SEPTEMBER 2017 | ELUL/TISHREI 5777
CELEBRATE THE HIGH HOLIDAYS WITH
Joan Nathan & Whole Foods Market!
This September, “the queen of American Jewish Cooking” is partnering with us to bring you some favorites from her latest cookbook, King Solomon’s Table. Our chef’s cases and hot bars will feature special ready to serve holiday dishes: COD WITH TOMATOES, DRIED PLUMS, ONIONS AND PINE NUTS SLIGHTLY SWEET AND SOUR CABBAGE SEVEN SACRED SPECIES SALAD WITH WHEAT BERRIES, BARLEY, FIGS, GRAPES AND POMEGRANATE SWEET AND CRUNCHY KUGEL TAHINA COOKIES
Receive a free copy of King Solomon’s Table when you place a High Holiday order of $100 or more at shop.wfm.com.*
*Good on individual online orders placed by September 27; one book per customer.
$35 VALUE!
Track your commitments in the new year with a bullet journal By Michelle Cohen HAKOL Editor Is organization on your list of resolutions for the Jewish new year? Bullet journaling is a great way to stay on track for your goals for the duration of the year. A typical bullet journal’s pages are filled with tiny dots instead of lines, meaning that each page has the potential to turn into whatever layout makes the most sense for the task at hand. Each bullet journal is fully customizable and able to fit your goals, dreams and ideas for the upcoming year. The High Holidays are a time for reflection and moving forward, which is a great mindset to begin bullet journaling. Beginning a bullet journal means coming up with goals for the next month, several months or year, and figure out small steps that will enable you to reach those goals. Some people use their bullet journals to make lists of things they want to achieve, checking them off as each item is done, while other people prefer to create a graphic design and fill it in with different colors as each part is done. Along with goals, bullet journals are typically used to mark the passage of time. Unlike a daily planner, where spaces can be left blank, many people structure bullet journals to include every part of the day. This can help you notice daily habits and find time for things you didn’t think you’d have time for. Marking how you spend your time can lead to the ability to change these patterns, if you make a commitment
to find time in the day to work toward your goals. Whether this means 15 minutes to read a book, an hour at the gym or five minutes of meditation, blocking out time in a bullet journal can help you find time you never knew you had. Tracking habits is another common practice. Many people create rows with habits like “Work on knitting project,” “Cook a healthy meal” or “Put away kids’ toys” and draw a small square for each day. These habit trackers are then filled in when the task is completed each day. In addition to being able to see where you succeed or fall short with your habits, these trackers can also provide motivation in and of themselves, to fill in the squares and create an aesthetically pleasing pattern. Instead of tracking habits, some people prefer to track their moods, spending, friends’ birthdays, eating habits, water consumption or a countdown to an important day. What fills in the boxes you make is entirely up to you and what fits best with your lifestyle and goals. With the High Holidays on the horizon, there are also some religious functions to a bullet journal that might be interesting to think about. Consider adding prayer to your daily timetable, or adding commitments to Jewish values such as volunteerism and giving time to family to your calendar. Write down something you’re grateful for each day in the morning and at night. Find a daily prayer, or keep track of people who you pray for with a Mi Sheberach list. There’s no limit to what a bullet journal can organize and track. Take practical steps toward a happier and more meaningful life in the new year by beginning a bullet journal.
Bullet journal vocabulary When looking for information about bullet journals, you may run across these terms: • Key = Most bullet journals have a page in the front where they denote the meanings of abbreviations, symbols and other tools that people use to make their bullet journals make sense. • Spread = A spread is two facing pages of content. Many people have themed spreads, or use spreads to represent one day, week, or month.
Why I Bullet Journal “I started bullet journaling as a way to express my creativity with pen and paper. I’m a writer, and so I’m frequently behind a keyboard. This is good for my income, but it only goes so far. I love being able to watch the ink flow as I doodle and offer gratitudes to my day. I love seeing progress in the tasks I set for myself, whether I’m tracking spending, meal planning or simply watching how many days are left until vacation starts. My #bujo was much flashier when I started, full of drawings and lovely headers, but now it’s become my rock, a stable piece of functional art that is decorated mainly with my penmanship (good or bad) and my love for fountain pens. My bullet journal is simply me, and I can’t imagine ever using any other kind of date book again!”
• Collection = Collections are a useful way to keep ideas together, such as books you’ve read this year, movies you want to see, dog names, baby names or wedding planning. These ideas are generally written together on a spread in an artistic way, including drawings and symbols. • Brain dump = This common practice involves writing down a bunch of ideas in a random order, in order to get ideas written down instead of floating around in your head. This can be useful for ideas for stories,
projects, random to-dos/tasks, shopping lists, etc. Once these ideas are written down, you don’t have to remember them, and can have a clearer head and more focus for your day. • #Bujo = This is the hashtag for bullet journal. Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook are the best places to search for this hashtag, and you will be able to find ideas, inspiration, examples and plenty of guidance along the way.
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- NICKI IVEY, writer at Ivey Books NEW YEAR 5778 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2017 3
5 new kids' books for the High Holidays By Penny Schwartz Jewish Telegraphic Agency A challah-baking Jewish giant, a young baseball champ and an endearing boy in a pumpkin patch are among the stars of five delightful new books for kids published just in time for the High Holidays. This year's crop includes new stories by two of the country's most prominent children's book writers, David A. Adler and Eric A. Kimmel, who have entertained and informed decades of young readers. Three of the books are set during the holidays — Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year; Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement; and Sukkot, the seven-day fall harvest festival. Two others are uplifting, kid-centered stories about good deeds and repairing the world — themes that reflect the spirit of the holidays as a time for reflection as well as renewing commitments to do better in the year ahead.
Big Sam: A Rosh Hashanah Tall Tale
By Eric A. Kimmel; illustrated by Jim Starr Apples & Honey Press; ages 3-8 Samson the Giant, known as “Big Sam” to his friends, sets out to make a giant round challah in preparation for Rosh Hashanah. Big Sam begins by digging a big hole – the Grand Canyon – to use as a mixing bowl. Step by massive step, Big Sam crisscrosses the U.S., filling his bowl with a
mountain of flour, a lake of oil, thousands of eggs and more. For water, he dams up the Colorado River and then whittles a giant California redwood into a spoon for stirring. But before he can celebrate the holiday, two bald eagles caution the giant that he's caused an awful lot of damage to the environment — flattening hills and threatening habitats. In the spirit of the holiday, Big Sam considers his misdeeds and sets about to make things right. When he's finally ready to dig in to the huge challah, Big Sam welcomes in Rosh Hashanah with his American tall-tale pals – Paul Bunyan and Slue Foot Sue among them.
and Little League. This relatable, deftly told story taps into the reality facing many American Jewish families today – the conflicts between Jewish holidays and the secular calendar of school, sports, recitals and other activities. The story is, of course, inspired by the Jewish baseball legend Sandy Koufax, who sat out the opening game of the 1965 World Series because it was Yom Kippur. In his author's note, Adler introduces the Hall of Fame pitcher to his young readers.
