HAKOL - June 2022

The Voice of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community

www.jewishlehighvalley.org

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Issue No. 455

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June 2022

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Sivan/Tamuz 5782

AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION EST. 1977

Relive the fun of our Yom Ha’atzmaut Festival p10

Mazel tov to the class of 2022! p14-15

FROM THE DESK OF JERI ZIMMERMAN p3 WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY p4 LVJF TRIBUTES p8 JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE p12-13 JEWISH DAY SCHOOL p16-17 JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER p18 COMMUNITY CALENDAR p27

Jewish Federation to honor award winners and leaders

Eileen Fischmann

Robby and Vicki Wax

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley will honor individuals who exemplify leadership, and elect its new board and officers at its Community Celebration and Annual Meeting on June 9.

The event will include an end-of-year Israeli-style picnic catered by Around the Table Catering and is free and open to everyone.

After three years as president, Gary Fromer will be turning over the gavel to President-elect Robby Wax. Wax, along with his mother, Vicki, will also receive the Kobrovsky Award for Campaign Leadership for chairmanship of the Federation’s annual campaign.

The Kobrovsky Award is named for Bernard Kobrovsky, past president of the

Lauren Rabin

Federation and a founder of the community’s Endowment Fund. Bernie exemplified a true leader and friend of our Jewish community. He believed that you make tzedakah a routine part of your life.

Lauren Rabin, a long-time dedicated volunteer and active member of Women’s Philanthropy, will be this year’s recipient of the George Feldman Achievement Award for Young Leadership. Most recently, Rabin has led a JFLV Pomegranate initiative to increase our number of participants and she cochaired our very successful Hatikvah 6 community concert.

The Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction will be given to the Holocaust survivors and educators from the Holocaust

Holocaust survivors and educators

Resource Center. The group includes Michele Wilner Levy, Marcel Guindine, Eva Levitt, Eva Derby, and Ed Posner, who are continuing efforts to fight prejudice and hate through Holocaust education (see more on Page 5).

Debbie Zoller, executive director of Jewish Family Service, will be the recipient of the Mark L. Goldstein Award for Jewish communal professionals. Debbie has led a number of initiatives for the Jewish Family Service and has been dedicated in growing the organization since 2012.

Eileen Fischmann will receive this year’s Daniel Pomerantz Award for Campaign Excellence. Eileen has been a tremendous asset to our campaign team,

Debbie Zoller

and she diligently reaches out to our donors to ensure the success of our annual campaign. We owe a lot of our success this year to Eileen, and she is absolutely deserving of this award.

In addition to presenting these awards, the Federation will also honor its outgoing leadership and elect its new board and officers.

The Jewish Federation Community Celebration and Annual Meeting will take place on Thursday, June 9, at 6 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley.

The Israeli-style picnic is free and open to everyone. RSVP by June 2 to 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org, or register online at jewishlehighvalley.org/annualmeeting.

A week of partnership

By Aaron Gorodzinsky Director of Campaign and Security Planning Two years ago, before we even knew what COVID-19 was, Jeri Zimmerman, Miriam Zager, and I joined members of the Partnership2Gether committee in Yoav to start working on ideas that could help bring our communities closer together. Among the

many that we envisioned during that dreaming session was the opportunity for the entire P2G committee in Yoav to join us in the Lehigh Valley for a weeklong visit to commemorate Yom Hazikaron and celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut. This was not an easy proposition. For many members of the committee in Israel, this was the first time commemorating those important holidays Non-Profit Organization

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outside the country. However, we decided that we would make this happen for our communities because of the opportunities that would come from having them visit our community.

After a disappointing 2021 where we had to cancel the visit because of COVID-19, a new date was selected and 13 members of the P2G committee joined us in the Lehigh Valley this past week to commemorate Yom Hazikaron and to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut the same way they would in Israel. Before their trip, they had worked with Gavriel, our Israel shaliach, to ensure that they had all the necessary tools and materials to put together a worthy visit with our community. From ordering special flags to bringing uniforms and program materials, every single detail was coordinated before they got here.

The delegation arrived in the Lehigh Valley early on Sunday morning, May 1, and went straight to work. They met with Rabbi Allen Judah and Andrea

Back row pictured left to right, Hezi Reuven, Orit Gutman, Alon Inbar, Hanna Bachar, Aaron Gorodzinsky, Mazal Malka, Amit Zehavi, Ricky Krayzler, and Tali Chaune. Front row pictured left to right, Zerach Shlomo, Yael Feller Malka, Liat Efrain, Richard Shekuri. Not pictured: Annette Mashi.

Reich from Jewish Family Services at an Allentown cemetery, where they volunteered to help clean some of the gravestones. This was a very meaningful visit for the committee, realizing that our Lehigh Valley community has deep roots and that we continue to honor those who left legacies in our communities by maintaining

those cemeteries even long after relatives have passed away. Following that experience, the group met with their host families and members of the committee in the Lehigh Valley and enjoyed a meal at the home of Miriam Zager, who

Partnership Continues on page 6

Here for Good The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is Here for Good to ensure that our Jewish community thrives from dor l’dor. Good doesn’t just happen on its own. It comes from our collective dedication, to the promise of a flourishing Jewish future.

It is also our commitment to intergenerational programming so that we can count on one another to continue to help good grow. Just as we have in the past. Just as we will in the future.

Having experienced a pandemic, our community, like many Jewish communities around the world, is no doubt at an important crossroads. How will we grow? How will we make sure that the passion for

Jewish life that many of us feel gets passed on to the next generation?

I have spoken in the past about the importance of creating a kehillah kedosha (a sacred community) — with all of our agencies and synagogues working together, the Lehigh Valley Jewish community will remain vibrant and strong.

