HAKOL - March 2022 by Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

The Voice of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community

www.jewishlehighvalley.org

Issue No. 452

March 2022

Adar l /Adar lI 5782

AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION EST. 1977

Learn how the Maimonides Society celebrated their 35th anniversary p5

Celebrate Women’s History Month with us in our special section p14-16

FROM THE DESK OF JERI ZIMMERMAN p3 WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY p4 LVJF TRIBUTES p8 JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE p13 JEWISH DAY SCHOOL p17 JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER p18-19 COMMUNITY CALENDAR p26

Super FunDay brings community together for service and surprises Join the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley on Sunday, March 13, from 12-3 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley for Super FunDay. In partnership with the JCC Purim Carnival, Super FunDay is an opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the end of this year’s 60 Day Challenge. There will be something for everyone, with food, a mentalist performance, King Ahasuerus’s Costume Contest, and more surprises. Many mitzvah opportunities are available, as well. Volunteers are needed to help run booths at the event. And all are invited to participate in the Breakfast on Us! mitzvah for Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley. Please bring breakfast items such as oatmeal, jelly, cereal and pop tarts. (Items must be new, sealed, not expired and peanutfree.) Bring your donations along to the Purim Carnival and drop them off in the designated bins to help support the JFS Community Food Pantry. And it wouldn’t be Super FunDay without

phone calls! From March 7-10, volunteers can call, text, and email donors to ask for their support of the Federation’s 2022 Annual Campaign. The campaign supports all of our local Jewish agencies, as well as Jewish causes in Israel and 70 countries around the world. Thank you callers are also needed to thank members of the community who have already donated to the Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs this year. Those calls can be made from March 7-10 or in a quiet room at Super FunDay on March 13. Bring the kids along, because from 1 to 1:30 p.m., PJ Library will present Queen Vashti’s Bellydancing Class. Families are invited to join PJ Library for an afternoon in “Shushan” as part of Super FunDay. Certified belly dance teacher Miss Helaine will teach some belly dancing moves. Costumes are encouraged! This event is free and open to the community. To learn more or to sign up to make calls or volunteer, contact Jewish Federation at aaron@jflv.org or 610-821-5500.

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Sheila Berg honored at Pennsylvania’s sixth annual Female Veterans Day Ceremony By Amy Zylberman JFLV Director of Community Development This women’s history month, one of the Lehigh Valley’s own remarkable veterans will be honored at the state level at the sixth annual Female Non-Profit Organization 702 North 22nd Street Allentown, PA 18104

U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lehigh Valley, PA Permit No. 64

Veterans Day Ceremony. “In hosting this event each March, the Pennsylvania Commission for Women is honored to recognize a diverse class of women veterans who have made personal sacrifices as a result of their service and who have triumphed in both the public and private sectors,” Commission Chair Randi Teplitz said. “We look forward to meeting the next class of nominees and celebrating their tremendous accomplishments.” Fogelsville resident Sheila Berg, a veteran of the US.. Air Force, is a 2022 honoree, nominated by Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Executive Director Jeri Zimmerman. “It was my pleasure and

privilege to nominate Sheila Berg for Female Veterans Day 2022. She deserved to be publicly recognized by the PA Commission for Women for her selflessness and bravery in keeping our country safe and protecting our freedoms,” Zimmerman shared. Berg served 14 years as a jet engine mechanic and then became the first Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC) of Family Readiness for the Reserves at Dover Air Force Base. She also served two years as 1st Sergeant in the Personnel Administration Squadron, and has served as Chairwoman of the Women in the Military Committee for the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America. She currently serves on a

Post 9/11 Veterans Committee with the Jewish War Veterans. She is involved with Jewish Federation and Women’s Philanthropy, who proudly celebrates her achievements and state-level recognition. The Pennsylvania Commission for Women will thank the 71,000 female veterans who live in Pennsylvania, by declaring, by proclamation and resolution, March 31, 2022, as “Female Veterans Day” in Pennsylvania. The honorees will be celebrated on this date as well. Mazel tov to Sheila Berg and all of Pennsylvania’s honorees! Celebrate Women’s History Month with us in our special section on p14-16

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The trails we blaze In honor of Women’s History Month, I’ve chosen to write about important, inspirational, leading Jewish women. It is a somewhat difficult task when you consider how many there are who fit that role as we think about those whom we should hold in high esteem. We can begin with our four matriarchs, Sarah, Rivka, Rachel and Leah, and then there are the prophets, Devorah, Yael and other strong biblical women, Zipporah, Miriam (Moses’ wife and his sister), Esther, Naomi and Ruth from the Book of Ruth and King David’s grandmother, and Bat Sheva, King David’s wife.

There are also Hannah from the Chanukah story and Dona Gracia from the 16th century who used her wisdom and wealth to work for human dignity and cultural creativity. Moving swiftly through history, we know of the bravery of Hannah Senesh, the paratrooper who fought and died valiantly for Israel, Sarah Aaronson, who also fought and died heroically for the Israeli underground NILI, Anne Frank and countless Jewish women who saved their children during the Holocaust, activists and leaders like Henrietta Szold (founder of Hadassah), Emma Lazarus, the poet,

Leah Goldberg, a Zionist poet, and Golda, RBG, Estee Lauder, Ada Yonat (Nobel prize winner in chemistry), Deborah Lipstadt fighting against Holocaust deniers, Sheryl Sandberg and of course, Gal Gadot. All of these women “leaned in” to make a significant difference or change in the lives of those around them whether close at home or in the broadest global sense. Considering that there is an entire encyclopedia devoted to Jewish women with at least hundreds of women just under the letter heading of A… there are so many talented, brilliant women that deserve to be recognized. In the world

Federation thanks retiring director for two decades of service Coldren played an integral and successful role in managing the organization’s finances and overseeing financial administration. We offer our sincere thanks for his dedication, hard work, and commitment to the goals of our Federation. Coldren was a valued member of our staff team. He has many accomplishments to his credit, below are just a few:

Temple Coldren served his last day as Jewish Federation’s director of finance and administration at the end of 2021. Coldren had just celebrated his 21st year of service as a loyal and trusted employee of the Federation. He chose to retire from his career at this time to spend time with family, traveling and enjoying life.

 Directed the renovation of our Federation offices  Brought our accounting system online and oversaw our external audit (with no management letter recommendations during his tenure)  Contributed to the creation of Federation's annual report  Developed partnerships with local business to garner their support of the Edu-

cational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and established our Special Purpose Entity (SPE) to accept individuals' support  Managed and orchestrated the transition of two databases during his tenure  Managed accounting processes for the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation  Administered credit card processing, stock transactions, and other financial support for our community agencies Denise Ahner has joined the Federation team as our new director of finance and administration and is already working hard to fulfill the various needs of the role. Again, we are most appreciative of all that Temple Coldren accomplished during his long tenure and wish him all the best!

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 ROBERTA AND JEFF EPSTEIN In honor of your grandson Charlie’s Bar Mitzvah Arlene and Dick Stein RABBI SETH PHILLIPS AND MARGE KRAMER In honor of the birth of your granddaughter, Joss Kramer Phillips Eileen and Roberto Fischmann

IN MEMORY ALAN BARINGOLDZ (Brother of Randi Senderowitz) Beth and Scott Delin HOWARD ISRAEL (Husband of Susan Israel) Peggy and Jimmy Rau and Family ABRAHAM ZYSBERG (Father of Toby Rabinowitz) Linda and Neil Dicker

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

in which we live, many of these remarkable women tend to be overlooked, which is why it is so important for us to highlight their achievements and the paths they trail-blazed for us. I am inspired and motivated by the many women who came before me. Their compassion, their bravery, their conviction, their curiosity and creativity, their commitment to Jewish life and their willingness to take risks to improve the human condition – are all qualities that are most important to me. And, each one had a direct impact at different times in my life, as do each of you. Our Women’s Philanthropy

helps engage women and connect their families to our community. It is their dedication and passion, giving of time and financial resources that have a tremendous impact for all of us in the Lehigh Valley. The future of our community and the legacy we leave our children and grandchildren depends on each of us – women and men. What trails will we blaze, and how will we make our mark?

HAKOL STAFF STEPHANIE GOODLING Editor/Marketing Associate

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. Quotes may be edited for grammar and clarity. 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 Marketing Project Manager & Senior 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 AARON GORODZINSKY Director of Campaign & Security Planning DENISE AHNER Director of Finance & Administration AMY ZYLBERMAN Director of Community Development JULIA UMANSKY Director of Gift Planning & EITC GARY FROMER JFLV President WENDY EDWARDS Office Manager GINGER HORSFORD Donor Services Associate 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 2022 3

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

Lions and Pomegranates to hear the story of “Miniskirt to Hijab: A Girl in Revolutionary Iran” this spring

By Amy Zylberman JFLV Director of Community Development Writer, public speaker, analyst and translator Jacqueline Saper will virtually make the journey from her home in Illinois to the Lehigh Valley during the Lion and Pomegranate Spring Event via Zoom on Thursday, April 7, at 7 p.m. Saper’s prior journeys are ones that make for a truly incredible story. Saper, who was named after Jacqueline Kennedy, was born in Tehran to Iranian and British parents. At eighteen she witnessed the civil unrest of the 1979 Iranian revolution and continued to live in the Islamic Republic during its most volatile times, including the Iran-Iraq War. In her memoir, “From Miniskirt to Hijab: A Girl in Revolutionary Iran,” Saper recounts her experience as one of very few Persian Jews of her generation to have lived before, during

and after the revolution in Iran. She was the only bicultural Jewish girl in Tehran, and probably the whole of Iran at the time. On Saper’s personal website, she shares, "I began public speaking when I realized that there is an immense interest in my story and unique background.” That immense interest is felt locally, with event chair Laurie Wax awed by the story. “I started the book as soon as it arrived, and I could not put it down. I never truly knew the history of Iran before and after the revolution until reading the book. The memoir was not only a lesson in history, it was an honest view of what it was like being a young Jewish woman growing up and raising a child in Iran, both before and after 1979. It’s amazing how quickly her life changed and how she coped with her new way of existing in a country where Jews were no longer accepted,” Wax noted. The memoir will be gifted to program attendees, who will get to dive deeper into Saper’s world through her personal stories. When she joins the Lions and Pomegranates on April 7, she will speak about her experiences in Iran that changed her life, the Jews of Iran today, and the relationship between Israel-Iran. Saper’s story, captured in her memoir and to be shared with the Jewish Federation, is a story of fate, faith and holding multiple cultural identities in one of the most fascinating

and politically turbulent parts of the world. The event is open to and celebrates our community Pomegranates, women contributing $1,800 or more to the annual campaign, and our Lions of Judah, women contributing $5,000 or more to the annual campaign. Wax shared something she holds dear in being part of this giving community, saying, “Being a member of a group of women with one common mission – the ability to actually improve the world around us through our tzedakah and chesed – is truly an honor.” Wax also remarked on Women’s Philanthropy’s “dedication to the continuity, connectivity and thriving future of our local community, Israel and the Jewish people.”

