HAKOL - November 2020

The Voice of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community

www.jewishlehighvalley.org

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Issue No. 437

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November 2020

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Cheshvan/Kislev 5781

AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION EST. 1977

Federation hosts historic candidates’ forum p3

Michael Solomonov to return for more holiday cooking p5

FROM THE DESK OF JERI ZIMMERMAN p2 WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY p4 LVJF TRIBUTES p8 JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE p11 JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER p14 JEWISH DAY SCHOOL p15 VIRTUAL COMMUNITY CALENDAR p22-23

Federation and Berman Center launch Jewish history series

By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor On Nov. 9, “Moments in Jewish History: A 7-Part Series,” will launch with its first event. A collaboration between

the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and the Berman Center for Jewish Studies at Lehigh University, the series will consist of monthly lectures given via Zoom by local academics doing work in the field of Jewish studies.

Each of the seven parts of the series will be given by a different scholar from Lehigh University or Muhlenberg College. Throughout the year, each talk will cross the historical spectrum from the biblical period to the Second Temple era through the ages to modernity and the present moment.

Not many Jewish communities of the Lehigh Valley’s size have the academic resources available that the Valley boasts with its many colleges and universities.

This is a unique opportunity to hear from those engaged in Jewish studies.

“For a community of our size, there is actually a real wealth of Jewish studies going on,” said Dr. Hartley Lachter, director of the Berman Center, who will be the speaker for the Dec. 8 installment of the series.

Each talk will be interactive and about 45-minutes long, with both a lecture portion and a follow-up Q&A

session.

The kick-off of the series will be on Nov. 9 with Dr. Dustin Nash of Muhlenberg College presenting “Between Babylon and Jerusalem: Israel and Mesopotamia in their Ancient Near Eastern World."

“This will be a perspective on the Bible not like the one you get in synagogue,” promised Lachter. “You’ll get a sense of the academic looking at the Bible as an important work in Western culture. We learn about the ancient world from the Bible itself.”

He hopes the series will foster appreciation for the kind of work being done by local Jewish studies researchers that can be an asset and resource for the community served by Federation.

The series will be presented via Zoom and is $54 per household. Register at jewishlehighvalley.org.

IJCU rebranded as Institute for Religious and Cultural Understanding

By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor The Institute for JewishChristian Understanding at Muhlenberg College has been rebranded as the Institute for Religious and Cultural Understanding. The announcement came last month from Dr. William “Chip” Gruen, professor of religion studies, who was the interim director of the IJCU and is now director of the Institute.

"A more inclusive name signals to both the local communi-

ty and the college community that our mission encompasses understanding the rich diversity of religious and cultural identities that we encounter every day,” said Gruen.

The Institute's reframed mission statement has been updated to meet the challenges that confront the local community and beyond, emphasizing the importance of religious literacy as well as the need for all of us to be able to discuss and analyze religious and cultural difference with empathy and sophistication.

Non-Profit Organization 702 North 22nd Street Allentown, PA 18104

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The longstanding connection between the Institute and the Lehigh Valley Jewish community will continue despite the name change.

"Every change that we are making can be viewed as an augmentation,” said Gruen.

“We are building on the strong foundation built by the IJCU by expanding the programming, the constituency and the reach of the Institute."

The programming that has been of primary importance to the local Jewish community will continue uninterrupted.

The Youth and Prejudice Conference, the Wallenberg Tribute and First Friday programs will remain staples of the Institute.

In fact, the Institute just held the 2020 Wallenberg Tribute in October, honoring Krista Tippett, a Peabody Award-winning broadcaster, a New York Times bestselling author and a National Humanities Medalist who was the 2019 Mimi and Peter E. Haas Distinguished Visitor at Stanford University.

"Understanding Judaism and Christianity remains incredibly important to the mission of the Institute. It would be impossible to consider the religious diversity of both the Lehigh Valley and the larger world without a keen understanding of these two religious traditions. However, to think that we only need to know

about Judaism and Christianity to be engaged and informed citizens of the world would be myopic to the richness of religious diversity all around us,” explained Gruen.

In addition to the ongoing programs, new offerings are in the works from the Institute, including more audio–visual material made available through new channels such as a podcast, the potential development of continuing education programs in partnership with the School of Graduate and Continuing Education at Muhlenberg, and enhanced inperson experiences for the local community when the public health situation improves.

Giving thanks In an article, entitled “The Power of Gratitude,” Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks tells us that “thankfulness reduces toxic emotions such as resentment, frustration and regret and makes depression less likely. It helps people avoid overreacting to negative experiences by seeking revenge. It even tends to make people sleep better. It enhances self-respect, making it less likely that you will envy others for their achievements or success.

Grateful people tend to have better relationships. Saying ‘thank you’ enhances friendships and elicits better performance from employees. It is also a major factor in strengthening resilience.”

It is sometimes difficult for us to feel appreciation or gratitude when faced with challenging times and circumstances. These last several months have been

unusual and filled with uncertainty, and yet I have heard many people say that there has been some good coming as a result of the pandemic, such as more quality time with family, stronger connections and compassionate interactions with friends and neighbors.

These many months have been a time for introspection.

Who can believe November is around the corner and the holiday of Thanksgiving, which focuses on gratitude, will be here already?

As a result of COVID and social-distancing, we are learning new ways of expressing appreciation: a shout-out on a Zoom meeting, a thumbs up or heart emoji, regular “check-in” calls—all have a tremendous impact on well-being. Not only

do we impact others by expressing gratitude directly, we also enhance our own well-being, and that allows us to focus in the moment on what brings us joy, happiness or satisfaction.

We are so fortunate to have come through the High Holiday season with creative options for services and a new appreciation for Facebook Live Shabbat and havdala services. Together, through technology, we have also provided comfort during times of sadness. We are communally grateful for the flexibility and adaptability of our synagogues and agencies in meeting the needs of our community and its members. We are all supporting our children in having some sense of normalcy at the JDS and at the JCC. We have experienced learning from anywhere and

Federation campaign director named Israel Policy Forum fellow

Israel Policy Forum has announced its 2020 cohort of Charles Bronfman IPF Atid Conveners, and Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Director of Campaign and Security Planning Aaron Gorodzinsky has been chosen as one of them.

This group of young professional leaders will receive training on pragmatic policy and modeling informed discourse in order to make them sharper analysts and more confident champions of a sustainable two-state solution.

Gorodzinsky and the rest of this year’s Charles Bronfman

Conveners were selected via a rigorous application process and represent a diverse group of academics, entrepreneurs, lawyers, writers, Jewish communal leaders and policy professionals.

Many have strong connections with major North American Jewish community institutions, including ADL, the American Jewish Committee, Hillel, IsraAID, Jewish Community Relations Councils and Jewish Federations of North America.

“This is a very well-deserved and earned honor that brings pride to Aaron, to the Jewish Federation and to our community,” said Federation Executive Director Jeri Zimmerman.

Gorodzinsky manages the Lehigh Valley Federation’s Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, the Community Relations Council and Partnership2Gether. A native of Mexico City, he came to the Lehigh Valley after receiving his master’s degree from the School of Jewish Nonprofit Management at Hebrew Union College – JIR, where he interned for the ADL and the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.

As with previous cohorts, this year’s Conveners will meet with current and former senior government officials and top policy analysts from the U.S. and the region, as well as American Jewish community leaders. They will also participate in professional and leadership development workshops.

Upon completion of the program’s signature summit, Conveners will each develop their own projects. These initiatives bring the lessons Conveners learned home, building support for a viable two-state solution and a more nuanced dialogue on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in their respective communities.

Now in its third year, the IPF Atid Charles Bronfman Conveners program empowers emerging Jewish community and policy leaders by equipping them with the resources to advance Israel Policy Forum’s vision of a Jewish, democratic and secure Israel. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s summit will take place virtually, with ongoing opportunities for Conveners to engage with one another remotely.

The Lehigh Valley-Yoav Partnership Park in Blessed Memory of Mark L. Goldstein We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship by requesting that trees be planted in the Mark L. Goldstein Friendship Park, a Yoav-Lehigh Valley Partnership Forest.

IN HONOR JAN AND ROBERT KAPLAN In honor of the birth of your granddaughter, Sarah Shirley Aaron Gorodzinsky RABBI MOSHE RE’EM Thank you!

Shari Spark MICHELLE ROHRBACH Thank you!

Shari Spark IN MEMORY GERALD BERMAN (Brother of Irv Berman)

Naomi and Len Etskovitz ALAN BLACK (Husband of Donna Black) Judy Alperin Eileen and Roberto Fischmann Vicki Wax JAY ELLIS BROWN (Father of Tara Brown) Vicki Wax ELFRIEDA DEAN AND SHIRLEY WUNSCH (Mothers of Jhami and Bruce Wunsch) Linda and Neil Dicker

FRANK GANNON (Husband of Irene Gannon) Beth and Scott Delin MARTHA SEGEL (Wife of Ron, mother of Brian Segel and Julie Segel Mendelson) Marilyn Claire Eileen and Roberto Fischmann Diane McKee L. Wendy Post Rebecca and Ross Silver

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

2 NOVEMBER 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

outdoor gym activities, swimming and exercise classes. At JFS, we continue to care for our older adults and to provide food pantry services, Mazel Meals and tele-counseling services. And there are any number (many, many) opportunities to meet, connect and learn in Zoom meetings offered by Jewish Federation and other organizations locally and across the globe. We even toured Jewish Majorca virtually!

During moments of crisis such as the current pandemic, an attitude of gratitude helps us to be positive—to energize, to heal and to bring hope. Again, it was Rabbi Sacks who said, “Optimism and hope are not the same.

Optimism is the belief that the world is changing for the better; hope is the belief that, together, we can make the world better.

Optimism is a passive virtue, hope an active one. It needs no courage to be an optimist, but it takes a great deal of courage to hope.” As Thanksgiving approaches, I share the shehecheyanu blessing, typically recited at the beginning of holidays and to celebrate special occasions.

Blessed are You, Adonai our G-d, King of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion.

My wish for each of us and for all of us is that we have the courage to hope and that we are able to welcome this season of Thanksgiving in good health and in good spirits.

HAKOL STAFF STEPHANIE GOODLING Editor

HAKOL is published 11 times per year for the Jewish communities of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and vicinity by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.

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

We cannot guarantee publication or placement of submissions.

MAIL, FAX, OR E-MAIL TO: JFLV ATTN: HAKOL 702 N. 22nd St. Allentown, PA 18104 Phone: (610) 821-5500 Fax: (610) 821-8946 E-mail: hakol@jflv.org

ALLISON MEYERS Graphic Designer DIANE MCKEE Account Representative TEL: 610-515-1391 hakolads@jflv.org BAYLEY CARL Marketing & Engagement Associate

JFLV EXECUTIVE STAFF JERI ZIMMERMAN Executive Director STEPHANIE SMARTSCHAN Director of Community Development & Operations TEMPLE COLDREN Director of Finance & Administration AARON GORODZINSKY Director of Campaign & Security Planning JIM MUETH Director of Planned Giving & Endowments WENDY EDWARDS Office Manager GARY FROMER JFLV President

Member American Jewish Press Association

All advertising is subject to review and approval by The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley (JFLV). JFLV reserves the right to decline, withdraw and/or edit any ad. The appearance of any advertising in HAKOL does not represent an endorsement or kashrut certification. Paid political advertisements that appear in HAKOL do not represent an endorsement of any candidate by the JFLV.

JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY MISSION STATEMENT

In order to unite, sustain, and enhance the Lehigh Valley Jewish community, and support Jewish communities in Israel and around the world, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is dedicated to the following core values: • Supporting Jews in need wherever they may be.

• Supporting Israel as a Jewish homeland.

• Supporting and encouraging Jewish education in the Lehigh Valley as a means of strengthening Jewish life for individuals and families.

