December 2012 - part 2

Capstone event to wrap up popular series

By Rachel Kennett Special to HAKOL Muhlenberg College’s series “Jews, Money & Capitalism” has highlighted the ways in which stereotypes of Jews have evolved through time. On Friday, December 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Muhlenberg College Hillel, 2238 Chew Street, Allentown, PA, Jessica Cooperman, professor of Jewish Studies at Muhlenberg, will lead a capstone discussion of the series.

This event is free and open to the public.

“The lens of economic history [can] shed light on the different aspects of Jewish history,” Cooperman said recently. For example, the series has examined the reality of Jewish engagement with economics, and how this relationship both challenges and complicates the stereotypes that exist. The discussion with Cooperman is expected to focus on a variety of issues concerning Jews and money, but particularly sweatshop la-

bor and labor organization in the United States as illuminated by the screening of the movie “Uncle Moses”, one of November’s scheduled events.

Cooperman said the capstone discussion is an opportunity to exchange ideas and ask questions about the themes that have emerged throughout the series.

The facilitated discussion will serve to bring these events together in a cohesive manner. Attendance at prior events in the series is not a prerequisite for the discussion.

This popular seminar series has been a kickoff for enhanced community collaboration between the Jewish studies program at Muhlenberg and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. The series is sponsored jointly by the JFLV and Muhlenberg’s Jewish studies program and religion studies department and is made possible by a grant from the Legacy Heritage Jewish Studies Project and the Association for Jewish Studies.

“As a minority population,” Cooperman said, “[Jews] are often linked to certain stereotypes, [providing] fascinating case studies about the types of opportunities and anxieties that exist and are created in societies.” She said the series provided a wonderful viewpoint for the examination of larger issues of culture, society and economics.

save the date

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2013 at Lehigh Country Club

2319 S. Cedar Crest Boulevard | Allentown SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE NOW For information, go to www.jewishlehighvalley.org A Lexus of Lehigh Valley Champions for Charity Event to benefit the Annual Campaign of the JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY

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On October 21, a group of travelers from the Lehigh Valley and Reading began a journey to Israel together. Like other such missions, the purpose was to enhance personal and communal relationships with Israel, its people and land. However, traveling with the Reading group turned out to be a big plus for those from the Lehigh Valley. “This was the Lehigh Valley’s eighth or 10th mission in 10 years,” said Mark L. Goldstein, executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, one of the travelers. “But it was Reading’s first in 15 years. They also have a Federation and this was the beginning of our two communities collaborating much more than in the past.”

Scholarships aid Ethiopian Jewish medical, dental students Travelers witnessed the positive effects of previous missions: On a similar trip several years ago, Lehigh Valley resident Richard Master discovered that young Ethiopian Jews in Israel face enormous pressure to quit school and support their families, usually with low-paying and unskilled jobs. As these young people look around them, they find very few Ethiopian Jewish role models who have done otherwise. As a result, the Master and Yanoff families provide scholarships through an established foundation for any Ethiopian Jewish students to attend medical and dental school. Any?

ws Ethiopian Je lem, stein with sa ru Je in l o Mark Gold dical scho e m d n te who at va. d Beer She Tel Aviv an

Above, Fabric being loomed, Ein Hod artists’ colony

Below, The Old City in Jerusalem

“There are currently eight,” said Mark L. Goldstein, executive director of the JFLV. “The first year we couldn’t find enough students to fund. The number is definitely growing.”

Paratroopers ready for action in air, on ground One of the mission’s very memorable stops came about when recent rocket fire into Israel forced a change of plans. The travelers were instead invited to a paratroopers’ base. Someone asked the commander of the paratroopers, believed to have been named David Shapira, about the group’s military service.

As of October, the paratroopers had not seen any live action in several years. However, the commander told this story:

Above, Walking through the Christian quarter, Old

Below, Herding sheep during a visit to a biblical na leadership development exercise

One evening in March 2008, he was on leave so and at at his home in an Orthodox section of Jerusalem, where he had grown up and gone to nearby Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva. He had just given his two young children a bath when he heard gunshots from the direction of the yeshiva. He grabbed his M-16 rifle and ran toward the sound.

At the yeshiva, a terrorist had opened fire on students within the building, killing eight and wounding many more. This now-commander shot the terrorist, preventing any further destruction.

Students on the alert Mike and Cooky Notis were delighted to spend a weekend with grandson Ben (pictured at right with Mike), who is spending a year at a yeshiva in Shaalavim, which is half way between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

“Now, of course, he’s got a problem ... ,” Mike said upon returning to the U.S., “the shelling from Hamas.

“The high school programs are shipping students back as soon as they can, but those who have graduated high school, who are studying before college, are staying,” Mike explained. “Hamas is aiming for Tel Aviv and Ben is closer to Gaza than Tel Aviv. But he’s up in the mountains.”

The family worries about Ben: “His parents are on the phone to him every day,” Mike said.

14 DECEMBER 2012 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Right, Cooky Notis, Dr. Robert Welner, Dr. Mike Notis, Tanya Milask, a lone soldier, Dawn Tuers and Dr. Michael Feldman, at Hayarkon Park in Tel Aviv

Mission trip develops connections to Israel , its land and people

Above, Cynthia Wroclawski and Gideon Vennor of Yoav, the Lehigh Valley’s sister city, with Mark Goldstein and the four Yoav teens who spent the past summer in the Lehigh Valley Eva and Larry Levitt plant a tree

d City of Jerusalem

Below, Sites, scents, flavors: a dried fruit market

Above, Bumper stickers for sale, Jerusalem

ature preserve as part of a Above right, A dried fruit market Left, Storehouses for food atop Masada Right, Dr. Jeff Blinder and Dr. Michael Notis at an IDF paratroopers’ base for a briefing and a display of camouflage and weaponry

A jeep ride in the Golan Heights

Rabbi Pruss, father of Nicole Rosenthal, at the Kotel. This was his first trip to Israel.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | DECEMBER 2012 15

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF ALLENTOWN 702 N. 22nd Street • Allentown, PA 18104 610.435.3571 • www.allentownjcc.org

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jChopped Latkes Edition Saturday evening, December 15 7:30 pm

The kindergarten class of the JCC prepares for their 21st century classrooms with a new reading curriculum.

Emcee and roving food reporter Dr. Frank Tamarkin hosts five teams with secret ingredients. The audience will cast ballots based on tasting of previously prepared latkes and will have an opportunity to visit the different stations during the cooking process and talk to the team members. Each team will have an opportunity to present their masterpieces to the judges. An impartial team of JCC executive committee members will count votes cast by both the judges and the audience. During the team cooking, the participants will be offered dairy appetizers and open bar. Following the judging, coffee and dessert will be served to all.

$36 per person. Seating is limited.

Lead 21: ‘Tomorrow’s literacy today!’

Holly Hebron, the new kindergarten teacher at the JCC, is thrilled to offer an innovative curriculum that “sets the standards, raises the bar and leads the way.”

Lead 21 is an acronym for Literacy, Equity, Acceleration and Differentiation. Lead 21 is a program that transforms literacy instruction for 21st century students’ learning. All instruction is based on four-week units followed by a benchmarking week after every two units. The benchmarking week serves as an assessment tool.

Unit themes provide access to rich authentic literature. All books are written specifically for each grade level. They are grade- and age-appropriate in word count, font size, language and sentence features, as well as in concepts and vocabulary.

This design respects the students and their individual proficiency level. At the same time, the program builds student’s reading stamina and helps them progress at a quicker pace, on the way to a higher level text. Unique support features are provided for the teacher to scaffold specific comprehension strategies.

The program begins with whole group interactive reading in which all students learn the same concepts, theme vocabulary and literacy skills. This is followed by small group differentiated reading. Students work in small groups using connected text sets. Independent application and practice provide students with opportunities to reinforce and extend their skills and strategies.

Lead 21 embraces digital innovations and features a ground-breaking virtual online coach. Every learner is provided with access to digital tools that help them manage and extend their own learning.

Common core state standards are correlated to language arts, literacy in history, social studies and science. Lead 21: the name says it all.