Q&A with Women’s Philanthropy’s Monthly Mindfulness teacher, Holly Hebron Moyer Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy has partnered with Holly Hebron Moyer, a social studies teacher at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley, to create an opportunity for mindfulness in an easy to reach place - a Zoom meeting. On March 1, April 5, and May 5, all at 7 p.m., Holly will guide participants on a mindfulness journey, through meditative exercises, discussions, and activities all easy to do from the comfort of home. Holly was kind enough to take time to share thoughts on her own practice, making time for meditation, and who might benefit from the class. JFLV: You lead a very busy life as a teacher! How do you practice self-care?

Holly Hebron Moyer Continues on page 16

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

WELCOMING NEW BABIES

to the Lehigh Valley STELLA JONES

daughter of Gia and Matt Jones

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 2022 | 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

Maimonides Society celebrates 35th anniversary By Bayley Carl JFLV Marketing and Engagement Associate This January, the Maimonides Society celebrated their 35th year in the Lehigh Valley. As is normal during COVID, the fully in-person event that had been planned became a hybrid event, which consisted of both in-person and Zoom components, thanks to Brad Finberg of Micro-Innovation, LLC, and Federation Marketing & Engagement Associate Bayley Carl for their tech support. The Zoom portion that was part of an earlier plan included talking with Eli Beer, founder of United Hatzalah of Israel and President of the U.S.-based organization Friends of United Hatzalah, broadcasting from Israel. He was speaking with Dr. Bill Markson, Maimonides Society president, who was seated in the Kline auditorium of the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley. Alongside Markson was Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley staff, including Director of Campaign and Security Planning Aaron Gorodzinsky and Executive Director Jeri Zimmerman. Also in attendance in person were Congresswoman Susan Wild, Ellen Kern, Chief of Staff for Senator Pat Browne, Representative Michael Schlossberg, and Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk, all of whom presented the Maimonides Society with a variety of proclamations. Federation Presdient Gary Fromer and Women’s Philanthropy Board Member Dr. Carol Bub Fromer

were present to greet them. One of the highlights of the event was that the audience on Zoom got to see the Jewish Federation’s ambucycle, which was on display at the JCC, and got to hear from some of the Maimonides founders in a video. This group of founders started with a simple desire to help Jews here and abroad — a goal they have achieved over the past three and a half decades. After hearing from the inperson presenters, it came time for Markson’s interview with Beer. Beer shared some harrowing tales that included stories of his time serving as an EMT in Israel. A theme of the event was the focus on the future of the Maimonides Society. Markson complimented the way the Maimonides Society has functioned during COVID and used Zoom to its full potential by providing the community with informative classes and keeping everyone as up-to-date as possible over the course of the pandemic. “We had a speaker who discussed the history of vaccines. I think those who attended really enjoyed it, and I want to have more programs like that,” Markson recalled. Former Maimonides President Dr. Karen Dacey shared that she hopes that younger Jewish doctors continue to become involved as they move here. The event also included many moments of remembering Dr. Mickey Ufberg, z”l. One of the founders of the Maimonides Society, his memory is a blessing that lives on through it today.

Local representatives present Federation leadership with proclamations commending Maimonides Society on their years of service. (From left to right: Ellen Kern, Rep. Susan Wild, State Rep. Mike Schlossberg, Mayor Matt Tuerk, Dr. Bill Markson, Gary Fromer, Carol Bub Fromer, Jeri Zimmerman.)

10xChai blooms after Planting the Seeds of Connection program

By Amy Zylberman JFLV Director of Community Development 10xChai members got a jump start on their spring gardening with Women’s Philanthropy’s Planting the Seeds of Connection on Feb. 8. Though spring was 40 days away, guests were able to unwrap seed packs meant to welcome springtime — and pollinators, benefiting their own gardens and ecology across the Lehigh Valley. Guest speaker Janna Siller, Farm Director and Advocacy Coordinator for Adamah Farm

in Falls Village, Connecticut, told her own story of how she got into farming, how to cultivate a pollinator-friendly garden, and how Judaism values both planting and ecological sustainability. Event chairs Kimberly Valuntas and Tracy Sussman shared their own ties to a different type of sustainability — a sustainability centered around the Jewish community, its relationships within and cherishing the pillars that keep them going, like the Jewish Federation and its beneficiary agencies. Thank you to all who joined for an informative, educational, fun, and celebratory evening with 10xChai. 10xChai is a newly recognized giving level through Women’s Philanthropy, acknowledging and thanking donors giving $180 or more to the Federation’s Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs. 10xChai is here for women looking to get involved or grow their involvement with the Federation. If you are interested in making a gift or increasing your gift to be part of the 10xChai club, please write to Amy@jflv.org. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2022 5

JFS hosts Virtual Town Hall on disability inclusion

JFS Disability Liaison Amanda Thomas, PhD, prepares to present at the JDAIM Virtual Town Hall By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor A crowd of over 45 people gathered on Feb. 20 to discuss disability inclusion in the

Lehigh Valley Jewish community at a virtual town hall cosponsored by Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley and Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.

RespectAbility presenter Lily Coltoff shared her story of living with a disability and becoming an advocate passionate about invisible disabilities and universal design. Coltoff gave a brief “Disability 101” presentation to the group. As she explained, universal design benefits not only people with disabilities but also those without them — an example would be an elevator that is useful for both someone using a wheelchair and someone carrying groceries up several floors. But, she emphasized as she quoted Rabbi Lynne Landsberg, z"l, "It's not enough to ramp buildings; we must also ramp attitudes." As Coltoff explained, disabilities are both temporary and permanent, both visible and invisible, and can be from birth or acquired later. Anyone can acquire a disability from aging, an accident, trauma and/or illness. In fact, 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have a disability. Almost half of all people have a family member or close friend with a disability, so disability is close to all of us. “Jewish values encompass all types of inclusion, including disability. It is really baked into Torah and baked into Judaism. Tikkun olam involves making the world accessible and welcoming to all people. That’s a key Jewish value. And another is that everyone is made in the image of G-d,” said Coltoff.

JDAIM Continues on page 20

6 MARCH 2022 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Federation co-sponsors statewide forum on extremism By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor After the incident in Colleyville, Texas, in January when a rabbi and members of his congregation were taken hostage in their synagogue, Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley joined with other organizations to create a statewide virtual forum on rising extremism and hate. In ongoing efforts to secure the safety of Jewish communities, this day of learning was hosted by JFLV along with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Secure Community Network (SCN) and the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition. The all-day event consisted of a variety of presentations on topics including securing institutions, advocacy, accessing grants, empowering young people, cyberhate, and situational awareness. The opening session was a “Zoomside chat” entitled “The Rise and Status of Hate and Extremism with SCN & ADL.” Andrew Goretsky, regional director for ADL Philadelphia, introduced

moderator Hope Comisky and panelists Brad Orsini of SCN and Oren Segal of ADL. Answering questions from the moderators and then from the audience, they emphasized the importance of combining intelligence and preparedness in preventing future tragedies. “We have a group of analysts working 24/7 to collect intelligence,” said Orsini. “We’ve really learned that preparedness works. I know the Jewish communities in Pennsylvania understands they need to do these threat and vulnerability assessments.” Segal added, “We're going to use every resource we can to keep the Jewish community safe. I work with partners to make sure that not only the Jewish community is safe but all communities are safe. Through both qualitative and quantitative research, we are tracking individual extremist movements, actors, campaigns, and messaging.” Goretsky summed up what is needed to fight hate in an increasingly antisemitic world. “It’s both hope and courage that will help us move forward,” he said. To learn more about security training, contact Aaron Gorodzinksy at aaron@jflv.org.

IN HONOR SHERYL AND RANCE BLOCK In honor of the birth of your granddaughter, Mia Emily Block Elaine and Leon Papir ROSS BORN In honor of your retirement Bonnie and Bobby Hammel WENDY AND ROSS BORN In honor of your philanthropy throughout the world Bonnie and Bobby Hammel ROBERTA AND JEFF EPSTEIN In honor of your grandson Charlie becoming a Bar Mitzvah Sandra and Harold Goldfarb CAROL AND STEWART FURMANSKY In honor of the birth of your granddaughter, Lielle Marc Nissenbaum AMY GOLDING In honor of being chosen as the first cohort of the Mandel Institute for Nonprofit Leadership’s Educational Leadership Program Helene and Leno Scarcia BOBBY HAMMEL In honor of a speedy recovery Suzanne Lapiduss DOE AND MAUR LEVAN In honor of your 75th wedding anniversary Sheila Berg LINDA MILLER In honor of a speedy recovery Marilyn Claire MARGE KRAMER AND RABBI SETH PHILLIPS In honor of the birth of your granddaughter, Joss Kramer Phillips Vicki Wax ELLEN AND IRWIN SCHNEIDER In honor of our long friendship Jackie and Ted Matlow RANDI AND DONALD SENDEROWITZ

In honor of your daughter Rissa’s engagement Marc Nissenbaum ROBBY WAX In honor of being named to the Board of Governors for the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation Carol and Barry Halper IN MEMORY MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER (Mother of Claire Rosenthal, grandmother of Jarrod and Nicole Rosenthal) Sylvia and Sam Bub BETZALEL AVITZUR (Husband of Pnina) The Krakauer Family GERALD BARDASCH (Father of Amy Morrison) Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie Schechner DAVID BYALA (Husband of Pam Byala, father of Sara Becher and Greg Byala) Leonard Abrams Sylvia and Sam Bub Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein Merry Landis Suzanne Lapiduss Elaine and Leon Papir Randi and Donald Senderowitz Beverly and Ronald Wasserman ANDY GREENBERG (Son of Judy and Dave Greenberg) Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein DAVID SUSSMAN (Husband of Barbara Sussman) Sylvia and Sam Bub Suzanne Lapiduss Beth and Ed Posner DIANE TAMARKIN (Step-mother of Frank Tamarkin) Laurie, Robby, Ben and Danny Wax

Lehigh Valley gets ready to celebrate Purim

ADELE WOLENSKY (Mother of Debbie Orrio, cousin of Susan Berman) Laurie and Michael Ambrose Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein Sandra and Harold Goldfarb Diane and Gary Miller Elaine and Leon Papir Kim and Dan Schmick Randi and Donald Senderowitz Shirley Spinosa MICKEY UFBERG MEMORIAL AMBUCYCLE FUND Marc Nissenbaum IN MEMORY BETZALEL AVITZUR (Husband of Pnina Avitzur) The Krakauer Family HELEN AND SOL KRAWITZ HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND IN HONOR IRIS AND JON EPSTEIN In honor of your son Charlie’s Bar Mitzvah Lynda and Stuart Krawitz IN MEMORY ALAN BARINGOLDZ (Brother of Randi Senderowitz) Lynda and Stuart Krawitz ELOISE ENGELSON (Mother of Susan Engelson Friefeld) Robin Amouyal Stephanie Gagnon HENRIETTE ENGELSON – YAHRZEIT (Stepmother) Susan Engelson Friefeld 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.