The Best Sukkot Pumpkin Ever
Yom Kippur Shortstop
By Laya Steinberg; illustrations by Colleen Madden Kar-Ben; ages 4-9
The story opens as a young boy named Jacob makes the winning catch in the last inning of his Little League game. If they win the next game, they'll be the champions — but the final game is on Yom Kippur. After reminding Jacob that Yom Kippur is an important holiday, Jacob's father says, “Think about what you want to do.” Over the course of the next few days, Jacob does just that. Will he go to the game or spend the day at synagogue with friends and family, observing the holy Jewish day? No spoilers here, but Jacob eventually realizes that he's part of many teams: his family, friends, his people
Micah can hardly contain his enthusiasm for picking pumpkins at Farmer Jared's pumpkin patch. He and his family join others from their synagogue who are helping the farmer pick the last of the season's pumpkins to donate to a soup kitchen. Micah, however, thinks he's searching for the perfect pumpkin to decorate his family's sukkah, the temporary hut Jewish families build to celebrate the fall harvest festival of Sukkot. In this warm tale, Micah learns about generosity – he picks many more "perfect" pumpkins, turning them over to Farmer Jared to use to help feed the hungry. But what about Micah's own sukkah? As the day at the farm comes to an end, Micah is unexpectedly delighted when he discovers that a pumpkin headed to the compost
By David A. Adler; illustrated by Andre Ceolin Apples & Honey Press; ages 4-8
4 SEPTEMBER 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NEW YEAR 5778
pile offer up seeds he can plant for next year's "perfect" Sukkot pumpkin.
Moti the Mitzvah Mouse
By Vivian Newman; illustrated by Inga Knopp-Kilpert Kar-Ben; ages 2-5 Moti, a busy little mouse with a big heart, lives under the sink at the Bermans' house. When the Berman kids — and the family cat — are asleep, Moti secretly wanders the house finding ways to be helpful. Each page finds Moti doing a mitzvah: He feeds the fish, he puts away misplaced toys, he collects loose coins left around and puts them in the tzedakah box. Lively illustrations make this an engaging, interactive read that kids will want to read again and again.
It Only Takes a Minute
By Bracha Goetz; illustrated by Bill Bolton Hachai Publishing; ages 2-5 A young boy in a haredi Orthodox family discovers that small
acts of kindness can make a big difference — when he remembers to do them, of course. Throughout the book, the boy learns "it only takes a minute" to do good deeds, such as saying "thank you" or to thoughtfully say a bracha – a blessing – even when he is rushing for the school bus. At a soccer game, he takes a minute to appreciate the nature around him. While aimed at traditional religious families, the narrative touches a universal chord: that even young kids can, and should, make the effort to do what is right.
Rosh Hashanah with JFS By Chelsea Karp Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley Rosh Hashanah is a great opportunity for Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley to partner with other local agencies to help older adults in our community celebrate the High Holidays. Marcia Schechter, outreach coordinator for JFS, will be delivering Rosh Hashanah gift bags to over 100 older adults who are either living in various residential communities or are clients of Jewish Family Service. Each gift bag has an individual honey cake that the students of Muhlenberg Hillel have made, a handmade card that was created by students of the JCC kindergarten class and the JCC campers, honey sticks and a holiday decoration for their home. At JFS, we feel that we are stronger when we work together, which is why we treasure our partnerships.
AVIVA SYMONS, Tzedek co-chair for Muhlenberg Hillel board
"Muhlenberg College Hillel is humbled to be partnering with the JFS Food Pantry for the second time to give just a taste of sweetness to families celebrating the Jewish New Year through JFS. Students will be gathering at the Leffell Center for Jewish Student Life within the first weeks of the semester to bake these delicious honey cakes for others in our community. Muhlenberg College Hillel is looking forward to partnering with Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley throughout this academic year, affirming our commitment to the future of the Jewish people in the Lehigh Valley."
Rosh Hashanah at the Jewish Day School
By Joanna Powers JDS Director of Hebrew & Judaics
Rosh Hashanah seder
Our students come together to bring their studies about Rosh Hashanah to life during our interactive seder. Using song, stories, brachot and our adventurous palettes, we explore the symbolism and significance of the foods found on the Rosh Hashanah seder plate, including dates, pomegranate seeds, and apples in honey. We even enjoy some creative variations on other traditional foods, such as whale crackers instead of fish heads. We hear the shofar blasts and come away with a wealth of holiday knowledge and spirit.
Classroom activities and projects
In every room, you will find students learning about the special prayer books for the High Holidays (machzorim), singing songs about the Jewish New Year, reflecting on our actions and relationships from this past
year while looking ahead to the coming year, hearing the shofar blown every morning, making honey dishes and New Year cards and understanding the solemnity and special introspection connected to Yom Kippur. It's a busy time but filled with excitement and anticipation!
Character day
The week before Rosh Hashanah, we will be partnering with the Let It Ripple foundation to join 60,000 other groups around the world to take one day to focus entirely on character, or as we call it in Hebrew, middot. Through the use of short films, discussion kits and an online global Q&A session, our middle school will join this worldwide conversation about the importance of developing and improving character (qualities like empathy, curiosity, grit, humility, bravery, social responsibility and many more). There are Jewish components to this program as well centered around the film "The Making of a Mensch" and a “Periodic Table of Being a Mensch� that includes love of learning, honesty, kindness and gratitude. What better way could there be to prepare ourselves for a fresh new Jewish year? NEW YEAR 5778 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2017 5
Here’s how to turn ‘epic fails’ into fresh starts
STOCKSNAP/ PIXABAY, CC0 PUBLIC DOMAIN
Above, looking ahead. Right, Rabbi Elana Zelony.
By Elana Zelony Jewish Telegraphic Agency
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6 SEPTEMBER 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NEW YEAR 5778
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BREAK THE FAST WITH:
Urbandictionary.com is an open-source site where the average citizen contributes definitions to new and old words and slang. As the High Holidays approach, I’ve been contemplating the phrase “epic fail.” According to one entry on Urbandictionary.com, epic fail means “complete and total failure when success should have been reasonably easy to attain.” Epic fail defines most of the sins I contemplate
during the High Holidays. I should have been able to succeed, but I didn’t because I’m human and I have weaknesses. I spend the period that begins with the Hebrew month of Elul and culminates with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur thinking of the many times when I easily could have been more kind, patient and optimistic. It’s not that I’m incapable of those behaviors; I have a normal psyche and can be a good person. However, as a human I failed to be my best self during the past year on numerous occasions. I know I’m not alone in my epic fail. Look at the stories we’re told about the Jewish people in the Torah. The epic fail of the Jewish people was worshipping the Golden Calf, and the epic fail of Moses was smashing the Ten Commandments carved with God’s own finger. All the people had to do was wait until Moses returned with God’s law, but they panicked during their leader’s absence and sought security in a golden image. All Moses had to do was reprimand the people. Instead he flies into a rage and smashes the holy tablets. They were capable of doing better. Here’s the good news. Elul, the month leading up to the High Holidays, is one of contemplation. According to the midrash, on the first day of Elul Moses began carving a second set of tablets with his own hands. Carving the second set of tablets is about starting over again after
failure. The High Holidays cycle demands that we examine the ways we have failed, but it also gives us the strength to start anew. On the first of Elul, we begin re-carving our own smashed tablets. It’s hard work to hew meaning out of stone, but the effort leads to renewed relationship and hope for the future. Some choose to gather in small groups before the holidays, using the time to spiritually prepare. Find out if your local synagogues offer Elul classes. If a class isn’t possible, check out websites to help with your preparation for the High Holidays during Elul, including Jewels of Elul and Ritual Well. On Rosh Hashanah, if I see the blisters on my friends and family’s hands, I’ll point to my own. We’ll nod knowingly and smile at one another. We’ll affirm the hard work that went into re-carving ourselves. Together, we’ll celebrate the New Year as an opportunity to start all over again. Rabbi Elana Zelony, the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Torah in Richardson, Texas, is a fellow with Rabbis Without Borders.