KINDERGARTEN PARENT VISITATION December 11 - 13 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

2013-14 full day kindergarten registration now open Providing quality education for over 50 years, because you deserve the best for your child Sheryl Block, ECE Director Holly Hebron, Kindergarten Teacher Debbie Weber, Kindergarten Assistant

Annual Pancake Breakfast Tuesday, December 25, 2012 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Fresh pancakes made by our chefs, with special toppings for your personal creation Juice, coffee, tea and fruit included 5011 equipment to climb and tumble on Crafts and a movie to top off the morning fun Prices: $7.50 per person; JCC member discount: $5 per person $27 per family; JCC member discount: $18 per family Children under 2 free 16 DECEMBER 2012 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Tributes

jewish community center’s general operating fund in loving memory of barry halper’s mother carole & harry rose in loving memory of lynda somach’s father carole & harry rose jewish community center’s ece fund in memory of audrey kanoff’s mother nancy & bob burritt sheryl block & ece staff jewish community center’s friendship circle in memory of anne gribben harold & louise weinstein jewish community center’s general operating fund in loving memory of allen gribben’s mother, anne linda davies

Spotlight on Art at the Gallery

Thank you to the donors which helped the Gallery at the JCC to get new lighting. Come see the great illumination!

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel/Lorelei Sickles Dr. & Atty. Steven/Margo Wiener (in memory of Marvin Weiss, father of Lynda Somach & husband of Judy Weiss) Mr. & Mrs. Barnet/Lisa Fraenkel (in memory of Marvin Weiss, father of Lynda Somach) Mr. & Mrs. Barnet/Lisa Fraenkel (in honor of Bobby Hammel) Karen Bardawil Mr. & Mrs. Harry/Carole Rose Marilyn Claire Anonymous Dr. & Mrs. Marc Levin Mr. David Addison

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF ALLENTOWN 702 N. 22nd Street • Allentown, PA 18104 610.435.3571 • www.allentownjcc.org

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Justin Sheftel Memorial Fund and Softball Tournament In June 2005, a member of our community, Justin Sheftel, passed away in a tragic accident in Ocean City, Md. He was struck and killed by a car driven by another student, who was under the influence of alcohol.

Justin was an avid baseball player and fan. His friends, in an admirable effort, honored him and his life by organizing a softball tournament that was held a mere three weeks after his death. The money raised through this tournament was used to set up a memorial foundation in his name.

A Stoop On Orchard Street at the J Sunday, December 16, 2012 2 p.m.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Stagemakers lighting system A unique and very exciting opportunity has come our way: The New York musical, “A Stoop On Orchard Street” will be performed in our own Kline auditorium for one performance only on Sunday, December 16 at 2 p.m. This is the big musical the New York Times called “A hit!” during its 16-month record-breaking run. It is the musical story of Eastern European immigrants who have fled the pogroms of Russia for life in the teeming tenements of the Lower East Side, circa 1910. Critics often refer to “A Stoop On Orchard Street” as the “day after Fiddler” … almost as if Teyve brought his family from Anatevka to the Lower East Side of New York.

To order tickets now to insure that you will be able to see the show that will make you laugh and cry and have you humming many of its 18 songs, please visit www.astooponorchardstreet.com for all the information. You may also call 1-888-322-7626. Tickets for this hit New York musical are priced from $39.95 to $49.95.

Justin’s memory will forever be etched into the minds of those who knew him and the success of this softball tournament and resulting foundation has allowed us to help the community in his honor. With incredible support, energy and enthusiasm from friends and volunteers, the softball tournament has become an annual tradition in goodwill and high spirits.

In 2012 there were two $7,500 scholarships awarded; a $2,500 donation to Lehigh Valley Miracle League, which supports handicapped children by holding baseball games and building a field where they can play; a $5,000 donation to Jewish Community Center to support sports activities; $2,500 to Boys and Girls Club, the Autistic Society of the LV and the Allentown School District, to support their baseball program -- $30,000 in all. During the past eight years, there has been a total of over $130,000 donated to community charities and for scholarships.

2013 will be the ninth annual softball tournament, so mark your calendars for June 22, rain date for June 23. We are looking to form another women’s team. Anyone interested in captaining a team please contact Linda Sheftel at linda.sheftel@gmail.com.

More information on the tournament will be posted, as we get closer to the date.

All Camp Event Sunday, January 6 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Save the date for this fun and exciting all camp event Mazel Tots, Camp JCC Jr., Stagemakers Performing Arts Camp and Camp JCC in Center Valley all come together for this one evening to bring you a sneak peak of what summer camps are all about. There will be dinner, crafts and more!

Winnie the Pooh

Who doesn’t like Winnie the Pooh? Some of us grew up with him and most children have been introduced to him. Lovable and familiar characters from the Hundred Acre Wood grace the stage with balloons, honey and candy. Bright music and quirky creatures make this show perfect for all ages. Come on out to the Hundred Acre Wood with Pooh and his friends. Performances are Thursday, January 10; Saturday, January 12; Sunday, January 13 and Sunday, January 20.

JCC Baseball Thanks in large part to Linda Sheftel and the Justin Sheftel Memorial Fund, the JCC of Allentown last spring was able to revive our baseball program, after a hiatus of many years. We had 12 players: Ori Bach, Jules Bemporad, Nicholas Golovanov, Gabrielle Grob, Sydney Holender, Ethan Kushnick, Seamus McGee, Yitzi Powers, Kyle Schenkel, Jacob Sussman, Alex Valuntas and Mendy Halperin. They took to the diamond (many for the first time) in blue, red and grey uniforms styled after Justin’s favorite team, the Boston Red Sox. The uniforms included a logo on the sleeve commemorating the Sheftel Memorial Tournament. Jersey number 12 was retired in Justin’s honor at the beginning of the season.

While the weather was not always on our side that season, the team played hard and always put forth their best effort while competing in the Allentown biddy league. As the season progressed, so did our players.

Each week, the team grew with experience. Now that we have our inaugural year under our belt, 2013 looks to be even more spectacular.

JCC Holiday and Building Hours Christmas Day Tuesday, December 25 JCC open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. for fitness, recreation and aquatics Pancake breakfast 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Building Hours Monday-Thursday: 6:00am Friday: 6:00am Saturday: 8:00am Sunday: 9:00am

9:30pm 6:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | DECEMBER 2012 17

JEWISH DAY SCHOOL OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY

A beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

SAVE THE DATE

JDS MAIN EVENT

Honoring Dr. Harold and Mrs. Sandra Goldfarb

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2013 WE INVITE THE COMMUNITY TO ATTEND ANY OF OUR EVENTS.

EXPLORE YOUR CHILD’S POTENTIAL AT THE JDS OPEN HOUSE: JANUARY 15, 2013 Contact Heather Mill, director of marketing and communications at hmill@jdslv.org or 610-437-0721 to RSVP for the open house, take a tour or have your child spend time in a classroom.

2313 Pennsylvania St., Allentown PA 18104 | www.JDSLV.org

Building a Smarter Classroom

DATES TO REMEMBER TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 • Chanukah Party FRIDAY, JANUARY 11 • Moving-up Day MONDAY, JANUARY 28 • Torah Fair SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2 • Main Event

First graders hard at work using a reading app to practice sight words on their iPads.

Sixth graders work on research in the new science lab.

Come find out for yourself what all the excitement is about at the

2313 Pennsylvania St., Allentown PA 18104 www.JDSLV.org | 610-437-0721 Abigail uses a reading app to learn sight words in first grade.

18 DECEMBER 2012 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Isaiah films Adir to create an iMovie in middle school science.

A beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

JEWISH DAY SCHOOL OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY

ABC’s and the Aleph Bet: Early Childhood Education the JDS Way At the Jewish Day School, something truly extraordinary is happening -and it starts in the classroom of our very youngest students. A dedicated and committed team of early childhood teachers is leading a unique three-year cohesive program in Pre-K, kindergarten and first grade designed to develop the whole child and give students a head start for academic success at the JDS and beyond.

The early childhood education philosophy at the JDS is unlike that of any other school. Learning becomes a partnership with the student, family, school and community. Each person that a student meets along the journey is a mentor and guide for success, and the JDS becomes a home away from home starting on the very first day of pre-K and continuing throughout their educational career at the JDS. The philosophy of the early childhood education program at the JDS is informed by a class size that allows for differentiated instruction.

The students connect to the teaching staff on a more personal level and selfguide the learning experience.

An overarching theme in the JDS early childhood approach is striking the perfect balance between structure and exploration.