This month the holiday of Purim begins at sundown on Wednesday, March 16, and organizations around the Lehigh Valley are preparing to celebrate. The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is hosting Super FunDay in conjunction with the Jewish Community Center’s Purim Carnival (see page 1 for more details). The Jewish Day School will have plenty of holiday-themed activities for the students, as always, and Jewish Family Service will distribute its traditional holiday goody bags to local older adults. Temple Beth El will join with Congregation Brith Sholom for Ma’ariv and Megillah reading at CBS. TBE will also have Shacharit and Megillah reading at TBE on March 17. Later on March 17, there will be another Family Megillah Reading at TBE, and they will host an all-ages Virtual Purim Zoom Bingo. Congregation Keneseth Israel will also hold services on March 16. Congregation Sons of Israel will hold a Purim Drive-Thru BBQ and Mishloach Manot Pick UP on March 17. Anyone looking for costumes can contact Ally

Wiener-Avraham at programcsoi@gmail. com to join Allentown’s 2022 Great Purim Costume Swap group. All sizes from newborn to adult are welcome to be donated or borrowed. Congregation Am Haskalah is hosting its Purim Celebration on March 16. Congregation Bnai Shalom is holding its annual Religious School Purim Carnival on March 13. They will also have a Megillah reading on March 16 and Disney Purim Schpiel on March 19. Chabad of the Lehigh Valley will hold a Megillah reading on March 16. Then they will celebrate with a Purim Fest at Dave & Buster’s in Whitehall on March 17. In addition to the arcade fun, there will be another Megillah reading and festive dinner, and attendees who come in costume get a prize.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF BY HANNA BACHAR

Expanding the definition of family

Two generations of the partnership. From left to right: Shai Bachar, Hanna Bachar, Miriam Zager, Alicia Zahn, David Zahn, Ben Zager and Noah Carim.

The Jewish Agency for Israel Editor’s note: The Jewish Agency for Israel is an overseas partner of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. This month, we are proud to share their recent feature on members of our Partnership2Gether region of Yoav in Israel. In 2013, when Hanna Bachar’s daughter Shai decided to be a counselor at a day camp in the Lehigh Valley, the two had no idea the impact that choice would have on their family and how it would lead to their deep involvement in The Jewish Agency and Partnership2Gether (P2G). Living in Yoav Regional Council, Shai was chosen to be a part of an annual delegation of four Yoav teens who serve as summer camp counselors for nearly two months in the Lehigh Valley, Yoav’s paired P2G region, hosted by local families. It was her first time acting as an Israeli emissary, but far from her last. “Shai had such a great time in the Lehigh Valley and became very close with one of the host moms, Miriam Zager, in particular. I was so appreciative of how Miriam treated my daughter that when she got home, I wrote her to say thank you and we kept in

touch,” recounted Hanna. “I also was asked at that time by the current co-chair of our partnership to be a part of the P2G committee, and so I joined and started taking on various educational projects.” Since then, Hanna has been totally devoted to P2G – so much so that when the co-chair who’d asked Hanna to get involved retired, Hanna was asked by The Jewish Agency to take her place. Simultaneously, Miriam was asked to be the co-chair of the partnership in the U.S., so the two work together closely as both friends and colleagues. “I absolutely love P2G, and find it so meaningful now when we send teens to serve summer camps since that’s how Shai and my family really got involved. The relationships they form during that time are so crucial and strong and they return to Israel with amazing connections,” shared Hanna. “Shai came back in love with the Lehigh Valley community and with the idea of having ties to Jews around the world.” Wanting to continue to expand her horizons and use what she learned during her time in the Lehigh Valley, Shai went on to be a ShinShin (service year Israeli emissary) before serving in the Israeli army where she trained new soldiers, including those from overseas. After her military service, she was a summer camp counselor at Camp Ramah in the Poconos before becoming a Jewish Agency Shlichah (Israeli emissary) for two years

in Boston in 2019. Today, Shai is a Shlichah in New York. “I’m so happy and proud that I set my family on this path of involvement with P2G and The Jewish Agency. The connections we have to this organization and its incredible programs will last forever,” reflected Shai. “I can’t imagine what my life would have been like if I hadn’t embarked on that first emissary service as a teen where I realized that even though we’re not blood-related, the Jews in the Lehigh Valley are like family. It’s changed my life, all my family’s lives really, for good.” Added Hanna: “That’s really P2G’s impact on the Jewish people, instilling the feeling that we are all connected. The communities in our partnership are involved in each other’s lives. We may be on two different sides of the ocean but that doesn’t matter; we’re like one big family who’s always there or each other.”

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2022 9

PARTNERSHIP2GETHER UPDATE FROM YOAV

Meet the women leaders of Yoav

Yael Feller Malca, Kibbutz Kfar Menachem

Tal Chiun, Vardon Village

Rikki Kreizler, Kibbutz Sde Yoav

Liat Ephraim, Kibbutz Gat

Amit Zahavi, Kibbutz Tzora

Mazal Malca, Moshav Segula

Annette, Moshav Segula

Chana Bachar, Kibbutz Beit Gubrin

Tamar Kedmi, Beit Shemesh

Orit Gutman, Kibbutz Beit Nir

By Nurit Galon Partnership2Gether

You guessed it – the women (though there were of course exceptions). Would it surprise you to know that 40 years ago, a kibbutz woman who wanted to work in the infant Kibbutz industries had to fight every inch of the way! Today the fight is not quite over, yet a high percent of management positions in the kibbutz movement are held by qualified women. In the Regional Council of Yoav, our Mayor, Dr. Matti Sarfatti Hacarvi is a worldrenowned authority on cherry tomatoes, yet no less successful as the leader of the growing community of Yoav. A high percentage of department heads are women. The four principals of the Yoav Regional High School and three elementary schools are women. Surely and steadily, the women of Yoav and the country in general, are forging their impressive image in front of us. The amazing thing, perhaps, is that today’s women no longer feel it is either career or family — but are capable of doing both. And at the same time, doing their best to volunteer where needed. So I am really proud to introduce to all our friends and colleagues in the Jewish community of the Lehigh Valley the impressive ladies of the Yoav

Steering Committee of Partnership 2Gether, who are busy full-time and yet still have time to insist on doing everything possible for tikkun olam – to make a better world.

the Kibbutz Emergency Team. She’s also a librarian and the parents’ representative in the Youth Movement Hashomer Hatzair.

Park and Caves of Beit Gubrin. I am also the advisor to a girl in danger in the organization ‘The Spirit of Israel.’ In my kibbutz, I am the founder and Manager of the Second Hand Shop, and a member of the Managing Committee of the community.”

If for years women bemoaned their unequal status in the community, in government, in commerce and high tech, and virtually all aspects of society, today it is clear that in every direction we look, the position of women has improved to the extent that it is no longer exceptional or surprising to see the advances they have made just about everywhere. So is that it? Have we gained the equality that our and previous generations have fought so hard to achieve? Not really. “We have come a long way, baby,” but have yet so far to go! And yet, as I look through the publications of the Jewish community of the Lehigh Valley, I am always so impressed by the predominance of women’s leadership – in organization, in leadership, in creativity, in education, in religion. So I took a good look at my own community, the municipality of Yoav. Composed mainly of kibbutzim, surely here the women reached an equal footing right from the beginning? Hmm, not really. Great in theory, less so in practice. Who worked with the children? Cooked and managed the kitchen? Did the laundry?

Annette, Moshav Segula - Annette reports “I launched a business called Write Wizards where I am ‘Creating Magic with Words.’ I tell people’s stories to highlight themselves, their products and their services. And when I’m not writing, I’m helping my husband weld, build and paint fences and gardening, or I’m playing with my dog, Max.” Rikki Kreizler, Kibbutz Sde Yoav - Rikki is the administrative Manager of Projects in the kibbutz. She loves to help and support members of the community, volunteers on the reception committee of the kibbutz, and assists new members to become acclimated. Enjoys meeting with friends, hiking and reading good books. Member of the Yoav Steering Committee for the past 8 years. Liat Ephraim, Kibbutz Gat – Liat is an expert cheese maker and manager of the Israeli forum for horse doctors. Liat volunteers for the Education Administration of the Kibbutz and is a member of

Yael Feller Malca, Kibbutz Kfar Menachem - Yael is the Administrator of the Yoav Community Centre. She volunteers in an organization to provide food for the needy, which helps especially at times of the holidays, and teaches English to children with learning disabilities. She loves to hike throughout Israel, and also to bake. Tal Chiun, Vardon Village - Tali is the Coordinator of the Tourist Authority of the Yehuda Region. She loves to enjoy life, to read, and to hug! New and most moving is that Tali’s family have become a foster family to two sisters from Bet Apel, a boarding school for children in danger. Chana Bachar, Kibbutz Beit Gubrin - Chana reports: “I left Jewish National Fund where I worked in the field of community relations. Today, as a retiree, I enjoy being a volunteer in a number of organizations. I am the Chairperson of the Partnership 2Gether of Yoav and Lehigh Valley since 2018. I receive and guide the public in the National

Tamar Kedmi, Beit Shemesh Tami has been working 32 years for the Jewish Agency, and is the chief accountant for Partnerships in central and southern Israel, and for the Yoav–Lehigh Valley Partnership. Tami lives in Beit Shemesh and has two daughters and three grandchildren. She loves to dance, to read books and to cook. She volunteers on the Neighbours Committee where she lives. Orit Gutman, Kibbutz Beit Nir - Orit is the Head of the Yoav Community Centre. Orit says: “Our job in the Community Centre is to create the platforms whereby members of the community, male and female, and the different generations will come together to build the community they desire. Social ethics and informal organization build long-lasting connections. The unlimited creativity and the possibility of directing the energy correctly make it possible to run forward while at the same time producing quality work, such as making strategic decisions for the advancement of the community.” In her spare time, Orit likes to run long distance in the greenspaces of Yoav, and to enjoy all the good our world offers us. Mazal Malca, Moshav Segula – Mazel is a pensioner of the Ministry of Education and a guide in schools on behalf of the Museum of the Diaspora (“We”} in its multi-generational program. She’s also an occasional volunteer in Wizo. Mazal is proud to be an opinionated and free woman. Amit Zahavi, Kibbutz Tzora - Amit is the Director of several Partnerships in the Jewish Agency: Yoav– Lehigh Valley; Rosh Ha Ayin-New Orleans and Birmingham, and Rehovot–Minneapolis. Amit creates with recycled materials, loves to work in the garden, to create, to watch movies, and to folk dance. So there we are – so much to be proud of, but never for a moment can we forget the millions of women everywhere who need all the help they can get to put a foot on the first rung of the ladder leading to better everything.