It is you, our many donors and volunteers, who help us provide for an exciting and resilient Jewish community.

Our Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs is the lifeline that keeps our communal agencies and synagogues healthy. To those who have given to our annual campaign, my sincere thanks and appreciation. If you

have not yet given a gift, I encourage you to consider making a donation. Every gift makes a difference in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Your generosity delivers vital funding to ensure critical programs and services are available. It is how we are here to respond when a crisis strikes, and it is how we are here for the community long after it passes.

Jewish Federations play significant roles not just as funders, but as community conveners. I am proud of the work we do at our Jewish Federation, and I am blessed to be working with our board of directors, our volunteer leaders, and our staff to bring us into the next chapter of Jewish life in the

HAKOL RECOGNIZED FOR JOURNALISTIC EXCELLENCE We are proud to announce that HAKOL has been awarded Second Place for the 2022 Professional Keystone Media Award for best Special Section in a niche publication.

Thank you to all our readers and sponsors for your ongoing support!

Lehigh Valley.

What will that chapter look like? I can tell you that the book about our community will not be written by a single author. It will be a collaborative piece, with essay and verse from many contributors. And as we move forward, I remain dedicated to keeping you apprised of our progress. I am confident that transparency, accountability, focus, and impact will continue to guide us on our journey together.

There will be change and we will be smart about the programs we implement, and the decisions we make.

This year’s campaign slogan, Here for Good, emphasizes and reminds us of our responsibility to provide for

HAKOL STAFF CARL ZEBROWSKI Editor

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

COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS Submissions to HAKOL must be of interest to the entire Jewish community.

HAKOL reserves all editorial rights including, but not limited to, the decision to print any submitted materials, the editing of submissions to conform to style and length requirements, and the placement of any printed material. 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

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 HOUMAN AHDIEH In honor of your Birthday Vicki Wax JEANETTE EICHENWALD In honor of your retirement from Yachad after 25 years Vicki Wax KENDRA AND REINO JARVINEN In honor of the birth of your son, Jack Matias Jarvinen Aaron Gorodzinsky DEBBIE AND ANDY KIMMEL In honor of the birth of your grandson Eileen and Roberto Fischmann ALAN SALINGER Thank you for helping Shelby prepare for her Bat Mitzvah The Tenzer Family

DEBRA AND BEN WEINSTEIN In honor of the marriage of Matthew to Pamela Cogut Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel IN MEMORY ARTHUR ALTMAN (Father of Rabbi Suzanne Altman Offit) Deena and Steve Borzak Alice and Rabbi Van Lanckton RICHARD KRASSEN (Father of Josh Krassen) Judy Alperin MIRRA (MARIA) PAPIR (Mother of Leon Papir) Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel Beth and Wesley Kozinn Carole and Michael Langsam

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

the greater good. Our community is fortunate to have so many talented people with ideas to share, and your input is most welcome.

We have a great deal of work ahead of us and, with your help, we will celebrate many remarkable accomplishments. I look forward to seeing more of you as we begin slowly to emerge from our COVID isolation so that together we can embark on this journey. To each of you, I say a heartfelt “thank you” for the difference you are making every day. May we continue to go from strength to strength!

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 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 | JUNE 2022 3

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

Spring Event brings women together for an evening of wellness

By Bayley Carl Marketing and Engagement Associate

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

WELCOMING NEW BABIES

to the Lehigh Valley

SIMON

son of Caroline Multari

THADDEUS

Son of Rosanna Cabatic and Brian Wasserman

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 JUNE 2022 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

In May, the Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley held its in-person Spring Event. It was an evening of movement, mindfulness, and spiritual positivity.

The evening started with attendees collecting their name badges and thankyou bags (which included lovely glass water bottles).

After walking through a homemade bamboo trellis adorned with paper lanterns,

an aromatherapy salt-scrubmaking station awaited. A mixture of Epson salt, coconut butter, essential oils, and various flower petals made for a luxurious take-home spa treatment.

Next up was a detox water station. Included were ginger green tea, citrus cucumber water, and orange strawberry water.

Then attendees could help themselves to “make-awish, take-a-wish” gemstone bracelets.

Dinner was a choice from among three spa-inspired meals accompanied by a re-

freshing drink from the winespritzer bar. Finally came the highlight of the evening: Deborah Glassman leading us in chair-based yoga and Jewish spiritual teachings.

The event was well attended and left everyone feeling better than when they walked in!

If you are interested in getting involved in the Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/women.

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 at 610-398-1376.

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

Schiff Award to honor local Holocaust survivors who began the tradition of sharing their stories

The importance of Holocaust survivors in our Lehigh Valley community cannot be overstated. By their very presence, they keep the memory of the Shoah alive. Throughout the years they have stood strong. They have come together at Yom HaShoah memorials events, donated artifacts and other materials, and passed their stories on to their children and grandchildren. Like survivors worldwide, some are comfortable talking about their experiences while many prefer to keep their memories close.

A dedicated group of survivors have, over many years, made it their mission to be vocal witnesses to the Holocaust. They have made themselves and their stories available to thousands of students in the Lehigh Valley.

The impact of their presentations cannot be measured. The students, most of them non-Jewish and with no Holocaust knowledge, many of them immigrants

or children of immigrants escaping desperate situations, easily relate to the survivors’ stories.

Students who have been the victims of bullying and racism draw parallels. Students who have never met a Jewish person experience light-bulb moments, understanding that their actions make a difference when they choose to stand up rather than stand by.

