°

Martin and Judy* Krasnov°

Stuart and Lynda* Krawitz

Elaine Lerner*°

Dr. Lawrence and Eva* Levitt°

Stanley R. Liebman Estate

Dr. William and Jane* Markson°

Nathan Braunstein PACE

Drs. Steven and Nancy*

Oberlender

Phoebe Altman Lion of Judah

Endowment

Daniel Poresky°

Dr. Robert and Lota* Post°

Sandra Preis*°

Dr. Doron and Lauren* Rabin

Bruce and Enid Reich

Shaoli Rosenberg*

Sadie Berman Lion of Judah

Endowment

Lorrie Scherline*°

Mortimer S. and Vera M.* Schiff Foundation°

Irwin and Ellen* Schneider°

Mark and Deena* Scoblionko°

Elizabeth Scofield*

Larrie and Judy* Sheftel°

Jack and Amy* Silverman°

Sylvia Rosen Lion of Juda Endowment*

Dr. Frank and Tama* Tamarkin

Eileen Ufberg*°

Arthur and Barbara* Weinrach°

Dr. Robert and Carol* Wilson

James and Linda* Wimmer°

Ilene Wood*

Jeri Zimmerman*

Anonymous (2)

SABRA CIRCLE

$2,500 - $4,999

Alan and Marsha* Abraham

Dr. David and Sara-Jane* Bub

Dr. Ian and Patricia* Carlis°

Dr. William and Gail* Combs

Andrew and Dr. Lisa* Ellis

Stewart and Carol* Furmansky°

Dr. Mark and Carmyn Gittleman°

Drs. Zach and Andrea* Goldsmith

Dr. Robert and Tracy Grob

Dr. Steve and Audrey* Kanoff°

Dr. Arthur and Jane* Kaplan°

Dr. Robert and Janice* Kaplan

Drs. Andrew and Deborah*

Kimmel°

Dr. Harold and Linda* Kreithen°

Dr. Robert and Stephanie*

Kricun°

Robert and Roberta* Kritzer

Dr. Howard and Beth* Kushnick

Dr. Michael and Carole*

Langsam°

Dr. Paul and Diane* Lemberg and Family

Dr. Richard and Roberta*

London°

Dr. Moshe and Lisa* Markowitz

Drs. Evan and Aviva* Marlin

Robert z”l and Betty*

Mendelson

Dr. Holmes and Jeannie* Miller°

Morris & Dyna Gorfinkel

Memorial Fund

Dr. Robert and Amy* Morrison

Dr. Richard J. and Amy* Morse

Mort & Myra Levy Phil Fund

Dr. Michael z”l and Ruth* Notis°

Dr. Robert and Joanne*

Palumbo

Rabbi Seth Phillips and Marge

Kramer*

Rhoda Prager*°

Judith Rodwin*

Drs. Jarrod and Nicole* Rosenthal

Cathy Sacher*°

Dr. Mark and Lynne* Shampain°

Dr. Elliot Shear

Dr. Arthur and Audrey* Sosis°

Dr. Jay E. and Margery* Strauss°

Dr. Kenneth and Alla* Toff°

Dr. Edward Tomkin and Sandra

Wadsworth

Steven and Margo z"l* Wiener°

Dr. Michael and Miriam* Zager and Family

Anonymous (2)

GATES OF JAFFA

$1,500 - $2,499

Richard J. Mongilutz and Kelly Banach*

Richard and Joan* Bass

Dr. Noy and Andrea* Bassik

William M. and Peggy* Berger°

Steven Bergstein and Nanci

Goldman Bergstein°

Dr. Marc and Lauren* Berson°

Leonard and Beverly Bloch Foundation°

Richard and Kira* Bub

Dr. Michael and Nancy Busch

Lawrence Center Marilyn Claire*°

Dr. Karen Dacey*

Scott and Beth* Delin

Veronica Fischmann*

Dr. Hal and Kimberly Folander

Dr. Ari and Margee* Forgosh

Jerome and Sally Frank

Frank Penn Family Fund

Dr. Ronald and Emily Freudenberger

Alison Post and Morgan

Godorov

Rose Lee Goldberg*°

Norma "Mitzi" Goldenberg*

Dr. Marsha Gordon*

Dr. Michael Greenberg

Dr. Paul Gross°

Bennett Grossman

Drs. Harvey and Melissa Hakim

Stuart and Hope* Horowitz°

Dr. Jeffrey and Nancy Jahre

Rabbi Allen and Toby* Juda°

Dr. Michael and Fay* Kun

Elaine Langer*°

Dr. Henry and Susan Lehrich

Dr. Howard and Rachel* Levin

Eric and Margo* Lightman

Dr. Jay and Evelyn* Lipschutz°

Scott and Allison* Lipson

Ryan and Claudia* Mattison

Taffi Ney*°

Dr. Mark and Alice* Notis°

Dr. Martin and Amy* Oselkin

Alan and Roberta* Penn°

Drs. Andrew and Flora* Pestcoe

Jay and Marlene* Plotnick

Alison Post* and Morgan Godorov

Elaine Rappaport-Bass*°

Dr. Daniel Relles

The Ringold Family*

Dr. Alex and Robin Rosenau°

Selma Roth*

Dr. Charles and Sheila* Saunders°

Dr. Andrew and Jacqueline Schwartz

Donald and Randi Senderowitz

Richard and Dr. Cheryl* Shadick

Dr. Darryn and Lorey* Shaff

Dr. Andrew and Rachel* Shurman

John Silverberg° and Linda Morris

Dr. Phil and Diane* Stein

Sussman Family Fund

Dr. Ryan and Carah* Tenzer

Cristina Toff*

Dr. Darren and Stefanie* Traub

Dr. Marc and Susan* Vengrove°

Dr. Andrew Wakstein

David and Deborah* Wiener

Gail Wolson*°

* Indicates an individual woman’s gift to the 2023 Campaign for Jewish Needs ° Indicates Silver Circle member

of the Lehigh Valley

of the Lehigh Valley

of the Lehigh Valley

of the Lehigh Valley

Hope, persist, make tomorrow better than today

By Rabbi Phil Cohen Departing Rabbi of Congregation Keneseth Israel

it out here. Riverside, California, to be precise, 60 or so miles southeast of LA.

Technically I am no longer part of the clergy team of the Lehigh Valley, having decamped from the region for the sunny world of Southern California, SoCo, as they call

One of the things I take for granted as I move to my next pulpit is that my job as rabbi will have an obvious continuity. I know well that synagogues and Jewish regions create their own cultures, and these produce significant differences. But beneath those differences lies the Jewish tradition of which we all are a part. Shabbat remains Shabbat, Yom Kippur the same, and so forth. As Jews, we belong to the same vast history of a people, a vast gathering of ideas and rituals — in other words, in the Lithuanian-born

American Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan’s felicitous term, a “civilization” through which we share so much.

