HAKOL - November 2021 by Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

NOVEMBER 2021 | CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5782

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Let there be light! Chanukah is the Jewish Festival of Lights, and lighting the menorah is an especially delightful celebration that brings light into our homes and into our community. The miracle of Chanukah celebrates one night’s worth of oil giving light for eight nights— as well as an ancient victory by the Maccabees over the Greek army and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. This is a special time of year to build meaningful traditions with family and a time to create deeper, richer connections to foster appreciation for the small miracles in our daily lives. I came across an article by Bonnie Romanow, a parent educator at the Marin County Jewish Family and Children’s Service, which offered some ideas to consider for each night of Chanukah as a way of giving thanks. I thought her suggestions were both interesting and enjoyable as they remind us about the blessings of both holidays, Chanukah and Thanksgiving. I thought it worth sharing her ideas as opportunities for rededicating oneself to the practice of giving and gratitude:

Day One: Remember the Meaning of Miracles Lighting the first candle, saying prayers, hearing the Chanukah story, so begins the first night. Take some time to explore what miracles are and how they might show up, both big ones and small ones. Add the gift of a journal for everyone to write down the miracles they notice in the coming days. Each family member can write at least one miracle every day. Day Two: Appreciate Beauty and Art There are thousands of art projects that you and your children could explore with just scissors, colored paper and glue. Make dreidels into art pieces with felt, ribbons and paint, or decorate candles with beeswax, etc. Spend the evening together having fun and creating handmade pieces to decorate your home, or you can also appreciate beautiful art made by others by looking through art books together. Day Three: Tzedakah Night Spend time as a family discussing the meaning of tzedakah, charity and justice, and why we value

giving to those in need. You can wrap toys to bring to a toy drive for kids in need, or identify another charity, or a family or individual who needs help. Together as a family you can decide what act or acts of charity can be done by your family over the holidays. Day Four: A Night of Cooking and Nourishment Prepare together traditional foods for an extra special festive meal! Have family members pick one item, a new recipe or an old one, to prepare. Make sure to involve your kids in the preparation, and talk to them about the meaning of the foods. Share your creations with friends and loved ones and nourish each other’s souls. Day Five: Music Night Sing Chanukah songs, listen to your favorite Chanukah music, or find a Chanukah playlist on Spotify (there are several). Make this night about music and community!

evening of sharing. Each member of the family brings a story or a book highlighting Chanukah. They can share their own history or read a favorite passage or poem. Ask the eldest family members what it was like growing up Jewish in his or her generation and what they did for Chanukah as children; what’s changed and what’s stayed the same? Day Seven: Peace in the Home, Shalom Bayit Discuss the value of having a peaceful home and unity among family members. Everyone can bring ideas for what kind of communication works best to get along and show respect for one another. Take a mindful walk together after dinner. Day Eight: Mitzvot Night Take out the miracle notebooks from the first night and ask family members to share the miracles they noticed. Also point out the

Day Six: Story Night Ask your older family members to participate in this special

kind deeds performed by family members over the past eight days in order to reinforce a sense of giving simply for the joy of giving. Reflect on the miracles that showed up and how your family might continue to remember all year long. By introducing these beautiful values during Chanukah, we reinforce and celebrate “the festival of lights” all year long and deepen the connection of relationships, friendships and gratitude. This Chanukah, be a light that brings relief to those in need. And as we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us be grateful for the many blessings in our lives. Chag Sameach to you and your family!

HAKOL STAFF STEPHANIE GOODLING Editor/Marketing Associate ALLISON MEYERS Marketing Project Manager & Senior Graphic Designer

The Lehigh Valley-Yoav Partnership Park in Blessed Memory of Mark L. Goldstein

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.

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.

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.

BAYLEY CARL Marketing & Engagement Associate

MAIL, FAX, OR E-MAIL TO: JFLV ATTN: HAKOL 702 N. 22nd St. Allentown, PA 18104

GARY FROMER JFLV President

IN HONOR JACOB ELLIS In honor of becoming a Bar Mitzvah Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie Schechner BETH AND CORY HIKEN In honor of wedding celebration Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie Schechner

IN MEMORY BLANCHE ALAGEM (Mother of Matti Sarfatti Harcavi) Carolyn Katwan Partnership2Gether Committee JOAN BENSTOCK (Wife of Jerry, mother of Susie, Michael and Peter) Beth and Scott Delin

JUDITH GINSBURG (Grandmother of Tama Tamarkin) Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie Schechner Mindy and Eric Holender JONAH WAHRMAN (Husband of Lucille Wahrman) Nancy Bernstein

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

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JFLV EXECUTIVE STAFF JERI ZIMMERMAN Executive Director TEMPLE COLDREN Director of Finance & Administration AARON GORODZINSKY Director of Campaign & Security Planning AMY ZYLBERMAN Director of Community Development WENDY EDWARDS Office Manager

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

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2021 3

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

A perfectly polished evening with Lions and Pomegranates By Amy Zylberman JFLV Director of Community Development Suzi Weiss-Fischmann brought vibrant color and Jewish values when she gathered with over 50 Lions of Judah and Pomegranates from the Lehigh Valley. Weiss-Fischmann was the keynote speaker at the Lion and Pomegranates’ “First Lady of Nails” campaign launch program on Oct. 14. The co-founder of OPI nail polish shared her life story and love of lacquer to a captive audience. While gathering in person is always a treasured opportunity, event chair Laura Wax, Women’s Philanthropy President Beth Kushnick, and Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Board member Aliette Abo were able to share Suzi’s story with attendees, dropping off packages with Suzi’s book, “I’m Not Really a Waitress,” doorside across the valley. “I’m Not Really a Waitress” is a famed chianti-red color from OPI, but in the book and during the gathering, Suzi shared that it’s named after those whose big break came while waiting tables - and beyond that specifically, an ode to “anyone laboring for a dream.” Tzedakah, in Suzi’s words, is a “mainstay of my life.” She shared, “The act of helping others less fortunate is something I value greatly. My father always said, ‘you give, you get.’ Acts of generosity go out into the world and sow more acts of generosity.”