• Supporting programs and services of organizations whose values and mission meet local Jewish needs.

To accomplish this mission the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is committed to the following operating guidelines: • Raising and distributing funds to support the core values.

• Developing Jewish leaders.

• Building endowments to support implementation of core values.

• Committing to ongoing Jewish community strategic planning.

• Fostering cooperation among organizations and community building.

• Evaluating all decisions with respect to fiscal responsibility.

• Identifying unmet needs and investing in community initiatives to help get them started.

• Coordinating and convening a community response as an issue or need arises.

• Setting priorities for allocation and distribution of funds.

• Acting as a central address for communication about events, programs and services of the Jewish community as a whole.

Approved by the JFLV Board of Directors on November 15, 2000

Federation hosts historic candidates’ forum

By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley hosted a historic forum on the evening of Oct. 13. For the first time ever, the race to represent much of the Lehigh Valley in the U.S. House is between two Jewish women.

Current Rep. Susan Wild, a Democrat, faced off against Republican Lisa Scheller in a socially-distanced event shown live on YouTube. The two political hopefuls were moderated by David Bernstein, president and CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, who introduced them to their virtual audience.

Both women are active supporters of Federation and other local Jewish agencies, and both spoke of their involvement in the Lehigh Valley Jewish community.

They also both emphasized that they are strong supporters of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Wild pointed out that it was partly because of Israel that she was eager to take a position on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“I have and will always

use that seat to be a tireless advocate for Israel as well our other allies,” said Wild, who supports a two-state solution and believes that the U.S. must play a role in any negotiations.

When asked to condemn white supremacy, both candidates did so unequivocally.

Addressing rising antiSemitism, Scheller said, “Hate is hate is hate. I don't care where hate comes from, I condemn it ... I know antiSemitism l’dor v’dor,” sharing experiences of her family personally dealing with anti-Semitism.

Questioned on what government policies can give some economic security during the COVID-19 pandemic, different approaches were highlighted. Scheller emphasized along with low taxes, infrastructure and reasonable regulations.

Wild articulated the need for vigorous and ample COVID-19 testing, funding for vaccinations and making sure people have access to healthcare, including making sure that pre-existing conditions are not penalized. Both, however, agreed that education would lead

to greater opportunities for all.

“No question education is at the heart of income inequality,” said Wild, “Which is why I joined the House Education & Labor Committee, where I have worked relentlessly to make sure that public education is better. Zip code should not determine quality of education.”

The topic of policing led to more disparity of views, with Wild contending that the police are called upon for too many instances outside of their expertise and advocated for more mental health support for police departments, such as funding mobile mental health units.

Scheller doubled down on the need for safety and security, including at houses of worship.

When asked about the replacement of recently deceased Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Scheller admired her “breaking through the glass ceiling,” but said that the President and the Senate have an obligation to fill her seat. Wild, meanwhile, said it was “hypocritical” of the GOP to do so now.

Lisa Scheller, Republican

Rep. Susan Wild, Democrat

Both candidates were asked if they would be willing to share who they are voting for in the presidential election. Unsurprisingly, Wild said Joe Biden, and Scheller said President Donald J. Trump.

After debating these and other topics from the Black Lives Matter movement to the Iran nuclear deal, it was time for closing remarks.

“This is not about me or my opponent. I represent each and every one of you, regardless of color of skin

or religion. We need effective leadership. I’m proud of what my office has done, but we have so much more to do,” said Wild.

Scheller closed by reiterating her commitment to the Jewish community.

“When you're deciding who you want to be your voice, remember I have had a lifelong commitment to the Jewish community here.

My Lion of Judah is just the beginning. And I will not tolerate anti-Semitism anywhere,” she said.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2020 3

WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY

Israeli fashion on display at Lion/Pom Kick-Off Lion of Judah and Pomegranate women will have the opportunity to experience Israeli culture like never before on Nov. 15.

From the comfort of their own homes, they will be treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the trendiest stories in fashion straight from Israel.

Liraz Cohen Mordechai, founder of Fashionating by Liri,

will lead the women on their virtual tour.

The company was established in 2016 with a mission to bring Israeli fashion to everyone and empower Israeli fashion designers, brands and companies while telling Israel’s story through a new and unique perspective.

The program is open to all women who make a pledge of

$1,800 or more to the Jewish Federation’s 2021 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs. To learn more or make a pledge, contact Stephanie Smartschan at stephanie@jflv.org.

With virtual book club, possibilities are limitless JOIN NATIONAL WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY FOR

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Curl up with a good book … and then join a discussion with the author!

All female philanthropists are invited to participate in a new virtual book club hosted by National Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federations of North America.

The first program in the series on Oct. 21 featured author Hallie Ephron and the book “Careful What You Wish For.” On Nov. 18 at 8 p.m., the Virtually Limitless: Our Shared Shelf book club will welcome author Michelle Cameron for a discussion of her book, “Beyond the Ghetto Gates.”

In the novel, when French troops occupy the Italian port city of Ancona, freeing the city’s Jews from their repressive ghetto, it unleashes a whirlwind of progressivism and brutal backlash as two very different cultures collide.

Mirelle, a young Jewish maiden, must choose between her duty — an arranged marriage to

a wealthy Jewish merchant — and her love for a dashing French Catholic soldier. Meanwhile, Francesca, a devout Catholic, must decide if she will honor her marriage vows to an abusive and murderous husband when he enmeshes their family in the theft of a miracle portrait of the Madonna.

Set during the turbulent days of Napoleon Bonaparte’s Italian campaign (1796–97), “Beyond the Ghetto Gates” is both a cautionary tale for our present moment, with its rising tide of anti-Semitism, and a story of hope — a reminder of a time in history when men and women of conflicting faiths were able to reconcile their prejudices in the face of a rapidly changing world.

Seven more programs will follow until the series wraps up in June.

To learn more and become a part of this book club, visit jfeds.org/NWPsharedshelf.

Handmade Afghans

BY EVA LEVITT

If you’re expecting, know someone who is, or have a new baby, PLEASE LET US KNOW! Contact Abby Trachtman, 610-821-5500 | abbyt@jflv.org

4 NOVEMBER 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

All proceeds benefit projects in Israel:

Food Banks in Israel Neve Michael Youth Village

For prices or to place an order, call Eva 610-398-1376.

All payments are made payable to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

Forum gives insight into election polls

By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor On Oct. 20, the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley partnered with Congregation Brith Sholom and Congregation Keneseth Israel for their biannual election forum. A longstanding tradition spanning the past five presidential election cycles, this year’s talk was held via Zoom, with over 70 participants tuned in to hear the latest analysis of the 2020 election.

Barry Cohen, chair of the KI Adult Education Committee, welcomed the audience and gave an overview of the evening’s agenda.

Then, Dr. Gordon Goldberg, professor emeritus of history at Kutztown University where he has taught for over 30 years, gave an introduction of the context of the evening.

“One of the things that struck me as an historian is that this is not the first pandemic election that our country has had,” said Goldberg.

“I was fascinated to see there was a massive turnout in 1918 [during the Spanish flu epidemic] and again in 1920, so my expectation would be despite the risk involved, especially among older people, there will be mail in-ballots and many will take the risk and turn out.”

He also introduced poll questions put before the audience via Zoom to be shown with results at the end of the event. Guests were asked questions about who they planned to vote for and which issues were most important to them in this election.

Rabbi Seth Phillips of KI then addressed the audience, reminding them that “Jews have ever prayed for the wellbeing of their country,”

before leading them in a prayer that included part of the Gettysburg Address.

Rabbi Michael Singer of Brith Sholom followed this by reciting the prayer for the State of Israel, inviting the Zoom audience to join him.

The main speaker was Dr. Chris Borick, professor of political science and director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion. He told the virtual crowd that they are in the center of this election.

He has been overwhelmed with an array of journalists, including foreign correspondents, interested in the Lehigh Valley as the crux of Pennsylvania, which he said by most accounts is considered the tipping point state in the race for the White House.

“This is indeed a historic election,” said Borick. “There are so many forces at play and things happening in this race … that will be memorable.”

After going over the perceived flaws of polling in the 2016 election, the greatest of which was not weighting for educational attainment, Borick went on to explain why those polls really weren’t as far off as many thought.

He also shared that while incumbency is a considerable factor for congressional races, there are many decisive factors for presidential ones.

“Candidates matter. We think of campaigns through the lens of candidates, and those things should not be understated, but we should not discount other factors: incumbency, approval of incumbent and economic conditions,” said Borick.

Providing some stats on what it would take each candidate to win the electoral college and each party to win control of the House

and Senate, Borick then concluded his presentation with the odds as they stood two weeks before the election. He predicted that there was a 95% chance Democrats would maintain control in the House (19-1), and there was a 65% chance Democrats could also take the majority in the Senate (2-1). His current analysis also suggested that there was a 95% chance that former Vice President Joe Biden would win the popular vote (19-1), but that his chances of winning the electoral college were at 70% (7-10).

“Social scientists deal in probabilities and odds, and humans are complicated! It is important that if you see odds such as 3-1, one should not discount the 1,” said Borick.

The evening closed with Borick fielding questions from the audience and the big reveal of Goldberg’s poll results. Overwhelmingly the audience was in favor of Biden, with 90% indicating their support for him as president. The vast majority of the audience at 81% said that COVID-19 was an important factor in their vote this year, with 54% concerned about healthcare and 46% citing the Supreme Court as a deciding issue.

Michael Solomonov is back for more

By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Community Development and Operations After a deliciously engaging Rosh Hashanah cooking session, Chef Michael Solomonov will return to the small screen for Chanukah and Passover.

Solomonov, the James Beard award-winning executive chef and co-owner of Zahav in Philadelphia, will be demonstrating five unique recipes at his program on Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.

In celebration of the holiday, Solomonov will be making apple shrub, Abe Fisher’s potato latkes, roman artichokes with arugula and olive oil, poached

salmon and sfenj (Moroccan doughnuts) with cinnamon and sugar.

The program is provided to our community free of charge by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. It will be presented in partnership with Federations across North America.

Solomonov’s Passover program will be presented on March 16 and recipes will be announced as the date approaches.

The programs will be streamed live via Vimeo.

To register to receive the link, password and recipes, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/ cooking.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2020 5

A simple memory from Israel

By Gavriel Siman-Tov Community Shaliach As time passes since I arrived, the longing is starting to kick in, and the memories float.

Let me tell you about a good memory from a few weeks before the move to the Lehigh Valley.

One of my best friends, Marshall, received an apartment for a month as a birthday gift from his mother. The apartment was located in Jaffa, a stunning place with an amazing rooftop and a view of all of Jaffa and, of course, the sea.

Another good friend of ours, Arad, and I went to Marshall’s apartment, where we sat together, laughed and shared memories. (We have been friends for many years.) After a whole evening, we stayed to sleep there. I think we got maybe two hours of sleep before we woke up and decided to go to get Abu Hassan’s hummus, one of the best hummus restaurants in Israel in my opinion.

Arad and I went downstairs, stood in the long line that had been there since the early morning, and bought the hummus.

At the same time, Marshall made Turkish coffee back in the apartment. We went back upstairs and decided that we would eat on the

y o J (we’re good at it)

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6 NOVEMBER 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

rooftop with the view of the sea and Jaffa.

The three of us sat together, and despite the heavy heat of Israel in the summer, we ate and drank coffee and enjoyed the amazing view of Jaffa and the company of each other. These 24 hours have become one of my favorite memories—a simple memory that has nothing crazy to it, not a special event that happened, just some good friends together, good food, a good view and quiet.

And so lately, as I think about it more and more, I realize that the greatest pleasures in life are not the flight or the crazy trip we planned for the summer; the greatest pleasures are the little moments, the moments with friends and family that surround you, the moments you do not expect, the simple moments like sunset at the

end of the day or drinking coffee at sunrise, magical moments of quiet, peace and pure happiness.

