NextGen, formerly Young Leadership, celebrates its first (re)birthday! Photos and stories recap the year.
older adults pages feature our Yoav columnist welcoming the challenge of life beyond the 60s. p22-25
CALENDAR p27
An Evening with Jonathan Conricus Wartime IDF spokesman to give community ‘insider’ briefing
By Carl Zebrowski Editor
Retired Israel Defense Forces lieutenant colonel Jonathan Conricus will be visiting the Lehigh Valley from Israel on the evening of September 10 to speak to our community about his experiences as the IDF’s international spokesperson during the war with Hamas and his firsthand knowledge of how antisemitism influences war reporting.
An Evening with Jonathan Conricus is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the
Lehigh Valley and StandWithUs, an international nonprofit supporting Israel and fighting antisemitism. The evening, at Temple Beth El, will kick off the Federation’s 2025 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs with a VIP reception for major donors at 5:30 p.m. The event will then open up for a dessert reception for everyone in our community at 7:00 p.m. who has donated at least $365 to the 2025 campaign (the NextGen minimum is $180). Conricus will speak at 7:15 p.m.
Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of the Jewish Federation, said, “We are privileged to host Jonathan Conricus, and we look forward to hearing his analysis and ‘insider’
on Israel at war
briefing on the current situation in Israel.”
Conricus served in the IDF for 24 years as a combat commander in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, military diplomat, foreign relations expert, and spokesperson. In his most recent role, as the IDF’s international spokesperson, he directed the IDF’s global media efforts in traditional and social media.
He has delivered hundreds of security and strategic briefings from various locations along and beyond Israel’s borders to foreign groups and dignitaries, ranging from heads of state and military professionals to students and civic groups. He’s known for his ability to tell a complex
story simply, using scenery as props, and leaving his audience with a compelling package of information to remember and act on.
Conricus said he has dedicated his whole professional life to representing the State of Israel to the world and defending its name. And he can do all this in five different languages—native in Hebrew, English, and Swedish, and intermediate in German and Arabic.
Visit the Federation website at jewishlehighvalley.org for information updates and a registration link. We hope to see you there!
Lions to honor Fromer at international conference
By Carl Zebrowski Editor
The Lehigh Valley already knows that Dr. Carol Bub Fromer has set a high standard for philanthropy and volunteerism during her lifetime of commitment to the Jewish world. Now she’ll get international recognition for that as the Lehigh Valley’s 2024 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award winner.
Fromer will receive the award at the 2025 annual International Lion of Judah Conference in Atlanta in January. Lion of Judah is part of the Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federations of
North America, volunteering and raising funds for Jewish needs locally, nationally, and around the world.
“Carol has earned this special award and recognition for her long-standing dedication to Women’s Philanthropy as well as her leadership in our community,” said Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. “It is well deserved.”
The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley encourages Lions and future Lions (i.e., daughters, granddaughters, and friends of Lions) to attend the conference to join in honoring Fromer in front
of the large audience, while gathering alongside the others in attendance to learn about and discuss the most pressing issues facing local, national, and global Jewish communities and envision together how to initiate change heading into the future.
“Being a Lion means being part of a special ‘pride,’” said Fromer, a doctor at Lehigh Primary Care in Allentown who has been treating patients “from the nursery to the nursing home” for 28 years in the Lehigh Valley. “Jewish philanthropy has always been a priority in my life, but the powerful bond of philanthropic women and the sustained altruism that creates such strong friendships, connections, and respect among women continues to amaze and motivate me.
“This communal strength nurtures my Jewish pride and drives my convictions in the face of antisemitism and adversity. I was born in South Africa, where my grandfather lived on one herring a day to save money to rescue my grandmother and their families from the Nazis. He was a modest and humble man, but when it came to being Jewish,
he stood tall. From him I learned that in a world rife with antisemitism, embracing Jewish values, Jewish customs, and commitment to family are our most meaningful endeavors. Jewish pride in everyday life and in support of Israel is our best defense.”
The KipnisWilson/Friedland Award was created as a tribute to Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland, both of blessed memory, who co-founded the Lion of Judah program in 1972. Fromer is one of more than 18,000 Lions around the world who contribute $5,000 or more annually in their own names to their local Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs.
Eileen Ufberg was the last local winner of the Kipnis award. Fromer was in the audience at the December 2023 conference in Phoenix when Ufberg was honored. “We are excited that Carol will rep-
resent our community again and receive this award at this year’s International Lion of Judah Conference,” said Lee Kestecher Solomon, the Lehigh Valley Federation’s director of community engagement.
If you’re a Lion or are planning to become one, please consider attending the 2025 conference in January. For more information visit lionconference.org.
Dr. Carol Bub Fromer
IDF Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus
NextGen young adults end year with brewery tour and hangout
By Billy Thompson Digital Marketing Associate
NextGen, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley group formerly known as Young Leadership, hosted an end-of-the-campaign-year celebration and brewery tour at Bru Daddy’s Brewing Company in downtown Allentown at the end of May. The weather was agreeable that evening, so the group gathered outside under the partly covered pavilion, with its open-air patio framing a sky growing dusky.
The evening began with
a game of cornhole, where players attempt to toss sacks of full of dried corn through a hole in a board some distance away. Two Federation staffers faced off against Ariel Solomon and Dr. Howard Levin.
A foosball table was available for play, as well. Drinks came shortly after, and everyone toasted to the successful campaign year.
A buffet table was replenished with food all evening. It featured delicious options like quesadillas, mini egg rolls, and kosher cookies. There was something for everyone.
For an extra-sweet dessert, the Federation brought a customized sheet cake decorated with wishes for a nice summer.
Then came the brewery tour. After everyone was corralled into two groups, they went into the depths of the facility to learn brewing techniques straight from an industry professional. The process used several chrome vats big enough to supply a whole troop with liquid refreshment.
NextGen had a lot to celebrate that night, a year into
its relaunch. Its quick success suggests another successful year of programming to come.
If you’re between the ages of 30 and 45 and are interested in joining NextGen to meet and socialize with peers in the
community while supporting the Federation’s of the Lehigh Valley’s Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, contact Lee Kestecher Solomon, director of community engagement for the Federation, at lee@jflv.org.
Young adults group celebrates 1 year since 2023 relaunch
By Billy Thompson Digital Marketing Associate
The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s 2024 campaign year brought with it the relaunch of Young Leadership, now known as NextGen. As this issue of Hakol goes to press, summer is in full swing and the 2025 campaign year is
beginning. But now, let’s stop to reflect on the group’s year of successes.
The biggest success was the relaunch itself, made possible by the efforts of chairs Rachel Levin, Chelsea Busch, Lyell Scherline, and Aviva Marlin along with Lee Kestecher Solomon, director of community engagement for
the Federation. In the summer of 2024, NextGen began with a family picnic, with kids playing games, running around the playground, and getting soaked by the giant water sprayers and other waterpark-type contraptions. Fun, food, and community became a running programing theme
for the year, and next up was Havdalah family movie night. Kids got to enjoy not only snacks and a movie, but also a live performance by NextGen members Eric Lightman and Chelsea Busch, at Jay’s Local, the Jewish-owned eatery near Muhlenberg College. Then there was the adults-only bowling night, with partici-
pants proving a knack for knocking down the pins.
Wrapping up the year was the brewery tour and hangout at Bru Daddy’s Brewing Company as seen above. The first current campaign year event will be held on August 7 at Wanderlust in Easton at 7:00 p.m. See below for details.
Join us to find out where you belong at an adults night out in a unique, rustic outdoor setting, with a short info session about Federation. Refreshments will be available. Dietary laws observed. $18 per person, includes one beverage.
Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
1600 Sullivan Trail, Easton, PA 18040
For more information about NextGen, please contact Lee Kestecher Solomon, Director of Community Engagement, at lee@jflv.org. ‘WHERE I BELONG’ OPENING EVENT
RSVP by scanning the QR Code or by visiting the link below.
jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/
Embracing resilience
In times of turmoil, the resilience of a nation often emerges through its people’s stories. Recently, during a visit to Israel on an Atidim Mission, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the remarkable spirit and fortitude that define our beloved and dynamic country.
Israel, a land of contrasts where bustling city life in Tel Aviv coexists with the everpresent realities of conflict. During my stay, the mood was palpably subdued, understandably affected by ongoing events. Yet, amidst this backdrop, there was a determined effort among Israelis to maintain normalcy, evident in the lively scenes of restaurants and pubs filled with Israelis carrying on with their daily routines.
The Atidim Mission itself was a unique experience that provides deep insights into Israel’s resilience and innovation. Atidim, known for its impactful programs, offers participants an intensive experience like no other. The itinerary included visits to secure army bases, where we received briefings from military leaders and witnessed cutting-edge technologies in action. These technologies, often developed in response to security challenges, underscored Israel’s commitment to innovation as a tool for safeguarding its future.
One powerful moment during the mission was a briefing with retired major general Noam Tibon. A distinguished veteran with 35 years of service in the Israel
Defense Forces, Major General Tibon shared a personal account that encapsulated the essence of Israeli resilience. He recounted the harrowing morning when he and his wife, Gali, made the splitsecond decision to rush to Kibbutz Nahal Oz to rescue their son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren amidst the murderous rampage going on there. Their journey south from Tel Aviv, fraught with danger, became a mission of mercy as they not only reached their family but also assisted several wounded Israelis in need of urgent medical attention along the way.
This story of courage and determination resonates deeply, illustrating the profound sense of responsibility and solidarity that permeates Israeli society. It is a testament to the ethos of protecting one’s own while extending a helping hand to others in times of crisis—a defining characteristic of Israel’s national spirit.
Beyond the military engagements and security briefings, the Atidim Mission also highlighted Israel’s vibrant hitech ecosystem. We met with visionary entrepreneurs and innovators whose pioneering work in fields ranging from cybersecurity to biotechnology underscores Israel’s position as a global innovation hub—a beacon of creativity and ingenuity in a complex geopolitical landscape.
My time in Israel, especially during the Atidim Mission, offered profound insights into the resilience and spirit of a
nation navigating challenges with unwavering resolve. Atidim, which means Futures, is a national program that creates equal educational opportunities. The program identifies talented young people from Israel’s underprivileged areas and gives them the chance to pursue higher education. It is a reminder that amidst adversity, hope and innovation thrive, shaping a future where resilience and compassion pave the way forward.
Two other talks resonated deeply, highlighting the unwavering courage and dedication of young IDF commanders. One of these commanders serves in the elite 669 search and rescue unit, a force renowned for its expertise in aerial missions to save soldiers and civilians in distress, regardless of the circumstances. Their readiness to respond within moments to intricate rescue operations underscores their pivotal role in safeguarding lives across Israel.
The other commander, a young woman who made aliyah from Los Angeles, leads an Iron Dome unit. The Iron Dome is a crucial component of Israel’s defense system against incoming rockets. Its advanced technology, consisting of radar detection, command-and-control systems, and rapid-response interceptors, exemplifies Israel’s commitment to protecting its population and infrastructure from threats in real-time.
What struck me most during these encounters was the immense pressure these commanders face in making splitsecond decisions that directly impact lives. Both in their mid-20s, they shared gripping accounts of their experiences amidst the intense events of October 7. Their narratives revealed not only their professional pride and dedication but also their profound commitment to the State of Israel and its people.
In our Partnership2Gether (P2G) region, Yoav, I was met by Tali, a P2G committee member, and hosted by Hanna, the Israeli P2G chair, and Amit, Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) partnership manager, to spend the day. This day provided another dimension of Israel’s resilience and community strength. Meeting with local leaders such as Mayor Nati Lerner and Yoav Regional Council CEO Ronit Gamliel, I learned firsthand about the impact of our support, which includes crucial security equipment enhancing safety for residents in the region.
Additionally, engaging with artists like Idit, Sunny, and Romina, who will visit
our community in September, underscored the richness of Israeli culture and the vibrant connections fostered through partnerships like ours with Yoav. Their upcoming workshops promise not only to showcase their artistic talents but also to deepen our mutual understanding and appreciation.
As I reflect on my visit, I am reminded of the resilience ingrained in Israel’s fabric—a testament to the unyielding spirit of its people amidst challenges. The warmth of reunion with old friends on the P2G steering committee and the hospitality extended by Mazal’s family provided a poignant reminder of the deep bonds that unite us across continents.
Amidst these uplifting moments, I also attended demonstrations in Tel Aviv—
each advocating for different causes (one calling for elections now and the other demanding the immediate release of all hostages) yet united in their fervor for Israel’s future. These experiences were emotionally charged and underscored the complexities and passionate discourse that define Israel’s democratic landscape.
This visit to Israel reaffirmed my belief in the enduring strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of partnerships. It is through shared experiences, mutual support, and unwavering commitment that we continue to forge a brighter future for Israel and our global Jewish community.
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CARL ZEBROWSKI Editor
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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.
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All advertising is subject to review and approval by The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley (JFLV). JFLV reserves the right to decline, withdraw and/or edit any ad. The appearance of any advertising in HAKOL does not represent an endorsement or kashrut certification. Paid political advertisements that appear in HAKOL do not represent an endorsement of any candidate by the JFLV.
JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY
MISSION STATEMENT
In order to unite, sustain, and enhance the Lehigh Valley Jewish community, and support Jewish communities in Israel and around the world, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is dedicated to the following core values:
• Supporting Jews in need wherever they may be.
• Supporting Israel as a Jewish homeland.
• Supporting and encouraging Jewish education in the Lehigh Valley as a means of strengthening Jewish life for individuals and families.
• Supporting programs and services of organizations whose values and mission meet local Jewish needs.
To accomplish this mission the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is committed to the following operating guidelines:
• Raising and distributing funds to support the core values.
• Developing Jewish leaders.
• Building endowments to support implementation of core values.
• Committing to ongoing Jewish community strategic planning. Fostering cooperation among organizations and community building.
• Evaluating all decisions with respect to fiscal responsibility. Identifying unmet needs and investing in community initiatives to help get them started.
• Coordinating and convening a community response as an issue or need arises.
• Setting priorities for allocation and distribution of funds.
Acting as a central address for communication about events, programs and services of the Jewish community as a whole.
Approved by the JFLV Board of Directors on November 15, 2000
Jeri Zimmerman (in purple) with artists in Yoav. Three of the artists will be in the Lehigh Valley in September.
Yoav mayor Nati Lerner and Jeri Zimmerman with a miniature version of the billboard that proclaimed our solidarity with Israel along Route 22.
Join thousands for Evening of Unity in Washington, D.C.
By Carl Zebrowski Editor
The Jewish Federations of North America is hosting its first-ever Evening of Unity in the Washington Nationals ballpark to open its November 10-12 General Assembly 2024. The General Assembly unites Jewish communities to address today’s most pressing issues, celebrate our shared heritage, and ensure a brighter
future for our communities.
The unity event on the night of the 10th is open to everyone, not just general assembly attendees. (Note that the Lehigh Valley is only a few hours’ ride from the capital.)
Our Jewish Federation is inviting elected officials, interfaith partners, members of the community, and other friends to attend.
Thousands of Jewish supporters from communities
across the United States and Canada will gather in the park to celebrate shared values and aspirations and remind ourselves of the importance of coming together. The program will highlight the urgent need to join forces in combatting the rise in antisemitism and advocating for Israel’s security.
“We hope to see the ballpark full of our allies coming together to celebrate our commonalities,” said Aaron
Gorodzinsky, director of development for the Federation. “It should be a very special event.”
Community members are also invited to attend the general assembly. Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to speak to the gathering. So is Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta who was involved in producing the film “Screams before Silence,” about the sexual violence committed by
Hamas during the October 7 attacks. Attendees will join in a collective conversation over three days, building lasting connections in the nationwide Jewish community while deepening understanding of important issues and advocating for change. For more information and to register for the Evening of Unity or to attend the general assembly, visit generalassembly.org.
Maimonides healthcare pros gather for summer happy hour
YOUR FEDERATION...
ADVOCATES for security and combats antisemitism
ALLOCATES funds to support our local agencies, Hillels, synagogues, camps, and to support Israel and overseas communities
ARRANGES programming to meet the needs of our community
ASSURES the continuation of our Jewish community AMPLIFIES your voices and values to the wider community APPRECIATES your generosity to make sure GOOD continues to grow throughout our community
Scan the QR code or visit jewishlehighvalley.org/campaign to donate, pledge your support, or volunteer.
By Carl Zebrowski PhD, takes the summer off Westend Taproom as their rods baked in the wood-fired summer break with a Sunday
A horrific day for women
After Israel visit, community member calls attention to October 7 atrocities
By Marsha Wender Timmerman
Special to Hakol
On May 16 Vicki Wax, my husband, Richard, and I boarded an El Al flight to Tel Aviv to join a Solidarity Mission to Israel. Friends and family expressed concern about our going, but we were confident that we would be well protected and safe. As we got closer to Tel Aviv, we experienced some air turbulence, and I had to admit it crossed my mind that it could be part of some sort of attack. It was air turbulence.
The Solidarity Mission we were joining was sponsored by StandWithUs, which describes itself as an “international, non-partisan education organization that supports Israel and fights antisemitism” (StandWithUs. com).
Tel Aviv is a beautiful city with many glass-encased skyscrapers. It was clean, bright, and alive. On Shabbat, we saw families picnicking at the beach and in the parks, and it was hard to think that Israel was at war. It was obvious that our hotel was only half full; tourists were hard to find. The streets, markets, and shops were all empty. Everywhere we went, locals thanked us for coming and supporting them.
What was not hard to find were reminders of the hostages. Their faces, names, and stories could be found everywhere, from the airport and shopping malls to apartment complexes, neighborhood markets, and public facilities. The hostages are in the hearts and minds of every Israeli. Our first Saturday night we traveled to Hostage Square
for the weekly rally. It was packed. There were speeches from public figures, moving performances by well-known artists, pleas by hostage family members, all saying “Bring them home now!” These rallies have been happening since the hostages were taken. There was an amazing amount of hope despite the realization of the direness of the hostages’ situation.
Early in our mission we traveled south to Netiv Ha’asara, where we toured the moshav and listened to Yoni Shaked, who recounted her experiences of October 7. She and her family (including her dog) spent 30 terrifying hours in their safe room waiting for rescue. The destruction of the moshav was complete and absolute. I have never seen so many bullet holes; it was amazing that the walls were still standing. Everything was broken, demolished, physically destroyed. The people who the terrorists saw were gunned down, mutilated, captured, and abused.
Later that morning we travelled to Kibbitz Kfar Aza, where we saw similar massive destruction. At the Nova Music Festival site, there were memorials to and pictures of those that were killed and captured. These memorials stretched as far as the eye could see.
While driving back to Tel Aviv, we passed orchards, vineyards, fields of vegetables, and other demonstrations of how Israel has transformed the desert into an oasis. The irrigation systems were creative and maximized water usage. Israel is a green, fertile land able to feed its people. I did wonder who would be harvesting the crops while most Israelis are serving in the Israel Defense Forces.
I would be remiss if I did not report on the positive attitude of all the people we met. We met with soldiers, people living in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, displaced families who were living in hotels in the north, and displaced
people from the south. There were weddings, haircutting celebrations (first haircut for a 3-year-old boy), bar and bat mitzvahs, family outings, and a deep resilience that Israel will prevail and peace will return. Everyone told us that Jews and Israelis have been attacked before; we survived and eventually thrived. The slogan at the Nova site was “We shall dance again.”
My mission after returning from this trip is to spread the word about all the atrocities perpetuated on women in the course of the October 7 attack and after. The mindset of the attackers was that women were objects to be mutilated, raped, and murdered. Women were targeted and all
the rules of decent behavior were smashed to smithereens.
I have spent all my adult life as a feminist and cannot understand the silence from women’s groups on this very critical issue.
The proof of this abominable behavior can be found in the testimony of the women who were and are willing to come forward and tell their stories. I will not relate any of these stories in this article but rather refer you to the film “Screams before Silence” narrated by Sheryl Sandberg (youtube. com/watch?v=haYru-teP60).
I caution you that this film is extremely distressing, and you’ll want to be prepared before watching it. If you
want to discuss this film or discuss what we should do, please contact me at chayil@ ptd.net. We owe it to our sisters to make sure their “screams” are heard. I left Israel with a sense of hope and purpose. We need to stand tall as Jews and make sure all the misinformation being shared is corrected and removed. The world is a better place because of the many contributions of Israelis and Jews. We need to tell our story and make sure it is heard. Israelis want peace. They do, however, need to know that they can sleep safely in their beds, waking up in the morning and leading an active, productive life. Am Yisrael Chai!
Stay vigilant and conscious of security when traveling away from home through the rest of summer. There are too many opportunists waiting to take advantage of an empty residence.
Social media has become popular with all ages. Resist the urge to post your destinations before or during trips. Wait until after returning home to do your photo upload.
Inform a trusted family member or neighbor to watch your property and pick up the mail. Ensure that lawn maintenance is done or will be done before your trip. If you don’t already have outdoor lighting that is motion sensitive, consider a motion-sensor lightbulb.
As always, please report suspicious activity to me using the information below. If it’s an emergency, call 911.
For questions or to talk about security concerns in general, contact me at 872-400-0239 or email tbrooks@securecommunitynetwork.org.
LV Jewish community gets $100,000 to protect kids
The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is receiving a $100,000 early childhood security grant it had applied for from the Tepper Foundation through the Jewish Federations of North America LiveSecure program.
The funding will help protect our community’s most vulnerable population—kids ages 5 and under—during this time when antisemitism is spreading across the nation.
The funds cover the period from July through the end of this calendar year and will be used to help pay for private security personnel to protect kids at early childhood programs and camp at the JCC and the Jewish Day School.
“We are grateful and relieved to receive such a generous grant to help secure the youngest members of our
community as they participate in centers of Jewish life,” said Aaron Gorodzinsky, director of development for the Federation.
Joanna Powers, head of school at the Jewish Day School, shared similar sentiments. “The Jewish Day School is incredibly grateful to the JFLV, the JFNA LiveSecure campaign, and the Tepper Foundation for the generous funding of our security program,” she said. “The students, families, and staff rely on the protection and peace of mind provided by our security agents, but the cost has been challenging. This gift will allow the JDS to continue receiving security services and redirect funds towards our continual goal of meeting every student’s needs and successes.”
The Tepper Foundation
has been a major partner with Jewish Federations of North America in response to the growing number of antisemitic incidents in the United States since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. The foundation launched the Security Fund in 2023 and has now made grants of more than $12 million across the nation to support the security needs of the American Jewish community.
“Right now, nothing is more important than protecting our children and giving them a safe environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive as people,” said Jewish Federations of North America chair Julie Platt. “We’re thrilled that the Tepper Foundation continues on this journey with us during such difficult times.”
The foundation’s current
round of grants totaled $9 million and was awarded to 76 local Federations across 30 states with a requirement that they be a recipient of Jewish Federations’ LiveSecure funding. LiveSecure participating Federations, all of which have established comprehensive security plans under the auspices of Jewish Federations of North America, have committed to building and strengthening relationships with other religious leaders and faith-based institutions in their communities by sharing their security expertise. This is a new aspect of the Tepper Foundation’s commitment to security, aimed at improving interfaith relations as well as enhancing safety for all populations confronting hatred.
Building on the success of the LiveSecure initiative—the largest philanthropic effort
to support Jewish security in North American history— Jewish Federations have become the Tepper Foundation’s partner in continuing to ensure the safety of Jewish communities nationwide.
“Without basic security for our children, the Jewish community cannot flourish,” said Shira Hutt, executive vice president of Jewish Federations of North America. “We are proud of the immense progress we have made on securing our community through LiveSecure, but the unprecedented spike in antisemitism that our community has experienced since October 7 has created the need for both additional security resources and renewed outreach to our interfaith partners.”
Jewish security group warns of Iran’s role in Gaza protests
The executive head of the U.S. Intelligence Community released a statement in midJuly informing the American public about recent efforts by the Iranian government to influence demonstrations in the United States related to the war in Gaza. Michael Masters, national director and CEO of the Secure Community Network, an organization dedicated to keeping Jewish sites in North America safe, released the following state-
ment in reaction:
“Today in Washington, the Director of National Intelligence, Avril Haines, revealed that Iran has been playing a role in fomenting unrest in America concerning the war in Gaza.
‘In recent weeks, Iranian government actors have sought to opportunistically take advantage of ongoing protests regarding the war in Gaza, using a playbook we’ve seen other actors use
over the years,’ she said. ‘We have observed actors tied to Iran’s government posing as activists online, seeking to encourage protests, and even providing financial support to protesters…. Americans who are being targeted by this Iranian campaign may not be aware that they are interacting with or receiving support from a foreign government. We urge all Americans to remain vigilant as they engage online with
accounts and actors they do not personally know.’
“This is the first time a senior American official has publicly acknowledged Iran’s role in the protest movement. Iran’s brazen actions, in support of a growing, violent group of pro-Hamas supporters in American streets and on American campuses, is unacceptable and must be fought by the U.S. government, local leaders, university presidents, and all
JOIN US
who oppose a terrorist state influencing life in America.
The pro-Hamas protests in the United States are dangerous and now we know they are being propped up by Iran. SCN will remain vigilant as we work with the Jewish community and its allies to protect America’s Jewish community.”
September 10,
LEARN ABOUT:
-His firsthand experience of anti-Israel bias in the global media
-His work in the United Nations as an IDF officer
RSVP by scanning the QR Code or by visiting the link below. jewishlehigvalley. regfox.com/jonathanconricus-talk-sept-10-2024
A minimum gift of $365 ($180 for NextGen ages 30-45) to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley's Annual Campaign is required to attend this gathering.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Aaron Gorodzinsky, Director of Development, at aaron@jflv.org or at (610) 821-5500, ext. 337.
Community celebrates volunteers of the 2024 campaign year
By Carl Zebrowski Editor
Members of the Jewish community came to the JCC on the night of June 6 for an Israelistyle picnic to celebrate the volunteers and leaders of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s 2024 campaign year and for the election of new board members.
