February 2017 HAKOL

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY 40th ANNIVERSARY

The Voice of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community

FEBRUARY 2017 | SH’VAT/ADAR 5777

JDS holds Gift of Life registry drive

By Michelle Cohen HAKOL Editor On Jan. 17, the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley hosted a Gift of Life drive to add volunteers to the bone marrow and stem cell registry in honor of Jolie Feig, the 9-year-old daughter of a former JDS student who needs a stem cell donation.

By the end of the day, more than 80 people had visited the registration booth.

“Over 30 years ago, I went to school with [Jolie’s father] Greg Feig,” said Amy Golding, head of school at JDS. “It was in these halls that we learned about mitzvot and tikkun olam, and it is in these halls that we now come together to help save his beloved daughter.”

For the adult or child diagnosed with blood cancer every four minutes, having a registry to find donations is extremely important.

Seventy percent of blood cancer patients do not have a familial match and must find a donor through the registry.

Eighty percent of donors who are matched with recipients through Gift of Life donate stem cells from their

Dive into memories of four local educators’ mission to Yoav on page 5.

Find out about an exciting new initiative from the JCC on page 6.

blood, while the other 20 percent undergo a procedure to withdraw bone marrow from their hip bones.

The registration process, which takes between five and eight minutes, involves filling out forms and then swabbing the mouth with four long cotton swabs and sealing them in an envelope.

In addition to honoring Jolie’s fight and potentially finding a match for her, becoming part of the registry is a lifetime process that enables calls from anyone who needs help. “I signed up 15 years ago and have been called three times,” said Naomi Schachter, a JDS par-

Wermacht, discovered the first ring, according to The New York Times, which sent a reporter to cover the endeavor.

Many more items were found thereafter.

“When you want to describe it you say treasure but it’s not a treasure. The meaning of what we found is much more than that,” Avni said. “We knew the people who put the things in the ground knew that they were not going to survive.”

Other missions involved diving, and as a trained Navy Seal, Avni was usually the first one in the water, testing the visibility and finding out what

Ten Jewish organizations will together embark on an effort this spring to strengthen the future of the Lehigh Valley Jewish community through the LIFE & LEGACY™ program.

LIFE & LEGACY is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation that assists communities across North America in promoting legacy giving to benefit the local Jewish community. The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley has become a partner with the Grinspoon Foundation to bring the LIFE & LEGACY program to our community.

Through training, support and monetary incentives, LIFE & LEGACY and the Federation will enable our local Jewish organizations to conduct legacy meetings with their supporters. The organizations will work together to make sure that each supporter’s philanthropic desires and needs are met. This means each organization will discuss with supporters their interest in benefitting their own organization and others all dependent on the wishes of the supporter.

Over the next four years, the Federation, through the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation’s existing budget and matching grants from the Grinspoon Foundation, will provide training, planned giving expertise, marketing, materials and support in excess of $80,000 per local partner agency.

“I am excited to take the next step in our partnership with LIFE & LEGACY,” said Jim Mueth, director of planned giving and endowments at the Federation. “The truly exciting aspect of this program is that volunteers from each partner organization will learn how to have broad legacy conversations that are meaningful to each supporter. Whether these conversations and the resulting planned gifts benefit one organization or multiple organizations, they will each strengthen our Jewish community.

“With our application process complete and organizations on board, we will be able to start really

Holocaust Artifacts Continues on page 7

Life & Legacy Continues on page 23

ent who volunteered to man the desk.

Another volunteer, Lisa Moreef, said that “it’s a really good cause. I’m a mother of young children and I would want others to volunteer and donate if, God forbid, it was for my child.”

In addition to serving as a great opportunity for people in the Lehigh Valley to save lives, Golding saw a learning opportunity for JDS students: “We come together as a community for the joyous moments, the sorrows and the challenges.

Today is active learning for the next generation of Jewish leaders.”

Israeli Navy Seal to recount hunt for Holocaust artifacts Learn about summer experiences for Lehigh Valley kids & teens on pages 16-17.

No. 395 com.UNITY with Mark Goldstein 2 Women’s Division

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LVJF Tributes

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Jewish Day School

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Jewish Family Service

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Jewish Community Center

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Community Calendar

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By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Marketing One week after a chance meeting with an Israeli journalist, Shlomi Avni found himself on a plane to Italy.

Two days later, the former Israeli Navy Seal became chief of operations for a project that would span more than a decade and crisscross Europe.

The mission: to uncover artifacts from the Holocaust thought to be long-lost.

“Normally when you think about stories about the HoloNon-Profit Organization

702 North 22nd Street Allentown, PA 18104

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caust, you think about the sad stories,” said Avni, who still serves in the navy reserves.

“My story is a great story and a good story about hope, about how … we went back there and without being afraid of anybody, took the things out of the ground.”

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is bringing Avni to Allentown on Wednesday, Feb. 15, to share his story with the community. The event is open to anyone who has made a pledge to the 2017 Campaign for Jewish Needs.

Much of Avni’s talk will focus on the excavation of the Maidanek death camp in Poland in 2005.

Led by Yaron Svoray, an expert at researching, locating, and retrieving stolen Nazi assets, and aided by Holocaust survivors living in Australia, Avni’s team scoured the camp for items buried by victims of the Holocaust in their last days to prevent the Nazis from having their valuables.

Avni, along with Andreas Vokti, a German bricklayer whose grandfather was in the

10 Jewish organizations accepted into LIFE & LEGACY

com.UNITY

FROM THE DESK OF MARK L. GOLDSTEIN

Executive Director | Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley markg@jflv.org

Vigilance over fear Without a doubt, Jewish organizations are different today than a generation ago. The programs and management of our Jewish organizations have changed in many ways to respond to cultural and demographic differences among Jews. Jewish organizations are also different because of many changes in society.

I think back to my first years in Federation work in St. Louis. We were housed in a 40,000-square-foot office building on a 100-acre Jewish community campus that included a near 190,000-square-foot Jewish Community Center spread across two buildings. Entrance to the campus was unfettered.

And building access was managed by receptionists, among them amassing over 100 years of service to Jewish organizations. Simply, these receptionists knew everyone walking across the buildings’ thresholds. Not only did they know you, they knew why you were entering the buildings, and they knew if you were current on your membership dues.

But those days are no more, for many reasons.

The news media has reported on the rash of bomb threats affecting synagogues, Jewish schools, and, primarily, Jewish community centers. On three days spanning the first

two weeks of January, over 60 bomb threats were phoned into Jewish institutions in 20 or so states. On January 18 alone, over 32 JCCs received bomb threats.

Almost all of the affected facilities were evacuated, local police and fire searched the buildings, and – thankfully – no suspicious devices were found.

We are part of a nationwide communication, action and resource network of Jewish communities brought together by the Jewish Secure Community Network (SCN). Administrated by Jewish Federations of North America, SCN was created in 2004 as the central address serving the American Jewish community concerning matters of communal safety, security and all-hazards preparedness and response. It sponsors robust training and an expansive communications network. It is the primary Jewish community liaison with federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI. SCN operates a full-time threat and information sharing center to monitor and report on threats and security events impacting the American Jewish community. SCN was nationally recognized by then-Secretary Janet Napolitano and the U.S.

Department of Homeland Security as a model homeland security network and initiative for faith-based organizations.

As in Jewish communities elsewhere, in the Lehigh Valley we take the safety and security of our members, constituents, students and guests very seriously. Under the auspices of the Federation’s Community Relations Council we host an annual security and emergency preparedness workshop. Organization leadership and security liaisons have been privy to presentations by the Anti-Defamation League, the SCN, local law enforcement resources, a private security firm and the local FBI agent in charge. We have sponsored training sessions for receptionists, likely the first to come into contact with unwanted visitors or calls. We review best practices on any number of issues and scenarios.

Understandably, I am not able to articulate all of our security and emergency preparedness plans. But, results of our collective efforts and our ongoing collaboration have seen changes in our facilities, building access, monitoring systems and the training of our organization employees.

Procedures are in place and constantly being tested and

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers, As a potentially isolating cold season sweeps the Lehigh Valley, it’s more important than ever to come together as a Jewish community. In this issue of HAKOL, you will find a variety of ways to get and stay involved with organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley and work together for good.

The Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley will be bringing the Anti-Defamation League to two events in the Lehigh Valley on Feb. 12, featuring ways to respond to anti-Semitism in everyday life.

Our local agencies are working hard to bring their efforts to as many people as possible. The JCC is bringing chair exercise classes to Easton, which will hopefully

enable new people to work out together.The executive director of JFS is traveling the Valley to explain the ways her agency can help with a variety of problems. The JDS recently hosted a bone marrow drive that will not only honor one young girl fighting cancer, but has bolstered the Gift of Life bone marrow list with many more potential donors for people fighting cancer all around the country.

Summer camps across the Lehigh Valley and beyond offer stories of their newest programs as well as opportunities for kids and teens to experience Jewish camping and travel to Jewish destinations around the world.

Birthright trips to Israel are always available, and our partnership with the Yoav region stands strong following

a recent educators’ mission on behalf of several local organizations.

This rainy, snowy winter may seem bleak, but may this HAKOL remind you that there is always a Jewish community around the Lehigh Valley to welcome you.

Shalom, Michelle Cohen

MICHAEL AND COOKY NOTIS Birth of their great-grandson, Yakir Roberto and Eileen Fischmann ELAINE RAPPAPORT-BASS Happy 80th Birthday Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald LOIS AND ROGER ROTHMAN Birth of their grandson, Robert Matthew Mora Jay and Evelyn Lipschutz MELISSA AND MATTHEW UNGER Birth of their son, Benjamin Aaron Unger SHALOM BABY

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

Those trying to wreak fear and havoc will fail. We are going to be resolute and strong and we will do what we have to do to protect our constituents and to protect our right as Americans to gather in our synagogues, schools and community centers. Nevertheless we’re not in a position at any time to think that a threat might not be real.

And so we remain committed and we remain vigilant.

HAKOL STAFF Stephanie Smartschan

JFLV Director of Marketing

LEHIGH VALLEY

Michelle Cohen

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.

Graphic Designer

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.

Phone: (610) 821-5500 Fax: (610) 821-8946 E-mail: hakol@jflv.org

We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship by requesting that trees be planted in the Yoav--Lehigh Valley Partnership Park.

2 FEBRUARY 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

HAKOL

Mail, fax, or e-mail to: JFLV ATTN: HAKOL 702 N. 22nd St. Allentown, PA 18104

JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY IN HONOR SARAH AND KEVIN DANNA Birth of their son, Maxwell Giuseppe Danna SHALOM BABY RICKI AND MEIR DARDASHTI Birth of their son, Yakir Mike and Cooky Notis JAMIE AND MIGUEL GORDON-RODRIGUEZ Birth of their daughter, Iris Meadow Gordon SHALOM BABY MARK AND ALICE NOTIS Birth of their grandson, Yakir Roberto and Eileen Fischmann

reviewed. We have ensured that local law and fire officials have first-hand familiarity with our facilities. We have implemented emergency communication mechanisms with local organization security contacts to share information almost immediately with our agencies when we need to send out an advisory. All of this is no small or minimal task. There are significant real financial costs to our system of organizations. Security and emergency response is not something that can be turned on at the moment it becomes necessary; it is made effective by ongoing vigilance.

The bomb threats, thankfully hoaxes, are a new form of telephone terrorism, attempting to disrupt and create anxiety and fear in our constituents. It is not going to work.

Editor

Allison Meyers Diane McKee

Advertising Representative TEL: 610-515-1391 hakolads@jflv.org

JFLV EXECUTIVE STAFF Mark L. Goldstein Executive Director

Jeri Zimmerman

Assistant Executive Director

Temple Coldren

Director of Finance & Administration

Jim Mueth

Director of Planned Giving & Endowments

Aaron Gorodzinsky

Director of Outreach & Community Relations

Mark H. Scoblionko JFLV President

EDITORIAL BOARD

Monica Friess, Acting Chair Barbara Reisner Judith Rodwin Sara Vigneri

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

ADL to facilitate two events in Lehigh Valley enabling community members to understand and challenge anti-Semitism

By Michelle Cohen HAKOL Editor The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Community Relations Council is partnering with the Anti-Defamation League on Feb. 12 to present two discussions on anti-Semitism and how Jews can respond to individual incidents and understand national trends.

“Our mission is to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment for all, so it’s with that mission in mind that we’re coming to do two separate and distinct pieces of work in the community,” said Nancy Baron-Baer, ADL regional director.

The first event, “The Rise of Anti-Semitism in the United States,” a lecture by Baron-Baer, will offer insight into the work of the ADL on an international, national and local level to combat increasing incidents of anti-Semitism. The lecture is cosponsored by the Men’s Club of Temple Beth El, and will begin at 10 a.m. at Beth El. At the event, Baron-Baer will touch on incidents of anti-Semitism around the world and closer to home. She plans to feature “international, national and local” examples, including the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act that the ADL is trying to pass on a federal level.

The second event is “Words Into Action,” a workshop fa-

cilitated by Randi Boyette, ADL associate regional education director. This interactive workshop, geared toward middle and high school students and their parents, is designed to provide the tools needed to respond to anti-Semitic events, and will begin at 1 p.m. at Beth El. The event for students and parents will focus on confronting and challenging anti-Semitism.

“What I like about the intergenerational model is the conversation that happens during the workshop and after the workshop; this will open up a dialogue between students and their parents that might not have existed before,” Boyette said.

The program will focus on “what people’s experience is and how they’ve responded to it or not responded to it, and help them think about ways to respond to it in a productive and constructive way in the future,” Boyette said.

“Many people are frustrated because they’ve experienced it and not done anything,” she said. “It takes people by surprise, it’s very shocking for American Jews, and they often don’t know how to respond in the moment and after they wish they had said or done [something different].”

“The next time it happens, they won’t be immobilized by the surprise,” she added. “We’re equipping them, enabling them to choose to be able to respond in the future.”

“There’s value in people hearing that they’re not alone in this,” Baron-Baer added. “Very often, students and probably even adults who experience it don’t think other people are experiencing it as well, and it’s been very valuable for people to be able to look around the room” and see people who have shared experiences with anti-Semitism.

“That’s something that’s very valuable that comes out of this,” Baron-Baer said. “But it’s the ‘what are we going to do about it’ that I think is the most important part of this work.”

Boyette and Baron-Baer encourage anyone confronted with it to speak up against antiSemitism.