There is a song in Hebrew I listen to a lot lately.

The song is called "Simple - P’shutim.” In the song, he’s asking God to keep us simple, keep us from chasing after our own shadow so we can enjoy the simple moments … and we will all know how to enjoy the little things of the day in this crazy and difficult time to live in, the moments that will make us smile and stay with us forever in memory.

On that note, I want you to remember only one thing from what I said, and it’s to embrace those little and simple moments because they count the most.

You can listen to the song at https://youtu.be/e8LX8SxYWdI.

The Great JFS FoodFestFaire promises food and fun On Nov. 8, Jewish Family Service is hosting a virtual all-day food festival. The Great JFS FoodFestFaire will raise funds to support the JFS Community Food Pantry and Mazel Meals, their monthly kosher meal outreach to older adults.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., videos featuring cooking demonstrations from friends of JFS and the work of JFS and its volunteers will be shown every half hour on the JFS Facebook page and website. This portion of the day is free of charge, and the community is invited to like, comment and share these videos.

The day will kick off with Naomi Schachter making breakfast smoothies at 11 a.m. Then at 11:30 a.m., you can get a peek inside JFS with “Welcome to Our Community Food Pantry.” At 12 p.m., Jannie Kay shares her recipe for a cheese souffle, followed by Devorah Halperin at 12:30 p.m. making a cranberry apple kugel. Learn about part of JFS’s older adult outreach at 1 p.m. with “Making a Difference: Mazel Meals.” Then join Eileen Fischmann at her outdoor pizza oven at 1:30 p.m. “Kids Cook” with Rebecca Wilson at 2 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. will take a look at “Our Amazing Volunteers.” Wrapping up

the free portion of the day will be Sandi Teplitz at 3 p.m. baking brownies.

Tickets are required for The Food Pantry Throwdown, the festival's main event at 4 p.m. via Zoom. In a "Chopped"style challenge, three rounds of cooks will attempt to prepare the best dish from ingredients taken from the kosher section of the Community Food Pantry. Home cooks Terrence Baker, Jane Levine and Judith Rodwin will create appetizers, professional chefs Mary Grube, Leslie Goldsmith and Eric Rappaport tackle the entree portion, and local kids Jackson Bub, Thalia Levine and Shelby Tenzer will whip up desserts.

Naomi Schachter will host the live Zoom event where the contestants and judges will chat with her live about the competition before the winners are revealed.

Tickets available at www.jfslv.org/foodfestfaire. Thank you gift options of cookbooks or aprons are also available with an additional donation.

PARTNERSHIP2GETHER UPDATE FROM YOAV

Changed plans and a second lockdown in Yoav

By Nurit Galon Partnership2Gether Just before Pesach, all of a sudden (or so it seemed) a new and strange word turned up in our vocabularies with a rather nice sounding name, Corona.

Sort of like an exotic drink, but already a nuisance, causing many of us to change or postpone plans. My daughters and I were all set to visit my son in Australia, and Corona was definitely not part of the deal. Still, we comforted ourselves, we'd go in another month or so.

Well, here we are, seven months later, and no flights to Australia, and although we hear that actually it is possible to arrange a trip, it seems more and more like Alice in Wonderland! Meanwhile, our lives here and in the Lehigh Valley continue on a low burner, though actually when we read of the Zoom activities and everything else going on, we are really proud to be partners with such a vibrant community. But here is the real part of the story which (with apologies to Theodore Herzl who was thinking on more lofty lines when he assured us that if we really want something – well, go get it!).

Nevertheless, even the impossible can become possible.

In April, the chairperson of the Yoav Steering Committee for Partnership2Gether, Hana Bachar, and her husband, Ofer, and their family were booked to travel to Boston, Massachusetts, to visit their daughter Shai, who is an emissary of the Jewish Agency to the Jewish community there. Of course, the

tickets were cancelled because of the coronavirus, and all plans put on hold. Just before Rosh Hashanah, Shai made a plea to her family, explaining just how much she missed them and especially so at the time of the Chagim. What to do? First, would it be possible to get tickets? Officially it seemed impossible, and yet, Hana marvels at how simple it really was. It seems the Internet has many offers and at reasonable prices. The catch, of course, is the cost of health insurance, which in Israel is exorbitant. But here Shai came to the rescue and obtained health insurance – including Corona coverage – at a very reasonable price. So all was set, though with quite a few uncertainties. Hana and Ofer's eldest daughter was due to give birth round about this time. What if…? What if the lockdown became more serious...? But life really is a gamble sometimes, and when the prize is two weeks with your daughter – go for it!

And there was a big bonus.

Miriam, chairperson of the Lehigh Valley Steering Committee in Partnerhip2Gether, at the same time visited her two sons, both university students in Boston, and the visit turned out to be not only pleasurable from all points of view, but also an opportunity to discuss the ever-growing bonds between our two communities.

We asked Hana if there was a difference between how Americans obey the Corona lockdown and laws as compared to Israel? Israel, which started off as an example to the world, now is sadly right at the top of countries not to

copy. Hana explained that it is hard to generalize, as the governor of each state in the U.S. is responsible for how Corona is handled in that particular state. Boston is in Massachusetts, with a high academic population, and the rules of Corona are kept strictly and willingly. Ninety-eight percent of people wear masks, cultural events are closed, and restaurants are open but with "social distances" kept carefully. Hana says in general she felt safer there, but admits other states in the U.S. are very scary, and of course, the elections just around the corner add their share of uncertainty. Hana still feels an enormous sense of a miracle that their trip actually took place in such uncertain times and conditions even though it had seemed "Mission Impossible!”

Meanwhile, in Yoav, Yom Kippur was very low key, though in the cities there was an underlying tension over whether lockdown social distance would be kept. How do we react to the latest lockdown? In Yoav, and a large percent of the country, with great respect. We may not agree with all the laws (and believe me, not a day goes by without this being subject for discussion and argument!) but they are the laws at the moment and therefore must

be respected, though there is still some confusion and disregard in other places.

In Israel, as in many other countries, there is real concern over the long-lasting effects of quarantine, especially with the older adults. Here in Yoav, there is a really big effort to utilize the comparatively new technology of Zoom, etc., but honestly? I personally believe that a big effort must be made to teach the older adults how to use this.

Because many of us are really lost – we can't even get into Zoom so how can we watch programs?! But, having conquered Zoom – ah, then the world is our oyster! Sports, dancing, lectures, concerts, travelogues (so we won't go to Japan – we'll watch it on Zoom or the travel TV).

Soon, you will be voting for your next President. We wish you sound judgement and a wise decision.

Stay safe and well!

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2020 7

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Call 610-821-5500 or visit www. jewishlehighvalley.org to place your card requests. Thank you for your continued support.

THE IMPACT ONE MAKES:

The Levitts

Editor's note: We continue our series on individuals who have laid the foundations for the future of the Lehigh Valley Jewish community through their generosity this month by featuring Dr. Larry and Eva Levitt.

By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor Eva Levitt had never heard of the Lehigh Valley when she and her husband, Dr. Larry Levitt, first met the man who would lead them to create a life here. Having befriended Leonard Pool, the founder of Air Products and Chemicals, after Larry cared for his wife as a resident at Memorial Hospital-Sloan Kettering Institute in New York City, the Levitts did not immediately find themselves in Pennsylvania. First, they lived in Tampa, Florida, where Larry served in the U.S. Public Health Service, and then Boston, Massachusetts, where he trained in neurology. Eventually Larry was convinced by Pool to become the first full-time neurologist in Allentown. He spent his career building up the neurology division at Lehigh Valley Hospital, and there are now 25 neurologists in the medical group that he founded. He co-authored a neurology book, used by students and residents around the world.

Part of why they agreed to come to Allentown was because of the thriving Jewish community which awaited them here. Coming from a big city, Eva was a bit skeptical, at first, that she could be happy in a smaller community. But they had been told that it was a great place to raise a family, and “it turned out to be true,” she said.

Their children attended the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley, which the Levitts described as “an inviting kind of place,” and getting to know other families there led them to more involvement in the community.

However, it was already their disposition to get in-

volved, based on their upbringing.

“I have to credit my father for the fact that we got as involved as we did,” said Eva of her father, who survived Auschwitz and went on to lead his family to the United States. “I grew up with what I learned from him. You always have to give back, and you'll get more in return than you actually give.”

This philosophy led Eva to eventually serve on the JDS board of directors and spend a term leading the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley as president. Larry has also served on the board of Federation and various committees.

In addition to their family influences, he credits mentors such as Pool and his successor at Air Products, Edward Donley, as well as Bob Cathcart of Pennsylvania Hospital, for being examples to him of concentrating on giving back.

When the Levitts moved here decades ago, they were very impressed with the active JDS and Jewish Community Center and synagogues in every denomination. They have continued to be impressed ever since and are “so happy that we moved here.” Their hopes for the future are for that vibrancy to be sustained and only grow.

“My hope is for the JDS to grow… because I believe that in order to have future Jewish leaders, you need a good Jewish self-image, and I think that students who go to the JDS get that,” said Eva. “Again, there are synagogues here which represent every denomination. We hope that they grow, too. These are challenging times for places of worship… and what Barry Halper is doing is very important,” said Larry, referring to an initiative led by Halper to attract more young Jewish families to the area.

As members of Congregation Sons of Israel, Rabbi Nisan Andrews recognizes the Levitts as “consummate givers. Our synagogue and com-

munity is infinitely richer due to their generosity in both time and effort. Yasher Koach!”

The Levitts have also been honored twice at JDS galas for their commitment to the community.

“Eva and Larry Levitt have served as role models and leaders for decades. They embody a life-long commitment to communal welfare, that we hope to instill in our JDS students, and that we know is crucial to building and sustaining a strong Jewish future. During their more than 40 years in the Lehigh Valley, they have worked to make our community more caring, resilient and forward thinking,” said JDS Head of School Amy Golding.

The Levitts, working with two other families, established Tikvah House, a Jewish residence for adults with special needs, at which their son is one of three current members.

Jewish Family Service is now partnering with Tikvah House for its Jewish programming.

“JFS is a remarkable institution, with excellent leadership, that does so much good for so many people,” said Larry.

The Levitts believe that the Lehigh Valley Jewish community has benefitted from the work of those who came before them, and is in good hands with the new leaders of today. As for themselves, they believe their legacy is in the continued Jewish life of their family.

“What we really feel proudest of is that our kids have adopted this. Our grandchildren have attended a Jewish Day School, whether here in Allentown. or in Ohio, where our son Marc and family lived before moving to D.C.” Federation Executive Director Jeri Zimmerman summed up the impact of the couple this way: “Eva and Larry have been a dynamic duo who demonstrate love of community in so many ways. Their actions speak louder than words!”

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2020 9

Practicing the Jewish value of safeguarding life

STUDENT RABBI ARMIN LANGER Congregation Am Haskalah Prayer, study and many other central practices of Jewish

life require community.

Yet the novel coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed Jewish communal life. This new year, our congregation in the Lehigh Valley—just like many other Jewish communities across the world—celebrated the High Holidays virtually.

This unusual experience has been challenging for many reasons. And yet, despite the challenges, our communities managed to come together.

We can be proud of that.

When many of our communities made the decision to cancel in-person services, we implemented a key Jewish value: the value of pikuach nefesh, safeguarding life. This principle is already to

be found in the Mishna. This first major work of rabbinic literature enumerates diverse cases in which concerns of life and health override religious laws. The Sages stated that if “one is seized by a ravenous hunger, they feed him even unclean things until his eyes light up” and “if one has pain in his throat, they may drop medicine into his mouth on Shabbat, because it is a possibility of danger to human life and every potential danger to human life overrides Shabbat.” (Yoma 8:6) From the Mishna, we can derive the general principle that we have to suspend normal activities for the sake of safeguarding lives – even if the risk is not certain.