10 MARCH 2022 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Celebrating 50 years of women in the Rabbinate

CANTOR ELLEN SUSSMAN Temple Shirat Shalom This year, the Jewish community is celebrating fifty years of women in the Rabbinate. Fifty years ago, Rabbi Sally Priesand was ordained as the first woman rabbi in North America and the first woman ordained by a recognized seminary. This was a seismic event ushering women in to all positions of leadership in the Jewish community. To quote Rabbi Priesand, “ My experience tells me that we are richer for the gifts that female rabbis bring to our shared task: rethinking previous models of leadership;

empowering others to become more responsible for their own Jewishness; discovering new models of Divinity, knowing that God embodies characteristics both masculine and feminine; training new leaders to be more gender aware by welcoming to our institutions of higher learning respected female scholars able to share with us lessons and insights unique to women; creating new role models and allowing to be heard often for the first time the stories of those whose voices have been silenced too long, the countless number of women who have enriched our people from biblical times on.” It is an exciting moment to remember how everything changed such a short time ago compared to the history of the Jewish People. The first woman cantor, Cantor Barbara Ostfeld, was ordained in 1975. I was ordained in 1983, eight years after. At that time, there were just a handful of women cantors, and I participated in the first allfemale Cantorial Concert. I was also, along with Rabbi Priesand, the first ordained

all-woman clergy team. I am so grateful to all the women that came before me and allowed me to dream of serving the Jewish community as a Cantor in Israel. I hope that over my many years in the Cantorate that I have inspired some little girls to pursue their wishes to become Jewish clergy. I am happy to note that I know of a number of my students who have pursued careers in Jewish professional life. I started serving in the Valley in 1993, as its first woman to be a pulpit cantor. For the most, part people just treated me as

their cantor and I was able to bring my particular talents to my position. Of course, there are always some issues when you bring something new to synagogue life. I remember adding the names of our imahot, our mothers, to the chanting of the Amidah. We had to introduce it slowly. To encourage congregants to sing along, we pasted the prayer with the new words in the back of the prayer book, and I would announce to turn to the back for the transliterated words in the new inserts. It took a while, but now I know my congregants just sing the

Avot v’Imahot as if it was always that way. As my confreres and I were going through our careers, we realized the many changes that we had brought forth. We were all cognizant that we had to do well because history was watching us. Now I look at the Jewish world, and I see that women have taken their rightful place alongside their male counterparts. Female clergy are normal, not particularly unique any longer. Rabbi Sally Priesand can look back at her courageous decision and realize that she inspired the entire Jewish World.

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World of Wordle inspires a new game: Jewdle By Caleb Guedes-Reed Jewish Telegraphic Agency

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In yet another addition to the world of Wordle offshoots, an Australia-based Jewish community organization has created Jewdle — a distinctly Jewish version of the wildly popular online word game. While versions of Wordle exist in other languages, including Hebrew and Yiddish, Jewdle offers words from English, Yiddish, Hebrew and Aramaic and is different in a few key ways. Unlike Wordle, which asks players to guess a five-letter word using codebreaker’s logic, Jewdle players have to guess six-letter Jewish words, increasing the game’s difficulty. Jewdle also throws in a Jewish educational component, adding explanations and context once a player gets a word right. “This seemed like a really perfect way to create Jewish relevance within a very popular, secular context that so many people around the world are accessing right now,” Alon Meltzer, Director of Programs at the organization Shalom and the game’s creator, told J-Wire. After joining the more than 2 million people who have started playing Wordle, Meltzer decided to make a Jewish-themed version, which came with a set of unique challenges. “We decided to do six letters instead of five because of the phonetic differences in writing out many Hebrew and Yiddish words,” Meltzer explained. “You often need to use a ‘ch’ or ‘sch’ combination or an ‘ah’ suffix. Five letters was a bit

A photo of the Jewdle word board. too limiting.” Jewdle can be played at www.jewdle.app.

TikTok adds new features to direct users to reliable information on the Holocaust By Shira Hanau Jewish Telegraphic Agency TikTok announced a slate of new features intended to

reduce the spread of misinformation about the Holocaust shared on the platform and to direct users to trustworthy sources about the subject. Beginning on Jan. 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a banner will pop up when users search for Holocaust-related terms and direct them to aboutholocaust.org, a website run by the World Jewish Congress and UNESCO, to offer information about Holocaust history. A link to the website will also pop up for users viewing hashtags related to the Holocaust like #Holocaust and #HolocaustSurvivor. TikTok and other social media platforms have long been criticized for allowing Holocaust denial and antisemitism to spread unchecked on their platforms. Some Jewish content creators have also complained about being

banned or censored from the platform for posting videos that educate about Judaism or antisemitism. The social media platform, which is made up of short user-produced videos, has pledged to crack down on hate speech shared on the platform in the past and has worked with the Anti-Defamation League to develop protocols for determining hate speech. “Hateful behavior of any kind is incompatible with our values and the inclusive environment we are building at TikTok. We condemn antisemitism in all its forms and deploy a combination of technologies and moderation teams to remove antisemitic content and accounts from our platform, including Holocaust denial or any other form of hate speech directed at the Jewish community,” the company said in an announcement.

MARTIN BUREAU/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Logo of the social network application Tik Tok on the screen of a phone. 12 MARCH 2022 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2022 13

Legacy of Allentown artist seen in Pomegranate pin By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor

Each of the almost 8,000 Jewish women across the country who proudly wear a beautiful piece of jewelry known as the “Pomegranate Pin” symbolize both their charitable giving and the legacy of one local artist. Kenneth L. Moyer was born in 1919 and didn’t have a very promising start to his work life. “He left the ninth grade to support his family,” said his daughter, Sally Shankweiler of Schnecksville. However, Moyer’s natural talents led him to become a successful selftaught goldsmith and gemologist. In 1981, he was chosen to design the special silver pin to represent one of

the most important Jewish values, tzedakah — charitable giving — by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Women’s Division. When Sybil Baiman, the first woman president of the Jewish Federation, sought to create a program that would recognize and encourage giving among her peers, she didn’t have far to go. “She liked his work,” Shankweiler explained. “His shop was just down the street from the Jewish Community Center on 22nd Street in Allentown.” Moyer made Baiman’s idea a reality, never dreaming just how big an impact his design would have. The popularity of the local program led it to become national in scope, and there are now over 130 Federations participating in it across the country. Pomegranates are a beautiful symbol in Jewish culture. Every

pomegranate is said to have 613 seeds, reflecting the 613 mitzvot, or commandments, in the Torah. Just as the pomegranate has so many seeds, every Jew is said to have the potential for many good deeds. Women giving a gift of $1,800 or more to the Federation’s Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, which helps those in need and fosters Jewish life in the Lehigh Valley and around the world, wear the pin. A shiny red ruby, representing a seed of the symbolic fruit, is added each year in which their gift increases. Though Moyer passed away in 2012 at the age of 93, his legacy survives in this artwork and through his daughter, who now maintains the Pomegranate Pins of which her father was so proud. As Shankwiler noted, “Dad was creating art until the end.”

Editor’s note: This article was updated from a version published in the 2016 issue of SHALOM Lehigh Valley magazine.

A look back at JCC Women's Auxiliary

By Kristen Johnson Special to HAKOL It’s been nearly 95 years since the Women’s Auxiliary of the Jewish Community Center was established, with 90 women initially joining the group in 1928, ten years after the original JCC building was dedicated in downtown Allentown. Looking back through the JCC’s commemorative yearbooks and speaking with former members of the Women’s Auxiliary, one gets the feeling that this was a lively, fun group of women who took their commitment to service - both to the JCC and to the larger Lehigh Valley community - very seriously. Knowing that these Jewish women highly enjoyed one other’s com14 MARCH 2022 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

pany over the many decades that the Women’s Auxiliary was in existence, it is refreshing to read of the much-anticipated annual Thanksgiving parties, the anniversary luncheons that sometimes drew anywhere from 300 to even 800 attendees, formal dinner dances, fashion shows, and the impressive member-directed musical reviews and original shows that were highly popular with the public as well as Auxiliary members. In addition to JCC-based events, Women’s Auxiliary members scheduled group theater outings to Manhattan to see top-rate shows on Broadway together. Joan Lesavoy, who served as chairman of the Theater Party committee, noted that in the 1960s, “We jumped on the buses dressed to the

hills - hats, gloves, girdles, stockings, and high heels - and off we went to NYC!” Women’s Auxiliary meetings were noted to be highly enjoyable, and the group initiated the Institute of Expanding Knowledge, which brought educational and enrichment programs in to benefit the Auxiliary’s members. Card parties, like coming together to play bridge, and fitness and sports were other keystones of member participation. But far from just a social club, the wonderful opportunities for fellowship and camaraderie within the Women’s Auxiliary stemmed solidly from members’ shared commitment to charitable service to the JCC and the larger community. Members organized a wide variety of fundraising events each year to provide a steady stream of funds to the JCC, holding bake sales, publishing the “Fooderama” cookbook, and selling tickets to their shows and dances. The Women’s Auxiliary’s long-running Nearly New thrift sale became a major event for Allentown residents, and Joan Lesavoy noted that her “biggest thrill one particular year was giving a check for over $40,000 from a Nearly New sale to the [JCC’s] board to contribute to their operating expenses.” The impact these women had on the JCC was invaluable. When the current JCC building opened in 1958, the Women’s Auxiliary had determined the magnificent kitchen’s layout and had furnished all of its appliances. The women raised over

$150,000 in the first 10 years of the building’s opening, and members were especially active in contributing to the Camp Development Fund. They established a blood bank for use by all JCC members and their families, supported a community-wide TaySachs testing and screening program, constructed and later upgraded the Winter Lodge in Center Valley, replaced the nursery school playground, purchased athletic department equipment, enhanced the JCC’s landscaping, and refurbished the Kline Auditorium and board room. Beginning in 1969, Women’s Auxiliary members developed Camp Harmony – a fully-funded ten-day camp experience for nearly 250 disadvantaged Allentown children. Bathing suits and camp shirts were provided to each child, and the staff was entirely volunteer. In short, the Women’s Auxiliary truly embraced the JCC’s mission, and members contributed financially, socially, and culturally to the life of the community there. Even in 1943, the JCC’s Executive Director, George Feldman, recognized the members of the Women’s Auxiliary as “a bulwark of strength” for the JCC. Today, the Auxiliary’s “Tree of Life” display has a continued strong presence in the Auxiliary Auditorium (home to the JCC’s fitness center), reminding women today that the building, programming, and sense of shared community that we enjoy in the Lehigh Valley were all rooted in the service-minded generations who came before.

