HAKOL - March 2021 by Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

The Voice of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community

www.jewishlehighvalley.org

Issue No. 441

March 2021

Adar/Nisan 5781

AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION EST. 1977

Check out how we honored our local heroes on Super Sunday p12-13

From Zooms to escape rooms, find fun holiday ideas in our Passover special section

FROM THE DESK OF JERI ZIMMERMAN p3 LVJF TRIBUTES p7 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN HONOR ROLL p8-9 JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE p11 JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER p14-15 JEWISH DAY SCHOOL p16-17 COMMUNITY CALENDAR p23

Clergy group hopes COVID anniversary service will provide healing By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor The Lehigh Valley Jewish Clergy Group is planning a healing service to mark the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This service will take place on Thursday, March 11, at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom, and is co-sponosored by the Jewish Federation. Clergy from various denominations are involved and the whole community is invited to participate. Rabbi Moshe Re’em of Temple Beth El says that there are a lot of goals that the clergy group wants to accomplish through the evening. “Marking a year since isolation and social distancing started I think is really important,” said Re’em. “In Genesis 2, we’re told it’s not good for a person to be alone, and for this past year many of us have been separated from loved ones and family. Many of us know people

who are sick or have been sick or who have died. We’re social animals. As humans, we need to be in touch with each other. We need to shake hands, we need to give each other a hug, and we’ve been deprived of that through social distancing.” Rabbi Melody Davis of Congregation Bnai Shalom said that “the main purpose of the service is to create a communal space where we can acknowledge the specter of COVID-19, the change it has inflicted upon us, and what we have to look forward to, a new beginning and a new normal.” Cantor Ellen Sussman of Temple Shirat Shalom added that, “First and foremost, the service is to remember those who have lost their lives to the pandemic and pray that we can learn from the experience.” Re’em emphasized the need for the service in light of not only the lives lost, but those impacted in a variety of ways.

“There’s been a major increase in depression and family violence and suidice rates. People have lost jobs and are under economic stress and pressure. There really needs to be a space for those who are crying out, and for healing and for comfort. And I think that by organizing this service that we can accomplish that,” he said.

There’s no doubt that everyone has grief in one form or another to process after the last year, so all are welcomed to attend. To register to attend the service, please visit

www.jewishlehighvalley.org/ virtualevents/covidhealing or contact your local synagogue.

Bnai Shalom looks to future after selling former TCP building

‫בני שלום‬

CONGREGATION BNAI SHALOM By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor Now that Bnai Abraham Synagogue and Temple Covenant of Peace have officially

merged into Congregation Bnai Shalom in Easton, they are housed in the former Bnai Abraham Synagogue building. The former Temple Covenant of Peace property on Northampton Street has been sold to Life Church, who officially made it their Easton campus on Feb. 14. Though initially there was the possibility of selling the property to 7-Eleven, plans changed and the historic building will live on as a house of worship as it was intended. Bnai Shalom Co-President Dr. Marc Abo says his congregation

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and Life Church may team up to do charitable outreach in the city in the future. Abo and his wife, Aliette, were integral in the process of handing over the keys of TCP to the church. While Marc has spent the past two years dealing with administration, Aliette volunteered for nine months with the preparations of cleaning out both buildings, which are both approximately 14,000 square feet. And in the final weeks before the move, she worked several hours a day to photograph and catalog over 150 Judaica items and ensure the movers had the proper labels for each carefully wrapped package. Forgotten treasures were uncovered from family prayer books to letters from two past U.S. Presidents. Some of those items were returned to their families of origin and some will be lovingly hung in the new building, while still others are destined for a future exhibit at the Sigal Museum in Easton. “Due to the pandemic, we could not risk anyone’s health. It was an Herculean

effort from an amazing small group of people. We had a handful of people, including myself, cleaning and organizing our home. I felt like it was Pesach for nine months. We still have a lot of work to do. This is an enormous task, but it will get done with a great deal of respect. There is a home and a place for all of our artifacts,” said Aliette. One item that will be displayed prominently at the new joint building is the 600-pound olive branch which bedecked the outside of the former TCP synagogue. That symbol was incorporated into the new Bnai Shalom logo along with the outline of the former Bnai Abraham building, which now is home to the merged congregation. Marc considers the completed merger, after the third attempt over at least 40 years, a miracle. He considers the fact that they were able to sell the building another miracle. With the two congregations, who each had their own struggles, to get together and support each other “was like a marriage made in heaven.”

Aliette added, “In spite of financial crossroads and decrease in members, a wonderful, vibrant and excited congregation has created a dynamic partnership. Our founders had a dream, inspiration and hope for a Jewish identity in a Jewish community. It is ironic that on Nov. 21, 2019, I was one of the co-chairs through Federation of the Hatikvah 6 concert, the last gathering of 400 people in our community since the pandemic. Hatikvah means hope. Unity in the community was our theme, and I only hope that our legacy continues in Easton. We will be praying, singing and dancing together. There is a story to be told from the past and now a new story will unfold with the next generation. I have such faith in our youth!” Harvey Cartine, Bnai Shalom’s other co-president, said, “After a very hectic January with the logistics of moving, we are looking forward to the end of the pandemic so that Bnai Shalom Continues on page 22

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Passover 5781

What makes this year different from all other years? Well again, everything. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z”l, in his commentary of the Haggadah, talks about the Jewish people’s responsibility to have compassion for the weak and vulnerable: “You shall love the stranger, because you know what it feels like to be a stranger. You shall protect and respect one who is different, for you, more than any other people on earth, know what it is to be different.” Passover teaches us to make the world a more compassionate place. “Rachamanim b’nai rachamanim”—we are a merciful people descended from people of compassion. This is a valued description of our people going

back to our ancestors, Abraham and Sarah, who opened their tent to all those passing by. Their love of strangers and their compassion was the hallmark of the faith they brought to the world. While we recognize that this year brought unprecedented challenges, it also brought out the best in us, leading us to find new ways to meet those challenges. Because of you, our Jewish community was able to come together in ways we never have before, both here in the Lehigh Valley and as a whole—making this year different from all other years. Throughout quarantine, social distancing and record unemployment, we were able to stock our food pantry for the hungry and deliver an

increased number of meals to vulnerable families and seniors, many of whom have become far more vulnerable due to the pandemic. Your strong support of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is making all the difference for someone who does not have enough food to eat or the resources to pay their rent. Working with our partner agencies, we have been able to: • Keep our food pantry stocked • Deliver hot kosher meals • Help to secure no-interest emergency loans • Maintain high-quality Jewish education and programming for our children • Connect young families to virtual Jewish-themed activities