Before leadership awards were given out and votes tallied, attendees ventured up to buffet tables to help themselves to the variety of Israelistyle picnic foods and drinks on offer. They ate and talked before the speakers for evening took to the podium.
Robby Wax, president of the Federation’s board, talked about his speech from last year’s annual gathering and the hopes he had for the coming year. Then Hamas intervened. Fundraising began for Israelis facing emergency
needs because of the October 7 attacks and the war. ProPalestinian protesters grabbed attention by trying to get the Lehigh Valley’s three city councils to pass resolutions demanding an immediate end to the fighting.
At least the efforts of the Federation and Jewish community members to thwart that cease-fire demand succeeded, he said. All three councils voted no to the resolutions. “We reminded everyone that Hamas is a terrorist organization funded by Iran that is focused on destroying Israel,” Wax explained.
Vicki Wax, cochair of the Federation’s 2024 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, told the audience about her recent trip to Israel, her 15th. “I think everyone knows how I love going to Israel,” she said. “But this one was different.”
During her stay, she witnessed a lot devastation
from the October 7 attacks. “On the other hand there are parts of Israel that just seem to be normal,” she said. Many people were riding bikes and swimming and enjoying other everyday activities.
With her usual sense of optimism, she assured her listeners that things would turn out OK. “Israel is such a miracle,” she said. “Look at our history. We’ve been here before and we will get through this.”
Next came the awards portion of the night. Hank Butler, executive director of the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition, received the Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction. Lewis Gaines received the President’s Award for his management of the investments of the Federation’s foundation. And Zach Goldsmith, president of the Federation’s Maimonides Society of healthcare professionals, got the George Feldman Award for Young
Leaders.
After Goldsmith was handed his award, he offered some remarks. First, a poignant comment from his 10-year-old daughter, Eva, on hearing the news about the honor that morning: “Wait, you’re young?”
Goldsmith talked about the challenges of leading the Maimonides Society through a changing environment.
“The face of health care has evolved,” he said. He said it was important for the society to provide a home for the healthcare worker of the future.
The business portion of the schedule ended the night. As has become the norm, Federation past president Gary Fromer showed off his mastery of Robert’s Rules of Order, painlessly speeding through the formalities of taking votes for the various board positions.
Officers elected were Robby Wax (president); Aliette Abo, Dr. Bill Markson, Lauren Rabin, Bruce Reich, and Dr. Israel Zighelboim (vice presidents); and Iris Epstein (treasurer). Honorary officers are: Ross Born (president); Roberto Fischmann (treasurer); Leonard Abrams, Wendy Born, Daniel E. Cohen, Barnet Fraenkel, and Murray Goodman (vice presidents); and Vera Schiff (trustee).
Jay Fisher, Brian Ford, Beth Kozinn, Naomi Schachter, Ron Ticho, and Dr. Robert “Bob” Wilson were elected to three-year terms as directors. Robert J. Grey, Rita Scheller, Jean Weiner, and Nati Lerner (mayor of Yoav, our Partnership2Gether region in Israel) were voted to one-year terms as honorary board members.
Record crowd fills section at IronPigs Jewish Heritage Night
By Carl Zebrowski Editor
A record crowd from the Jewish community came out to the annual Jewish Heritage Night at the IronPigs on June 18. This event allows our community to come together and celebrate Jewish heritage while supporting our community, Israel and the Diaspora.
Fans started collecting at the main gates before they opened. Once allowed inside, they stopped at the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley table to talk to staffers, pick up copies of the latest Ha-
kol, and receive their special baseball caps inscribed with “IronPigs” in Hebrew. Before the pregame festivities began, they talked with one another on the concourse and visited the kosher food stand run by Rabbi Jonathan Powers, mashgiach for the Noshery at Muhlenberg College, to pick up their meal of hot dog or knish, bag of potato chips, and soda. Some members of the community joined a group down on the field to participate in the game’s ceremonial “first pitch” (there are many).
The IronPigs, triple-A
minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, beat the Norfolk Tides, affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The score was close halfway through the game, but the IronPigs continued to hit the ball and finished with a comfortable 9-5 victory.
But the real stars of the night belonged to the Jewish community: Liav, Maya, and baby Gali Busch, the children of Elliot and Chelsea Busch. Gali spent the much of the pregame time “greeting” arriving community members from the arms of her grandmother, Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of the Federation. (Hakol
photographers learned quickly that if you want happy, smiling people in your pictures, stand near an infant.)
Later, during one of the game’s middle innings, Maya filled the giant TV screen that looms over the outfield announcing each IronPigs batter as he came up to home plate. Elliot later mentioned that they’d spent time practicing pronunciations. It paid off.
Meanwhile, Liav went on air with the IronPigs TV Network and Fox Sports Radio. For the radio appearance, he sat in the broadcast box next to voice of the IronPigs Sam
Jellinek, both taking in the panoramic bird’s-eye view of the field.
“So, tell me, what’s your favorite part of tonight’s game?” Jellinek asked.
“Weston Wilson hitting a home run,” Liav answered, referring to his favorite IronPigs player, the second baseman who has sometimes been called up to the majors to play for the Phillies.
“What do you like so much about Weston Wilson?”
“In his first Phillies game, he hit a home run.”
“You know more than I do!”
Jewish Heritage Night
Continued from page 8
Bees & Butterflies
We’ll dip apples in honey, learn about the pollinator’s garden at JDS and, of course, hear a PJ Library story!
Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the Jewish Day School 2313 Pennsylvania Street, Allentown, PA 18104
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Questions?
Contact Abby Trachtman abbyt@jflv.org, 610-821-5500 x321
jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/pj-library-bees-and-butterflies ROSH HASHANAH!
RSVP by scanning the QR Code or by visiting the link below.
Sunny Versano combines painting and design to create everyday products such as notebooks, mugs, cups, and more. Idit Porat is an earth-based artist who uses natural materials to connect to our roots and create beautiful art.
Romina Opel is an art therapist who uses art as a means of expression, identity, and resilience. She utilizes a range of textures and colors to reflect emotions.
For notifications regarding the artists’ events, please email mailbox@jflv.org.
An Evening with Lt . Colonel Jonathan Conricus
Tuesday, September, 10, 2024 7:15 p.m. at Temple Beth El
Lt. Colonel Jonathan Conricus, a military diplomat, foreign relations expert, and former IDF international spokesperson. This dessert reception is open to the community.
To register, scan the QR code or visit jewishlehighvalley.org or call 610.821.5500
IN HONOR
TRACEY BILLIG
In honor of a speedy recovery
Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie
Schechner
Elaine and Leon Papir
SAM BUB
Best wishes for your return to good health
Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein
Roberta and Robert Kritzer
SYLVIA BUB
In celebration of your Special Birthday
Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein
CHELSEA AND ELLIOT BUSCH
In celebration of the birth of your daughter, Gali
Arlene and Dwight Griffin
Pam and Greg Silverberg
JAN AND GLENN EHRICH
In celebration of your son Noah’s marriage to Nicolette Almer
Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie
Schechner
EILEEN AND ROBERTO
FISCHMANN
In celebration of the birth of your granddaughter, Mila
Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie
Schechner
Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz
Vicki Wax
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
HALEY AND SETH EDWARDS
In celebration of your marriage
Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie
Schechner
Lee and Ariel Solomon
WENDY EDWARDS
In celebration of your son Seth’s marriage to Haley Shine
Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie
Schechner
Lee and Ariel Solomon
BARNET FRAENKEL
In celebration of your retirement
Joan Brody
CAROL AND STEWART
FURMANSKY
In celebration of your granddaughter Morgan’s Bat Mitzvah
Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz
EVA AND MELVIN HOFFMAN
In celebration of your daughter
Claire’s marriage
Shirley Furmansky
ETHAN KUSHNICK
In celebration of your college graduation
The Rabin Family
EVELYN AND JAY LIPSCHUTZ
In celebration of your 50th wedding anniversary
Tom and Roni Englert
Jean and Mark Mishkin
ELAINE AND LEON PAPIR
In celebration of your grandson
Sam’s B’ Mitzvah
Rita and Michael Bloom
ROBERTA AND ALAN PENN
In celebration of your grandchildren Hailey and Blake’s graduation from high school
Roberta and Robert Kritzer
LORRIE SCHERLINE
In celebration of the birth of your grandson Vicki Wax
EILEEN AND ROBERTO
FISCHMANN
In celebration of the birth of your granddaughter, Mila
Jill and Jeff Blinder
EVELYN AND JAY LIPSCHUTZ
In celebration of your 50th wedding anniversary
Jill and Jeff Blinder
IN MEMORY
JACOB ELLIS
(Son of Lisa and Andrew Ellis, grandson of Wendy and Ross Born)
LYNDA SOMACH
In celebration of your Special Birthday
Arlene and Richard Stein
AUDREY AND ARTHUR SOSIS
In celebration of your granddaughter’s marriage
Roberta and Jeff Epstein
DEBI AND DAVID WIENER
In celebration of your daughter Jordyn’s graduation from the University of Florida with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree
Laurie and Robby Wax
JORDYN WIENER
In celebration of your college graduation
The Rabin Family
JERI AND LEN ZIMMERMAN
In celebration of the birth of your granddaughter, Gali
Carol and Barry Halper
IN MEMORY
JEROME (JERRY) BLOCK
(Uncle of Rance Block)
Sheila Berg
JACOB ELLIS
(Son of Lisa and Andrew Ellis, brother of Lilah, grandson of Wendy and Ross Born)
Diane Berner
Rita and Michael Bloom
Sandra and Harold Goldfarb
Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie
Schechner
Karen Kuhn
Suzanne Lapiduss
Rachel and Howie Levin and Family
Jill and Jeff Blinder
Eileen and Roberto Fischmann
Andrea Reich
Lee and Ariel Solomon
CLAIRE FISHMAN
(Mother of Simon Fishman and Jonathan Fishman)
Sharon and Marcel Guindine
WILLIAM TURIM GOLD
(Father of Kim Finkelman)
Mindy and Eric Holender
IRWIN GREENBERG
(Husband of Diane Greenberg)
Larry and Eva z”l Levitt
Mike Miller
Elaine and Leon Papir
Rusty and Nate Schiff
Randi and Donald Senderowitz
Lynne and Mark Shampain
Pam and Greg Silverberg
Smartschan Family
Arlene and Richard Stein
Laurie and Robby Wax
Barbara and Arthur Weinrach
Eileen Ufberg
The Zighelboim Family
PHILIP GOLDSTEIN
(Son of Sandy Goldstein)
Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein
GERSHON MANDELKER
(Father of Eiran Mandelker)
Laurie, Robby, Ben and Danny Wax
Vicki Wax
HARRY ROSE
(Husband of Carole Rose, father of Karen Ellsweig)
Sheila Berg
Ruth and Richard Davis
Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein
Eileen and Ron Geysen
Randi and Donald Senderowitz
Judy and Larrie Sheftel
Vicki Wax
JILL SCHONFELD
(Wife of Ivan Schonfeld)
Randi and Donald Senderowitz
LISA SHEDROFF
(Wife of Steve Shedroff)
Randi and Donald Senderowitz
LEN SUSSMAN
(Father of Matt Sussman, father-inlaw of Tracy Sussman)
Carole and Michael Langsam
Israela and Rabbi Michael Meyerstein
GERSHON MENDELKER
(Father of Eiran Mendelker)
Randi and Eva Becker
Mindy and Eric Holender
LEN SUSSMAN
(Father of Matt Sussman, Fatherin-law of Tracy Sussman) The Shedroff Family
IN HONOR
SAM BUB
Best wishes for your return to good health
Lynda and Richard Somach
BARNET FRAENKEL
In celebration of your retirement
Lynda and Richard Somach
LYNDA AND STUART KRAWITZ
In honor of being recognized for your work with the Helen and Sol Krawitz Holocaust Memorial Fund
Lynda and Richard Somach
ARLENE AND RICHARD STEIN
In celebration of your granddaughter’s marriage
Lynda and Richard Somach
IN MEMORY
CORA CARLIS
(Mother of Ian Carlis)
Lynda and Richard Somach
IRWIN GREENBERG
(Husband of Diane Greenberg)
Joan Lesavoy and Family
CIREL HILLMAN
(Mother of Judy Hillman and Michael Hillman)
Lynda and Richard Somach
JEAN MANDEL
(Mother of Andy Mandel)
Susan Engelson Friefeld
We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship through recent gifts to the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation. The minimum contribution for an Endowment Card is $10. Call 610-821-5500 or visit jewishlehighvalley.org to place your card requests. Thank you for your support.
Rachel and Howie Levin and Family
KRAWITZ
Reflecting on a Year of Programmatic Wins and Deepened Community Bonds
By Eric Lightman Executive Director
This past year has been filled with incredible achievement for the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley.
In our early childhood department, we celebrated our 100th student enrollment this spring. This milestone, which has not been reached in over a decade, represents a doubling of our enrollment over the past five years.