Krista Gerbasio, pre-K general studies teacher, explains that, in pre-K, students need time to move around, explore the room, socialize and try to solve problems on their own. The structure of each day allows for the freedom and natural learning that a pre-K student requires. For example, if you were to visit the JDS pre-K classroom during exploration time, you would find a wide variety

of learning centers set up and students exploring the room and making choices about where they are going and what they are going to do.

In kindergarten, more structure is introduced to the school day. Trisha Aguanno, the kindergarten teacher, builds upon the curiosity for learning that is fostered in pre-K and organizes the curriculum around creative themes that are common across subjects and pique the curiosity of students to self-guide the direction of their learning and challenge themselves academically.

By first grade, a unique structure allows the teacher to meet the needs of students who are learning at many different levels. A small class size allows her to see each student one on one every day and work with students in groups. If you were to walk into first grade math class, you might find that students are working in small groups at their own level, which allows the teacher to enrich or support every student on any given concept.

The JDS approach is consistent in teaching Judaic studies and Hebrew language, where self-guided exploration is reinforced by building upon the concepts and skills learned each year with added structure. The early childhood Hebrew and Judaics teachers, Morah Joanna Powers and Morah Libi Digadker, promote the development of a strong Jewish identity for each student through values-based lessons. The teaching staff utilizes creative resources to build upon the study of the weekly Torah portions and thematic units on holidays and Jewish values as students progress through the grades in order to continuously build on enthusiasm

for their Jewish identity.

In Hebrew language classes, the learning begins in pre-K by introducing the Hebrew alphabet letters and encouraging familiarity and basic vocabulary for each letter.

By kindergarten, students learn the sounds that go with each letter and begin blending sounds to build a framework for the skills needed to begin reading in Hebrew in first grade and beyond. Each year is a foundation block that prepares students for the next level of education.

Overall, the lessons taught in early childhood at the JDS transcend curriculum.

Students are taught kindness, respect, responsibility, independence and self-confidence that translate into a lifetime of academic success. Developing students who are intellectually curious and enfolding our children in the joy of life-long learning begins in the early years of education, and this spark lights that fire that results in a holistically educated, responsible citizen of the world upon graduation from the JDS.

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” - W.B. Yeats

Noah and Izzy practice reading aloud during exploration time in first grade.

Hadar learns the letter Hey in Pre-K.

Moshe raises his hand in kindergarten.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | DECEMBER 2012 19

Allentown filmmakers debut NO POWER? NO PROBLEM! search for lost ark

By Kathleen Mory JFLV Marketing Assistant

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Indiana Jones isn’t the only one looking for the Ark of the Covenant. Harry Moskoff, currently residing in Israel, has spent the last 20 years looking for the Ark in places as far-flung as the El Kas Fountain and Temple Mount.

When he decided to share the findings from his research, he approached Margelit and Shmuel Hoffman of Hoffman Productions in Allentown.

The company is known for its fun and creative documentaries and commercials, such as “Tribute to the Jewish Mother” for Wissotzky Tea. Yet, Margelit and Shmuel had always wanted to expand to more challenging platforms, such as movie-making beyond documentaries.

When Moskoff approached them about doing an out-ofthe-box interpretation of a search for the Ark of the Covenant, the Hoffmans signed on as director and marketer while Moskoff became executive producer.

The team first had to settle the question of genre.

Although Moskoff originally envisioned a documentary, when the Hoffmans suggested filming a fictional story in a science fiction story, he loved the idea.

Location was the next hurtle, but the Hoffmans again had the answer. Thanks to Gretchen Longenbach, director of the Department of Economic Development for

Above, Shmuel filming at the Silk Mill Right, Margelit and Shmuel Hoffman

the city of Easton, the team gained access to industrial sites there in addition to several in Allentown.

“We wanted to bring business to the area and keep things local,” Margelit said. “[Besides], this area, especially places such as the silk mill, is [very] engaging,” Shmuel said. “[It’s] surreal and post-industrial.”

“There were a lot of memorable moments because of the film shots we got,” Margelit said. “It was beauty that you don’t see in your everyday life.”

The resulting movie, “The A.R.K. Report”, is “Indiana Jones” held in the future – “a sci-fi/noir version of ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’,” Shmuel said.

In this tale of challenge and discovery, a young girl named

Karmi, who has her family taken from her, learns that she plays a pivotal part in history and she needs to change the course of events. If she doesn’t succeed, an army of children will begin a terrifying war.

The Hoffmans hope that their audience, both Jewish and non-Jewish, finds the movie entertaining and educational. In this sense, they share Moskoff’s vision.

“We want to let the world know that the Ark is a reality and it is important,” Shmuel said. The film is set to debut at film festivals in early 2013.

PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT

Shalom TV now available in the Lehigh Valley This fall, RCN added the Shalom TV Channel on RCN's Premiere Child & Family CH 334 in Lehigh Valley.

Shalom TV is well known for its free on demand programming, available in more than 40 million households on virtually every cable system in America.

For Shalom TV president, Rabbi Mark S. Golub, the Shalom TV channel expands the range of programming Shalom TV offers.

"The Shalom TV channel is the first attempt to do Jewish programming similar to the kinds of programming one finds on PBS," Golub said. "We now have daily news from Israel and from our own news desk; wonderful children's programs every morning and afternoon; live Friday night services from Central Synagogue in New York and more timely interviews that can include telephone talk with our audience -- something impossible with VOD." Golub sees the non-profit Shalom TV as a channel celebrating "All Things Jewish," with exclusive presentations from the 92nd Street Y in New York and major event coverage of national conventions such as AIPAC, the Federation's General Assembly and Christians United For Israel.

Shalom TV's popular entertainment programs feature its hit se20 DECEMBER 2012 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

ries "From Date To Mate," which follows Jewish singles as they search for that special someone; "Muzika," profiling the leading Israeli musical artists; and its own "Jewish Film Festival."

And although Shalom TV is not a "religion" channel, it does have an array of Jewish studies programs each week where one can learn to read Hebrew, study a page of Talmud with Rabbi Mordechai Becher and sit with rabbis at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. In addition to High Holiday services, Shalom TV televises Friday evening Shabbat services from Central Synagogue preceded by a d'var Torah by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin.

"Shalom TV is all about bringing the richness of Jewish culture, the wisdom of the Jewish tradition and the vibrancy of Jewish life today to anyone who wishes connection with the Jewish community and the State of Israel," said Golub. "We think people are going to find Shalom TV television truly worth watching!"

Shalom TV is also carried on Service Electric Cable TV.

Cantor reaches listeners through radio

Cantor Wartell on the air

By Kathleen Mory JFLV Marketing Assistant Radio studios have always seemed somewhat magical to me. There is the wall dedicated to housing music, often hundreds of CDs. There are knick knacks strewn about from various DJs and the operating board that, with a push of a button, can broadcast music and a person’s voice for miles. I entered one such scene on a recent Friday morning on the Muhlenberg campus to visit Cantor Kevin Wartell of Temple Beth El. For, each Friday from 8 to 9:30 a.m., he hosts a radio show, “Kol HaEmek.”

Twenty-five years ago, Wartell volunteered his voice to 91.7 WMUH at Muhlenberg College in Allentown and the show has been going strong ever since. Wartell credited radio personality, Joel Sebastian, as his inspiration for getting behind a microphone. Sebastian had been a disc jockey at more than eight radio stations, including Detroit’s WXYZ, where Wartell heard him for the first time in the 1960s.

Wartell had studied Judaic studies at the University of Michigan and began hosting a show on the school’s station, WRCN. He even contacted Sebastian to let him know how much he enjoyed his shows and what an inspiration he had been. The two became good friends. Though they never met face-to-face, Wartell and Sebastian spoke and wrote often to keep in touch.

Wartell also became close with Motown’s Levi Stubbs, lead singer of the Four Tops.

Stubbs was even a godparent to Wartell’s children. Since

For Wartell, “Kol HaEmek” demonstrates that the Jewish community is alive and vibrant.

Stubbs’ death in 2008, Wartell has paid tribute to his friend by mentioning him at least once per show.

For Wartell, “Kol HaEmek” demonstrates that the Jewish community is alive and vibrant. He spoke of the show’s alumni, including visiting youths from our sister city of Yoav, musician Debbie Friedman z”l, representatives of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and numerous rabbis from the Valley.