‘Moments in Jewish History’ compares Maimonides to contrasting philosopher By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor The fourth installment of the seven-part “Moments in Jewish History” series co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh University Berman Center for Jewish Studies took place over Zoom on Feb. 16. Dr. Roslyn Weiss, a Lehigh University professor, presented “Thinking About God Through a Rabbinic Lens: Maimonides (12th C.) and Hasdai Crescas (14th C.) on Berakhot 33b,” a comparison of two of her favorite philosophers from the Middle Ages. While most of the audience was familiar with Maimonides, Crescas is a very obscure figure, whom Weiss said had not even been translated into English before she wanted to teach his writings in her class. Weiss had five major goals for her talk. She started by giving a basic biography of each of the two philosophers and introducing the participants to their major works. Then, she went on to talk about two concerns that they shared that led to their major disagreements. Going over a passage from the Talmud, Weiss took a look at how these two different men with different views looked to the same rabbinic passage to ground and support their particular views. Finally, she turned to some of the ramifications for prayer that follow from those distinct views. Weiss put the differences between the two thinkers in rather drastic terms. “Maimonides’ greatest fear was that intelligent, educated Jews would abandon Judaism due to

their attraction to science and philosophy. Crescas’ greatest fear was that intelligent, educated Jews would abandon Judaism because of their great attraction to Maimonides,” she said. “He saw Maimonides as a great danger actually to traditional Judaism. As much as he had reverence for him, he had great trepidation that misinterpretations of Maimonides would lead people to abandon Judaism in this way.” Both Maimonides and Crescas were grappling with very important issues, such as the oneness of God and what does that mean. Their different interpretations of sacred texts led them in different directions for philosophy and their thoughts on prayer. Weiss used the Talmudic passage Berakhot 33b to compare and contrast their differing viewpoints. For example, while Crescas believed it is a mitzvah to pray and that we learn from prayer to believe that God hears us and responds to us, Maimonides thought that God is too transcendent to hear and answer prayers. During the wrap-up Q&A session, Weiss reminded the audience that both philosophers were writing difficult works for the intelligentsia of their time. The next talk in the “Moments in Jewish History” series will be on March 24 with Dr. Nitzan Lebovic of Lehigh University presenting "Between Genocide and Climate Change: Is There a Lesson to be Learned from the Holocaust?" This series is presented via Zoom and is $54 per household. Recordings of all sessions will also be available. Register at www.jewishlehighvalley.org.

The Lehigh Valley-Yoav Partnership Park in Blessed Memory of Mark L. Goldstein We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship by requesting that trees be planted in the Mark L. Goldstein Friendship Park, a Yoav-Lehigh Valley Partnership Forest. IN HONOR JILL BLINDER In honor of your birthday Ari Blinder NOAH ZIGHELBOIM In honor of your Bar Mitzvah Aaron Gorodzinsky

IN MEMORY MARILYN PACIC (Mother of Michael Schiffman and Meredith Zeiger) Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel ERNESTINE URKEN (Mother of Bobby Hammel, Steve Hammel and Victor Hammel) Jill and Jeff Blinder Beth and Scott Delin Jan and Glenn Ehrich Carole and Michael Langsam

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

• Provide access to mental health support for those suffering from severe anxiety due to isolation and stress • Assist community members with tech support to connect to our online platforms It is also because of compassionate people like you that during this time, we’ve been able to offer innovative programming that provides meaningful connection and involvement. All virtually! And while doing all of this and more, we continue to connect with our extended family, and to help our brothers and sisters in need in Israel and around the world. In other years, we’ve gathered around the seder table with

family and friends. Last year, we gathered around separate seder tables, sharing the holiday virtually. Last Passover, we were facing a year of uncertainty and loss. This Passover, we rely on the power and strength of our Jewish community—the power and strength that are needed now more than ever. Let’s make this year one of healing for all so that one day soon, we will all enjoy the spring of renewal together. Wishing you and your family a healthy, happy, and safe Passover. Chag Sameach, a zissen Pesach!

HAKOL STAFF STEPHANIE GOODLING Editor

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

COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS Submissions to HAKOL must be of interest to the entire Jewish community. HAKOL reserves all editorial rights including, but not limited to, the decision to print any submitted materials, the editing of submissions to conform to style and length requirements, and the placement of any printed material. Articles should be submitted by e-mail or presented as typed copy; “Community Calendar” listings must be submitted by e-mail to hakol@jflv.org or online at www.jewishlehighvalley.org. Please include your name and a daytime telephone number where you can be contacted in the event questions arise. We cannot guarantee publication or placement of submissions. MAIL, FAX, OR E-MAIL TO: JFLV ATTN: HAKOL 702 N. 22nd St. Allentown, PA 18104 Phone: (610) 821-5500 Fax: (610) 821-8946 E-mail: hakol@jflv.org

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

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

Member American Jewish Press Association

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

JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY MISSION STATEMENT

In order to unite, sustain, and enhance the Lehigh Valley Jewish community, and support Jewish communities in Israel and around the world, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is dedicated to the following core values: • Supporting Jews in need wherever they may be. • Supporting Israel as a Jewish homeland. • Supporting and encouraging Jewish education in the Lehigh Valley as a means of strengthening Jewish life for individuals and families. • Supporting programs and services of organizations whose values and mission meet local Jewish needs. To accomplish this mission the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is committed to the following operating guidelines: • Raising and distributing funds to support the core values. • Developing Jewish leaders. • Building endowments to support implementation of core values. • Committing to ongoing Jewish community strategic planning. • Fostering cooperation among organizations and community building. • Evaluating all decisions with respect to fiscal responsibility. • Identifying unmet needs and investing in community initiatives to help get them started. • Coordinating and convening a community response as an issue or need arises. • Setting priorities for allocation and distribution of funds. • Acting as a central address for communication about events, programs and services of the Jewish community as a whole. Approved by the JFLV Board of Directors on November 15, 2000

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2021 3

JFS introduces Supported Decision-Making to the Valley

By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor On Feb. 17, Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley co-hosted “Supported DecisionMaking: A Practical Alternative to Guardianship” via Zoom to an audience of over 60 people. This was the first of two events marking Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) in February. In partnership with the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL), including their Adaptations group, Pennsylvania LINK and Supported Decision-Making New York (SDMNY), JFS introduced the Lehigh Valley to the concept of Supported DecisionMaking (SDM). Supported Decision-Making is based on the belief that all persons have the right to make their own decisions and to the supports that make that possible. Decision makers can be supported by trusted friends, family members, professionals and others. This can provide an alternative to guardianship, which strips away the decision maker’s right to make decisions for themselves. SDMNY explained that participants in their program go through steps to make a formal Supported Decision-Making Agreement with their chosen supporters.

While not yet law in Pennsylvania, the hope of the presentation was to garner enough interest in support to begin the process of bringing it to here. SDMNY’s Joan Cornachio, site coordinator, and the Hon. Kris Glen, project manager, gave a brief introduction to the treatment of individuals with disabilities in the United States, leading up to 2014 when SDM was first created. “The reason that SDM is an alternative to guardianship is that if people use SDM in order to make their own decisions and they’re not placed under guardianship, they keep all their rights. They never lose their rights. They might not always make all the right choices, but the way we all learn is through the choices we make. It’s really important people not have their rights to make decisions taken away from them despite whatever diagnosis they may have, so they can continue to grow throughout their lives,” said Cornachio. Glen explained that over the last few years, “SDM has become very mainstream,” emphasizing that the federal government supports it through its programs. SDM is currently legally recognized in only 12 states. Participants were shown a video entitled “Why Supported

Decision-Making?” featuring several decision makers sharing what SDM means to them. One mother said, “None of us make decisions in a vacuum.” This sentiment was echoed throughout the presentation, as the process of SDM was compared to how all people make decisions all the time by consulting friends, family and

experts for their opinions. This is very much what Decision Makers do through SDM, by choosing which areas of their lives they’d like support for and then choosing advisors they trust to support them in those areas. After a quick Q&A with the first two presenters, one of the first two signers of the SDMNY program, Andrew Drobenko, and his supporter/mother, Larissa Baczyk, also spoke to share their first-hand experience. “Since I signed my agreement, I feel free and happy that I can share my experience and help other people with disabilities. SDMNY gave me my independence, and I can have people look at me as a person who can make his own decisions,” said Drobenko. “I chose my mother, brothers and cousins to be my supporters because they are the people who knew me from day one, and I trust them ... None of them tell me what to do, but educate me in areas and go over pros and cons. It is such a good feeling knowing I have people to support me now and in the future,” he added.

