‘“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 with presenter Barbara Yudis, LSW

The impact of social media and navigating boundaries for families.

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 information go to muhlenberg.edu/wmuh.

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.

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.