The incredibly leadership of Lisa Yoskowitz, our early childhood director, and the dedication of her team of teachers and education professionals have catapulted our program to be the best in our community. This summer, we are renovating a new classroom that will open in the fall to make room for more students in our currently full program.
Our camp department continues to fire on all cylinders as well. Our enrollment numbers for Summer 2023 were the highest in many years, with our program 99% full across the board. We successfully raised money for a new pavilion, which has been dubbed the “Adventure Hub,” to anchor the part of our property which now features an archery range, ropes course, and more outdoor activities on our urban campus.
Our sports and wellness activities have also thrived this year. Our JSeals swim team travelled to
participate in swim meets against other JCCs and brought home a silver medal at the regional Jr. Maccabi Games in Wilmington. Our JHoops basketball program continues to grow, with teams competing against others from across the Valley. Our group exercise classes are frequently full, and our new fitness center continues to be steadily upgraded with new equipment and aesthetic improvements.
Let’s not forget about the arts!
Our Stagemakers youth theater program has been revived, with productions of the Addams Family and Honk! Over 100 children of all ages participated in the shows, which sold out most of their performances. And with a new sound system, new stage lighting, and new curtains, they looked and sounded better than ever! Our Broadway Bus Trips have continued to sell out, bringing our community members to the
best shows in New York City and Philadelphia.
This year has also been challenging, and we responded to the war in Israel after October 7, and the rise of antisemitism. We were proud to host a community vigil and be a meeting space where we could advocate for the return of the Israeli hostages, as seen inside and outside our building. We have also served as the host facility for Israel-related educational programs run by the Jewish Federation and support programs run by Jewish Family Service. The JCC continues to be the critical gathering place where community members can celebrate in times of great joy, and support one another in times of great sorrow.
With new and growing programs and more facility improvements on the horizon, the JCC is poised for another year of continuing to enrich and support our community. We hope you will be a part of it!
Decades of Dedication: JCC Staff Members Honored for Years of Service
By Kaitlyn Stefanowicz Marketing Coordinator
During the JCC’s Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 9, staff were acknowledged for their hard work and dedication to the JCC and community. Awards were given to commemorate all staff members who have been invaluable parts of the JCC for five or more years. Among the 5+ year group were Lisa Ellenberger, Myrasia Flores, Ellen Gutman, Teresa Haase, Eric Lightman, Pam Lott, Ariel Pollak, Rachel Pollitt, Isaac “Yitzi” Powers, Linda Shankweiler, and Lisa Yoskowitz.
Celebrating 10+ years with the
JCC were Jeff Bowers, Audley Francis, Kay Fried, Karla Lyle, Jeanne Narkiewicz, Sallie Smith, Ashley Snyder, Kaitlyn Stefanowicz, and Tracy Sussman. Jenn Dietz celebrated 15+ years with the JCC and among the 20+ year group were Debra Weber and Kathryn Wentworth. Special recognition went to Delroy Davis and Jodi Lovenwirth, who both crossed the 25+ year mark this year, and Peggy Waite, who celebrated an incredible 49 years with the JCC. The JCC wouldn’t be what it is without the tireless work and devotion of each and every one of our staff. Thank you for everything you do.
ECE Celebrates Rosh Hashanah With Some Sweet Guests
Competition Ramps Up For New JHoops Season
JCC Executive Director Visits Israel for Solidarity Mission
By Heather Lavin Program Director
By Jackie Weiss Early Childhood & Jewish Education Coordinator
By Tracy Sussman Director of Membership and Marketing
The 2023-2024 season begins in mid-November with practices and games starting in December. We are recruiting for teams in grades 1-2, grades 3-4, and grades 5-6.
Additionally, the students had the opportunity to smell a honeycomb and learn how honey is made!
gardens, witnessing the devastation that befell a peaceful neighborhood in which 25% of its residents were murdered or taken as hostages.
Our ECE students had a sweet second week of school! For Rosh Hashanah this year, a couple of our ECE classes gathered in the gym for a special honeybee presentation (minus the bees).
This past month, Eric Lightman, the executive director of the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, participated in a solidarity mission to Israel. The group, organized by the JCC Association of North America, comprised 40 executive staff and lay leaders representing Jewish communities across the United States and Canada.
Dr. Robbie Roeshman, a master beekeeper for 35 years, along with his wife, Adrienne London, are beekeepers in the Lehigh Valley. The presentation was a fun and interactive experience with props, beekeeping supplies, a honeybee song, and a waggle dance! The students enjoyed pretending to be bees and buzzing around the gym.
The trip was intended to bear witness to the atrocities and aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks and the ensuing war, to show the North American community’s collective support for Israel, and to bring the experience of the current reality of life in Israel back to local communities. Over the course of four very busy days, the group toured sites and met with leaders from around the country.
The students learned that honeybees get all their food from flowers and the food consists of nectar and pollen. Afterwards, the students had the opportunity to look at a container of nectar and a container of pollen. The students now know that nectar is a liquid and pollen looks like dust.
We are always looking for coaches and volunteers to help us make the program a success. Practices take place during the week, with games on Sundays both at home and away. Whether they are new to the sport or are looking to play with friends, JHoops is the perfect opportunity for your child to get in the game. Our teams will once again be competing in the Rising Stars Basketball League, in both boys and girls leagues. All teams must have a required minimum number of players to run. Our time in the league for the 2022-2023 season was a huge success, giving our teams opportunities to play (and win) in a league that fits our players’ skills. Stay tuned for our home game schedule!
The honeybees collect nectar from flowering plants and bring the nectar back to the hive. Once the honeybees are back in the hive, the nectar is stored inside the empty combs made of beeswax.
The group also toured the site of the Nova Music Festival where 346 people lost their lives while celebrating peace and love, in the worst single attack against Jews since the Holocaust.
The honeybees then flap their wings very quickly to remove the excess moisture. Afterwards, the honeybees make a wax to create a seal over the honeycomb for protection. Finally, beekeepers harvest the honey by collecting the honeycomb frames and scraping off the wax cap that seals the honey.
With the opening of winter programs we will also bring back our popular JHoops Jr. classes.
Both Pre-K and Kindergarten-aged athletes will have the opportunity to be introduced to basketball and learn basic skills. These practices are once a week and include inhouse recreational scrimmages.
To register or for more information about JHoops visit lvjcc.org/JHoops.
The frames are then placed in an extractor to spin honey out of the comb. After the honey is extracted, it is strained to remove any remaining wax or other particles. After straining the honey, it is time to bottle, label, and bring it to you!
How does honey connect to the High Holidays? Because eating apples and honey is a tradition on Rosh Hashanah, of course! We
The group also met with colleagues from the Israel Association of Community Centers who are currently working to maintain community services for Israel’s 300,000 citizens in border communities who have been evacuated for safety for the past 105 days. “I told these amazing leaders that we understand the difficulty and the importance of their work,” Eric said after returning from his trip. “They do the same work that our JCC staff do back in Allentown. But although we have had our challenges over the years, we’ve never had to deal with the type of personal and collective trauma they are now faced with.”
wish all of you a happy and healthy new year. If you’re looking for a sweet way to celebrate, local honey is available all year round at the Game Preserve Apiary, which is located at 4542 Game Preserve
Stagemakers Brings the Spooky This Fall
By Heather Lavin Program Director
The trip’s most emotional moments came during the group’s tour of some of the devastated communities near the Gaza border, including Kibbutz Nir Oz. With a military escort and wearing bulletproof vests while fighting across the border continued just a mile away, the group walked through the burned remains of houses and
Stagemakers Youth Theater welcomes both new and returning performers to our stage as we present The Addams Family Young @ Part. Performances are Thursday, November 9 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 12 at noon and 4 p.m. at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley.
On another day, the group met with President Isaac Herzog at Beit HaNasi (the President’s House) in Jerusalem, as well as former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and representatives from the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and
Combating Antisemitism. Israel’s leaders inquired about the current challenges in the North American community and how its leaders are addressing them, and shared their belief in the importance of Jewish unity worldwide and strengthening the connection between Israel and Diaspora Jewry. They also expressed how deeply meaningful it was for such a group to visit at such a difficult time.
JSeals Is Back, Making a Splash This November
“Israelis are dealing with a trauma, a fear, and an anger that they have not experienced in 50
By Jodi Lovenwirth Aquatics Director
In honor of the 134 Israeli hostages, a yellow ribbon and Israeli flag representing each hostage is displayed outside the JCC of the Lehigh Valley building, installed by Naomi Schachter, Tama
To join in on the fun and celebrate the work of this great cast and crew, you can cheer them on in person in November. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family whom her parents have never met. She confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before– keep a secret
Taffi
FRIENDS OF THE J
Lois Albright+
from his beloved wife, Morticia.
Tamarkin and Miriam Zager. They have also created an installation in the lobby.
Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.
The butterfly is a symbol of transformation, freedom, and rebirth. These butterflies have
Director Madison William, with choreographer Marcell Mackenzie and musical director Mackenzie Lynch, have taken these young performers on a journey throughout rehearsals.
Leslie & Victor Bunick+
Marilyn Claire+
Lisa & Andrew Ellis+(L)
Iris & Jonathan Epstein+(L)
Elizabeth & Jeff Greenberg+
Pamela & Vernon Guischard+
long been viewed as heralds of good fortune. Each of the 134 butterflies has the name and age of a hostage yearning to be freed, to be home! We pray for them to be returned to us. You will notice two
years,” Eric reflected. “At the same time, they are a model of strength and resilience. They are united in the need to bring home the 134 remaining hostages as soon as possible, and eliminate the existential terrorist threat they are facing, and are willing to fight and volunteer until this task is complete. From what I learned and experienced on this trip, I believe strongly that this is the fight of all Jewish people, and anyone who embraces peace and freedom.”
Road, Schnecksville, PA 18078. Contact Dr. Robbie Roeshman and Adrienne London at 610-360-4191 or 13beekeeper@gmail.com for more information.
Jason Alter
Sylvia & Sam Bub+
Julianne & Samuel Heiney+
Amy & Douglas Jaffe+
Madison’s philosophy is “process over product.” In Stagemakers productions, performers spend far more time learning and building a show than they do performing it in front of an audience. While the stage performance is the ultimate goal, it is the rehearsal process that gives performers experience and opportunity for growth. This creative team, including stage
Marty Katz+
Michael Krim
Suzanne Lapiduss+
Lesavoy, Butz & Seitz LLC+
Colleen & Paul McGee+
Rabbi Seth Phillips+
Every year during late fall, the aquatics center at the JCC comes alive with smiling faces, cheering children, and blooming friendships. It’s swim season, featuring the JSeals Swim Team! This year is going to be packed with team building parties, swim meets, and lots of ruach (spirit). For anyone who doesn’t know what the JSeals is about, we are more than just a swim team, we are a family. This is a place for swimmers to build their skills while they grow their friendships. This close-knit group of friends all share their love of swimming while cheering on their teammates and watching them progress throughout the season. The 2023-2024 JSeals season begins on November 27. Each member has the opportunity to practice up to three times a week to build their swimming skills. Practices will consist of clear, concise, proven workouts,
Jill Pincus+
Ellen Osher & Robert Pritchard+
manager Tessa DeJesus and costume designer Kayla Stokes, has led a cast of over 40 middle and elementary school students through physical rehearsals that have challenged them to improve their skills as performers and cast members.
butterflies in the upper right corner. Those are the butterflies of two hostages Fernando Marman and Louis Har that were rescued and are now home with their families. #bringthemhomenow
For tickets and more information visit lvjcc.org/stagemakers.
instructed by qualified coaches. Our participants will also get to compete against other JCC swim teams in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Baltimore, Harrisburg, Cherry Hill, and Delaware. These exciting competitions consist of home and away meets, leading up to the championship meet in Delaware, where the swimmers get to show off their swimming abilities and hard work. To have some fun throughout the season, we will have various parties including a holiday party, pizza party, and the coveted DipN-Disco, which is scheduled for January 13, 2024. Mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss it! One of my proudest moments as Aquatics Director is not only watching the swimmers earn their trophies and medals, but watching these children become a family Registration is now open for the JSeals 2023-2024 season. For more information, call the JCC at 610435-3571 or visit lvjcc.org/JSeals.
Robert Rockmaker+(L)
Brenna & Michael Schlossberg+
Pam Lott & Ron Ticho+
& Ronald Wasserman+
JDS is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
we’d be here only a few weeks at most. As the pandemic continued, we made decision after decision to establish roots and
Why JDS?
By Joanna Powers Head of School
While our beloved JDS kids and families are enjoying their summer, our administration and faculty are aiming for new heights in knowledge and skills to provide our school with the latest strategies, techniques, and research in the world of education (and enjoying their summer). Professional development is crucial for all our staff every year, whether they are beginning their career or are seasoned veterans of the classroom or offices.
to foster acceptance, buy-in, and consensus at our school.
Why JDS?
year.
By Megan Hyman
TheThe concept revolved around identifying meaningful goals and examining what mindsets and actions might hold a person back from achieving them. Once these roadblocks are identified, success follows. Not only did I learn just how to put this system into action for myself and the staff, but also I networked with school administrators from across the country.