This Yom Kippur, try confessing the good things you’ve done By Andrew Silow-Carroll Jewish Telegraphic Agency Yom Kippur is a time for confession, as Jews flock to synagogues to recite their sins in a lengthy litany known as the “Viduy.” Striking their hearts, the congregation chants: “we have trespassed, we have dealt treacherously, we have robbed, we have spoken slander …” The goal of the ritual is to inspire the confessor to do better in the year to come. But what if the opposite is true? What if, as Rabbi Avi Weiss asks, all that confessing leads “to despair, to loss of confidence, even to loss of belief in one’s capacity to do good”? Weiss, the founding rabbi of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, New York, has proposed an “opposite recitation” of the confession, this one focusing on the good things one has done. His inspiration is Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook, the first Ashkenazi chief rabbi of what became Israel, who once wrote that just as there is a confession for the bad, there should be a confession for the good. “A person should also be joyous concerning the good he or she has done. It follows that just as there is a great benefit to self-improvement through confessing one’s sins, so is there great benefit to confessing one’s good deeds,” writes Weiss. Below is Rabbi Weiss’ “opposite” confessional, which he shared with members of the
Hebrew Institute: hph ubrcs ,ubksd ,ubfrc ,ubcvt We have loved, we have blessed, we have grown, we have spoken positively. ubzrz ,ubxju ,ubhkgv We have raised up, we have shown compassion, we have acted enthusiastically, ,nt ubjpy ,ubknj We have been empathetic, we have cultivated truth, ,cuy ubmgh ubkjn ,ubsnk ,ubscf We have given good advice, we have respected, we have learned, we have forgiven, ubrrug ,ubkkx ,ubnjb We have comforted, we have been creative, we have stirred,
ubsea ,ubnjr We have been merciful, we have given full effort,
.rtk ubhue ,ubesm ,ubkgp We have been spiritual activists, we have been just, we have longed for Israel,
ube, ,ubnr, ,ubfn, We have supported, we have contributed, we have repaired.
NEW YEAR 5778 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2017 7
FROM THE LEHIGH VALLEY CLERGY Jake Adler, student rabbi Congregation Am Haskalah
A prayer for the journey We could say it every day When we first leave the soft warmth of our beds And don’t know for sure if we’ll return at night. How will our travels change us? What gives us the courage to go through the door? A prayer for the journey For the journey we take in this fragile vessel of flesh. A finite number of years and we will reach The unknown where it all began. Every life, every day, every hour is a journey. In the travel is the discovery, The wisdom, the joy. Every life, every day, every hour is a journey. In the travel is the reward, The peace, the blessing. Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg’s poetic take on Tefilat HaDerech, the Traveler’s Prayer, captures for me the essence of Yirah, translated as “fear” or “awe.” Awe is being overwhelmed by the enormity and uncertainty of life. Being awestruck by something can remind us in stark terms of our own vulnerability – how small we are in the scope of the world. This can be terrifying, for sure. We don’t know the future. Yamim Nora’im – the Days of Awe – are in large part about coming to grips with that uncertainty – recognizing that we never know at the beginning of a year what may come to pass. If we knew our ultimate fates, we would go through life waiting for things to happen. Our fear might be lessened, but so would our joy. So please: no spoilers.
Rabbi Melody Davis Temple Covenant of Peace
Chair, Lehigh Valley Jewish Clergy Group
I hid a deep, dark, shameful secret for many years. I attended services regularly, but didn’t understand the Hebrew or that there was a particular structure of the prayers or why we did what we did. Everyone else seemed to know all the Hebrew and glided through the service in reverence and piety. I was so jealous. I watched the clergy carefully and mimicked their actions, lest anyone know of my profound ignorance. An uneducated Jew? Isn’t that an oxymoron? We are the People of the Book! 8 SEPTEMBER 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NEW YEAR 5778
Going into my 7th year as a rabbi, I am now aware that I was not alone. Many of us regular “Jews in the pew” are not adequately educated in a Jewish way. This keeps us out of shul except for the obligatory visit during the High Holy Days. I’d like to offer you some suggestions to enhance your High Holy Day experience. 1. Try out the Selichot service at Brith Sholom on Sept. 16. This is a spiritual "warm up" to help us prepare for the High Holy Days. 2. Pray at your own pace. God is not on a stop watch. You can pray as quickly or as slowly as you like. You can sit with a prayer or a verse and mull it over. You don’t have to turn to Page 42 when it is announced. If you feel like sitting a few more minutes, sit. If you need a break, take one. 3. Take your Amidah outside. It may change your feeling for the written words. You may want to try your own words. We are taught that “He who prays should direct his heart to heaven” (BT Berakhot 31). Sometimes, it helps to see what God has created. K’tiva v’chatima tova! May you be inscribed and sealed for a good [year].
Rabbi Yaakov Halperin Chabad of Lehigh Valley
You know the story – Adam nestled in the garden, eats from the tree he was commanded not to, and G-d is left searching – Adam is a no show. Finally, when he is found, G-d says to Adam, “Shalom Aleichem! My handiwork, crafted in my image, you are a host to an unbreakable, unshakeable piece of holiness. You are capable of reaching the height of the heights. All of the universe is awaiting you … yet ... where are you … Why are you hiding? Ayecka?” Poor Adam responds, “I can’t appear – I have tarnished my mission – I have heard your voice and it scares me. I am not worthy.” You see, there will always be the two images of Adam in creation. The Adam above – the perfect handiwork of G-d – the way G-d sees us; a proud and confident ambassador of holiness walking on this earth. Then the way we perceive ourselves: unable and ill-equipped for such a mission. And as we paint the mural for the year ahead we hear the words of G-d beckoning to us … Ayecka! A whole year, your soul is waiting in hiding. Come out, Adam, to restore and reclaim your place, the mission of who you are and what you are meant to be. Inside each of us is a light of piety and kindness in the image of G-d. And the question is – which Adam will we choose to be this year? We hope to see you this year at our High Holiday services, and together we can answer
the call of Ayecka – Where are you? – with the words – Hineni! Here I am! Wishing you a sweet and happy new year!