“Anti-Semitism doesn’t define Jews. We’re not defined by how others treat us, but it is part of [our] history and reality as Jews, and it’s just a part that we need to acknowledge, know about [and] challenge,” Boyette said. “We don’t want to have people be overly upset and think that the world is not a safe place for Jewish people, but we want them to understand that it’s a reality and we just deal with it and if we think about it beforehand and we know it exists, if it happens, we can handle it better.”

The ADL facilitating a program about anti-Semitism in 2014 at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley for middle and high school students and their parents.

For more information about either event, contact Aaron Gorodzinsky at 610-821-5500 ext. 337 or aaron@ jflv.org or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | FEBRUARY 2017 3

PJ celebrates Chanukah with Stagemakers performance

Muhlenberg students experience Birthright

By Rabbi Melissa Simon Special to HAKOL Over winter break, a group of Muhlenberg College students toured Israel on a TaglitBirthright trip run by Hillel International and co-sponsored by Muhlenberg College Hillel.

Led by Muhlenberg College Hillel's Jewish Agency for Israel and Hillel International Israel Fellow Liron Daniel, the trip gave 40 American students and eight Israeli participants the opportunity to journey around the country including the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Tsfat and the Negev Desert. A highlight of the trip was a visit to Yoav, the partnership region of the Lehigh Valley. Students played games, visited a kibbutz and planted trees together.

Muhlenberg College student Shari Bodofsky said, "Birthright is an amazing opportunity for young Jewish people to expeAbove, Muhlenberg College Hillel students overlookrience the Jewish homeland. This was my ing the beach in Tel Aviv. first time in Israel, and I am truly impressed.

This country offers so much history, natural beauty, culture, science and Jewish identity. For those considering going on Birthright, I highly recommend taking a leap of faith and going.”

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

WELCOMING NEW BABIES

to the Lehigh Valley MAXWELL GIUSEPPE DANNA

son of Sarah and Kevin Danna

IRIS MEADOW GORDON

daughter of Jamie and Miguel Gordon-Rodriguez 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 FEBRUARY 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Above and right, Birthright participants, including students from Muhlenberg College, and students from Yoav join together to play games, plant trees and build connections.

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

Lehigh Valley educators travel to Yoav to strengthen partnership

By Michelle Cohen HAKOL Editor In December 2016, four educators from the Lehigh Valley journeyed to Israel to meet and plan educational programming with their counterparts in Yoav, the Lehigh Valley’s sister region in Israel.

“The purpose [of the trip] was to discuss educational programs that fit into our partnership” with their Israeli counterparts, said trip-goer Alicia Zahn, religious school director at Temple Beth El. As part of the trip, the four educators worked with their counterparts to plan future programs, taught lessons to Israeli children after making a variety of school visits and learned more about kibbutz culture as they explored Israel.

Each educator focused on one project during the trip. Zahn worked with Rena Fraade, director of youth and family learning at Congregation Keneseth Israel, on The Same Moon, a program which enables children in the Lehigh Valley and Yoav to become pen pals. Holly Hebron, a kindergarten teacher at the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, tried to figure out lessons that could be taught in both schools to foster an initial bond between the children from both regions. Shobha Muttur, a teacher at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley, worked on the twinning program between JDS and the Sdot Yoav Primary School.

In the beginning of the four-day trip, the educators visited schools around Yoav to learn about the similarities and differences between schools in the U.S. and schools in Israel, as well as dive deeper into some of the translation difficulties of working in different languages. “[Teaching in Israel] was tough because the teachers had to translate everything for

us, so it was making sure the teacher understood what we wanted,” Zahn noted. But it was Hebron who faced the toughest translation challenge, as the students she worked with in Israel had not yet begun learning English.

With this challenge in mind, Hebron planned activities for the children based on the book “Barnyard Dance!” by Sandra Boynton. After loosening up with a dance to a CD enclosed with the book, “the kids broke up into two groups and brainstormed all kinds of things that are on a farm and each kid who wanted to participate picked an animal or something on a farm, and then I recorded them [making] the sounds. I recorded my kids doing [the same activity] ahead of time so they listened to my children after, to hear what ‘like a farm’ sounded like to us and to them. It’s cool because even though it’s two languages, moo is moo. They were very engaged, it was nice,” Hebron said of her activity.

Next, Zahn and Fraade teamed up to deliver a lesson focusing on communication in a third grade class where some of the students participate in The Same Moon program.

They introduced a game in which one person in one room makes something, and a runner travels between that person and someone else who reproduces the product after hearing the runner’s directions. After the game concluded, Zahn and Fraade offered tips for clarity in the kids’ next letters, which will be written in English.

Finally, Muttur’s lesson with middle schoolers involved playing a Bingo game that JDS students created to “learn more about JDS, Allentown and America in general. The questions were framed around them, so the kids enjoyed that,” she said. Some of the questions included what town JDS was located in, the name of the big-

gest amusement park in Allentown, and where the president of the United States lives. Next, she presented the students with “some cards that were made by our kids over here” for Chanukah, and brought some back for her own classes in return.

For the educators who work directly in schools, it was helpful to see how the school system works in Israel and experience school days firsthand. “They spend so much time outside, that was something that stuck out to us,” Hebron said.

“They do a lot with planting; they have plants all over their classroom, inside and out. They have a whole area where the seeds are growing and it’s all labeled and everything, a really big area, and outside there’s gardens everywhere. They make art projects scattered among the different gardens, and they planted tons of different things, and it’s all done by the kids and teachers.”

Her observations led her to inquire about the logistics of the planting system. She also noticed similarities between the schools – in Yoav, the students she interacted with were given access to “blankets to build a fort with. [Teachers] let them build it all throughout the week and then on

Friday they would tear it down and start over the next week, which is cool because we save our Legos all week, then have a Lego showcase and then tear it down.”

In addition to these experiences, all four educators stayed with host families on kibbutzim in Yoav and learned all about kibbutz life and its evolution over the past 30 years to a modern form where families raise their own children and retain their own possessions, but their wages go the kibbutz, which in turn provides for their needs. They also spelunked in the Beit Guvrin caves, a historical site in Educators Mission Continues on page 8

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | FEBRUARY 2017 5

JCC of the Lehigh Valley to offer JFS executive director first exercise classes in Easton to offer Shabbat talks

By Michelle Cohen HAKOL Editor On Tues., Feb. 21, the entire Lehigh Valley Jewish community is welcome to attend the JCC of the Lehigh Valley’s first exercise class in Easton, held at Bnai Abraham Synagogue from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Coach Terrence Baker, director of fitness and recreation at the JCC, described the class as a “chair-based exercise class designed to increase muscle strength, range

of motion and flexibility.”

Participants will use a small pair of dumbbells, a small stability ball and an exercise band in “moderately intense” exercises. The class will be low-impact on muscles, and each individual exercise can be modified for physical limitations. The exercises are specifically chosen to help increase ease of everyday functions for the intended audience – older adults – but they can also be modified to provide a challenge for any age group and body type.

The JCC is hosting these classes out of an interest to “strengthen our partnerships with the community and reach out to Easton,” Baker said. The goal of the classes is to “build community with fitness, show [Easton residents] what’s available at the JCC [and] provide quality fitness programs to Easton to help enrich [participants’] lives.”

Baker invites the Jewish community to experience a “fun, easy way to exercise with friends and family,” adding that the class is casual and not intimidating. He reminds participants to wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle.

The classes will be held at Congregation Bnai Abraham on Tuesdays beginning on Feb. 21 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and will be led by a JCC fitness instructor. For more information, contact Coach Terrence Baker at 610-435-3571 ext. 140 or tbaker@lvjcc.org.

at synagogues

By Michelle Cohen HAKOL Editor

In March and April, Debbie Zoller, executive director of Jewish Family Service, will address the importance of synagogue connections with JFS at synagogues around the Lehigh Valley.

The main message of her talk, which is titled “Under the Radar and Over the Rainbow: How Our Community Benefits When JFS and Synagogues Work Together,” is to “pay attention to people who may not be the same,” taking care to avoid being judgmental and try to understand and accept other people’s life circumstances. “They may not have anybody else,” Zoller added, noting that synagogues are often a place where people go to find support from others.

“We don’t always take the time to listen,” Zoller said about her talk. Oftentimes, “we pay attention to people who are very capable and speak up loudly, but we don’t pay attention to those who are fragile, hurting or alone.”

In addition to offering ideas about how to support congregants who are going through hard times, Zoller wants to let the community know about the different services JFS can offer for them. She intends to offer different services to address the needs of each synagogue, including volunteer training through JFS’s new training program, counseling on how to be a more caring community and advice on how to be sensitive to older adults with increasing needs and people with mental and physical illnesses.

Zoller will be speaking at Temple Beth El in Allentown on March 11, Congregation Sons of Israel in Allentown on March 17, Congregation Brith Sholom in Bethlehem on April 1, and Temple Covenant of Peace and B’nai Abraham Synagogue in Easton on April 28. Additional engagements may be added.

Programs are open to the community.

For more information about JFS, programs they offer, and volunteer opportunities, contact Debbie Zoller at dzoller@jfslv.org.

6 FEBRUARY 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Maimonides members enjoy lively discussion

Israeli bronze medalist donates Rio Olympic jacket to benefit disabled children Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Holocaust Artifacts Continues from page 1

special equipment would be needed.

In the future, the team is hoping to descend to the depths of Stolpsee Lake in Germany to pursue a legend that crates were dumped there by the Nazis at the end of World War II. Some say the crates contain gold and platinum confiscated from Jewish prisoners as they arrived at the nearby Ravensbruck Concentration Camp.

Others believed they contain the personal gold stash of SS Officer Hermann Goering. Still others think they contain secret records.

Though Avni is still interested in exploring the past, most of his current work is focusing on the future as he runs a nonprofit for youth at risk in

COURTESY OF SHALVA

An Olympic team jacket worn by an Israeli bronze medalist in judo was auctioned off for $100,000 at a fundraiser for children with disabilities.

Israeli judo star Ori Sasson, who won his medal at the Rio Summer Olympics, donated his team jacket to Shalva, an Israeli organization for children with disabilities.

Sasson also announced, during the organization’s annual dinner, that he will be heading a new judo program for children with disabilities at the new Shalva National Center in Jerusalem.

“A minute before I handed over the jacket, when it was still in my hands, I thought about whether I would miss having it,” Sasson said. “But then I thought

about all of the good it would do and realized that it has reached its ultimate purpose.”

Sasson took third place at the Rio Olympics after defeating Alex Garcia Mendoza of Cuba in the men’s judo over-100 kg. competition. Sasson had previously defeated Egypt’s Islam El Shehaby, who refused to shake the Israeli’s outstretched hand and walked away to boos from the crowd.

“We started Shalva with many dreams to help children with disabilities in Israel. What Ori Sasson has done, enables us to fulfill the dreams of our children in ways we couldn’t even imagine when we first started the organization nearly 25 years ago,” said Avi Samuels, vice chairman of Shalva.

Yarden Gerbi, who won a bronze medal in the women’s 63kg judo competition, auctioned off

Ori Sasson, left, at the Shalva dinner with the organization’s vice chairman, Avi Samuels, right. her Olympic name patch in August for over $52,000 to purchase and donate medical equipment for the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center.

Israel. He would love to marry his two passions one day though, he said, to bridge the past and the future and bring some of his kids to Europe to continue the work. He is also a father of five.

“For me, it’s all about being Israeli and showing that we are now in a different situation,” Avni said. “That we can fight for our freedom and fight for our country ... and remind everyone what happened here.”

On Jan. 8, Maimonides Society members joined together for a brunch and discussion about preventive medicine. Above, Dr. Karen Dacey (right) welcomes newcomer Dr. Shari Diamond (left). Below, Maimonides Society founders Drs. Larry Levitt and Mickey Ufberg and others engage in conversation.

“A Hunt for Buried Prayers: Recovering Artifacts from the Holocaust” will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. at Congregation Keneseth Israel. $18 for program and dessert reception. A pledge to the 2017 Campaign for Jewish Needs is required to attend. Learn more and register at www.jewishlehighvalley.org.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | FEBRUARY 2017 7

Educators Mission Continues from page 5

IN MEMORY MOTHER (of Yaacov Sochet) Fern Geld JACOB TRACHTMAN (Father of Mark Trachtman) Pam Lott and Ron Ticho IN HONOR LAURIE AND MARC BERSON Engagement of their daughter Ronit to Dave Mueller Vicki Wax ETHAN FALK Mazel Tov on his Bar Mitzvah Vicki Wax CAROL BUB FROMER Happy Birthday Karl and Sara Glassman Francine and Anthony Godfrey WESLEY KOZINN Happy "Special" Birthday Vicki Wax ISABELLA KUN Mazel Tov on her Bat Mitzvah Vicki Wax MARK AND ALICE NOTIS Birth of their grandson, Yakir Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Suzanne Lapiduss and Family Vicki Wax

MIKE AND COOKY NOTIS Birth of their great-grandson, Yakir Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Suzanne Lapiduss and Family Vicki Wax ELAINE RAPPAPORT-BASS Happy "Special" Birthday Selma Roth Vicki Wax ADAM AND PENNY ROTH Happy Hanukkah Audrey and Jerome Cylinder SAM WILF Happy "Special" Birthday Karl and Sara Glassman ISRAEL ZIGHELBOIM Mazel Tov on becoming chair of the OB/GYN Department at St. Luke’s Barry and Carol Halper Mark and Deena Scoblionko 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.

It’s almost Purim Time to celebrate with the whole family!

Send in pictures of your pets dressed up for Purim to michelle@jflv.org for a chance to be featured in next month’s HAKOL.

Yoav, and spent an evening in Jerusalem and a morning in Tel Aviv.

“During the program we each stayed with a host family, which was really nice because it got us to see how families live in Yoav and helped us get to know the community better,” Zahn said. She also got to reunite with some of the teens she hosted over the summer, who told her the impact the summer had on them.

Hebron, who was as an art teacher at Camp JCC over the summer, rejoiced to reunite with some of the teens she had worked closely with at the camp. Four teens from Yoav spend the summer in the Lehigh Valley every year.

“One student was telling me about the different projects he’s done” since camp, she said, including one where he

decorated a shelter to make it look less frightening for the younger children.

But for all four participants, the trip’s most important effect was improving relations between colleagues who have never met, but now “feel like they’re family,” Hebron said. She worked with teachers in Yoav to plan joint activities for their classrooms. In their next program, the Israeli kids will take “mud walks” in the rainy winter season, and send pictures to the Allentown kids who will be making weather reports in the snow. At Purim, the classes will exchange pictures in costume, and afterward, both classrooms will be transformed into castles that will then be photographed and compared.