His mother agreed that SDM was a huge positive in Andrew’s life. “When I heard of SDMNY, it was a relief. It was a huge burden off my shoulders, and I knew immediately that’s what I wanted for Andrew,” Baczyk said. “I was taking on a new role. I was no longer just Mom, now I am taking on this new role for him as his supporter, to now take that step back and not make that decision for him. He has become so much more independent, and he has taken initiative with helping me.” JFS has been working with LVCIL since May to determine the interest in SDM and ways to bring it to the community. JFS is also set to host “Disability Pride vs. Disability Fix” on Feb. 28. In addition to these programs, staff also participated in virtual events as part of the Jewish Federations of North America’s Jewish Disability Advocacy Month. Recordings of both programs will be available at jfslv.org. Please contact Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper at racooper@jfslv.org with any questions.

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

welcoming new babies to the Lehigh Valley If you’re expecting, know someone who is, or have a new baby, PLEASE LET US KNOW! Contact Abby Trachtman, 610-821-5500 | abbyt@jflv.org 4 MARCH 2021 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

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

Foundation shows strong performance through volatile times By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Community Development and Operations Through strategic investment selection, low fees and experienced management, the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation has been significantly outperforming its benchmarks for the last two years. According to information provided by its advisors at Goldman Sachs, the Foundation’s 2019 and 2020 investment returns have outperformed the average similarly sized nonprofit charitable endowment by approximately 3% to over 6% per year, depending on the chosen reference. These benchmarks include university endowments as well as other institutions with similar risk profiles. The $33 million community endowment fund, housed at the Jewish Federation, serves to secure the future of Jewish life in the Lehigh Valley. Over the past 10 years, the endowment fund has grown from $18 million, while

providing more than $7 million in funding for the Lehigh Valley community. Much of the growth came from appreciation of investments. In addition, many local agencies have decided to transfer their own assets to the Foundation for management and better investment results. Two thirds of the Foundation’s endowment fund consists of legacy gifts received from donors who created funds for the benefit of our Jewish community. These funds include donor advised funds, charitable gift annuities, Lion of Judah, Pomegranate and Perpetual Annual Campaign endowments, bequests, supporting foundations and more. Approximately one third of the funds belong to local agencies, synagogues and organizations. These assets are held and managed by the community’s endowment in order to ensure management continuity, maximize benefits and minimize costs. The Foundation Committee conducts regular reviews of

investment advisors and fees, and recently reduced the fees charged to participating organizations and other funds. “Our local agencies, synagogues and organizations put their trust in us to manage their funds,” said Jim Mueth, director of planned giving and endowment at the Jewish Federation. “This oversight benefits both the institutions and the community as a whole.” By pooling the funds, the foundation and its Investment Committee are able to work closely with Goldman Sachs to provide the highest level of account service with the lowest possible fees. The expected long-term returns generate millions in annual income to benefit our community. “Co-investing for all the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation and partici-

pating organization endowment funds provides many benefits, including the reporting analytics and advice from Goldman Sachs for a very competitive fee that would not otherwise be available,” said Mike Miller, chair of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation Committee. “The Federation Investment Committee has gathered community resources to produce a disciplined, cost-effective portfolio approach with risk exposure appropriate to the long-term needs of the Lehigh Valley community,” said Lewis Gaines, Investment Committee chair. “There is a formal process for selecting investment managers and continuously evaluating portfolio performance against benchmarks, both of which are critical to assuring consistent longterm growth. While short

term market moves are unpredictable, a lowcost, balanced investment strategy can successfully generate returns significantly above approaches burdened by high fees and complexity.” “The Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation enables the Jewish Federation to help secure the future of our organization and also the many other organizations we serve,” said Roberto Fischmman, Investment Committee member. “As such, it is a vital part of our community.” To learn more about ways that you can strengthen the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation with a gift in your will, trust, retirement account or life insurance policy, or about having your organization participate, contact Jim Mueth at 610821-5500 or jim@jflv.org.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2021 5

Maimonides Brunch@Home explores vaccination

By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor On Sunday, Feb. 21, the Jewish Federation’s Maimonides Society presented a Brunch@ Home entitled “Vaccines: History, Ethics and COVID-19” via Zoom. Dr. Bill Markson, Maimonides Society president, introduced the program with a brief synopsis of the origins of vaccinations and the word itself. He then introduced the panel of three speakers. Dr. Hilary Koprowski III, a local ear, nose and throat specialist, shared the impressive biography of his grandfather, after whom he was named. The elder Koprowski fled Europe during World War II and came to the United States via Brazil, where he first started his work as a virologist. He went on to demonstrate the world’s first effective live Polio vaccine and revolutionize The Wistar Institute on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. In regards to what it was like to grow up with

such a scientific legend as a grandfather, Koprowski said, “There's lots you take for granted as a child, like, oh, everybody's grandfather knows eight languages! But, he never saw himself as smarter than anybody else. He knew he worked hard, but he thought this was natural for absolutely anybody.” Next was Dr. Jeffrey Jahre, senior vice president of medical and academic affairs and chief emeritus of infectious disease at St. Luke’s University Health Network. He gave an update on the current state of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the Lehigh Valley and the state of Pennsylvania at large. He explained that while we are still in Phase 1A and experiencing vaccine shortages across the country, he still encouraged everyone to sign up with their respective healthcare providers to get on this list and be alerted as soon as it is their turn. “Please make sure you get your second dose,” Jahre emphasized, noting that that is

the only way to achieve T-cell immunity. The third and final presenter was Rabbi Moshe Re’em of Temple Beth El, who offered some insight into vaccines in regards to Jewish law. Citing many other rabbis who have published thoughts on the subject, Re’em told the audience that the law is clear about doing what you can to prevent harm to yourself and others, and therefore getting vaccines for diseases such as COVID-19. As for the ethical distribution of the currently limited supply of vaccines, Re’em added the importance of “treating people equally, favoring the worse off, maximizing the total social benefit ... And as for the very important issue of cutting in line, using personal connections, influence or finance to do so is forbidden.” Attendees were able to address all three panelists for a Q&A session, where questions ranged from more about Koprowski’s life to practical advice on what to do after you’ve gotten the vaccine. Federation President Gary Fromer closed the event by saying, “I’ve come out of this event incredibly optimistic, perhaps the most optimistic I’ve been in the last year. We live in a community that has got great leadership from a healthcare perspective, including many attendees here.”

IN HONOR LAURA AND BOB BLACK In honor of the marriage of your daughter Stefanie to Alex Alcheh Beth and Wes Kozinn SHERYL AND RANCE BLOCK In honor of birth of your grandson Carole and Michael Langsam ANDREA AND OLLIE FOUCEK In honor of the birth of your Grandson, Max Beth and Wes Kozinn NINA AND HOWARD GERSHMAN In honor of the birth of your grandson Lynn and Samuel Feldman NINA AND HOWARD GERSHMAN In honor of your new home Lynn and Samuel Feldman GENE GINSBERG In honor of your special birthday Carole and Michael Langsam JILL AND JORDAN KUHN In honor of your daughter Emmy’s Bat Mitzvah Beth and Wes Kozinn KAREN KUHN In honor of your granddaughter Emmy’s Bat Mitzvah Beth and Wes Kozinn JUDY AND ALAN MORRISON In honor of the birth of your great granddaughter

Carole and Michael Langsam ROBIN AND ALEX ROSENAU In honor of the birth of your granddaughter Suzanne Lapiduss RON SEGEL In honor of your special birthday Beth and Wes Kozinn Carole and Michael Langsam ETHEL SUSSMAN In honor of your birthday Carole and Michael Langsam VICKI WAX With deep appreciation Adina Preis IN MEMORY FATHER OF SVETLANA GENKIN Carole and Michael Langsam MOTHER OF JIMMY KUNTZ Carol and Stewart Furmansky ROSLYNE FELS (Mother of Stuart Fels) Randi and Donald Senderowitz BLAKE GOLDING YAHRZEIT (Husband of Amy Golding) Sybil and Barry Baiman FAY MITTLEMAN (Cousin of Sandi Teplitz) Sandi Teplitz MARILYN PACIC (Mother of Michael Schiffman) Carol and Stewart Furmansky Randi and Donald Senderowitz

MARVIN SANDLER (Husband of Diane Sandler) Lenny Abrams Carole and Michael Langsam MARTHA SEGEL (Wife of Ron Segel, mother of Brian and Julie) Deborah and Andrew Kimmel MITCHELL SMITH (Bother of Sheryl Block) Wendy and Ross Born Beth and Wes Kozinn Carole and Michael Langsam Suzanne Lapiduss and Family ERNESTINE URKEN (Mother of Bobby Hammel) Lenny Abrams Carol and Stewart Furmansky Sandra and Harold Goldfarb Beth and Wes Kozinn Randi and Donald Senderowitz Valeska and Israel Zighelboim 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.