Rabbi Seth Phillips
Congregation Keneseth Israel At a random minyan at Sons of Israel, using a new (to me) siddur, lovingly shared by a seatmate, these words emerged from the thicket of ancestral voices: Vayifga baMakom, (Gen 28:11) which in Rabbinic Hebrew could be read to mean, “He bumped into G-d.” There are spiritual experiences we have when we are least expecting them – when we are alone, afraid, thinking of something else altogether ... Not everything in the life of the spirit is under our control ... The great transformative experiences – love, a sudden sense of beauty, an upsurge of happiness – happen unpredictably and leave us in Wordsworth’s famous words, “surprised by joy.” (Rabbi J. Sacks) Perhaps that is the real reason that Jews still take notice of the High Holidays. In an atavistic way, no doubt vaguely embarrassing to an increasingly educated and rational population, the chance to be surprised by joy is reason enough to circle back and take our place amongst rituals vaguely remembered or perhaps never known. To buy tickets from a scalper if you are Larry David or just call KI is to take a chance that with all the complaints – too long, too hot, too hungry – joy might sneak in. The blessings we seek – health or wealth – we have responsibility for them, but we are also bound by iron rules of the universe. The new year looks like the old, but might not the difference lie in the willingness to be nourished or sustained by a moment of joy? Wherever we bump into each other in 5778, may it be as fellow seekers.
Rabbi Moshe Re’em Temple Beth El
The late singer songwriter Leonard Cohen once said, “Prayer is translation.” A person translates him or herself “into a child asking for all there is in a language he has barely mastered.” As we approach the High Holiday season, when we spend so much time in prayer, what does it mean to “translate oneself into a child’? Adults have forgotten what it means to be a child. We have
forgotten what it means to imagine, to dream, to hum, dance, sing, and yes, to even pray. Children embody the whole mystery of the human race. The Jewish physician and educator Janusz Korczak, who was murdered along with his orphaned children in Treblinka, wrote profoundly on this topic. “The child is the flesh and blood brother of the ocean wave,” wrote Korczak, “of the wind, and ashes; of the sun and the Milky Way. This speck of dust is the brother of every ear of corn, every blade of grass ... there is something in the child which feels and explores – suffers, desires, and delights, loves and hates, believes and doubts, something that approaches, something that turns aside. This small speck of dust can embrace everything: stars and oceans, the mountains and the abyss. And what is the actual substance of his soul if not the cosmos.” The challenge of prayer for many adults is that of reconnecting with the child within. That process of reconnecting or “translating” as Leonard Cohen puts it, is that inward turn that makes prayer possible and frees the soul. L’Shanna Tova Tikateivu!”
Rabbi Michael P. Singer Congregation Brith Sholom One of the most deeply spiritual and moving moments for me during the Rosh Hashanah service each year is hearing the blasts of the shofar. For me,
each blast embodies a cry from the deepest part of ourselves to God, a transformative spiritual awakening. Each blast breaks through the silence, communicating what words often fail to fully capture. Sometimes hearing the blasts mean different things to me – from brokenness to hope, from judgment to forgiveness, from a walled up soul to a spiritually open and free soul. The power of standing, listening and feeling the shofar’s call can call up many memories. For Rabbi Meir, a great Sage of our Mishnah, each blast of the shofar represented a blessing, and since we traditionally recite 100 blessings a day, each person should hear 100 blasts of the shofar. Using Rabbi Meir’s insight, I would like to take his teaching one step further. In part of God’s blessing of our ancestor Abraham, God says, “… And you shall be a blessing.” (Gen. 12:2) Rabbi Samson Rafael Hirsch noted that, “this is not a promise but rather a command. To merit the promised reward, you must so live as to be a blessing to the world.”(Etz Hayim, 70) A blessing therefore is not merely something received from God but also a challenge to us of actions and deeds. In the world in which we live right now, sharing our spiritual, emotional and physical blessings with others is so desperately needed. Each of us holds within us the Divine spark capable of transformative kindness, healing love and compassion. This year as we each stand witness to the 100 blasts of the shofar - may we contemplate the many ways each of us can be an emissary of God’s blessings to ourselves, to others, and to our world. Shanah Tovah Tikateivu v’Tikateimu!
Cantor Ellen Sussman Temple Shirat Shalom
This year, my daughter Aliza is getting married. To prepare her for the Jewish home she will establish with her fiancé, Brendan, they both took an Introduction to Judaism course in Boston, where they live. They found the class thought-provoking and quite interesting. The rabbis and cantors who taught the class were kind, warm and knowledgeable. At one of the classes, the rabbi spoke of the brit between the Jewish People and God. In this agreement, God promises to make the Israelites as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sands of the sea. In return, the Israelites must promise to be God’s People. Brendan asked the rabbi a very profound question: what does God get out of the brit? Oftentimes, I explain to my students that God is the positive force in the universe. God’s Torah is a blueprint for leading a righteous life. God’s Torah also explains to the leaders of the world how to lead justly, kindly and peacefully. If we all followed the ideas that are at the heart of Torah, surely the Messianic Age will follow. We as Jews are to spread the word of Torah to the world. God wants His beautiful creation to ultimately be heaven on earth. So what does God get out of the brit? It is that the Jewish People will be a Light unto the Nations and be in partnership with God to repair the world, tikkun olam. At this time of year as we take stock of our life and prepare for the year ahead, let us
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remember our agreement and lead a life filled with righteousness, kindness and justice. The entire Sussman-Vaida family wish you all a Shana Tovah u’m’tukah.
Cantor Jeff Warschauer Congregation Keneseth Israel
L’shana Tova Um’tuka! For a good and sweet year! New beginnings, sweet welcomes … I am immensely honored, grateful and thrilled to have begun my work at Keneseth Israel as Rabbi Seth Phillips’ clergy partner, and as KI’s cantor. And my wife Deborah Strauss and I especially want to thank everyone for the warm welcome that we have already received, both within, and beyond, the walls of KI. Preparing for the High Holidays is, of course, an appropriate way to start a new job and life in a new place. What have Deborah and I already noticed about our new community? • Friendliness, warmth, and a wonderful unity across the Jewish spectrum … • A tremendous willingness to volunteer and pitch in for the good of everyone … • And a hands-on approach to social justice projects, in collaboration with our neighbors from other faith traditions … As Deborah and I enjoy our new beginnings, we would like to wish all our new Lehigh Valley friends and neighbors a happy, healthy, and truly good and sweet New Year!
Cantor Kevin Wartell Temple Beth El
The High Holiday season is a time of deep inner reflection and healing. Healing our relationships with each other … healing our souls … and healing our relationship with G-d. Let’s be honest … I pray for a living. That’s what I do …I am your Shaliach Tzibbur … a “Messenger of Prayer” on your behalf. But even if I did not play that role professionally, I would find the concept
of prayer and synagogue community very inviting. There is a certain energy to communal prayer … a sharing of our spirits and our fears about tomorrow and all of our tomorrows. Many people may find the idea of community sharing a difficult, even uncomfortable situation to put oneself thru. Trust me, once in the moment; there is a bonding and a cleansing that occurs in the synagogue environment. Our Jewish community is united as one … your clergy, meet monthly to discuss how best to serve the needs of our congregations and our community. We truly love and respect each other’s opinions and feel comfortable and safe enough in each other’s company to agree to disagree at times, with the understanding that all the people Israel is one. Shana Tova…a happy, healthy New Year to you and your loved ones. May it be a year of true sweetness, both spiritually as well as physically for each and every one of you.
in earnest to reshaping that proclivity, we turn Rosh Hashanah into a “re-birthday” for each and every one of us. Instead of blowing a party-horn however, we will blow the shofar. The breath blown through the shofar starts off constricted, narrow and small, and then miraculously grows into an expansive new existence called re-birth. Let us pray to Hashem that He assist us in letting that small step toward re-birth begin. By focusing on the piercing cry of the Shofar blasts, let us follow in the footsteps of our forefathers and foremothers, Isaac, Samuel, Sarah and Hannah by re-experiencing the beginnings of life, and by so doing usher in a year of blessing for our families, our communities, the Jewish people, and the entire world. With wishes for a K’tiva V’chatima Tova and a sweet New Year.