“Things with pictures are best because the kids [only] speak Hebrew, but we’re going to try to skype,” Hebron added.

“Getting to fast track building a real relationship with the teachers we work with in Yoav was so meaningful,” Fraade said.

“Google Hangouts provides a great option, but having those face-to-face moments, casual conversation, and then focused time to brainstorm program elements was priceless. We were able to better understand the realities of each other’s work

to set realistic plans for moving forward, strengthening some elements and building more.”

As for the trip’s most important lesson, “[we] came back very inspired to make sure the partnership will continue,” Zahn said.

“Although teachers are constrained by time in school,” this trip reaffirmed that “encouraging this connection is worth our time.”

The trip was “unique and amazing and I appreciated [it], and [am] thankful that this opportunity was presented to me,” Muttur added as she contemplated new plans after a recent activity with her students.

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, which maintains a partnership with Yoav through a program of the Jewish Agency for Israel called Partnership2Gether, provided funding for the trip.

“They were so gracious about our connection,” Hebron said. "When they had the fires two years ago, when there were bombings, they were so appreciative about how much the Federation and the partnership really helps them."

All four educators look forward to continuing to work with their counterparts and bringing a new culture into their classrooms and the Lehigh Valley as a whole.

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8 FEBRUARY 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

This 27-year-old became the first American Jew to hold elected office — 242 years ago

Professionals catch up over latkes at happy hour

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The Lehigh Valley Jewish Professionals gathered for their third annual Chanukah Happy Hour on Dec. 22. This year's celebration was held at The Hamilton Kitchen & Bar, complete with latkes, appetizers and drinks for all. The professional networking group is a program of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. To learn more, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/ network.

The painting “Washington Taking Command of the American Army at Cambridge” from 1775.

By Ben Sales Jewish Telegraphic Agency Long before 30-somethings Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump had the ear of President Donald Trump, a 27-year-old became the first Jew to ever hold elected office in what would become the United States.

Francis Salvador, who became a member of the South Carolina Provincial Congress on Jan. 11, 1775, wouldn’t fit the typical profile of an American Jew today. Far from being a New Yorker or South Floridian with roots in Eastern Europe, Salvador was the scion of wealthy British Sephardic Jewish landowners.

The first Jews to settle in the British colonies were Sephardic, centuries before waves of Ashkenazic Jews from Germany, Poland and Russia arrived around the turn of the 20th century, changing the face of American Jewry.

Born in 1747 in London, Salvador immigrated to South Carolina alone in 1773 when his family lost its fortune, according to Jewish Virtual Library.

He settled in Charleston, at that point one of the Thirteen Colonies’ largest Jewish communities, and took over a plot of 7,000 acres owned by his uncle.

The following year, Salvador was elected to the Provincial Congress as one of 10 represen-

tatives from the second-most populous district in the colony, according to Politico. Salvador supported American independence, rallying his colleagues to the cause and negotiating with South Carolinian British loyalists to make sure they wouldn’t actively aid King George III’s army.

In 1776, Salvador became known as the “Southern Paul Revere” for warning American troops of the approach of the British fleet, which he saw from his estate. Because of his warning, the colonists were able to defend the port. According to Jewish Virtual Library, Salvador also rode 30 miles on horseback to warn colonial troops of an approaching attack by Cherokees.

Soon after, on August 1, 1776, Salvador added another “first” to his legacy — the first Jew to die fighting for American independence. Troops under his command were ambushed by a combined force of Cherokees and Tories. Salvador was shot and scalped, and died at age 29.

“When I came up to him after dislodging the enemy and speaking to him, he asked whether I had beaten the enemy,” Major Andrew Williamson said at the time, according to Jewish Virtual Library. “I told him ‘Yes.’ He said he was glad of it and shook me by the hand and bade me farewell, and said he would die in a few minutes.”

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | FEBRUARY 2017 9

Veterans bring breadth of knowledge, experience to JDS students

Nazis caught Anne Frank over illegal food trade, new study suggests Jewish Telegraphic Agency

10 FEBRUARY 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

FLICKR COMMONS

Three local Jewish war veterans visit with students at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley on Jan. 13. Sheila Berg, Maur Levan and Jerry Farris shared their personal stories from different periods of history with the students. The concluding lesson was that as long as Jews have lived in the United States, they have fought for and participated in serving America, and this is a legacy to celebrate.

The raid on Anne Frank’s hiding place in Amsterdam may have been over illegal trade in food rations and other issues and not the result of betrayal, new research suggests.

On Dec. 16, 2016, the Anne Frank House in the Dutch capital published the results of its research into what led policemen working for the Nazi occupation authorities to the home of the family of the teenage Jewish diarist, whose writing became world famous after she perished at the age of 15 in a concentration camp.

The findings are potentially controversial because the story of Anne Frank is seen as emblematic both of Dutch heroism during the Holocaust and of collaboration with the Nazis – for which Dutch prime ministers have consistently declined to apologize despite calls to do so.

“The question has always been: Who betrayed Anne Frank and the others in hiding?

This explicit focus on betrayal, however, limits the perspective on the arrest,” the Anne Frank House wrote in the five-page summary of the new study, which relies also on entries from Anne’s diary.

The entries, the study suggests, show the hiding

Anne Frank house on Prinsengracht 263 was tied to activities punishable under the Nazi occupation in addition to Dutch underground fighters’ sheltering of Jews there.

“Anne Frank’s diary did provide an interesting new clue,” the study reads.

“Beginning on March 10, 1944, she repeatedly wrote about the arrest of two men who dealt in illegal ration cards. She calls them ‘B’ and ‘D,’ referring to the salesmen Martin Brouwer and Pieter Daatzelaar.”

The two men represented Gies & Co., a company that was affiliated with the Opekta firm owned by Anne Frank’s father, Otto, and located on Prinsengracht 263.

“B. and D. have been caught, so we have no coupons,” Anne Frank wrote on March 14, 1944.

“This clearly indicates that the people in hiding got at least part of their ration coupons from these salesmen,” the study states.

Other evidence shows that people associated with Prinsengracht 263 had been punished by the Nazi occupation for evading work.

“A company where people were working illegally and two sales representatives were arrested for dealing in ration coupons obviously ran the risk of attracting the attention of the authorities,” the author of the new study wrote. “While searching for people in hiding, fraud with ration coupons could be detected since they were often dependent on clandestine help.”

Yet, “until now the assumption related to this matter” has always been that agents working for the occupation “were specifically looking for Jews in hiding” when they raided the hiding place, the authors continued.

Over the years, researchers have presented various hypotheses on who may have betrayed the Franks to the Nazis, though none of the suspects were accepted as consensus.

“Despite decades of research, betrayal as a point of departure has delivered nothing conclusive,” Ronald Leopold, the executive director of the Anne Frank House, said about the study.

The investigation “does not refute the possibility that the people in hiding were betrayed, but illustrates that other scenarios should also be considered.”

Remember me…

The spiritual power of bikur cholim

CANTOR KEVIN WARTELL Temple Beth El One of the greatest experiences of my career has been my training in clinical pastoral education.

CPE allows the clergy member to become more in tune with themselves and as a result more connected to the congregants we serve.

Through study, peer review and clinical visitation either in a nursing home, hospital or hospice situation, CPE affords the opportunity for growth, both as a professional and as a human being.

One of the great attributes of Judaism is the mitzvah of bikur cholim, visiting the ill in our midst.

As family geography has changed over the decades, many are not able to visit loved ones in the same way that I remember visiting my grandmother, of blessed memory, when I was a child.

Every Sunday afternoon, after religious school, was lunch at Grandma’s.

Grandma lived in the same home that she brought her children home to from the hospital. She lived with my aunts and uncle, who occupied that same home with her for decades. She died in that same home at the age of 86 years.

Recently, a dear friend brought to my attention research which only confirmed what I believed to be the case from a spiritual aspect concerning the reaction of bikur cholim on community members diagnosed with the terrible illness known as Alzheimer’s disease.

Anne-Marie Botek of Agingcare. com describes the research: "When the memory of a loved one with Alzheimer's begins to fade, family and friends may question what's really left of the person they used to know.

"While dementia undoubtedly alters relationships, it can't completely erase them," Botek says as she cites a new Alzheimer's study concluding that "just because a person can't remember doesn't

mean they can't feel."

People with Alzheimer's are "profoundly impacted emotionally by events they cannot recall," researchers from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine found after a study involving showing video clips meant to elicit happiness and sadness. After viewing the clips, participants were given memory tests and asked to report on their emotional state.

"Thirty minutes after the videos ended," Botek continued, "the men and women with Alzheimer's (predictably) had difficulty recalling important details about the clips. However, their emotional response to the clips still lingered, leaving many in a state of bewilderment as to why they were experiencing such strong feelings for no apparent reason."

This new research confirms my belief of a sacred soul trapped in an ill body.

Bikur cholim, a mitzvah that sometimes today is left to professionals can really be a rich reward for each of us to experience.

For more information on bikur cholim, contact any of my colleagues of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Clergy Group, or our very own Jewish Family Service at 610-821-8722.

Life is a sacred story … the power of memory is an eternal flame.

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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | FEBRUARY 2017 11

Two local attendees recall UK Jewish learning conference

By Rena Fraade and Rabbi Melissa B. Simon Special to HAKOL Imagine this. It's the second night of Chanukah and you’ve just arrived at a conference thousands of miles from home with hundreds of people you don't know. You walk into a “Communal Menorah Lighting” and enter a massive room of unfamiliar faces. You are greeted with words of welcome as you join with those around you in the blessings over the candles – for the miracles brought to our ancestors that brought us to this day. The group breaks into various Chanukah songs, led by renowned Jewish musician Noah Aronson.

In another space close by, individuals, families and small groups gather for “Personal Menorah Lighting.” As faces are illuminated by the candle light, each cluster offers their own blessings and songs, reflecting Jewish traditions from around the world. The room is filled with menorahs and the voices of the Jewish world united in celebration. Each of the following five evenings repeats the joyous scene.

The magical moments above are just a taste of the meaningful space that Limmud UK creates at its annual conference, held between Christmas and New Year’s

each year outside of London, in Birmingham.

Limmud International is a lay-led learning initiative founded and based in the United Kingdom. Eighty Jewish communities around the globe from Beijing to Bogota, from Jerusalem to Johannesburg, and from New York to New Zealand have adapted the model for their own conferences and gatherings.

Limmud UK is the flagship conference and continues to be the largest – this year’s Limmud had 2,700 participants who choose between 1,400 sessions over five days.

Attendees are both Jewish professionals and lay people who want to learn. Sessions are led by both Jewish professionals and others who have something to share. Not all sessions are specifically Jewish in content.

Limmud is guided by the mission that, wherever you find yourself, Limmud will take you one step further on your Jewish journey. Limmud’s mission is informed by the values: learning, expanding Jewish horizons, enabling connections, participation, empowerment, diversity, community and mutual responsibility, respect, arguments for the sake of heaven and religious observance.

Under each of these values are a series of statements which

12 FEBRUARY 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

are inscribed on posters which hung throughout the conference venue.

Rena was invited to attend to represent JeducationWorld, the Jewish education website for which she serves as the content currator, with the goal of connecting with European Jewish educators. After years of hearing about Limmud UK, Melissa jumped at the opportunity to go learn Torah Lishma, Jewish learning for its own sake. Both of us look forward to bringing elements of our learning back to our work in the Lehigh Valley, for Rena as the director of youth & family learning at Congregation Keneseth Israel and the managing director of Congregation Am Haskalah and for Melissa as the Hillel director and Jewish chaplain at Muhlenberg College. It is clearly challenging to summarize Limmud in just a few paragraphs. It was deep learning, powerful connections and meaningful conversations – a truly memorable experience.

Highlights from sessions we each attended: RENA: Ethics of Kashrut: Two people, an American activist and the owner of the UK’s kosher, organic chicken company, met

for the first time and talked about steps they are taking to change the meat industry and the struggle of understanding that just because meat is kosher does not mean that it was ethically raised or slaughtered.

Get to Know the European Community: I met 20-somethings who were all brought to the conference through a scholarship program for leaders of small Jewish life in Europe. It was fascinating to see the parallels with their struggles in engagement, but also to witness how the impact of the Holocaust is still so deeply felt in terms of the decimation of their numbers resulting in having fewer people to work with and significantly less money. In our conversation, several participants remarked their surprise that in the U.S. there are full-time paid Jewish professionals!

The Rise of Jewish Schools in Britain: Jewish day schools are currently “free” in Britain – paid for by taxes.

They have been built in traditionally Jewish neighborhoods and are known for offering a great education. But research is observing shifting trends in Jewish day school attendance as well as grumblings in the government about whether these religious schools should continue to have their “free” status. As attendance in Jew-

ish day schools grows, there is also an impact on the supplementary school programs at Liberal, Reform and Masorti (Conservative) synagogues.

Scholars and lay leaders are both working to understand the ripple effect.

MELISSA: Jewish Themes in The West Wing: Led by three Rabbinical students at Leo Baeck College, the UK’s progressive Jewish seminary, the session combined clips from the popular political TV drama with the Talmudic text, Bava Metzi'a, on public embarrassment.

The Chavruta Project: Now in its 20th year, the Chavruta Project is one of Limmud’s great traditions.

Each year a committee assembles traditional and modern texts on a topic and learners from around the world gather to study together. This year’s topic was Tzedakah, with an eye not only on the practical side (such as how much) or the tension between communal and individual responsibility, but also on the broader implications not just in this world but in the world to come.

US absention in UN Security Council resolution vote condemned

On Dec. 23, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution against Israel, claiming that Israel's settlement activity is a "flagrant violation" of international law and has "no validity," adding that it must conform to the obligations for an occupying power under the Fourth Geneva Convention. The resolution also ignores the deep connection of the Jewish people to Jerusalem and the Western Wall and marks the city as "occupied territory." Fourteen countries voted for the resolution, and the United States abstained.

Many Jewish groups have spoken out against the resolution as well as the abstention. Following the vote, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley released a statement condemning the United States' abstention, saying: "This decision undermined a core principle of American foreign policy with respect to Israel that had been embraced by American administrations of both political parties for decades, the recognition that the only possible solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is through direct negotiations between the two sides," the statement read.

"Although there can be differences with Israel's settlement policies," the statement continues, "there can be no place for even tacit support of a Security Council resolution that has little to do with promoting direct IsraelPalestinian negotiations and everything to do with Israel's fundamental right to exist.