By Megan Hyman
decision parents make about where to send their children for school is often one of the most stressful and difficult. Will the school strike the right balance between quality of education and overall child development? How will our child fit in? Luckily for our family, in a period of great uncertainty, the decision to choose the Jewish Day School of Lehigh Valley was the easiest “yes!” we’ve ever said.
an early childhood education program, the welcoming, intimate, and warm environment at JDS was an obvious place for us to turn. The administration and staff worked tirelessly to adhere to ever changing guidelines from the CDC and still make the magic of school very real for its students. Joseph FLOURISHED in this environment, and now that he’s in his third year as a student (kindergarten!) he loves the dynamic and joyful learn ing experience he’s had there. I’ll never forget when he came home to recite the full Pledge of Allegiance and knew all the words to the Hatikvah at three years old!
When it came time for Joseph, our now five-year-old son, to get back into an early childhood education program, the welcoming, intimate, and warm environment at JDS was an obvious place for us to turn. The administration and staff worked tirelessly to adhere to ever-
Learning and growing for everyone at the JDS
Why JDS?
demic as built-in playmates and friends. The JDS has enabled that relationship to strengthen – they check in on each other on the playground and love to see each other in the hallways. It’s a joy to see the older children care for the younger ones. Evelyn is always so proud when one of the “big kids” helps her with her backpack at the end of the day, and Joseph talks about his “reading buddy” con-
we’d be here only the pandemic sion after decision build a life here
demic as built-in playmates
The JDS has enabled strengthen – they check on the playground and other in the hallways. older children care for Evelyn is always so proud the “big kids” helps pack at the end of the talks about his “reading stantly!
We arrived in Allentown in late March 2020 with a 2-year-old son, Joseph and 4-month-old daughter, Evelyn. Having flown in from Dallas, Texas to be closer to family (Adam’s parents, Dr. David and Mrs. Susan Hyman who have lived in Allentown for nearly 50 years), we assumed
When it came now five-year-old an early childhood the welcoming, vironment at for us to turn.
The decision parents make about where to send their children for school is often one of the most stressful and difficult. Will the school strike the right balance between quality of educa tion and overall child development? How will our child fit in? Luckily for our fam ily, in a period of great uncertainty, the decision to choose the Jewish Day School of Lehigh Valley was the easiest “yes!” we’ve ever said. We arrived in Allentown in late March 2020 with a 2-year-old son, Joseph and 4-month-old daughter, Evelyn. Having flown in from Dallas, Texas to be closer to family (Adam’s parents, Dr. David and Mrs. Susan Hyman who have lived in Allentown for nearly 50 years), we assumed
This year, his sister Evelyn was able to join the three-year-old program with the same teachers and several younger siblings of her brother’s class. She was very shy at first, but quickly overcame that and truly gets ready for school with enthusiasm. The school has supported her love of art, singing, and she’s made the sweetest friends. We LOVE getting updates and photos on the Class Dojo app throughout the day.
Alliance Mandated Reporter
I spent a week in my old stomping grounds of Manhattan (yes, I’m from Queens, but that’s still New York) at the Principals’ Institute held at the UJA-Federation building in Midtown. Alongside a wonderful cohort of 20 day school leaders, I worked on implementing the Immunity to Change Protocol, a technique that can be used
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.
Our teachers are hard at work as well. We are partnering with the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies to implement its Jewish Studies In-Service Teacher Training through Pardes’s Center for Jewish Educators. This program provides Jewish day school teachers with a practical set of pedagogic tools to make their prepping more focused and systematic and their teaching more effective, engaging, and goal-oriented. The program’s combination of pedagogy webinars and one-on-one mentoring provides participants with the tools to lesson plan more efficiently, develop curricular units more systematically, and run a classroom more confidently. They continue to provide support to our teachers throughout the school
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
JDS is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley right balance between quality of education and overall child development? How will our child fit in? Luckily for our family, in a period of great uncertainty, the decision to choose the Jewish Day School of Lehigh Valley was the easiest “yes!” we’ve ever said. We arrived in Allentown in late March 2020 with a 2-year-old son, Joseph and 4-month-old daughter, Evelyn. Having flown in from Dallas, Texas to be closer to family (Adam’s parents, Dr. David and Mrs. Susan Hyman who have lived in Allentown for nearly 50 years), we assumed
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
Sadly, our chapter in Allentown is coming to a close. For professional reasons, we are moving back to Texas at the conclusion of the school year. Our love for the community that Amy Golding, her staff, and volunteers have created will stay with us forever. The friendships we’ve made as a family through the school will remain and we know these memories made here will bring us joy for years to come.
siblings of her brother’s class. She was very shy at first, but quickly overcame that and truly gets ready for school with enthusiasm. The school has supported her love of art, singing, and she’s made the sweetest friends. We LOVE getting updates and photos on the Class Dojo app throughout the day.
ciation for Israel into their Jewish identity.
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
Our kids became extremely close during the quarantine stage of the pan-
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.
Training this summer, which is approved by the Pennsylvania Departments of Human Services, Education, and State. Our early childhood staff is busy completing the Better Kid Care series of lessons, which focuses on their students’ health, communication with families, and professionalism. The safety of our students is always our top priority.
Our kids became extremely close during the quarantine stage of the pan-
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 in the Lehigh Valley, an extremely supportive from the uncertainties our daily lives, and the ment to instill a love of ish values.
This year, his to join the three-year-old the same teachers siblings of her very shy at first, that and truly enthusiasm. her love of art, the sweetest friends. updates and photos app throughout
For any parent grappling with the decision of where to send your child to school in the Lehigh Valley, we found the JDS an extremely supportive place, a refuge from the uncertainties that we all face in our daily lives, and the perfect environment to instill a love of learning and Jewish values.
Our kids became ing the quarantine
Who is the refugee? It’s me.
Who is the refugee? It’s me.
So, who is the refugee? It’s me. I can’t speak for everyone, only for myself and my family. But let my story be something that can show the general picture.
Another resource will be accessed through the TaL AM teachers’ training institute. We have used the TaL AM curriculum for decades and have watched it develop into a modern, researchbased Hebrew and Judaic learning experience that incorporates proven education models and technology. We will be using TaL AM in first and second grade this year for consistency and heightened achievement for our students. Our teachers will benefit from professional development that focuses on the TaL AM methodology for teaching Hebrew language and Jewish identity by framing Hebrew as a language of heritage and communication and encouraging involvement and mastery surrounding Jewish life. The training also revolves around the concept of blended learning that allows for differentiated instruction, independent learning, and flexible instruction. We also have a teacher who is taking a conversational Hebrew class to increase her fluency in time for her first day with her students. Education is a life long journey.
After dedicating so much of their summertime to excel in their profession, our staff comes together the week before school for even more intensive training.
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 here, in the US!
Who is the refugee?
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.
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.
Our staff is required to take the PA Family Support
Our elementary and middle school Judaics teachers will be meeting with our IsraelLINK program liaison for a workshop that will guide them to teach their students how to integrate comprehensive knowledge about and appre-
The entire staff will spend the week receiving targeted professional development sessions that will prepare them for all circumstances. Our security agent company, Raven Point, will be holding possible scenario and security staff training as well as fire safety training. Teachers who are scheduled for recertification will be taking the Red Cross First Aid and CPR seminar. The Parkland School District nurse will be going over best practices and EpiPen administration. We will be prepared for anything!
guage that my kids have – only because of you. It is very important because we have the ability to reconnect with their roots, which I hadn’t in my childhood. Your help and support made us confident in our presence here, in the US!
So, who is the refugee? It’s me. I can’t speak for everyone, only for myself and my family. But let my story be something that can show the general picture. The beginning of 2022 It was a happy time for me.
And then, on 24th of February, all was ruined. The war started. And what did we know about war? Only
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
By the time our students join us at the JDS we will be refreshed and ready to keep them in the most supportive, protected, and nurturing environment possible to enrich their academic, social, emotional, and physical health and wellness. We can’t wait to welcome our kids and families!
So, what is the difference between me as a refugee and other people who came here as immigrants? Reasons why we came. I love Ukraine, it’s my home, home of my children and many past generations of my and my husband’s family. We miss our home a lot. And before February 2022 we never thought about emigrating abroad, we simply didn’t want to, because we were satisfied with our lives and happy in Ukraine. We chose the US because it was the best option of all, but also the most difficult. It was hard, and it is hard. Not only
So, what is the difference between and other people who came here as sons why we came. I love Ukraine, it’s of my children and many past generations my husband’s family. We miss our home fore February 2022 we never thought ing abroad, we simply didn’t want to, satisfied with our lives and happy in the US because it was the best option the most difficult. It was hard, and because of usual immigrant’s difficulties ent language, different culture, finding local documents, impossible life without impossible life without a credit score, ficulty is not being allowed to go out for people, who decide to come here, big goal, who choose to live here and thing to make this “American dream” it is very hard for us, refugees, forced heart is still at our home with our parents, houses and gardens. And only our life here more like at home (through versations, care and support). Because day most important things are not material will never ever fill your heart and soul
ent language, different culture, finding job, getting all local documents, impossible life without a car, almostficulty is not being allowed to go out of the US. Maybe for people, who decide to come here, who has it likething to make this “American dream” came true, but it is very hard for us, refugees, forced migrants, who’s heart is still at our home with our friends, neighbors, parents, houses and gardens. And only your help madeversations, care and support). Because at the end of the day most important things are not material things, they -
So, I want to say a big, huge thank to all of you! I am grateful for the ability day, in a safe, beautiful and ambitious grateful to all of you, for listening to porting my family and Ukraine. I believe end soon, that I can finally see my home friends and neighbors. But I, as all Ukrainians, in that fatal February, in pre-war days, our land, in our home; happy, confident days, full of ambitious plans.
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
*I use little letter instead of capital on purpose. this people anymore and it’s even hard for because what they have done and are still they are humans at all to me. And because it highlight it as my relation to them.
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
So, I asked my husband to leave our home. We left on 7th of March and on 8th of sians* came to our house. They occupied killed men, raped women, stole a lot of things, houses… it lasted 4 weeks. So, it was nothing pation during WW2… it was worse, much
*I use little letter instead of capital on purpose. 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
after decision
JDS is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
Alvin H. Butz, Inc. Partners
for the Volunteer Challenge
The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley gives community corporations the opportunity to help local nonprofits complete sustainable projects to further their missions and better serve their clients through the annual Volunteer Challenge.
Local nonprofits submit applications for Lehigh Valley corporations to review that include enhancing grounds and buildings, leading fundraising efforts, and administrative projects.
This year, JFS Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer Oxfeld submitted an application for a project to renovate the waiting room and create additional storage space for the Community Food Pantry. “Following the pandemic JFS was thrilled to welcome clients back to the building; however, the waiting room just felt
kind of drab,” said Oxfeld. “We wanted our waiting room to feel comfortable and welcoming to our clients when they enter the building for services.”
Mitch Hanna, marketing manager for Alvin H. Butz, Inc. said, “We read the description of the waiting room project and quickly realized how well it paired well with the capabilities of our firm. Through our research, we recognized that our corporate mission aligned with JFS to support and give back to the Allentown community.”
Through collaborative meetings, Alvin H. Butz, Inc. and JFS planned the renovation of the waiting room. The first aspect of the project was the need for a closet. JFS had been using a corner of the waiting room for the storage of non-perishable foods, with only a screen
to cover the area. The Butz team included Wendy Silfies, project manager, John Dillman, construction superintendent, and Brianna Moyer, marketing assistant. The team came up with a solution of a permanent closet with two metal doors and interior shelving to provide adequate storage space for these items.
Butz partnered with Charles Dectis Painting, Inc. who graciously provided their time and guidance for finalizing paint colors, finish, and the donation of all painting supplies to complete the project.
JFS brought in long-time community supporter SaraJane Bub to collaborate on how to create a waiting room that would feel warm and inviting for clients. Paint colors, brighter lights, and new waiting
room furniture were all considered as the project progressed.
Brianna Moyer, the primary liaison for JFS, was charged with the overall coordination of the project. She worked closely with Jan Behler, Dectis Painting, and rallied a dozen Butz employees who
Volunteer Spotlight: Carol Bernhard
IN HONOR
SAM BUB
(Speedy Recovery)
Elizabeth and Jeffrey Greenberg
Audrey and Richard Nolte
Robin and Alex Rosenau
Debbie and Leon Zoller
MITCHELL COOPER
(Speedy Recovery)
Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein
EMILY AND BRIAN FORD
(In honor of Sam’s Bar Mitzvah)
Audrey and Richard Nolte
CAROL AND GARY FROMER
(In honor of Rachel’s graduation)
Phyllis and Jay Kaufman
coordinator, invited her to learn about the ShareCare driving program. Through a partnership with ShareCare Faith in Action, Jewish Family Service volunteers drive older adult clients to medical appointments, community programs, and personal errands. Whether it’s one ride a week, or one ride a month, volunteers are able to choose the rides they provide based on their own schedules.