“…Lean on me when you're not strong And I'll be your friend I'll help you carry on For it won't be long 'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on…” (“Lean on Me” words and music written by Bill Withers, 1972)
In reference to the famous Chinese expression: yes, we do live in interesting times. We are now at the cusp of a new year. The world is not at peace and Israel faces new existential threats. What will be? When will it be safe and secure? As we wonder and ponder, we can also take comfort from the reality that we have faced similar threats before and yet we are still here! The Divine promise is always there and our continued survival is the result. At the same time there is “The message of Elul”: The new year is preceded by the Hebrew month of Elul. The word ELUL in Hebrew is also an acronym for the words of the verse (in Shir-HaShirim/Song of Songs) “Ani-Ledodi V’dodi Li” which means: "I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me." Reciprocity and Love: the Creator of the world asks us to come and meet Him in His House. He will protect us from external threats, but the continuity and the very survival of the Jewish people is dependent on our continued care of and connection to our traditions. G-d protects and we are to reciprocate with love and responsibility. Let us do our part of the grand, divine deal. Of course I’d be glad to welcome you to try our wonderful services … but most of all, just connect and join any shul that you feel will work best for you! See you in shul! May you have a sweet new year!
Rabbi David Wilensky Congregation Sons of Israel
Change is difficult. We are creatures of habit who enjoy the comfortable confines of familiarity. Yet, change is what Rosh Hashanah is all about. In fact, Rosh Hashanah is not only about change, it is actually about a passionate form of change, a form of change called re-birth. Birth and re-birth are the mantra of Rosh Hashanah: On Rosh Hashanah we read of the births of Isaac and Samuel, and the granting of life to a seemingly undeserving Ishmael. Sarah and Hannah both conceived on Rosh Hashanah, and most importantly, it was Adam who was created on the first Rosh Hashanah in history. As the New Year approaches, we are all given the astonishing opportunity to recreate our lives and experience the beauty of birth once more. By focusing on the most fundamental part of our lives that needs some refurbishing, and then dedicating ourselves
Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod Congregation Beth Avraham
FROM THE BOARD AND STAFF OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY
10 SEPTEMBER 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NEW YEAR 5778
High Holy Day Schedule of Services at area synagogues Allentown CHABAD OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY
Rabbi Yaacov Halperin, Chabad Lubavitch 4457 Crackersport Rd, Allentown 610.351.6511 EREV ROSH HASHANAH Wednesday, September 20 7:00 p.m. Evening Services 8:00 p.m. Community Dinner ROSH HASHANAH Thursday, September 21 9:30 a.m. Morning Services 11:00 a.m. Shofar Sounding 5:00 p.m. Tashlich Service 7:30 p.m. Evening Services Friday, September 22 9:30 a.m. Morning Services 11:00 a.m. Shofar Sounding Saturday, September 23 10:00 a.m. Morning Services EREV YOM KIPPUR Friday, September 29 6:45 p.m. Kol Nidre Service YOM KIPPUR Saturday, September 30 9:30 a.m. Morning Services 11:30 a.m. Yizkor (memorial service) 5:30 p.m. Afternoon Services 6:15 p.m. Neilah Closing Service Fast ends at 7:26 p.m., followed by light refreshments SUKKOT Wednesday, October 4 10:00 a.m. Morning Services Thursday, October 5 10:00 a.m. Morning Services Friday, October 6 10:00 a.m. Morning Services SIMCHAT TORAH Wednesday, October 11 6:30 p.m. Evening Services *Followed by kiddush & hakafot Thursday, October 12 10:00 a.m. Morning Services 11:30 a.m. Yizkor Memorial Service 7:00 p.m. Evening Services *Followed by kiddush & hakafot under the stars Friday, October 13 10:00 a.m. Morning Services *Followed by kiddush & hakafot Saturday, October 18 10:00 a.m. Morning Services
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CONGREGATION AM HASKALAH
Jake Adler, student rabbi, Reconstructionist All services will be held at: JCC of the Lehigh Valley, 702 N. 22nd St., Allentown | 610.435.3775 EREV ROSH HASHANAH Wednesday, September 20 7:00 p.m. Evening Services ROSH HASHANAH Thursday, September 21 10:00 a.m. Morning Services Friday, September 22 10:00 a.m. Morning Services EREV YOM KIPPUR Friday, September 29 7:00 p.m. Evening Services YOM KIPPUR Saturday, September 30 10:00 a.m. Morning Services 6:00 p.m. Evening Services SUKKOT Friday, October 6 6:30 p.m. Shabbat Sukkot Potluck 7:30 p.m. Evening Services
ROSH HASHANAH Thursday, September 21 9:30 a.m. Morning Services Tashlich service immediately following
TEMPLE BETH EL
Friday, September 22 10:00 a.m. Hike. Call for location.