We are supportive of the recognition of this fact by the President-elect and, ironically, by the government of Egypt, which had the foresight to actually withdraw the original resolution."

The abstention leaves a stain on President Obama's consistent support of Israel's right to self-defense, the

statement concludes, and "is a feckless way to conduct American foreign policy and will, unfortunately and sadly, further undermine prospects for peace."

Officials in Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley have joined the Federation in condemning the abstained vote. U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement: “[This] condemnation of Israel by the U.N. is appalling. President Obama’s lame duck directive to abstain from the vote is a betrayal that caps off eight years of indifference towards one of our greatest allies. The United States and Israel share a unique strategic partnership and friendship. A priority for the new Congress and next administration must be to reverse course and work to strengthen our relationship with Israel.”

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (DPa.) added: "I am extremely disappointed in the Administration's decision to abstain from [this] vote. This step reversed decades of a bipartisan commitment to using the voice and veto of the U.S. to prevent the U.N. from being used as a platform to advance positions that should be negotiated directly between the parties."

Rep. Charlie Dent, who represents Pennsylvania’s 15th district, released the following statement condemning the actions of the Obama administration: "Congress has repeatedly stated that only direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians must be the basis for security and lasting peace.

Make no mistake, President Obama's abstention on the U.N. Resolution is a major setback for peace. Even worse, this abstention is an extension of this President's hostility toward Israel and more specifically his personal disdain for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netan-

yahu," Dent said.

"As bad as this all is, the President's action should surprise no one," he continued. "His abdication from America's traditional global leadership and security role – coupled with a disturbing, dangerous global disengagement and detachment that has created political vacuums – has led to the ascendency and empowerment of Russia and Iran, while leaving longstanding American friends and allies bewildered and dismayed.

Tragically, President Obama leaves office with a lasting foreign policy legacy that will lead to greater global instability and will haunt America and its allies for years to come."

Rep. Matt Cartwright, who represents Pennsylvania’s 17th district, concluded, “I believe the U.N. should focus on promoting peace in the region, not promoting one-sided resolutions. Peace will come from bilateral negotiations between the two sides, and they must come to a place where both sides recognize and respect the other’s right to exist and live in peace. One-sidedness can drive an additional wedge between the two parties and will not hasten the time when true peace can be realized.”

The aforementioned members of Congress are taking action to formally condemn the abstention.

Sens. Toomey and Casey are co-sponsors of S.Res.6, a resolution objecting to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 and to all efforts that undermine direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians for a secure and peaceful settlement. Reps. Dent and Cartwright voted in favor of HR 11, a resolution objecting to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 as an obstacle to Israeli-Palestinian peace, and for other purposes.

FREEDOM of movement

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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | FEBRUARY 2017 15

Camp JCC prepares for summer 2017 with new camp options, great experiences for every age

By Brenda Finberg Director of Camp and Children Services and Mike Smith Camp JCC Program Director Camp JCC in Center Valley has been in operation for over 50 years on our 55 acres of beautiful land. Our camp was voted best in the Lehigh Valley by Lehigh Valley Style readers in 2016! Some of the things that makes our camp unique and special here in the Lehigh Valley are our ropes course, zip line, outdoor pool, phenomenal swim program and swim instruction, outdoor sports fields, mountain biking, arts and crafts, Israeli adventure, gaga and more. At Camp JCC we welcome children of all different backgrounds to engage in a variety of activities while fostering independence, confidence, and self-esteem.

Camp JCC’s eight-week program this year will run from June 19 to Aug. 11 and

is open to campers turning four by Sept.

30, 2017 through 10th grade. You can sign up for as many weeks as you would like.

Please call 610-435-3571 or visit www.lvjcc. org for more information.

Along with our traditional day camp experience in Center Valley we also offer a selection of specialty camps at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley: Adventurers Travel Camp – For campers entering 7th-9th grade, travel camp is a unique experience that provides our oldest campers the opportunity to explore some of the sites and great destinations in the northeast. Campers will get to participate in various activities while enjoying time with friends, building new relationships, and gaining independence. Please call 610435-3571 for trip dates and destinations.

Stagemakers Theater Camp – Come and experience the world of performing arts with Stagemakers Theater Camp.

Campers will learn choreography, receive voice lessons, learn about lighting, theater games and costuming. At the end of each camp, campers will put on a performance for their families and friends. Our first camp will be “School House Rock” and will run from June 19 to July 7 and our second camp will be “Honk Jr.” and will run from July 24 to Aug. 11. Open to kindergarteners through 10th graders.

Circus Camp – Circus of the Kids is the most amazing thing you will ever see done with children. Operating since 1982, Circus of the Kids travels throughout North America to schools, summer camps and resorts, teaching children circus skills. This camp is designed for campers ages 6-14.

Between learning circus acts, campers will have the opportunity to participate in regular camp activities at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Family and friends will not believe their eyes when they see the circus

stars of tomorrow proudly strut their newfound circus skills in a professionally styled circus performance. Campers will also come away with higher self-esteem and confidence, pride, and develop lifelong friendships from an experience focused on trust, teamwork, and challenges.

This camp will run from July 17 to 21.

NEW THIS SUMMER – jChefs: Culinary Summer Camp – Introducing our five days of delicious, this camp runs July 10 to 14. Cook your way around the globe during this week-long summer camp right here at the JCC led by experienced culinary professionals. Explore cuisine from around the world including Greece, Italy, Israel, Eastern Asia, and Mexico. Ages 1st through 9th grade.

What more could you ask for? Here at the JCC there is a camp for everyone. Please call 610-435-3571 or visit www.lvjcc.org for more information.

Unforgettable travel experiences for teenagers to South Africa, Argentina, Nicaragua, Thailand and many European countries.

BBYO Passport also offers a March of the Living trip, in which participants bear witness to the Holocaust in Poland and rejoice in Israel. The March of the Living commemorates Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, marching from Auschwitz to Birkenau, and it celebrates Yom HaAtzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, dancing in the streets of Jerusalem.

For more information, go to www.bbyopassport.org/Trips/ Summer-Experiences.

NFTY in Israel

NFTY in Israel offers specialty trips where participants can hike, climb, discover and explore with new friends from across the continent before returning home with endless personal accomplishments, meaningful memories and stories you’ll never forget.

Unique trips include NFTY Adventure, an active tour of Israeli sites; NFTY L’dor V’dor, which begins in Eastern Europe; Mitzvah Corps Israel, a volunteering-based trip; and Sci-Tech Israel, a science and technology learningbased trip. There are also options to travel with camp friends from local summer camps or spend six weeks on a kibbutz and earn high school academic credit.

For more information, go to https://nftyisrael.org.

Tzofim Chetz V’Keshet (CVK)

Editor’s Note: There are many ways for teenagers to get involved in travel to Israel. These five are a selection of available programs.

Information for this feature was taken from the programs’ websites. For more information about available summer programs, go to www.findyoursummer.org.

BBYO Passport

BBYO Passport programs combine elements of active touring, community service, and meaningful Jewish experiences. In addition to trips to Israel, which offer religious and secular connections to the land, BBYO Passport offers trips

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As the only teen summer program run in conjunction with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Tzofim Chetz V’Keshet is granted unique benefits: an exclusive behind the scenes look at the Israeli Army, an in-depth look at military history, a tailor-made Gadna experience, incredible safety and logistics, and IDF soldiers as counselors.

Tzofim Chetz V’Keshet is one of the only Israel summer programs that includes Israeli peer participants. A quarter of all CVK participants are Israeli teens; they are members of the Tzofim youth movement and are chosen for their personality, maturity, leadership skills and ability to communicate in both English and Hebrew. In addition to experiencing the incredible program activities together, built into the itinerary is the opportunity to spend Shabbat

with an Israeli peer’s family.

For more information, go to www.israelscouts.org/chez-vkeshet.

USY Summer Experience

For more than 55 years, USY Summer Experience has provided life-changing summer travel opportunities for Jewish teens. Trips are designed to open participants’ eyes to new places, experiences and cultures. In addition to several USY on Wheels cross-country bus trips in the United States, other trips include a Dominican Republic adventure and an Eastern Europe/Israel pilgrimage. There is also a L’Takayn Olam trip in which participants spend four weeks volunteering in Israel.

USY provides an exciting, fun way for teens to explore and develop their Jewish identities. On USY summer programs, teens experience the beauty of Shabbat, learn about the power of Tzedakah, and gain inspiration through creative prayer and engaging, interactive learning opportunities.

For more information, go to www.usy.org/escape.

Young Judaea Summer Programs

With a wide array of unique and fully-loaded programs, participants can explore the country on Machon, make new friends and meet Israel’s top entrepreneurs on Discovery, and learn how to effectively advocate for the land they love. All of these adventures are carefully tailored to highlight the best that Israel has to offer through the frame of our renowned programming.

One unique experience is Israel Brushstrokes, in which participants spend a month in Israel, where they will work with Israeli artists, interact and create art with Israeli art students, and participate in art workshops at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design.

For more information, go to www.youngjudaea.org/home/ programs-in-israel/teen-summer-programs.

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley offers Teen Experience Grants for programs that enrich the recipients, enhance the community, and increase the likelihood of future engagement with Jewish life. To learn more, visit www.jewishlehighvalley. org/scholarships.

Jewish overnight camps offer life-changing experiences

By Sara Vigneri Special to HAKOL What’s on your family’s overnight camp wish list? Your kids may want adventure and fun with friends. Maybe you want close to home and Jewish. Lehigh Valley favorites include Pinemere, Camp Ramah and Camp Harlam, plus there are lots of choices to meet all your needs.

Camp websites are quick

to tout summer camp’s positive impact on kids, but there is research to back it up. A 2006 study surveyed 3,395 families who sent a child to overnight camp and found that kids showed post-camp growth in the following areas: self-esteem, independence, leadership, friendship skills, exploration and spirituality. And this growth was maintained for six months after camp was over.

Some of the many Jewish summer camp options popular with Lehigh Valley campers:

The study authors concluded that spending at least one week at an accredited summer camp provides “the essential ingredients for positive youth development.”

And when it comes to spiritual growth, a Jewish summer camp adds something a little extra. The Foundation for Jewish Camp surveyed adults who went to a Jewish camp and the lifelong impact is fascinating.

They found that adults who went to summer camp as kids were: • 21 PERCENT more likely to feel that being Jewish is very important; • 45 PERCENT more likely to attend synagogue at least once a month; • and 37 PERCENT more likely to light candles regularly for Shabbat.

Camp Galil

Pinemere Camp

campgalil.org

pinemere.com

The Jewish Federation offers needsbased camp scholarships. Visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/scholarships to learn more.

Orthodox: “An adventure in religious Zionism.”

Non-denominational: “Providing campers with a unique, fun kibbutz-style summer experience with an emphasis on community and Jewish values.”

Camp Harlam

harlam.urjcamps.org

Reform: “… a vibrant, fun and caring camp community which enriches and strengthens Reform Jewish identity and values while cultivating lifelong friendships.”

Camp JRF

campjrf.org

Reconstructionist: “So many friendships made and strengthened.”

Camp Moshava

moshava.org

Pluralistic: “Providing quality Jewish overnight camping for over 70 summers.”

Camp Ramah in the Poconos

ramahpoconos.org

Conservative: “Creating life-long Jewish connections, one happy camper at a time.”

Camp Young Judaea

- Sprout Lake, Verbank, New York cyjsproutlake.org

Non-denominational: “ … a supportive and dynamic environment in which Jewish youth can explore, grow, and mature.”

Camp Tel Yehuda

Barryville, New York telyehudah.wordpress.com

“Young Judaea’s national teen leadership camp.”

Have a great summer in 2017 with BBYO summer experiences

By Steven Lipson and Sophia McWilliams BBYO According to BBYO.org, “[summer] programs take the values of AZA and BBG – leadership, Jewish values, community service, brotherhood, sisterhood and more – and apply them to a curriculum that develops leadership skills for life.”

There are many different options for summer programs to choose from including CLTC. This program is for 9th to 11th graders who are interested in learning valuable leadership skills. The goal is for each individual to achieve greater selfconfidence and a sense of Jewish leadership. Dates run throughout the summer in Wisconsin and West Virginia.

“Attending CLTC was the best decision of my life,” said participant Brayden Koch. “I made many lasting friendships and learned valuable lessons to carry with me throughout the rest of my life. I would highly recommend signing up for this summer.”

Another option is the International Leadership Training Conference (ILTC). This is for 10th through 12th graders who want to realize their potential through peer leadership. Teens stay in cabins and have plenty of time and space for relaxation. Michael Toland will be representing Allentown AZA this summer. “I want to learn more about the spiritual aspect of Judaism such as services and traditions,” said Toland.

In addition, International Kallah explores Judaism through art, music, cooking, photography, social media, and sports. It is held at Perlman Camp in Lake Como, Pennsylvania. All teens in 10th through 12th grades are welcome from July 12-31.

Finally, International Leadership Seminar in Israel (ILSI) allows teens to explore the land of Israel. This is a three-week leadership program designed for BBYO members from around the world. A few highlights of the

trip include a Shabbat in the city of Tzfat, floating in the Dead Sea, climbing the heights of Masada at sunrise and visiting the modern city of Tel Aviv.

This past summer, Joelle Pitkoff, a member of Allentown BBG, traveled to Israel on one of their summer programs, “Israel Journey,” a three-week-long trip. Joelle described the experience as one of self-discovery as she made lasting friendships throughout the trip and loved learning and traveling across the country. Joelle especially loved her trip to the Western Wall on Shabbat. She found it amazing to see how different people from the Jerusalem area and around the world came together to celebrate in such a holy city and place.

If you are interested in learning more about any of these summer experiences, you can email Liberty Region Director Jeff Koch

Joelle Pitkoff at the Bahai Gardens in Haifa at jkoch@bbyo.org. The BBYO website offers listings of many different summer and travel opportunities for interested high school students, with many programs currently having open registration.

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215-its-camp www.pinemere.com HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | FEBRUARY 2017 17

18 FEBRUARY 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | FEBRUARY 2017 19

JCC group dances in aisles at Mamma Mia!

By Amy Sams Coordinator, Adult Programs JCC of the Lehigh Valley Fun was the name of the game on Dec. 29. A little snow didn’t keep a group of 75 from traveling to Philadelphia to see a production of “Mamma Mia!” at the Merriam Theater. The trip brought together adults of all ages from all over the community. The outing was part of adult programming offered through the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley. The show was part of the National Farewell Tour of "Mamma Mia!" which spent a week in Philadelphia. The tour started in October and is currently booked through July.