The Holocaust survivors who have made it their mission to speak in the larger community are truly educators implementing the words of Eli Wiesel: “When you hear a witness, you become a witness.” Whether volunteering through the Holocaust Resource Center Legacy Exhibit and assembly program or the Youth and Prejudice Conference of the Institute for Religious and Cultural Understanding at Muhlenberg College, or for making other speaking appearances in our area, the Holocaust survivors of the Lehigh Valley remain staunch supporters of reducing prejudice by sharing their experiences of loss and survival.

While there are several storytellers of the Shoah in our community, many sharing the stories of their parents or grandparents,

Welcome Carl Zebrowski

the survivors who began this tradition are worthy of special recognition. They have been chosen to receive the 2022 Mortimer S. Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Michele Wilner Levy Marcel Guindine Eva Levitt Eva Derby Ed Posner Regina Brenner, z”l Donald Burdick, of blessed memory Judith Freeman, z”l Louis Freeman, z”l Julius Jacobs, z”l Bronek Drozdowicz, z”l Solomon Frankel, z”l

The Schiff Award, established in 1999 by Vera Schiff to honor the memory of her husband Mortimer, is given to members of the Lehigh Valley community who are committed to teaching tolerance through words and actions. This year’s award will be presented at the Jewish Federation Community Celebration and Annual Meeting at the Jewish Community Center on Thursday, June 9, 6 to 8 p.m.

The event includes an Israelistyle picnic and is free and open to everyone.

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Carl Zebrowski to our staff team as the new editor of Hakol.

Zebrowski joins us having served as the editor of America in WWII and managing editor of Civil War Times, both nationally circulated magazines. A graduate of Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary humanities, he has been an editor and writer for more than 25 years, publishing magazines, books, and website content. Most recently, he’s been copy editing books and journals on history and other humanities subjects for academic presses, while handling email marketing as a board member of the Nazareth Center for the Arts.

Having officially joined our team on Monday, May 16, he is excited to be part of the nonprofit world full time. I know you join me in welcoming him to our community.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2022 5

Thanks, Lehigh Valley, for your hospitality and friendship

By Annette Mashi Special to HAKOL

The 13 members of the P2G steering committee during their visit to the Lehigh Valley.

One of the best ways to build relationships is to spend time together. So, to strengthen the Partnership2Gether between Yoav, Israel, and the Lehigh Valley, the Yoav steering committee decided to visit the valley. After a two-year postponement due to COVID-19, the delegation from Yoav—one or two members from each kibbutz or moshav—finally met with our Lehigh Valley counterparts.

From the moment we arrived at Miriam Zager’s home, we felt welcome. Aaron Gorodzinsky, director of campaign and security planning for the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, was there to greet us, and we munched on bagels with cream cheese and quiche, ready to embrace all that was in store. After heading to one of Allentown’s

Our 2020-21 Annual Report IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Our Annual Report highlights the people we've helped, the programs we've sponsored and the campaign dollars we've raised and distributed.

If you have any questions or want to learn more, or you would like a copy to be mailed to you, please contact us at 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/ annual-report.

6 JUNE 2022 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

cemeteries for a mitzvah project, cleaning tombstones and saying Kaddish for the city’s Jewish descendants, we went back to Miriam’s for a barbecue with our hosting families and members of the Lehigh Valley steering committee. How lucky we are to have had so many families open their hearts and their homes.

Our second day started with learning about the Jewish Community Center from Executive Director Eric Lightman. Tracy Sussman, director of marketing and membership services of the JCC, gave us an excellent tour of the facility. We then joined the adult group and sang “Hatikvah” and the “Star-Spangled Banner”

Partnership Continues from page 1 chairs the P2G committee in the Lehigh Valley Monday was a day full of meetings. We started the day by meeting with the leadership of the Jewish Community Center, talking about some of the issues the JCC faced in the past year and the opportunities that we could work on to bring our communities together. Following that meeting and a tour of the building, the committee met with the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley staff for lunch and heard about the work that we do to ensure our community, our partners nationally, and our overseas partners can do the work that they do. That afternoon we held our annual P2G committee meetings, a very special opportunity since this was the first time that the Israeli side and the American side got to sit next to each other to talk about the programs that took place this year and to envision the programs for the future.

Tuesday was also a day of meetings. We started our day at Jewish Family Service, where the committee got to meet with their staff and help organize the food pantry. Then we crossed the street and made our way to the Hillel building at Muhlenberg College to learn about the work that Hillel is doing in our community and to find ways to engage the students when they are visiting Israel during their birthright trips.

It was Tuesday night when the committee finally had the opportunity to lead one of the ceremonies that they had been preparing for over two years. Israel Memorial Day, or Yom Hazikaron, as it is called in Hebrew, is a very important date for all Israelis because it is the day that they remember the soldiers who fell fighting for Israel and the victims who have fallen by the hands of terrorism. Every single Israeli knows a family member, a friend, or an army comrade who fell defending their country or was a victim of terrorism. At this ceremony, our friends from Israel read the names of all of the soldiers from our Partnership2Gether region who have fallen since Israel was declared independent.

This was a heartfelt ceremony for them because each one of them knew the names, the stories, and in some cases the families of those soldiers, and they were able to share it with our community for the first time.

On Wednesday morning the P2G committee attended the Jewish Day School ceremony and was able to share with our kids

together. Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of the Federation, provided us with information about the Federation, the Jewish Day School, and Jewish Family Service. Then Beth Kushnick, president of the Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy, spoke about her group’s activities, including the Momentum women’s trip to Israel happening this July.

The day ended with a joint meeting of the steering committees—a great way to review what we had done in 2021–2022 and to look forward at all our opportunities to work together in 2022–2023.

Thanks, Lehigh Valley Continues on page 20

some of the same stories they had shared with us the night before.