CELEBRATING WOMEN

Join the fun of Women’s Philanthropy and be a force for good By Stephanie Smartschan Special to HAKOL A multi-generational community of Jewish women in the Lehigh Valley from all walks of life have discovered the fulfillment and powerful impact that comes from being a part of Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation. Through hands-on community service and donations, these women help people in need and keep Jewish life in the Lehigh Valley and around the world strong and vibrant. They volunteer together, learn together, travel together, and party together at fun events that forge meaningful connections between like-minded women. They also have the opportunity to hear fascinating speakers, build relationships, and stay on top of issues affecting the Jewish community so they can become informed leaders among their peers. “Our collective philanthropy enriches our own lives while improving the lives of others,” said Beth Kushnick, Women’s Philanthropy president. “I hope you will join us to be a part of our impactful community.” Whether you are new to the area or have been here for years, there are many ways to get involved. By making a gift to the Jewish Federation, you can join one of Women’s Philanthropy’s giving societies – Chai Club, Dollar-a-Day, Pomegranate or Lion of Judah. There are also many engagement opportunities available, bringing together groups of women at similar life stages. Fun events open to everyone take place throughout the year. Women’s Philanthropy’s “New in the Valley” group also offers a chance for women new to the area or looking to get more involved to learn more about the community and meet other community members. This long-going tradition of women philanthropists has inspired generations. One such woman is Endowed Lion of Judah Vicki Wax, now a Federa-

tion Campaign Chair and community leader in her own right, who reflected on her start with the division. “When we moved to the Lehigh Valley in 1968, it was already going strong. We just so respected the generation above us. That's why I became a Lion of Judah, because I wanted to be like them,” Wax shared. Former Federation Executive Director and President Jeanette Eichenwald got involved because of her passion for Israel and for Jewish education. “Israeli prime ministers and military heroes visited here because we had the most successful campaign in the country for our size,” she recalled. Federation Director of Community Development Amy Zylberman works closely with Women’s Philanthropy and is excited about the future. “I am so energized by the work of Women’s Philanthropy, both nationally with JFNA and here at our local Federation. In a tumultuous couple of years, I’ve grown to cherish the value of togetherness, and what a gift to foster a sense of togetherness alongside Beth Kushnick and other female lay leaders. I’m so inspired knowing that so many women nationwide and here at home are choosing to become Lions of Judah and Pomegranates. The Lion of Judah giving division is celebrating 50 strong years, and the Pomegranate giving tier started right here in the Lehigh Valley and now inspires roughly 18,000 women across the country to give $1,800 or more to their local Federation. Every dollar helps, and our women understand it. What a thrill to know we’re working together for so much good,” said Zylberman. To learn more, contact the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley at 610-821-5500 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/women. Editor’s note: This article was updated from a version published in the 2021 issue of SHALOM Lehigh Valley magazine.

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CELEBRATING WOMEN

My grandmother’s story of aliyah By Gavriel Siman-Tov Community shaliach Let me tell you a story about an incredible woman that I call “grandma.” My grandma, Sonia, was born in 1941. She and her five siblings grew up in Iraq in a small city next to the capital, Baghdad. She was born to a wealthy family that was in the fabric business. She always said they used to live in a palace — they had a very comfortable life in a home with a huge outdoor space with a lot of trees. It all changed after Nov. 29, 1947, when the UN declared the partition plan. Jewish life in Iraq became more and more difficult. In 1948, Zionism was not allowed by law, and if you wanted to leave the country, you would be at risk of a death sentence. Two years passed, and in 1950, there was a light for the Jews in Iraq. The Iraqi government allowed Jews to leave the country under one condition — they had to give up on their citizenship and all

Holly Hebron Moyer Continues from page 4

HHM: I practice self-care by doing things I enjoy with the

of their belongings, including money. And like almost every Jewish family that lived in Iraq at that time, my grandma’s family decided to leave the country and never come back. They decided they were going to Israel and leaving everything behind, going to the Promised Land, to a new place, without knowing the language. Pretty much all they knew was that they would have a place that would be safe for them to be Jewish. In 1951, when my grandma was only 10 years old, they moved to Israel and left everything behind. They arrived in Israel and were told they can go live in Megido, in a transit camp. They all lived in a small house (if you could call it a house, more like a tent), having barely anything and starting their life over from scratch. The years went by, and my grandma grew up and got married to my grandfather,

people I love. I love to stop and take a deep breath when I step outside. Being outside in nature makes me happy, especially building a fire with my family or watching my chickens. I love to cook for my family, and I try to focus on what I’m doing, not looking at my phone so I can really enjoy the process. I also get lost in my art projects, future family events, and planning for school lessons. It’s fun to have things to look forward to. JFLV: Why is the art of mindfulness a priority for you? HHM: Mindfulness is a priority for me as it is an important part of my daily professional and personal life. Using mindfulness helps keep me grounded and more ready to tackle each day with better ease. Practicing being mindful helps me to be more present and enjoy the little things in life. JFLV: What is one tip that people can start working on today to improve their daily mindfulness? HHM: I would suggest setting a realistic goal of trying to do something you enjoy and try to focus only on that one thing without judging yourself if it’s tricky to do. Perhaps you can commit to walking once a week without the cell

16 MARCH 2022 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

who also made aliyah from Iraq. They started a family and moved to Yokne'am. They had four kids, including my mother, and worked to build a good life. They started from nothing. My mom always told me when they were little, whenever they had the money for a popsicle, my grandma used to buy one and split it into four pieces, one for each kid. Today, she and my grandpa have built an amazing family and are amazing grandparents that I miss so much.

phone, find a guided meditation that sounds interesting to you, play with your children or grandchildren without distraction, or read your favorite book. JFLV: Who would you say the Monthly Mindfulness series is ideal for? HHM: This series is really for anyone that would like to try out mindfulness in a nonjudgmental space. By taking a little time to sit calmly, our minds are clearer to go on with our evening. The workshop focuses on setting an intention or focus for the next few weeks until we meet again. Our first workshop focused on setting an intention of better solidifying our practice by gathering a few items that bring us peace of mind, joy, or relaxation. Having those items in one particular area can bring us those feelings of joy or peace as we pass them and remind us to set some time aside for mindfulness. This series is also good for people that do not have a lot of time to commit to a big time slot. It’s once a month, and people are welcome to sign on whichever sessions they are available to join. Register for any or all of the free March 1, April 5, or May 5 sessions by writing to amy@ jflv.org.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2022 17

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BOOK REVIEW: ‘From Where I Stand’

JDAIM Continues from page 6

By Sean Boyle Special to HAKOL Caroline Goldberg Igra’s latest novel, “From Where I Stand,” is an exploration into the relationship between Elizabeth and her daughter Belle, and how they both deal with Elizabeth’s mother, Lillian. We are first introduced to Elizabeth and Belle in the middle of a low point of their relationship. Belle is angry with her mother for overreacting to an incident a few weeks prior but is also wanting her to be excited about her acceptance to The Juilliard School. While Elizabeth is excited for her daughter, she worries that since it means Belle will be near Lillian, she is terrified about Belle finally finding out about an old dark family secret. Small town Belle not only has to deal with a new school in a big city, she is also trying to develop a relationship with a grandmother that she has been denied knowing while growing up. She is also learning more of her mother’s past and not sure if what she is learning is drawing her closer or chasing her away. Lillian, who is struggling to accept her lessened role at her synagogue is hoping to create a new identity living vicariously through her granddaughter, faces many struggles that are out of her control. While Elizabeth tries to protect her daughter and address the past issues with her own mother, she herself looks to find self-worth and validation by tutoring a local teenage girl separated from her mother by Child Protection Services. As each woman struggles to find herself, they also struggle with the demands of being a mother, a daughter, and a mother who is also a daughter. Igra divides the narration primarily through the three main characters, and each chapter is titled with the name of the particular narrator. This allows for deep exploration of the minds and hearts of each of the three main characters. One critique is that Igra writes her teenage narrators as if they hold PhDs and have a lifetime of experiences to draw from. Igra is originally from Philadelphia and holds a PhD

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in Art History. After marrying an Israeli, she moved to Tel Aviv and has spent over 30 years in Israel teaching at Haifa University and writing about expat experiences for a blog associated with The Times of Israel. “From Where I Stand” is a result of her lifelong fascination with mother-daughter relationships. Recommended for ages 18-120, especially for grandmothers, mothers, and older daughters. Sean Boyle is Congregation Keneseth Israel’s librarian and is also serving as President of the Schools, Synagogues, Centers, and Public Libraries Division of the Association of Jewish Libraries. From Where I Stand. (Igra, Caroline Goldberg, Virginia Beach, VA, Koehler Books, 2022, 308p.)

Data from RespectAbility 2018 and 2021 studies on Jewish disability inclusion was shared. It showed that more people think that the Jewish community is doing better, and that faith inclusion overall is strong but inconsistent. The barriers three years later were nearly identical to the first study: prejudice and unacknowledged stigma. In 2021, 22% of people with disabilities still reported exclusion. Jewish Family Service’s new Disability Liaison Amanda Thomas, PhD, took over, saying, “Jewish Family Service and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley really recognize the need to improve our understanding to produce a more inclusive community and begin to understand the issues. This town hall is to really begin making the next steps and to begin to understand your needs and make sure there are ways we can meet them.” A survey was offered online before the event, and during the town hall, a series of poll questions were asked of the audience. From their responses and comments, a list of short- and longterm goals were drawn up for JFS staff to review and create an action plan with a new Disability and Inclusion Committee which participants were invited to join. Some issues can be easily addressed, while others will take more time, thought and planning. From creating solutions to make religious services and Jewish spaces more inclusive to educational training aimed at ending stigma and increasing accessibility, there are many ways that the committee will seek to improve the Jewish community. The Disability and Inclusion Committee will meet in March. Stay tuned for updates regarding the initiative and next steps. If you want to continue the conversation and learn more about the next steps, please email Amanda Thomas at amthomas@jfslv.org.

Pretzel bagel dog hamantaschen recipe

March Maskness BY SANDI TEPLITZ Here we are again in 2022 expecting that the only Madness we’d be experiencing would be courtesy of the NBA. So let’s mask up as required, and masquerade for fun…. Then relax sans mask and enjoy this poppy seed salad before you nosh those Hamantaschen. And make a wish that next year we can be maskless.