The morning started with bagels and coffee at the JCC before loading the bus. A challenging Broadway trivia quiz entertained the travelers, and rewarded a gift to the winner with the most correct answers.

This show was extra special for the JCC. Lizzie Markson, a JCC alumna and Parkland High School graduate, is touring with the cast of 30. Lizzie plays the show’s leading lady and bride-to-be, Sophie Sheridan. Proud parents Jane and Bill Markson danced in the aisles with our group from the Lehigh Valley.

The JCC group enjoyed the treat of staying after the show for a pre-arranged meet and greet with Lizzie and band conductor Kevin Casey. Everyone went home with a poster from the tour.

Adult Programming at the JCC offers adults opportunities to grow, learn and have fun. Whether it's a behind-thescenes look into your favorite restaurant, an outing to a show or a workshop to expand your knowledge, our goal is to offer something for everyone. Visit www.lvjcc.org/ adultsatthej for details about our upcoming trip to The Philadelphia Flower Show and more! Contact Amy Sams at asams@lvjcc.org with questions.

20 FEBRUARY 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Lehigh Valley USYers spend winter break at Dallas convention

By Ethan Weg Special to HAKOL

ADRIAN BAIRD, ENDLESS ENTERTAINMENT

Christmas Day 2016, the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Dallas, Texas: usually reserved for business conferences or Comic Con-type events, one of the hotel’s large conventionsized rooms was bursting with excitement and filled with hundreds of Jewish teens. Energy coursed through the room, and as Easton resident Arielle Yacker recalled, “the floor was shaking.”

Yacker is just one of approximately 600 Jewish teens who were sitting on tarmacs across North America preparing to make their way to USY’s International Convention on Dec. 25. Held by United Synagogue Youth annually, the site for this year’s convention was in Dallas, where appropriately, USY’s brand for the convention was “where big things happen.”

The theme was appropriate not only because of the chosen site, but also because, as many convention attendees noted, much of the convention’s programming and structure was far superior to the past three or four conventions. Bethlehem resident and EPA/Hagesher Co-Regional President Alex Blumenthal attended the prior two conventions and he said that even more so than in past years, “it felt like I was truly connecting and having fun with my friends instead of rushing through the week.” Additionally, a highlight for everyone in attendance were the “TED Talks-style” general session programs that were sprinkled in throughout the week.

These sessions were entitled “USY Talks,” and although USY brought in motivational speaker and Paralympian Rohan Murphy for one of these general sessions, some of the most meaningful moments of the convention came when USYers took the stage. Some

of the topics touched on by the USY Talks included stories of establishing enterprises and forming non-profits, just barely avoiding death, and dealing with sexuality and depression. As one USYer from New Jersey noted, “Getting the chance to hear our peers’ stories on the big stage was so cool!” He went on to explain that, “this year’s convention was so clearly created for USYers by USYers, and that is what made it so special.” Overall, the USY Talks sessions at this year’s convention were extraordinary, and provided a much needed stage for some of the future leaders of American Judaism.

Another highlight from the five-day convention came on the day outside of the hotel, when USYers went into the Dallas and Fort Worth community and volunteered.

For Blumenthal, his opportunity to make the most of his time volunteering came when the organization his group was sent to needed someone to help with their computer maintenance and a spreadsheet project. For Blumenthal, this was no big deal at all; he got right to work, and in no time, the self proclaimed “tech nerd” was able to knock out a project or two while volunteering.

Likewise, Yacker had an equally meaningful volunteering experience, as her group worked in a faith-based community center. She spent her time preparing food for the community, all the while jamming out with her friends to the ever popular soundtrack for “Hamilton: An American Musical.”

Dec. 29 was the USYers’ last night at the hotel, and as they finished watching a video of the highlights from the past week, and found out that next year’s USY International Convention would be held in Chicago, Illinois, the room yet again turned to joyful song and dance – just the way the convention had begun less than 96 hours before.

Top, USYers from the Lehigh Valley and other parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey excitedly begin their weekend at the International Convention.

Bottom, EPA/Hagesher co-Presidents Dara Backal and Alex Blumenthal introduce their region in front of the whole convention body.

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TCP thrives on 3 ‘C’s: continuity, community and creativity

By Rabbi Melody Davis Temple Covenant of Peace There are many famous sayings that are common to Judaism.

The first one that comes to mind with respect to Temple Covenant of Peace is “L’chaim!” To life.

Founded in 1839 by a group of German Jews, TCP is the third oldest synagogue in Pennsylvania and the 10th oldest in the United States. The original building was, until 1959, the oldest synagogue in continuous use – 117 years. We will celebrate our 180th anniversary in November of 2019. Ten times chai!

Our slogan “Warm folks, cool shul” very much reflects our community’s ethos. We are an intimate family: we know each other and our children. Your business becomes the Temple’s business in the best way possible.

Not feeling well? There’s kosher chicken soup in the freezer. Can’t come pick it up? Call us and we’ll drop it off.

Learning is open to all.

Tuesdays at 12 p.m. is Torah Study and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. is our on-going “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Judaism but Were Afraid to Ask.” Neither class requires previous knowledge or a commitment.

You are welcome to drop in when you can and add to the learning.

Both of these classes include the sharing of memories, the question of how Judaism applies in a modern world and what our

responsibilities are to each other.

Our Religious School meets on Sunday mornings from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The Hebrew curriculum is geared toward an understanding of what the prayers mean as well as the ability to read them. This is, of course, an impossibility in such a short period of time.

We offer additional class time and/or individual tutoring on Wednesday afternoons for those desiring a more in-depth education. Our Youth Choir named Shiru Yah meets during Religious School and sings at family services as well as at community events. We offer three to four specialty classes each month. Art and cooking are perennial favorites but shofar blowing, chanting Torah and micrography have been other popular choices.

Our Rosh Chodesh group led by Eleanor Bobrow meets regularly to discuss issues of importance to Jewish women.

The Annual Rosh Chodesh Women’s Seder will be held on Sunday, April 2 at 5 p.m. This seder looks at the Passover story through a feminist lens.

It is a dairy/vegetarian potluck event and all are welcome – men included!

Our monthly book group headed by Linda Adler meets on the second Thursday of each month. We share a knitting group with our neighbors from B’nai Abraham Synagogue which

meets monthly. Our Sisterhood and Brotherhood are warm and welcoming.

Understanding and engagement with our holidays and rituals is of paramount importance. Going through a ritual for the sake of performing it is simply not enough for most of us. We need to know why. TCP will be hosting a Mystical Tu b’Shvat Seder on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. We will be combining Kabbalistic wisdom with a discussion of Ba’al tashchit – do not destroy. The cost is $5 per person. Please RSVP to our office: 610-253-2031.

Music is an amazing vehicle for prayer. While I love traditional hazzanut (cantorial music) there is a wealth of secular music that we incorporate in our services.

Sometimes we use an entire song as written, e.g. “In My Life” as an introductory meditation for Mourner’s Kaddish. Our cantor, Jill Pakman, is extraordinarily versatile and talented.

I have also had the freedom to re-frame services to different musical styles and imagery which allows congregants to experience the essence of prayer in a new way. Our monthly renewal-style meditation service allows one the space to close the prayer book, breathe and connect with the Holy One. We are fortunate to have Mark Gutman as a temple member. Mark leads a fabulous ‘50s - ‘60s band called The Main

Street Cruisers. The Cruisers have given of their time and talent to accompany our “Girl Groups Shabbat” which featured such hits as “V’shamru” sung to the tune of “Goin’ to the Chapel” and “Ahavat Olam” to the music of “This is Dedicated to the One I Love.” Our Rock Shabbat includes “Shiru LaShem” to “La Bamba” and “L’cha Dodi” to “Da Doo Run Run.” The point is not to change the music merely for the sake of change, but to enable us to hear and feel G-d in a new way. Shiru LaShem Shir Chadash - sing unto G-d a new song!

Creativity has graced our sanctuary in the form of new Torah covers sponsored in 2016

by Susan and Richard Master, Mark Breitbart and Lawrence Bitterman. This year, a new lectern cover was donated by Henrietta (Freddie) & Shawn Winstian. These new ritual vestments were designed and created by Annelise Davis, a senior at the Fashion Institute of

Technology.

One of the aspects of being the rabbi at TCP that excites me most is the spirit of wonder and adventure that permeates the shul. Unlike many institutions mired in the muck of “we’ve never done it that way,” the spirit I’ve encountered has been “why not? Let’s try it!” Purim, of course, gives us incredible latitude for stepping outside our comfortable little boxes. In years past, TCP has presented the Purim story through the music of “Schmaltz” (“Grease”), “The Little Pur-Maid” (“The Little Mermaid”), “Boychicks und Maidlach” (“Guys and Dolls”) and last year’s smash hit: “The Purim King” (“The Lion King”).

This year our multi-generational production will be presented on Saturday, March 11 at 7 p.m. and will feature the music of Disney’s “Moana.” Naturally, its new name will reflect our heroine: “Hadassah” - Esther’s name in Hebrew. As it says in the score: You’re welcome!

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22 FEBRUARY 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Chabad lights up the night with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms

On Dec. 26, clergy from across the Lehigh Valley, along with Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski, gathered at the PPL Center for a giant ice menorah lighting. Following the lighting, Cantor Kevin Wartell of Temple Beth El led local Hebrew school students in singing the traditional "Oh Chanukah" song. Gabriel Krizel, representing Chabad’s Friendship Circle, accompanied by Rabbi Boruch Sholom Greenberg, representing Chabad Serving Muhlenberg, dropped the puck on the ice to start the Phantoms hockey game.

Life & Legacy Continues from page 1

diving into the substance of this important endeavor,” he added.

Legacy giving provides a way for donors to continue giving to their favorite organizations for generations.

Through conversations and planning, a donor can make a gift that both supports the donor’s family and make a lasting impact on their favorite organizations.

To learn more, contact Jim Mueth at 610-821-5500 or jim@ jflv.org.

MAZEL TOV TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS FOR THEIR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE LIFE & LEGACY PROGRAM Congregation Am Haskalah of the Lehigh Valley Congregation Brith Sholom Congregation Keneseth Israel Congregation Sons of Israel Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley Temple Beth El Temple Covenant of Peace

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | FEBRUARY 2017 23

Longtime volunteers

BY SANDI TEPLITZ

This salad is a great way to continue that New Year’s resolution of trying to eat more healthfully. It has the added benefit of being absolutely delicious.

HAKOL has enjoyed the support of volunteers since its inception. In the article below, Sandi Teplitz explains her love for cooking and how she came to do a monthly recipe for HAKOL since its inception.

SANDI TEPLITZ I came into my love for cooking genetically. I grew up in Wilkes-Barre with a dad who owned and operated Penn Baker Supply Co. in Scranton. Each day of the week but Shabbos, my father brought home something delicious from his customers. They ranged from Italian filled pastries to buttery European sandwich cookies to crusty Jewish rye.

He also made his own kosher homemade vanilla, which he sold locally and to customers across various states! By the time I was seven years old, I began exploring the wonderful world of cooking on my own. My mom, a self-trained medical secretary to a well-known surgeon, gave me a load of freedom in the kitchen to experiment with kosher delicacies, be they breakfast muffins, creative lunch sandwiches or deluxe and creative desserts.

As a college student at Temple University in Philadelphia in the ‘60s, I became obsessed with cheesecake tasting and baked it until I reached what I considered to be my best creation yet; I developed a repertoire of cheesecakes in about 25 flavors which I bake frequently and modify seasonally. Bloomingdale’s offered to buy it from me, but I would have been required to give up my Old English sheepdog, so I declined.

When I moved to Allentown in about 1970, Maxine [Klein] and Marlene [Finkelstein], the original editors of HAKOL, phoned me and asked if I’d like to write a monthly food column for their new publication. I have been doing so since that time, sometimes veering into the area of satire.

Nowadays, I am an ESL teacher for East Penn School District, and an ardent fan of Josh Early Candies. I have three children, Robin, Nick and Justin and a granddaughter, Logan.

I love to modify recipes to make them lower in sugar

FEBRUARY CHOPPED SALAD

Sandi Teplitz gets ready to bake the most recent addition to her repertoire: Salted Caramel Apple Torte. and more nutritious. The only caveat I have when cooking or baking is that all of my recipes be natural with no artificial additives of any kind. In the future, I hope to publish my own cookbook, focusing on both vegetables and desserts. I still make my own vanilla, based on my father’s recipe; once you try it, you may never return to store bought.

INGREDIENTS: 2 large tomatoes, chopped and drained 2 heads lettuce, such as iceberg and Boston, rinsed, dried and chopped 2 cukes, peeled, seeded and chopped 4 stalks celery, preferable organic, chopped 2 sweet Spanish onions, diced 6 jarred pimientos, diced 2 T capers. rinsed and drained 5 T. mixed chopped olives 10 anchovies, coarsely chopped 4 T. extra virgin olive oil, preferably California Ranch brand 2 T. kosher balsamic vinegar salt and pepper to taste TECHNIQUE: Add all vegetable ingredients to a bowl; with a sharp knife, chop once again. Add oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Enjoy with a loaf of crusty whole grain bread and a glass of crisp kosher Chardonnay.

SANDI’S VANILLA Take 10 or more vanilla beans and place into a glass liter container. Fill with the best vodka you can buy. Seal tightly.

After about a month, it will be ready to use.

VANILLA WHIPPED CREAM To one pint of very heavy cream add four teaspoons of superfine sugar. Mix with a spoon until the sugar is dissolved.

Remove a vanilla bean from the glass container, and snip off the top. Squeeze one inch of moistened pod into the sweetened cream. Whip until soft (for a sauce) or until stiff peaks form (as a topping for ice cream or cake). Place the remainder of the bean in the container for use at another time.

Her beautiful smile lets me know.

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24 FEBRUARY 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

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Lehigh Valley Kashrut Commission ensures kosher food in the valley

By Rabbi David Wilensky Congregation Sons of Israel I am Rabbi David Wilensky, rabbi of Congregation Sons of Israel and Rav HaMachshir, rabbinic consultant, of the Lehigh Valley Kashrut Commission. Many intriguing kosher questions are constantly posed to the Lehigh Valley Kashrut Commission, both by the companies we supervise as well as the customers we serve, making our work at the LVKC exciting and fulfilling. Historically, kosher questions were exclusive to the Jewish marketplace and home, but with the advances of the modern food industry, the concept of kosher, along with its many intricacies, has spilled into the non-Jewish world as well. Once upon a time, producers of chocolate Easter eggs could care less if their product was kosher, but those times have past.