Allow me to focus on one of these features: What is the meaning of our life as Jews? Well, one powerful element of that is our notion that history, and not just our history, is packed with meaning and bears within it an optimistic feel that belies our actual history. This optimism, usually couched in the term “messianism,” teaches us that history has purpose, that our lives have purpose, that living on this planet allows us to participate in the great adventure of perfecting it.

The messianic idea of the Jewish tradition forms the engine that empowers us to build, to create, to form families and communities. This idea also undergirds a critical element of the Jewish psyche: hope. No matter how bad things seem to be, the idea of the messiah teaches that we can, we ought to, persist, move on, and that through our existence, we can help bring about a tomorrow that’s better than today.

And so it will be for me out here in Southern California. Part of my job as a rabbi will always be to encourage people to look toward our future with optimism.

I much enjoyed my time in the Lehigh Valley. Helping to usher Congregation Keneseth Israel, my spiritual home for the year, into its new era was a pleasurable sacred task. In the deepest sense of the word, I learned a lot from the many meetings I had with you folks and wish you well as we move ahead to 5784. A bit early, I know, but still, shanah tovah u’m’tukah, a happy, healthy, sweet new year, a year that brings us one step closer to our history’s messianic conclusion.

Ooh! Ahh! KI crowd enjoys best fireworks view in town

A large group of congregants and friends gathered on the front steps of Congregation Keneseth Israel on July 4 to take advantage of the view of Allentown’s fireworks display. People brought food and drinks to share, but the biggest hit of the day, besides the conversations and the pyrotechnics, was when the ice cream truck pulled up. Kids of all ages rushed over for treats.

Temple Beth El celebrates longtime executive director

tors presented her with a sterling silver love knot bracelet.

Rabbi Re’em spoke fondly of Rohrbach, saying she played an integral part in keeping the synagogue up and running. He complimented her on her great relationship with the congregants and how well-informed she kept everyone.

By Cindy Schneider Temple Beth El

Temple Beth El honored a member of its family with a champagne brunch on Sunday, June 4: Michelle Rohrbach, the synagogue’s longtime executive director. About 180 guests gathered in the synagogue’s social hall and under a tented part of the patio for the occasion.

For the last 28 years, Rohrbach worked to keep the synagogue operating at a high level. In recognition of that, the congregation and board of direc-

Staff gathered around Rabbi Re’em and performed a parody of Disney songs personalized by Shari Spark. Unable to attend the event, Spark provided a recording for the group.

Rance Block told Michelle’s story. Ron Sunshine kept the crowd happy with music from the 1970s through the 1990s. Appetizers were passed around. Brunch entrees were put out. Desserts were plentiful.

JCC Dedicates Campus in Honor of Bonnie and Bobby Hammel

By Maggie Schutzler Development Director

On Sunday, June 11, 2023, the JCC property was officially rededicated as the Hammel Campus. The new name is in honor of the incredible contributions of Bonnie & Bobby Hammel to the JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Bonnie & Bobby were honored with heartfelt words from past JCC Presidents Kathy Zimmerman, Brian Ford, and Stuart Krawitz; current JCC President Jeff Fleischaker and Executive Director Eric Lightman. The Hammels were also honored by Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk and Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Schlossberg.

Perhaps the most notable quality Bonnie & Bobby share, however, is their humility. They are always putting others before themselves, and care deeply about the Jewish community of the Lehigh Valley. The JCC of the Lehigh Valley Hammel Campus is incredibly grateful to Bonnie & Bobby Hammel for all they have done to support the JCC. Without their support, the JCC would not be what it is today. Thank you, Bonnie & Bobby!

A message from Bonnie & Bobby was delivered by Rance Block, and the event concluded with a photo of all attendees in front of the new campus sign.

Campus Opening - 1958

Campus Re-Dedication - 2023

Hanukkah is on the horizon

JCC Dedicates Campus in Honor of Bonnie and Bobby Hammel

Another Summer of Fun For Camp JCC

wonderful reminder to me

why do we celebrate this fun and joyous holiday?

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

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

By Development

on the opposite side of, it is a question of whether latkes go better with applesauce or sour cream. While we won’t take sides in this article, there are cases for both!

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

winner receiving a pile of

Valley will be celebrating annual Family Hanukkah Celebration and Community Candle Lighting on Sunday, December 18 from 3pm-5pm. We will be celebrating in style

cocoa, live entertainment, and

Director

Stagemakers cast explores indigenous culture

the JCC property was officially rededicated as the Hammel Campus.

of the incredible contributions of Bonnie & Bobby Hammel to the JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Bonnie & Bobby were honored with heartfelt words from past JCC Presidents Kathy Zimmerman, Brian Ford, and Stuart Krawitz; current JCC President Jeff Fleischaker and Executive Director Eric Lightman. The Hammels were also honored by Allentown Mayor Matt

Representative Mike Schlossberg.

Heather Lavin

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

A message from Bonnie & Bobby was delivered by Rance Block, and the event concluded with a photo of all attendees in front of the new campus sign.

Perhaps the most notable quality Bonnie & Bobby share, however, is their humility. They are always putting others before themselves, and care deeply about the Jewish community of the Lehigh Valley. The JCC of the Lehigh Valley Hammel Campus is incredibly grateful to Bonnie & Bobby

became part of the costumes for the

Jackie Weiss

Campus Opening - 1958

Why JDS?

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

Why JDS?

By Joanna Powers Interim Head of School

It is never easy to end a school year! Goodbyes tinged with both sadness about having to miss peers and collegues and excitement for the summer vacation that is about to begin made the last week of school a very impactful time.

By Megan Hyman

that all ages enjoy.

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

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

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

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

demic as built-in playmates

Why JDS?

Busy Summer Days at the JDS

By Megan Hyman

an early childhood education program, the welcoming, intimate, and warm environment at JDS was an obvious place for us to turn. The administration and staff worked tirelessly to adhere to everchanging guidelines from the CDC and still make the magic of school very real for its students. Joseph FLOURISHED in this environment, and now that he’s in his third year as a student (kindergarten!) he loves the dynamic and joyful learning experience he’s had there. I’ll never

By Megan Hyman

he decision parents make about

When it came time for Joseph, our now five-year-old son, to get back into an early childhood education program, the welcoming, intimate, and warm environment at JDS was an obvious place for us to turn. The administration and staff worked tirelessly to adhere to everchanging guidelines from the CDC and still make the magic of school very real for its students. Joseph FLOURISHED in this environment, and now that he’s in his third year as a student (kindergarten!) he loves the dynamic and joyful learn

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

The JDS has enabled strengthen – they check on the playground and other in the hallways. older children care for Evelyn is always so proud the “big kids” helps her pack at the end of the talks about his “reading stantly!