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Following the teachings of the Mishna, the Gemara stated this principle explicitly: “One acts to save a life on Shabbat, and one who is quick to do so is praiseworthy, and one need not get permission from a court.” (Yoma 84b) The Gemara prescribed that life-saving activities override the religious restrictions that normally govern Shabbat observances.

One of the scriptural bases for pikuach nefesh is Leviticus 18:5, where the Eternal speaks to Moses, saying: “You shall keep my laws and my rules, by the pursuit of which a human shall live: I am the Eternal.” In this verse, the Torah makes it clear that the laws and rules are there, so we will not die by them.

On the one hand, this verse is interpreted as a call to introduce social laws “which ensure that man can function in a civilized manner,” as medieval scholar Rabbeinu Bahya explained. On the other hand, this is also a call for putting health and life first. Very often these two interpretations come together, since social norms require us to conform to public health recommendations and regulations.

The teachings and rulings in the traditional Jewish literature speak to the threat

to human lives we are facing right now. As of today, there are already over 215,000 Americans who lost their lives to the current pandemic.

There are over 7 million people affected by the virus, we discover everyday tens of thousands of new cases– only in the U.S. The global numbers are even more devastating, over a million people died in consequence of the novel coronavirus. The end of the pandemic is still not in sight, and the flu season is also ahead of us.

The scientific consensus is that safeguarding life requires physical distancing. Already in the Mishna, our ancestors stated that people who are not health experts should listen to the experts (Yoma 8:5).

We have to ensure that even when our own lives are not in immediate danger, we are guided by the imperative to safeguard the lives of others.

Our goal should be to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to make our contribution to halt this pandemic.

Student Rabbi Armin Langer, Congregation at Am Haskalah.

Together with Rabbi Mira Wasserman, Ph.D., Armin cocreated the guide “Jewish Values and the Coronavirus”: www. reconstructingjudaism.org/ center-jewish-ethics/coronavirus.

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The attitude of gratitude: Jewish insights to share at your Thanksgiving table

An artist's interpretation of the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Mass.

By Deborah Fineblum Jewish News Syndicate Thanksgiving. They got it from us.

The evidence: Things they don’t teach you in school, like the Pilgrims modeling their autumn thanksgiving holiday after the Jewish harvest holiday of Sukkot, celebrated just a few weeks earlier.

This is actually not surprising considering that the Pilgrims—goofy hats and all—modeled their society after the ancient Hebrews. To the point that they actually learned Hebrew, including while afloat on the Mayflower.

“Look on the back of a draft of the

Mayflower Compact, and you see the English-Hebrew worksheets they were studying at the time,” said author, historian, commentator Sha’i ben-Tekoa. In fact, said ben-Tekoa, the Pilgrims saw themselves in distinctly biblical terms. “They believed that in settling the new land, they were like the Israelites crossing into the Promised Land.”

What’s more, another meaning of hodu, the Hebrew word for “turkey,” is to thank—a word that appears many times in the Torah.

In fact, the founding fathers were thinking of declaring Hebrew as one of the country’s official languages, alongside

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English. What’s more, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and John Adams considered having the official seal of the new country feature Moses leading the Jews across the Red Sea. “Early America was drenched with the Hebrew Bible,” he added. “So American fascination for and support of Israel started back then.”

From the start, American Jews saw their religious identity and their national one as two halves of a coherent whole.

It’s “the belief that Judaism and Americanism reinforce one another, the two traditions converging in a common path … an ongoing effort on the part of American Jews to interweave their ‘Judaism’ with their ‘Americanism,” Jonathan Sarna, the Joseph H. and Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University wrote 20 years ago in “The Cult of Synthesis in American Jewish Culture.”

And the synthesis in question often peaked on Thanksgiving, wrote Sarna.

On Thanksgiving of 1844, Isaac Leeser, the chazzan (cantor) at Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia, told his congregants that “as Israelites, we have an additional cause of thanksgiving” and went on to detail “America’s special meaning for the Jew.” Nearly eight decades later, in 1922, “America and the Jew: A Pageant for Thanksgiving Day,” debuted at Boston’s Temple Israel as performed by the Sunday-school children, reported Sarna.

The play, which told the story of the “joyful harvest,” was seen by 1,200 people who were impressed, Rabbi Harry Levi reported at the time, with “its emotional appeal and religious effectiveness.” And over the years, it made the rounds of several other Reform congregations around the country.

‘The thing that best connects us is gratitude’ The attitude of gratitude—or as they say in Hebrew, hakiras hatov—is a central theme in Judaism. Consider: The matriarch Leah gave the name Yehuda to her fourth son, meaning “Now I will thank God,” which is how the Jews eventually became Yehudim (the people who thank).

In fact, opportunities to give thanks abound throughout the Jewish calendar.

We’re reminded of the times of the Temple in Jerusalem when each spring, farmers would bring bikurim—baskets filled with the first fruits of their harvest—to the kohanim (priests) in the Holy Temple in gratitude for abundant crops. And many an animal was sacrificed as a peace offering, one given (and the meat shared between the one who brought the sacrifice and the kohanim) from a heart filled with gratitude for God’s bounteous gifts for surviving a dangerous ordeal or after successfully fulfilling a vow.

“When you’re a traditional Jew, gratitude is baked into prayer from the moment we wake up,” said Erica Brown, director of the Mayberg Center for Jewish Education and Leadership at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. “Blessings over food and aspects of nature make us conscious of everyday gratitude and create a structure for thanks.”

And for Jews, Thanksgiving is a guilt-

free holiday (at least, if you resist the urge to overeat).

“Here in the United States, Thanksgiving is one of the few legal holidays without paganism or other religious overtones,” said Rabbi Chaim Wolosow, co-director of the Chabad Center of Sharon, Massachusetts, “so all those who are wary of the other Christian holidays can truly enjoy this one since it’s completely pareve.”

In fact, some families simply postpone the turkey, the stuffing and the cranberry sauce for 24 hours and celebrate a Shabbat Thanksgiving on Friday night.

And because the holiday has no overt religious overtones, Americans of varying faiths are able to celebrate it together. For the last 15 years, members of Congregation Beth Shalom in Wilmington, Delaware, have joined with those from area churches and mosques the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to break bread together (hold the turkey; this is a vegetarian affair), fundraise for local food banks and share gratitude-themed readings from their scriptures.

For Rabbi Michael Beals, Psalm 100 always comes to mind. “How do we serve God with joy?” he asked. “It’s with gratitude. Coming together strengthens what we have in common, which is so much more than what separates us. And the thing that best connects us is gratitude.”

“It’s a melting pot, America, and the Jews who came were grateful the country protected their freedom of religion,” said Rakel Berenbaum, whose “Portion from the Portion” column, with its parshahrelated recipe is a staple of the Orthodox Union’s “Torah Tidbits” magazine.

And since today’s Jews have ancestors from all over, she suggests an international potluck Thanksgiving. “The Persians can bring their rice and the Russians their sauerkraut. That way, we learn about Jewish culinary traditions from around the world, and best of all, no one person has to do all the cooking.”

Brown has an observation … and a suggestion.

“With today’s Thanksgiving so dominated by food and football, we often minimize the thanks because we lack a structure for it,” she said.

To focus the celebration on the holiday’s true meaning—with a Jewish flare— Brown opts for creating a pre-turkey gratitude conversation by hiding a question under each dinner plate to be answered before the main course.

Here are a few of her under-plate questions to get you started and inspire you to add your own: 1. What are three things you are grateful for at work, school or in your volunteer job?

2. What are three specific things you are grateful for about your family?

3. What foods are you most grateful for?

4. What are you thankful for as an American (if you are an American)?

5. What are you most grateful for in your Jewish life?

6. What is something that once caused you pain, but that you are now grateful for?

Non-dairy pie hacks for Thanksgiving

By Aly Miller The Nosher I’m not sure who coined the phrase, “easy as pie,” but I’m almost certain she was not familiar with baking them. Making pie crust — for most of us, I’d wager — is not a walk in the park. And if you’re making a dairy-free pie, well, that’s a challenge that many prefer to leave up for the professionals. But if you’re committed, like us, to making a dairy-free pie of your own, you’ve found the right place.

There are dozens of reasons to make dairy-free pies — you might be keeping kosher on Thanksgiving (no dairy after meat, including turkey), or maybe you’re lactose intolerant, or vegan. Whatever the reason, we’re here to help make your piebaking just a little bit easier, and we promise it will taste as good, and maybe even better, than what the recipe calls for.

So if you’ve found the perfect Thanksgiving pie, and discovered that it’s laden with dairy, fear not. We’ll walk you through how to take that recipe and transform it into the pareve pie of your dreams.

Let’s start with the crust. The basic rule-of-thumb is that butter

or lard can be replaced 1:1 with vegan butter, vegan shortening or coconut oil, or some combination of the three. Mark Bittman, food writer and author of “How to Bake Everything,” uses nothing but coconut oil when making a dairy-free crust, because vegan shortening and butters are highly processed and not as healthy (and usually include palm oil, which is linked to rainforest deforestation). Here is a list of butter alternatives to use in a dairy-free pie crust: Coconut Oil: Unrefined or virgin both work equally well.

Dairy-Free Butter: Earth Balance Soy-Free sticks are great for baking with. When a recipe calls for butter, consider using half Earth Balance and half coconut oil.

Vegan Shortening: We recommend shortening without hydrogenated oils. Nutiva makes a good option.

Butter Flavor: If you’re using a vegan butter, but you want the taste of real butter, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of Imitation Butter Flavoring to your dough.

Tips:  Make sure to refrigerate your butter alternative(s) for 3 hours before using (or in the freezer for 5-10 minutes), making sure they’re as cold as possible. You

may want to cut them into small pieces before refrigerating, to make mixing easier.  Dairy-free dough tends to fall apart and crack with too much flour. Instead of flouring your work surface, try rolling it out between two layers of plastic wrap, wax paper or parchment paper.

Let’s move on to pie fillings…

Most fruit fillings are dairy free, except for when it calls for butter in the filling. In that case, use either imitation butter or solid coconut oil. Custard-based fillings– like pumpkin pie–or cheesecakes, of course, can present challenges.

Here are some tips for substituting a variety of milk products.

Cream. When a sweet or savory recipe calls for heavy cream (not for whipping), simply use coconut cream. You can substitute it 1:1. Just get a can of full-fat coconut milk, and let it sit on your counter for at least 30 minutes so that it settles. You can scoop off the cream on top for heavy cream.

Alternatively, you can combine a dairy-free milk with butter or oil. Two-thirds of a cup of dairy-free milk blended with one-third cup of oil yields one cup of “cream.” We recommend using a high-speed blender for smooth, even emulsification.

The new tradition I’m extra thankful for this year

By Jamie Rubin Kveller.com I read recently that writing down what you’re grateful for every day can be transformative.

In addition to cultivating an ongoing sense of gratitude and respect for our belongings and privileges, apparently the practice of putting pen to paper while thinking of how grateful we are can also lead to higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism and energy throughout the day.

While I’ve read a lot in the past year about the benefits of practicing mindfulness and gratitude, it’s not always clear how to integrate both into a busy family life. So I decided to try out a “Gratitude Jar” with my family. A parenting expert I know gave me the idea – it’s supposed to help a family collectively write down what everyone is grateful

for and share the results with one another.

One morning last November, I simply placed an empty jar on the breakfast table labeled “Family Gratitude Jar” with instructions to write down something you are grateful for at least once a day and place it in the jar. I added that we will read all of the notes together on Thanksgiving and gave the example that I was grateful my daughter Jesse had a good doctor’s visit the day before and is healthy.

My family didn’t skip a beat or even ask questions when they saw the jar. We’ve just been writing things down every morning. The jar is now more than halfway full. We usually write something down at breakfast time, but lately I’ve been going to the jar whenever the mood strikes, often multiple times a day. I’ve found that I often go to the jar when I’m upset about something. It’s a good coping strategy and helps to move my mood away from the problem I’ve just faced or the argument I’ve just had, to a place of thankfulness for the other parts of my life that are going smoothly.