The committee also had a tour of our school and even had lunch with the students to continue sharing their stories.

It’s a well-known fact that every Israeli knows that after a day of mourning, it is time to begin the celebrations. So, on Wednesday night following a day of mourning, the P2G committee hosted an event at Knesset Israel to kick off the Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations in our community by hosting a hummus-making party!

We had the opportunity to learn how to make the best homemade hummus and pita. Trust me, it was incredible hummus. After our stomachs were full and our spirits were renewed, the partnership committee led the group in some Israeli dancing, showing us how resilient they are and how Israeli culture can move so quickly from grief to celebration.

On Thursday the big celebration took place at the JCC. Each member of the committee prepared one activity that represented that person’s kibbutz or moshav.

Participants received a “passport” at the start of the event and were taken on a tour of our partnership!

Each family had the opportunity to have a conversation, get to know and see what each area of our partnership looks like, and take home some fun presents. This was one of the best Yom Ha’aztmaut celebrations we’ve had, because of all the work and dedication of our committee in Yoav.

Looking back at the visit, the best part about having the entire Yoav committee in the Lehigh Valley was seeing them speaking to members of our community who up to this point had heard very little about the work that we do in our partnership and building those relationships. The only way to continue expanding the work that we do in our partnership is to build stronger ties between our two communities. Each time a member had a conversation with someone new, a process was started. We know that most of those ties will be strengthened as we do more and more partnership work.

As we start preparing to celebrate the 75th birthday of Israel and to make multiple upcoming trips from our community, I encourage each one of you to be engaged in our partnership.

If you would like to learn more about the partnership and the work we do, don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is one of the most rewarding opportunities to engage in meaningful work.

Contact aaron@jflv.org for more information.

Remembrance Day speaker inspires with her father’s story

By Shari Spark Holocaust Resource Center Coordinator Hagit Limor directly addressed future generations as the featured speaker for Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) at the Jewish Community Center on April 27: “You are what is going to help us fight hate.”

Her message to us all was that we know in our hearts that acceptance feels good and is the key to humanity’s survival. To share the story of her father, Moniek, Limor has created a documentary, an audience-immersive theater experience, and a virtual reality project—all with the goals of preserving memory and spreading the love her father had for humankind, despite his experiences surviving the Shoah.

Moniek was a young child when the Nazis invaded Poland. He and his family hid in an apartment, cleverly moving from one room to another by passing through a false wall and crossing a balcony. Later he was hidden in an attic. When the hiding

Students from the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley leading event attendees in song. place was discovered, he was sent to the Buchenwald concentration camp. His survival was a combination of luck and tenacity, and a testimony to his optimism.

Hagit heard her father’s stories, but she didnt put them together until she was older. Her career as a broadcast journalist and, now, as a professor at the University of Cincinnati, helped provide the resources to create the film, play, and technology of “Hope after Hate.” The mission of her project is to share her father’s story and to frame his experiences in a context that appeals to young people: acceptance.

The annual Yom Hashoah program was the first in-person gathering since the COVID pandemic. Prior to the program’s start, school students volunteered for the memorial reading of Shoah victims’ names. It was heartening to see our community together for recitation of memorial prayers and the lighting of the Yom Hashoah candelabra. The six tapers were lit by Albert Derby, Eva Derby, Eva Levitt, Rabbi Allen Juda, Marcel Guindine, and Shari Spark.

The program was simulcast and is available to access through the Jewish Federation’s Facebook page.

Screening: ‘Complicit,’ the plight of the SS St. Louis refugees

By Shari Spark Holocaust Resource Center Coordinator Preserving memory through the stories of survivors and research, the documentary “Complicit” aims to educate.

Robert Krakow’s moving film, a joint project of the Jewish Film Nights club of the Jewish Community Center and the Holocaust Resource Center of the Jewish Federation, was shared virtually on April 26 as was part of the community’s Days of Remembrance programs.

Over 80 people tuned in to watch the movie, followed by hearing from the producer-director, Robert Krakow, and family stories of three survivors of the SS St. Louis: Eva Wiener, Dr. Hans Fisher, and Dr. John Shilling. All these survivors were young children in May 1939, when the ocean liner SS St. Louis fled Europe for Cuba. The guest visas they had been previously granted were denied when they reached Havana; 900 Jews were on board—250 were murdered in the Holocaust when they were returned. Those who survived did so by desperately finding other outlets for safe haven, like England or France.

The film focused on the silence of the world that refused to give shelter to the ship’s refugees once they were turned away

from Cuba. It was only in this century that the U.S. State Department and the Canadian government recognized their complicity in the SS St. Louis affair, offering apologies to the survivors and their families.

The SS St. Louis Legacy Project, which hosts this program and its attendant educational materials, aims to “promote greater awareness and dialogue on issues of

human rights, immigration, and refugee policy,” as well as fighting anti-Semitism, through “Complicit” and through its outreach programs to campuses and schools.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2022 7

Audrey and Art Sosis

IN HONOR SHEILA BERG In honor of being recognized at PA’s 6th Annual Female Veterans Day Ceremony Sylvia and Sam Bub Vicki Wax MARGE BLAKE Wishing you a speedy recovery Emily and Brian Ford EVAN BUTZ In honor of your Bar Mitzvah Gloria Lowy WENDY EDWARDS In honor of your son Seth’s graduation from Shippensburg University Beth and Wesley Kozin JEANETTE EICHENWALD In honor of your retirement from Yachad after 25 years Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein IRIS AND JON EPSTEIN In honor of your son Charlie’s Bar Mitzvah Vicki Wax SARA AND KARL GLASSMAN In honor of Josh’s engagement Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald SANDRA AND HAROLD GOLDFARB In honor of the birth of your great granddaughter, Nora Elizabeth Weinstein Vicki Wax SANDRA AND HAROLD GOLDFARB In honor of your 30th wedding anniversary Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie Schechner Arlene and Richard Stein LINDA AND HAROLD KREITHEN In honor of your son Jeff’s engagement Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein ALLI AND SCOTT LIPSON