A powerful theme of both Suzi’s words and her work is the importance of self-expression. In her book, she shares, “Now, with so many colors and textures and finishes to choose from... there is absolutely no limit to what you can say with your nails. This may be OPI’s most enduring contribution: we gave women both the tools and the permission to express themselves in any way they choose. There is nothing more empowering.” Wax noted, “Although we couldn’t be together in person, gathering together on Zoom to listen to Suzi was a chance for all of us to continue to feel inspired. It was an honor to plan this event to say thank you to this philanthropic group of women who knows how important it is to financially support our Jewish community both near and far.” This sentiment rang true when Suzi herself shared a favorite quote with the women, from Winston Churchill. He said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Women’s Philanthropy’s Chanukah will be Too Hot to Candle By Amy Zylberman JFLV Director of Community Development Soon, women across the Lehigh Valley will light up the night with homemade Chanukah crafts. ‘Too Hot to Candle’ presents an opportunity for women to gather virtually to make colorful wax dreidels, stained glass style window art, and dreidels out of clay. The evening will take place Monday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m. over Zoom. Once registered, attendees will receive the link. The program is free to attend, but attendees may choose to receive the art supplies for a nominal $20 fee. Art kits will be distributed to attendees by event chairs Crissy Toff and Dr. Chelsea Busch at a drive-by pickup on Sunday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The workshop will be led by Tova Speter, a Massachusetts-based artist, art therapist, art educator and arts consultant. Speter is the founder and director of The MEM Project, engaging individuals and groups in meaningful Jewish art experiences, and has worked as a consultant helping congregations and organizations infuse more arts-

based experiences into their programming. Speter has shared, “I think I get the greatest personal benefit from the community art projects I facilitate. It feels like a gift every time I get to see a participant shift from feeling like they are ‘not an artist’ to expressing that they are proud of something they created.” Women’s Philanthropy hopes that you, too, will give yourself that gift this Chanukah by joining us for Too Hot to Candle!

SPONSORED BY THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY’S WOMEN’S DIVISION

welcoming new babies to the Lehigh Valley 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

Handmade Afghans BY EVA LEVITT

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 4 NOVEMBER 2021 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Bob Grey appointed Chair of ORT America Executive Committee By Tova Kantrowitz ORT America Marketing and Communications Director ORT America announced at their Annual Meeting on Oct. 10 that Bob Grey is the new Chair of their Executive Committee. Bob has served on the ORT America Board of Directors since 2018. He also held several leadership positions at Jewish Federation of Lehigh Valley and the Jewish Federations of North America. “I am looking forward to working with Bob as he takes on this new role. He brings his vast experience and knowledge that will enable ORT America to advance our cause,” said Howard Lanznar, Chairman of the Board. As Chair of the Executive Committee Bob will preside over all meetings of this body. He will also be required to serve as the acting Chairman of the Board of Directors in the event of the absence of the Chairman. “We are delighted to have Bob serve in this capacity and are grateful for his dedication and leadership,” said Barbara Birch, ORT America President and CEO. Bob is a partner at the international law firm K&L Gates. He previously served as Executive Vice

Sweet surprise in store for first 300 campaign donors

President and Chief Legal Officer of PPL Corporation, one of the largest utility companies worldwide. He is a prominent expert in energy law and teaches an advanced seminar on the subject at Columbia Law School. A serious art collector, he is a major donor to the Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth College and the Guggenheim. Bob and his wife, Sue, are parents of two children and have four grandchildren. ORT America is the leading fundraising organization for World ORT, whose global educational network, schools, colleges, and international programs reach more than 200,000 beneficiaries. ORT educational programs help develop student’s future careers to lead fulfilling, independent lives. With generous support from our donors, they reach underresourced students by bridging the gap between aptitude and opportunity, as they work to expand knowledge, build autonomy, and strengthen Jewish identity. ORT America is headquartered in New York, with regional offices in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. For more information, please visit www.ortamerica.org.

There is a sweet surprise in store for the first 300 new and increased gifts to the 2022 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs. Donors will receive a surprise gift as a thank you for their contribution. “We are so excited for what’s in store this year, and this is the sweetest way we could think of to kick off another great campaign,” said Aaron Gorodzinsky, campaign and security planning director for Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. “It is more important than ever to donate to the Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs,” said Federation Executive Director Jeri

Zimmerman. “Our community is facing challenges on all fronts as we address rising antisemitism and the ongoing effects of the global pandemic.” The community’s annual mitzvah day known as Super Sunday, which usually takes place in January, will be pushed to Spring 2022. But for those who are eager to help kick off this year’s new campaign, Federation is ready to thank them for their generous support. To make your gift to the 2022 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, visit jewishlehighvalley.org/campaign.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2021 5

Cellist mesmerizes at LIFE & LEGACY Year 4 Celebration

By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor The Lehigh Valley Jewish community celebrated a successful Year 4 of the LIFE & LEGACY Program on Oct. 12. Supporters of all 10 organizations involved gathered via Zoom to be serenaded by world-renowned cellist Amit Peled. Jewish Federation Executive Director Jeri Zimmerman welcomed the virtual crowd before toasting them with their gifts of wine from the local kosher Bimah Winery. “It’s thanks to each of you for your commitment to our Jewish community that we have received 560 commitments totaling an estimated $10.4 million. That is certainly no small feat, so congratulations! We’ve really strengthened our agencies by securing gifts and integrating legacy giving in the philanthropic culture of our community,” said Zimmerman. She also explained the current “Each One Reach One” initiative running through the end of the year by LIFE & LEGACY’s sponsor, The Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Donors are encouraged to reach out to just one friend to spread the word about legacy giving and about LIFE & LEGACY and their own experi-

6 NOVEMBER 2021 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

ences to encourage others to join them in magnifying their impact. Peled, who was raised on a kibbutz in Israel and began playing cello at age 10, is one of the most sought after cello professors in the world, currently teaching at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University. He shared his journey of his life of music and Judaism with the audience. “I am addicted to music. I wake up every morning missing it,” said Peled. Playing a variety of pieces,

from those he played as part of the IDF’s string quartet for the Israeli prime minister and president to the first song he remembers his mother singing, sparking his interest in music at age 5, Peled delighted with his expert technique and expression. He even encouraged the viewers to stand up and dance while playing a Hasidic wedding song inspired by his great-greatgrandparents from Russia. “Jewish music is not only sad and introspective,” Peled said before sharing the piece.