By Rachel Kor The Nosher These hamantaschen are a fun and unique crowd-pleaser that will surely have people going back for seconds and thirds. They have a golden pretzel exterior, everything-bagel spice topping and a smoky hot dog center. After all, what could be bad about fresh dough and hot dogs? Nothing. There are a few things to note about making these pretzel bagel dog hamantaschen to perfection. • You must boil them: The only way to achieve that distinctive chewy texture and classic taste of a pretzel is with a baking soda and a boiling water bath. Be sure not to skip this part. Just a 10-second dip before baking is all it takes, and it makes a world of a difference. • Pinch tightly: To ensure the hamantaschen hold their shape while baking, be sure to pinch the corners of the dough tightly. • Keep the rise short: The dough requires only 15 minutes of rising time. Rising for longer will result in delicious, but more puffy hamantaschen. • Wait to cut your hot dogs: Depending on the dimensions of your cookie cutter, you might end up having more or fewer than 40 hamantaschen. I recommend cutting the hot dogs after you have formed all of your hamantaschen. That way, you know exactly how many hot dog slices to cut. • Everything topping: The everything topping is optional, and you can either make your own, or buy some from Trader Joe’s. You could also try just adding sesame seeds, poppy seeds or dried garlic.

cups more flour. If the dough is still too sticky, add the last ¼ cup. 3. Empty the dough onto your work surface and knead until smooth. Grease the inside of a medium bowl and transfer the dough to the bowl. 4. Cover with a towel and place in a warm area for 15 minutes. 5. In the meantime, make the baking soda bath. In a large, wide pot, combine the 9 cups of water with the baking soda and bring to a rolling boil. 6. Working with half the dough at a time, lightly flour your surface and roll the dough out to ¼ inches thick. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles. Tightly pinch three corners of each circle to form hamantaschen. Place the hamantaschen onto the prepared baking sheets. 7. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. 8. Using a large slotted spatula, drop 3-4 hamantaschen into the boiling baking soda water, making sure the tops of the hamantaschen are face down in the water. Boil for exactly 10 seconds. Any longer, and the pretzels will have a stronger pretzel taste. Remove with the spatula. The hamantaschen should be face down on the spatula, in order for the water to drain out. Place them back onto the prepared baking sheets, face up. Make sure they do not touch one another. 9. Place 1 hot dog piece into the center of each hamantaschen. Brush with egg and sprinkle with bagel seasoning. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. 10. Sprinkle with scallions and serve with ketchup and mustard.

Salad Greens with Vegetables and Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing Ingredients: 6 cups mixed orange and white cauliflower florets 1 1/4 lb. baby Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved 2 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. honey rounded 1/4 tsp. fine sea salt 1 1/4 cups dark salad greens 1 1/4 cups sliced red cabbage 1/3 cup chopped, toasted green pistachios Lemon organic refrigerated salad dressing, such as Wegman’s 1 Tbsp. poppyseeds Technique: Mix the cauliflower, sprouts, oil, honey and salt. Transfer to deep baking sheet and roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 1/2 hour, turning occasionally. Set aside. Mix the greens with the cabbage in a serving platter. Place the roasted vegetables on top. Pour dressing over lightly, then gently mix. Top with pistachios, and sprinkle on the poppy seeds. Serve immediately with toasted rye bread brushed with lightly salted butter. Serves 4.

Ingredients 1 ½ cups warm water 2 ¼ tsp. dry active yeast (1 envelope) 1 ¼ tsp. kosher salt 1 Tbsp. canola oil 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar 3 ¾ – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 9 cups water 1 cup baking soda 8 beef hot dogs, each cut into 5 equally sized pieces (40 in total) 1 egg, beaten Everything bagel seasoning, either homemade or store bought (optional) Thinly sliced scallions for garnish (optional) Ketchup, for serving Mustard, for serving Directions 1. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside. 2. To make the dough, whisk the 1 and 1/2 cups warm water with the yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 3 minutes. Whisk in the salt, oil and sugar. Add in 3 cups of the flour, a little at a time, mixing until combined. Add 3/4

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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2022 21

Starting March 1, all tourists welcomed back to Israel

In a first for an Israeli prime minister, Naftali Bennett visits Bahrain

PHOTO BY FLASH90

After nearly two years of tight restrictions on travel to Israel, the government announced that as of March 1 foreign residents will be allowed into Israel regardless of whether they are vaccinated against COVID-19. This means young children can once again visit Israel. Every incoming foreign traveler will be required to get a PCR test before takeoff and after landing. Only those with a negative result before takeoff will be permitted to proceed to Israel. Israeli citizens will no longer have to undergo an antigen test before leaving the country. They will be required only to take a PCR test at Ben-Gurion International Airport upon arriving back home. This very welcome news for tourists and the tourism industry in Israel was announced by Prime Minister

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, right, meets with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani in Manama, Feb. 14, 2022.

HAIM ZACH, ISRAELI GOVERNMENT PRESS OFFICE

By Abigail Klein Leichman ISRAEL21c

Travelers arriving at Ben-Gurion International Airport. Naftali Bennett and Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz after consultation with Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov and members of the coronavirus advisory committee on Feb. 20. “We are seeing a steady decline in the morbidity data; therefore, this is the time to gradually open what we were the first in the world to close,” Bennett said, refer-

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ring to Israel’s world-leading decision to shut down all border crossings to foreign travel on March 18, 2020 to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. “At the moment, the situation in Israel is good,” Bennett added. “At the same time, we will continue to closely monitor the situation and in the event of a new variant, we will again act quickly.”

By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett landed in Bahrain last month for meetings with its rulers, the second such trip to a Gulf Arab country since the launch of the Abraham Accords. Speaking before his departure, Bennett framed his visit as a bulwark against increasing uncertainty worldwide, alluding to heightened tensions in the region with Iran and in Europe, with anticipations of a Russian strike against Ukraine. “I think especially in these tumultuous times it’s important that from this region we

send a message of goodwill, of cooperation of standing together against common challenges and of building bridges to the future,” he said. The visit is Bennett’s second to the region since the launch in 2020 of the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and four Arab countries: Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Sudan. He visited the UAE in December 2021. Bahrain and Israel have formalized commercial ties and have launched defense cooperation. As part of Bennett’s visit, Israel said it would station a defense official in Manama.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHANI AND OSHER SHUKRUN

The supermarket where you can shop for food – for free

The store in central Israel where thousands of people in need go shopping for free in a respectful experience.

By Naama Barak ISRAEL21c A few years ago, Shani Shukrun began matching people up on Facebook. Not for romantic purposes, but to bring together people in need with donors who could help them. Each time, she’d raise 300 to 400 shekels for a weekend shop for a family in need, or store dry goods in an extra room for someone to come and get. “But in 2020, my daughter Oreen was born. She was born a preemie weighing 1.5 kilos at the height of the COVID pandemic, and I was really worried about people coming inside the house,” recalled Shukrun, now 27. “So we decided to rent a place that we’d turn into a supermarket, and that way it would also be more respectful toward people and help them not feel ashamed.” Shukrun and her husband, Osher, found a little storeroom in the central Israeli city of Petah Tikvah, through which they managed to dispense food and other items to thousands of families. But as their venture grew bigger along with their rent, they decided to move into new facilities. They recently opened their brand-new, inviting-looking free supermarket in the city. “We put up shelves and made it look like a supermarket so that it would be nice for people to come in and so they don’t feel like they’re venturing into some alleyway to collect food. We’re trying to make it very neat so that it will feel nice to take things off the shelves.” Shukrun’s clientele comes in once or twice a month by invitation, which she sends out via designated WhatsApp groups. This way, the place isn’t flooded, and as many people in need as possible get to equip themselves and their families. “I don’t ask them for any papers. Whoever tells me they’re in need is welcome to come,” she noted. “I see them. It’s not as if anyone’s turning up in their Lamborghinis or Mercedes.” A Jewish value “If someone reaches out to me, then I need to give him or her assistance,” Shukrun said. “That’s part of the Jewish education I received at home.” The only rule in the free store is to take only one item of each kind. “That’s the limit. But you can take from whatever you want – blankets, oil, rice, dish soap, milk, snacks. It’s not done out of stinginess, but to help as many people as possible. Although of course I don’t check anyone’s basket,” said Shukrun.

“We get a lot of single mothers, people who got fired during COVID and haven’t found themselves since,” she said of the store-goers. “A lot of elderly people, a lot of people with disabilities – populations that have a little harder time getting by.” People hear about the free store mostly by word-to-mouth. “We’ve also gone on TV a couple of times, and we have a Facebook group with some 15,000 members,” she told ISRAEL21c. Some of the “Making Hungry Children Happy” Facebook group members are people who use the initiative’s services, while others are donors. Some found themselves moving from one end to another. “There are people who used to be our donors and suddenly became destitute, people who used to donate every month and suddenly turn to me. It happens a lot, and you see it and it crushes your heart. I wish for everyone to always be on the giving side,” Shukrun noted. Truckloads of goods The initiative is completely funded by private donors, whose contributions are used to buy supplies and transport them to the store. There are also donations from vendors who show up with truckloads of goods. All the money that goes into the initiative goes directly toward supplies, Shukrun stressed, noting that she and her husband – a caregiver for the elderly and a plumber, respectively – don’t take a salary. Neither do the few volunteers who help them, mostly ahead of holiday seasons when the NGO sends out hundreds of food baskets. “I hardly sleep,” Shukrun admitted. “Every spare moment, we’re at the storeroom, tidying up supplies, working with vendors, checking emails and making phone calls. We take the baby everywhere with us and kind of do everything.” The dream, she said, is to see the initiative grow and spread cross-country. “I want every city in the country to have a free supermarket run by our initiative. That’s my biggest ambition,” she said. “I could have said that my biggest dream would be to close the place down and that there’ll no longer be people in need. But I want to be realistic. There’s always the poverty line and those above it and those below it.” For more details on how to contribute, contact Shani Shukrun at mesamhimyeladim@ gmail.com or at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/527188161365945/. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2022 23

Israel to plant 450,000 trees in cities in effort to counter effects of climate change

HADAS PARUSH/FLASH90

A man walks on a tree-lined sidewalk near the Valley of the Cross park in Jerusalem, Nov. 5, 2018.

By Shira Hanau Jewish Telegraphic Agency Israel’s cabinet approved a plan to plant 450,000 trees in the country’s cities to mitigate some effects of climate change by offering more shade and cooler temperatures. The plan, which is predicted to cost about 2.25 billion shekels, or $716 million, will be carried out between now and 2040. The goal of the plan is for 70% of sidewalks to be shaded by trees. “The government of Israel has set the subject of climate as a national aim. More than 90% of the country’s residents live in urban communities, and the hotter the climate gets, the harder it will be to move around outside,” Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, according to The Times of Israel. The plan is meant to both protect residents of cities from

sizzling temperatures as the climate changes in Israel’s already hot climate but also to prevent further damage from climate change. Trees recycle carbon dioxide, one of the gases emitted by polluting cars, as well as anchor soil and absorb rainfall, mitigating the effects of flooding, which has become an increasingly common event in Israel. The resolution passed by the cabinet called trees “critical urban infrastructure, especially in a

time of climate change.” But even as Israel plans for new tree saplings, hundreds of thousands of more mature trees are being cut down each year for reasons like construction, according to Haaretz. In response to questions about tree felling by Haaretz, Israel’s Environmental Protection Agency said it would establish a group to “look into aspects of preventing felling, both in public areas and in private gardens.”