“Kol HaEmek” offers something for any type of listener. I was surprised to hear anything from Yiddish to Jewish classic rock being played and found my head bobbing along to a beat more than once.

Wartell explained, “I think it reflects the music that I like to sing.” He cited Channut and Craig Taubman as some of his favorites.

The show is easily accessed from anywhere. That’s because it broadcasts over traditional radio, but also streams live through the Internet at www.muhlenberg. edu/wmuh/stream.html.

There is even an app for the iPhone called TuneIn Radio.

“I have fun doing [the show],” Wartell said. “I do it for a love of Jewish music and sharing with the community.”

He encouraged people to give “Kol Ha Emek” a listen.

“Once you listen, you’re hooked,” he said.” It’s music

that makes you feel good.”

This statement is so true, at least for me. Cantor Wartell’s show was a fun, unexpected sampler of Jewish music.

with a Muhlenberg Degree

Open More Doors

Create your own success story...

Get started with a

personal advisement session. Contact our office to schedule your appointment.

Our academic advisors will work with you to review transfer of credit, course selection, financial aid, and more.

“The experience and confidence I gained while working towards my Muhlenberg degree has helped me transition to the next phase of my career. I will continue to use and expand upon the knowledge and skill set developed during my time on campus.”

Joshua Onia ’10 Simulation Center Coordinator The Medical School of Temple University/ St. Luke’s Hospital & Health Network

Degree Awarded: Bachelor's of Business Administration with a Concentration in Healthcare Management

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484-664-3300

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wescoe@muhlenberg.edu

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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | DECEMBER 2012 21

For Crypto-Jews of New Mexico, art is a window into secret life

By Edmon J. Rodman Jewish Telegraphic Agency

This Year Have a

HAPPIER HANUKKAH

STAR OF DAVID CELEBRATION - Hanukkah ®

With Star of David-shaped pineapple

Make life a little sweeter.

™

Artist Anita Rodriguez’s “aha” moment came after reading “To the End of the Earth: A History of the Crypto-Jews of New Mexico.”

The 2005 book by New Mexico’s former state historian, Stanley Hordes, tells the story of the Southwest’s Converso settlers and the elements of their Sephardic heritage: among them lighting candles on Friday night and refraining from eating pork -- that were passed down over 500 years.

It suddenly dawned on Rodriguez, a Catholic from Taos whose family has lived in New Mexico for 10 generations, that her neighbors may have been reticent to talk about religion because of secret family histories.

After reading Hordes’ book and researching Jewish life, Rodriguez began painting Southwestern- and Mexican-influenced scenes of the secret Jewish lives that she imagined her neighbors’ ancestors had practiced.

Among her works is a large pink, turquoise and royal blue painting influenced by Mexican Day of the Dead art, depicting a Jewish wedding scene in which the groom, bride and wedding party are all ghostly skeletons – common figures in Mexican art.

In another work she calls “nichos,” a takeoff on a traditional Latin American form of folk art, Rodriguez uses painted wooden boxes created from kiln-dried wood. Painted in a folk art style with brightly colored acrylic paint, the boxes,

A Nicho by Anita Rodriguez with the doors closed, showing a Christmas scene; opening them reveals a family Chanukah scene.

Courtesy: Anita Rodriguez and Jewish Telegraphic Agency which have two hinged doors, reveal what she sees as the duality of the CryptoJewish life.

For example, on one nicho, a Christmas Eve scene is shown with people streaming in to the village church. Open the box’s doors and painted on the inside is a skeletal Jewish family seated at table with a lit menorah.

“There are some truths that can only be spoken in the voice of art,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez says that when she shows her work in New Mexico, some people have whispered in her ear things like, “I need to talk, but can’t meet you downtown.” One person, the artist says, told her that after seeing her work he spent a night sneaking through a graveyard looking for signs of Crypto-Jewish heritage on his ancestor’s headstones.

“I have had close friends who have made the discov-

ery," Rodriguez said. “Some are furious because they were lied to; some even go back to Judaism.”

In researching her own family history, Rodriguez discovered that the name Rodriguez appears frequently on lists of surnames of families forced to convert.

She hasn’t taken the lowcost genetic test now available that could cast light on her ethnic heritage.

Diana Bryer, another New Mexico artist, whose depicts secret Sephardic symbols like six-pointed roses and families holding secret seders, said she has had moments of recognition, too.

“One person came over to me and said, ‘I think I have Jewish roots. There are things in here that my family did,’ ” said Bryer, who comes from an Ashkenazi Jewish background. “People have feelings, and those feelings should be acknowledged.”

Do you love to write?

If so, we're looking for you! Hakol is seeking VOLUNTEER WRITERS to cover stories of interest to the Lehigh Valley Jewish community.

Prior writing or journalism experience preferred. If interested, send an e-mail to hakol@jflv.org.

22 DECEMBER 2012 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

This year, old question may yield new answers What are you doing on December 25 this year? The answer may depend on your tradition; that is, you may normally volunteer on that day or, like many Jewish people, you may go out for Chinese food. You may even be looking to do something different.

December 25 is the day that Jewish volunteers often assume responsibility for feeding the hungry at soup kitchens or for visiting the sick while fellow volunteers observe the Christmas holiday. The Jewish Federation of Lehigh Valley is coordinating Meals on Wheels deliveries for December 25.

For the past few years, the Bethlehem churches have gathered gifts for the residents of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Center.

“They usually call Rabbi Juda, knowing we are available to help out,” said Betsy Glazier, one of several volunteers who have gone to Good Shepherd on December 25 to help feed the residents and distribute the gifts.

“Sometimes we actually have to help open the gifts for the residents,” Glazier said. “The people are all ages, and some are severely disabled, whether due to accidents or conditions like M.S.” The Toland family of Allentown enjoys the day for the family time it offers. “For the last several years, we’ve gone to the movies together with [another] family and then we’ve all gone out to an Asian restaurant,” said Dr. Rima Toland.

This year, the Jewish Community Center adds to the available options with its pancake breakfast and activities throughout the morning. To learn more about the event, see ad on page 16.

And, this month, Sandi Teplitz offers us recipes for a delicious Asian meal that you can cook for family or friends.

However you spend your time off of work or school, the staff at HAKOL hopes that you stay safe and warm.

ON THIS DATE:

Order against Jews

By Josh Goldin Teen Correspondent This year, December 17 marks the 150th anniversary of an American military order during the Civil War directed specifically against Jews. On this date, Ulysses S. Grant, the leader of the Union army, enacted General Order Number 11, which said that all Jews must leave the areas of Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky.

Why would a general pass such an act? Grant believed that, to win the war, the South’s economy had to be weakened. The illegal trading that was going on during the war, especially in cotton, helped the South’s economy.

Let’s step back a couple of days prior to December 17, 1862, to understand the reasons behind Grant’s decision: Grant discovered that his father, Jesse Grant, who owned a tannery, had been dealing in the black market, as had many other Northern merchants. A handful of those with whom Jesse Grant dealt with were Jewish.

When Ulysses realized that his father was part of this black market, the younger Grant could not get angry at his father and instead directed his anger at the Jewish people.

Some Jewish people

contacted President Lincoln by telegram. Lincoln noted that he believed there was no distinction between a Jew and a Gentile, so that no one should be discriminated against on the basis of religion. Indeed, many Jewish soldiers were fighting in the war.

Grant eventually became president, apologizing to the Jews, putting more Jews into cabinet positions than other presidents and becoming the first U.S. president to attend a synagogue service. He gained extraordinary popularity in his day. However, he was never able to distance himself entirely from his early anti-Semitic beliefs and actions.

make your own chinese food

BY SANDI TEPLITZ

CHICKEN EGG DROP SOUP INGREDIENTS: 7 c. clear chicken soup, brought to boil 3 T. cornstarch and ¼ c. cold water, mix together 2 eggs, beaten Salt and pepper to taste Scallions, sliced on the diagonal, for garnish TECHNIQUE: Add cornstarch mixture to boiling soup. Cook until smooth; stir until thickened. Reduce heat to a simmer and add eggs, a teaspoon at a time, separating into shreds. Simmer for 10 minutes more; serve with scallion garnish. Yield 8 servings.