Major donors get history lesson from Dr. Ken Stein By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor On Oct. 6, major donors to the Jewish Federation gathered to kick off the 2022 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs and hear special guest Dr. Ken Stein speak via Zoom. Federation President Gary Fromer welcomed the virtual audience. He acknowledged the successful work of local Jewish agencies and synagogues throughout the pandemic. “We remain very fortunate to be in a community that has so much Jewishness despite having being a relatively small community,” said Fromer. Vicki Wax, co-campaign chair, also addressed the gathering, again emphasizing how the Jewish agencies are thriving despite the pandemic. She then introduced her eldest grandson, Benjamin Wax, a student at Emory University, who in turn introduced his professor, Stein. Stein has taught contemporary middle eastern history, political science and Israeli studies since 1977. He’s also the founding director of the Emory Institute for the Study of Modern Israel. He also founded and remains president of the Center for Israel Education. Stein promised to speak on a few major areas of interest and concern: Israel and what it means to us, the question of where we are in Jewish history and the history of the State of Israel, and making judgments on where Zionism has succeeded and where it has not. Starting with a “secular d’var torah,” Stein reminded the audience that the date he was speaking was Oct. 6, which was the start of the Yom Kippur War in 1973. He went over the history of this war and others, and explored the founding and current position of the

State of Israel. He also emphasized the importance of Israel to the Jewish identity and the importance of retaining “Jewish memory.” “The whole undertaking of Jews wanting to have a state had to do with Jewish history - it had to do with the insecurity and precariousness of the Jewish life. Precariousness is what drives Jewish survival. But the core to Jewish survival is what are our ethics, what is our Torah, what is our traditions, our holidays, our foods. How do we behave toward one another. That is how we succeed, because we have this unique ability to worry about one another,” said Stein. He remarked that while it is a “tragedy” that Zionism has not led to an end of antisemitism, “at least today we’re speaking from strength. At least today we have a voice.” Stein continuously urged his audience to have patience, as “history is terribly, terribly slow in making change.” Ultimately, despite the current state of the Israel-Palestine conflict, Stein has hope for the future. “I think we have to teach the next generation that Israel has great relevance. Israel has brought us to a new place, but that new place is not finished. Be patient. We’re in the midst of a wonderful period of Jewish identity and history. We as Jews are the strongest Jewish community that ever lived. We have so much to give to our next generation and so much to give to one another. We do it in the microcosms in Allentown, Pennsylvania, as well as we do it in other places in the world. Above all, be proud of what we’ve accomplished as a community and what we’ve accomplished as a people,” concluded Stein.

IN HONOR LAURA AND BOB BLACK In honor of the birth of your grandson, Asher Noah Alcheh Rita and Michael Bloom WENDY AND ROSS BORN In honor of your grandson Jacob’s Bar Mitzvah Ellen and Phil Hof Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz Jennie Schechner and Aaron Gorodzinsky Eileen Ufberg Vicki Wax CHELSEA BUSCH In honor of earning your PhD Carol and Gary Fromer

Aaron Gorodzinsky Vicki Wax NICOLE AND DAVID COOPER In honor of the birth of your daughter, Noa Ellen and Phil Hof PETER AND KAREN COOPER In honor of the birth of your granddaughter, Noa Ellen and Phil Hof Eileen Ufberg Vicki Wax RONI AND TOM ENGLERT In honor of your grandson Eli’s Bar Mitzvah Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz LISA AND ANDREW ELLIS PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT

In honor of your son Jacob’s Bar Mitzvah Ellen and Phil Hof Suzanne Lapiduss ELLEN AND NEIL FELDMAN In honor of your son Daniel’s marriage Carol and Gary Fromer AARON GORODZINSKY AND JENNIE SCHECHNER In honor of your engagement Bonnie and Bobby Hammel ARLENE AND IRA LEVINE In honor of your son Ryan’s marriage to Stacy Lampell Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz DIANE AND GARY MILLER In honor of your granddaughter’s Bat Mitzvah Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz AMY AND RICH MORSE In honor of Kenny and Leah’s wedding Vicki Wax

AMY AND ROB MORRISON In honor of your daughter Rachel’s marriage Jennie Schechner and Aaron Gorodzinsky JUDITH AND ALAN MORRISON In honor of your granddaughter Rachel’s marriage Jennie Schechner and Aaron Gorodzinsky PENNY ROTH Happy Birthday! Audrey Cylinder RANDI AND DONALD SENDEROWITZ In honor of your daughter Rissa’s engagement to Evan Ntonados Suzanne Lapiduss Hank Narrow AMY AND JACK SILVERMAN In honor of your daughter Jessica’s marriage Suzanne Lapiduss ELLEN SOSIS AND SCOTT ANDERSON In honor of your New Home Roberta and Jeff Epstein IN MEMORY JUDITH GINSBURG (Grandmother of Tama Tamarkin) Sylvia and Sam Bub Carol and Gary Fromer Suzanne Lapiduss The Rabin Family Vicki Wax WALTER GOLDFARB (Brother of Harold Goldfarb) Wendy and Ross Born Roberta and Jeff Epstein Carol and Gary Fromer

(610) 882-8800 • embassybank.com Or Visit Any of Embassy’s Convenient Offices Valleywide

8 NOVEMBER 2021 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Bonnie and Bobby Hammel Suzanne Lapiduss Vicki Wax LEON ROSSMAN (Father of Karen Albert) Rita and Michael Bloom JONAH WAHRMAN (Husband of Lucy Wahrman) Carole and Michael Langsam MICKEY UFBERG MEMORIAL AMBUCYCLE FUND Audrey Cherney Renee and Bob Dubin Bonnie and Bobby Hammel Andie and Jim Jesberger Carolyn Katwan Beth and Wesley Kozinn Linda and Harold Kreithen Suzanne Lapiduss Ron Segel Lenore Stecher and Stephen Sher Susan and Marc Vengrove Barbara and Arthur Weinrach Katerina and Michael Weinstein We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship through recent gifts to the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation. The minimum contribution for an Endowment Card is $10. Call 610-821-5500 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley. org to place your card requests. Thank you for your continued support.