In honor of Steven’s graduation from Michigan Vicki Wax ROBERTA LONDON In honor of your Special Birthday Audrey and Art Sosis ALICE AND MARK NOTICE In honor of the birth of your grandson, Matan Vicki Wax LORRIE SCHERLINE In honor of the article about the Scherline Family in HAKOL Vicki Wax LORRIE SCHERLINE In honor of the birth of your granddaughter Sheila Berg Suzanne Lapiduss and Family Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz TRACY AND LYELL SCHERLINE In honor of the birth of your daughter Suzanne Lapiduss and Family Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz Vicki Wax SHELBY TENZER In honor of your Bat Mitzvah Vicki Wax ENID AND ALAN TOPE In honor of the birth of your granddaughter, Leni Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz LAURIE AND ROBBY WAX In honor of Ben’s graduation from Emory University Carol and Gary Fromer Beth and Wesley Kozinn LAURIE AND ROBBY WAX In honor of Danny’s graduation from Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy Carol and Gary Fromer Beth and Wesley Kozinn VICKI WAX In honor of Ben and Danny’s graduations Beth and Wesley Kozinn

8 JUNE 2022 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

IN MEMORY ARTHUR ALTMAN (Father of Howard Altman and Suzanne Offit) Leslie and Alan Crane Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein Audrey and Art Sosis GERALD BARDASCH (Father of Amy Morrison) Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald GORDON GOLDBERG (Husband of Rose Lee Goldberg) Marilyn Claire Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein Aaron Gorodzinsky IRENE HOLTON (Sister of Irwin Schneider) Vicki Wax RICHARD KRASSEN (Father of Josh Krassen) Roberta and Robert Kritzer MIRRA (MARIA) PAPIR (Mother of Leon Papir, Grandmother of Emily Ford) Marge and Doug Blake Rita and Mike Bloom Phyllis Ford Jane and Arthur Kaplan Suzanne Lapiduss and Family Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie Schechner Sheree and Ronnie Roth Randi and Donald Senderowitz Arlene and Richard Stein MICKEY UFBERG AMBUCYCLE FUND CATHY AND HOWARD COLEMAN 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.

JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY

Nominees for the 2022-23 Board of Directors

The Federation’s Board consists of 33 elected directors serving staggered 3-year terms. The nominated directors will be presented for election at the:

Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

ANNUAL MEETING Thursday, June 9, 2022

6 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center The Board Nominating Committee recommendations are: (as of May 23, 2022) DIRECTOR, 1-YEAR TERM (ENDING IN 2023) Rabbi Seth Phillips DIRECTORS, 3-YEAR TERMS (ENDING IN 2025) Iris Epstein Rachel Levin Dr. Carol Bub Fromer Dr. Bill Markson Gary Fromer Lauren Rabin Lewis Gaines HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS, 1-YEAR TERMS (ENDING IN 2023) Robert J. Grey Jean Weiner Rita Scheller Hon. Matti Sarfatti Harcavi, Mayor, Yoav

The Officers Nominating Committee recommendations are: President Robby Wax

Treasurer Iris Epstein

Vice Presidents Aliette Abo Dr. Eric Fels Dr. Bill Markson Dr. Israel Zighelboim

HONORARY President Ross Born

Secretary Beth Kozinn

HONORARY Treasurer Roberto Fischmann

HONORARY Vice Presidents Leonard Abrams Bob Born Wendy Born Daniel E. Cohen Barnet Fraenkel Murray Goodman Robert Hammel Trustee Vera Schiff

Pursuant to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley by-laws, “any twenty (20) members of the Federation may, by petition, present to the Secretary the name of any one qualified member for nomination. No member may sign more than one such petition. No person shall be eligible for election as a member of the Board of Directors unless his or her name shall thus have been submitted to the Secretary or nominated by said Nominating Committee.”

Young leaders find signs of hope at the Israel Policy Forum conference

By Aaron Gorodzinsky Director of Campaign and Security Planning Two years ago I was selected as a Charles Bronfman Israel Policy Forum fellow. The program brings together young Jewish leaders of all backgrounds who are engaged in Israel advocacy to provide access to policy experts, materials, and resources, to ensure that the next generation of Israel advocates has all the tools and knowledge needed to succeed.

After a long interview process, I was selected to be a part of the 2020 program and began a year of training with the Israel Policy Forum that included access to policymakers, experts in the field, virtual tours, and difficult conversations about the future of Israel and the region. At the end of the year, we were offered the opportunity to attend the IPF annual meeting.

Following a couple of hic-

cups on the road because of COVID, my fellowship and the 2021 fellowship came together in Washington, D.C., to attend a day seminar and be a part of the meeting.

During the three-day conference, we were briefed, off the record, by Israeli, Egyptian, Jordanian, and Palestinian experts who shared their views, hopes, and expertise, and challenged us to see the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from their perspective. The conversations were frank because of the closed-door policy.

At the same time, we had the opportunity to hear from U.S. ambassadors to Israel and their staff members who were involved in several peace processes. They told us about their hopes moving forward for lasting peace in the Middle East. Proof of that hope was that every single speaker brought to our attention the signing of the Abraham Accords and the changes that have occurred in

the Middle East. The Abraham Accords are bringing a new era of peace, hope, and prosperity to the region.