The kosher retail market has annual sales estimated at $13 billion, with 1,063 kosher certifications world-wide, 600 in America alone, compared to the mere 18 kosher supervisions that existed 30 years ago. The fact that the first question posed to me as Rav Hamachshir of the LVKC was whether a kosher chocolate Easter bunny “eye” substitute could be located for a kosher chocolate company in Reading under our supervision, bespeaks the breadth of the kosher market in general, as well as the fascinating work we do at the LVKC. Although the kosher market is booming, with preeminent kosher supervisions such as the Orthodox Union (OU) supervising more than 6,000 companies world-wide, we at the LVKC realize that our work, the supervision of eight local establishments, is modest by comparison. Due to our size, perhaps the most common traditional kosher questions, those regarding the mixing of milk and meat, rarely cross our desks. In order for an establishment to have supervision for serving meat products, a Mashgiach Temidi, constant kosher- supervisor, must be present. The hiring of a full time Mashgiach dedicated to one establishment, is at this time beyond our means, and it is for that reason that the 8 establishments we supervise are all either dairy or pareve. Receiving a phone call from a local chicken farm asking if they could begin slaughtering their chickens under our kosher supervision was certainly fascinating, but at the same time clearly impractical, as it was beyond the scope of our capacities.

The area in which milk and meat questions do arise constantly, however,

is during the production of pareve bread and bagels at both Weis Markets (at the Target Shopping Center) and Giant (at the Cedar Crest Shopping Center). Dairy bread is a kosher nightmare, as both meat and dairy are indiscriminately placed on bread by consumers. It is for this reason that dairy bread may not be produced under kosher supervision.

One of our top priorities at both Weis and Giant is to ensure that all dairy baked goods and equipment are distinctly separated from the pareve bread production.

At Weis, this supervision is quite straightforward, as Weis management consulted the LVKC when they renovated their bakery, looking to remodel in a way that would best separate dairy production from pareve production. Although never constructed with LVKC input, the Giant Bakery has similarly incorporated the strict standards of pareve and dairy differentiation quite effectively in their bakery as well.

Having previously lived in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, which despite its significant number of kosher restaurants and butcher shops, was in fact home to not even one kosher bakery (!), I take pride in the fact that our local Jewish population can enjoy the baked goods of not one, but two kosher bakeries in the Lehigh Valley, ensuring that our community never feels that it has to compromise on either kashrut or taste!

Easy recipes will make you the MVP of your Super Bowl festivities Recipes by www.koshermoms.com

Easy Banana Oats Cookies

If you are looking for winning recipes to serve friends and family for Super Bowl or any time of year, check out these easy-to-make original recipes courtesy of Pereg Natural Foods and Koshermoms.com.

If you're living on a restrictive diet, you know that having food options that taste great and fill needs in your daily routine are the most important factors in being able to follow through with your diet. These flourless, gluten-free cookies are a great choice for a snack because they pack potassium from the banana and a good amount of healthy carbs from the oats and quinoa. They are easy to make, and let's face it, who doesn't have an overripe banana sitting on the kitchen counter?

These cookies are fragrant, sweet and moist with a nice, chewy texture, and are sure to give you an energy boost to carry you through the day!

Neapolitan Cereal Treats INGREDIENTS: 1 13oz container of marshmallow fluff 1 cup each chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla Pereg Natural Foods quinoa pops cereal 3 TBSP margarine DIRECTIONS: Grease a 9x9 square baking dish and set aside. In a medium saucepan, heat margarine and marshmallow fluff until it turns into a pourable consistency, stirring often so it does not burn. Put the quinoa pop cereal into a large bowl. Pour the marshmallow over the cereal and mix till combined. Pour the mixture into the 9x9 dish, pressing down to make flat and even. Cover with foil and set aside at room temp to harden.

Cut into squares and enjoy!

INGREDIENTS: Overripe Banana 1/2 cup of oats ¼ cup of Pereg Natural Foods Coco Quinoa Pops DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350*.

Mash banana until a liquid consistency. Mix in oats and Quinoa Pops until well combined. Scoop out 1 tablespoon sized spoon onto

a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350* for 15 minutes or until it becomes firm. Enjoy!

Stuffed Mushrooms INGREDIENTS: 12 baby Bella Mushrooms 1/2 cup of Pereg Natural Foods extra crunchy panko 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 head garlic minced 2 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Wash mushrooms and remove stems. Set mushrooms aside in a baking dish. Chop stems into tiny pieces. Combine stems, panko, cheese, garlic and spices with the olive oil in a bowl.

Stuff each mushroom cap until there is a rounded mound of filling coming out from the top.

Bake for 15 minutes or until you smell the garlic and the tops are browned.

KosherMoms is a new blog site dedicated to incredible family friendly food and lifestyle ideas (www.koshermoms.com).

The LVKC is part of the Hebrew Family League. To learn more or get involved, contact Rabbi David Wilensky at rdwilensky@ gmail.com.

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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | FEBRUARY 2017 25

On Tu b’Shvat, seeds of growth and change in our seder and beyond

Above, The Movable Minyan celebrating its outdoor Tu b’Shvat seder. Left, The Tu b’Shvat seder table.

EDMON J. RODMAN

By Edmon J. Rodman Jewish Telegraphic Agency For the last three years, I’ve celebrated Tu b’Shvat — the Jewish New Year of the Trees — by organizing a participatory seder in a nearby canyontop park.

The seder usually includes

26 FEBRUARY 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

about 10 to 15 people from my group, the Movable Minyan — a small, lay-led, independent congregation that needs every member’s active participation in order to thrive. We meet in the parking lot, and from there, bags of seder supplies in hand, we take a short hike up past oak trees to a chaparralcovered hill with a panoramic view of the San Fernando Valley.

This is no ordinary picnic.

For the seder, in addition to plates, cups and Haggadahs to explain everything (what Jewish event would be complete without a book?), you need two different colors of wine or juice — the change in color representing the changes in season.

We also bring specific fruits, each representing one of the four levels of existence that the kabbalists of Safed, who created the seder, taught that we live on simultaneously: “assiyah,” doing; “yetzirah,” formation; “briyah,” creation, and “atzilut,” nobility. (Assiyah, for example, includes actions like

repairing the world. It’s represented by foods with a tough outer shell and a soft inside, like walnuts or pomegranates, which symbolize our physical exteriors and our inner spiritual lives.)

My part, aside from bringing a bag of kumquats from a tree in our yard — representing creation, which calls for fruit that can be eaten whole —has been to lead the seder. It’s not too hard, considering we have an easy-to-use Haggadah called “Branching Out,” published by the Jewish National Fund. But with the New Year of the Trees fast approaching the Haggadah was becoming the same old fruit salad.

Inspired by the trees, I thought it was time to show a little growth in my Tu b’Shvat celebration. Even though there’s been so little rain in Southern California, the trees continued to grow — I wanted to see growth in our minyan as well. Yes, a few more people would be nice. But, more significantly, I wanted to find a way to better appreciate what each member brought to the table both at the seder itself and, more broadly, to our yearround community.

While attending the Federations of North America’s General Assembly last November, I was handed a book called the “Tu b’Shvat Companion” at a booth sponsored by Livnot U’Lehibanot. The Israel-based organization (which means “to build and to be built”) seeks to inspire young Jews — and, apparently, older people like me — to “explore their heritage and spirituality.” I had slipped the softcover in my bag, and there it remained until I started thinking about the Tu b’Shvat approach.

“Today, we start our feast with seven species [shivat haminim], which are the fruits that the Land of Israel is famous for,” the chapter about the seder began. My Haggadah also mentioned them: barley, dates, figs, grapes, olives, pomegranates and wheat. A woman who comes to my seder every year bakes her signature “seven species muffins,” which are surprisingly good considering that the list of ingredients sounds like something from a TV cooking competition.

Still, I thought the seven species could provide a rich metaphor for our indie group, and I hoped to find another, non-gastronomical way to relate to them.

Reading the “Companion” (available free online), I learned the date, for example, demonstrated that the Jewish value of “inclusiveness” can be “extracted from the palm tree.”

“The palm tree has nothing wasted from it,” the Haggadah notes. The dates are eaten; young, unopened branches are used at Sukkot for the lulav; the trunk fibers are “used to make rope.” Similar to the palm tree, concluded this “mini-drash” on trees and people, “the people of Israel have no person wasted.”

As I read, the myriad personal and communal connec-

tions to Tu b’Shvat began to flower.

Each of the seven species was presented with “spiritual insights,” something our congregation strives for in our Torah discussions. There were also open-ended questions like, “What in your opinion is the best way to be connected to the continuity of our people’s heritage without losing our personal uniqueness?”

The more I read, the more the Haggadah seemed to be talking to my minyan. Each of the species was presented in the context of a physical and spiritual connection: The olive tree, for example, has multiple trunks, like a family.

After all, at nearly 30 years old, our minyan was a kind of family, with each member keenly aware of others’ growth and setbacks over the years.

With our backgrounds varying from secular to Orthodox, our diversity was our strength — though sometimes it resulted in intense debate over the group’s course.

Moved by this reverie of connectedness — and awakening to the possibilities a new depth of meaning of Tu b’Shvat for our group — I felt compelled to connect with the book’s author, Shlomo Tal. Tal spoke with me from Safed, where Livnot U’Lehibanot is based, and where the custom of a Tu b’Shvat seder began more than 300 years ago. He asked me, when I looked at the Tu b’Shvat seder table, “Which fruit smiles at you?”

At first, the question brought to mind the old California Raisins commercials. But then I realized he was asking which fruit I would like to eat first.

For me, that “smiling fruit” was the pomegranate — and for Tal as well. For him, the ruddy fruit with an unexpected interior represented the “ability to see beyond” the outer covering. The pomegranate suggested to him a way to look past the “bitter rind” of some people that we must “unpeel in order to discover” the sweetness inside.

For Tal, the seven species are a way to remind us that community consists of many different kinds of people, each with something to give.

“There is no personal growth without community, and there is no community without every individual going through personal growth,” he said.

Inspired by our conversation, I considered each of the seven species. I realized how, in addition to being an earthy bond with Israel, they could foster an organic connection to diaspora communities — even in L.A., which is so dispersed that it’s almost a diaspora within a diaspora.

It’s with this seed of insight that I hope to grow our Tu b’Shvat seder and our grassroots community.

Edmon J. Rodman is a JTA columnist who writes on Jewish life from Los Angeles. Contact him at edmojace@gmail.com.

OMER MIRON/FLASH 90

Tu b’Shvat and the case for eco-Zionism

Jewish teens planting trees in a Tu b’Shvat event organized by the Keren Kayemet LeIsrael in Israel’s Ben Shemen forest, Feb. 6, 2012.

By Shaul Goldstein Jewish Telegraphic Agency The rabbinic tract Midrash Kohelet Raba tells us that when God created Adam, He took him to see each and every tree and plant, telling him to “make sure you do not degrade and spoil my planet – for if you do, there will be none to come after you and restore it.”

From the biblical injunction to protect natural woodland, even while laying siege to an enemy city, the rabbis of the Talmud derived the prohibition of gratuitous waste and destruction.

And the biblical story of Noah’s ark can be seen as the earliest recognition of humanity’s responsibility to safeguard bio-diversity from the consequences of human wrongdoing.

Protection of the environment is an authentic and significant Jewish value with deep roots in our tradition.

So why isn’t the national movement of the Jewish people thought of in ecological terms as much as political ones?

There was a time when environmentalism was considered an integral part of the larger Zionist project.

In Israel’s early days, planting trees, particularly on Tu b’Shvat, was an iconic Zionist activity. We still owe a great debt to the forestation projects undertaken by those early pioneers, both as forerunners to Israel’s worldrenowned (and much soughtafter) techniques of combat desertification and for its contribution to the ethos of “making the desert bloom.”

But from the point of view of contemporary conservationism, the mass introduction of insufficiently diverse, non-local cultivars is outdated. Moreover, over the years, “green Zionism” has declined in prominence, giving way to other causes and concerns.

There is no better time than Tu b’Shvat, the traditional New Year of the Trees that begins on Feb. 10, to remind ourselves that safeguarding Israel is as much an ecological cause as a political one. It’s time to restore ecoZionism to its rightful place in the fabric of Jewish life.

It begins with young American Jews, who must begin thinking of the fallow deer, the griffon vulture and the Arabian oryx as part of their patrimony just as they do the Western Wall and Masada. They must come to appreciate the complex challenges facing Israel in balancing environmental concerns with the needs of economic and social development, all within the constrained geographical limits of a tiny country.

Finally, they must engage in ecological activism, whether it is rescuing sea turtles or reintroducing biblical wildlife species or preserving the fragile ecosystems of sand dune ridges.

Eco-Zionism can help advance other important social goals as well. It can foster deeper relations between Israeli experts and their colleagues overseas by sharing best practices and accumulated knowledge and expertise. Environmental education of young Israeli children, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, can be a journey of empowerment: Respect for and dedication to Israel’s natural treasures can nurture a sense of responsibility and self-worth that make the difference between delinquency and civic virtue.

Similarly, joint Jewish-Arab youth activities in nature protection and ecology can break down barriers and foster coexistence – not only between the participants and the landscape that surrounds them, but also among the different communities that make up the tapestry of modern Israel.

No less important, in an increasingly polarized and divisive public sphere, where ideological fissures threaten to rend asunder longstanding bonds within and among Jewish communities, a renewed pledge to the survival of the landscapes and habitats with which the Jewish people has been collectively entrusted has the potential to create a sense of unity where there might otherwise be discord and strife.

To paraphrase the writer Ahad Ha’Am, we may find that more than we protect the

environment, the environment protects us.

Tu b’Shvat can be so much more meaningful than the exchange of dried-fruit baskets (typically imported from Turkey or Morocco). It can sound the rallying call for a renewed communion between the Jewish people and the land of Israel.

I believe this communion must be an important part of the future partnership between Jewish communities in America and in Israel, and it is an honor for me to call out to all those who would make it so.

Shaul Goldstein is the director general of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.

Rabbi’s Tu b’Shvat call: For chocolate, use blessing for fruits Jewish Telegraphic Agency A decider of Jewish law for the national religious community said ahead of Tu b’Shvat that the proper blessing for chocolate is the one for fruits.