Muhlenberg hosts webinar with Jewish-Italian entrepreneurs On Tuesday, Nov. 9, from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., the Italian Studies Program of Muhlenberg College will host a webinar featuring two young entrepreneurs from Rome, Dora and Sofia Piperno, entitled “The Silk Tallit: A Story of Jewish-Italian Rediscovery & Entrepreneurship.” Dora and Sofia Piperno grew up in a Jewish family in Rome, Italy. Beginning in 2016, the two sisters founded a company with a very particular business plan: to resurrect the lost Jewish-Italian tradition of silk tallit manufacturing, and market their products to a global public. The tallit (plural: tallitot) is a Jewish ritual prayer shawl, and the Jews of Italy had a long tradition of making exquisitely crafted and ornate tallitot out of fine Italian silk and embroidery; however, this tradition had been lost during the tumultuous 20th century. After extensive historical research, the Piperno sisters founded a company, Talled di Seta (www.talleddiseta.

com), that produces magnificent tallitot out of fine Italian silk in the old style. They will share with us the centuries-old traditional of Jewish silk textile art and production in Italy, the Jewish-Italian tradition of silk tallitot, and the ins and outs of creating a business that produces and markets a high-quality local product on a global scale. This event will take place via Zoom and is free and open to the public. You can join us by accessing the ac-

Tree of Life Continues from page 1

to overturn or reform the law, saying that it provides a shield for partisan attacks.) Day three of the summit pivoted once again to discuss victim responses. Other panels ran the gamut from discussing domestic terrorism laws to the link between online speech and real-world violence in Myanmar. Even with such a wide expanse of topics covered at the summit, and so many prominent speakers, including video recordings from former President George W. Bush and Jewish current Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, organizers took care to continually re-emphasize why they were all gathered in Pittsburgh on that particular date. Before the start of the various summit sessions, Tree of Life’s Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers spoke to the audience and offered an invocation. He said that if not for the massacre three years ago, which occurred in the midst of Shabbat services, he would have read that day’s Torah portion, which describes patriarch Abraham welcoming three unknown guests into his home. The focus on Tree of Life continued throughout the summit, which also included a preview of an upcoming public television documentary about the massacre. Rita Katz, the executive director and founder of SITE Intelligence Group, explained to summit attendees how the man who attacked three congregations at the Tree of Life building became an emblem of extremism and violence in the years following the massacre. Katz shared a theory she called “the chain of ‘screw your optics,’” in reference to a social media post the alleged shooter wrote just prior to his Oct. 27 attack: “All Jews must die. Screw your optics, I’m going in.” She described connections between the Pittsburgh attack, which was fueled by antiimmigrant sentiment as well as antisemitism and was widely promoted by hate groups online, and other attacks that followed: the Christchurch Mosque attack in New Zealand; the attack on a Chabad Center in Poway, California; a shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas; the attempted terrorist attack at a

companying QR code, or by visiting the webpage of the Italian Studies Program at Muhlenberg: www.muhlenberg.edu/academics/llc/ languages/italian. This program is made possible thanks to the generosity of Muhlenberg College, the Berman Center for Jewish Studies, and the Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation. For further information, please contact: Prof. Daniel Leisawitz, dleisawitz@ muhlenberg.edu.

Norway mosque; and a thwarted attack on a synagogue in Halle, Germany. Keynote speaker Jonathan Greenblatt, national director and CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, spoke about the role social media has played in growing antisemitism and other manifestations of hate. “What starts with the Jews,” Greenblatt said, “never ends with the Jews.” Greenblatt railed against the antisemitism of right-wing extremists as well as that coming from the political left, including the BDS movement on college campuses. “Anti-Zionism is antisemitism, pure and simple,” he said. Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh President and CEO Jeff Finkelstein, who introduced Greenblatt, was on the planning committee for the summit. “This is a nice way for our community to share with the world experts on hate,” Finkelstein told the Chronicle. “But this isn’t a program about Pittsburgh, although the program takes place in Pittsburgh. It is one way to remember what took place here.” The objectives of the conference, Finkelstein said, extend beyond fighting antisemitism. “Remember it’s ‘anti-hate,’” he said. “Antisemitism is one piece of hatred. This is about hate as a broad topic.” Speakers at the summit spoke of hatreds beyond antisemitism. Gary Locke, former governor of Washington, discussed experiencing anti-Asian hate while in office; other speakers hailed from the Arab-American Institute, the Muslim Public Affairs Council and the AsianAmerican Foundation. In his pre-recorded remarks, Bush thanked those in attendance for taking up the important work of combating hate. “This is a bridge against our nation’s greatest divisions,” he said. Brad Orsini, who served as director of community security for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh from 2017-2020, said he was pleased with the summit. “This is the first step to get everyone together and see what deliverables come out of this and build really tangible results on the back end,” he said. A version of this article originally appeared in the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle, and is reprinted with permission. Additional reporting by JTA staff. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2021 9

The ancient recipe for sufganiyot

RABBI YAACOV HALPERIN Chabad of the Lehigh Valley Among the many celebrations that occur during the holiday of Chanukah, many celebrate with delicious sufganiyot (donuts) and fresh hot latkes. A Jew was once invited to the rabbi's house for a

lem that artisanAntisemitism: Solution

Chanukah party. On the table were beautifully displayed silver dishes. The rabbi then excitedly shared the sentiments behind each one of the dishes. The Candelabra, he begins, is truly ancient - 180 years old. The small Kiddush cup - I inherited from my greatgrandfather who was a great Sage. The tablecloth - I inherited from my grandmother from before the Holocaust. When the rabbi was talking, the guest helped himself to a delicious looking sufganiyah. Only to his great horror, the donut was dry and stale! He cynically asked the rabbi: did you also inherit the sufganiyah from your greatgrandfather? In today’s day and age, when we celebrate Chanukah, one can wonder perhaps if Chanukah is an ancient holiday we inherited from a great-great-ancestor. We may doubt its relevancy Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

Jewish Community Relations Council

A Bipartisan Problem that Demands a Nonpartisan Solution who have courageously and

eaders powerfully A speaker series featuring leaders who have courageously and powerfully sh bigotry from their ownbigotry political allies. challenged anti-Jewish from their own political allies.

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How Progressives Can Counter Antisemitism on the Left

Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

Jewish Community Relations Council

How Conservatives Can Counter Antisemitism on the Right

How Conservatives Can Counter Antisemitism on the Right Carly Pildis

Associate Director for Community Engagement, AOL

Manilan Houle Alex Zeldin

Columnist, The Forward Carly Pildis, Manilan Houle and Alex Zeldin, influential progressive advocates and thought leaders, have all confronted antisemitism, anti-Zionism and anti-Israel bias from their progressive allies. Join this discussion to learn how progressives can make a difference in pushing back against antisemitism on the political left.

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William Kristol Founding Director, Defending Democracy Together Editor-at-Large, The Bulwark

Assistant Regional Director , AOL Midwest

William Kristal, one of the defining conservative thinkers and writers of his generation, has a decades-long track record of facing down antisemitism from within his own party. Join us to hear about his experiences and learn how conservatives can effectively challenge anti-Jewish hate on the political right.