Israeli high-school students’ satellites launch into space

PHOTO COURTESY OF ISRAEL SPACE AGENCY

Students from Givat Shmuel assembling a satellite as part of the TEVEL program. By Abigail Klein Leichman ISRAEL21c High school students from eight Israeli cities gathered in Herzliya on Jan. 13 for a launch party, watching a live feed of satellites they’d built taking off aboard SpaceX’S Falcon 9 transporter from Cape Canaveral in Florida. The TEVEL program – tevel means universe in Hebrew and also is an acronym for “Students Build Satellites” – was run in partnership with the Israel Space Agency and the Science and Technology Ministry. For three years, the satellites were under construction by students from Jewish and Arab schools in the cities of Sha’ar Hanegev, Givat Shmuel, Kiryat Ata, Ma’aleh Adumim, Nazareth, Ofakim, Taybe and Yeruham. “This was a historic moment for me, a moment of pride not only for me but for the State of Israel,” Arab student Mahmoud Haj-Yahya of Taibe told Diplomacy.co.il. “I thank the Israel 24 MARCH 2022 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Space Agency, the Taibe municipality, my school, my teachers and instructors and everyone who helped us and let us try it and be part of the TEVEL project.” The student-made satellites, joined two others sent aboard the rocket from Ariel University, will be used to carry out a range of experiments in space coordinated by Tel Aviv University. The students will continue receiving and monitoring the data transmitted by their satellites. TAU itself recently launched a shoebox-sized satellite to the International Space Station containing the COTS-Capsule — a novel radiation-detecting and protective chamber in which electronic systems in space can escape the hazardous effects of cosmic radiation. The COTS-Capsule will undergo testing before being included in experiments going on the Rakia mission of the Ramon Foundation and the Israel Space Agency.

PHOTO BY JERIEL NUNEZ

Israeli aid experts reach typhoon-hit Philippines

An IsraAID volunteer bringing urgent aid to victims of Typhoon Odette in the Philippines. By Abigail Klein Leichman ISRAEL21c Two months after December’s Super Typhoon Odette (known internationally as Rai) that affected the lives of more than 10 million Filipinos and damaged or destroyed 1.9 million homes, 133,000 people are still displaced from their homes and children are still unable to go to school. The COVID-19 situation initially made the Philippines off-limits to foreign visitors. So Israeli non-governmental humanitarian aid organization IsraAID assembled a team of three local volunteers, including former IsraAID staff members, to bring urgent aid to communities in need. As of mid-February, Israeli IsraAID team members were able to enter the country, bringing an additional five experts to assist in the continuing relief work. “We have already seen countless examples of both extreme loss and incredible resilience,” Molly Bernstein, IsraAID’s Head of Mission in the Philippines, told ISRAEL21c. “People here are super strong; they’ve been through so much. Even in IsraAID’s relatively short history in the Philippines – six years in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 — they’ve had intense storms and immense losses,” she said. “They pick themselves up and work together to overcome the challenges. Helping to support that process is at the core of what IsraAID believes and does.” Drinking water It may sound counterintuitive that a major storm would cause a shortage of drinking water, but indeed that’s one of the critical problems in affected areas. “After typhoons, seawater infiltrates wells and other water sources and causes the water to become undrinkable,” Bernstein explained. “Removing the salt particles is very complex and very essential in relief work. Our teams brought a cutting-edge Israeli solution to field to make safe water from the salinated water right in front of the community’s eyes. The response was a deep joy as they are learning to operate it on their own.” This technology, Otterpack, is a portable water purification system based on reverse osmosis. Carried in a large backpack, Otterpack can supply up to 120 liters of pure drinking water per hour from any water source on land. It’s powered by a standard rechargeable battery or can be operated manually. Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) experts from IsraAID are installing solutions such as Otterpack in communities that have not had water access since the storm. In addition, experts in protection, community resilience, mental health and emergency operations are working with community volunteers to strengthen long-term resilience in the affected islands of Negros and Leyte. “We have continued distributing urgently needed items, such as blankets and soap, and are now establishing partnerships and infrastructure

that will allow us to help thousands of affected Filipinos in their long-term recovery from December’s disaster,” said Bernstein. ‘We have a real name here’ Bernstein has found that the Filipinos remember with gratitude IsraAID’s assistance after Yolanda. “We had a really big team here in past years, and we are building on those connections. We have a name for ourselves here as a deeply professional organization doing recovery and resilience building.” IsraAID workers were greeted enthusiastically, for example, by a man who is now the superintendent of the local school system and a woman who used to volunteer with IsraAID and now runs her own nonprofit. “She was so excited to see us and wants us to do training for her organization,” said Bernstein. “People here are so happy to have us. They are warm and welcoming, gracious and hospitable.” She says IsraAID’s work also includes identifying and protecting vulnerable populations. “A lot of people’s homes were destroyed, and schools were damaged. Between COVID and the typhoon, kids have been out of school for two full years in these areas,” she said. “Many of the areas severely affected are coastal and that is where many people make their livelihood,” Bernstein added. “Fishermen lost their fishing boasts, coconut farmers lost their trees, poultry farmers had their farms ruined.” Building resilient spaces during COVID Bernstein says IsraAID puts an emphasis on disaster resilience – helping communities build back in a way that ensures the structures and plans are in place for the next emergency. “Here in the Philippines, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ there will be another storm, but when, and we’re committed to being here with our partners for the long term to make sure these communities are ready.” COVID complicates the relief work. “Evacuation centers and schools are higher risk places now. Hygiene these days is not just about open defecation but also about washing hands to prevent the spread of the virus,” Bernstein explained. Furthermore, while social connections strengthen communities, bringing people together also brings risks these days. For the aid workers themselves, Bernstein said, “COVID makes travel much more complex. There are unending antigen tests as we move from island to island, meeting to meeting. We are doing our work while wearing masks.” IsraAID’s work in the Philippines is supported by American Jewish Committee, the Ted Arison Family Foundation, and the Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation. IsraAID is coordinating its ongoing emergency response in the Philippines with partners including JDC and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation. Founded in 2001, IsraAID has led international responses to disasters and civil strife in more than 55 countries as of December 2021. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2022 25

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

All events listed in the Community Calendar are open to the public and free of charge, unless otherwise noted. Programs listed in HAKOL are provided as a service to the community. They do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. The JFLV reserves the right to accept, reject or modify listings.

TUESDAYS, MARCH 1, APRIL 5 & THURSDAY, MAY 5

Monthly Mindfulness with Women’s Philanthropy

7:00 to 7:45 p.m., Jewish Federation via Zoom. Relax with Women’s Philanthropy and Holly Hebron Moyer over Zoom, where you’ll learn mindfulness and meditation exercises. All levels of experience are welcome. Open to all women in the community. Register at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/monthly-mindfulness. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

Celebrity Chefs Series: Dini Klein “Prep & Rally”

8 p.m., Jewish Federation Virtual Event. Dini Klein is a food host, founder of the Prep + Rally meal prep service, and author of the Prep + Rally cookbook available Fall ‘22. Dini created a simplified dinner solution that helps thousands of busy families get through the hectic week with ease. You can catch her sharing cooking tips, recipes and authentic family moments on instagram @prepandrally. Menu: Red Lentil, Squash, and Tomato Soup with Rosemary and Lemon Sesame noodles with chicken and veggies all in one pan - alternative with grilled tofu for vegetarians. Register at www.jewishlehighvalley.org/cooking.

MONDAY, MARCH 14

Friendship Circle

11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Interactive and fun presentation with butterfly expert Rick Mikula,”the Butterfly Guy.” Everything you never knew about beautiful butterflies. Rick has been delighting audiences of all ages for over 35 years! Weekly social gathering including special programming. Programs vary and often include musical entertainment, special speakers, demonstrations or hands-on activities. Friendship Circle is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others in the community. Ages: 50+, Annual Membership Fee: $36. Contact: Beth Kushnick (bkushnick@lvjcc.org) or at 610-435-3571. THURSDAY, MARCH 17

Virtual Bingo

7 p.m., Temple Beth El Virtual Event. Virtual Bingo! Please visit www. bethelallentown.org for more information or to sign up!

THURSDAY, MARCH 3

Healing Service

6:30 to 7:15 p.m., Jewish Family Service via Zoom. Led by Cantor Ellen Sussman and Debbie Zoller, MSW, LCSW. The Lehigh Valley Clergy Association and Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley invite you to a virtual Healing Service. The purpose of this service is to help participants cope with challenges in their lives through song, prayer, sharing and selfreflection. This is the first service in a series of upcoming events. Each will be led by different clergy and mental health professionals. Register at https://tinyurl.com/26dbsas3. FRIDAY, MARCH 4

First Friday: Sunni Islam with Sh Mohammad Elshinawy

4 p.m., Muhlenberg College, Moyer Hall, Miller Forum. Note the later time this month! Join us as we continue to learn about the diversity of religious traditions in the Lehigh Valley through conversations with community members about their beliefs and practices. We welcome you to engage with guests as we continue the Institute’s focus on understanding religious diversity in the local community. Unable to attend in person? The event will be livestreamed! Visit www.religionandculture.com for more information and to join the livestream. Sponsored by Institute for Religious and Cultural Understanding of Muhlenberg College. MONDAY, MARCH 7

MONDAY, MARCH 21

Friendship Circle

11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Medical marijuana: everything you need to know. Presented by Michelle Moleski, Director of Community Outreach, Terrasend/Apothecarium Dispensary. Weekly social gathering including special programming. Programs vary and often include musical entertainment, special speakers, demonstrations or hands-on activities. Friendship Circle is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others in the community. Ages: 50+, Annual Membership Fee: $36. Contact: Beth Kushnick (bkushnick@lvjcc.org) or at 610-435-3571. MONDAY, MARCH 28

Friendship Circle

11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Join the painting craze with artist Preet Kaur. You will have the opportunity to create a beautiful piece of art with the direction of this very talented artist. Weekly social gathering including special programming. Programs vary and often include musical entertainment, special speakers, demonstrations or hands-on activities. Friendship Circle is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others in the community. Ages: 50+, Annual Membership Fee: $36. Contact: Beth Kushnick (bkushnick@lvjcc.org) or at 610-435-3571.