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2021 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN FOR JEWISH NEEDS

$1,975,646 raised as of 2.22.21

Because of your support of the 2021 campaign, we are able to help when help is needed, provide a safety net for those who must rely upon it and nurture the core institutions that are the fabric of a rich and dynamic Jewish community.

PRIME MINISTERS CIRCLE $100,000+ Wendy Born*° Ross Born° Lewis and Roberta Gaines° Robert and Bonnie* Hammel° Just Born Inc° Charles and Figa* Kline Foundation° Anonymous(1) THEODORE HERZL SOCIETY $50,000 - $99,999 The Wax-Goldman Family Funds Vicki Wax* Robby and Laurie* Wax Steven and Nancy* Wax Goldman KING DAVID SOCIETY $25,000 - $49,999 Roberto and Eileen* Fischmann Dr. Harold and Sandra* Goldfarb° TREE OF LIFE SOCIETY $18,000 - $24,999 Leonard and Enid Abrams Family Foundation Gary Fromer and Dr. Carol Bub Fromer* Hof & Reid LLC° Daniel and Nancy* Cohen Phillip and Ellen* Hof Chris and Tara Reid Lisa Scheller* KING SOLOMON CIRCLE $10,000 - $17,999 Air Products Foundation Dr. Jeffrey and Jill* Blinder° Charles Cohen and Rebecca Binder* The Martin Cohen Family Foundation° Peter and Karen* Cooper° Arnan and Marlene* Finkelstein The Fraenkel Family° Susan Gadomski*° Judy Auritt Klein Lion of Judah Endowment Kobrovsky Family Fund Michael and Linda* Miller° Orgler Family Fund Dr. Richard and Barbara* Reisner° Robert & Judy Auritt Klein Family Fund Dr. Stuart A. and Janice* Schwartz° Richard and Marsha* Timmerman° Larry and Carolyn* Zelson Dr. Israel and Valeska* Zighelboim BUILDERS OF ISRAEL $5,000 - $9,999 Dr. Marc and Aliette* Abo Bernard and Flo Kobrovsky Special Fund Dr. Sam and Sylvia* Bub° Jonathan and Iris* Epstein Jeff and Roberta* Epstein° Dr. Eric J. and Amy* Fels Dr. Jay and Fran* Fisher° Fraenkel Family Fund Dr. Jeffrey Gevirtz° Shirley F. Gross*° Barry and Carol R.* Halper° Nat and Erica* Hyman Drs. Andrew and Deborah* Kimmel° Dr. Wesley and Beth* Kozinn° Martin and Judy* Krasnov° Stuart and Lynda* Krawitz 8 MARCH 2021 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Ferne Rodale Kushner*° Elaine Lerner*° Dr. Lawrence and Eva* Levitt° Dr. William and Jane* Markson° Master Family° Richard and Susan* Master MCS Industries Harry Louis Yanoff & Jeanette Master Yanoff Charitable Fund Dr. Alan and Judith* Morrison° Drs. Steven and Nancy* Oberlender Daniel Poresky° Dr. Robert and Lota* Post° Dr. Doron and Lauren* Rabin Sadie Berman Lion of Judah Endowment Lorrie Scherline*° Irwin and Ellen* Schneider° Mark and Deena* Scoblionko° Elizabeth Scofield* Edith Simon*° z"l Dr. Frank and Tama* Tamarkin Dr. Michael and Eileen* Ufberg° Arthur and Barbara* Weinrach° Dr. Robert and Carol* Wilson James and Linda* Wimmer° Jeri Zimmerman* SABRA CIRCLE $2,500 - $4,999 Alan and Marsha* Abraham Dr. Houman and Lori* Ahdieh Sheila Berg* Dr. David and Sara-Jane* Bub Lawrence Center Glenn and Jan* Ehrich° Veronica Fischmann* Frances & Abraham Schwab Memorial Fund Dr. Ronald and Emily Freudenberger Stewart and Carol* Furmansky° Dr. Mark and Carmyn Gittleman° Drs. Zach and Andrea* Goldsmith Bennett Grossman Dr. Steve and Audrey* Kanoff° Dr. Arthur and Jane* Kaplan° Dr. Robert and Janice* Kaplan Dr. Harold and Linda* Kreithen° Dr. Robert and Stephanie* Kricun° Robert and Roberta* Kritzer Dr. Michael and Carole* Langsam° Dr. Paul and Diane* Lemberg and Family Dr. Howard and Rachel* Levin Stanley R. Liebman Estate Dr. Richard and Roberta* London° Dr. Moshe and Lisa* Markowitz Drs. Evan and Aviva* Marlin Ryan and Claudia* Mattison Dr. Holmes and Jeannie* Miller° Dr. Richard J. and Amy* Morse Dr. Noah Orenstein and Diana Fischmann Orenstein* Dr. Robert and Joanne* Palumbo Rabbi Seth Phillips and Marge Kramer* Phoebe Altman Lion of Judah Endowment Rhoda Prager*° Sandra Preis*° Elaine Rappaport-Bass*° Bruce and Enid Reich Dr. Alex and Robin* Rosenau° Dr. Michael and Lynn F.* Rothman Cathy Sacher*° Dr. Mark and Lynne* Shampain° Milton and Ronnie* Sheftel° Howard and Susan* Sherer Jack and Amy* Silverman Dr. Arthur and Audrey* Sosis° Sylvia Rosen Lion of Judah Endowment* Steven and Margo* Wiener° Dr. Michael and Miriam* Zager and Family