October 12, 2021

November 18, 2021

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JCRC of the Jewish Federation of Delaware

William Kristol

to our times. It was more than 2,000 years ago that the war between the Maccabees and the Greeks occurred. We all know the great miracle that occurred resulting in the great victory of the Maccabees! Today all that remains from the great Chashmonaim family is a small town in Israel named for them. The ancient Greek empire are not the same as the Greeks of today. So the questions remains as to why is it relevant to us what occurred over 2,000 years ago! Is it similar to the ancient sufganiyah (donut) we inherited from our ancestors? In truth, the holiday of Chanukah is as relevant today as in the days of old. The recipe for the sufganiyah might be ancient, but the sufganiyah itself is fresh from today! We read in the special Chanukah prayer, "in those days - and in our time.” What is the recipe for the sufganiyah? We recite in the prayer of “V-al Hanisim” that the Greeks wanted to eliminate Toratechah, “your Torah and to turn us away from your Mitzvot.” The Greeks did not object to the desire of the Jewish people to study Torah, their objection was to the words “Toratechah” - your Torah! Their objection was not to the keeping of the mitzvot of old but of “your mitzvot”! The Greeks were known to be very enlightened, educated and cultural and very much valued science and logic. The Greeks emphasized

the power of reason in the importance of individual consciousness. Many of the great philosophers like Plato and Aristotle were ready to accept the Torah but only as a Jewish philosophy. They opposed the holiness of Torah and the blind faith in G-d. For the Jewish people, it is the Torah of G-d. The same applied to observance of the mitzvot. The Greeks were willing to accept mitzvot as a way to improve culture, but opposed the keeping of the irrational mitzvot. “Chukei retzoneichah,” your mitzvoth, the Commandments of God. When the Greeks entered the Temple, they contaminated the oil, they did not dispose of the oil. The gold Menorah and its seven branches that was lit with olive oil was a magnificent piece of art. They opposed the stubbornness for the need of pure olive oil. In their opinion, any oil would do the job! Why the need of pure olive oil? The Chashmonaim fought the Greeks so fiercely because they understood that faith in G-d is the foundation of the Torah. If we eliminate the purity and holiness from the Torah, it will remain like a body without a soul. If we eliminate the first Commandment from The Ten Commandments, I am your G-d, we will be left void of the mitzvot. The miracle of the small jug of oil represents the unfathomable victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks, the victory of holiness over

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the impurity, the knowledge that there is no Torah without holiness, and there is no mitzvot/Commandments without faith. This is the recipe of the ancient sufganiyah. The sufganiyah is as fresh today as in ancient times, as we say “Bayamim Haheim Bisman Hazeh…” at this time in those days… and in our time. The war with the Greeks at times appears to be still continuing to this very day. We may hear outside influence to view the Torah as a great philosophical study. To relate to the Commandments/mitzvot as a beautiful culture. To teach Torah without faith, to study Kabbalah without observing the mitzvot. To speak about the victory of The Maccabees and to sing the “al hanisim Asher asu amakbim.” Emphasizing the miracle came through the Maccabees without mentioning of the G-dly miracle. The holiday of Chanukah reminds us that there is no Torah without Holiness, there are no mitzvot/ Commandments without faith. We must remember that the Torah is G-d’s Torah and the Commandments are G-d's will. The word Chanukah can also be translated in Hebrew as education. When we educate our children, we should nurture them with the holiness of our sacred traditions, with Jewish warmth and an unshakeable faith in G-d. This is how we will have a fresh sufganiyah with a winning recipe of ancient times!

Collecting brand new (tags on) winter coats for local boys and girls Kids sizes 2T through 18 (adult sizes for teens are appreciated) NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 1, 2021

3 Easy Ways to Give: 1. Purchase coat(s) and place in collection point boxes or call 610-821-8722 to make an appointment to drop off at JFS office 2. Purchase coat(s) online and ship directly to JFSLV at 6063 Palomino Drive, Allentown, PA 18106 3. Make a donation of any amount towards purchasing coats in this year’s drive at jfslv.org/donate and select “Coats & Cocoa” in the fund dropdown Also accepting new hats and gloves! And, of course, hot cocoa mix Please contact Kristen Johnson with any questions at 706-755-4692.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2021 11

Celebrating 35 years o This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Founding of the Maimonides Society. Federation will be celebrating this milestone all year long. In January 2022, Eli Beer of United Hatzollah of Israel will speak to the Lehigh Valley Jewish community. The Maimonides Society donated an ambucycle which has saved many lives in Israel over the past few years, and this year, they will be donating a second in memory of Dr. Mickey Ufberg, z”l, one of the founding members of Maimonides. The Maimonides Society of the Jewish Federation is at the forefront of both philanthropy and service in the Lehigh Valley Jewish community. The society provides a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals to connect to a cause they care about and to each other. The Maimonides Society is special to the Lehigh Valley, where the charter members started the very first group dedicated to healthcare within the Jewish community 35 years ago. In the decades since, several other Maimonides Societies have been created in Jewish communities across the country. Join us in looking back at these photos from past years and looking forward to the future of many more with Maimonides Society members serving our community to make it a stronger and healthier place.

12 NOVEMBER 2021 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

of Maimonides Society

LET'S REMEMBER TOGETHER! Have you been part of the Maimonides Society for decades? If you have old pictures from the early days, send in a scan or photo of them to hakol@ jflv.org and you may see them in future issues of HAKOL as we continue to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Society this year!

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2021 13

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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2021 15

PARTNERSHIP2GETHER UPDATE FROM YOAV

Schools, street names and more in Yoav By Nurit Galon Partnership2Gether “For lo the summer has passed,” and here in Yoav, we are all ready for the approaching year. Corona is still with us and seems likely to remain so for a number of years, according to the medical experts. And yet, on the surface, things seem pretty normal. True, there are constant reminders of the need for vaccinations, for Corona tests, for wearing masks at all times, but the country is pretty much functioning. Restaurants, concert halls and movies are open, and as for traveling, it seems the whole country feels a need for making up for lost time! “We don’t need no education” - remember the song? In Yoav, the opposite is true, and all educational institutes are open and the classes are full. We now have three elementary schools - the third opened one month ago - and our high school of over 1000 students, which received

the award for excellence last year, and classes for adult education. These are in such demand in the region but, because of a lack of places, are this year available only to Yoav inhabitants. Add to this the kindergartens and nurseries in the Yoav communities, and it is clear that education is a high priority in Yoav. Yoav is led by a Regional Council, headed by the Mayor and Management Committee and the “Parliament,” which consists of elected representatives chosen in their own community, the number depending on its size. In addition, there are specialized committees, such as education, financial, welfare and senior citizens, emergency teams, and a very active Community Centre, which provides activities for all ages. At this time, the relevant committees are busy planning the budget and manpower for the year ahead. Another exciting development for Yoav is the Yoav