PINEAPPLE CHICKEN INGREDIENTS: 2 cut up chickens 1 c. unbleached flour with salt, pepper & paprika to taste 1 very ripe pineapple, cut into cubes plus 1 ½ c. pineapple juice Peanut oil

4 t. soy sauce 2 T. cornstarch 2 t. vinegar TECHNIQUE: Toss chicken pieces with seasoned flour. Heat peanut oil; add chicken and sauté until thoroughly browned. Add pineapple and cook, covered, in skillet for 10 minutes. Mix pineapple juice and all other ingredients. Add to pan, tilting the sauce to the side to stir until smooth. Then distribute sauce evenly and cook for a few minutes, until done.

FRIED RICE INGREDIENTS: 2 onions, diced 6 T. pareve margarine 1 c. rice 2 c. boiling water 6 oz. assorted mushrooms 1 pkg. dehydrated beef kosher broth TECHNIQUE: Fry onions in 4 T. margarine, until browned.

Add 2 T. of margarine and rice and fry until brown.

Add dry broth to boiling water and simmer. Add mushrooms and cover till all liquid is absorbed.

ALMOND COOKIES INGREDIENTS: 3 T. pareve margarine, softened ½ c. sugar 1 yolk ¼ t. vanilla ¼ t. pure almond extract 2 c. flour Pinch of salt 1 white, beaten slightly Whole blanched almonds for decoration TECHNIQUE: Mix all ingredients together except egg white and almonds. Divide in half and roll into long thin roll. Wrap in wax paper and freeze overnight. Slice 1/8¨ on an angle. Brush with egg white. Top with almonds. Bake at 325° for 20 minutes. Yield: up to 90 cookies, depending on thickness.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | DECEMBER 2012 23

The PJ Library Family of the Month:

PJ preps for Chanukah

THE LOWREY’S Miss Sheryl Block reading Hanukkah stories to children and parents

Happy, curious faces at the PJ Library Chanukah event

Our family is extremely grateful for the PJ Library!

It has given us the opportunity to develop Nathanael’s sense of Jewish identity by introducing him to the traditions, holidays and culture in a fun and interactive manner. He gets so excited when he sees the envelope in the mail that he can’t wait to open it and see what book is inside - it’s like he’s getting a birthday present each month! The book choices are always wonderful and we love how it encourages quality family time and conversation. Every month we are learning something about Judaism and having a blast while doing it! We can’t wait to see what comes next. Thank you PJ Library!

- KEITH & CAREN LOWREY

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.

Flat Joseph returns from Israel "Joseph Had a Little Overcoat" is a wonderful story by Simms Taback. In the story, Joseph has a coat and, as the coat wears out, he refashions it into a jacket, then a vest and even smaller clothing items until the coat is no more. Through wonderful illustrations we see Joseph make something out of nothing. Teaching the Jewish values of recycling, repurposing and not wasting, Joseph gives us an opportunity to discuss these important values with our children. Here in the Lehigh Valley, we have recreated Joseph in a "flat" version.

Joseph traveled to Israel with the Lehigh Valley Community Mission to Israel, and he was photographed on his journey. When he reached our sister city, Yoav, he made a stop with the children in the first grade. In the coming months, children at the JCC preschool will have a special activity to do while reading about Joseph and his little overcoat.

Flat Joseph in Old Jaffa looks out to the shoreline and skyline of Tel Aviv

Student travels to AIPAC summit

By Helaina Zahn Special to HAKOL Traveling to Washington, D.C., on October 28 for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee summit for high school students, I never would have guessed that I’d be trapped there because of Hurricane Sandy. Now I am so glad I was.

The first day my delegation arrived, we went through a bunch of “classes.” I call them that because the format was the same, with someone standing in front of the room talking to us about a subject. However, some things were very different: Everyone who was at the summit wanted to be there and was eager to hear the speaker. Also, the classes were not only beneficial to the understanding of the IsraeliAmerican relationship, but also entertaining and interesting.

On the first night, John Kessler, the top AIPAC official, spoke to us about how we can impact the community in which we live. The speech was fantastic and, by the end, everyone was on their feet.

By the time the next day came around, most of the attendees were ecstatic to find that we would have the opportunity to lobby on Capitol Hill the next day. We spent the day learning

24 DECEMBER 2012 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

about the Congressman we were to lobby and about the different issues we were lobbying on, including foreign financial aid policy, Iranian missile crisis and Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Sessions were held for research and to practice talking to a Congressman.

Then the horrible news broke that the federal government was to be closed the next day because of the hurricane. The kids participating in the conference were devastated at the news because lobbying was what we had looked forward to and practiced for all day. We found it funny that the federal government was closed but our high school summit prevailed.

On Tuesday, October 30, the conference had the honor of having the ambassador of Israel, Michael Oren, speak to us. He spoke of how he had once sat practically in our same seats listening to the Israeli ambassador himself. It was amazing to think that maybe one of us would someday aspire to his role. The conference concluded with the writing of letters to our Congressional representatives as a substitute for actually lobbying.

I hope that our 400-plus letters to Capitol Hill make a difference in the decision-making of our nation.

Lone Soldier writes home Editor’s note: Sami Meir-Levi graduated from high school in the Lehigh Valley in the spring of 2012, then headed for Israel. She writes to us each month of her experiences as a lone soldier -- an Israeli soldier without family living in Israel.

Shalom HAKOL readers, As you know, the United States recently re-elected Barack Obama as president of the United States. What does this mean for Israel? Ehud Barak, Israel’s defense minister, said that Iran has slowed down the process of enriching uranium to develop nuclear weapons.

Although this does give Israel more time to decide whether or not to destroy Iran’s enrichment facilities, the question of the day seems to be: “Would the U.S. be behind Israel if it does so?”

Other questions have come up, too, such as: How does Obama’s re-election effect the elections in Israel? Some people say that he will have an “antiNetanyahu campaign,” others think differently and say his second term could work towards Netanyahu’s advantage.

The elections in Israel will be held on January 22, 2013. The political system here is a little more complicated than that of the U.S. Instead of electing a specific candidate, we vote for a party. There are five major parties: Kadima, Likud, Yisrael Beytenu, Labor and Shas. There are also eight other parties represented in the legislature.

The Kadima party (meaning “forward”) has 28 seats and was formed in 2005 by supporters of then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. The party’s platform is: “Maintaining a Jewish majority in Israel by making territorial concessions, preserving Israeli control of Jerusalem and large Jewish settlement blocs, and supporting the formation of

Sami Meir-Levi (far right), shown with soldiers of the Israeli Defense Forces, including reservist and lone soldier from the Lehigh Valley’s, Katie McCants (second from right), who has since been called up on active duty in response to the escalating conflict with Hamas. a demilitarized, terror-free Palestinian State.”

Likud (meaning “consolidation”) has 27 seats and is the party of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Likud seems to focus on maintaining the status quo on issues dealing with religion and state as well as reforms in public health, education and welfare.

Yisrael Beytenu (“Israel Our Home”) has 15 seats. It is a secular, Zionist party, founded by Avigdor Liberman.

This party seems to have two main values: opportunities for new immigrants and peace negotiations with Arab states.

The Labor party has 13 seats and the current Labor leader is Shelly Yachimovich. This party was the popular for many years. It appointed every prime minister prior to 1977, until Likud’s Menachin Begin was elected. Labor hasn’t had a prime minister since Ehud Barak. This party supports peace agreements with the Palestinians.

Shas, an acronym meaning guards of the Torah, holds 11

seats and is an ultra-Orthodox minority party. It supports a more prominent role for religion within Israel.

I see posters and signs for the political parties, sometimes with the face of the leader of the party. The majority of donations for such campaigning does not come from the people who live in Israel. The donations come mainly from people overseas, who don’t live in Israel, cannot vote and, for the most part, are not directly affected by the outcome.

When I first learned about how the Israeli political system works, I found it very interesting , but it also gave me a lot to think about. I made aliyah, so I will be able to vote in the election. I have a lot of researching and thinking to do.

Sami Meir-Levi The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and other Federations in North America fund the Lone Soldier program.

Shalit gives first interview in Israel since release Jewish Telegraphic Agency Gilad Shalit, in his first interview in Israel since his release, spoke of how he passed the time in captivity and his sense of great "relief" upon being set free.

Israel's Channel 10 played excerpts from the interview, undertaken near the first anniversary of Shalit's release by Hamas in a prisoner exchange from his more than five-year captivity in the Gaza Strip.