While I never have a problem coming up with something to be grateful for in the morning, I now challenge myself to look beyond the things that first come to mind – like food or health or family – and think about the specifics. For example, I love that I have a place to call home but more specifically, I am so glad that I have my kitchen. Just looking at it makes me happy because it’s bright and cheery and I love that I have the privilege of cooking for my family in such a well-equipped space. Sometimes I wish I lived in a bigger house or a different neighborhood but when I look around at my kitchen, I realize how lucky I am to have this space.

Technically we aren’t supposed to read what’s in the Gratitude Jar until Thanksgiving, but for the purposes of this piece, I decided to sneak a peek at just a handful. It warmed my heart to read that my six-year-old is grateful for her school, her sister and for pumpkin yogurt. I loved learning that my husband is grateful for my contributions to our family.

In the past, I’ve always spent a lot of time during the holidays thinking about all of the things I want. And maybe this year I will find time to put together a list, but so far I’m really enjoying the gift of appreciating what I have.

Evaporated Milk. When pumpkin pie calls for evaporated milk, substitute with full-fat coconut milk (usually found in a can) in a 3:2 ratio. A 12-oz can of evaporated milk, for example, can be replaced with 8 ounces of full-fat coconut milk.

Cream Cheese. There are three really good options for replacing cream cheese:  You can purchase Tofutti Non-Hydrogenated Better Than Cream Cheese spread and use 1:1 with any dairy cream cheese.  Silken tofu, with the addition of some oil and salt, can become cream cheese in a blender. Once you blend this together, use it just like cream cheese for cheesecakes or pumpkin pies.  Cashews make the closest home-made substitute for a block of cream cheese. Cashew “cheese” is simple and has ingredients we can actually pronounce: cashews, lemon juice, salt, coconut oil and vanilla extract. Now go forth and make

that pumpkin cheesecake.

Cashew Cream Cheese Recipe: Soak 1 cup of raw cashews in water for at least 5 hours, overnight is best. Drain, and place in a powerful blender or food processor with the juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/3 cup raw coconut oil, melted. Blend on high speed for a few minutes until smooth and creamy. This makes just over 8 ounces, so double the recipe as needed.

Whipped Cream. If you are in search of an easy, affordable dairy-free whipped cream, all you need is a can or two of chickpeas. No, really! Drain two cans of chickpeas and pour the liquid into the bowl of a standing mixer (or a sturdy bowl to use with a hand-held mixer). Then blend on high speed for 15-20 minutes or until stiff peaks form.

And finally, there are plenty of tried and true recipes for dairyfree Thanksgiving pies that don’t require any substitutions at all!

Maple Chili Roasted Turkey

BY SANDI TEPLITZ Special to HAKOL

INGREDIENTS: 1 12 lb. turkey, defrosted 1 stick unsalted pareve margarine 4 Tbsp. maple syrup 4 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. Cayenne pepper 1 lime 1 onion, cut up coarsely 10 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped salt and pepper

TECHNIQUE: Squeeze lime juice into the bird's cavity. Add the onion and garlic. Roast the turkey at 325 degrees until halfway done, basting with natural juices occasionally. Blend margarine, syrup, chili powder and cayenne. Remove turkey from oven and spread half the mixture under the skin. Rub the rest on top and sides. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.

Roast until done, basting every 20 minutes.

Carve and serve with whipped sweet potatoes and a green vegetable.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2020 13

14 NOVEMBER 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2020 15

Temple Beth El to host free AZA rolls through virtual film screening the Holidays

By Jared Lazansky AZA With school fully back in swing, the chapter has started to get swinging into action for this year.

We held our first few meetings, which all had their own intense interchapter debate! The first was: Waffles vs. Pancakes.

We argued, discussed and came to a final vote of Waffles 10, Pancakes 12.

Our next debate discussed the question of: Is a Hot Dog a Sandwich? This debate was actually spread across two separate meetings, each full of rigorous arguing. Finally we came to consensus that, yes, a hot dog is in fact a sandwich with a vote of 9 for yes and 7 for no.

Since the last article, we as a chapter and community observed the High Holy Days. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we as a chapter couldn’t do too much together to celebrate. We all had a wonderful holiday, and we hope everyone else did. For Sukkot, both the AZA and BBG Chapters came together and had a very fun virtual Sukkot Event. We all created our own mini Sukkah out of gingerbread, frosting and other fun treats. Going forward, we have some more events and fundraisers planned so we’ll keep everyone posted! If there are any questions just email us at allentownaza@gmail.com. Thanks everyone and stay safe!

Bring Jewish stories home

Join Temple Beth El on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. for a free virtual film screening.

They will be showing "Bal Ej: The Hidden Jews of Ethiopia" via Zoom.

Directed by Irene Orleansky, the film follows a 100-year-old account of the prominent Jewish Polish scholar Jacque

Please RSVP at www.bethelallentown.org to register for the screening.

Jewish teenagers are talking

By Alicia Zahn Temple Beth El

To learn more about PJ Library and register to receive free Jewish-themed books for children from birth through 8 1/2 years, visit www.pjlibrary.org.

Faitlovich. The filmmaker travels to discover and explore a sect of secret Jews in Ethiopia. Named Bal Ej, craftsmen, for their artisan skills, they have been persecuted by their Orthodox Christian neighbors who slandered them as "evil-eyed" and "hyenapeople," and have been deprived of basic rights such as ownership of land, the reason for adopting crafts such as pottery, weaving and iron smithery.

Fearing persecutions, the Bal Ej appear to be Christians outwardly and practice Judaism in strict secrecy. The synagogues are hidden deep in the mountains and had never before been visited by strangers.

Some of their ancient traditions trace back to biblical times and have been completely forgotten by the rest of the world.

"Bal Ej: The Hidden Jews of Ethiopia" lifts the curtains on hundreds of years and reveals the history, customs and culture of this remarkable community to the world.

Director Orelansky, a scholar in the field of Israel studies, was born in Ukraine in a family of Holocaust survivors from Poland and grew up in Russia. She is an Israeli musician, producer, ethnographer and filmmaker. She dedicated the last few years to exploring culture, music and traditions of remote Jewish communities in Asia and Africa.

A teenager’s life can be full of exploration, anxiety and figuring out how they want to make their mark on the world. All of this is still true during COVID, but everything is just even more difficult. This is why we are so happy to intro-

duce Shalshelet Teen Talks!

This version of our Shalshelet program brings together Jewish teens once a month to discuss topics they care about and look at these topics through multiple Jewish perspectives. As soon as you register your teen, they will be asked what they are curious about. Our coordinator, Ofer Shimoni, will

then arrange a facilitator specific to each topic so they can be explored over Zoom.

We have usually focused on social justice, Jewish identity, Israel and teen topics such as self-image, bullying, decision-making and more. Past presenters have included local lawyers, doctors, rabbis, politicians, police officers, leaders from different faiths, former convicts, Israel advocates, LGBTQ leaders and many more. Teen Talks is all about teens discussing issues from many different angles to help them decide how they see the world.

This program is for ALL Jewish 10th, 11th and 12th graders in the Lehigh Valley. We encourage many different kinds of Jewish teens to join so our discussions can be enhanced from even more perspectives. We welcome members of any synagogue and welcome those with no affiliation or membership.

Please tell your friends and let them know that the commitment is only once a month.

For more information, contact Alicia at school@bethelallentown.org or Ofer at shalsheletbethel@gmail.com.

16 NOVEMBER 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Book Review: ‘State of the Heart’

By Sean Boyle Special to HAKOL David Kramer’s debut book, “State of the Heart: Stories of a Humanitarian Israel,” written in short stories format, provides over 50 narratives of how Israelis are leading the way in providing humanitarian aid in not only Israel and the Middle East, but worldwide. It highlights many organizations founded out of personal tragedy, when people decided to help ensure others do not also suffer similar pain and loss.

Kramer looks throughout Israel’s history and highlights the many times that the Israeli government and/ or Israeli non-government organizations (NGOs) were some of the first on scene during catastrophes providing needed aid and bringing comfort to those affected.

Operation Good Neighbour is a perfect example where

the Israeli Army (IDF) works directly with volunteers and other NGOs to provide aid to the Syrian civilians since the start of their civil war. Not only do we learn of the literal hundreds of tons of materials and items donated and delivered to Syrian civilians, we learn of the herculean efforts made to save individual children’s lives, such as the risks the IDF takes to bring the children and their families to hospitals in Israel and then safely and secretly returning them so that they would not face repercussions in Syria.

Although many Syrians live in fear of being discovered that they received aid from Israel, many refugees living in exile have created websites and started online campaigns to raise awareness and give thanks to the many Israeli and other Jewish organizations providing help to the Syrian people.

Kramer provides both the history and mission of the numerous organizations highlighted, and often includes background information about their founders and the motivation to start their groups. Two remarkable groups, the Israeli Flying Aid and United Hatzalah, are 100% volunteer-run organizations providing aid around the world. They often are required to enter areas wearing civilian, unmarked clothes, when working in locations that are not necessarily friendly to Israelis. It is more

important to their members to provide the aid and assistance than to worry about being openly welcomed by the local officials.

Kramer has spent his adult life working directly for or helping in supporting the many organizations he highlights. There are seven pages of notes where Kramer tells of his personal involvement during many of the stories and provides links to both the organizations mentioned and where to find additional information about the incidents referenced. He also includes 50 color photos, documenting the amazing work being done. Kramer writes to both inspire others to live a life dedicated to tikkun olam, and to give thanks to the immeasurable efforts done daily, mostly behind the scenes, by these amazing organizations.

Highly recommended for ages 8-120, with special interest for anyone interested to learn more about Isreali nonprofits and other humanitarian aid programs.

Sean Boyle is a past JDS librarian and is now serving as president of the Schools, Synagogues, Centers, and Public Libraries Division of the Association of Jewish Libraries.

State of the Heart: Stories of a Humanitarian Israel (Kramer, David, Jerusalem, Urim Publications, 2020, 197p.)

PJ@Home offers fun ways to close out 2020 After PJ Library author Lisa Rose takes kids on a virtual “Zombie Vacation” with her newest book on Sunday, Nov. 1—complete with a STEM experiment, tour of Israel and zombie costumes encouraged—there are two more fun events scheduled for upcoming holidays.

On Sunday, Nov. 15, at 3 p.m. PJ@ Home celebrates Thanksgiving with Muhlenberg College Hillel students.

Kids can connect with Hillel via Zoom for a Thanksgiving-themed program where they will listen to the book “Mitzvah Pizza,” do a pumpkin pie craft and participate in a pizza movement activity.

For the pumpkin pie craft, you will need a large paper plate, orange tissue paper (or whatever color you have), brown cardstock or construction paper (or whatever color you have), glue, scissors, a stapler and two cotton balls.

Then, PJ@Home celebrates Hanukkah on Sunday, Dec. 6. We’ve got everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah. Register in advance and pick up your kit at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley on that day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join us via Zoom at 3 p.m. on Dec. 6 to listen to “Hanukkah Bear”

by Erik A. Kimmel, sing songs, play dreidel and do a menorah craft. Everything you need to participate will be in the Hanukkah kit.

To sign up, visit jewishlehighvalley.org/ pjathome.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2020 17

COURTESY OF GROS, DUNN-RENNERT, BURG AND WELLBERY

‘This will completely change Jewish life in Austria’: New rules open citizenship door to thousands of Jews worldwide

Clockwise, from top left Daniel Gros, a Jewish attorney in Vienna advising Jews on how to apply for Austrian citizenship; and Elana Dunn-Rennert, Paul Burg and Caroline Wellbery, who are all applying.