EREV ROSH HASHANAH Wednesday, September 20 7:15 p.m. Memorial Plaques dedication 8:00 p.m. Evening Services
Sunday, September 24 1:00 p.m. Memorial Service at the KI Cemetery EREV YOM KIPPUR Friday, September 29 8:00 p.m. Kol Nidre Service YOM KIPPUR Saturday, September 30 9:30 a.m. Morning Services, Meditation Service immediately following 2:00 p.m. Afternoon Service 3:45 p.m. Yizkor Service 5:00 p.m. Neilah Service
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CONGREGATION SONS OF ISRAEL
Rabbi David Wilensky, Orthodox 2715 Tilghman St., Allentown 610.433.6089 EREV ROSH HASHANAH Wednesday, September 20 6:00 a.m. Selichos/Shacharis/ Hataras Nedarim 6:40 p.m. Mincha/Maariv 6:43 p.m. Candle lighting ROSH HASHANAH Thursday, September 21 8:00 a.m. Shacharis 10:30 a.m. Shofar Blowing 4:45 p.m. Mincha, followed by Tashlich 6:15 p.m. Daf yomi 7:15 p.m. Maariv 7:36 p.m. Earliest candle lighting Friday, September 22 8:00 a.m. Shacharis 10:30 a.m. Shofar Blowing 5:40 p.m. Daf yomi 6:40 p.m. Mincha/Maariv 6:40 p.m. Latest candle lighting
Friday, September 22 8:30 a.m. Shacharit 9:45 a.m. Torah Service 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Family Service EREV YOM KIPPUR Friday, September 29 6:15 p.m. Kol Nidre Services YOM KIPPUR Saturday, September 30 8:30 a.m. Shacharit 9:45 a.m. Torah Service, Yizkor & Musaf 9:45 a.m. Traditional Service (Torah, Yizkor & Musaf Services) 9:45 a.m. Children and Teen Services 3:30 p.m. Healing Service 4:30 p.m. Mincha 6:00 p.m. Neila 7:15 p.m. Ma’ariv Service 7:30 p.m. Shofar Blowing SUKKOT Thursday, October 5 9:30 a.m. Morning Services 10:00 a.m. DOR L’DOR Program Friday, October 6 9:30 a.m. Morning Services SHEMINI ATZERET Thursday, October 12 9:30 a.m. Service - Yizkor
SUKKOT Thursday, October 5 9:00 a.m. Shacharis 5:20 p.m. Daf yomi 6:20 p.m. Mincha/Class/Maariv 7:19 p.m. Candle lighting, after* Friday, October 6 9:00 a.m. Shacharis 5:15 p.m. Daf yomi 6:15 p.m. Mincha/Class/Maariv 6:17 p.m. Candle lighting
EREV ROSH HASHANAH Wednesday, September 20 8:00 p.m. Evening Services
SIMCHAS TORAH Friday, October 13 9:00 a.m. Shacharis 4:50 p.m. Daf yomi 5:50 p.m. Mincha, Shalosh Se’udos 7:05 p.m. Maariv, Shabbos ends
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EREV ROSH HASHANAH Wednesday, September 20 6:42 p.m. Candle lighting 6:45 p.m. Evening Services ROSH HASHANAH Thursday, September 21 8:00 a.m. Morning Services 6:00 p.m. Tashlich 7:00 p.m. Afternoon/Evening Services Friday, September 22 8:00 a.m. Morning Services EREV YOM KIPPUR Friday, September 29 6:00 p.m. Afternoon Services 6:15 p.m. Candle lighting 6:25 p.m. Kol Nidre Service YOM KIPPUR Saturday, September 30 10:00 a.m. Morning Services 4:30 p.m. Afternoon/Evening Services EREV SUKKOT Wednesday, October 4 6:15 p.m. Candle lighting 6:20 p.m. Evening Services SUKKOT Thursday, October 5 9:00 a.m. Morning Services Friday, October 6 9:00 a.m. Morning Services
EREV SIMCHAT TORAH Thursday, October 12 7:00 p.m. Family Service
EREV SIMCHAT TORAH Thursday, October 12 6:30 p.m. Evening Services
SIMCHAT TORAH Friday, October 13 9:00 a.m. Morning Services
TEMPLE SHIRAT SHALOM
EREV SUKKOT Wednesday, October 4 6:20 p.m. Mincha/Maariv 6:20 p.m. Candle lighting
Rabbi Michael Singer, Conservative 1190 W. Macada Rd., Bethlehem 610.866.8009
Thursday, October 12 9:00 a.m. Morning Services/Yizkor
EREV YOM KIPPUR Friday, September 29 6:30 a.m. Selichos/Shacharis 3:00 p.m. Mincha 6:28 p.m. Candle lighting 6:30 p.m. Kol Nidrei 6:45 p.m. Fast begins YOM KIPPUR Saturday, September 30 8:30 a.m. Shacharis 11:30 a.m. Sermon and Yizkor Mincha following musaf 6:00 p.m. Neilah 7:28 p.m. Maariv and Children’s Havdalah Processional
CONGREGATION BRITH SHOLOM
SHEMINI ATZERET Wednesday, October 11 6:08 p.m. Candle Lighting
SIMCHAT TORAH Friday, October 13 8:30 a.m. Morning Services
CONGREGATION KENESETH ISRAEL
Rabbi Seth D. Phillips Cantor Jeff Warschauer, Reform 2227 Chew St., Allentown | 610.435.9074
ROSH HASHANAH Thursday, September 21 8:30 a.m. Shacharit 9:45 a.m. Torah Service and Musaf 9:45 a.m. Traditional Service 9:45 a.m. Children and Teen Services 8:00 p.m. Ma’ariv Service
Saturday, September 23 5:39 a.m. Fast begins 8:00 a.m. Selichos, Shacharis 6:25 p.m. Mincha 7:38 p.m. Fast ends
SH’MINI ATZERES Thursday, October 12 9:00 a.m. Shacharis 10:45 a.m. Yizkor (approx. time) 5:05 p.m. Daf yomi 6:05 p.m. Mincha/Maariv/Hakafos 7:08 p.m. Candle lighting, after*
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Rabbi Moshe Re’em Cantor Kevin Wartell, Conservative 1305 Springhouse Rd., Allentown 610.435.3521
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Easton
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Cantor Ellen Sussman, Reform 610.730.6272 Holiday services held at Christ Lutheran Church 1245 Hamilton St., Allentown, PA 18101 Enter on the 13th St./ Hamilton St. entrance EREV ROSH HASHANAH Wednesday, September 20 7:30 p.m. Evening Services
B’NAI ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE & TEMPLE COVENANT OF PEACE B’nai Abraham Synagogue 1545 Bushkill Street, Easton | 610.258.5343 Temple Covenant of Peace 1451 Northampton St., Easton | 610.253.2031 EREV ROSH HASHANAH Wednesday, September 20 at B’nai Abraham Synagogue 7:30 p.m. Services
ROSH HASHANAH Thursday, September 21 10:00 a.m. Morning Services
ROSH HASHANAH Thursday, September 21 at Temple Covenant of Peace 9:00 a.m. Children’s Service 10:00 a.m. Morning Service 1:00 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Tea 3:00 p.m. Tashlich Service (Please RSVP the office if you plan to attend!)
EREV YOM KIPPUR Friday, September 29 7:30 p.m. Kol Nidre Service YOM KIPPUR Saturday, September 30 10:00 a.m. Morning Services 3:30 p.m. Afternoon Service 4:30 p.m. Yizkor Service
Friday, September 22 at B’nai Abraham Synagogue 10:00 a.m. Services
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Bethlehem CONGREGATION BETH AVRAHAM
Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod, Orthodox Please inquire for service address, 610.905.2166 EREV ROSH HASHANAH Wednesday, September 20 7:00 p.m. Evening Services ROSH HASHANAH Thursday, September 21 9:00 a.m. Morning Services 7:00 p.m. Evening Services Friday, September 22 9:00 a.m. Morning Services 7:00 p.m. Evening Services YOM KIPPUR Saturday, September 30 10:00 a.m. Morning Services 5:00 p.m. Afternoon Services Lavish breakfast after the fast is over
Sunday, September 24 1:30 p.m. SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE Graveside Service at Easton Cemetery 2:30 p.m. Graveside Service at B’nai Abraham Synagogue Cemetery EREV YOM KIPPUR Friday, September 29 at Temple Covenant of Peace 7:30 p.m. Kol Nidre Service YOM KIPPUR at B’nai Abraham Synagogue Saturday, September 30 9:00 a.m. Children’s Service 10:00 a.m. Morning Service 2:00 p.m. Poetry then Chanting 4:00 p.m. Afternoon Service, Yizkor 5:45 p.m. Ne’ilah 6:30 p.m. Break-the-fast (RSVP only) (Please RSVP to the office if you plan to attend!)