Carol averages three rides
CHELSEA AND ERIC KARP
(In honor of Anna’s graduation)
Cary and Michael Moritz
HAROLD AND LINDA KREITHEN
Susan and Marc Levin
CHARLES RICHTER
(In appreciation of your program)
Temple Beth El Sisterhood
LEON ZOLLER
(In appreciation of your time)
Cooky Notis
a month for several JFS clients who have medical appointments and attend a variety of community programs including the Let’s Play program at Jay’s Local.
When asked why she decided to volunteer for JFS, Carol replied, “I like how the program gives older adults the chance to schedule doctor appointments without having to rely on the availability of family. I give rides to a gentleman who
IN LOVING MEMORY
JACOB ELLIS
(Son of Lisa and Andrew Ellis, Grandson of Wendy and Ross Born)
Mark Blass
Vikki Dunn
Renee Hillman
Robin and Alex Rosenau
BOBBY HAMMEL
(Husband of Bonnie Hammel)
Beverly and Steven Volk
DOLORES HELLER
(Mother of David Heller)
Joan & Russell Killough-Miller
has been a pleasure to get to know. I love hearing about his family, history of the Lehigh Valley, and his life growing up in Europe. I feel good knowing that I take some of the pressure off his family so he is more able to participate in community programs and events.”
To find out more about the ShareCare driving program, contact Jennifer Oxfeld at volunteer@jfslv.org.
SUSAN KATZ
(Sister of Michael Katz)
Casey Goldblat and Irving Kaplan
ROSE LUKOFF
(Daughter of Patty and Art Lukoff)
Abby and Mark Trachtman
STANLEY MILLER
(Father of Cindy, Sharon and Lara Miller)
Barbara and Fred Sussman
PHYLLIS RINGEL
(Wife of Chester Ringel)
Beverly and Steven Volk
volunteered to prep and paint the waiting room. “I have loved the community involvement aspect of the project and the opportunity to engage with my coworkers,” says Moyer. “I feel good knowing the new JFS waiting room will have a lasting impact for the staff and clients of JFS.”
HARRY ROSE
Wendy and Ross Born
Elizabeth and Jeffrey Greenberg
Susan Hawvermale
JCC of the Lehigh Valley
Phyllis and Jay Kaufman
Linda and Harold Kreithen
Judith and Samuel Musa
Barbara and Fred Sussman
ED SCHWARTZ
(Father of Andy Schwartz)
Jane and Bill Markson
Employees of Alvin H. Butz, Inc. and JFS work together to brighten up the waiting room with a fresh coat of paint.
Carol Bernhard has lived in the Lehigh Valley since 1991. A member of Temple Beth El, she became a volunteer driver after Jennifer Oxfeld, volunteer
PJ Library, Shalom Baby celebrate Shavuot under sunny skies
By Billy Thompson Digital Marketing Associate
PJ Library and Shalom Baby came together in June for a Shavuot celebration at the Jewish-owned eatery Jay’s Local in Allentown.
PJ Library is a program that offers a free book month-
ly to Jewish children and also includes activities and Jewish programs. Shalom Baby is an outreach program of Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy to welcome our newest members and their families with a personal visit and special gift. As usual with PJ Libraryrelated programs, there were
plenty of activities to occupy the children. Taking advantage of the pleasant weather, the group spent the morning outdoors.
A particularly fun crafting opportunity was offered to the kids: paper flowers! They created petals from colorful pastel tissue paper,
held together by sparkly pipe cleaners that extended down as stems. All the flowers were gathered into a paper bouquet, framed by a swarm of bubbles—since the event was outside, kids were allowed to wave around big bubble wands. The only concern with that was keeping the soapy
water away from the sidewalk, where kids drew with chalk.
Children colored on a Shavuot-themed coloring page that wished “Chag Sameach,” or happy holiday. They also enjoyed frozen dairy treats and, of course, heard a PJ Library story.
KI to honor Kirshners at annual gala
By Dr. Mike Stroock
Congregation Keneseth Israel
When you talk with this year’s Congregation Keneseth Israel Gala honorees, Ken and Sue Kirshner, it doesn’t take long to realize they’re very special. As couples live their lives together, they often develop similar personality traits that become important parts of those lives. For many, that might be traveling together, golfing together, or a love of art and theater. What makes Ken and Sue so special is the trait that plays such an important part in both of their lives: service to others, both inside and outside of our Jewish community.
Ken and Sue joined KI in 1982 and Sue joined the KI Sisterhood soon after. One of the board members asked the newbie if she’d like to help with a project to expand the KI gift shop. She agreed, and she eventually took charge of it.
Most KI members know that if they have a question relating to the cemetery, Ken is the man to see. How did he become that man?
A member of the Cemetery Association Board asked him to join. Ken asked, “What would I have to do?” She replied, “Practically nothing, since we only meet once or twice a year.” Ken said, “OK. That sounds like my kind of job.” A little while later, he was told about someone who wanted to buy a cemetery plot and asked to talk to someone who could help select it. Ken took care of it and found the experience very rewarding. He continued to take on more responsibility and became the association president in 1995, a position he still holds.
Over the years, both Ken and Sue have become even more involved at KI. It’s become normal for one or both
of them to be doing something there. Sue is active in the Women of KI and works in the KI office as a volunteer. She was on the KI board for a short time—though Ken, when asked how long he’s been on the board, proudly responds, “Through nine rabbis and 20 presidents!” Several years ago, Ken volunteered (without being asked) to review KI’s insurance policies. He recommended several changes that were implemented. He now serves as the liaison between the KI board and all of its insurance companies. He annually reviews policies, looking for better coverage when needed. He is also the current chairperson of KI’s Bylaws Committee and spearheaded the total rewrite of the bylaws in 2022 and several amendments this year.
Ken’s and Sue’s service to others extends beyond the Jewish community. In 2002, Sue was diagnosed with breast cancer. Good doctors, aggressive treatment, Sue’s courage, Ken’s love and support, and always thinking positive all played important parts in her survival. She could have spent the rest of her life complaining about her lousy luck and asking “Why me?” but instead she turned to one of her core strengths: service to others. She began to volunteer at Living Beyond Breast Cancer, to do peer counseling both pre- and post-treatment. She uses her experience as a 21-year cancer survivor in her discussions with those women, and the discussions have been very helpful for the women and extremely fulfilling for Sue. She emphasizes the importance of a positive outlook in all of her interactions.
Sue also serves on the committee that organizes the
annual Allentown Women’s 5K run for cancer survivors and previously served as a docent at the Allentown Art Museum.
Ken has been part of numerous service organizations and picked two to talk about. Over the past 40 years, he has been a part of numerous projects for the local Rotary International club, including a stint as president. He has also been involved with Community Bike Works, which receives donations of bicycles in all kinds of conditions. It is a 12-week after-school program for local underprivileged children from ages 9 to 18. Each child picks a bike, but does not get to take it home until the end of the 12 weeks. During that time, they learn to fix what’s wrong with their bike and how to maintain it. They also learn how to interact properly with their peers
and adults. They get to take their bikes home (along with a helmet), and the volunteers get the reward of watching the children come out of their shells.
Both Ken and Sue get emotional when they talk about volunteerism. Ken talks about how Sue helps the women she counsels. He says the gratification she gets from all their positive feedback is so rewarding and puts a smile on her face every time. When Ken helps a family that has just lost a loved one with the difficult process of arranging the burial, it gives him a sense of purpose and he feels good when the people thank him for making things easier for them.
Sue and Ken believe that the key to getting people to volunteer is the three-word phrase “Can you help?” They optimistically believe
that most people are willing to help out, but need to be asked. When Ken or Sue do ask for help, people say yes because they can sense how invested the two of them are in “the ask.” For example, when Ken asks for people to help him change the American flags at the graves of veterans in the KI cemetery, every year he gets 10-20 volunteers. In turn, the volunteers feel good about participating in such a worthwhile project and are grateful to Ken for asking them to help. Along that line, KI is asking for help in showing its appreciation for Ken and Sue by requesting your attendance at the gala in their honor at KI on Saturday night, September 14, and by showing your support for them in the KI directory. Visit kilv.org for more information.
KI honorees Ken and Sue Kirshner. (Photo courtesy of DonnaFisherPhoto.com)
Tel Aviv U develops technology to detect enemy drones
NoCamels
In the early hours of July 19, residents of Tel Aviv were awakened by the tremendous boom of an unmanned aircraft, laden with explosives, smashing into a residential building and killing a civilian as he slept in his bed.
The drone was one of a small swarm sent by the Iranian-backed Houthi terror group in Yemen, and had escaped Israel’s multi-layered air defense systems due to human error caused by its lack of a discernable signature.
Failing to identify the danger posed by the drone, the Israel Defense Forces later said, no sirens were activated to warn locals of the incoming attack and tell them to seek shelter.
The incident revealed a potentially worrisome gap in the legendary Israeli air defenses, as the small size of the drone made it hard to detect with radar, which bounces signals off a targeted object to identify it, or with the cameras and transponders that are also used.
Israel has been targeted by
hundreds of these small yet extremely destructive drones since the start of its war against the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza, which was triggered by the mass terror attack on October 7 that saw 1,200 people brutally murdered in southern Israel and hundreds more abducted and held hostage.
The drone attacks have come primarily from the Iranian-backed Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon and caused major destruction in parts of northern Israel, although some have also been sent by the Houthis in Yemen.
Seeking a solution to this problem, researchers at Tel Aviv University’s Faculty of Engineering have developed an electromagnetic tag that is placed on the wings of hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), making the aircraft easier to identify and track.
The research team was led by Ph.D. students Omer Tzidki and Dmytro Vovchuk at the lab of Prof. Pavel Ginzburg, which specializes in developing new radar and wireless communication technologies to address current and future challenges.
“Contrary to traditional airborne targets, small drones and copters pose a significant problem for radar systems due to their relatively small radar cross-sections,” the research team wrote in its abstract paper.
“Small UAVs pose significant security issues, as has been proven in many unfortunate cases worldwide and
the number of safety issues will continue to grow,” the team warned.
“Due to their low cost and unlicensed accessibility, small drones can be used by unauthorized users to carry dangerous items, spot classified sites, interfere with air traffic, and for other undesired purposes.”
The tag works by daubing the drone with an elec-
tromagnetic “sticker” that is recognized by radar. The radar uses AI algorithms to sense what the team calls the drone’s identity card, presented by the increased electromagnetic signal emitted by the stickers.
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The algorithm then can decipher whether the drone is friendly or hostile, allowing the security forces to respond accordingly, and can do so even in the adverse conditions that had previously proven to be a challenge.
The researchers say the smart tagging approach works even with challenges such as urban environments, poor visibility, poor weather conditions, low-altitude flights and the presence of additional air traffic – all of which make it harder to identify the specific signal of the drone.
Experiments of the system were initially carried out in sterile lab conditions, and later in an external setting that simulated real-world scenarios.
According to Tzidki, optimal results were created by the combination of electromagnetic techniques, AI algorithms and innovative radar technology. Now more than ever, such technology is “critical for protecting the lives of soldiers and civilians,” he said.
Identifying the drones is especially critical when there is no direct line of sight, he said, making the use of radar all the more important.
Ginzburg also hailed the research as a simple solution to a complex problem, calling it a “significant” achievement.
“The simplest things often work best,” Ginzburg said.
“This project leverages fundamental physical principles to reliably and accurately classify drones. The process of identifying any drone using radar is quite complex, so achieving the capability to identify specific drones is a significant accomplishment of which we are very proud.”
L-R: Prof. Pavel Ginzburg, Omer Tzidki and Dmytro Vovchuk (Photo: Anton Kharchevskii)
Rabbi Adrienne Rubin joins Bnai Shalom
Rabbi Adrienne Rubin
Rabbi Adrienne Rubin will join Congregation Bnai Shalom on July 1, 2024. She brings warmth, knowledge, and a passion for Jewish values and traditions to helping people connect to what gives them the most joy and meaning in their lives.
She’s excited about coming to the Lehigh Valley. “After my very first call with the Bnai Shalom leadership,” she said, “it was clear to me that this was “bashert”—meant to
be. Congregation Bnai Shalom aligns perfectly with my vision of what a synagogue can and should be: a warm, inclusive environment that embraces people where they are in their personal journeys and supports them to thrive individually and together as a community. I cannot imagine a better place to be my spiritual home at this stage of my life as a Rabbi.”
The congregation’s leadership feels much the same. “We are delighted that Rabbi Adrienne has joined our Bnai Shalom family and look forward to a warm and fulfilling association,” said Vickie Semmel, copresident of the synagogue. “After an extensive search and with great anticipation, it is with joy and gratitude that we embrace this exciting new beginning.”
Marc Abo, the synagogue’s other copresident, added, “We are extremely excited
to welcome Rabbi Adrienne Rubin as our new spiritual leader. We are impressed by her knowledge, life experiences, and great enthusiasm. This is surely a sign of great things to come.”
Rabbi Rubin enjoys leading worship in a way that encourages members of the congregation to participate and is well known for her beautiful music in services. She is committed to inclusivity and to helping each person, couple, and family find their home in the Jewish community. She loves customizing the educational process for students of all ages, levels, and backgrounds so they develop deep connections to Jewish learning and the Jewish community that will last a lifetime.