Industrial Park, already “sold out” and in the process of being built. What’s in a name? As visitors to kibbutzim have discovered, finding the house of a kibbutz member is no easy task! Why? Because kibbutzim traditionally have no street names or house numbers! A kibbutz was considered an integrated community, where everybody knew everybody, so who needed street names? Kibbutz Negba turned 80 this year and decided that the time had come to have street names. Not an easy decision, as, as usual in our democratic kibbutzim, the decision had to be unanimous, and then began the government bureaucracy! All in all, three years passed until the street names received legal status, and even then, a company had to be hired to suggest the plan for street naming. Mashka Litvak, head of the 80 years celebrations, also promoted the street naming, and whilst the process was not as simple as is sounds, she

says members are happy with the results. Negba is the first kibbutz to go “street wise,” but almost certainly will not be the last! And in Israel in general, the government is beginning to function, as usual with arguments and controversy - after all, this is Israel! - but nevertheless with certain

triumphs also. In general, the government handling of Corona has been fairly successful, with less rhetoric than previously. We wish to send our sincere condolences to Dr. Matti Sarfatti Hacarvi, Mayor of Yoav, and her family, on the death of her mother Blanche Algim.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2021 17

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Muhlenberg hosts Hunger Free Campus Symposium By Kristine Yahna Todaro Muhlenberg College Director of News & Media Relations

JDS Evening of Tribute Continues from page 7

place to be seen. All that changed when we closed our doors. Yet, we knew that strong partnerships would carry us through this pandemic. We knew our families lost their five days-aweek hot meal cafeteria plan when our school campus closed, so we partnered with Teach PA and launched a free kosher lunch program for all children under the age of 18. We handed out 125 boxes a week containing five meals and ten snacks. We continued this program throughout the entire 2020-21 school year. We knew we needed to equip students with individual learning kits when our doors reopened in the fall as children would no longer be able to share school supplies, plus they may need to pivot to online learning at any point and would need supplies at home. As such, we reached out to Crayola for supplies and partnered with them to fill these kits. We expanded our faculty to include new partnerships. We started an artist-in-residence with the prestigious Allentown Art Museum and a scientist-in-residence with the Da Vinci Science Center - allowing their institutions to provide ways to keep their faculty on staff during cutbacks and giving us the opportunity to learn from world class educators in their respective fields. We reached out to new communities, as far as an hour away, who did not have a local Jewish day school, working closely with their Federation and Jewish leaders to offer a chance for their families to learn in our school. We were able to help our Jewish communities grow by working together. The challenges, or hurdles, were endless. Financially, our school was forced to spend more and spend quickly to keep our doors open. The technology needs alone had drastically affected our budgets. We needed to hire additional staff to cover lunch duty in the classroom, teachers teaching in-school and on-line simultaneously, new COVID-19 guidelines to follow including teachers staying home when they had any symptoms that could be COVID-19 related, no volunteers in the building since our school was closed to outside adults and so much more. Supplies were limited. Can you imagine the stress we were under when we decided to open our buildings but couldn’t find Purell, Lysol wipes or Chromebooks? A strong leadership team, a dedicated Medical Task Force, an incredible VP of Finance, Art 18 NOVEMBER 2021 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

PHOTO CREDIT: MUHLENBERG COLLEGE/JOE ROMANO

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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused increased levels of food insecurity for college students, and students of color are disproportionately impacted. Food insecurity now impacts nearly one-third of college students at four-year institutions and nearly of two-thirds students at twoyear institutions. On Sunday, Oct. 24, Muhlenberg College will host the Hunger Free Campus Symposium, from 2 to 4 p.m., in Miller Forum, Moyer Hall, to bring attention to both the issue and potential solutions. Speakers will include Pennsylvania State Representatives Malcolm Kenyatta and Mike Schlossberg and Congresswoman Susan Wild. Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey and First Lady Frances Wolf will provide video remarks during the symposium. Natalie David '22, president of Muhlenberg College Challah for Hunger and a mentor for Challah for Hunger nationally, said, “Food insecurity in higher education is a problem that is wholly solvable, but college students, administrators, and state and federal legislators must work

together to create sustainable and equitable solutions. Over the past three years, Muhlenberg has taken great strides in addressing food insecurity with initiatives such as emergency grants and the MULE Community Cabinet. Imagine how much more can be done to support students in the Lehigh Valley if our legislators invested in student well-being?” David advocates for SNAP to be expanded, eligibility restrictions for college students lifted and Hunger Free Campus Legislation passed. In Pennsylvania, if passed, this legislation would provide $1 million in funding for anti-hunger initiatives in public institutions. On the federal level, the EATS Act would eliminate the long-standing 20 hour/week work requirement for college students and would ensure that nearly 4 million college students have the resources they need to thrive. “No one should have to make the choice between getting their education or struggling to get their next meal,” said Arielle Weinberger '22, education and advocacy director of Muhlenberg College Challah for Hunger. “The well-being of our students is the well-being of our future, and it’s legislation like Hunger Free Campus Grant Legislation

Natalie David '22, president of Muhlenberg College Challah for Hunger, is organizing the Hunger Free Campus Symposium. and the EATS Act that will give students access to these rights.” David said, “More than ever, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed inequalities along racial and economic lines, and it is time we create a more equitable future for all college students through passing Hunger Free Campus Grant Legislation and the EATS Act.” Registration is required. The event is free and open to the public but masks are required. Light refreshments will be served.