NEW YEAR 5778 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2017 11
Here’s a super-easy Sukkot holiday meal By Shannon Sarna Jewish Telegraphic Agency
SPICED SQUASH AND LAMB BOUREKAS Yield: 10 to 12 servings Bourekas are an easy appetizer to throw together using store-bought puff pastry. If you don’t like ground lamb, substitute ground beef. You can also make a vegetarian version by using tofu or feta cheese with the squash. Ingredients: 2 sheets store-bought puff pastry, left to thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes 1/2 pound ground lamb 2 cups cooked pureed or mashed butternut squash (can also use sweet potato or frozen butternut squash) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small onion 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon Pinch red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 egg beaten for glaze Sesame seeds, nigella seeds or poppy seeds (optional) Directions: Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent. Add spices to pan and cook until toasted, around
ONE POT CHICKEN AND RICE WITH SWEET POTATOES Yield: 4 to 6 servings This one-pot wonder can be made one to two days ahead of time and reheated for guests. If you don’t like sweet potato, you can substitute carrots, butternut squash or even pumpkin. For more spice, add spicy paprika or red pepper flakes. Because the chicken and veggies are all cooked in the same pot, the rice is super flavorful and will feed a crowd. Ingredients: 6-8 chicken thighs, skin left on 1 tablespoon paprika 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1-2 tablespoons olive oil 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced 1 large onion 2 celery ribs, diced 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 cups white or brown rice 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken stock 2 cups water 8-10 ounces mixed frozen vegetables
PJ Library Family of the Month:
THE LEVINS
We love that fact that the books come every month to our door and teach our daughter, Penelope, Jewish traditions for her age. She loves reading a few books each night and one of them is always a PJ library book. - HOWARD LEVIN AND RACHEL CAMINSKY LEVIN
To learn more about PJ Library and register to receive free Jewish-themed books for children from 6 months through 8 years, visit www.pjlibrary.org.
12 SEPTEMBER 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NEW YEAR 5778
SHANNON SARNA
By the time Sukkot arrives, we are three weeks into nonstop Jewish holiday mode. Some people might be a little tired of cooking, and I don’t blame them one bit. But Sukkot is probably my favorite holiday of the season to cook for. I love sitting outdoors in the brisk autumn air enjoying harvest-inspired dishes with friends and family. Even so, I understand how slaving away in the kitchen can get tiresome — especially when there are so many dishes to wash. That’s when it’s time to employ cooking shortcuts. Tricks like store-bought puff pastry, frozen veggies and one-pot dishes will save you time on Sukkot without sacrificing a stitch of flavor.
1 minute. Add ground lamb and cook until no longer pink, breaking up into small pieces with a wooden spoon as you cook. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Combine butternut squash and lamb mixture in a medium bowl. Preheat oven to 375 F. Roll out each sheet of puff pastry. Cut each sheet into 9 even squares. Using a rolling pin, roll out each square slightly. Scoop 1 heaping tablespoon of the lamb/squash mixture into the corner of each square. Fold puff pastry over filling, forming a triangle. Using the tines of a fork, crimp the edges. Repeat with second sheet of puff pastry. Brush each boureka with beaten egg. Top with sesame seeds, nigella seeds or poppy seeds, if desired. Bake 18-22 minutes, until golden on top.
From left: lamb and squash bourekas, apple and pear streusel crumble and one pot chicken and rice. Directions: Combine paprika, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper. Rub spice mixture onto the skin and underside of each chicken thigh. Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Sear chicken, skin side down, for 5 minutes, until chicken has browned slightly. Remove chicken from pan. Add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté sweet potato 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Add onion and celery and cook another 5 minutes, stirring and scraping brown bits off bottom of pan. Add garlic and cook another 2 minutes. Add rice to pan and stir with veggies and oil to coat. Add stock and water and bring to a boil. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt. Place chicken back into pan. Cover pot and reduce heat to low. Cook 25 minutes, then add frozen veggies to pot. Cook another 5-7 minutes, until rice is cooked and all liquid has evaporated. Fluff rice and serve. APPLES AND PEAR STREUSEL CRUMBLE Yield: 6 to 8 servings This crumble is delicious all year, but it’s especially tasty when apples and pears are in season. By adding dried cherries, you get a pop of color and bright tartness. The addictive crumble topping is perfect whether you make it pareve or dairy. Ingredients: For the fruit: 4 medium apples, peeled and diced
3 pears, peeled and diced 1/3 cup dried cherries (can also substitute dried cranberries or raisins) 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon flour 1 teaspoon cinnamon Pinch salt For the streusel: 1/4 cup sugar 1/3 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine or unsalted butter, melted 1 1/3 cups all-purpose unbleached flour Directions: Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease an 8-by-8inch square pan. Place apples and pears in a large bowl. Add cherries, lemon juice, sugar and flour. Mix well and set aside. In another medium bowl, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and vanilla. Stir in the melted butter and then flour. Mix until resembles coarse crumbs that stick together slightly. Pour fruit mixture into prepared pan. Crumble streusel topping all over the fruit in an even layer. Bake 45-50 minutes, until topping is golden brown. Can be made 1 or 2 days ahead of time. Serve warm if desired.
These Jerusalem sukkahs are nicer than yours By Maayan Jaffe-Hoffman Jewish Telegraphic Agency
enough to see the stars — or at least that you’d get wet if it started to rain. While his clients may see rain as a blessing, for Zakoon it presents a challenge: He can’t use paper displays, paintings or any material that could be destroyed by the elements. The length of the decorations is also a consideration. Those up to 12 1/2 inches can be considered part of the schach, but anything longer is considered something separate, which could present a problem — those in the sukkah must be sitting under the schach. Thus longer decorations need to be very narrow. Ya Ya uses thin ribbons, for example, to add length but avoid conflict with Jewish law, and hangs larger decorations or lights directly above the tables, so visitors don’t risk sitting under them. It’s not enough to get the details mostly right — Ya Ya’s design manager, Noa Kirshberg, said at some hotels, a rabbi gets on a ladder and takes exact measurements. Fortunately, Jewish law doesn’t preclude stunning sukkahs — Kirshberg shows a reporter an album filled with photos of scrambling grape vines that were used to accent the Waldorf’s sukkah one year, to tables strewn with vases full of corn poppies and daffodils leveraged in a private home. Studio Ya Ya starts planning
COURTESY OF YAROK YAROK EVENTS DESIGN
Amit Zakoon’s flower business started with a seed — literally — but it quickly grew into one of Jerusalem’s premier purveyors of luxury sukkahs. “We work for all the rich and famous,” Zakoon, the owner and CEO of Yarok Yarok Events Design, told JTA. Studio Ya Ya, as Zakoon’s clients call the business, is known for executing weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs and parties for Jerusalem’s A-list, including visiting U.S. presidents (from Bush to Obama) to big-time philanthropists like the Bronfmans. These kinds of upscale events may keep Zakoon and team busy year-round, but Sukkot (which is Oct. 4-11 this year) is Studio Ya Ya’s time to shine. The joyous festival, which commemorates both the harvest and the Exodus from Egypt, transforms Jerusalem: thousands of pilgrims make their way to the Western Wall, sukkahs sprout on seemingly every balcony and celebrations are widespread throughout the city. Studio Ya Ya designs many of Jerusalem’s largest and finest sukkahs, including those at the Waldorf Astoria, King David and Inbal hotels, as well as the president’s residence and the Bible Lands Museum. Over the years, its sukkahs have ranged
from “biblical” — incorporating natural woods and fresh Jerusalem herbs into a design — to elegant, with a decor featuring strategically placed, plastic pomegranates painted in metallic shades. Such luxury doesn’t come cheap: Hotels pay $35,000 to $75,000 for their Ya Ya sukkahs, Zakoon said, while design services for private clients range from $3,000 to $25,000. “The sukkahs must be the most magnificent,” he said. “All the rich and famous come to the hotels, they come to their private second homes in Jerusalem and this holiday is one of the most important to them.” For Zakoon and his team, that means the pressure is on. In addition to creating a visually stunning sukkah, the designers need to understand both the philosophical background of the holiday, as well as the legal requirements of building a kosher sukkah that will work for even the most religious guests. “We can make an amazing design, but if it’s not kosher, it’s not worth one shekel,” Zakoon said. For example, the sukkah’s “roof,” or “schach,” must be made of predominantly natural ingredients, said Rabbi Morey Schwartz, director of education for the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning. The schach should provide more shade than sun, be open
In 2015, this Studio Ya Ya-designed sukkah — one of four at the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem — found inspiration in the atrium’s existing flowers and water fountain. for Sukkot as early as a year in advance. But when the holiday actually arrives, so does another challenge: While the structures can be erected ahead of time, the sukkahs cannot be decorated far in advance because the flowers will wilt. Since Studio Ya Ya designs and maintains as many as 20 sukkahs — ranging in size from nine to 4,900 square feet — Zakoon hires up to 40 freelancers, who work round the clock in the days leading up to the holiday. Because flowers cannot be maintained on yom tov — the first one to two days of the holiday, with laws similar to those of Shabbat – the Ya Ya team rotates among its sukkahs on the interim days to change out arrangements
and freshen up anything that has shifted. Another consideration? Repeat customers. Kirshberg noted that because hotels tend to get the same visitors year after year, Ya Ya aims for a fresh design annually. Also, each of the hotel’s sukkahs must be unique and match the hotel’s existing ambiance. “The Waldorf is luxurious and the King David is traditional,” she said. Studio Ya Ya’s hard work doesn’t just enhance the experience for hotel and museum guests, said Schwartz — the company is doing a mitzvah, too. “Beautification is considered greater sanctification of God’s name,” he said.