The decision parents make about where to send their children for

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

While our wonderful families might go on travel adventures and many of our beloved students go off to camps both near and far, our faculty rolls up their collective sleeves to get the JDS ready for the 2023-2024 school year. We are proud to be able to be creating more cohesive wings: our lower school collection of classrooms will all be together, our elementary hallway will give our second and third graders a special place to call their own, and our upper elementary and middle school will be entering several newly designed classrooms, including our dedicated performing arts studio, where music class and our elective theater program will thrive. The science lab is being prepared for our new STEAM elective offered to middle school, along with the abundance of science exploration

Of course, none of this happens by itself! Not only are our teachers using their summers to ensure each classroom detail is just right for every student, we have a team of dedicated staff members who magically transform boxes and new equipment into a beautiful environment for our students. Mr. Tyler and Mr. Rich work tirelessly with the help of their summer interns Nate and Brandon. Miss Adrienne manages our office with finesse and Miss Sue keeps the business side of the school in tip top order. We are so grateful to everyone “behind the scenes,” including many volunteers who do not take a summer break. We thank all of them!

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

When it came now five-year-old an early childhood the welcoming, vironment at for us to turn. staff worked tirelessly changing guidelines still make the for its students. in this environment, his third year as he loves the dynamic ing experience forget when he full Pledge of Allegiance words to the Hatikvah This year, his to join the three-year-old the same teachers siblings of her very shy at first, that and truly enthusiasm. her love of art, the sweetest friends. updates and photos app throughout

sion of where to send your child to school in the Lehigh Valley, we found the JDS an extremely supportive place, a refuge from the uncertainties that we all face in-

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

Our kids became ing the quarantine

Who is the refugee? It’s me.

Who is the refugee? It’s me.

Who is the refugee?

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

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

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

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

Before we know it, it will be time to welcome our incredible JDS students and families into the new school year. Stay tuned for information about our back to school barbeque, our curriculum nights, and many other ways we will celebrate our JDS family and our Lehigh Valley Jewish community. Meanwhile, we will keep working on the finishing touches on the place our kids know is their home away from home.

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

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

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

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

situation. But worst was that something just fly above my head and then I heard and felt shot near me. It was enemy drone. It scared me to death, I never ever felt like this before. Next weeks were very scary for me. The

And then, on 24th of February, all was ruined. The war started. And what did we know about war? Only history WW2 from books and movies…and some hor- evening we needed to shut all lights, because our ter-

area. My husband had a very important role with great career opportunities in the biggest energy company in Ukraine. We used to invite our friends to our little parties at home, used to see our parents when we wanted

So, what is the difference between me as a refugeesons why we came. I love Ukraine, it’s my home, home of my children and many past generations of my anding abroad, we simply didn’t want to, because we were satisfied with our lives and happy in Ukraine. We chose the US because it was the best option of all, but also the most difficult. It was hard, and it is hard. Not onlyent language, different culture, finding job, getting all local documents, impossible life without a car, almost impossible life without a credit score, but the real difficulty is not being allowed to go out of the US. Maybe for people, who decide to come here, who has it likething to make this “American dream” came true, but it is very hard for us, refugees, forced migrants, who’s heart is still at our home with our friends, neighbors, parents, houses and gardens. And only your help madeversations, care and support). Because at the end of the day most important things are not material things, they -

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

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

kindness, people who helped us with so many things. People from Jewish Day School, Jewish Community of Lehigh Valley, Jewish Community Center. Not enough words to describe how grateful we are for it. And this great opportunity to know Jewish traditions and lan

situation. But worst was that something just fly above my head and then I heard and felt shot near me. It was enemy drone. It scared me to death, I never ever felt like this before. Next weeks were very scary for me. The

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

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

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

*I use little letter instead of capital on purpose. this people anymore and it’s even hard for me because what they have done and are still they are humans at all to me. And because it highlight it as my relation to them.

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

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

demic as built-in playmates and friends.

The JDS has enabled that relationship to strengthen – they check in on each other

we’d be here only the pandemic sion after decision

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

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

JFS Welcomes New Social Worker

Laura Garber, LSW, joins Jewish Family Service as an outpatient counselor to address expanding counseling needs in the Lehigh Valley. Garber received a Bachelor of Arts in political science at Penn State University and earned a Master of Social Science at Bryn Mawr College.

What brought you to JFS?

While I have lived in the Lehigh Valley since 2004, I was unfamiliar with the specific services offered by JFS. In the fall of 2019, I met Debbie Zoller, the executive director of JFS. We struck up a conversation and discovered that we both held master’s degrees in social work. She invited

me to serve on the JFS clinical committee, which is an advisory committee for the counseling department. One of the committee discussions focused on the need to expand the counseling services at JFS. As I gained more experience in the field, I realized that my counseling interests aligned with the mission of JFS. When Debbie approached me about the new counseling position, I was excited about the opportunity to join the organization.

Six months into your new role, what observations would you like to share about the organization?

The sense of dedication, enthusiasm, and caring that I have observed among staff and volunteers has made my transition to JFS so much more meaningful. I love the community feel, Jewish values, and sense of collaboration that permeates everything we do at JFS. It is particularly rewarding to help clients navigate and manage their mental health challenges.

What populations do you work with?

I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and stages of life. I have experience working with children, adolescents, teens and adults with a variety of mental health

issues including trauma, depression, grief, anxiety, relationships and stress management. I hope to make mental health services more accessible to people with different backgrounds and various mental health needs.

How do you approach the way you work with individuals?

It is important for me to meet each individual where they are at. We begin by doing a thorough needs-based assessment. Once the assessment is completed, we develop mental health goals during weekly individual sessions.

How do I make an appointment for counseling at JFS?

JFS is currently accepting new counseling clients from children through adults. Please call JFS at 610-821-8722 or email counseling@jfslv.org for more information.

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

IN HONOR

DANIEL COHEN

JFS organizes two community wide campaigns each year to benefit children: The Coats & Cocoa Drive and a School Supply Drive. From now until August 15th, we are collecting new school supplies to help school-aged children of food pantry families. Feeling ready for the new school year sets students up for success and makes them feel better about themselves.

There are three ways to donate:

1. Purchase from the list below and drop off at the red bins at the JCC or bring them directly to JFS, Monday - Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

2. Visit jfslv.org to access our Amazon Wish List.

3. Visit jfslv.org to make a monetary donation.

• Texas Instruments TI-34 II calculator

• Binders, 1” or 2”

• Composition books, marble, wide-ruled

• Crayons, 24-pack

• Dividers for 3-ring binders

• Erasers, pink

• Folders, plastic, 2-pocket

• Glue sticks

• Highlighters

• Notebooks, spiral, college or wide-ruled

• Paper, lined, college-ruled or wide-ruled

• Pencil cases

• Colored pencils, pre-sharpened

• Pencil sharpeners, pocket

• Pencils, #2, pre-sharpened

• Pens, black or blue ink, 12-count

• Pens, red, 12-count

• Rulers

• Sticky notes, 3”x3”

Questions? Call 610-821-8722 or email us at info@jfslv.org. Thank you!