The blessing, thanking “the Creator of the fruit of the tree,” should be used because chocolate is produced from cocoa beans that grow on trees, Rabbi Dov Lior said during a class he teaches at the Beit

Orot yeshiva in Jerusalem, the Hebrew-language Srugim news website reported.

The blessing is still appropriate as long as some characteristics of the original fruit remain. Dark chocolate retains the original color of the cocoa bean.

On Tu b’Shvat, it is traditional to consume fruit, particularly dried fruit. The New Year for Trees, as it is known, is being observed on Feb. 10-11.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | FEBRUARY 2017 27

Henry Heimlich, inventor of maneuver to save choking victims, dies at 96 Jewish Telegraphic Agency Henry Heimlich, who invented the life-saving technique to save choking victims, has died.

Heimlich died on Dec. 17, 2016 at a hospital in Cincinnati at the age of 96 from complications of a massive heart attack he had on Dec. 12.

Heimlich used the maneuver named after him in May 2016 to save a fellow resident at a Cincinnati retirement home where he lived, reportedly the first time he had used it to save a person’s life.

Heimlich published an article about the maneuver, using abdominal thrusts, in 1974. Prior to that, rescue guidelines called for blows to the back to dislodge the airway blockages. Heimlich

believed this could further entrench the blockage. He said his maneuver has saved over 100,000 lives, according to the Washington Post.

“Dad was a hero to many people around the world for a simple reason: He helped save untold numbers of lives through the innovation of common-sense procedures and devices. But he was not only a physician and medical inventor, he was also a humanitarian and a loving and devoted son, husband, father and grandfather,” his family said in a statement.

In 1962, Heimlich invented the chest drainage flutter valve, which was also called the Heimlich valve.

In the 1980s and 1990s he was

PJ LIBRARY Family of the Month: THE HARRISONS

Israel wants to bring injured Aleppo civilians for treatment, Netanyahu says Jewish Telegraphic Agency Israel’s Foreign Ministry is looking for ways to help assist Syrian civilians injured in the country’s civil war, including bringing them to Israel for medical treatment.

“We see the tragedy of terrible suffering of civilians and I’ve asked the Foreign Ministry to seek ways to expand our medical assistance to the civilian causalities of the Syrian tragedy, specifically in Aleppo, where we’re prepared to take in wounded women and children, and also men if they’re not combatants,” Netanyahu said during a meeting with foreign journalists.

“We’d like to do that: Bring them to Israel, take care of them in our hospitals as we’ve done with thousands of Syrian civilians. We’re looking into ways of doing this; it’s being explored as we speak.”

Netanyahu said that Israel cannot resolve the crisis in Syria, but “can help mitigate some of the suffering. That is the best that Israel can do.”

Israel has treated many wounded Syrians in hospitals in northern Israel near the shared border

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We have been receiving PJ Library books since our older son Zack was 6 months old. The boys love to check the mail, so when it’s book (or CD) time, its extra special because they get to see their name(s) on the envelope! They love ripping open the packages to see what new book they’ve gotten! We always end up reading the books right away since PJ Library books are always so great! If there’s a recipe, or activity included, we try that too! Here are Josh & Zack’s favorite PJ Library books!

an advocate of malaria therapy, the deliberate infection of a person with benign malaria in order to defeat diseases such as cancer and AIDS, saying the high fever associated with malaria would stimulate the body’s immune system. The therapy’s efficacy has never been proven.

He was born in Wilmington, Delaware, to Mary Epstein and Philip Heimlich. His paternal grandparents were Hungarian Jewish immigrants, and his maternal grandparents were Russian Jews.

He was married to Jane Murray, daughter of ballroom-dancing businessman Arthur Murray, who predeceased him. The couple had four children.

Syrian residents, fleeing violence in Aleppo’s Bustan alQasr neighborhood, arrive in the Fardos neighbourhood after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters, Dec. 13, 2016.

with Syria. They are then returned to Syria.

Netanyahu added that Israel will not accept “spillover” from the Syrian war into Israel. The Israeli military has responded to nearly every incident of cross-border mortar or gunfire attacks.

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COURTESY OF ESTEE ACKERMAN

This 15-year-old Orthodox girl is a pingpong champion

Estee Ackerman holding certificates representing the five medals she won in this month’s U.S. Open in table tennis.

Jewish Telegraphic Agency She’s beaten a table tennis Hall of Famer. She’s beaten Jewish philanthropists in suits and high heels. She’s beaten tennis champion Rafael Nadal.

And she’s only 15.

Like many Orthodox Jewish teens, Estee Ackerman was raised around a basement pingpong table, a traditional gathering spot for Sabbath-observant kids on long Saturday afternoons.

But unlike her peers, she took her avid interest in the game to professional clubs, coaches and, eventually, tournament championships. The Long Islander won five medals — including two golds — at the U.S. Open Table Tennis Championships in Las Vegas in December.

“In table tennis, anyone can beat anyone,” Ackerman told JTA. “In basketball, when you’re taller, you have a much, much bigger advantage. In pingpong, it’s so different. It doesn’t matter about your age. It’s hysterical when me and the other teens are beating 30- and 40-[year-old] big, strong men.”

Ackerman, on her winter break from the Yeshiva University High School for Girls in Queens, was dressed in a long skirt and a loose fitting T-shirt with the letters USA emblazoned on the front. The skirt, standard dress for modern Orthodox girls like her, didn’t stop Ackerman from schooling her dad (and, um, this reporter) with a series of serves that spun so hard, they skid across the basement floor after bouncing off the table.

But her favorite move?

The smash, mid-volley.

“At the tournaments people are not surprised because they all expect a hard competition,” she said. “They don’t care what your age is.”

Still, she added: “I wouldn’t say I get bored of people saying, ‘Oh, I can’t believe a 15-year-old player can be great.’”

Ackerman’s interest in pingpong stems from her father, Glenn, who set up the table in the basement of the family’s West Hempstead

home seven years ago. The idea was to give Ackerman and her brother, Akiva, some consistent physical activity.

But after watching his 8-yearold daughter improve after playing just a couple times a week for an hour or so, Glenn Ackerman took her to a nearby table tennis club for lessons from a professional.

“She had a talent, a knack for the sport,” Glenn Ackerman said. “More so, I saw she had the desire to work hard.

I always choose hard work over talent. She’s willing to practice endless hours.”

In Vegas, Ackerman took home two gold medals in what’s called “hardbat play” – games where the paddles don’t have any padding. She is ranked in the top 30 among U.S. female players under 18.

“I was overwhelmed when I won the event,” she said of one of her gold medals. “This lady I played — it’s like my dad playing John McEnroe.”

In 2016, Ackerman was one of the final 16 qualifiers for the three-person U.S. women’s Olympic table tennis team that competed in Rio de Janeiro. She didn’t make the squad, but hopes to compete at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Ackerman’s table tennis training contends with a school day that ends past 5 p.m., as well as obligations to her school’s girls’ junior varsity basketball team — incidentally, she is the leading scorer. While she trains every evening, she also has an abridged practice schedule. On Shabbat and Jewish holidays, Ackerman will play the game with friends, but only for fun in her synagogue clothes, not the T-shirt and shorts she wears while competing. Nor does she run any practice drills or work with coaches. This way, she’s not doing anything that could be construed as work.

“If my friends come over, I’ll go down and have some fun with them,” she said.

“They get a good laugh out of it. I wonder how much better of a player I would be if I played on the holidays and Shabbat.”

Ackerman and her dad

hope to bring the sport out of informal Shabbat play into Jewish day schools. Its versatility – unfettered by weather or the players’ physical size – could lend itself to league play, something several Jewish schools have organized for other sports.

But unlike in China, where table tennis is among the most popular sports, Glenn Ackerman believes it is shunned as a serious pursuit in the U.S. “The stigma is, it’s a basement sport, it’s a garage sport, it’s a rainy day sport, it’s a sport for nerds,” he said.

“We are trying to bring the sport out of the basement and into the mainstream.”

Ackerman’s ban on playing on the Sabbath extends to tournaments — in 2012, she had reached the round of 16 at an event, only to forfeit a match when it began too late on a Friday evening. She and her father now try to mitigate potential conflicts by asking tournament organizers to refrain from scheduling at least one key event on Friday night or Saturday.

“I said to myself, this situation was going to happen to me one day,” Ackerman recalled. “I had to choose my religion or the love of the sport. On Shabbat, to be in my uniform, to go down to be competing in a national tournament, this is not in the spirit of Shabbos. This is not what Hashem would want me to do.”

Following her decision to sit out the match, Ackerman was honored by several Jewish groups, including the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement, and Meor, an Orthodox Jewish campus group. She has played table tennis at the benefit dinners of a few Jewish organizations, facing off against guests clad in black tie.

In May, she defeated Patty Wasserman, a Hall of Famer who won three U.S. Open women’s singles titles — including at 13, the youngest player ever to accomplish the feat. (She was Patty Martinez until marrying fellow Hall of Famer Si Wasserman in May.) Wasserman, 64, also played on three U.S. Olympic teams.

But one of Ackerman’s most exciting matches was against Nadal when she was 11. They were brought together during a promotional event ahead of the 2013 U.S. Open Tennis Championships.

Nadal won that tournament, besting Novak Djokovic. But he couldn’t beat Ackerman.

“He was a little surprised at me,” she said. “He didn’t expect a little American girl to be good at pingpong. Him being the best tennis player in the world, I thought he knew how to play.”

Ackerman paused before adding: “But I won most of the points.”

FEB 10-24

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | FEBRUARY 2017 29

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, JANUARY 29 Super Sunday Community Mitzvah Day Calls 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5:30 to 8 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley; mitzvah project 1:30 p.m., Atria of Bethlehem. Bring the forces and join the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley for its annual Super Sunday phonea-thon and community mitzvah day. Visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/supersunday to learn more and sign up.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 PJ Library Bend & Stretch @ Super Sunday 10:30 a.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Make Super Sunday a family experience. Bring the kids for a free PJ Library program featuring stories, snacks, crafts provided by Camp JCC and a Bend & Stretch class with Coach T. Get your cameras ready for an appearance by FeFe from the IronPigs. The first 50 kids in attendance will get a free T-shirt! RSVP to abbyt@jflv.org.

WEDNESDAYS, FEBRUARY 1 - APRIL 25 The Hitchhikers Guide to Everything Jewish: The What, Why and How of Judaism 7:15 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom. With Rabbi Michael Singer. An exciting course on Jewish customs and traditions and designed especially for busy parents, teens and anyone who wants to explore why we do what we do and where it came from. We will focus on the Jewish calendar, life-cycle and assorted rituals. But all questions and topics about Jewish practice are open for learning and discussion. Class Dates: 14 Wednesdays nights, 7:15 p.m., starting Feb. 1. Sign up by calling Tammy at 610866-8009. Rides available upon request.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 JCC Tailgate Casino Night 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley. It’s game time at the JCC! Football finger fare, signature cocktails, beer and wine. LVKC supervised. Jeans and jersey attire.

RSVP by by visiting or calling the JCC Welcome Desk, 610-435-3571, or online at www.lvjcc.org.

Honorable MENSCHens

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Sisterhood Program: Bagels and Apps 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel. Back by popular demand, bring your phones and enjoy coffee, bagels and conversation, as well as a chance to ask any questions about those phones that you were too embarrassed to ask anyone else. There will be breakout sessions for beginning and advanced users. Free for KI members, $9 for non-members.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6 TBE Men’s Club Poker Night 7 p.m., Temple Beth El. Come play cards with us and bring your friends. The Men’s Club is sponsoring an evening filled with refreshments, a big game on TV and card playing! Enjoy a relaxing evening to socialize and snack.

This event is open to the entire TBE community and beyond, so feel free to bring guests. Please RSVP to Roy Benasaraf at royben@ptd.net or call 610-216-0190.

MONDAYS, FEBRUARY 6 - APRIL 30 Love Your Neighbor As Yourself! A Code of Jewish Ethics 7:15 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom. Loving your neighbor as yourself seems like a vague, simple, yet profound Commandment. In the second volume of Rabbi Joseph Telushkin’s, “A Code of Jewish Ethics,” we will explore the ethics of hospitality, visiting the sick, comforting mourners and giving tzedakah to name a few. The focus of this class will be on how Judaism understands the dynamics between the individual and the community as well as the how and why of bringing the value of kindness to others.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Greek Shabbat 6 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom. Join us for a Shabbat dinner and Friday night services. Tu b’Shvat is here! Make your reservations by 12 p.m. on Jan. 30. Reservations are required. The price is $15 per adult or become a patron for $20; $5 per child between the ages of 5 - 13; no charge for children under 5 with maximum family charge of $45. Please pay in advance. Make out checks to “CBS - Shabbat Dinners.” Call Tammy at 610-866-8009 for reservations and more information. For those that need transportation, please contact Tammy.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 PJ Library Havdalah and a Movie 6:30 p.m., Muhlenberg College Hillel, 2238 Chew St., Allentown. Join PJ Library at Muhlenberg Hillel for a pajama party, movie and Havdalah activities. Children should come dressed in pajamas. The Hillel students will run the activities while parents schmooze and get to know one another with wine and dessert. $10 per family. To learn more or RSVP, contact Abby Trachtman at 610-821-5500 or abbyt@jflv.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 The Rise of Anti-Semitism in the United States 10 a.m., Temple Beth El. Nancy Baron-Baer, regional director for the Anti-Defamation League, will discuss the state of anti-Semitism in the United States and what the ADL is doing to combat the current rise. Free and open to the community. Sponsored by the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and the Men’s Club of Temple Beth El. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Confronting Anti-Semitism: A Workshop for Middle and High School Students and Their Parents 1 p.m., Temple Beth El. Have you ever heard someone make an anti-Semitic joke or remark and felt that you didn’t know how to respond? Are you prepared to speak up? Join the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation as we partner with the ADL to address this issue. Learn how to confront insensitive or hateful comments and behaviors, challenge anti-Semitic myths with facts, respond to hate-motivated incidents in school and the community at large and utilize national and regional resources to fight anti-Semitism on all levels. Pizza at 1 p.m., program begins at 1:30 p.m. To learn more or sign up today, contact Aaron Gorodzinsky, 610-821-5500, aaron@jflv.org.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 TBE Sisterhood Mah Jongg Club 6:30 p.m., Temple Beth El. We will begin to play promptly at 6:45 p.m. Please be there by 6:30 p.m. to register.