Shalit, who was an Israeli soldier when he was taken captive, said he played board games Gilad Shalit salutes Prime Minister Benjamin with himself and made Netanyahu upon Shalit's release from a basketball out of socks captivity on October 18, 2011. Credit: IDF that he aimed at the wastebasket. He said he also drew maps -- of the country, of his community and of his favorite places -- so he would not forget them.

Speaking of his release, Shalit said he felt a sense of great "relief" when he crossed into Egypt and that he was disconcerted by the "flurry" of people around him after only seeing a few people for nearly six years. Shalit said he felt a lot of "pressure" during the trip from where he was hidden to the Rafah border before being set free.

He added wryly that when he was forced to be interviewed on Egyptian television, the interviewer was the first woman he had seen since being taken captive.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | DECEMBER 2012 25

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.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 Special Shabbat Renewal 70th Birthday Service for Barbara Sussman

10:30 a.m., Temple Covenant of Peace. Seventy is the letter “ayin” in Hebrew. It means “eye,” and 70 is the expression of vision. Temple Covenant of Peace hosts a 70th birthday celebration for Cantor Barbara Sussman, to include students chanting and a dairy/vegetarian potluck/kiddish luncheon. Please call the TCP office at 610-253-2031 to RSVP and let me know what you are bringing. This event is free and open to the public.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4 Lunch & Learn: Whose Wall is it? A Look into Issues of Religious Pluralism and How it Impacts Women in Israel

12 p.m., JCC of Allentown. From faith to fashion, kitchen to kabbalah, motherhood, marriage to miracles and mindfulness, traveling to transcendence and health and healing, Rabbi Lynnda Targan is a new and distinct female face in the American Rabbinate and a compelling voice in the contemporary spiritual international marketplace. Program is $12, including lunch. Men and women welcome. Please RSVP to 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org. Lunch & Learn programs are a community education initiative coordinated by the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.

THURSAY, DECEMBER 6 Temple Beth El Healing Service

1 p.m., Temple Beth El. We will be creating a safe space to bring our pain, our questions and our yearning. This one-hour service will be held in the Hammel Family Chapel. The service will include music, silent meditation, traditional prayers and Torah study. The entire community is invited to participate. For more information, contact the temple office at 610-435-3521.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 JEWS, MONEY & CAPITALISM LECTURE SERIES: Capstone discussion with Dr. Jessica Cooperman

10:30 a.m., Muhlenberg College Hillel, 2238 Chew Street, Allentown, PA. Cap off a semester of free lectures offered by Muhlenberg College with a discussion with professor Jessica Cooperman. Muhlenberg’s series is sponsored by a grant from the Legacy Heritage Jewish Studies Project and the Association for Jewish Studies. All of the programs in the series are co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and the Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding, as well as host of other Muhlenberg College departments and local Jewish institutions. For more information, visit www.muhlenberg.edu. Free and open to the public.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 Temple Beth El’s El Dor L Dor Program

10 a.m., Temple Beth El. Interactive and intergenerational family services for parents and grandparents along with their children. We’ll sing Shabbat songs, hear a Shabbat story and even have some dancing!

Each service concludes by joining the main congrega-

Want to see your joyous news announced here?

Visit our website, www.jewishlehighvalley.org, to submit your wedding, birth and anniversary announcements, as well as news of your accomplishments—FOR FREE!

Questions?

hakol@jflv.org or 610-821-5500

26 DECEMBER 2012 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

tion and Kiddush lunch. Sponsored by Jewish Family Educaton. This event is open to the community. For complete information, contact Shari at shari@bethelallentown.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 KI Chanukah Family Fun Night

5 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel. Start your Chanukah celebration with Keneseth Israel. Join us on the first night of Chanukah for games, food, friends and fun.

There’s something for all members of the family – sand art, bingo, a cake walk and much more! Join us and have fun, win prizes and celebrate. Tickets are available for $12 per booklet of 10; $10 per booklet, if purchased in advance. Sponsored by the KI Brotherhood. For more information, please visit www.kiallentown.com or call the temple office at 610-435-9074.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 NEARLY NEW: Winter Closet Sale

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Men’s, women’s, children’s clothes, accessories, shoes, jewelry.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 (Almost) Live 92nd Street Y in Partnership with ArtsQuest: On Jefferson

7:30 p.m., Banko Theater, Bethlehem Steel Stacks.

Jon Meacham discusses the founding father who steered the states to nationhood, wrote the Declaration of Independence and, as a master politician and president, doubled the size of America through the Louisiana Purchase -- a man never truly understood in all his complexity. Meacham is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose most recent work is “Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power.” Check online guide for details and register at www.allentownjcc.org or call 610.435.3571. This event is open to the public. Cost of the event is $9.50; however, JCC members with jPerks cards can purchase tickets for $7.50. This event is sponsored by ArtsQuest and the JCC.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 Pomegranate & Lion of Judah Chanukah Party

7 p.m., at the home of Ronnie Sheftel, 227 N Main Street, Allentown, PA 18104. Enjoy a warm evening of Chanukah festivities. RSVP by December 7, 2012 by calling the JFLV office at 610-821-5500 or email mailbox@jflv.org. This program is offered to all women who make a commitment of $1,800 or more to the 2013 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 jChopped: Latkes Edition

7:30 p.m., JCC of Allentown. $36 per person: appetizers, open bar, latkes and dessert. Seating limited. Register at the JCC Welcome Desk.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 Healthy U @ 55+ Series – Legal and Financial Health

10 a.m., Congregation Brith Sholom. We are very pleased to present Attorney Jay Scherline of Scherline and Associates and Mr. David Stork of Wells Fargo to speak on “Wills, Estates and Financial Planning for 55+.”

You will want to be sure to attend and bring your questions. A continental breakfast will be served. This event is open to the public. Free for CBS members; $3 for non-members. Reservations are preferred, however, walk-ins are welcome. For more information, please contact Tammy at 610-866-8009 or cbstammy@fast.net.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 (Almost) Live 92nd Street Y in Partnership with ArtsQuest: God is One: Moses, Jesus, Muhammad 8:15 p.m., Banko Theater, Bethlehem Steel Stacks.

Monotheism is a very new idea in the history of religions, yet it has become the foundation of the three great Western religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Author/scholar Dr. Reza Aslan, best-selling author Bruce Feiler and professors Omid Safi and Karen King explore the fascinating topic. This event is open to the public.

Cost is $9.50; however, JCC members that have a jPerks card can purchase tickets for $7.50. This event is sponsored by ArtsQuest and the JCC.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 Temple Beth El Chanukah Party

10 a.m., Temple Beth El. Please join us at our Annual Congregational Chanukkah Party and Mitzvah Fair. Fun for the whole Temple Beth El family! Booths celebrating Chanukkah and Jewish community world-wide. Presented by the students in our religious school. We will be sharing International Jewish recipes, world-Jewish music and Dreidel Stadium. Please join us. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the temple office at 610-435-3521.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 Temple Beth El Chinese Dinner

5:15 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Community menorah candle lighting, catered dinner and live music concert with Felicia Sloin. $5 per person, $18 per family. RSVP

by December 1. Sponsorship opportunities available.

Please contact Brenda Finberg at 610.435.3571. An entire community event not to be missed!

6 p.m., Temple Beth El. Come hang out, relax, play poker or board games, watch movies or just schmooze! This annual program features Chinese kosher vegan food from New Harmony restaurant in Philadelphia. RSVP is required by December 12. Cost is $18 per person, $36 per family. There will be movie concessions available for purchase. Please bring a gently used coat, blanket or other warm item to be distributed by the Chesed Committee. To RSVP please contact shari@bethelallentown. org or call the temple office at 610-435-3521.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 Hadassah Book Club

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 Annual Pancake Breakfast

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 12/12/12

1 p.m., home of Ann Goldberg, 2351 Esquire Drive, Easton. Come join in the fun of reading! We’re reading “In the Garden of the Beasts” by Erik Larson this month.