GATES OF JAFFA $1,500 - $2,499 Dr. Howard Altman° Richard J. Mongilutz and Kelly Banach* Steven Bergstein and Nanci Goldman Bergstein° Dr. Marc and Lauren* Berson° Dr. Elliot and Chelsea* Busch Marilyn Claire*° Dr. William and Gail* Combs Helen Cook*° Dr. Jill Crosson* Dr. Karen Dacey* Jerome and Sally Frank Frank Penn Family Fund Dr. Marsha Gordon* Dr. Robert and Tracy Grob Dr. Paul Gross° Esther Halperin*° Hausman Family Dr. Jonathan and Marjorie* Hertz Dr. John Jaffe° Rabbi Allen and Toby* Juda° Joshua and Danielle* Kroo Dr. Michael and Fay* Kun Dr. Brian LeFrock Dr. Henry and Susan Lehrich Eric and Margo* Lightman Dr. Jay and Evelyn* Lipschutz° Lois Lipson*° Dr. Gerald and Ethel* Melamut° Betty Mendelson* Morris & Dyna Gorfinkel Memorial Fund Amy Morrison* Mort & Myra Levy Philanthropic Fund Taffi Ney*° Dr. Mark and Alice* Notis° Dr. Michael and Ruth* Notis° Alan and Roberta* Penn° Dr. Andrew Pestcoe The Ringold Family* Selma Roth* Dr. Charles and Sheila* Saunders° Dr. Andrew and Jacqueline Schwartz Donald and Randi Senderowitz Richard and Dr. Cheryl* Shadick Dr. Darryn Shaff Bruce Sheftel and Ronnie Sheftel* Dr. Andrew and Rachel* Shurman Dr. Phil and Diane* Stein Dr. Frederic A. and Gilda Stelzer° Margery Strauss*° Dr. Ryan and Carah* Tenzer Dr. Marc and Susan* Vengrove° Dr. Benjamin and Ellen Weinberger° David and Deborah* Wiener Leon and Debbie* Zoller Anonymous (4) CHAVERIM $500 - $1,499 Alfred T. Gifford Family Fund Dr. Isabella Alkasov* Dr. Richard and Judith* Aronson° Barry and Sybil Baiman Marietta Banach* Tama Lee Barsky* Ronald and Linda* Black° Rance and Sheryl* Block° Michael and Rita* Bloom° Dr. Stuart and Joan* Boreen Dr. Jeffrey and Nan* Bratspies° Richard and Kira* Bub Gordon Campbell Dr. Ian and Patricia* Carlis° Charles L. Fletcher Memorial Fund Robert Cohen Albert and Eva* Derby Richard and Ruth* Derby° Gail Ehrens*° Eduardo and Jeanette* Eichenwald° Joan Epstein*° Brian and Emily* Ford Hon. Robert and Ronnie Freedberg°

Dr. Henry and Monica* Friess and Family Dr. Gene Ginsberg° Leonard and Rhoda* Glazier° Lance and Ellen* Gordon Alan Greenberger° Sandra Greenfield* Drs. Harvey and Melissa Hakim Arthur and Susan* Hochhauser° Roslyn Holtz* Dr. David and Susan* Hyman° Gwen Jacobs* Selma Jacowitz* Dr. Beth Jennings* Andrew and Nancy Kahn° Chelsea Karp* Seth and Kathi* Katzman° Drs. William and Susan* Kitei° Maxine S. Klein*° Karen Kuhn*° Elaine Langer*° Suzanne Lapiduss*° Gerson Lazar Family Fund Martha B. Lebovitz*° Bernard and Laurie Lesavoy – Lesavoy Butz & Seitz LLC Lillian Schwab Memorial Fund Scott and Allison* Lipson Robert and Shirley* Malenovsky° Dr. Meredith Margolis* Marla Melman*° Judy Mickenberg* Morton and Judy* Miller° Edith Miller*° Ari Mittleman and Tara Brown* Michael Molovinsky° James and Shelah Mueth Jay and Bobbi* Needle Marc Nissenbaum° Dr. Michael and Martina Obenski° Dr. David and Ann* Packman Leon and Elaine* Papir° Allen and Sandra* Perlman Stephen and Marianne Phillips Edward and Beth* Posner° Adina Preis* Nan Ronis* Samuel and Ann Born Foundation Naomi Schachter* Marcia Schechter*° Nathan and Rusty* Schiff Michael and Brenna Schlossberg Schwartz Family Fund Dr. Howard and Tamara Selden Dr. Howard and Diane* Silverman° Nina Silverstein*° z"l Adam and Stephanie* Smartschan Shari Spark*° Richard and Allison Staiman Marcy Staiman* Dr. David and Laurie Strassman Dr. Richard and Arlene* Stein° Alan and Carol* Steinberg Barry Goldin and Cheri Sterman* Dr. Michael F. Stroock° Sussman Family Fund Alan and Enid* Tope° Dr. Mark and Abby* Trachtman Dr. Stephen and Beverly* Volk° Dr. Ronald and Beverly* Wasserman° Robert and Sandy* Weiner° Jerry and Flossie* Zales° Richard and Cherie* Zettlemoyer Dr. Larry and Debra Zohn° Anonymous (9) SHORASHIM $250 - $499 Karen Albert*° Richard Angel Miriam Bandler*° Patricia Beldon* David and Clara* Bergstein R. Bill Bergstein° Susan W. Berman*° Dr. Robert and Linda Bloch

Andrew and Dr. Christy* Block and Family Sally Brau*° Allen and Marjorie* Carroll Robert and Jane* Cohen ° Temple and Ann Coldren Howard and Catherine* Coleman Edwin and Rabbi Melody* Davis Dr. George and Roberta* Diamond° Noah Ehrich Barbara Einhorn* Fred and Gail* Eisenberg Eleanor Extract* Melissa Falk* Neil Forgosh Dr. Brian and Alyssa Goldberg Rebekah Goldenberg* Amy Golding* Brian and Judith* Goldman° Allan and Mary Goodman° Aaron Gorodzinsky Donald Greenberg Jay Haltzman° Ricky Hochhauser* Ferne and Jack Kushner Fund James and Andrea* Jesberger Dr. Binae Karpo* Carolyn Katwan* Martin and Susanne Katz Dr. Jay Kaufman° Iris Klein*° Dr. Hartley Lachter and Dr. Jessica Cooperman* Gary and Jennifer* Lader Merry Landis*° Susan Levin* The Eva Levitt Knitting Project Michele Levy* Eileen Lewbart* Dr. Norman and Roberta* Marcus Hank Narrow Dr. Douglas and Ruth* Nathanson Michael Neuwirth and Melony Stanton Kyle and Daria Newfeld Matthew Notis Papir Family Fund Rabbi Moshe and Adina Re'em Reitars-Braunstein Family Fund Harry and Carole* Rose° Rosenau Family Fund Adam and Penny* Roth and Family Judd Roth Alan and Mary* Salinger° Joel and Linda Scheer Stuart and Susan* Shmookler° Dr. Roger and Marna* Simon° Sons of Israel Sisterhood° Stephanie Szilagyi*° Tenzer Family Fund Alla Toff*° Martin and Frances* Weinberg Joseph and Kristina* Weiner Alan J. and Abby* Wiener Bruce and Alicia* Zahn Sharone and Lora* Vaknin Anonymous (5) KEHILLAH $100 - $249 Richard and Maria* Ain Alexander Sach Philanthropy Fund Alfred Wiener Family Fund Steven and Samantha* Ammer Elaine Atlas*° Pnina Avitzur* Barbara Bassano* Michael Benioff Elaine Berk* Dr. Neal Berkowitz

Jason and Tracey* Billig Dr. Joan Bischoff* Glenn and Melisa Block° Jerry and Wilma Brucker Victor and Leslie* Bunick Robert and Gail* Burger Audrey Cherney*° Dana Cohen* Zachary and Ginny* Cohen Audrey Cylinder*° Scott Delin Leah Devine* David and Vikki* Dunn Wendy Edwards* Lynda Extract* Samuel and Lynn* Feldman° Brad and Robyn* Finberg Michael Finley and Audrey Ettinger* Jerry and Gloria* Ginsburg° Mark Kennedy and Arlene Gorchov*° Nissa Gossom* Jeff and Elizabeth* Greenberg Arlene Griffin*° Lothar and Wendy Gumberich Tom and Rita* Guthrie° Ronald Harrison° Harry & Ethel Miller Fund Dr. Leo and Marilyn Heitlinger Alvin and Arlene* Herling° Jeremy Heyman and Yale Taler Dr. Michael and Stacy* Hortner Kristin Illick* Charles and Dale Inlander° Michael Iorio Kristen Johnson* Gia Jones* Julie Paige Fraenkel Fund Dr. Lewis and Joan* Katz Renee B. Kleaveland* Lillian Kobrovsky*° Dr. Marc and Susan* Kolpon Barbara Kritz*° Ruth Kugelman*° Mary Laronge* Daniel Leisawitz and Daniella Viale* Frederick and Sherry Lesavoy° Leonard and Janice Levy Lisa Ellis Fund David and Marilyn* Louick° Debby Lowenstein* Steven Markowitz° Dr. Rebecca Markson* Marvi Family Fund Matt and Allison* Meyers Gary and Diane* Miller° Stanley Miller Millie Berg Memorial Fund Judith Murman* Rabbi Steven Nathan Jay Neadle Sandy Newman* Audrey Nolte* Benjamin Notis Joseph and Eve* Peterson Michael and Barbara* Platt Dr. Matthew and Denise* Pollack Abby Pozefsky* Raab Fund Dr. Mitchell and Carol Rabinowitz° Alan Raisman Martin Rapoport° Eric Rappaport and Choty Andres* Harriett Ringold* Ira and Erica* Robbins Dan and Mary* Rockman Herman Rovner Ryan Sacher Philanthropic Fund Fae Safer* Rick and Amy* Sams Dr. Norman and Jett* Sarachek°