By Toby Axelrod Jewish Telegraphic Agency Caroline Wellbery’s father, the late German literary scholar Egon Schwarz, fled Austria with his family after the Nazis annexed the country in 1938, when he was 15. Schwarz ended up studying in the United States and then teaching at Harvard and Washington University in St. Louis.

His escape was “a deeply life-changing event for him, and it permeated our household for the entirety of our lives,” said Wellbery, a physician and medical educator at the Georgetown University School of Medicine who lives in Maryland.

Schwarz didn’t feel animosity toward the nation that had ousted him, Wellbery said. Still, he always had a desire to reconnect with his ancestral roots.

Now Wellbery, who turns 67 this month, is trying to do that for him by applying for Austrian citizenship under a new amendment to the country’s citizenship law that went into effect on Sept. 1.

“It seems like there was a wish to bring the story to some kind of closure, and that is part of why I am interested in pursuing this,” she said.

Wellbery is among thousands of Jews around the world

expected to apply. Adopted last year by the Austrian National Council, the amendment allows those who were persecuted by the Nazi regime and their direct descendants (including children adopted as minors) to obtain Austrian citizenship without giving up their current passports — that’s still mandated of new Austrian citizens outside of this law.

It applies not only to citizens of Austria proper and successor states of the former AustroHungarian monarchy, but also to stateless persons who had a primary residence in Austria but had to leave for safety by May 15, 1955, a decade after the war ended.

The amendment is “in line with Austria’s ongoing endeavor for reconciliation with all those who suffered under the totalitarian Nazi regime in Austria,” Austria’s U.S. Embassy said in a statement.

Interest is high, says attorney Daniel Gros of Vienna, who is hearing from “friends of friends” all over the world — but especially from the United States, Israel and the United Kingdom. He is advising applicants as a consultant with the Vienna law firm of Lansky, Ganzger + Partner.

There is a special twist for British Jews who were not thrilled about Brexit, he added:

18 NOVEMBER 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

They will be able to have both British and EU passports, the latter being extra valuable for travel throughout Europe once the U.K. fully severs ties with the EU. The passport is additionally attractive for some Americans, like Wellbery’s family members, who she said are particularly distressed by the political and social chaos in the U.S. Zeev Maayan, 33, is an Israeli who has successfully applied for Portuguese and Hungarian citizenship based on his ancestry in both countries.

He’d like to add Austria to that list.

“In Israel, getting a foreign citizenship is like a national sport,” he said. “People want to have other options. It also upgrades you socially, and you can travel in certain countries without worrying.”

But even the experienced Maayan was surprised by the quick response to his new Hebrew-language Facebook group aimed at crowdsourcing information about the Austrian application process.

Within days he had more than 100 Israeli members, most of them asking technical questions about how to apply: “Do I need to translate this, or where did you find the documents of your ancestors?”

Oskar Deutsch, president of the Jewish Community Vienna and the Federal Association of Jewish Communities in Austria, said many people have contacted him already, too.

“I am very happy about it,” said Deutsch, who was consulted on the law by Austria’s Foreign Ministry.

Still, he doubts the measure will have much impact on the size of the community, which has about 8,000 members, mostly in Vienna, with some in the cities of Linz and Graz.

During the coronavirus pandemic, “people should not and will not travel very much,” Deutsch said. “They have other

problems than to decide where to live.”

Gros is much more optimistic: He expects “thousands and thousands of applications.”

“I believe this will completely change Jewish life in Austria,” said Gros, 33, who was born in Germany to a family from the former Yugoslavia.

“Even if only a small percentage bring their families, a lot of things will change because we will have Jewish people from all over the world contributing to the community.”

According to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, when Austria was annexed

by Germany in 1938, there were about 192,000 Jews living there, nearly 4% of the total population. By December 1939, three-quarters had emigrated, and about 65,000 Austrian Jews were murdered in the Holocaust.

The Austrian citizenship will be more practical for Jewish life in Austria Continues on page 20

UN Office for Outer Space Affairs to open Israeli branch

UNOOSA's Dr. Shirish Ravan, left, with BGU's EPIF's Dr. Shimrit Maman, center, and Prof. Dan Blumberg, right, during a pre-Corona meeting.

Israel21c The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and BenGurion University of the Negev plan to create a regional support office (RSO) for the United Nations Platform for

Space-Based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UNSPIDER).

This will be the 25th RSO to collaborate with UNSPIDER on technical advisory support, capacity building and outreach for leveraging space for disaster risk reduction all over the world.

The RSO will be housed in BGU’s Earth and Planetary Image Facility, which does multi-disciplinary satellite and airborne remote sensing scientific research for environmental applications.

EPIF is also a regional NASA partner.

Prof. Dan G. Blumberg, vice president of Ben-Gurion University for regional and industrial development, said: “Our ability to observe Earth from space and rapidly analyze complex imagery is being put to good use worldwide, mitigating disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes and droughts.”

EPIF Laboratory Director Shimrit Maman said BGU has “additional agreements in the field of disaster management, such as one with South Korea, and we expect more in the future to further our efforts towards this important goal.”

2,000 Ethiopian olim approved for aliyah

Jewish Agency for Israel The Government of Israel has approved the aliyah of 2,000 members of the Ethiopian community who are expected to arrive in Israel by early 2021.

These olim, or immigrants, are among the thousands in Ethiopia waiting, some for over a decade, to be reunited with their family in Israel. The Jewish Agency for Israel is immediately commencing implementation of the groundwork needed to facilitate the aliyah of these 2,000 new immigrants, including preparing the olim for their new lives in Israel.

Many thousands are waiting in Ethiopia to join their families in Israel. Most have left their homes and villages to wait in the major cities of Gondar and Addis Ababa. Despite their ongoing limbo and harsh conditions, the communities in these cities maintain a strong Jewish identity and carry out daily Jewish rituals.

Aliyah from Ethiopia is a key mission of the Jewsih Federations of North America and The Jewish Agency and is central to their collaborative work. Over the past 40 years, the two orga-

nizations have worked together to bring more than 92,000 Ethiopian olim to Israel.

“Helping Ethiopians and Jews worldwide come home to Israel is one of clearest demonstrations of our love and commitment to the State of Israel, which is central to our core mission,” said Mark Wilf, chair of JFNA’s Board of Trustees. “And it’s all made possible because of our historic partnership with The Jewish Agency.”

The Jewish Agency works in full cooperation with the Government of Israel, primarily with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, on Ethiopian aliyah. The organization has been authorized by the Government of Israel to operate all aliyah preparation in Ethiopia, as well as oversee the arrival and integration of these new immigrants into Israeli society.

All aliyah arrival and integration is carried out in compliance with the Ministry of Health COVID-19 guidelines.

Once the olim reach Israel, The Jewish Agency provides for any necessary post-landing quarantine arrangements and will then move the new immigrants to absorption centers

where they will be integrated into life in Israel. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting limitation on mobility, The Jewish Agency has brought over 300 olim from Ethiopia to Israel.

“This government decision will enable the dreams of families that have been separated for over a decade to come true – to finally be reunited, in Israel,” said Isaac Herzog, chairman of The Jewish Agency. “It is our moral duty to answer the prayers and pleas of those waiting in Ethiopia to come to Israel.”

Due to COVID restrictions, the cost of flights from Ethiopia is high. There are also extensive preparations for aliyah needed on the ground in Ethiopia, including increased staffing, education courses and healthcare. Support for this effort is provided in part by Jewish Federations through their collective overseas dollars to The Jewish Agency. Additional funds needed to cover the approximately $4 million cost of aliyah preparations and flights for these 2,000 new olim will be raised collaboratively. This will be done through a joint global effort of The Jewish Agency, the Jewish Federations of North America, Keren HaYesod and private donors from the Jewish world and among friends of Israel.

JFNA and The Jewish Agency are awaiting final approval from the Government of Israel to bring all those waiting in Ethiopia to Israel.

Editor’s note: The Jewish Agency for Israel is an overseas partner of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.

OMAR MARQUES/SOPA IMAGES/LIGHTROCKET VIA GETTY IMAGES

Following Facebook, Twitter will now ban Holocaust denial

A Twitter logo is seen displayed on a smartphone.

By Ben Sales Jewish Telegraphic Agency Twitter will now ban posts that deny the Holocaust.

Bloomberg News reported Oct. 14 that a Twitter spokesperson said posts that “deny or distort” violent events including the Holocaust would be

banned.

Twitter is the second major social media network to ban Holocaust denial in a week.

Facebook announced on Oct. 12 that it would ban posts that deny or distort the Holocaust, two years after Mark Zuckerberg said Holocaust denial should be allowed in the name

of free speech.

“We strongly condemn anti-Semitism, and hateful conduct has absolutely no place on our service,” the Twitter spokesperson said in a statement. “We also have a robust ‘glorification of violence’ policy in place and take action against content that glorifies or praises historical acts of violence and genocide, including the Holocaust.”

The moves come as social media networks make a series of moves to crack down on hateful content ahead of the presidential election, and as activists have called on social media companies to do more to combat hate and misinformation. Facebook also recently banned content related to the QAnon conspiracy theory, as well as a range of hateful posts including those that say Jews control the world. YouTube likewise banned QAnon content, and Twitter removed thousands of QAnon accounts this summer.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2020 19

Many thousands of films from The Jerusalem Cinematheque’s Israel Film Archive have undergone digitization and are now available for all.

By Naama Barak Israel21c In a fortuitous turn of events, the Israel Film Archive uploaded its extensive library online just as the second Israeli lockdown was looming.

The Jerusalem Cinematheque’s Israel Film Archive features Israeli cinema all the way from the late 19th century to the present day – that’s some 30,000 titles, recorded on two million meters of film, which showcase 4,500 hours of productions made in Israel.

This is now available on a new platform available in English at jfc.org.il. Many of the films can be viewed for free; others require a onetime payment.

The project took off in

2015, setting up the first advanced professional lab transforming film reels into digital formats at international standards. Disintegrating film reels, many of which contained the only copy of a particular film, were archived in 4K-quality digital files – saving them from oblivion.

Visitors to the website can choose between two sections. The first is “The Artistic View,” which enables a search for feature and documentary films made in Israel from 1928 to the present day.

These include, for example, the 1980s cult movie “Summertime Blues,” the awardwinning “Noodle” from 2007 and even one film filed under the topic of “Erotica,” called “Love Life,” also from 2007.

“The Historical View” section contains thousands of pieces of diverse archival materials such as clips showing “An Outstanding Waiter Competition” from 1958, the laying of the cornerstone for the coastal city of Netanya in 1929 and children playing at summer camp in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in 1945.

“We started working on the project seven years ago, with the aim of transforming the archive into a digital cultural institution accessible to everyone everywhere. We could not have imagined that on the day the site goes live, this vision would turn out to be so relevant,” said Noa Regev, director of the Jerusalem Cinematheque – Israel Film Archive.

“With the launch of the online platform, the archive fulfills its mission to preserve Israel’s audiovisual heritage at international professional standards, and to preserve and promote Israeli cinema in Israel and around the world. There is still a lot of work ahead of us and we are excited about the discovery of unknown cinematic treasures, scanning many rare films, creating supplementary content, and fostering new collaborations and initiatives,” she added.

JOE KLAMAR/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

PHOTO BY BAR MAYER

Explore a new treasure trove of Israeli films old and new

The Palais Ephrussi, seized by Nazis during WWII, is seen in Vienna, Nov. 7, 2019. Ephrussi family members returned to Vienna in November for their first reunion in more than eight decades to attend the opening of an exhibition about their family story.

Jewish life in Austria Continues from page 18

American-Israeli Elana DunnRennert, 35, who already lives in Vienna with her husband and their three children but has to renew her visa regularly. She took a circuitous path to the country of her roots: Her maternal grandmother fled Graz in 1938 at age of 3 with her family, ending up in the U.S. Decades later Dunn-Rennert, then 6 years old, moved with her parents from the U.S. to Israel. She eventually met her husband there, and they moved to Austria.