Countries that did not have any (official) ties to Israel are accelerating business and technology deals. Universities and students are exchanging ideas, and commerce is thriving. A new dawn of peace is emerging in the region.

But beyond the hope for peace, there was also a stern warning inside of Israel.

Many experts warned us that this could be the last generation of Israelis and Arabs who believe there is a possibility of a two-state solution, leaving us with no good solutions ahead of us. We all recognize that the two-state solution is not the ideal solution, but the alternatives are even worse, and in order for Israel to remain a democratic and prosperous nation, we must all work together to achieve it before it is too late.

I came back from the con-

In 5 years, Life and Legacy effort secures $10M in intended gifts

By Julia Umansky Director of Gift Planning and EITC

successes. In five years, 10 community organizations have secured:

Five years ago, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley launched efforts to become a partner organization in the national Harold Grinspoon Foundation Life and Legacy program to promote after-lifetime giving. Over the past five years, the Federation, along with nine other local Jewish organizations, worked to engage donors in legacy conversations and generate legacy commitments to helping sustain a bright future for our Jewish community.

In years one and two, the participating organizations focused on having legacy conversations, educating donors, and generating commitments. During the first two years, all 10 reached their goals for securing at least 18 legacy commitments, and generated excitement about getting involved in legacy giving.

After that, the organizations shifted their focus to formalizing commitments originally made with letters of intent. Years three and four were extremely successful, with commitments formalized at a rate of 68 percent; a few of the organizations formalized at least 75 percent of their intended gifts. As year four of the program ended, the efforts shifted to focusing on donor stewardship, while formalization efforts continued.

Year five of the program reflects the

• •

562 legacy gift letters of intent An estimated $10.4 million in intended gifts • Over $500,000 received in realized gifts from 80 commitments • At least 68 percent of intended gifts formalized The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is extremely thankful to the following organizations, their legacy volunteers, and their legacy donors for helping to make this program so successful over the past five years: • • • • • • • • •

Temple B’nai Shalom Temple Beth El Congregation Sons of Israel Congregation Keneseth Israel Jewish Family Service Jewish Day School Jewish Community Center Congregation Brith Sholom Congregation Am Haskalah

If you or someone you know is interested in leaving a legacy gift for one or more of the organizations listed above, please reach out to Julia Umansky at the Federation at Julia@jflv.org or 610-821-5500.

ference reinvigorated after learning that we in the Jewish community, our Israeli partners, and the Middle East in general have similar interests to pursue peace in the region.

This has been accelerated by the Abraham Accords, changing the region and the perception of Israel forever.

Yet, there is much more that we need to do to ensure that

Israel remains what it is today: a prosperous democratic nation. It is up to us as a Jewish community to continue to engage in this process by visiting Israel, speaking to our elected officials, and engaging in constructive conversations. We, the next generation of leaders, are ready for the challenge, and I hope you will join us.

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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2022 9

Like Fourth of July, but younger

By Gavriel Siman-Tov Community shaliach Yom Ha’atzmaut, huh? Israel Independence Day is like the Fourth of July but kind of different.

Let me explain. After being in the United States for two Fourth of July celebrations, and in Israel for 20 Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations, I do believe there is a difference. I’m not sure where it’s coming from.

Maybe it’s that Israel is only 74 years old, so young, with more energy to celebrate. Or maybe it’s that independence is something we have been waiting for for more than 2,000 years. It may be that each year we are happier for it.

I wish I could point my finger to something and say, “This is the reason.” But unfortunately I can’t.

I can only share my thoughts. Every year we keep on fighting, we keep defending our right to be a state, to be a country. Having a country is something that no Israeli takes for granted. Israelis hear stories of wars from our great-grandparents, our grandparents, our parents, our friends. We know we are still fighting, still defending our home. Then we celebrate our independence every year like it’s the first time.

Yom Ha’atzmaut festival-goers make orange juice and candy, get their ‘Yoav passports’ stamped Partnership2Gether hosted a Yom Ha’atzmaut festival outside the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley on May 5.

The festival featured tables and booths that were each focused on a moshav/kibbutz in Yoav, Israel. On entering the festival, guests could help themselves to Israelthemed souvenirs and other goodies, along with a “Yoav passport.” As they traveled to each table, they got their passports stamped.

Some favorites among the stops were the orange-juice-making table and the candymaking table.

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Shalom, not goodbye

BY RABBI SETH PHILLIPS Congregation Keneseth Israel Writing a farewell column in the Lehigh Valley after only 10 years feels, well, a tad self-indulgent given the ongoing service of double that and more from Rabbi Yaacov Halperin, Rabbi Moshe Re’em, and Cantor Ellen Sussman.

Rabbi Allen Juda is of course the doyen of the rabbinate and continues to guide us all.

But June 30 will mark the end of my tenure at Congregation Keneseth Israel after a decade of being embraced and, may I say, being at home throughout the valley. I wore my Navy uniform on Memorial Day (because it still fits) to say

once again how chaplaincy has shaped my time here. In the Navy, chaplains have no direct power, but must create relationships and connections with all shipmates, even if they are not of one’s faith. From KI, I was given the freedom to be with Jews from all shuls and to support the organizations that enhance Jewish life. Being a board member of the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Day School expanded my horizons and modeled my belief that every Jew needs a Jewish community connection. Yes, a solitary Yid can like Levy’s rye bread or know that bagels go with lox, but Judaism’s survival as a religion or as a culture depends on connecting your passion with others’ shared passions and tolerating that there may not be 100-percent overlap.

I have come to believe that while there are many shuls in the valley and many ways to express and share our Jewish identity, there is very little of “the shul I wouldn’t be caught dead in.”