Helene Rae Scarcia* Melvin and Pearl* Schmier Bernard and Sara* Schonbach Sally Schraden* Mark and Joyce Schuman Dr. Arthur Levine and Dr. Janet Schwartz* Ronald Segel° Ezra Shapiro Stanley Shrager Serita Silberg* Jessica Silverman* Abigail Silverman* Susan Sosnow* Jane Spitzer*° Dr. Ronald and Melissa Stein Michael and Sybil* Stershic Matthew and Tracy* Sussman David Vaida and Cantor Ellen Sussman* Yael Taler* Rochelle Topolsky* Dr. Darren and Stefanie* Traub Matthew Unger Dr. Mark and Gayle* Unger° Marjorie Weiss* Amon Wirthiem Norman and Sandra* Wruble Dr. Robert and Susanna Zemble Anonymous (19) GENESIS $1 - $99 Herma Abramson* Aaron Alkasov Emmanuel and Allyson Wiener Avraham Dr. Susan Basow* Nancy Belgrade Phyllis Berg* Bernard and Sarina* Berlow Jeffrey and Lisa* Bernfeld Jerome Block Sharon Brooks* Betty Burian* Ivan Buyum Joyce Camm* Danielle Staiman Mitzvah Fund Doba Domashevskaya* Stewart Eichelbaum Dr. Jodi Eichler-Levine* David Eiskowitz Elena S. Cohen Charity Fund Joseph Epstein and Sheryl Feinstein Anita Evelyn* Joseph Facchiano Dr. Ellen Field* Raymond Finkelstein Amy Fisher* Murray and Linda* Garber° Dr. Todd and Laura* Garber Dr. Debra Garlin* Gail Gelb* Roger and Cathy Gilbert Stephanie Goodling* Paula Grines* Herman Gross Samuel Guncler Rabbi Yaacov and Devorah Halperin Dolores Heller* Cory and Beth* Hiken Virginia Horsford Helene Kaplan* Harriet Karess* Rosine Knafo*° Dr. Jessica Lewis* Doris Lifland* Karen Lipman* Rebecca Lovingood* Leonard Lutsky°

Silvia Mandler* David and Susan* Manela Louise Mapstone* Marlee Senderowitz Fund Debrosha McCants* Diane McKee* Ruth Meislin*° Charles Metroke Jacob Michaels and Laura Taylor Philip and Ruth Michel Jeffrey and Dr. Lynn Milet* Dr. Robert and Ellen Miller* and Family Robert and Joy* Miller Ji-ln Mitzvah Fund Susan Mohr* Daniel and Larisa Morgenbesser Lyman and Renee* Moss Jane Much* William and Sharon* Mullin Nancy Gevirtz Memorial Fund Richard and Paula* Nelson Robert Prichard and Ellen Osher* Cantor Jill Pakman* Dr. Alan and Joan Parker Jeremy Pildis Maria Pursel* Kevin and Lauren Reuther Linda Rich* Rissa Senderowitz Philanthropic Fund Carol Robins* Ethan and Selena* Robinson Robert Rockmaker Jack Rosenfeld Phyllis Rothkopf* Steven and Ilene* Rubel Samuel Gevirtz Mitzvah Fund Mary Lou Scarf* Jennifer Schechner* Lynn Schiavone* Warren and Rabbi Rebecca* Schorr Susan Selsky-Hann* Silverman Family Fund Micki Sinclair* Michael Smith Rabbi Aryeh and Beth* Spero Michelle Star* Norman and Cindy* Sussman° Howard and Marilyn Tokosh Ufberg Family Fund Julia Urich* Julia Vishnevetsky* Nicholas and Jessica* Volchko Neil and Judith Wetcher Bernard and Shirlee M.* Wiener Barbara Wolfgang* Lynda Yankaskas* Lisa Yoskowitz Helaine Young* Herman and Jessica* Ytkin Anonymous (15)

The donors noted above represent gifts to the JFLV 2021 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs. Every effort is made to correctly recognize all of our generous donors and honor their listing requests. If there are any inaccuracies or omissions, please call the Federation office at 610-821-5500. * Indicates an individual woman’s gift to the 2021 Campaign for Jewish Needs ° Indicates Silver Circle members who have contributed for 25 years or more.

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Are we there yet?

RABBI MELODY DAVIS Congregation Bnai Shalom As William Hoffa writes in “A History of Study Abroad,” any (and all) travel "has educational potential, whatever its inspiration and purpose. What and how much is learned, however, depends greatly on how open the traveler is to what the road offers.” We Jews have been sojourners for millennia. The retelling of our ancestor’s journeys emphasizes the lessons learned by traveling. In essence, the Torah is saying that there is inherent value to journeys, to life experiences. Whether these experiences are the pinnacle of one’s life or the nadir, they are formative. For every individual, every family and every nation, our collected experiences create who we are and what is meaningful to us. Our life’s journey lays the

groundwork for our unique identity as individuals. Our Torah journey is the genesis for our unique character as a people. The Traveler’s Prayer—or Tefilat Haderech in Hebrew— is said as we embark on a journey. It is meant as an assurance of safety along the way. When we leave the comforts and familiar surroundings of home, it’s natural to feel a bit apprehensive, so it’s a good time to remember that we are ultimately safe, guided and blessed. Whenever my family embarks upon a trip outside of our normal routine, we recite it. The text reads: May it be Your will, HaShem our G-d and the G-d of our ancestors, that You lead us toward peace, guide our footsteps toward peace, and make us reach our desired destination for life, gladness and peace. May You rescue us from the hand of every foe, ambush along the way and from all manner of punishments that assemble to come to earth. May You send blessing in our handiwork, and grant us grace, kindness and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us. May You hear the sound of our humble request because You are God Who hears prayer requests. Blessed are You, HaShem, Who hears prayer. We sometimes halfjokingly refer to it as Jewish travel Insurance. (You pay the "premium" by putting a donation in the tzedakah box.) It is a reminder to us that

G-d is with us. It reminds us to be aware, to notice the unexpected blessings that one might miss in the flurry of getting from here to there. The foundational story of Judaism—which is remembered, celebrated and relived every single day—is the story of a journey. Our journey from slavery to freedom, from Egypt to the Promised Land, represents the journey of awakening. This month we celebrate our journey into peoplehood as we recount the story of our ancestors leaving Egypt. The Hebrew word for Egypt is Mitzrayim—the narrow place. Many of us will slowly be emerging this spring from the narrow confines of quarantine, blinking like moles in the sunlight. Can we touch? Can we hug? Have you had your vaccine? For many, the answer is “No, we’re not there yet.” There is a yearly cycle of readings from Torah which leads us from the very beginning of creation to the moment when we are about to arrive in the Promised Land. But we never really get there. After all the buildup, all the hype, all that promise and then we start over again. We’re right back at the beginning. If the destination was the point of it all, then this might become very frustrating. But it is the journey that matters. In that regard, yes, we are there. May you have a safe and zissen (sweet) Pesach.