In Honor of Receiving an Honorary Doctor of Law degree from Lafayette College

Wendy and Ross Born

MARLENE AND ARNAN

FINKELSTEIN

In Honor of 60th Anniversary

Bette Friedenheim

Maxine Klein

STUART HOROWITZ

In Honor of Special Birthday

Andrea and Don Bastian

AUDREY AND RICK NOLTE

In Honor of the Birth of Grandson, Samuel

Wendy and Ross Born

Sarah, Tom, Gabriel and Henry Morse

COOKY NOTIS

Get Well Wishes

Robin and Alex Rosenau

ELAINE AND LEON PAPIR

In Honor of Grandson Al’s Bar

Mitzvah

Roberta and Alan Penn

ROBERTA PENN

Get Well Wishes

Wendy and Ross Born

ROBIN ROSENAU

In Appreciation of your Friendship

Ruth and Doug Nathanson

BARBARA AND FRED SUSSMAN

In Honor of 65th Anniversary

LINDA AND JAMES WIMMER

In Honor of 60th Anniversary

Maxine and Don Klein

IN LOVING MEMORY

IRA (BOB) BORN

(Father of Ross Born)

Roberta and Alan Penn

HOWARD CENTER

(Brother of Larry Center)

Roberta and Alan Penn

RICHARD DERBY

(Husband of Ruth Derby)

Sharon and Alan Levy

TAMA FOGELMAN

(Beloved Mother, Sister, Grandmother, GreatGrandmother)

The Fred J. Jaindl Family

Foundation

Elaine Lerner

Kathy & Jerry Seldin

JEROME GINSBURG

(Husband of Gloria Ginsburg)

Elaine Lerner

ARLENE HURWITZ

(Wife of Rob Hurwitz)

Roberta and Alan Penn

MORRIS JALAZO

(Beloved Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather)

Wendy and Ross Born

Alice and Mark Notis

MR AND MRS MAX

(Parents of Sherri Max)

Jill Max

MICHAEL NOTIS

(Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and GreatGrandfather)

Jill and Jeff Blinder

Leslie and Victor Bunick & Family

Holly Bunin

Audrey Cherney

Pam Lott and Ron Ticho

Judith Miller

Roberta and Alan Penn

Abby and Mark Trachtman

SIDNEY AND HARRIET PARMET (Parents of Howard and Marilyn Parmet)

The Toland Family

EVE PETERSON (Wife of Joseph Peterson)

Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz

PETER SOKALSKY (Husband of Sheila Sokalsky)

Roberta and Alan Penn

HOWARD SOKOL (Husband of Midge Sokol)

Barbara and Fred Sussman

EARL TOLAND (Beloved Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather)

Charles Ermer

Maria Figueras

Mitrani, Rynor, Adamsky & Toland, PA

Jeffrey Rynor

Steve Silver

David Singer

Abby and Mark Trachtman

Elliot Wiser

MARGO WIENER (Wife of Steven Wiener)

John Ashcraft, III

Sharon and Joseph Bernstein

Jill and Jeff Blinder

Ginny and Zac Cohen

Marsha and David Gordon

Carol and Barry Halper

Maxine Klein

Elaine Langer

Cary and Michael Moritz

Roberta and Alan Penn

Lynne and Mark Shampaign

Judy and Larrie Sheftel

Linda and Robert Steinberg

Susan and Marc Vengrove

An IronPigs sellout!

Heritage night fans eat kosher dogs, sing

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

It’s only one night a year that you can go to a professional baseball game in the Lehigh Valley and hear the Israeli national anthem sung before the first pitch and eat a kosher hot dog. That’s Jewish Heritage Night at the IronPigs, and on June 13, the Jewish community came out to Coca-Cola Park to watch the Philadelphia Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate face the Toledo Mud Hens.

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, host and organizer of the event, sold out the tickets it had available for the night. The holders of those tickets got their choice of a specially designed promotional giveaway after they entered the park: an IronPigs cap featuring a Star of David or a backpack with IronPigs emblazoned on it in Hebrew.

During the pregame festivities, several community members lined up with other fans behind the mound to throw the ceremonial “first pitch” (which is actually nu-

merous pitches, one after the other). After that, students from the Jewish Day School sang “Hatikvah,” the Israeli national anthem, under the direction of Ariel Solomon, director of Hebrew and Judaics at JDS, and JDS alum and JCC staffer Yitzi Powers.

“It’s a really great opportunity for representation and just to be able to have our local Jewish Day School kids get on the field to sing the Israeli national anthem in front of an entire stadium of people,” said Powers. “I was happy to be a part of it.”

Powers’ dad, Rabbi Jonathan Powers, the mashgiach who oversees kosher food preparation for Muhlenberg College, ran the night’s kosher food stand. He served up meals of either a hot dog or knish along with potato chips and a drink.

Between the third and fourth innings, Aaron Gorodzinsky, the Federation’s director of campaign and security planning and organizer of Jewish Heritage Night, joined radio play-byplay announcer Sam Jellinek in the broadcast booth for an

‘Hatikvah,’ schmooze

interview.

Jellinek asked what makes this event such a success for the Jewish community. “There’s a rich history of Jews in baseball,” Gorodzinsky said. “It’s one sport we’re really very good at. And then, second, we have kosher food at the ballpark. That’s the only time where the community can really enjoy eating hot dogs with everybody else, and that makes it a very special night for us.”

Jellinek pointed out that he himself is Jewish and said part of his introduction to baseball was learning Jewish baseball history. “My grandfather got me a card collection of all the Jewish major leaguers,” he said. “And learning the history through all of that was one of my favorite things in the world.” Gorodzinsky brought up the Jewish community’s recent efforts to combat antisemitism. “We are a small but mighty community in the valley, and we really love being here,” he said. “It is a very welcoming place for everybody, but nationally, unfortunately, we’ve seen a

rise of antisemitism, and we’re asking everybody to show their support.”

He offered the listeners some basics about the local Jewish community. “We have a community center, a school,” he said. “We have eight synagogues that are very vibrant. And we have a Jewish Family Service that serves the entire community. It has the only food bank in the 18104 area. So we see our responsibility as not only to take care of the Jewish community, but to take care of our Lehigh Valley community.”

The conversation turned toward the Jewish community’s summertime Camp JCC. “The camp is sold out, which is wonderful,” he said. “And they do have sports at camp — I’m looking forward to the Maccabi Games.”

He said to Jellinek, “Maybe we’ll invite you over so

you can be a judge.”

Jellinek liked the idea of participating in the multisport event. “I’d be more than happy,” he said. “If you want me to throw on a headset and broadcast a little bit too, I’d have fun: the official IronPigs radio host at the camp being a judge for the Maccabi Games.”

Meanwhile, members of Congregation Sons of Israel held an evening prayer service off to the side of the front gates.

There were still a few innings left in the game after that. The IronPigs eventually lost, but they made it interesting, rallying for three runs in eighth to come within a point of tying the score.

Meet the new (Jewish) voice of IronPigs radio

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

As I walked toward the business entrance of CocaCola Park in Allentown, I was thinking about Sam Jellinek’s voice. Jellinek is the new Lehigh Valley IronPigs radio announcer.

During the Jewish Heritage Night game a couple of weeks earlier, a few of us from the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley spent an inning with him in the broadcast booth. A burning

question came up afterward: Is that how he talks in real life?