Hochhauser, peers who are partners, parents who believe in us, all came together. Prior to COVID-19, our sukkah did not survive a rainstorm. The tarp ripped and the schach was destroyed--but we kept the frame. Over the summer of 2020, this frame was transformed inside the art room into our triage center with two medical cots spaced six-feet apart, lined with shower curtains. Our former sukkah was now surrounded by original pieces of colorful student artwork next to a beautiful kiln and pottery wheel. The art room turned into a triage room. Our halls were filled with signs of welcome, kindness and affirmations but also closed water fountains. Smushed between air-dry clay, markers and crayons, were stuffed animals wearing masks and hygiene stations in and out of the classrooms. Our cafeteria was lined with individual storage containers used to carry meals to classrooms instead of tables ready to seat 30 students at a time. And our classrooms also accommodated new needs. The large modern science lab became a second grade classroom to allow for increased enrollment and proper physical distancing. Our Beit Midrash that we so proudly outfitted the year prior, served as an overflow staff lounge so that teachers could safely prepare lessons while maintaining distance from one another. Yet what remained constant was the love of learning, the dedication to teaching, the sense of pride and the feeling of community. When you think of our school, you think about walking in our lobby with our Tree of Life mosaic, you think of our classrooms with their bright orange walls, you think of the books, the library, or of our playgrounds. When you go through something like this you realize a school is more than those things - it's the people. Despite the pandemic, we are lucky to be surrounded by such dedicated professionals whose desire to bring normalcy and routine to our current situation, and do so with a smile, with humor, with love is truly a blessing. To our teachers - our role models, our friends - we thank you for all that you do. To our Medical Task Force that researched and studied trends and shifted our school reopening plans when needed, thank you for guiding the light in keeping our community safe. And to each of you, thank you for showing up, for investing in us, and for offering support when we needed it most. We look forward to celebrating together at our 68th Evening of Tribute on Zoom on Saturday, December 4, at 7:30pm. For more information, please visit www.jdslv.org/tribute or email me at agolding@jdslv.org.

PJ Library celebrates at 10th birthday party By Bayley Carl JFLV Marketing & Engagement Associate On Oct. 24, the Jewish Federation celebrated PJ Library’s 10th birthday in the Lehigh Valley! Over a dozen families and volunteers joined in packing ‘Birthday in a Bag’ kits for Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley, decorating cupcakes, making birthday cards, donating coats to the JFS Coats & Cocoa Drive, playing games, painting hands (instead

of faces to be COVID-safe), and of course, listening to a PJ Library story. Vicki Wax read the story and gave out the ceremonial 35,000th book. We finished by singing happy birthday to PJ Library! The great success was in part to our wonderful volunteers. A big thank you to the many volunteers who set up, ran the games and cleaned up. We couldn’t have done it without you! To see more photos from the event, go to www.jewishlehighvalley.org/pjlibraryevents.

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PJ Library celebrates gratitude Join PJ Library for a fun and free hands-on collage making program! PJ Library, in partnership with Muhlenberg College Hillel students, will celebrate gratitude on Sunday, Nov. 21, at 3 p.m. at Muhlenberg College Leffel Center for Jewish Student Life (2400 Chew Street, Allentown, PA). We will welcome New York City-based collage artist, Michael Albert (www.MichaelAlbert.com), who will lead the program. Albert is well known for his cubist cereal box collages in various themes including history, literature, religion and philosophy, music, poetry and lyrics, botany, logo montages, color studies, mathematics and geography. Since the publishing of his book, “An Artist's America,” Albert has developed a traveling Pop Art Enrichment Program & Hands-On Collage Workshop for kids, teens, adults and as a multi-generational event called the "Modern Pop Art Experience" which he has brought to more than 1,000 schools, libraries, museums, art festivals and special events in most of the United States and in

Europe. Albert regularly gives away posters of his collages at his Pop Art Experiences and all participants will receive a poster to take home. To see Albert in action, check out his Facebook page where he regularly hosts live collaging (facebook.com/michael. albert.5815). Albert traveled across the United States this past summer hosting events. Photos from some of his multi-generational workshops are on his Facebook page. The program is free and all materials will be provided. All ages are welcome to attend. Muhlenberg College Hillel students will be on hand to help out little ones and to read PJ Library stories. Hillel students might also provide a surprise or two! Parents are encouraged to create collages, too. Registration is required to ensure there will be space to accommodate everyone who registers. Register at www. jewishlehighvalley.org/pjlibraryevents. Face masks are required for this indoor program. Contact Abby Trachtman at abbyt@jflv.org with any questions.

GIVE A MITZVAH, DO A MITZVAH

Cleanliness should be a right Jordan Silver was called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah on Oct. 16 at Temple Beth El in Allentown. Actively involved in theater at Springhouse Middle School, the eighth grader began planning his mitzvah project before heading off to camp this past summer. “My parents and I went over to Jewish Family Service,” Jordan explained. “They had lots of food for the Community Food Bank clients. Some of the food comes from Second Harvest, but they didn’t have personal hygiene products like soap and deodorant. Everyone deserves the ability to clean themselves, so I decided to collect bars of soap, deodorant and detergent for JFS Community Food Bank clients.” Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley’s Community Food Pantry provides emergency assistance to individuals and families in the 18104 area, regardless of religion. It also serves Jewish clients across the Lehigh

Valley. Stocked with food and personal items, the pantry is supported through generous contributions from our community and maintained by dedicated volunteers. JFS works in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank. Special attention is given at holidays. Food pantry clients are able to choose the items they receive. Please help Jordan in his efforts by donating fullsized bars of soap, full-sized deodorant and containers of laundry detergent. Jordan has set up a collection box at Temple Beth El or items may be dropped off at Jewish Family Service, 2004 W. Allen Street, Allentown. He will also be collecting items at his home, and he and his parents are happy to arrange pick up. Please email Jordan at jordansbarmitzvah21@ gmail.com to arrange a pick up. Collection will continue after Jordan celebrates his bar mitzvah, too. “Donating hygiene products will really help the community,” Jordan added.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to clean themselves up.” Rebecca and Ross Silver are so proud of their son. He has always been sensitive to other’s needs and felt this project could benefit a lot of people. “Jordan brings much joy to our family and we are so excited to celebrate his special day,” they said. In addition to his mitzvah project, Jordan has made his first adult gift of tzedakah to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Annual Campaign for Jewish needs. For help developing your mitzvah project, contact Abby Trachtman, Project Coordinator at abbyt@jflv.org or call her at the Federation office at 610-8215500.