You know the joke of the Jew rescued on a desert island after many years. The rescuers are amazed to see two Jewish houses of worship. “But there is only one of you!” they say.

“Why do you need two?”

Bada bing!

Thankfully, in the valley we seem to be able to be happy for others’ happiness. No guest at a KI Bar/Bat Mitzvah has ever scoffed at the absence of this prayer or that minhag. Yes, we have our own cherished way of doing things, but I see no evidence of a desire to impose “my way” on the world. Wearing a kippah or not, we can both support the Federation. Driving to shul or walking, every rabbi will be happy to see you.

If welcoming is our super power in the valley, I, gratefully, don’t see the kryptonite of judgement as in “What kind of Jew are you?”

Who has the time for lashon hara (evil speech) about another agency or org when we are all schlepping along to pay the bills, provide the tuna for Kiddush, and attract a minyan or a meaningful collection of worshippers.

So “be happy,” in the words of the Bobby McFerrin song. Those of us who have come out of the woodwork in the Lehigh Valley and support this wonderful community can afford to take a victory lap for the many accomplishments.

But as someone who has just had a birthday with a zero and who knows all my future neighbors around

my plot at the beautiful KI cemetery, I know we still need to worry. In an aging community, enthusiasm and personal invitations matter more than ever. If you’re doing something Jewish in the valley, tell a friend or a neighbor and invite them.

You’re not missionizing to a complete stranger but sharing an important part of yourself with friend.

Because I am staying in Allentown—Martha Segel of blessed memory helped us to find our lovely West End house—I won’t say goodbye, but shalom to the next chapter of our shared adventure. To be continued…

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ELIJAH ALBERT-STEIN

JOSIAH CAYENNE

BRENDAN COHEN

RONI COHEN

ALEXANDER FORGOSH

AARON GOLDSTEIN

ILANA GOLDSTEIN

ZACH GOLDSTEIN

AVI HOCHHAUSER

ISABELLA KUN

TOBY LADER

EVA LEVEL

JAREK A. SAUNDERS

JENAYE P. SAUNDERS

ABIGAIL SHURMAN

JARED SUSSMAN

EMMA SZYDLOW

DANIEL WAX

REBECCA WILSON

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CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2022 ELIJAH ALBERT-STEIN* Son of Sharon Albert and Mark Stein WILLIAM ALLEN HIGH SCHOOL WAHS Dance Academy, chorale, Canaries for Life, National Honor Society, Student Forum, spring musical productions, president of Student Government Association, president of mathematics honor society, Odyssey of the Mind team captain, student representative to Allentown School District School Board, homecoming chair. Plans to attend Tufts University, where he was selected for the Civic Semester first-year program.

JOSIAH CAYENNE Son of Susan Samuel HIGH SCHOOL OF PUBLIC SERVICE Wrestling team, Committee on Preschool Special Education / Committee on Special Education, advocating for students in special education, “You Can Go to College,” “Building Young Moguls.” Plans to attend Kingsborough Community College.

BRENDAN COHEN Son of Ginny and Zac Cohen PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Jewish Culture Club, National Honor Society, s’gan (vice president) of Allentown AZA/BBYO. Plans to attend Purdue University to study cybersecurity.

RONI COHEN* Son of Galit and Ilan Cohen JACK M. BARRACK HEBREW ACADEMY President of Sports Debate Club, President of Architectural Design Club, Class Treasurer, Jewish Leadership Initiative, Varsity Lacrosse Captain Recipient of the Varsity Lacrosse Most Improved Award. Plans to attend University of Miami to study Sport Administration.

ALEXANDER FORGOSH Son of Margee and Ari Forgosh PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Lacrosse, National Honor Society, national mathematics honor society, vice president of Science National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, president of Latin Club, cofounder and editor of the International Outlook Journal, 2022 Coca-Cola Scholarship winner, USA Lacrosse Academic All-American, USA Lacrosse Impact Athlete, regional and international positions in BBYO, enrolled in Lehigh University Senior Scholars Program, volunteer fire fighter with Tri Clover Fire Company, regional president of Liberty BBYO, Headstrong Lacrosse League, Kenneth Leventhal StandWithUs Intern. Plans to attend Georgetown University to study economics.

AARON GOLDSTEIN* Son of Tova and David Goldstein KOHELET YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL Junior varsity and varsity basketball, Student Ambassadors, yearbook, Kohelet Scholar, Friendship Circle, NCSY. Plans to attend Tulane University and major in business management.

ILANA GOLDSTEIN* Daughter of Tova and David Goldstein KOHELET YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL Editor in chief of school newspaper, president of Model United Nations Club, editor in chief of yearbook, varsity basketball, writing center tutor, Gemara Award, Kohelet Scholar with distinction, NCSY, Friendship Circle, Bronka Weintraub High School Bekiut Program. Plans to enroll in the Barnard College and Jewish Theological Seminary double-degree program with the intended major English/Talmud.

ZACH GOLDSTEIN* Son of Tova and David Goldstein KOHELET YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL Chidon HaTanach (two-time national finalist), Bronka Weintraub High School Bekiut Program,

president of Chess Club, staff writer for school newspaper, executive director of yearbook business team, staff writer for Fresh Ink for Teens, American Jewish Committee Leaders for Tomorrow program, NCSY, volunteer tutor in STEM Center, Kohelet Scholar with distinction, Yeshiva University Book Award, Tanach Award, valedictorian. Plans to attend Yeshiva University in the honors program with a proposed major in economics.

member of Order of the Arrow and chapter chief of the Lehigh District, assistant scoutmaster of Troop 3193, board member of TeenWorks through United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Scouts BSA, Girl Scouts, Venture Crew, Cteen, Friendship Circle. Plans to go through Air Force National Guard basic training this fall to specialize in heavy machinery and then attend college to study engineering.