Holocaust Remembrance Day program brings survivor’s story to living rooms in Lehigh Valley and Israel By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor For International Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed on Jan. 27 each year commemorating the liberation of Auschwitz, the Holocaust Resource Center and the Partnership2Gether committee of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley presented “Zikaron BaSalon” on Jan. 24. The Yoav and Lehigh Valley communities joined together virtually "in the living room" to hear the story of Holocaust survivor Eva Derby. Born in 1942 in Czechoslovakia, Derby is a child survivor who says she never spoke about her experiences until 1998. Her mother, who was able to protect her partly with the aid of falsified documents, never spoke about the Holocaust until three months before her death in 1988. Now, however, Derby has told their story to hundreds of people, including many students. “I feel it is my obligation to speak. I am 79 and probably among the youngest of survivors, and I think it is up to the children who are survivors to start to speak, as well as our own children,” said Derby. After Derby’s moving account of her early life as a hidden child, there were two musical presentations before an opportunity for participants to engage in a meaningful discussion about the program. 10 MARCH 2021 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

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A THANK YOU FROM A HERO At the PJ Library program on Super Sunday, children had the opportunity to make thank you cards for their heroes. Gabriel Marlin decided to send his card to the Allentown Police Department. And boy was he surprised when Chief Glenn Granitz showed up at his door to say thank you! "A huge thank you to Abby Trachtman and PJ Library for teaching the kids about the importance of a wide variety of essential workers and for encouraging them to express gratitude in such a meaningful way," his mom Aviva said.

12 MARCH 2021 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

COMMUNITY HONORS ESSENTIAL WORKERS ON SUPER SUNDAY By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Community Development and Operations Broadcasting live from the JCC auditorium, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley took Super Sunday virtual for the first time ever. With co-chairs Dana Cohen and Naomi Schachter serving as emcees, the three-hour livestream on YouTube and Facebook paid tribute to essential workers, highlighted community initiatives and featured some amazing local talent, all while raising money for the Annual Campaign. A total of 37 videos were shown during the livestream, including conversations with health care workers, educators, social workers and police officers. Brad Finberg of MicroInnovation donated his time to help produce the broadcast. "Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, talent and efforts to help make this day a success," Cohen said to close out the livestream. "And an extra special thank you to all of our essential workers. We see you, we honor you. You truly are our superheroes." Schachter and Cohen also thanked the volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the day as always to raise money and thank Federation donors. The only difference – this year they worked from home. In the morning, the volunteers stopped by the JCC to pick up their calling assignments, along with a few other little giveaways. Sponsor Jay's Local was on hand on that chilly morning with free coffee and hot chocolate. Families also came by to pick up their PJ Library kits. The PJ kids dropped off a total of $180 in tzedakah! Generous community members also brought donations of mugs, hot chocolate, tea and deodorant for the Jewish Family Service Community Food Pantry. After the live broadcast, the fun turned to Zoom as PJ families came together to honor essential workers and hear from five PJ parents about the important work they do. The PJ program was followed up by a family friendly Tu B'Shvat concert featuring Rick Recht, Shira Kline and more. "We still felt that feeling of togetherness," said Jeri Zimmerman, Federation's executive director. "That's what Super Sunday is all about."

WE RAISED $54,510 ON SUPER SUNDAY Thank you to our volunteers!

THANK YOU TO OUR LIVESTREAM PARTICIPANTS:

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper State Sen. Pat Browne Michaela Bub Sienna Bub Dana Cohen Lilah Ellis Brad Finberg Amy Golding Aaron Gorodzinsky APD Chief Glenn Granitz Holly Hebron JDS students Chelsea Karp Eric Klein Isaac Klein State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie State Rep. Zach Mako Dr. Bill Markson

Mayor Ray O'Connell Golda Rabin APD Asst. Chief Charlie Roca Naomi Schachter State Rep. Mike Schlossberg Zoey Shimon Gavriel Siman-Tov Stephanie Smartschan Robby Wax Vicki Wax Rep. Susan Wild Gov. Tom Wolf Lisa Yoskowitz Miriam Zager Amit Zehavi Jeri Zimmerman Debbie Zoller Jessy Zolotsky Josie Zolotsky

TO SEE THE LIVESTREAM, VISIT facebook.com/jewishlehighvalley

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Lehigh Valley celebrates Purim

Above, stacks of Shalach Manot packages sit ready to be delivered by Chabad.

Above Left, a car is festively decked out for the JCC Purim Car-nival. Above Right, a student shows off her hamantaschen at Chabad of the Lehigh Valley, baked for JFS’s Mazel Meals.

Above, JDS students dressed up at home as Hannah Montana and a Power Ranger for Purim Spirit Week.

Left, children show off their crowns for the PJ@Home Purim parade. Above, kids are hard at work building their crowns for PJ@Home’s Purim event. Right, Shaliach Gavriel Siman-Tov and JFLV Marketing & Engagement Associate Bayley Carl with their booth at the Purim Car-nival.

18 MARCH 2021 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Local kids learn about Tu B'Shevat

Above Left, a dinosaur crashes the JCC ECE Tu B’Shevat Family Shabbat Party. Above Right, a tree of wishes made by JDS with community shaliach Gavriel Siman-Tov.

Above, a preschooler paints as part of Chabad’s tree unit. Below, a Tyrannosaurus rex addresses the class at the JCC.

Above, elementary school students complete a Tu B’Shevat lesson at Chabad.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2021 19

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20 MARCH 2021 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

By Nurit Galon Partnership2Gether The winter is passing, and the rains have been very good so far. The Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) has really risen, but for our agricultural communities in Israel and Yoav, it's not quite enough, and though the weather right now is positively springlike, we hope for a couple more good rainfalls. These are strange times, as they are around the world. On the one hand, lockdowns and spreading Corona, with corresponding numbers of victims, and on the other, more and more ingenious ways to provide people with entertainment, intellectual stimulus and continuing education. The medical services here in Israel are good – but the disagreements between highly qualified doctors and the politicians continue to tear the public apart. With elections (yes, more elections!) less than two months away, those who should be spending every moment working together to find effective solutions to COVID-19, seem to be more

involved with being reelected to a severely divided Knesseth! And yet, the Regional Council of Yoav and its citizens are thriving. Looking through the monthly Yoav journal, you would be struck with the amount of activity for every age group, and not only activities, but building and new ventures also. The same energy and creativity that is apparent in the Lehigh Valley newsletters and HAKOL are to be found here in Yoav also. I invite you to take a small trip with me though Yoav. Ready? Let's go! Our first stop is to Yoav's third elementary school, now being built in Kibbutz Negba, and it's a far cry from the schools most of us went to! Airy, spacious and modern – lucky kids! While we are in Negba, let's stop at the new synagogue opened recently here. Surprised to find a synagogue in the mainly non-religious kibbutzim? Don't be! As Mayor Dr. Matti Sarfatti Harcavi said at the dedication, "May the synagogue know many happy occasions, a community that

is united, and be a building of love, honor and peace." On to the Business Center of Yoav, now completely booked with building due to begin very soon. Let's stop for refreshments at the dedication of the new kindergarten in Kibbutz Galon. Quite a few years ago, Galon was on the point of closing its education framework for lack of children. With the return of Galon graduates, and the opening of the kibbutz to non-kibbutz members, Galon experienced a tremendous growth spurt (like many other kibbutzim) and today can't build fast enough! Time to return to the Yoav Community Centrer and to visit some of the activities, such as the selfdefense courses for mothers and daughters (aged 14 and up). Two brand new projects, "Let us grow in a quiet environment," an agreement between parents and teachers and adults in general that children should not be given smartphones, but only simple telephones until they are older. And also in preparation, The Center for Bridging Conflicts. Having problems in the family? With the neighbors? With co-workers? Why not try to solve them with the help of professional and sympathetic staff at the Center for Bridging Conflicts? Corona. Elections. Illness. Loneliness. Over the past year, we have all become familiar with these, and we have learned you don't just get used to them. And yet ... in Yoav and the Lehigh Valley, we have also been winners. We have learned the strength of community and good leadership, of, even if reluctantly, looking on the bright side. Corona is no fun, and how wonderful it will be when we can meet face to face, go out to eat, go to a movie! Maybe even celebrate Purim and Pesach! Until then, we know we can handle it! Be well and stay safe!