She’s planning to apply for citizenship, following instructions sent out by the Jewish leader Deutsch.

“Before, I would have had to give up my Israeli and Ameri-

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can passports, and that’s not something I ever wanted to do,” said Dunn-Rennert, who teaches at the Vienna Jewish Community organization’s kindergarten.

She has to get documents proving she is related to her grandmother, who died last year. Already the archives of the Austrian Jewish Community organization has provided some information on her ancestors.

True, “reclaiming my Austrian heritage is a practical thing for me,” she said. “But … it’s also kind of like, ‘They wanted to get rid of us, but we are still here.’”

U.S. citizen Paul Burg, 87, sees getting an Austrian passport as the ultimate triumph.

Born in Czernowitz (today Chernivtsi) in 1933, his family survived the war along with some 20,000 other Jews thanks to an intervention by Traian Popovici, the city’s wartime mayor.

But the changing status of Czernowitz makes his claim a little tricky. Czernowitz was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until it dissolved in 1918, then became part of the Kingdom of Romania. After World War II, Ukrainian forces took it over, and most of its Jews fled to Israel. Since 1991, it has been part of Ukraine.

Still, the fact that his father was born there when it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire makes Burg eligible for citizenship under the new regulation. He is receiving advice from Gros and his Vienna law firm.

“I want to be part of the struggle against anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism in Europe,” Burg said.

U.S.-born Israeli lawyer Deborah Opolion’s father was born in Vienna in 1932. In the late 1970s, he returned there with his family as an American diplomat. Opolion, then a teenager, fell in love with the city, though she knew that “people who might have been Nazis were still alive. It was a very staid, serious, somber sort of a place.”

Now 55, she has visited Vienna often with her teenage daughter. To her, the atmosphere has changed a lot since she was a girl.

“There is a more cosmopolitan feeling, a younger and fresher, more open vibe,” she said. “I don’t know if I would be applying for citizenship” if it were the same old Austria.

Technologies that can help us stay calm during COVID-19

By Brian Blum Israel21c In a survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau during the first part of the COVID-19 pandemic, 24% of respondents reported symptoms of major depressive disorder and 30% reported symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder – in some cases double those of a previous survey in 2014.

A separate poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 45% of U.S. adults report that their emotional health has been negatively impacted due to stress over COVID-19.

Can Israeli technology help bring back some joy to a saddened world?

Yes, says Miri Polachek, CEO of the aptly named Joy Ventures, a combination venture capital firm and tech startup studio that focuses on funding and developing consumer products for emotional well-being.

Joy Ventures was founded in 2017 by Corundum Open Innovation, a Japanese VC that invests in Israeli tech companies. The goal: to develop wearables and apps that lower stress and enhance mood without pharmaceuticals.

Emotional well-being is a growing segment of the consumer technology space.

It includes the bio-monitoring sensors built into FitBits and Apple Watches along with a rash of mindfulness and meditation apps.

“It’s for generally healthy individuals to enable them to feel good throughout the day in our highly stressful modern life,” Polachek said.

Joy Jungle Israel has an advantage when it comes to identifying and developing these types of technologies, Polachek adds, which was a big reason Corundum set up Joy Ventures.

“Israel has a cohesive, accessible and relatively small ecosystem” which brings together people from many different disciplines – neuroscientists, academics, entrepreneurs.

To get the most bang for the well-being buck, “we knew it wouldn’t be sufficient to be a traditional VC firm, waiting for companies to knock on our door,” Polachek continued.

Instead, Joy Ventures set up programs to boost deal flow.

“We started funding academic research and early technology development,” Polachek explained. “We just launched an entrepreneur-in-residence program. We have an in-house idea bank where entrepreneurs can run with one of our ideas or come up with their own and cook it over a six- to eightmonth process.”

Joy Ventures also offers a month-and-a-half course called Joy Makers, where teams come together to create new projects, and Joy Studios, which runs ideation courses with academic institutions like the Holon Institute of Technology, working with students to brainstorm new ideas.

In the company’s 10-person Herzliya office is the Joy Jungle,

which allows entrepreneurs to experiment with products that are already on the market, Polachek said.

“We have a very open and welcoming attitude. Anyone can come in and meet with the team.”

Five joyful companies Joy Ventures has already funded some 36 research projects, as well as five companies, including: Empathic Technologies – has developed Doppel, a wristwearable device that generates a silent vibration that feels like a heartbeat. Slowing down the familiar “lub-dub” rhythm reduces stress, while speeding it up increases alertness and focus. Doppel’s haptic technology intervenes in the feedback loop between body and brain, “like a second skin,” the company claims. The first version of the device is now for sale online.

Reflect Innovation – another stress reducer, this time in the form of an interactive textilecovered “sphere” that uses biofeedback to help users practice relaxation and curb anxiety. As you grip the sphere – think of it as a kind of high-tech worry beads – it changes colors in response to signals from your body. An accompanying app gives you more control over your experience. The soft textiles make biofeedback more friendly than typical tech-heavy surroundings.

Vi Trainer – a conversational (and oft-times cheeky) fitness coach designed for runners.

Vi uses the sensors on your phone to detect how you’re progressing, then motivates you through your headphones to push even harder. Feedback is real-time (“Oh, look at you, you’re perfectly on pace!”), lets you “compete” with others running at the same time, and grants you virtual rewards.

Reflect Innovation’s tactile calming aid.

NYX Technologies (the name is pronounced “nix”) is developing a wearable headband, Cognyx, that uses EEG brainwave technology and artificial intelligence to generate personalized electrical pulses that stimulate improved sleep. Ophir Orenstein, the company’s CTO, has a degree in neuroscience from the Technion. A first version of Cognyx is due to be released later this year. The company has backing from IBM, Intel and the Israel Innovation Authority.

Sanga – a meditation app that helps you personalize a meditation program from world-class teachers. Algorithms help ensure that each day builds on your previous achievements.

Among the recipients of a Joy Ventures research grant is Prof.

Amir Amedi, director of the Baruch Ivcher Institute for Brain, Cognition and Technology at IDC in Herzilya. Amedi is researching what areas of the brain are activated by meditation and how that interaction happens.

His research project will first examine MRI brain scans of people who have done more than 3,000 hours of meditation.

After that, it will take people who have never meditated,

give them a 40-hour meditation course, and see how their brains change.

“This type of research [has] elements of basic science yet also real potential for making emotional well-being more accessible,” said Hagit Alon, chief scientist at Joy Ventures.

Entrepreneurs in residence Joy Ventures’ Entrepreneurin-Residence (EIR) program launched this summer with two experienced startup founders.

Shmulike Grizim previously founded web design and digital marketing platform Webydo, which was named by Forbes in 2014 as one of “five startups shaping the web economy.”

Yair Nativ was one of the entrepreneurs behind Safe Lane, a mobile app designed to continuously film the road in order to record and report traffic violations.

Joy Ventures’ head of innovation Ron Gaby will manage the EIRs, who will receive a salary, workspace and pre-launch seed investment as needed.

“And they have our undivided attention!” Polachek said.

The EIR idea originally was intended to include a new founder every six months, but

“then we realized, the more the merrier. Let them have a peer group to bounce ideas off each other. So, now we have rolling admissions.”

Polachek was born in Israel to Israeli parents who moved to Boston when she was young.

She came back after university, then bounced between countries for a while, working in the healthcare industry including lengthy stints at pharmaceutical giants Teva and Pfizer. In 2011, she was appointed to run Israel Brain Technologies, a non-profit promoted by Shimon Peres to advance brain research. She was recruited from there to manage Joy Ventures.

Emotional well-being is important at any time but given the challenges of COVID-19, Joy Ventures may have found its sweet spot. To wit: the Calm meditation app has raised $116 million. Headspace, another mindfulness and meditation app, has closed over $200 million. in August, on-demand mental healthcare provider Ginger raised $50 million.

If Joy Ventures can use its own $50 million investment to tap into the wellness zeitgeist, it will have earned its little piece of joy.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2020 21

Virtual Community Calendar To list an event in the Community Calendar, submit your information on our website, www.jewishlehighvalley.org, under the “Upcoming Events” menu.

All events listed in the Community Calendar are open to the public and free of charge, unless otherwise noted. Programs listed in HAKOL are provided as a service to the community.

They do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. The JFLV reserves the right to accept, reject or modify listings.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

PJ@Home Zombie Vacation

3 p.m., Jewish Federation via Zoom. Join Author Lisa Rose to hear her read her newest book and PJ selection, “Zombie Vacation.” Children may dress like zombies as they get a zombie’s eye view of the Sea of Galilee, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem and Luna Park in Tel Aviv. Find out why there’s no place in the world like the Dead Sea. This event will take place via Zoom. Register at www.jewishlehighvalley.org/ pjathome.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Never Alone: A Conversation with the Authors Natan Sharansky and Gil Troy

1 p.m., JFNA via Zoom. You are invited to a dialogue between Natan Sharansky and Gil Troy about their new book Never Alone: Prison, Politics, and My People. Register at https://zoom.us/ webinar/register/WN_W-sFLUhfRk6--_L7xfumPg

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Post-Election Analysis: Implications for the Jewish Community

11 a.m., JFNA via Zoom. An extraordinary consensus exists among Republicans and Democrats, historians, diplomats, national security officials and other experts that the stakes of the U.S. election are as high as they have ever been. And this is particularly the case given the central place the United States today holds in the global system. Take a deep dive into what the outcome means for the Jewish communities and the U.S.-Israel relationship. Join CNN Analyst Bakari Sellers, JTA Washington Bureau Chief Ron Kampeas, other guest speakers and a team of Jewish communal experts offering insights into how the election will impact our public policy agenda. Register at https://tinyurl.com/y2jehwd7.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8

The Great JFS FoodFestFaire

Videos streaming on the Jewish Family Service Facebook page all day leading up to the big event via Zoom at 4 p.m. The Great JFS FoodFestFaire is an all-day virtual food festival culminating in a judged Food Pantry Throwdown with local cooks creating signature dishes from pantry items. Join JFS for this unique, fun-filled online event and then carry on the celebration by recreating recipes at home from a one-of-a-kind cookbook that each participant will receive. Purchase your tickets to the Throwdown and cookbooks at www.jfslv.org/foodfestfaire or call 610821-8722 to learn more.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9

Moments in Jewish History: A 7-Part Series

7 p.m., Jewish Federation and Berman Center via Zoom. Join the Berman Center for Jewish Studies and

the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley for a 7-part series on Moments in Jewish History. The series will be presented via Zoom and is $54 per household.

The first session on Nov. 9 will cover “Between Babylon and Jerusalem: Israel and Mesopotamia in their Ancient Near Eastern World” with Dr. Dustin Nash from Muhlenberg College. Additional dates are Nov. 23, Dec. 8, Feb. 16, March 24, April 21, May 4. All sessions will be recorded. Register at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/moments-in-jewish-history.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Jewish Film Nights

7:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley via Zoom. Discussions about different films. Sponsored by JCC of the Lehigh Valley and the Jewish Federation. Contact bfinberg@lvjcc.org for more information.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

KI Shabbat Out of the Box: Hiking with Social Distance

10 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel. Join Melissa and Harvey Hakim for a vigorous hike with a social distancing bent. We will get our heart rates up and also take some time to notice the beauty that surrounds us. Registration by Nov 13 required. Go to www.kilv.org or call 610-435-9074.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Lion of Judah & Pomegranate Campaign Kick-Off: Israel through Fashion

10 a.m., Jewish Federation via Zoom. Experience Israel like you’ve never seen it before through the Israeli fashion and design scene. Get a behind-thescenes look at some of the trendiest stories in fashion with Liraz Cohen Mordechai of Fashionating by Liri. RSVP to 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org. Open to women who pledge a minimum of $1,800 to the 2021 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

KI Gardening with Native Plants

10 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel via Zoom.