We play for about three hours. If you are a Mah Jongg player, please come and join us for sisterhood, laughter and a great bunch of fun. $10 per player donation to TBE Sisterhood. New faces always welcome. Looking forward to playing Mah Jongg with you. For RSVP and questions, contact Ilene Rubel, 610-776-1577 or IRUBEL@aol.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Between the Lines Voices of Israel: Stories Untold 7:30 p.m., Temple Beth El. Come hear the stories of two inspiring young Israelis – their struggles, their successes, their military service and their hopes and dreams. Ask the tough questions, and learn what it is actually like to live in a country that is the subject of so much discussion in the media and on campus. Presented by Stand With Us and open to the public.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 The Hunt for Buried Prayers: Recovering Artifacts from the Holocaust 7 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel. A community event for anyone who has made a pledge to the Jewish Federation’s 2017 Campaign for Jewish Needs. Chaired by Kira and Richard Bub, the program will feature Shlomi Avni, a former Israeli Navy Seal (res) who has worked on expeditions to recover lost treasures stolen by the Nazis. In 2003, Shlomi was recruited by Yaron Svoray, an expert at researching, locating, and retrieving stolen Nazi assets, to join a unique group with an exceptional mission to find Jewish treasures stolen by the Nazis in Poland, France, Germany, Austria and Italy. The team’s discoveries and recoveries have been handed over to Jewish museums around the world. $18 for program and dessert reception. Please RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 8, to 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org or register online at www.jewishlehighvalley.org.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Bethlehem-Easton Hadassah Film Review 1:30 p.m., Home of Maria Ain, 3326 Margate Rd., Bethlehem. Film: “Baba Joon.” Yitzhak runs the turkey farm his father built after they emigrated from Iran to Israel. Yitzhak hopes his 13-year-old son, Moti, will continue the proud family tradition, but his passion lies in fixing up cars. Yitzhak takes Moti’s refusal to take over the farm as a personal rejection, and the result sets off a chain of events that causes familial turmoil. “Baba Joon” is an inspiring tale about a father coming to terms with a son who has far different plans for his life. Call Maria at 484-767-7980 with questions.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Something For Everyone Shabbat 10 a.m., Temple Beth El. A Shabbat program for every age! 0 to 3-year-olds: bring your favorite grown up to BIMBOM BUDDIES. Pre-k to grade 2: enjoy games and stories in KINDERSHUL. Grade 3 to 6: daven with donuts at JUNIOR CONGREGATION. Teens: help lead youth services or visit GPS. Parents can drop in our GUIDED PRAYER SERVICE. We will all gather together in the main service for the conclusion of services, followed by kiddush lunch. For more information, call Alicia at 610-435-3521. EVERYONE is welcome to celebrate Shabbat with us!

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25 A Night of Comedy with Robert Klein 8 p.m., Temple Beth El. Cost is $50 per person or purchase a sponsorship which includes two tickets and starts at $360. Both admission prices include snacks, desserts and drinks. Doors open at 7 p.m. Please call the temple office at 610-435-3521 to make your reservations.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Yiddish Film Festival - “Mamele” 2 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom. “Mamele” starring Molly Picon. $5 donation. Set in Lodz, the film revolves around Khavtshi Samet (Picon), a Cinderella figure, who has taken on maternal responsibility for her family after the death of her mother.

Celebrate the beauty of Shabbat

RABBI REBECCA EINSTEIN SCHORR “The Sacred Calling: Four Decades of Women in the Rabbinate,” edited by Emmaus resident Rabbi Rebecca Einstein Schorr and Rabbi Alysa Mendelson Graf, has been awarded the Barbara Dobkin Women’s Studies Award by the Jewish Book Council for 2016.

The winners will be honored at a gala in March. Mazel tov, Rabbi Schorr!

Want to see your accomplishments in the pages of HAKOL? E-mail them to hakol@jflv.org.

30 FEBRUARY 2017 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

with Cantor Wartell

FRIDAYS 8-9:30 AM WMUH 91.7 muhlenberg.edu/wmuh 484.664.3456

Shabbat & Yom Tov Candlelighting Times Friday, Feb. 3

5:05 pm

Friday, Feb. 24

5:30 pm

Friday, Feb. 10

5:13 pm

Friday, March 3

5:38 pm

Friday, Feb. 17

5:22 pm

Friday, March 10

5:46 pm

Ongoing Events SUNDAY to FRIDAY DAF YOMI 7:30 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Meeting all year long, 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.

SUNDAYS JEWISH WAR VETERANS POST 239 2nd Sunday of the month, 10 a.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley Veterans and their significant others are invited as the guest of the Ladies Auxiliary. Come and enjoy comradeship; we’ll even listen to your “war stories.” A brunch follows each meeting. Questions? Contact Commander Sheila Berg at 610-360-1267 or sh-berg1@hotmail.com.

TEFILLIN CLUB & ADULT HEBREW SCHOOL 9:30 a.m. Tefillin; 10 to 11 a.m.

Adult Hebrew, Chabad Tefillin is for Jewish men and boys over the age of bar mitzvah, to learn about, and gain appreciation for, the rich and enriching Jewish practice – the mitzvah – of donning tefillin.

Contact 610-351-6511.

TALMUD CLASS FOR BEGINNERS! 10 to 11 a.m., Congregation Beth Avraham of Bethlehem-Easton For information,contact Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod at 610-905-2166.

MONDAYS FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley Friendship Circle is a place for people to meet, make new friends and enjoy each other’s company. We welcome all adults over 50. Annual dues $25; paid up members are treated to two major programs with a catered luncheon. Regular weekly meetings and lunch – $6. First visit – NO CHARGE. Weather permitting. Contact Cynthia at 610-739-2755 for reservations.

TUESDAYS TORAH STUDY 12 p.m., at the home of Cindy Daniels, 3630 Corriere Rd., Apt. 100, Easton Join Rabbi Melody of TCP to delve into the heart and soul of the Torah and how it applies to your life! No knowledge of Hebrew is necessary, nor is registration. Contact 610-253-2031 for information.

PIRKEI AVOT (THE ETHICS OF THE FATHERS) 1:15 p.m., at the home of Cindy Daniels, 3630 Corriere Rd., Apt. 100, Easton Join Rabbi Melody of TCP for this wonderful new class. All welcome! Contact 610-253-2031 for information.

YACHAD TORAH STUDY GROUP 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley It doesn’t matter how much you know, it matters how much you want to know. Bring your curiosity to Yachad’s Torah study group and discover the wonders, adventures and meaning of the Torah. Moderated by lay leaders.

Held in the front gallery at the JCC. Email barbart249@aol.com for information about individual sessions.

YIDDISH CLUB 2 to 3:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley Experience the joys of Yiddish. The

group meets weekly to discuss topics like cooking, politics, 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. Coffee and cookies served. Tuesdays through Dec. 27. No meeting Oct. 4. Questions?

Contact Amy Sams at asams@lvjcc. org. New members welcome. Walk-ins welcome.

100,000 MILES/YR FOR KOSHER! First Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., Congregation Beth Avraham Open to all. Fascinating vignettes from a mashgiach who drives approximately 100,000 miles/year (yes, per year!) to keep the kosher supply chain intact. From rural Arkansas to frigid Nova Scotia, winter and summer, the demands are always there.

Contact Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod, Kashruth Hotline (24/6), 610-905-2166, rabbiyagod1@gmail.com.

“CHOVOT HALEVAVOT: NURTURING THE INNER FEELINGS OF A JEW” 8:45 p.m., Congregation Sons of Israel For both men and women and no prior knowledge of Jewish texts is necessary. The class will be studying the classic work of Rabbi Bachya Ibn Pekudah of 11th century Spain which will focus on cultivating the thoughts and emotions of self-reflection, trust, belief, humility, devotion and love.

LATTE & LEARN 8 to 9 p.m., Starbucks, Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem Grab your favorite Starbucks quaff and jump right in as we relate the weekly Torah portion to world events, western civilization and even our own relationships. No Hebrew is required.

Contact Rabbi Mizrachi 207-4040474; opshiloh@gmail.com; www. torahovereasy.blogspot.com.

WEDNESDAYS 101 JUDAISM CLASS 10 a.m., Temple Covenant of Peace Join Rabbi Melody for the 101 Judaism Class. All welcome! Contact 610253-2031 for information.

GAMES FOR ADULTS AT THE J 1 to 3:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley Join other adults for your choice of game such as mahjong, canasta, checkers and more. Gather your friends and make new ones in the TV Lounge. Visit the JCC Welcome Desk or call 610-435-3571 to learn more.

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

BETH AVRAHAM TORAH STUDY 7 p.m., Congregation Beth Avraham Torah: It is the common heritage that binds all Jews together. Explore the ancient wisdom of Torah together. All are welcome. RSVP: Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod, 610-905-2166, rabbiyagod1@ gmail.com.

TORAH STUDIES: A WEEKLY JOURNEY INTO THE SOUL OF TORAH 7:30 p.m., Chabad of the Lehigh Valley Torah Studies by JLI presents: Season

One: An 11-part series. Cost is $36 for the complete series (textbook included). For more information contact 610-351-6511 or Rabbi@chabadlehighvalley.com.

ORTHODOX JEWISH LIVING: WHAT IS IT & HOW? 8 p.m. Contact Rabbi Yizchok I. Yagod, 610-905-2166 or rabbiyagod1@gmail. com.

THURSDAYS CHRONIC CONDITIONS GROUP 2nd Thursday of the month, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Jewish Family Service The group is open to anyone that is coping with living with a chronic condition and looking for others to share life issues and garner support. Co-led by Susan Sklaroff-VanHook and Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper. Call 610-821-8722 to learn more. There is no charge for the group.

A MOTHER’S DELIGHT: MAIMONIDES - RABBI AND DOCTOR 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel Join a welcoming group of KI members and their friends to discuss a variety of topics relevant to the Jewish lives we have – or want to have. No prerequisites except an open mind and a willingness to listen to each other. For more information or to get on the email list, contact shari@kilv.org or call 610-435-9074.

TORAH ON TILGHMAN 12:15 p.m., Allentown Wegmans Cantor Ellen Sussman of Temple Shirat Shalom leads a lunch and learn on the Torah. RSVP to contactus@templeshiratshalom.com or 610-820-7666.

CBS CONFIRMATION PROGRAM Twice monthly 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom THIS IS NOT RELIGIOUS SCHOOL! Open only to 8th - 12th Graders. Come and enjoy snacks, dinner, some Jewish learning, discussions, field trips and creative projects with your friends and Rabbi Singer. This year we will explore the theme of “Food Glorious Food.”

Study Program: This year we will be cooking and eating together while learning about how food is at the heart of Jewish living, values and culture. To learn more, contact tammy@ brithsholom.net.

SHABBAT BEGINNER’S GEMARA 8 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Facilitated by Dr. Henry Grossbard, this is an excellent primer for developing the analytical tools necessary for indepth study of the Talmud.

CHAVURAT TORAH STUDY Each Shabbat following kiddush lunch, Temple Beth El No sign-up needed for this class. Taught

by Shari Spark. Enrich your Shabbat experience by studying the weekly Torah portion, with other congregants, each Shabbat in the library at approximately 12:45 p.m. No previous knowledge or long-term commitments are required.

ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY HALACHAH 12 p.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Join Rabbi Wilensky as he takes Halachah from the weekly Torah portion and brings it to bear on some of the most pressing issues of our time.

BNEI AKIVA 5:45 p.m., Congregation Sons of Israel An Israel-centered fun program for kids ages eight to 14. This program is free and open to the public. For information and to RSVP, call 610-433-6089.

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

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

CONGREGATION AM HASKALAH 1190 W. Macada Rd., Bethlehem – 610.435.3775 Student Rabbi Janine Jankovitz, Reconstructionist Weekly Shabbat services and a monthly family service with potluck dinner. Religious school meets Sunday mornings. Email am.haskalah.office@gmail.com to learn more.

CONGREGATION BETH AVRAHAM 439 South Nulton Ave., Palmer Township – 610.905.2166 | Rabbi Yitzchok Yagod, Orthodox SHABBAT EVENING starts half an hour after candle lighting. SHABBAT MORNING starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by a hot kiddish.

CONGREGATION BRITH SHOLOM 1190 W. Macada Rd., Bethlehem – 610.866.8009 Rabbi Michael Singer, Conservative MINYAN is at 7:45 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. on Saturdays and holidays. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at Brith Sholom and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. at Bnai Abraham Synagogue.

CONGREGATION KENESETH ISRAEL 2227 Chew St., Allentown – 610.435.9074 Rabbi Seth D. Phillips, Reform Services begin at 7:30 p.m. every Friday night.

The first Friday of the month is a FAMILY SERVICE and celebration of birthdays and anniversaries.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes are held Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

CONGREGATION SONS OF ISRAEL 2715 Tilghman St., Allentown – 610.433.6089 Rabbi David Wilensky, Orthodox SHACHARIT: Sundays at 8:30 a.m., Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:45 a.m. MINCHAH/MAARIV: 20 minutes before sunset. FRIDAY EVENING: 20 minutes before sunset, 7 p.m. in the summer. SHABBAT MORNING: 9 a.m. SHABBAT AFTERNOON: 90 minutes before dark.

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

Shabbat morning services at 9 a.m. followed by Kiddush. Religious school classes every Tuesday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. Midrasha school classes Monday at 6:30 p.m. Shalshelet meets bi-monthly on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Shalshelet (the chain) is open to ALL 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students in the Lehigh Valley. For more, contact Alicia Zahn, religlious school director, at bethelallentown.org.

TEMPLE COVENANT OF PEACE 1451 Northampton St., Easton – 610.253.2031 Tcp@rcn.com; tcopeace.org Rabbi Melody Davis | Cantor Jill Pakman Reform TCP holds Shabbat evening services every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and a Renewal Style Shabbat morning service on the 4th Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. A family Shabbat service is held on the second Friday night of each month at 6:30 p.m. Religious school meets on Sunday mornings from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. For more information about our Temple and activities, see our website at www.tcopeace.org or look us up on Facebook.

TEMPLE ISRAEL OF LEHIGHTON 194 Bankway Str. Lehighton – 610-370-9591 Rabbi Rachel Rembrandt, Pluralistic Shabbat evening services are held monthly beginning with potluck at 6:30 p.m. followed by services at 7:30 p.m. All other regular monthly events can be found at templeisraeloflehighton.com.

TEMPLE SHIRAT SHALOM 610.730.6272 Cantor Ellen Sussman Friday night SHABBAT WORSHIP SERVICES held at 7 p.m. at The Swain School, 1100 South 24th St., Allentown. For more information, contact us at templeshiratshalom.org or 610-730-6272.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | FEBRUARY 2017 31