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Bringing Israeli and Jewish diversity to life

The Jewish Agency for Israel From a young age, Rachel, now 28, was intrigued by the idea of Jews living outside of Israel and how it felt to live as a Jew in a non-Jewish country. When she learned about The Jewish Agency’s Shlichut (emissary) program, she knew she wanted to be a shlichah (Israeli emissary). “As a student at Hebrew University in Jerusalem — where I earned a B.A. in International relations and Communication & Journalism — I was deeply involved in Hillel and got to interact with a lot of American Jewish and non-Jewish students. That was when I realized how little many Americans, including the Jewish ones, know about the diverse society in Israel,” Rachel said. “In the U.S., the expectation is that Jews are white. I decided I wanted to be a shlichah not only to educate World Jewry about Israel but also about the existence of racial Jewish diversity.” Rachel grew up in Afula, a city in the Northern District of Israel, born to EthiopianIsraeli parents who immigrated to Israel in 1991 through Operation Solomon. Coming to the U.S. on Shlichut was her first time in America. She was also the first Campus Israel Fellow/shlichah to serve the San Luis Obispo Hillel at California Polytechnic State University. “While other Israel educators try to bring Israel into their spaces as much as they can, the Shlichim embody Israel itself, and they bring Israel to life in the most authentic way. Shlichim are a consistent reminder of Israel and also act as a firsthand informational resource regarding daily life in Israel,” explained Rachel. “My biggest educational goal going into my Shlichut experience was to expose students to the diversity present in Israeli society.” Rachel planned and participated in a panel made up of Ethiopian-Israeli Israel Fellows and emissaries, including peers serving in Philadelphia, PA; Portland, OR; and New York City, NY. “We talked about how it feels to live in the U.S. as Israeli Black Women. This panel was truly eye-opening for my students since they never thought of me as a Black woman in the U.S.,

but only an Israeli who also happens to be Black,” recalled Rachel. “I was proud to be able to show my students a different Israeli experience: the Israeli-Ethiopian one, and educate them about Israel’s diversity.” After two years in the role, and with her Shlichut term over, Rachel is glad to say that she was able to create such meaningful and

touching relationships with students and community members. “I believe that sometimes all it takes to have a positive impact on one’s relationship with Israel is a positive and engaging interaction with a shaliach,” Rachel shared. “I served as an Israel Fellow in a small town, where most of the people had never met an Israeli in their life, so it’s great to know that just by being me, I already had a big impact on what they thought Israelis were like.” Upon her return to Israel, Rachel plans to pursue her master’s degree in International Relations and live in Jerusalem or somewhere in central Israel. Career-wise, she’d like to work with World Jewry, or perhaps get a job in international relations, to continue to build on the impact she had as an Israel Fellow. Editor’s note: The Jewish Agency for Israel is an overseas partner of The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.

A historical and musical walking tour of German Jewish Washington Heights “Mendelssohn on the Hudson” is a self-guided historical and musical walking tour that follows the footsteps of the German Jews and others who fled 1930s Nazi Germany to settle in Washington Heights in New York City, also referred to at the time as “Frankfurt on the Hudson.” The self-directed historical tour route – offering autonomy, fresh air, and social distancing – includes West 181 Street to the Heather Garden in Fort Tryon Park, and points in between, and is available through November. The musical stories presented at their specific locations offer a rare, multilayered connection between storyteller and listener. It’s an unusual, accessible and free musical experience via smartphone or another internet-enabled device. During the tour, visitors will hear via podcast twelve episodes with songs

based on true field-collected stories from neighborhood residents, set to Felix Mendelssohn’s “Songs without Words.” Each song offers a snapshot of German Jewish life from the 1930s to the near-present. “Mendelssohn on the Hudson” is unique in combining oral history, musical theatre, classical music and local landmarks into a compelling record of the German Jewish culture of Northern Manhattan. Explore and listen to each episode at www.inwoodartworks.nyc/ stage-works/mendelssohn on-thehudson. “Mendelssohn on the Hudson” was written, cast and recorded locally by Inwood Art Works in Inwood & Washington Heights in New York City. Alison Loeb is the artistic director and writer of lyrics, script and arrangements, with narration by Sam Guncler.

HAPPY CHANUKAH! May your season of light be peaceful and prosperous. ®

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Be ready for anything with Thanksgiving recipes for alternative diets By Sandi Teplitz Is this a familiar scenario? You plan a dinner party, then find out -- Oops! In attendance will be vegetarian, vegan, glutenfree attendees. What should you serve? This November, be prepared for all of these eaters with some different recipes. For example…

TURKEY WITH GINGER ALE (for Carnivores)

Two days before serving, marinate a fresh or frozen turkey in ginger ale, turning every 12 hours. Discard the fluid. Pat dry. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes per pound.

STUFFED MEDJOOL DATES (Raw Diet)

Cut dates open and insert mammoth whole walnuts. Roll in sugar and serve.

STICKY CAULIFLOWER (Vegan)

Ingredients: 1 large cauliflower, broken into florets and sliced thin 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup vinegar 1 tsp. powdered garlic

22 NOVEMBER 2021 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

1 3/4 tsp. toasted sesame oil 1/2 tsp. powdered ginger 1 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch 1/4 cup water Sesame seeds and sliced scallions to garnish Technique: Grease baking pan. Arrange cauliflower in single layer and bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Turn over and bake another 10 minutes. Remove from oven. In a pot, mix next 6 ingredients and slowly bring to a boil. Set aside. In another pot, stir cornstarch into water and stir to dissolve. Whisk into sauce. Bring to a boil; lower heat and cook until thick. Place cauliflower on serving dish and pour sauce over. Sprinkle sesame seeds and scallions on top.

BLUEBERRY CRISP

(Vegan and Gluten-Free) Ingredients: 4 cups frozen wild blueberries 2 cups steel cut gluten-free oats, pulsed in Cuisinart two times 1/4 cup light brown sugar 3/4 cup dark brown sugar 1 stick salted plant butter, softened 1/4 cup gluten-free tahini 1 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 tsp. Diamond kosher salt Technique: In a bowl, lightly mix the blueberries with ¼ cup oats and the light brown sugar. Place in greased 10” pie plate. Rinse and dry bowl; add rest of oats, then remaining ingredients. Mix well with hands, then form into clumps and scatter over berries in pie plate. Bake for 1/2 hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Serve warm with pareve gluten-free vanilla ice cream.

wishes you a

Happy Chanukah!

Promised Land Chanukah Candles 44 ct

Kosher Boneless & Skinless Chicken Breast Fillet lb

Kedem Sparkling Juice 25.4 oz

Savion Fruit Slices 8 oz

Kedem Tea Biscuits 4.2 oz

Elite Chocolate Bars 3.5 oz

2 for Gunter’s Clover Honey Bear 12 oz

Fox’s U-Bet Chocolate Syrup 22 oz

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Fresh Kosher Whole or Cut Up Fresh Chickens lb

Kedem Concord Grape Juice 64 oz

2 for Manischewitz Matzo Ball Mix, Potato Pancake Mix, or Egg Noodles 4.5 - 12 oz

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We also carry many of your favorite Kosher deli, dairy, frozen and grocery products.

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