It is! Which makes him a good fit for his job. But considering that he probably didn’t have that husky voice when he was a kid, something else must have steered him toward his career. He was always a Philadelphia Phillies fan, and announcer Harry Kalas definitely was an influence. Jellinek listened to Kalas call games on his bedside clock radio. It’s no coincidence that there’s a cabinettop shrine to the play-by-play legend in Jellinek’s broadcast booth-office.

It was back in those days that his Jewish grandfather gave him a baseball card collection that featured all the Jewish major leaguers. Jellinek remembers reading the backs of those cards and getting an education

in Jewish baseball history. There were Hall of Famers Hank Greenberg, outfielder for the Detroit Tigers, and Sandy Koufax, pitcher for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers, and more.

This casual research led him to investigate more deeply the story of the Jewish people as it unfolded over the centuries and in recent times. “I was always intrigued by Jewish culture and history,” he said.

Jellinek grew up in a Jewish household in Doylestown, an hour southeast of CocaCola Park. He was the only boy in a set of triplets. All three of them went to Sunday school together and celebrated their b’nai mitzvah at the same time.

Jellinek started out in broadcasting calling college summer league games. He eventually wound up in Salisbury, Maryland, doing games for the Delmarva Shorebirds in the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system.

One day with the Shorebirds last season, he heard Daniel Federman talking with another pitcher. Both said they were planning to try out for Team Israel for the 2023 World Baseball Classic. A player doesn’t have to be a citizen to play; for Team Israel, he simply needs to have a Jewish grandparent.

Jelllinek started chatting with Federman about trying out. “He saw an opportunity to represent Israel,” Jellinek said. “I said, ‘Best of luck to you. Make it happen.’ Turns out he actually made the roster, ended up pitching.” He threw a 1-2-3 shutout inning against Puerto Rico.

Finding broadcasting

work in the minor leagues can be difficult. Since it’s seasonal work, broadcasters often move from one gig to the next. Things worked out here in the Lehigh Valley for Jellinek, as his girlfriend took a residency in family medicine with the Lehigh Valley Health Network and he got the IronPigs job, a yearround position that includes media relations duties.

He went to work right away, commuting for two weeks from Doylestown, where his parents still live. Then he and his girlfriend got a place in Lower Macungie.

Baseball jobs are busy during the season. Unlike in the National Football League, where games are scheduled one day a week, professional baseball teams play six games a week. “I go to the synagogue for holidays when I can,” he said, pointing out that he doesn’t have the clout of a Koufax, who was given the day off on Shabbat.

Not that Jellinek generally minds the busyness. “I enjoy waking up every day and being able to call a baseball

game,” he said. He also enjoys his time before games hanging out with the players. “My favorite part of the day is batting practice,” he said. “You get to talk with the guys and see what they’re working to improve. You get to know them as people.” Which leads to what’s become his favorite part of the job. “My reasons to do this have changed from what got me into it,” he said. While he started out enamored with the game itself, drawn to its stars and inspired by the announcers, he ended up rooting for the players as people. “You have the power to share other people’s stories,” he said, to present these people to the fans as more than just extraordinary athletes.

With that, he defines his role more broadly these days, to include simply, and importantly, bringing something positive to the players, their families tuned in to the broadcasts, and his other listeners alike. He alluded to the Jewish value of tikkun olam: “Sometimes repairing the world is just kindness and happiness.”

| HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Sam Jellinek and Aaron Goronzinsky in the broadcast booth.

Sam Jellinek at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown.

C L A S S O F 2 0 2 3 ! Congratulations,

Anika Agrawal

Michael Alchaer

Aleena Anas

Alexander Okezue Bell

Charles Bingham

Kendall Bolden

John Bollinger

Gabriel Borsuk

Audrey Boucher

Elena Capobianco

Felicia Carroll

Nicholas Colitas

Sarah Connors

Olivia Cunningham

Sofia Eckman

Benjamin Edelman

Evan Eichenlaub

Sofia Ettle

Jonathan Fabiano

Oakes Fegley

Roshen Gandotra

Alina Gangji

Gregory Gianforcaro, II

Samuel Greenberg

Gia Gupta

Ryan Hart

Kazi Hossain

Grace Hylton

Devon Jewell

Rosemary John

Patrick Johnson

Andrew Kara

Eleanor Kenyon

Jewel Kislin

Devin Klotz

Ethan Krupka

Hildi Kurlansik

Kaitlyn Lee

Andrew Mariani

Claire Martin

Alexander Mayer

Rohan Mehta

Tayden Miller

Moriah Mitchell

Braeden Parks

John Perrucci

Lauren Pulcini

Evania Raskapur

Christopher Ray

Nabeel Rifai

Rafael Sanjuan

Phoebe Shane

Anjali Shankar

Trey Sheeler

Spencer Simmons

Sierra Smith

Elena Tongg Weiler

Gianna Tout-Puissant

Tianna Tout-Puissant

Wisdom Ufondu

Adrian Vanegas

Sophia Vidal

Lindsay Williams

Michael Yampolsky

Yan Yu

Camilla Zelada

Elijah Zemsky

Partnership2Gether teens teach about Israel at Camp JCC

They came to the Lehigh Valley from Israel to see how life is different in the United States. And to teach the kids at Camp JCC about their homeland. And to experience New York City. The four 16-year-olds from the valley’s Partnership2Gether sister region in Yoav arrived at the end of June.

“I am interested in everything considered ‘classic American,’ such as Starbucks, KFC, etc.,” said Shira Morag, who loves watching and making films. “I am super excited to go to New York, because I have always wondered if it’s like what I see in movies.”

Morag, Noa Li Or Kafri, Zohar Menashe and Ori Shosan reported to camp right away and will remain in the valley through mid-August 13. They’ll be working under the guidance of Shani Kalmanovich, who came to Allentown from Israel for the first time six years ago.

Kalmanovich got to know the area and the people when she served as the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s community shlicha, spreading the word about Israel, its people and its culture. Having served in the Israel Defense Force teaching Hebrew to soldiers from different countries, she brought with her at the start some of the broad outlook that the 16-year-olds are looking to develop now. “I feel a strong connection to the world of the Jewish Diaspora,” she said.

Kibbutz Galon, said she wants to focus on giving the camp kids her personal take on Israel. “Talking to them about my home, the good and also the challenges, and seeing them interested to learn even more about Israel is always a joy,” she said. Kafri loves scifi and fantasy books. “I read far too much for a normal

jewelry in her free time. She came here to see what life was like in the United States. “I think it’s a huge experience

said, “and I am the youngest child at home, so coming to the U.S. for me for a month and a half was challenging.” Now that she’s here, she wants to focus on forming relationships, speaking English and teaching games.

novel to the kids she’s working with. “My main focus is to introduce the campers to something that they don’t know all about, to show them that we Israelis live in an amazing country, small but full of interesting stories and cultures, and to see what they know and what they think about Israel.”

Shani can understand many of the hopes and experiences of the four girls. “Coming to the US is always a bit of a culture shock,” she said.