For more information, contact Ann at 610-829-1221.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 Temple Shirat Shalom Wandering Jews Shabbat

7 p.m., Swain School, 1100 South 24th St, Allentown, PA, 18103. The Temple Shirat Shalom ‘house band’, the Wandering Jews, will accompany the Cantor at Shabbat services. The Wandering Jews consists of guitars, piano, and vocals, and provides a beautiful and melodic backdrop for Shabbat worship. ‘Shirat Shalom’ means ‘song of peace’ and this is exemplified by our Wandering Jews Shabbat services. Contact Cantor Sussman, 610-820-7666, ContactUs@templeshiratshalom.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 Temple Beth El Youth Service

10 a.m., Temple Beth El. KinderShul (Pre-K – second grade) Shabbat and age-appropriate activities including prayer, songs, stories, drama, games and more for reader and non-readers alike. Junior Congregation (third - sixth grade) A positive and energetic Shabbat experience that encourages participation with a spirited camp-like service full of ruach. This event is open to the community. For more information, contact the temple office at 610-435-3521.

9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Fresh pancakes made by our chef’s with special toppings added by you. Juice, coffee, tea and fruit included. Soft equiptment to climb and tumble on. Craft and a movie to end the morning fun. $7.50 per person; $5 JCC member discount. $27 a family; $18 JCC member discount.

Children under 2 free. Register at the JCC or online at www.allentownjcc.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28 Temple Beth El Shira Chadasha

7:30 p.m., Temple Beth El. Temple Beth El invites you to share in our Shira Chadasha service. Come celebrate a musical Shabbat Service with contemporary American and Israeli music. Open to the community. For more information, please contact the temple office at 610435-3521.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3 Temple Beth El Healing Service

1 p.m., Temple Beth El. We will be creating a safe space to bring our pain, our questions and our yearning. This one-hour service will be held in the Hammel Family Chapel. The service will include music, silent meditation, traditional prayers and Torah study. The entire community is invited to participate. For more information, contact the temple office at 610-435-3521.

Community Calendar Ongoing Events

KASHRUTH 101 AND 102 8 to 9 p.m., Congregation Beth Avraham of Bethlehem-Easton For information, please contact Assistant Rabbi Yehoshua Mizrachi at 207-404-0474.

MONDAYS

IN-DEPTH GEMARRAH CLASS 7 p.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Instructor Rabbi Wilensky. You don’t need to know Hebrew or Aramaic, as we don’t read much directly from the text.

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace The purpose of the course is to provide a forum to acquire a more complete understanding of the history, practices and ideas of the Jewish people. Cost: $120. Checks made payable to: TCP. Fee includes text and materials. (There is no additional fee for spouses, fiancees, partners or other family members.) Contact the temple office at tcp@rcn.com.

7 DIMENSIONS OF THE FEMININE MYSTIQUE 7 p.m., Chabad In this course, uncover the soul, spirit and mystical dynamism of being a woman, discovering a pragmatic approach to implementing these feminine strengths in practice.

Guided by classical Jewish and kabbalistic texts, examine issues such as beauty, love, relationships, career, family, education and spirituality — tying together the various facets of womanhood in synchronized harmony. $36 for the series. Instructor: Mrs. Devorah Halperin.

THE RHYTHM OF JEWISH LIVING 8 to 9 p.m., Temple Beth El Taught by: Rabbi Moshe Re’em. This course will examine the ideas, beliefs and practices that define and shape Jewish life through daily, weekly, annual and life cycle observances. The course is designed as a yearlong course for those wishing to learn more about the religious observances of Judaism, theology of the holidays and ritual practices.

The course is organized around the Jewish calendar, but includes other daily Jewish rituals.

REQUIRED TEXTS: “Entering Jewish Prayer” by Reuven Hammer “The Jewish Holidays” by Michael Strassfeld “The Observant Life: The Wisdom of Conservative Judaism for Contemporary Jews” with Senior Editor Martin S. Cohen TUESDAYS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I CANNOT PRAY? 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Temple Beth El Taught by Rabbi Moshe Re’em. The notion that humans have difficulty praying is not new. The ancient rabbis already grappled with the problem. In this course, we will explore some of the difficulties that arose and were presented as barriers to prayer.

We will study chapter five of the Tractate of Berachot. We will use the new Koren Talmud Bavli translation of the Tractate of Berakhot.

Students are encouraged to purchase the text in advance of the course.

PRAYERBOOK HEBREW: MORE THAN JUST A LANGUAGE, EXPLORING THE MESSAGE! 7 to 7:50 p.m., Temple Beth El Dec. 4 Taught by: Cantor Kevin Wartell. For those who have beginner’s Hebrew under their belt, we will continue to develop our Hebrew prayer skills, and explore the meanings and the message of the Siddur.

AFTERLIFE AND JEWISH BELIEF...

A COMMUNAL BOOK EXPLORATION 8 to 9 p.m., Temple Beth El Dec. 4 Taught by: Cantor Kevin Wartell. Together, we will read and discuss the new book written by Rabbi Ellie Kaplan Spitz concerning Jewish beliefs about afterlife. With a blend of candor, personal questioning and sharp-eyed scholarship, Spitz relates his own observations and first-hand accounts shared with him by others. These experiences helped propel his journey from skeptic to believer that there is life after life. From near-death experiences to reincarnation and past-life memory to the work of mediums, Rabbi Spitz explores what we are able to know about the afterlife and draws on Jewish texts to share that belief in these concepts.

WEDNESDAYS FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE 1 to 4 p.m., JCC of Allentown For those who love to play mah jong, Scrabble or bridge. Call Betty at 610-395-6282 or Steecia at 610-965-7136 for information.

FROM JESUS TO CONSTANTINE 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom Rabbi Jonathan Gerard leads a weekly adult learning class centered around the timelline from Jesus to Constantine. Because it is possible to enter the text at any place, new participants are welcome at any time.

BETH AVRAHAM TORAH STUDY 7 p.m., Congregation Beth Avraham Torah: It is the common heritage that binds all Jews together. It belongs to you! We will explore the ancient healing wisdom of Torah together. All are welcome. Who knows? It might even be fun! RSVP to Rabbi Yehoshua Mizrachi at 207-404-0474 or congregationbethavraham@gmail.com.

TORAH ON TUESDAYS 12 to 1 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace Join Rabbi Melody to delve into the heart and soul of the Torah. This group is for busy people who want to go deep into the Jewish bible, but only have an hour during lunchtime. Bring your lunch and curiosity as we delve into the wisdom, history and joy of the Torah. All welcome!

PROJECT YACHAD’S TORAH STUDY GROUP 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., JCC of Allentown It doesn’t matter how much you know, it matters how much you want to know. Bring your curiosity to Project Yachad’s Torah study group and discover the wonders, adventures and meaning of the Torah. Each FREE session is taught by one of our dedicated clergy members or a respected Jewish educator. Held in the Teachers’ Learning Center/ Holocaust Resource Room (lower level, JCC).

Call 610-435-3571 for information about individual sessions.

JFS-LV’S YIDDISH CLUB 1:30 p.m., Jewish Family Service Kibbitz in the mama loshen! You don’t need to be fluent — just come and enjoy! Call 610-821-8722 for more information.

LATTE & LEARN 8 to 9 p.m., Starbucks, Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem Come help us figure out the weekly Torah portion! Laid back, lots of fun, no Hebrew required. This event is sponsored by Congregation Beth Avraham. This event is free and open to the public. For information, contact R’ Yehoshua Mizrachi at 207-404-0474.

THE BOOK OF EZRA WITH JUDY SLYPER 7 p.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Come to Sons of Israel for a discussion-oriented class on the Book of Ezra with accomplished teacher Mrs. Judy Slyper. This class is free, on-going and open to the public.

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM 7 – 8:30 p.m., beginning January 2, Congregation Brith Sholom The Lehigh Valley rabbis and cantors announce an Introduction to Judaism course to take place over 15 sessions. Each session will begin with a presentation by Rabbi Gerard, followed by class discussion and contributions by other rabbis and cantors of the Lehigh Valley. Cost of the course is $120. For any questions about the course or registration, please contact Rabbi Gerard at 610-248-1588 or jgerard@rcn.com.

TORAH STUDIES: A WEEKLY JOURNEY INTO THE SOUL OF TORAH 7:30 p.m., Chabad Torah Studies by JLI presents, “Season Four: A 12-part series.” Fee: $36 for the complete 12-week series (textbook included). For more information contact: 610-351-6511 or Rabbi@chabadlehighvalley.com.