www.embassybank.com
L’Shana Tova NEW YEAR 5778 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2017 13
Rosh Hashanah menu
BY SANDI TEPLITZ
I think my mom was ahead of her time in balancing meals; if bread was served, there was to be no "starch," as carbs were called back in the day. Also, each meal had to contain several vegetables, preferably those high in fiber. I hope you enjoy this typical New Year dinner – the kind that is traditional, yet still remains delicious and in keeping with today's diet preferences.
CHOPPED LIVER
Saute a pound of chicken liver with two sliced onions in 2 T. schmaltz for 10 minutes over low heat. Chop, then add three chopped hard boiled eggs, another T. of schmaltz, a t. of non-iodized salt and 1/4 t. black pepper. Add a dash of nutmeg, mix, and form into a ball. Chill until served.
CABBAGE SOUP
In a pot with 4 quarts boiling water, put two marrow bones and 3 lbs. soup flanken. Continue to boil for 1/2 hour, skimming off the foam from the top. Add 1 large cabbage, chopped, a 16 oz. can of Italian tomatoes, a sliced onion, a bag of California carrots, cut up and sliced into 2" lengths. Turn heat to low, add salt and pepper to taste, and cook for 90 minutes. Add 1/2 lemon, juiced, 1/4 c. dark brown sugar, and 9 pareve gingersnaps, crumbed. Mix well, as the snaps will thicken the soup.
JELLY ROLL Ingredients: 1 c. + 2 T. cake flour 1 c. sugar 1 1/2 t. b. powder (without aluminum) 1 1/2 t. pure vanilla 1/2 t. salt 3 T. water 6 eggs, separated 1 c. finest jelly (strawberry is great) NO PRESERVES OR JAM Technique: Line 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1 pan with parchment paper. Sift first three ingredients together (very important!). Beat whites with 1/2 c. sugar until stiff. Set aside. Beat yolks until pale with remaining sugar. Add vanilla and water to yolks; fold into beaten whites. Then a 1/4 c. at a time, fold in flour, sifting it over the egg mixture until blended smoothly. Pour into pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes, until done. Turn out onto waxed paper that has been dusted with confectioners' sugar. Roll up, starting at the short end. Cool. Unroll carefully. Spread with jelly, then re roll. Slice into 10 pieces.
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Our community offers a variety of retirement living options, including independent living, assisted living, restorative care and specialized memory care—all in a vibrant campus filled with activities for all to enjoy. And for many of our residents, coming to Country Meadows helps bring their families back to what they need most from each other. To learn more, call or visit us online. We’re here to help. CountryMeadows.com. To read more resident stories like this one, visit CountryMeadows.com/stories.
410 N. Krocks Road, Allentown (minutes from Route 22 & I-78) • 610-395-7160 4035 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem (close to Routes 22 & 33) • 610-865-5580 / 175 Newlins Road West, Easton (in Forks Twp.) • 484-544-3880
Independent Living | Assisted Living & Personal Care* | Memory Care | Restorative Care* | Skilled Nursing** | In-Home Services* *Forks campus offers Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care only. **Skilled nursing is available at our Bethlehem campus only. Country Meadows offers services and housing without regard to race, color, religion, disability, marital status, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation or gender.
14 SEPTEMBER 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NEW YEAR 5778
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Apple and Honey Pie Pops
By Sheri Silver The Nosher via Jewish Telegraphic Agency Like most Jewish holidays, Rosh Hashanah brings to mind certain traditional food customs – the most well-known being the dipping of apples in honey. And while a classic apple pie or cake is a lovely way to commemorate our hopes for a “sweet new year,” I thought it would be fun to change things up a bit. These apple and honey pie “pops” are a cinch to make – and even more fun to eat! They can be assembled (and frozen) in advance, and are especially nice to serve for a crowd – no cutting or forks needed! Even better, you only need a few simple ingredients, yet wind up with something truly delicious – and a little different. Sweet indeed.
Directions: In a medium pan combine the apples, sugar, honey, cinnamon and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the apples have softened and the juices have thickened. Remove from heat and let cool. Preheat oven to 400 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Unroll one pie crust on a work surface. Use your cutter to make as many circles as you can; place on your prepared baking sheets. Put a lollipop stick in the center of each circle, pressing down lightly to secure. Place a teaspoon of cooled filling on each circle. Use a pastry brush to brush a bit of the beaten egg around the edge of each
circle. Unroll the second pie crust and cut out an equal number of circles to the first crust – place atop the filled crusts and press lightly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork, and make a few small incisions in the center to allow steam to escape. Brush tops with the egg and sprinkle with the raw sugar (pops may be frozen at this point – reheat directly from the freezer, adjusting baking time by a few extra minutes). Bake pops for 20 minutes; transfer trays to wire racks to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature (pops may be kept tightly sealed, at room temperature, for 3-5 days). Sheri Silver writes the blog Donuts, Dresses and Dirt (www.sherisilver.com), where she shares her passions for baking and cooking, gardening and shopping, and her adventures in and around New York City with her husband and three children.
Ingredients: 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons honey 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 package (2 crusts) refrigerated pie crusts, set out at room temperature for 15 minutes 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water raw or “sanding” sugar, for sprinkling Special equipment: 2- to 3-inch cookie cutter (or drinking glass) lollipop sticks NEW YEAR 5777 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2016 15
happy
ROSH HASHANA