Morag has lived in Kibbutz Gat since age 4. “I know plenty who came here to work at camp years before me,” she said, “and they told me that it’s an experience I don't want to miss.” That’s despite the difficulties inherent in making such a big commitment. “I have two older brothers,” she

Harif along with two younger siblings and a puppy. She’s here to find out firsthand the differences between Israeli and American Jews. “Another thing that made me come is the experience, to be far from home, to get out of my comfort zone,” she said. In turn, she wants to bring something

“Everything is so different, especially for Israelis who live in the Jewish state where almost everything around you is Jewish. Here we get to know what it means to be Jewish in the Diaspora, and how much effort it takes.

“I think that it is inspiring to see what the Jewish community here does to keep the connection with Israel, and I am happy to be part of this.”

achem. She has two younger brothers back home, along with a cat and dog. She plays sports and guitar and makes

Noa Li Or Kafri

Zohar Menashe

Shira Morag

Ori Shosan

To register, scan the QR code or visit jewishlehighvalley. org/yachad

Community brings book club to Country Meadows

Jewish Family Service held the inaugural Country Meadows Book Club in partnership with Temple Beth El Sisterhood and the Hadassah Study Group on June 7.

Organizers Marilyn Claire and Gail Eisenberg had reached out to Jennifer Oxfeld, volunteer coordinator for JFS, to organize the program with Country Meadows. As enthusiasm grew, Beth Kozinn and Margie Strauss came on board as volunteers.

The short story “Second Blood: A Rosh Hashonoh Story” by Jo Sinclair was distributed to participants prior to the meeting. Country Meadows invited Jewish residents to come for an afternoon of community and friendship.

Eight residents attended, all of whom read the story in anticipation of the meeting. Oxfeld gave a brief introduction about how the book club came to be, then turned the program over to volunteer facilitator Maxine Klein.

To provide context for the story, Klein shared a

brief biography of the author, a Jewish woman born in Brooklyn in 1913. A discussion of the story followed, focusing on the characters and relationships, and how the themes resonated with the participants. Following the discussion, Country Meadows provided refreshments.

“I was so happy to help coordinate this program with our community partners for the residents of Country Meadows,” said Oxfeld. “From the staff of Country Meadows to the volunteers who help keep our community connected, the program was a win.”

“We have individuals who have been active in the book club and study group for years, who now have challenges attending our meetings,” said Claire. “So, why not bring the book club to them?”

Sponsored by the Jewish Clergy Group of the Lehigh Valley Rabbi Cardin

‘A vibrant place to be a Jew’

New rabbi arrives at KI eager to settle into community

the traditional congregational role and also directed the religious education program.

The KI position and support staff allow her to focus on the traditional role. “I am grateful to have such a wonderful partner at the helm of KI’s education program in our education director Alex Malanych,” she said. “Their talents and skills make it possible for me to focus on the growth of my rabbinic leadership.”

those who want to recite kaddish. More changes will follow. “I do have lots of ideas,” she said, “but I believe that a new rabbi’s first job is to begin to build a relationship with the congregation, so that in moments of sorrow and of joy we can build more meaningful rituals and experiences.”

Whatever she decides to

do after that, she’ll be building on what’s come before her. “The Lehigh Valley has the Jewish resources and infrastructure that make it a vibrant place to be a Jew and also is small enough for a new rabbi to build important connections and to be part of making important things happen in the area.”

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

The Lehigh Valley was not a surprising landing place for Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg. Not only does she come to the region from less than an hour south in Plymouth Meeting, but also she’s very familiar with the sort of situation found here.

“I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri,” she said. “So I know what it’s like to be a part of a small but mighty Jewish community.”

Rabbi Tornberg is the new rabbi of Congregation Keneseth Israel, having started in that role on July 1, replacing Rabbi Phil Cohen, KI’s interim rabbi who is now settling into a new post in

Southern California (see this issue’s Clergy Column for his farewell message). “The warmth of KI is obvious when you enter the building and interact with the staff and the members,” Tornberg said. “There is such creativity and commitment in this community. They are an inspiration. There is a yearning here for making experiences of meaning and spiritual connection, of learning and social justice.”

Tornberg comes with experience from synagogues elsewhere in Pennsylvania and in California, New York State (including Brooklyn) and Ohio. For 15 years, she has served as a “rabbi-educator,” meaning that she filled

Malanych has been education director for almost a year. A third part of the congregation’s leadership is also new: John Perry, who just took over as executive director after the retirement of Vikki Dunn. “Together, the three of us are a brandnew team, which is exciting,” Rabbi Tornberg said.

She’s eager to settle into this well-established community and congregation with her husband, David, and four kids (and dog, Levi). “The deep sense of history here is palpable,” she said. “Like Moses, KI has been around for 120 years.”

One of her first actions on arriving at KI was to start a weekly Saturday morning Torah study with food and learning and a minyan for

Newcomers, otherness and engaging with humility

By Adina Re’em Temple Beth El

When the trees burning in Canada lowered our air quality in the Lehigh Valley, I got a reminder of the grand connectedness of it all. Seeking connection is

a powerful and positive human impulse.

Every fall, I have come to anticipate meeting newcomers seeking connection to the Lehigh Valley Jewish community. Many have successfully inte-

grated. Yet at any given moment there are those standing outside the borders. Only some of them have recently moved to town. Some have not quite gotten around to the task. Some are not sure whether they belong.

I don’t have the key for unlocking this broch (Yiddish for an embarrassing, complicated situation needing to be resolved).

In the current cultural landscape of shifting and complex identities, there may be an expectation to constantly sensitize ourselves to the feelings and needs of others. Can we fulfill the expectation? Are we prepared to accommodate otherness and divergence among us?

Recent national polls have pointed to a steady increase of Jews from nonAshkenazi backgrounds claiming a place at the table. More so in large cities. More importantly, diversity of all kinds poses similar challenges in smaller communities, while hinging on various sociocultural differences. In any group one may feel

unwelcome for a variety of legitimate reasons.

Making meaningful connections over differences is challenging. We find comfort among those who share commonalities with us. I’ve been the new kid on the block more than once in my life. As a timid first-grader in a new country, I was lucky enough to have the girls in my Jerusalem school unlock the gate to the castle and take me in with gracious welcome. I know now it was not (only) my luck of joining a nice bunch. I very quickly learned how I landed on the right side of the tracks. I came from the United States of America, after all. Not the Soviet Union or Iran. The strong Zionist education left no doubt which land was the promised one, but everybody knew nice clothes came from America.

Looking back, it was an early experience that left an everlasting mark. But that’s only half the story. The other half belongs to the other half of the class. The silent half. We shared little in common. Their Hebrew sounded heavily accented to me, and none of them lived in my neighborhood. Here is some background. I attended kindergarten in a suburb of New York City, then first grade in Israel, then second grade in New York. There were a few more back-and-forths since. I may have received some mixed messages in the shuffle, but one was crystal clear: there were four types of people in the world: Americans, Jews, Hasidim and Arabs. There was no problem with us being both American and Jewish. I enrolled in a religious-public all-girls school in Jerusalem. As it turns out, I went to school with Arabs. Really. At least that was the reaction in my 6-year-old mind. I’ll explain.