11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Israeli Dessert with Gavriel Siman-Tov. Make delicious famous chocolate Israeli treats, “Chocolate Balls,” with the JFLV Community Shaliach. You will love this delicious day! Weekly social gathering including special programming. Programs vary and often include musical entertainment, special speakers, demonstrations or hands-on activities. Friendship Circle is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others in the community. Ages: 50+, Annual Membership Fee: $36. Contact: Beth Kushnick (bkushnick@lvjcc.org) or at 610-435-3571.

Broadway Bus Trip: Hamilton

8:30 a.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley to New York City. Join us at the J for a Broadway bus trip to see the 2 p.m. matinee of Hamilton the Musical. Your ticket includes private motor coach round-trip transportation and free time for meals/shopping before and after the show. Tickets are guaranteed orchestra level. Seating location is first-come, first serve and tickets are assigned in order of purchase. Contact Tracy Sussman, tsussman@lvjcc.org, with questions. This is only a reminder for those who have registered. FRIDAY, APRIL 1

MONDAY, MARCH 7

First Friday: Bahá’í with Bridget George

Zentangle Art Class

6:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley via Zoom. J University presents Artist Mindy Shapiro, a certified Zentangle teacher, for a relaxing, creative and meditative fun workshop. No experience needed. You will learn 4-6 patterns. Sponsored by the Chestnut Ridge at Rodale. Price is $25 for JCC members and $30 for Non-Members. Supplies included. Pick up at the JCC or shipped for a $4 fee. Contact Beth Kushnick at bkushnick@ lvjcc.org with questions. Register at lvjcc.org/onlineregistration. SATURDAY, MARCH 12

Shabbat Out of the Box: Art with Susan Hardy

10 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel. Last year, art teacher Susan Hardy led our virtual Mandala creations workshop and several of the attendees’ beautiful creations were then featured in KI’s Super Seder Sacks. Join Susan in person this year as she leads us through our next artistic adventure! No art experience necessary; supplies will be provided. Register on kilv.org or call 60-435-9074 by March 9 to get location. SUNDAY, MARCH 13

Super FunDay

12 to 3 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Super FunDay is our opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the end of the 60 day challenge. In partnership with the JCC Purim Carnival.

PJ Library presents Queen Vashti’s Bellydancing Class Mitzvah Opportunities Food | King Ahasuerus’s Costume Contest Mentalist | Surprises

Go to www.jewishlehighvalley.org/superfunday for more information. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.

12:30 p.m., Muhlenberg College, Moyer Hall, Miller Forum. Join us as we continue to learn about the diversity of religious traditions in the Lehigh Valley through conversations with community members about their beliefs and practices. We welcome you to engage with guests as we continue the Institute’s focus on understanding religious diversity in the local community. Unable to attend in person? The event will be livestreamed! Visit www.religionandculture.com for more information and to join the livestream. Sponsored by Institute for Religious and Cultural Understanding of Muhlenberg College. SUNDAY, APRIL 3

Dignity Grows Packing Party

11 a.m., Various locations. Join us to assemble hygiene tote bags for our neighbors in need. Two convenient locations - JCC multipurpose room, 702 N. 22nd St., Allentown PA 18104; A private home in Nazareth, PA - address provided upon RSVP. RSVP by March 29 to amy@jflv.org or 610-821-5500. Dignity GrowsTM was founded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford’s Women’s Philanthropy. THURSDAY, APRIL 7

“From Miniskirt to Hijab: A Girl in Revolutionary Iran” with Jacqueline Saper

7 p.m., Jewish Federation via Zoom. Save the date for this Lion of Judah and Pomegranate event! Jacqueline Saper is one of very few Persian Jews of her generation to have lived, before, during, and after the Revolution in Iran. Join us for a memorable evening and a remarkable story. RSVP to amy@jflv.org. A minimum individual gift of $1800 to the 2022 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs required to attend. SUNDAY, APRIL 10

SUNDAY, MARCH 13

PJ Library Passover River Ride

PJ Library Goes to Super FunDay!

1 to 1:30 p.m. at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Join PJ Library for an af-

Celebrate the beauty of Shabbat Shabbat & Yom Tov Candlelighting Times 5:39 pm 5:47 pm 6:54 pm

Friday, Mar. 25 Friday, Apr. 1 Friday, Apr. 8

26 MARCH 2022 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

7:01 pm 7:09 pm 7:16 pm

ONGOING EVENTS MONDAYS Yiddish Club

2 to 3:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley via Zoom. Experience the joys of Yiddish via Zoom as part of “Adults at the J.” The group meets weekly to discuss topics like cooking, humor, music and all kinds of entertainment in the Yiddish language. All are welcome to join this lively, weekly discussion. There is something for everyone no matter if you know a few words, or are a fluent speaker. Enjoy fun, fellowship, stories and more. Participants Zoom in from 5 states. No cost. Contact Janis Mikofsky at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley, 610-435-3571 ext. 501.

PA Small Jewish Communities Learning Initiative

7:30 p.m., via Zoom. Our Tri-Community class new Topic is “Speaking to G-d: Twenty Weeks to Understanding the Shemoneh Esrei.” Join Rabbis Nisan Andrews, Dovid Kaplan, Elisha Friedman, Alex Hecht, and various guest teachers for this virtual learning. This class is sponsored by Congregation Sons of Israel, Congregation Ohav Zedek of Wilkes-Barre, Congregation Degel Israel of Lancaster, Kesher Israel of Harrisburg, and the Orthodox Union. Go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5014709078 to join.

MONDAYS & THURSDAYS Online Jewish Yoga Studio

Mondays 11 to 11:45 a.m., Thursdays 4 to 4:45 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Mindful body practices help us find shelter right where we are, in our bodies in this very moment. Join yoga teachers and IJS faculty members Rabbi Myriam Klotz or Cantor Lizzie Shammash as they guide you in an all-levels yoga and movement session informed by Jewish spiritual teachings and designed to relieve stress as we increase awareness of breath and grounding through our bodies. Open to all, no experience needed. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/7mtxyjz5.

TUESDAYS Weekly Torah Study

11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Rabbi Jonathan Slater will lead a weekly program: “Torah Study to Sustain The Soul,” aimed at addressing an aspect of spiritual life that will help us navigate this time of uncertainty and isolation. Open to all, no previous knowledge needed. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/rbs3dctj.

Torah Tuesdays with Bnai Shalom

12:30 p.m., At the home of Cindy Danies. Interactive Torah study group. Contact office@bnaishalomeaston.org for more information.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30

Friendship Circle

Friday, Mar. 4 Friday, Mar. 11 Friday, Mar. 18

ternoon in Shushan. As part of Super FunDay, PJ Library invites families to learn some belly dancing moves with certified belly dance teacher Miss Helaine. Wear your costume, learn some new moves and have FUN! Free and open to the community. Questions? Contact Abby at abbyt@jflv. org or 610.821.5500.

12:30 to 2 p.m. at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Join PJ Library on the River Ride. Take an interactive walk through the Passover story. Activities, crafts, snacks and of course, a PJ Library story. Free and open to the community. Registration Required. Go to www.jewishlehighvalley. org/pjlibraryevents to register. Questions? Contact Abby at abbyt@jflv.org or 610.821.5500.

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

muhlenberg.edu/wmuh | 484.664.3456

Our Prayers: History and Meaning with Bnai Shalom

8:15 p.m., Bnai Shalom via Zoom. Register in advance for this meeting at https://tinyurl.com/3ru3amrw.

WEDNESDAYS Judaism for Our Time with Bnai Shalom

11 a.m., Bnai Shalom via Zoom. Register in advance for this meeting at https://tinyurl.com/jmx2zmw9.

Virtual Coffee Klatch

1 p.m., Bnai Shalom via Zoom. Register in advance for this meeting at https://tinyurl.com/cx42z49j.

Yoga with Miriam Sandler: Chair Supported Yoga

1 to 2 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom in person and via Zoom. Be seated in a comfortable chair, preferably armless (folding works well). Some standing poses holding onto chair offered, though students may choose to remain seated. Modifications given. Open to the public in person and live stream available to all via zoom. *$10 Drop-In fee payable to Congregation Brith Shalom. For more information, email: mbserow@ gmail.com. Join Zoom Meeting at https://tinyurl.com/3pf88d8d.

Torah Studies: A Weekly Journey into the Soul of Torah 7 p.m., Chabad of the Lehigh Valley via Zoom and in person. Torah Studies by JLI presents Season Two, a 12-part series. Cost is $36 for the course including textbook. For more information, contact (610) 351-6511 or rabbi@chabadlehighvalley.com.

EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY Hadassah Study Group

1:25 p.m., Via Zoom. We discuss short stories from an anthology. Contact Marilyn Claire at mjclaire@gmail.com or 620-972-7054 to sign up.

THURSDAYS Basic Yiddish Class

8 to 9:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley via Zoom. Learn to read, write, speak and comprehend Yiddish. Textbooks from Yiddish Book Center available for purchase. Contact: Janis Mikofsky 610-435-3571, ext. 501.

SUNDAY through FRIDAY Daf Yomi

Weekdays at 7:45 a.m., Sunday at 7:30 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel via Zoom. Are you intrigued by thought-provoking, stimulating and provocative religious discussion? Are you enamored by the depth and scope of the Jewish legal system? Are you curious about Judaism’s perspective on marriage, tort law, Jewish burial, holiday observance, prayer, blessings and, for that matter, nearly any Jewish topic? Then Sons of Israel’s daily “Daf Yomi” class is for you. Meeting all year long -- and right now via Zoom -- this class covers the gamut of Talmudic law, studying one page of the talmud each day, and completing the talmud over the course of seven and a half years. Basic Jewish background is recommended. To access the daily Zoom conference, go to https:// zoom.us/j/5598767191.

MONDAY through FRIDAY Daily Online Meditation

12:30 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality. One of their master teachers will lead a live daily guided meditation. Join with people from around the world to share 30 minutes of Jewish mindfulness. Open to all, no experience needed. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/rbs3dctj.

wishes you a

Happy Purim

Fresh Kosher Whole or Cut-up Fryer Chickens lb

2 for

Gunter’s Honey Bear 12 oz

Kedem 100% Apple Juice 64 oz

Savion Fruit Slices 8 oz

2 for $

Kedem Tea Biscuits 4.2 oz

2 for Kedem Grape Juice 64 oz

Joyva Ring Jells 8 oz

EAT BETTER, SPEND LESS We also carry many of your favorite Kosher deli, dairy, frozen and grocery products. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Not responsible for typographical or pictorial errors.

Prices Effective through Mar 17, 2022

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2022 27

EARN THAT DEGREE, PRIMA. Y O U D E S E R V E I T.

Prima survived cancer thanks to her health partner – Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute. Her team of experts and their membership in the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance gave her a new lease on life. Now, Prima is pursuing a career in oncology nursing – and she knows things you’d never find in a textbook. Learn more at LVHN.org/cancer or by calling 888-402-LVHN.