HADASSAH STUDY GROUP Every other Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Temple Beth El Allentown Hadassah presents a stimulating series of short story seminars. All are welcome to attend these free sessions in the Temple Beth El library. The group will be reading selections from anthologies available from Amazon.com. For dates and stories, e-mail Lolly Siegel at spscomm@aol.com or call 610-439-1851.

FRIDAYS 8 - 9:30 AM WMUH 91.7 Featuring Cantor Wartell muhlenberg.edu/wmuh

THURSDAYS JEWISH CHANTING AND MEDITATION Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 10 a.m., Temple Covenant of Peace Chanting is a traditional Jewish art form which is now being recognized outside the Hasidic tradition. It may be used as a vehicle for healing, prayer and emotional expression.

Using music, breathing and simple, easily learned words and melodies, one can enter Jewish prayer on a whole new level. Bring your soul yearning for connection, your sense of adventure and any pillows, back-jacks or yoga mats that make you comfortable.

Congregations BNAI ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE

1545 Bushkill St., Easton – 610.258.5343 Rabbi Daniel Stein, Conservative MORNING MINYAN services are Thursday mornings at 7:25 a.m., SHABBAT EVENING services are Fridays at 8 p.m., SHABBAT MORNING services are Saturdays at 9:30 a.m., RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes are Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m..

MOMMY & ME 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., Chabad Led by Morah Devorah Halperin and Mrs. Alli Lipson, Mommy & Me is an innovative program for babies and toddlers to experience Jewish traditions in a stimulating, fun and creative atmosphere. Cost is $10 per class, $40 for full session. For information and to register, morahdevorah@chabadlehighvalley.com.

CHABAD OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY

TORAH ON TILGHMAN 12:15 p.m., Allentown Wegmans Cantor Sussman of Temple Shirat Shalom leads a lunch and learn on the Torah.

Shopping is optional! RSVP to contactus@ templeshiratshalom.com or 610-820-7666.

CONGREGATION AM HASKALAH

FRIDAYS CURRENT EVENTS DISCUSSION GROUP 10 a.m., JCC of Allentown Everyone is welcome. Exercise your mind.

SHABBAT INTRODUCTION TO TALMUD 8:15 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel On Shabbat mornings, come to an Introduction to Talmud class with Dr. Henry Grossbard.

This class is free and open to the public.

CHAVURAT TORAH STUDY Each Shabbat following kiddush lunch; length of each class will vary.

No sign-up needed for this class taught by Shari Spark. Enrich your Shabbat experience by studying the parashat hashavua, the weekly Torah portion, with other congregants, each Shabbat in the library at approximately 12:45 p.m. No previous know-ledge or long-term commitments are required to participate as we discuss Torah together. This is an ongoing class.

BNEI AKIVA 5:45 p.m., Congregation Sons of Israel On Shabbat afternoons, Bnei Akiva, an Israelcentered fun program for kids ages eight to 14. This program is free and open to the public. For information and to RSVP, call 610433-6089.

SUNDAYS JEWISH WAR VETERANS POST 239 LEHIGH VALLEY MONTHLY MEETING Second Sunday of the month, 10 a.m., JCC of Allentown A brunch follows each meeting – bagels, cream cheese, lox, herring, pastry and coffee. The veteran and significant other are invited as the guest of the Ladies Auxiliary.

Come and enjoy camaraderie, and we will even listen to your “war story.” Questions? Call Commander Maur Levan at 610-437-4561.

TEMPLE SHIRAT SHALOM HEBREW & ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES 10 to 11 a.m., JCC of Allentown Interested in learning Hebrew for the first time or brushing up your skills? Every Sunday, Marcia Berkow teaches adult Hebrew beginning at 10 a.m., followed at 11 a.m. by David Vaida, who will you take you through the great moments across all 5,773 years of Jewish history.

Free and open to all. RSVP at learnwithus@ templeshiratshalom.org or 610-820-7666.

ADULT HEBREW SCHOOL 10 to 11 a.m., Chabad An opportunity for you to learn about your heritage and expand your Jewish knowledge so that you can keep up with your child.

Class is led by Rabbi Yaacov Halperin. There is no fee.

TALMUD CLASS FOR BEGINNERS! 10 to 11 a.m., Congregation Beth Avraham of Bethlehem-Easton For information,contact Rabbi Yehoshua Mizrachi at 207-404-0474.

TEMPLE SHIRAT SHALOM ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES 10 a.m., JCC of Allentown Join Marcia Berkow as she teaches adult Hebrew.

Celebrate the beauty of Shabbat Shabbat & Yom Tov Candlelighting Times Friday, Dec. 7

4:17 pm

Friday, Dec. 28

4:25 pm

Friday, Dec. 14

4:18 pm

Friday, Jan. 4

4:30 pm

Friday, Dec. 21

4:20 pm

Friday, Jan. 11

4:37 pm

4457 Crackersport Rd., Allentown – 610.336.6603 Rabbi Yaacov Halperin, Chabad Lubavitch SHABBAT EVENING services are held once a month seasonally, SHABBAT MORNING services are held Saturdays at 10 a.m., RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes are held Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m.

Bethlehem – 610.435.3775 Weekly Shabbat services and a monthly family service with potluck dinner. Religious school meets Sunday mornings. Email am.haskalah.office@gmail.com to be added to list for exact times and locations.

CONGREGATION BETH AVRAHAM

439 South Nulton Ave., Palmer Township – 610.905.2166 | Rabbi Yitzchok Yagod, Orthodox SHABBAT EVENING starts half an hour after candle lighting. SHABBAT MORNING starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by a hot kiddish. We are in the process of moving so please contact Rabbi Yehoshua Mizrachi at 207-404-0474 for service location information.

CONGREGATION BRITH SHOLOM

1190 W. Macada Rd., Bethlehem – 610.866.8009 Rabbi Allen Juda, Conservative MINYAN is at 7:45 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. on Saturdays and holidays. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes every Tuesday/Thursday at 4:15 p.m.

CONGREGATION KENESETH ISRAEL

2227 Chew St., Allentown – 610.435.9074 Rabbi Seth D. Phillips | Cantor Jennifer Duretz Peled, Reform SERVICES begin at 7:30 p.m. three Fridays a month, with one Friday a month devoted to a FAMILY SERVICE. SERVICES also offered at 10:30 a.m. most Saturday mornings. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes are held Wednesdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

CONGREGATION SONS OF ISRAEL

2715 Tilghman St., Allentown – 610.433.6089 Rabbi David Wilensky, Orthodox SHACHARIT: Sundays at 8:30 a.m., Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:45 a.m. For MINCHA, MAARIV.

TEMPLE BETH EL

1305 Springhouse Rd., Allentown – 610.435.3521 Rabbi Moshe Re’em | Cantor Kevin Wartell Conservative Weekday morning minyan services at 7:45 a.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. Shabbat evening services at 7:30 p.m. with the last Friday evening of the month featuring our Shira Chadasha Service .

Shabbat morning services at 9 a.m. followed by Kiddush. Religious school classes every Tuesday/ Thursday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. Midrasha school classes Monday at 7 p.m. Shalshelet — Temple Beth El’s new innovative high school program — meets bi-monthly on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. Shalshelet (the chain) is open to ALL 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students in the Lehigh Valley. For more information contact Alicia Zahn, religlious school director, at school at bethelallentown.org.

TEMPLE COVENANT OF PEACE

1451 Northampton St., Easton – 610.253.2031 Tcp@rcn.com; tcopeace.org Rabbi Melody Davis | Cantor Jill Pakman Reform TCP holds Shabbat evening services every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. with occasional Saturday morning services throughout the year. A Family Shabbat Service is held on the second Friday night of each month. Our services reflect a diverse culture of traditional, innovative and musical experiences within a Reform Judaism context. Religious school meets on Sunday mornings from 9:15 to 12:15. Our Youth Choir meets afterwards from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. We have family potluck dinners, 6:30 p.m., on the fourth Friday of the month.

For more information about our Temple and our activities, contact the TCP office, send us an email, see our website or look us up on Facebook.

TEMPLE SHIRAT SHALOM

Cantor Ellen Sussman Friday night SHABBAT WORSHIP SERVICES held at 7 p.m. at The Swain School, 1100 South 24th St., Allentown. For more information, Contact Us at templeshiratshalom.org or 610-820-7666.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | DECEMBER 2012 27

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