In 1971, I was part of an Israeli-government-run social experiment called integratzia, designed to fold us into the Israeli melting pot of Jews from many lands. The influx of Jewish immigration from Arab Lands in the 1950s motivated this. It was a high priority at the time to create a cohesive Jewish population out of this mixed multitude. Since my elementary social-mental map did not include Jews

from Arab lands (today referred to as Mizrahim), for my first year in Israel they were “Arabs.” The ultimate other.

It was an environment aiming to be color blind. Yet at the end of each day, as we walked off, they, the girls walking in the opposite direction, returned to homes, often struggling economically to support larger families with fewer resources. We were so young, uninitiated to the ways of the world. Yet nobody had to teach us the hidden curriculum. Its text was never referenced. We all carried the unmistakable knowledge of a (nonexistent) brick wall dividing us. Frightening at how early an age we categorize people into groups that are inevitably stereotyped.

To this day I carry a deep discomfort knowing how I relatively easily slipped into the right group, while others clearly could not. There was no doubt which group was more desirable. One had the better neighborhood, access to after-school activities, useful social connections and status. I’m thinking of those who could not make it in, as hard as they tried. I’m thinking of those who made it in and carry endless anger mixed with pride.

One cannot draw any direct parallels between my story and the challenges our community faces today. Nonetheless, I am revisiting and sharing these early memories in hope of refocusing my own priorities. I’d like to think I’ve learned to be aware of my biases. I’d like to think I’ve learned that things are never as innocent as they seem and power always holds sway. Above all, I want to engage with those I encounter with a healthy dose of humility. After all, I don’t hold the keys to the castle.

Adina Re’em is an Israeli American who has been part of the Temple Beth El community for 20 years. She leads a weekly Shabbat study group there that is open to all, this year exploring Parsha with Prophets. She works as an RN Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, Raker Center.

By Nurit Galon Special to Hakol

After the end of the Second World War, many people in England were on the move, trying to decide where to live. Many homes and neighborhoods had been destroyed by bombing. The years of being born, growing up and dying in the same house in the same neighborhood were over, and not only in England.

How does one choose a community to move to? What do we look for? Stability? Education? Work prospects? Cultural possibilities? Room for children to grow and develop? Political involvement?

Probably most of these.

There are other considerations too. In my kibbutz, Galon, newcomers are asked to meet with members and explain why they want to move here. A big falafel for whoever guesses the answer cor-

rectly: “We want to be able to walk barefoot along the paths,” meaning “We want the freedom of the countryside and to choose what we wear, because clothes are only symbolic, not the important things in our lives.”

On my first visit to the Lehigh Valley, I was overwhelmed by the feeling of how similar it was to Yoav, the smiles that greeted me everywhere, the warmth and caring, the devotion of the leadership and, yes, the determination to make the world a better place. Once the Lehigh Valley-Yoav Partnership2Gether relationship began two decades ago, every meeting, every delegation was a celebration.

Even 20 years later, the friendships made continue. Of course they do, because they are family friendships that matter. During Israel’s all too

frequent wars, Lehigh Valley was there for us. Mark Goldstein z”l, executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley at the time, didn’t wait to say he was coming. He came, and I can’t tell you how encouraged we were to see him arrive (even as he discovered that someone had stolen his suitcase — some welcome to the Holy Land!). Mark visited the kibbutzim, whose shelters and equipment seriously needed repairs. Sure enough, the Lehigh Valley immediately backed the request. This is family. This is a good, supportive place — and a good place to live.

Each time I receive Hakol, I am truly astounded at the amount of activities for all ages. Lehigh Valley is alive with creativity and care. I grew up in London with plenty of activities, but so impersonal and a little bit scary. Today I

am a proud Israeli (with all the problems!), and naturally I would like to fly you all over here on a magic carpet. I am proud to be in the Lehigh ValleyYoav partnership and, to anyone considering places to settle down, I don’t

hesitate to recommend the Lehigh Valley as a community well worth joining.

Happy summer days!

Nurit Galon writes for Hakol from Yoav, the Lehigh Valley’s Partnership2Gether sister region in Israel.

‘“Nice” Jewish Girls’ BOOK REVIEWS

‘Totally Kosher’

“Totally Kosher,” by Chanie Apfelbaum, Clarkson Potter, 2023, 320 pages.

By Sandi Teplitz Special to Hakol

Many readers of this newspaper know Chanie from her creative blog, Busy in Brooklyn. She certainly lives up to that moniker, and then some. She is a mother of five and traditional, while also being a feminist.

Her cookbook combines the tried and true with the ultimate in umami. Instead

of subbing in gluten-free flour for those on a glutenfree diet, for example, she alters the entire recipe to produce a “wow” end result.

Along the way, she teaches the (very willing) cook, some eyebrow-raising facts about keeping kosher. Did you know that there are four species of locust that meet kosher specifications?

I am pleased to tell you that she doesn’t include any recipes for them in this book. But she does share with us some modern takes on favorites that will win you compli-

ments and have you wanting to try others soon afterward.

This flavorful goodie is a great place to start:

Pineapple Teriyaki Beef Jerky

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound London broil sliced crosswise against the grain into 1/4-inch slices

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1/4 cup dark brown sugar

3 tablespoons sambal oelek

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon grated ginger

1 tablespoon dark sesame oil

TECHNIQUE:

1. In a one-gallon zip-lock bag, combine all ingredients except the meat. Then add the meat and refrigerate overnight.

2. The next day, line a large fleischig sheet pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Put a rack on top. Spread the meat on the rack and discard the marinade.

3. Bake at 185 degrees for 3 1/2 hours, flipping halfway through, until the meat is completely dehydrated, which may require an extra 1/2 hour. The meat shouldn’t be wet or sticky.

4. Remove the meat to an airtight container and put it in the refrigerator. It will keep for one week.

“‘Nice’ Jewish Girls,” by Julie Merberg and Georgia Rucker, Downtown Bookworks, 2022, 160 pages.

By Sean Boyle Congregation Keneseth

Israel

Congregation Keneseth Israel’s celebration of its 120th year is highlighted by welcoming its first woman rabbi, Rabbi Shoshana Tornberg. Rabbi Tornberg, who came to the Lehigh Valley from nearby Abington, actively champions the values of education, social justice, family and community. The KI community looks forward to her leading them across the Jordan as they start their next new chapter.

KI’s library and website will be hosting Rabbi’s Picks, books that Rabbi Tornberg hopes the community will check out and read. It’s almost certain that “‘Nice’ Jewish Girls” will be on that list.

“‘Nice’ Jewish Girls” is a children’s book with 36 brief biographies by bestselling author Julie Merberg and illustrated by Georgia Rucker. The book highlights extraordinary women, many of whom had to fight antisemitism and sexism while achieving their many accomplishments. Merberg selected these women also because they were inspired by the values of education, social justice, family and community, and their “connection to Judaism was meaningful, palpable, or relevant.”