Presentation by Elsbeth Haymon and Maryann Snyder via Zoom. Go to www.kilv.org for the invite.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

PJ@Home Celebrates Thanksgiving

3 p.m., Jewish Federation via Zoom. Join Muhlenberg College Hillel students to read the book and PJ selection, “Mitzvah Pizza.” We will also do a movement activity and pumpkin pie craft. This event will take place via Zoom. Register at www.jewishlehighvalley.org/pjathome. For the pumpkin pie craft, you will need: large paper plate, orange tissue paper (or construction paper), brown cardstock (or construction paper), glue, scissors, stapler, 2 cotton balls.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Virtually Limitless: Our Shared Shelf - JFNA National Women’s Philanthropy Book & Author Series 8 p.m., JFNA Webinar. Book: “Beyond the Ghetto Gates: A Novel,” by Michelle Cameron. Open to all women. Register through this form: https://form. jotform.com/202654095372052

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Moments in Jewish History: A 7-Part Series

7 p.m., Jewish Federation and Berman Center via Zoom. Join the Berman Center for Jewish Studies and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley for a 7-part series on Moments in Jewish History. The series will be presented via Zoom and is $54 per household. The session on Nov. 23 will cover “Who was a Jew? Jewish Diversity in the Second Temple Period” with Dr. Ben Wright from Lehigh University. Additional dates are Dec. 8, Feb. 16, March 24, April 21, May 4. All sessions will be recorded. Register at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/ moments-in-jewish-history.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

Virtual Chanukah Cooking Session with Michael Solomonov

8 p.m. via Vimeo. Learn to make delicious dishes for Chanukah with Executive Chef and Co-owner of Zahav, Michael Solomonov, the 2019 James Beard Foundation award winner for Outstanding Restaurant. Chef Solomonov will dazzle in this virtual cooking event, streamed live over Vimeo. Event password, recipes and ingredient list will be sent before the event. Pre-registration required. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, in partnership with Federations across North America.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

Jewish Day School 67th Annual Event

7:30 p.m. Jewish Day School via Zoom. The Jewish Day School will hold its 67th annual event virtually, honoring Mr. Harold Grinspoon with the Pillar of Excellence Award. Mr. Grinspoon’s philanthropic vision has enriched each Jewish organization and synagogue in the Lehigh Valley. The Harold Grinspoon Foundation is the genesis behind the LIFE & LEGACY and PJ Library programs that benefit our entire community. Joanna Powers will be recognized as the Educator of the Year for her decades of dedication to education. Please join the celebration by visiting jdslv.org to contribute and receive the link to the virtual event.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6

PJ@Home Celebrates Hanukkah

3 p.m., Jewish Federation and JCC via Zoom. Pick up your Hanukkah kit at the JCC from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join us to read the book and PJ selection, “Hanukkah Bear” by Eric A. Kimmel. We will also be making a menorah craft. This event will take place via Zoom. Register at www.jewishlehighvalley.org/pjathome.

with Cantor Wartell FRIDAYS 8:30-9:30 AM WMUH 91.7

muhlenberg.edu/wmuh | 484.664.3456

Celebrate the beauty of Shabbat

Shabbat & Yom Tov Candlelighting Times

Friday, Nov. 6 Friday, Nov. 13 Friday, Nov. 20 22 NOVEMBER 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

4:34 pm 4:28 pm 4:22 pm

Friday, Nov. 27 Friday, Dec. 4 Friday, Dec. 11

4:19 pm 4:17 pm 4:17 pm

MONDAYS

Yoga with Miriam Sandler: Hatha Yoga, mixed level

8:30 to 9:45 a.m., Congregation Brith Sholom via Zoom. No flow but best of you can go from seated on the floor to standing poses and then back again to seated. $10 Drop-In fee suggested. Payable via Venmo, Zelle or by check except where noted*.

Venmo ID: @Miriam-Sandler. For more information, email: mbserow@gmail.com. Join Zoom Meeting: https://tinyurl.com/y6xl8ozr

Yoga with Miriam Sandler: Chair Supported Yoga

10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Congregation Brith Sholom via Zoom. Be seated in a comfortable chair, preferably armless (folding works well). $10 Drop-In fee suggested. Payable via Venmo, Zelle or by check except where noted*. Venmo ID: @ Miriam-Sandler. For more information, email: mbserow@gmail.com. Join Zoom Meeting: https:// tinyurl.com/y7qzv87v

Online Jewish Yoga Studio

11 to 11:45 a.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Mindful body practices help us find shelter right where we are, in our bodies in this very movement. Join yoga teacher and IJS faculty member Cantor Lizzie Shammash as she guides you in all-levels yoga and movement sessions informed by Jewish spiritual teachings and designed to relieve stress as we increase awareness of breath and grounding through our bodies. Open to all, no experience needed. Sign up now at jewishspirituality.org.

TUESDAYS

Weekly Torah Study

11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Rabbi Jonathan Slater will lead a weekly program: “Torah Study to Sustain The Soul,” aimed at addressing an aspect of spiritual life that will help us navigate this time of uncertainty and isolation. Open to all, no previous knowledge needed. Sign up now at jewishspirituality.org.

Yiddish Club

2 to 3:30 p.m., JCC via Zoom. Experience the joys of Yiddish via Zoom as part of the J-DAYS program.

The group meets weekly to discuss topics like cooking, humor, music and all kinds of entertainment in the Yiddish language. All are welcome to join this lively, weekly discussion. There is something for everyone no matter if you know a few words, or are a fluent speaker. Enjoy fun, fellowship, stories and more. Participants Zoom in from

five states. No cost. Contact Janis Mikofsky at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley, 610-435-3571 ext. 501.

FRIDAYS - SHABBAT SERVICES

Torah Tuesdays with Bnai Shalom

6 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom via Zoom. Join Congregation Brith Sholom for a Kabbalat Shabbat service with Rabbi Singer and Chazan Sam. Join in at www.tinyurl.com/y7pt9zeq.

Meeting ID: 677 083 639; Password: SHABBATLUV.

7 p.m., Bnai Shalom via Zoom. Interactive Torah study group. Register in advance for this meeting: www.tinyurl.com/y9xt6qpy.

Basic Hebrew Tuesdays with Bnai Shalom

8:15 p.m., Bnai Shalom via Zoom. Register in advance for this meeting: www.tinyurl.com/yb9jazch.

Kabbalat Shabbat with Brith Sholom

Kabbalat Shabbat with Temple Beth El

Morning Prayer Group

WEDNESDAYS

6 p.m., Temple Beth El Facebook. Join Rabbi Moshe Re’em for a Kabbalat Shabbat service via Facebook LIVE. Like the Temple Beth El Facebook page, at www.tinyurl.com/ybl795te, to follow along.

11 a.m., Bnai Shalom via Zoom. Register in advance for this meeting: www.tinyurl.com/ycfw2fz2.

Shabbat Services with Temple Shirat Shalom

Judaism 101 Wednesdays with Bnai Shalom

Yoga with Miriam Sandler: Chair Supported Yoga

1 to 2 p.m. Congregation Brith Sholom via Zoom. Be seated in a comfortable chair, preferably armless (folding works well). $10 Drop-In fee suggested. Payable via Venmo, Zelle or by check except where noted*. Venmo ID: @Miriam-Sandler.

For more information, email: mbserow@gmail.com.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://tinyurl.com/y82hsryd

Yoga with Miriam Sandler: Vinyasa Flow, Level 1 & 2

5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom via Zoom. Able to do Downward Facing Dog and support some weight on your hands. Best with a yoga mat. $10 Drop-In suggested. Payable via Venmo, Zelle or by check except where noted*. Venmo ID: @Miriam-Sandler. For more information, email: mbserow@gmail.com. Join Zoom Meeting: https:// tinyurl.com/yag3twpd

THURSDAYS

Basic Yiddush Class

11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., JCC via Zoom. Join one or both to finally learn or improve your Yiddish in a fun, structured setting. “Basic Yiddish” course will Zoom on Thursdays,12 to 1 p.m, Eastern (11 a.m. Central), starting Oct. 8. Enrollment limited but, based on demand, another day/time may be offered. No cost except textbooks (brand new from Yiddish Book Center). Contact Janis Mikofsky at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley, 610-435-3571 ext.

501.

Virtual Coffee Klatch

1 p.m., Bnai Shalom via Zoom. Register in advance for this meeting: www.tinyurl.com/ya4ysbbv.

6 p.m., Temple Shirat Shalom via Zoom. Please join us for Shabbat services this Friday night. Just click on the link below and then use the ID number below that. We will be able to see each other and hear each other. The meeting will begin promptly at 6:00. I am looking forward to seeing you all on Friday. Register for the Zoom meeting here: www. tinyurl.com/y2konnh3.

Virtual Shabbat with KI

7 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel via Zoom.

Join Congregation Keneseth Israel for a virtual Shabbat service. Email vdunn@kilv.org for the link to the Zoom meeting.

Congregation Am Haskalah: Online Erev Shabbat Services

7:30 p.m., Congregation Am Haskalah via Zoom. Please join us for weekly Erev Shabbat services, held here: www.tinyurl.com/y6vg37je.

Open to ALL. For tech support or any additional questions, email Liz at AmHaskalahDirector@ gmail.com.

Bnai Shalom Friday Night Services

7:30 p.m., Bnai Shalom via Zoom. Bnai Shalom will be holding virtual Friday evening services on Zoom for the foreseeable future. All are welcome.

Go to www.tinyurl.com/yd9dwkho to join Zoom meeting.

SUNDAY through FRIDAY

Daf Yomi

7:30 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel via Zoom. Are you intrigued by thought-provoking, stimulating and provocative religious discussion?

Are you enamored by the depth and scope of the Jewish legal system? Are you curious about Judaism’s perspective on marriage, tort law, Jewish burial, holiday observance, prayer, blessings and,

for that matter, nearly any Jewish topic? Then Sons of Israel’s daily “Daf Yomi” class is for you. Meeting all year long -- and right now via Zoom -- this class covers the gamut of Talmudic law, studying one page of the talmud each day, and completing the talmud over the course of seven and a half years.

Basic Jewish background is recommended. To access the daily Zoom conference, go to www.zoom. us/j/5598767191.

8:30 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel via Zoom. Join Rabbi Nisan Andrews of Sons of Israel for a morning prayer group. To access the daily Zoom conference, go to www.zoom. us/j/5598767191. Along with the prayer group, Rabbi Andrews will also be sending out a daily insight email. To subscribe, email him at rabbicsoi@ gmail.com.

MONDAY through FRIDAY

Daily Online Meditation

12:30 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality. One of their master teachers will lead a live daily guided meditation. Join with people from around the world to share 30 minutes of Jewish mindfulness.

Open to all, no experience needed. Sign up now at jewishspirituality.org.

DAILY

PJ Library Virtual Events

PJ Library has got a packed schedule of activities available for families. Find story times, craft projects, virtual field trips and more on their Facebook page. Learn more at www.facebook.com/PJLibrary.

Congregation Sons of Israel Minyanim

Shacharit on Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:45 a.m.; and Sundays at 8:30 a.m. Congregation Sons of Israel welcomes all to the daily Shacharis and Mincha/Maariv services which are conducted in the main sanctuary of the synagogue according to Covid-19 safety requirements. As you enter the building at the backdoor, next to the parking lot, your temperature is taken. Open seats have been designated to ensure proper social distancing, which you see from the pictures. Everyone wears a mask at all times (there are masks at the door if you forget to bring one). The Torah Reading is likewise conducted in a manner that conforms to best Covid practices as only one person, the reader, is called up for an Aliyah. Please check the synagogue website at www.sonsofisrael.net for the weekly listing of the starting time for Mincha/ Maariv. If you have any questions regarding the minyan, please call the synagogue office at 610433-6089.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2020 23