She has served the Jewish community for over 35 years in congregational leadership roles and independently. She was most recently the rabbi at Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, a Conservative synagogue in Springfield, New Jersey. There she stewarded the
congregation through the COVID-19 pandemic, initiating adding online services and engaging with members in innovative ways.
She is a prolific writer and has been published in seven anthologies, including “When We Turned Within: Reflections on COVID-19” (volumes 1 and 2), “Rabbis against Gun Violence Anthology: #WearOrange Edition,” and, most recently, “Calling Out: Psalms for Today.” She also publishes a weekly blog that includes source sheets for her divrei Torah and Shabbat morning text study.
Rabbi Rubin graduated from Princeton University in 1988 with a bachelor of arts degree in music theory and composition. She is a trained opera singer. She received smicha from the pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary International, founded in 1955 by the Hungarian hassidic rabbi and Kabbalist Dr. Joseph H. Gelberman. She is a member of the International Federation of Rabbis, the Rabbinical
KI’s 5K returns for 10th year this fall
By Eric Rappaport
Congregation Keneseth Israel
This year our community celebrates the 10th anniversary of the KI Harvest 5K, an event that has become a beloved tradition. Scheduled for Sunday, September 29, at Cedar Beach Park in Allentown, the event brings
together families, friends, and supporters for a spirited morning of fitness and fun, all while supporting a great cause.
The Harvest 5K began as a heartfelt endeavor by Patricia “Choty” San Andres, who set out on a personal mission to run 50 5K races by her 50th birthday. Her journey quickly evolved into a community-wide celebration, inspiring others to embrace their own fitness goals and support local causes. Today, Patricia is on her way to achieving her next ambitious goal of running 60 half-marathons by her 60th birthday, and the Harvest 5K continues to thrive as a testament to her dedication and the community’s unwavering support.
Over the past decade, the Harvest 5K has raised over $45,000 for a variety of local
charities, though the primary beneficiary for the last seven years has been Central Elementary School in Allentown. Central Elementary and Congregation Keneseth Israel have a long-term relationship of providing support and volunteers to assist with the children. The funds raised have helped provide a new playground, sports equipment, uniforms, and field trip sponsorships. The event’s success reflects the generosity and commitment of our community, who come together each year to make a positive impact.
The Harvest 5K is more than just a race. It’s a celebration of community spirit and healthy living. It features both a 1K fun run and a competitive 5K, ensuring that participants of all ages and fitness levels can join in the excitement. Families, friends,
Fellowship of America, the Women Cantors’ Network, T’ruah, 18Doors (formerly the Interfaith Family Network), Equally Wed, and the Rainbow Wedding Network. She lives in Princeton, New Jersey, with her husband Doug, a semiretired CPA, and their son Elian, a preschool teacher and recent graduate of Oberlin College of Arts and Sciences. She cares deeply about the greater community and has volunteered or worked with numerous nonprofit organizations, including Send Hunger Packing Princeton; SAVE, a Friend to Homeless Animals; VolunteerConnect; Princeton Public Schools; the Princeton Education Foundation; Women in Development; Princeton University; and her local pack, troop, and council of the Boy Scouts of America.
She looks forward to becoming a part of the Lehigh Valley community and making a difference here.
neighbors, and even friendly dogs gather at Cedar Beach for a morning filled with laughter, encouragement, and camaraderie.
As we celebrate this 10th anniversary, we also look ahead with great anticipation to the future of the Harvest 5K. Its continued success relies on the enthusiasm and involvement of our community. Whether you are a seasoned runner, casual walker,
supportive spectator, dog lover, or dedicated volunteer, your participation helps to sustain this tradition and its mission of giving back. We invite everyone to join us on September 29 at Cedar Beach at 10 a.m. for a memorable day of running, fun, and community spirit. Register at runsignup.com/Race/ PA/Allentown/Harvest5Ki by September 11.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
DATES
January 12-14, 2025
LOCATION
Marriott Marquis, Atlanta, GA
Unleash Your Pride
The world needs your roar. It needs your strength, your Jewish pride, and your unbreakable spirit. Be celebrated for who you are at the 2025 International Lion of Judah Conference in Atlanta.
Schedule of Events
January 12
• Optional Pre-Conference Programs in Atlanta (registration will be required)
• 1:00 PM Prime Minister's Council Luncheon
• 4:00 PM Conference Begins
January 13
• Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award Celebration
• Impact Forums
• Dinners by Community
January 14
• Campaign Day
• Closing Celebratio
LET'S GATHER TO CELEBRATE Carol Bub Fromer | Kipnis Award Winner 2024
"Being a Lion means being part of a special 'pride.' Jewish philanthropy has always been a priority in my life, but the powerful bond of philanthropic women and the sustained altruism that creates such strong friendships, connections, and respect among women continues to amaze and motivate me. This communal strength nurtures my Jewish pride and drives my convictions in the face of antisemitism and adversity.”
Family donates ambucycle in memory of Michael Notis
By Carl Zebrowski Editor
In the months after Michael Notis of Allentown died last year, his wife, Cooky, started thinking about making a meaningful donation in his memory. The family wondered what they might give that would be a particularly appropriate fit for him and what he stood for.
“We came up with his love of Israel and helping people,”
said their son, Mark, a dentist in Allentown. That led them to settling on an ambucycle for United Hatzalah of Israel, the emergency medical services organization that operates motorcycle-ambulances on bottlenecked city streets that regular ambulances can’t get through quickly—the current average response time for ambucycles is three minutes or less.
United Hatzalah is a volunteer-run nonprofit that
has been doing its work for almost 20 years. Then came the Hamas attacks on October 7. The organization spent the day sending firstresponders and vehicles all over Israel to handle over 1,200 calls. Mark and his wife, Alice, happened to be in Israel visiting their daughter’s family. They weren’t physically near the violence, but how can one escape a tragedy of that scale? “You just want to help in so many ways,” Mark said. “You see the extent of service United Hatzalah provides for everyone in Israel,” he continued. “This is an organization that drops what it’s doing and helps, no questions asked.”
Mark sees the work of United Hatzalah as right in line with his father’s beliefs.
Michael was a Lehigh University graduate who went on to earn his PhD in materials science while working at Western Electric Bell Labs. Then he returned to Lehigh to become a professor and stayed.
His personality, interests, and values were perfect for a teacher. “He would speak to anybody about anything,” Mark said. “His life was dedicated to just doing the right thing. I think that’s kind of why the donation is a good match.”
After settling on the ambucycle idea and making the donation, Mark and Alice returned to Israel earlier this year, with Cooky, for an official dedication. Their grandkids joined them and got to sit in the seat for a photo. The first time Mark visited Israel was for his bar mitzvah in 1976. It was around the time of the raid on Entebbe, a defunct airport in Uganda. Israeli commandos rescued 102 Jewish hostages aboard an Air France passenger plane that terrorists had hijacked a week earlier and was guarded by over 100 Ugandan army soldiers.
Friends and family tried to convince the Notises the climate was too dangerous and unpredictable for a visit to
Israel. “My parents said no, we’re going,” Mark recalled. “A time of intense distress turned into a time of celebration.” It also turned into a lifetime of regular visits to Israel, which included all family bar and bat mizvahs. That decades-long firsthand connection is only stronger now, with the new ambucycle helping United Hatzalah provide aid daily wherever it’s needed.
The Notis ambucycle joins a vehicle pool that includes the ambucycle the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Maimonides Society of healthcare professionals donated in memory of Dr. Mickey Ufberg in 2022.
Czech family visits long-lost relatives in Allentown
By Carl Zebrowski Editor
A May 30 reunion of descendants of Holocaust survivors in Allentown started with a search and an email. It came from Sona Buriankova in the Czech Republic to Melinda Roth, daughter of Allentown resident Mimi Roth and Monroe Roth.
Inspired back in 2019 to uncover her family history, Buriankova searched the Red Cross’s Holocaust victims tracing system and discovered that a “Monroe Roth” in the United States had tried to find Buriankova’s grandfather, Alexander Roth, after World War II. Alexander had been captured by the Nazis in his native Czechoslovakia and sent to Auschwitz and two other camps. He survived the war years and returned home only to discover that his whole family had been killed or died.
Buriankova’s email arrived in Melinda’s inbox to disclose what Buriankova believed she had figured out. Soon both women had results of DNA tests in their hands to prove a family connection beyond a doubt—one branch of the tree in what was now the Czech Republic and one in the United States. The
Monroe Roth who had tried to find Alexander Roth was indeed Melinda’s father. Melinda visited the Czech Republic that same year. She presented Buriankova with a photo from 1935 that had been passed down through her family. That photo unlocked specific connections between the Czech and U.S. Roths.
On May 30, Buriankova and her family visited Allentown, their first time in the United States. Melinda put together a party for them, inviting members of her extended family who are also related to the Czech Roths. Other gatherings and outings continued throughout the visit to the States.
Earlier this year, Alice and Mark Notis, with their grandkids, officially hand over the keys to the ambucycle the Notis family donated to United Hatzalah of Israel in memory of Michael Notis.
The Roth family from the Czech Republic.
Mimi Roth (center) at the reunion of U.S. and Czech Roths in Allentown.
Rebecca Graver sings Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” during the Roth reunion in Allentown to celebrate the relatives’ finding one another 70-plus years after the Holocaust.
YourTime Survey prompts task force to focus on socialization
By Rabbi Allen Juda Chair of the Older Adult Task Force
American historian, author, and artist Aberjhani, once wrote: “First steps are always the hardest, but until they are taken, the notion of progress remains only a notion and not an achievement.” The joint Jewish Federation-Jewish Family Service Older Adult Task Force has been meeting for two years. We have taken many first steps and also have recorded some achievements.
Initially, the task force members engaged in researching programs for older adults in a variety of areas including home maintenance, housekeeping, home health care, and food insecurity. We spoke with Jewish
Family Service agencies all across the United States to learn what they are doing and how they have funded their projects. These first steps allowed us to focus our efforts on realistic options for our community.
Under the guidance of task force member Gail Eisenberg, we prepared a survey to measure the interest of our Lehigh Valley older adults in a number of different areas. With the support of our Federation, we were able to email the survey to a random sampling of older adults. We had about a 50% response rate, which gives us confidence that the sample was representative of our older adult population. The majority of our responders told us that at this time in their lives, they do not need services. But those who do told us that the two areas the Older Adult Task Force needs to focus on first are: socialization and home maintenance. In order to move ahead and make progress, Jewish Family Service
is going to focus on the area of socialization. Please check the JFS website and Hakol to see the various programs that are already in place and to be aware of new ones as they come to fruition.
The task force is now going to move on to determine exactly what our older adults need in terms of home maintenance. We need to hear from those who are interested. In order to do so, we are going to form “listening groups” this fall. Trained group leaders from the community will lead the sessions. Conducted via Zoom, these will be small group sessions where older adults will be able to tell us exactly what areas of home maintenance they need help with.
These sessions will be successful only if we hear from our community members.
If you want to register,
you may email me at allenijuda@gmail or Jeri Zimmerman at jeri@jflv.org. We need YOU. This is another small step that we hope will lead to concrete progress. In the meantime, please be on the lookout in the near future for information on leaf raking help this fall. Once again, students from Lafayette, Lehigh, and
Muhlenberg will be available on Sunday, November 17, to help rake leaves. Our small steps are leading us forward, but we need your cooperation to make real progress.
■ Minimize interpersonal conflicts and maximize a positive impact on family and others ■
Over 75 and continuing to be active Your Time
■ Avoid unnecessary costs, estate taxes, taxes on retirement plans and other expenses
Provide an appropriate inheritance that meets the needs of family, individuals and charities important to you
■ Ensure the transfer of your estate with the fewest delays
and friends
By Nurit Galon Partnership2Gether
Shalom to all our family and friends in the Lehigh Valley. The world is a bit of a mess, with Israel trying to figure out how life goes on, from traveling abroad with the family for pleasure to happy events celebrated with all the trimmings, while demonstrations continue to send the message that our hostages must be released immediately.
So … we’re writing about older adults in this issue. I wonder whether you have to be a certain age to qualify
as one? And is it just an age, or does it imply a different way of life? It seems to me that in Israel there is far more awareness today of what we used to call the golden age (though we’re not really convinced that’s what it was). After quite a while, we began to understand that many of our problems could be rectified by science. And by activity: getting up in the morning with somewhere to go and something to see, meeting with other members of the community, participating in yoga and Pilates adapted for older people, and listening to intelligent,
■
thought-provoking lectures (even if we might occasionally snatch a few moments of sleep!). Wow, we have a life! And don’t we all report admiringly about “Audrey” or “Jimmy” or “Dina,” who at the age of 85 or more are running amazing projects, fulfilling dreams that they now have time for? We used to say that life begins at 75, but actually that isn’t true. Life never stopped. It just changed.
This is all very optimistic, but is it real? I’ll stick my neck out and say yes. I always read through Hakol with sincere admiration for the variety of activities and for the involvement of older adults not just as participants but also as organizers. In Yoav too, while it is true that there is a larger representation of younger people in organizations, which is great, the older adults have not dropped out quietly but, on the contrary, are busy with every kind of activity—the latest being our community garden, created and run by them.