The endpapers are covered in adjectives that Merberg uses to describe the women: ambitious, notorious, subversive, radical, game-changing, resilient and others, letting the reader know that these are not boring, just-the-facts biographies, but ones that written to stir readers to action.

Merberg organizes the biographies according to categories in which the women

achieved most of their success: activism, entertainment, writing, art, science, entrepreneurship, leadership, justice. Within that structure, she puts her subjects in order by birthdate, so readers can see the legacies that influenced each inspirational woman. She’s encouraging the young people who are reading about the achievements to continue in the women’s footsteps and leave new ones for the generations coming behind them.

At the end of the book, there are lists of resources for learning more about the women inside, as well as a Jewish Geography section with illustrated “headshots” of the women and dotted lines showing the connections between them. Sex therapist Ruth Westheimer was treated for a bombing injury at the Hadassah Hospital founded by Henrietta Szold. Does the reader become more inspired by knowing that the comedian Sarah Silverman’s sister, Rabbi Susan Silverman, officiated at actress Tiffany Haddish’s bat mitzvah? Maybe not, but it’s interesting to pore over the pages and discover how the women are tied to one another.

Highly recommended for ages 12-120, especially for anyone who wants to inspire or be inspired by “nice” Jewish girls.

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

Save the Date!

Annual Phyllis Ringel Memorial Lecture

Adolescents & Social Media:The Parenting Dilemma

The impact of social media and navigating boundaries for families.

with presenter Barbara Yudis, LSW

Sunday, September 10, 2023, 10 a.m. via Zoom

The event is free to attend.

Community Calendar

To list an event in the Community Calendar, submit your information on our website, www.jewishlehighvalley.org, under the “Upcoming Events” menu. All events listed in the Community Calendar are open to the public and free of charge, unless otherwise noted. Programs listed in HAKOL are provided as a service to the community. They do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. The JFLV reserves the right to accept, reject or modify listings.

SUNDAY, JULY 30

PJ Library and Shalom Baby

Pool Party

3:30-5 p.m., JCC outdoor pool

PJ Library and Shalom Baby are ready to splash and schmooze and maybe hear a story or two. Registration for the event is now closed, but you can sign onto the wait list at jewishlehighvalley.org/calendar in case there are cancellations. The event is free, but donations are welcome. For more information contact Abby Trachtman at abbyt@jflv.org.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10

B.I.G. Musikfest

Performance

4 p.m., Stadtplatz (Payrow Plaza), Bethlehem Bethlehem Interfaith Group presents music of faith and hope of various traditions. That includes Jewish favorites by Congregation Brith Sholom musicians. Free and open to the public.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

KI booth at Lehigh Valley

Pride Day

2-8:30 p.m., Steelstacks, Bethlehem

Visit Congregation Keneseth Israel’s booth to learn about the synagogue’s inclusive nature and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Volunteers are needed. Fill out the contact form at kilv.org/form/Lehigh%20Valley%20 Pride to help decorate the booth our hand out informational flyers about KI.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22

Young Leadership launch

picnic

4:30-7:30 p.m., Grange Park, Allentown

Bring your family out to the first-ever event hosted by the Federation’s new Young Leadership. Each family should bring a dinner to enjoy. Kosher dessert will be available. Register at jewishlehighvalley.org/calendar.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23

Exclusive early premiere of ‘Golda’ with Helen Mirren

Q&A

4 or 7 p.m., AMC Center Valley 16

Two days before the nationwide release of this film centered around Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, this special screening will feature a prerecorded Q&A with lead actress Helen Mirren and director Guy Nattiv. “Golda” is a ticking-clock thriller set during the tense 19 days of the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Get tickets at https://www.fathomevents.com/ events/GOLDA?date=2023-08-23.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27

Brith Sholom Welcome

Back Barbecue

4 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom

Relax, enjoy and reconnect with friends after summer travel. For the entire family. Enjoy and late summer with good food, games and more. $10 per person, up to $20 per household. Register at tammy@brithsholom.net or call 610-866-8009.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Women’s Philanthropy opening board meeting with speaker Amy Oselkin

6 p.m. board meeting, 6:30 p.m. speaker, JCC

The Women’s Philanthropy opens the Federation’s new campaign year with its first board meeting. Community member Amy Oselkin will discuss her newly published poetry book, “The Story Behind the Poem: A Reflection on Mommyhood, Miscarriages and Marriage,” at 6:30 p.m. Register for the speaker event at jewishlehighvalley.org/calendar.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS

Online Jewish yoga studio

Mondays 11 to 11:45 a.m., Thursdays 4 to 4:45 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality

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

information go to muhlenberg.edu/wmuh.

3RD

FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

KI Shabbat B’Yachad

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

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

SATURDAYS

KI Torah Study

9:30-10:30 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel

The Greatest

Mitzvah You’ve Never Heard Of

8:30 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom

The Jewish Clergy Group of the Lehigh Valley presents a Selichot program led by Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin and Rabbi Avram Israel Reisner on what they call a “mitzvah hiding in plain sight”: Establish and maintain a sustainable world. They will address questions like What does Judaism say about caring for the earth and What behaviors does Judaism expect of us? Everyone is invited to attend.

THURSDAYS, BEGINNING

SEPTEMBER 14

Yachad University Fall 2023

9:30-10:30 a.m., JCC Boardroom

Rabbi Seth Phillips will lead an examination of the topic “Hallelujah: The Life of David and the Psalms” on Thursday mornings through November 16. The course will focus on Psalms and Samuel. Each student should come to class with a Jewish Bible, or Tanach, and a willingness to question the material. $100 for the semester. In person only (no Zoom). Register at jewishlehighvalley.org/ yachad.

ONGOING EVENTS

2ND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Bnai Shalom cash bingo fundraiser

1-4 p.m., Congregation Bnai Shalom

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

MONDAYS Yiddish Club

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

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

TUESDAYS Weekly Torah study

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

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

WEDNESDAYS Yoga with Miriam Sandler: Chair-Supported Yoga

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

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

WEDNESDAYS

Torah Studies: A Weekly Journey into the Soul of Torah

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

Torah Studies by the Jewish Learning Institute presents Season Four 5783, a 12-part series, in person and via Zoom. Cost is $54 for the course, including textbook. For more information, call 610-351-6511 or email rabbi@chabadlehighvalley.com.

EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY Hadassah study group

12:30 p.m., via Zoom

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

THURSDAYS Basic Yiddish class

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

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

FRIDAYS Kol HaEmek

8:30 to 9:30 a.m., WMUH 91.7 Radio show with Cantor Kevin Wartell. For

Join Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg for a study session making sense of the week’s Torah portion. Enter the building through the 23rd Street door. For more information, contact Rabbi Tornberg using the form at kilv.org/ form/contact-rabbicall.

SATURDAYS Wisdom of the Talmud class

After Shabbat Lunch and Schmooze, Congregation Brith Sholom

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

DAILY Jewish Broadcasting Service

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

DAILY Congregation Sons of Israel minyanim

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

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

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

Daily online meditation

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

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

Richard Boorse, MD Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence

Our

five

health institutes.

Where what’s next happens.

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