JFNA leadership responds to crisis in Texas: ‘We were built for times like this’ By Mark Wilf and Gail Norry Jewish Federations of North America Editor’s note: This statement was released by JFNA on Feb. 19. Mark Wilf is Chair of JFNA’s Board of Trustees and Gail Norry is Chair of JFNA’s Emergency Committee. We have written many times about the extraordinary ability of our Federations to respond to crises of all kinds. Unfortunately, we write today with yet another example. Still reeling from the impact of a global health pandemic, Texas was dealt a terrible blow with this week’s winter storm. Freezing temperatures and a lack of power have wreaked havoc across the state. Our Federations have responded with swift action. Mariam Shpeen Feist, President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, said "we were built for times like this," and we could not agree more. The toll of this disaster is still taking shape. According to press reports, nearly 500,000 homes and businesses remain without power, with large swaths of the state’s grid down. Hospitals are running out of water. Some 7 million residents are under a boil-water advisory. At least

30 deaths linked to the storm have been reported. Residents are burning furniture to stay warm. JFNA has been in close touch with all of the Texas Federations – Dallas, Shalom Austin, the Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso, the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth & Tarrant County, the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and the Jewish Federation of San Antonio, as well as the smaller Network communities in Brownsville, Bryan/College Station, Corpus Christi, Galveston, McAllen, Tyler and Waco. Where there is need, they have supplied warm blankets, bottled water and plumbing assistance. Home to around 130,000 Jews, the state of Texas and its Jewish population have experienced no shortage of recent crises. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey decimated the Houston area, flooding thousands of Jewish homes and causing millions of dollars in catastrophic damage to several synagogues and other Jewish institutions. In 2019, a Category 3 tornado struck Dallas, bringing more property damage to Jewish communities. And, of course, they have suffered from the pandemic, as have all of our Jewish communities. Federations and their lay leaders from across the system

Volunteers help prepare 1,000 hot kosher dinners in Dallas. have stepped up to help their colleagues in Texas. Yesterday, within a few hours, the Large Intermediate Federations all pulled together to contribute funds to their peers in Dallas and Houston—enough to support 1,000 Shabbat packages, along with Kosher hot meals at multiple locations. JFNA was proud to contribute to their effort, which highlights the beauty and strength of our collective. In response to this effort, Houston Federation President & CEO Kari Dunn Saratovsky commented that "there’s very

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little that is warm in Texas right now, but I can tell you that my heart is very warm, thanks to all of you! You are an incredible group of colleagues and friends." In addition to this generous outpouring of support, JFNA’s Emergency Committee, a volunteer body that allocates emergency funds contributed by the community to address disaster relief, opened a national mailbox to ensure that additional contributions flow to communities throughout Texas and elsewhere hit by the freezing weather, allow-

ing them to get through the immediate emergency and rebuild from this disaster. We will continue to evaluate and address the situation. In the meantime, we send our love and best wishes to all the communities affected by the storm. If you would like to contribute to emergency relief in Texas through the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, visit www. jewishlehighvalley.org or call 610-821-5500. One hundred percent of the money donated will go directly to the relief efforts.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2021 21

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Former Camp JCC site to become a rustic winery The former Camp JCC site in Center Valley was sold last fall, and now it is set to become a winery. “While this property held over 50 years of cherished memories, the changing market for summer programs and our effort to create a more sustainable foundation for our agency's future led to our Board of Directors making the difficult decision to undertake this significant change in our program,” the camp announced in a statement on their Facebook page. “Many are aware that at one time we had buyers who were interested in using the property as a ropes course adventure park. Due to zoning challenges, this sale was not completed. However, new buyers

came forward, intending to utilize the property as a vineyard and winery. We are happy that the rustic charm of the property will be maintained through this agricultural, zoningcompliant use.” According to an article in Saucon Source, Upper Saucon Township officially approved the zoning for Stone Cellar Farm & Vineyard at a Jan. 28 meeting. The 55-acre property is within the township’s South Mountain Conservation Zone and was purchased by Roger Rockhill, a finance manager from southern New Jersey, and his fiancée, Julie Juckes. Plans for the Stone Cellar Farm & Vineyard winery include a wine-tasting venue, a retail outlet, on-site activities/events and a garden.

On the Same Page book club continues this spring The On the Same Page Partnership2Gether Book Club will hold its next meeting on Sunday, April 25, at 1 p.m. via Zoom. The group, which connects Lehigh Valley Jewish community residents to their Partnership2Gether community in Yoav, Israel, will be reading the 2006 book “A Woman in Jerusalem” by A. B. Yehoshua and watching a film based on it, “The Human Resources Manager” from 2010. One review stated, “Em-

bedded in this simple story are fundamental questions about identity, selfhood, belonging. Yehoshua, long a master of gentle, almost Chekhovian comedy, takes in this instance a deeply bleak premise—Yulia Ragayev’s brutal death—and creates from it a work of art by turns absurd, strange and moving.” The book club holds quarterly meetings with participants from the Lehigh Valley and Yoav. They use contemporary Israeli and Jewish Ameri-

Bnai Shalom Continues from page 1 we can celebrate and pray in person as one congregation. [In our “Meet the Presidents” interview in the January 2021 issue of HAKOL], I said we were looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends. To some extent this was reinforced by the support we received by past Bnai Abraham members during our move. I am particularly grateful for the enthusiasm and effort that Aliette Abo provided during our move from one building to our current Bnai Shalom home.” The leaders are hopeful for the future of their congregation. In addition to helping to coordinate the move, Aliette has been assisting older members in signing up for the COVID-19 vaccine, resulting in 53 vaccinations so far. They hope that as more members get vaccinated, they will finally be able to celebrate their merger in person in the fall with newly restored Torahs from both Bnai Abraham and TCP. “I’m feeling very upbeat and optimistic,” said Marc. “There have been a lot of people who have put in a lot of work. It wasn't easy to get to this point, but now that we’re here, we're just happy. We’re looking for22 MARCH 2021 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

can literature to ignite conversations and foster meaningful bonds between book lovers in both communities. To register, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org.

ward to the end of the pandemic so the religious school can be revitalized again. We have a lot of wonderful people, and I think this is just a win for us all.” “We realize we are one people. It doesn't really matter what demographic, denomination or affiliation you are, we are really one people. Everyone’s really on board now, and our mission is not only to worship together, but to create an incredible community, that we thrive and survive, that it will grow and prosper,” added Aliette. Rabbi Melody Davis is hopeful that her new congregation will adjust well to the transition. “Any time one leaves a home, it is with mixed emotions. Temple Covenant of Peace has been 'home' for me for 11 years. I am pleased that it will continue as a house of worship. Frankly, the thought of it being razed to make way for a 7-Eleven was not a happy one. While it won't be 'home' for me any longer, the building will still be there and I can wave 'hello' as I drive by. What does it mean for Bnai Shalom? I hope it means that we can come together under one roof as a united family. I am praying that we can make our new/old home comfortable, accessible and a true marriage reflecting both of our histories and traditions,” Davis said.

wishes you a

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