PA
AUGUST IS MAKE A WILL MONTH Leaving Your Legacy
Do you have a will?
The older adults of Kibbutz Galon organize and oversee its community garden, and residents of all ages participate in the project as a demonstration of values they believe in, namely working with the earth and with their hands, and bringing together the generations in a shared effort. A half a year into the project, participants enjoy fresh vegetables, melons, and
Is it
spices every morning. As autumn approaches, they’ll start growing plants appropriate to the season.
So, although we can’t deny the state of the world, we can report with pride on the older adults of our communities who have taken up the challenge of an active lifestyle.
DO YOU HAVE A WILL?
Is it up-to-date? If you were to die today, would your property go to the people and charities for whom you want to provide and in the manner you would like to provide?
Do you have peace of mind that your plans are in order?
Is it up-to-date? If you were to die today, would your property go to the people and charities for whom you want to provide and in the manner you would like to provide? Do you have peace of mind that your plans are in order? Despite the importance of having a will (or trust), many Americans never get around to drafting one. For those who do have a will, it was drawn up many years ago and hasn’t been looked at since. Now may be the right time to review or create your will during August, Make A Will Month. If you need any help, the LVJF can help you get started.
Despite the importance of having a will (or trust), many Americans never get around to drafting one. For those who do have a will, it was drawn up many years ago and hasn’t been looked at since. Now may be the right time to review or create your will during August, Make A Will Month
If you need anny help the LVJF can help you get started
• Ensure the transfer of your estate with the fewest delays Avoid unnecessary costs, estate taxes, taxes on retirement plans and other expenses Afford you the opportunity to create a final legacy and testimony to
• Direct the selection of a guardian for your heirs who are minors
610-821-5500 aaron@jflv.org lvjfgiving.org Under federal rules, your benefits may be different from this example. Please contact us for your specific benefits. This information is not intended as tax, legal or financial advice. Gift results may vary. Consult your personal financial advisor for information
Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley 702 North 22nd Street Allentown, PA 18104 (610) 821-5500 aaron@jflv.org lvjfgiving.org
■ Provide an appropriate inheritance that meets the needs of family, individuals and charities important to you
Afford you the opportunity to create a final legacy and testimony to share your core values and beliefs with your family and friends
■ Ensure the transfer of your estate with the fewest delays
• Give you peace of mind Learn more by scanning the QR Code or by visiting the link below. lvjfgiving.org
■
■ Avoid unnecessary costs, estate taxes, taxes on retirement plans and other expenses
■ Minimize interpersonal conflicts and maximize a positive impact on family and others
Minimize interpersonal conflicts and maximize a positive impact on family and others
■ Direct the selection of a guardian for your heirs who are minors
■ Give you peace of mind
JFS older adult programs thrived this past year
Shared
In partnership with the Cedar Crest College Master of Arts in Art Therapy program, clients of JFS participate in Creative Connections which fosters socialization through art making.
Mazel Meals, now in its fifh year, continues to provide Shabbat and holiday meals to older adults across the Valley.
Schmooze and Schmear, organized by JFS volunteers Sam Bub and Leon Zoller, meets monthly at Temple Beth El for peerto-peer learning and socialization—and a little nosh.
Older adults living in long-term care residences continue to receive holiday goody bags throughout the year delivered by JFS outreach coordinator Marcia Schechter.
The ancient wisdom of acknowledging someone’s pain BOOK REVIEWS
“The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World,” Sharon Brous, Avery, 2024, 240 pages.
By Sean Boyle
Congregation Keneseth Israel
Rabbi Sharon Brous’s latest book, “The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World,” is based on a Kol Nidre sermon she gave about an obscure Mishnah she read as a seminary student but was finally able to understand only after a decade serving as a pulpit rabbi.
The Mishnah tells of the annual pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem and how thousands of pilgrims would enter and turn right to walk around the courtyard and exit where they’d entered. It states that those who were
unable to celebrate would enter and turn left to walk counter to the other pilgrims. They would be stopped and blessed and asked to tell why they were walking against the flow. These would be people grieving, exhausted caregivers, or even exiles who had been excommunicated. Each would be seen and recognized for being in pain and blessed by those celebrating.
As a seminary student, Brous did not understand the meanings behind this practice, but after years of leading her community through celebrations and sorrows, she finally understood the importance of acknowledging others’ pain and making the effort to include those in pain in the community’s celebrations while giving them space to experience their hurt and take the time needed to begin
healing. It’s important not to try to fix the pain, but to provide love and hope to the person.
Weaving ancient stories with modern examples, Brous gives light to the many aspects of making human connections and having “true, heartfelt encounters.” From sharing grief and joy, to listening to people with differing views and perspectives, to breaking through the tribalization of today’s society. Every person is worthy of love, and sacred connection is the cure to loneliness.
Brous writes about the healers, too, needing to be given space to grieve and address their pain, and tells of a time when she herself was helped by a healer on a retreat to South America when her body physically reacted to all the grief and pain she had ac-
cumulated from caring for her community.
Brous has mentioned in interviews that as this book came to print, her father passed away. She talked about the struggles she had to stop being a rabbi and to be a person going through grief, herself requiring to be comforted. At the end of the book, she provides a section on how readers can actively practice the concepts of each chapter in their daily lives. She also includes the story from her father-in-law that inspired the book’s cover artwork.
“The Amen Effect” is highly recommended for ages 14-120, especially for anyone who is feeling alone and isolated, as well as for those who wish to connect more with their communities.
Sean Boyle is Congregation Keneseth Israel’s librarian and also serves president of the Association of Jewish Libraries.
“Shavuot of Longing: Their Recipes on Our Table,” by Foody Israel and Paz Sassoon, Hostages and Missing Families Forum, 2024, downloadable at online. fliphtml5.com/jypud/ dqaw/.
By Sandi Teplitz Special to Hakol
This innovative recipe book, featured on TikTok and promoted by social media influencers, features some favorite things to cook of some Israeli hostages captured by Hamas.
Produced by Foody Israel and Paz Sassoon,
with designs by Bright Agency, the 75 recipes within are all kosher and diverse, ranging from appetizers through dessert, with much in between. Purchasers of the book are invited to prepare a recipe, take a photo, and upload to social media with the hashtag: #ShavuotofLonging. The idea is to continue to tell the hostages’ stories by increasing awareness of their situation and demanding their release.
Sponsored by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the book is easy to like, with reci-
pes identified readily as vegan, vegetarian, dairy, or meat. Also, it’s a pleasure to support the cause and have a fun doing it.
Below is an example of one healthful side dish:
Mix
the
on a cookie sheet and pour the mixture over them to coat well. Bake for half an hour, turning occasionally. Serve hot or at room temperature, on Greek yogurt, labneh, tahini, or couscous.
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.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7
Adults Night Out at Wanderlust
7 p.m., Wanderlust Beer Garden
Join the members of NextGen (formerly known as Young Leadership) for a fun night out at the rustic locale of Wanderlust Beer Garden in Easton. Light refreshments will be available (dietary laws observed). Couvert is $18 per person. Register at jewishlehighvalley.org.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
KI Welcome Back BBQ and Committee Fair
5-7 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel
KI is hosting a Welcome Back BBQ and showcasing the 2024 committees that will work to make KI a vibrant community. Committee members will be there to provide information, answer questions, and help anyone who’s interested in getting started. Register at kilv.org by August 22.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
An Evening with Jonathan Conricus
7:15 p.m., Temple Beth El Jonathan Conricus, former lieutenant colonel in the IDF, will discuss the war in Israel and antisemitism in the media as he experienced them first-hand in his role as IDF international spokesperson. The event is open to community members who have donated $365 or more to the Jewish Federation’s 2025 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs (the NextGen minimum is $180.) Keep an eye on Federation emails for a registration link.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
KI Blood Drive
9 a.m.-1 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel
The Miller-Keystone Blood Center always needs blood. Blood center volunteers will be at KI to administer donations during this time slot. Register at kilv.org.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
PJ Library Rosh Hashanah Bees and Butterflies
3:30-5 p.m., Jewish Day School Families will work together in the JDS pollinator garden. Any food harvested will go to Jewish Family Service. There will be crafts and snacks and, of course, a PJ Library story. Register at jewishlehighvalley. org.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
VISIT Israel Savings Partnership Information Session
6 p.m., private home in Allentown
The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s VISIT program is a savings partnership that helps diffuse the
costs of your child’s trip to Israel. This event is an information session, and there is no obligation to sign up for the VISIT Israel Savings Partnership. Light bites will be served. Registration required at jewishlehighvalley.org.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
KI 10th Annual Harvest 5K
11 a.m.-1 p.m., Cedar Beach Park
KI is hosting its annual dog-friendly 5K walk or run on the mostly packed and paved course through the Rose Garden. Water stations will be available every mile and cheering crowds will surround every crossroads. The schedule is: registration at 8:30 a.m., 1-mile fun run at 10, and the 5K at 11. Get more information and register at kilv.org.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Evening of Unity in D.C.
6:30 p.m., Nationals Park
This inaugural event in the Washington Nationals ballpark will bring together thousands from the Jewish community across the continent to celebrate shared values and aspirations for a safe and secure future. The gathering is the opening program of the November 10-12 Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly 2024. It is open to everyone, not just general assembly attendees. Find more information and register at generalassembly. org/evening-of-unity.
SUNDAY-TUESDAY, JANUARY 1214, 2025
2025 International Lion of Judah Conference
Marriott Marquis, Atlanta, Georgia
The Jewish Federation of North America’s Lion of Judah will gather for its annual conference in January. Find more information and register at lionconference.org. If you have questions, contact Lee Kestecher Solomon at lee@jflv.org.
ONGOING EVENTS
FIRST OR SECOND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
Bnai Shalom Cash Bingo
1 p.m., Congregation Bnai Shalom
Join Bnai Shalom for its monthly bingo games on the first Sunday of most months but on the second Sunday of September and December. For more information call 610258-5343.
MONDAYS
Yiddish Club
2-3:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley via Zoom
Experience the joys of Yiddish via Zoom as part of Adults at the J. The group meets weekly to speak in the Yiddish language. All are welcome.
Participants Zoom in from 5 states. No cost. Call 610-435-3571, ext. 501.
MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS
Online Jewish Yoga Studio Mondays 11-11:45 a.m., Thursdays 4-4:45 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality
Join yoga teacher and IJS faculty member Rabbi Myriam Klotz or Cantor Lizzie Shammash as she guides you in an all-levels yoga and movement session informed by Jewish spiritual teachings and designed to relieve stress as we increase awareness of breath and grounding through our bodies. Open to all. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/ get-started.
TUESDAYS
Weekly Torah Study
11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality
Rabbi Jonathan Slater will lead a weekly program. Open to all. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/get-started.
WEDNESDAYS
Yoga with Miriam Sandler: ChairSupported Yoga 1-2 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom in person and via Zoom
Be seated in a comfortable chair, preferably armless (folding works well). Some standing poses holding onto the chair are offered, though students may choose to remain seated. Modifications are given. Open to the public in person and live stream available to all via Zoom. *$10 drop-in fee payable to Congregation Brith Sholom. For more information email mbserow@gmail. com.
WEDNESDAYS
Torah Studies: A Weekly Journey into the Soul of Torah 7 p.m., Chabad of the Lehigh Valley in person and via Zoom Torah Studies by the Jewish Learning Institute presents Season Three 5784, 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 mjclaire@ gmail.com or 610-972-7054 to sign up.
THURSDAYS
Lishma: Learn, Listen, Listen, Learn 10:30 a.m.-noon, Congregation Keneseth Israel or via Zoom
The program is held most Thursday mornings. In person, enter through the 23rd Street entrance. Register at kilv.org/event/learn-listen-listenlearn.html. For the Zoom link, email jperry@kilv.org.
THURSDAYS
Basic Yiddish Class
4-5:30 p.m., JCC via Zoom
Learn to read, write, speak and comprehend Yiddish. Textbooks from Yiddish Book Center available for purchase. Contact 610-4353571, ext. 501.
FRIDAYS
Kol HaEmek
9-10 a.m., WMUH 91.7
Radio show with Cantor Kevin Wartell. For information go to muhlenberg.edu/wmuh.
SATURDAYS
KI Torah Study
9:30-11 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel
Join Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg for a study session making sense of the week’s Torah portion. Enter the building through the 23rd Street door. 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. Any necessary books are available in the synagogue office. No previous Talmud study required. For information email tammy@brithsholom.net or call 610-866-8009.
DAILY
Jewish Broadcasting Service
JBS is a Jewish television channel. Find out more at 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. Please check the synagogue at sonsofisrael.net for the weekly listings. 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 to share 30 minutes of Jewish mindfulness. Open to all. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/get-started.
Kids are not little adults. They’re built differently, both physically and emotionally. That’s why we built an entire health network just for kids. LVHN also is home to Lehigh Valley Reilly
Children’s Hospital, the region’s first and only children’s hospital.
Visit LVHN.org/children to learn more.
The only health network built just for kids. Because, well, they’re kids.