JAMISON HARTNETT* Son of Gwen and Kevin Hartnett JACK BARRACK HEBREW ACADEMY Varsity basketball, varsity lacrosse. Plans to attend Clemson University to major in international finance. (Not pictured)

ABIGAIL SHURMAN Daughter of Rachel and Andy Shurman PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Co-editor in chief the Trumpet school newspaper, National Honor Society. Plans to attend the University of California, Davis, to study communications.

AVI HOCHHAUSER* Son of Julie and Aron Hochhauser PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Parkland freshman football, junior varsity and varsity cross country, varsity indoor track, varsity spring track and field, PIAA District XI cross country junior year, PIAA States at Hershey, Camp Ramah in the Poconos, Study Abroad Program at Alexander Muss High School of Israel, BBYO/AZA. Plans to attend Penn State University.

JARED SUSSMAN Son of Tracy and Matt Sussman PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Theater productions, chorale, chorus, Performing Arts Club, PALS Club, Mr. Parkland 2022, Festival of the Arts board member (treasurer 2020-21 and vice president 2021-22), International Thespian Society, BBYO, Friendship Circle, JFS Better Together and food pantry volunteer, JCC fitness center and camp employee. Plans to attend the University of Delaware to major in nutrition and dietetics.

ISABELLA KUN Daughter of Fay and Michael Kun EMMAUS HIGH SCHOOL Competitive dance team, That’s Dancin’ School for Dance Competitive Dance Team, Key Club, JFS Better Together, National Honor Society, Hornet Ambassador and freshman mentor, National Dance Alliance All American Award, BBYO Teen Tours to West Coast and to Europe. Plans to attend Northeastern University to study businessentrepreneurship.

EMMA SZYDLOW Daughter of Lisa and Ken Szydlow SAUCON VALLEY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Scholastic Scrimmage, Environmental Club / Envirothon team, Investing Club, swimming, track and field, stage crew, Global Scholars vice president, Model United Nations treasurer, cross country captain, track captain, MiniTHON events and fundraising coordinator, Aevidum officer, National Honor Society, Krav Maga. Plans to attend the University of Delaware Honors College to study biomedical engineering and thereafter, Pre-Medicine.

TOBY LADER Son of Jennifer and Gary Lader LEHIGH VALLEY ACADEMY Boy Scouts of America, USY, Brith Sholom Junior Congregation leader. Plans to attend Northampton Community College to study film and media production.

EVA LEVEL Daughter of Alice and Olivier Level NAZARETH AREA HIGH SCHOOL President of orchestra and Key Club, officer for campus safety, member of Students Against Destructive Decisions, Chess Club, Special Olympics Committee, French Club, Spanish Club, Interact Club, History Club, co-captain of varsity tennis, National Honor Society, honor roll throughout high school, swim instructor and lifeguard at Allentown JCC and Goldfish Swim School. Plans to attend Penn State University to major in hospitality management and administration.

JAREK A. SAUNDERS* Son of Joelle and Gary Saunders PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL and LEHIGH CAREER AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTE Welding technology program at LCTI, Eagle Scout, Brotherhood member of Order of the Arrow, troop junior leader in Scouts BSA, board member of TeenWorks through United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Friendship Circle, CTeen, Venture Crew. Plans to pursue an apprenticeship program in the Sheet Metal Works Union.

JENAYE P. SAUNDERS* Daughter of Joelle and Gary Saunders PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL and LEHIGH CAREER AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTE Varsity wrestling, fitness team, heavy machine operation and maintenance program at LCTI, Key Club, LCTI Senior Leadership Award, Zach Kraus Spirit Award 2022, Eagle Scout, Brotherhood

JONAS TENZER Son of Carah and Ryan Tenzer SALISBURY TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL Student Government Association, Key Club, National Honor Society, and co-founder and president of the Chess Club. Plans to attend the University of Vermont. (Not pictured) DANIEL WAX* Son of Laurie and Robby Wax JACK M. BARRACK HEBREW ACADEMY Soccer, cross country (captain senior year), Speak Up regional board member, Student Government secretary, member of STEAM Institute, Holocaust Remembrance Club, Photography Club, communications manager, St. Luke’s University Health Network vaccine clinic volunteer, St. Luke’s University Health Network health IT / marketing intern, Pinemere Camp counselor in training.

Plans to attend the University of Miami, Miami, Herbert Business School.

REBECCA WILSON* Daughter of Carol and Robert Wilson JACK M. BARRACK HEBREW ACADEMY President of Holocaust Education and Remembrance Club, president of Human Rights Club, president of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Club, swim team captain, Jewish Studies and Tanakh Award, Hebrew Award, Brandies Book Award (for strong academic achievement and devotion to volunteer work and political advocacy), vice president of Camelot for Children junior board of directors, JFS and Friendship Circle volunteer, intern for local and national political campaigns, StandWithUs intern, BICEP fellow. Plans to enroll in Northeastern University’s five-year bachelor’s/ master’s program to major in environmental science with a minor in Spanish. *ATTENDED JEWISH DAY SCHOOL HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2022 15

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Book Review: ‘How to Find What You’re Not Looking For’

By Sean Boyle Special to HAKOL Veera Hiranandani’s 2022 Sydney Taylor Book Award–winning middle-grade novel, “How to Find What You're Not Looking For,” is a reflective look into 12-year-old Ariel Goldberg’s life as she faces a most challenging year.

Hiranandani takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster of a ride where Ariel experiences love, anger, happiness, misunderstanding, ignorance, prejudices, happiness, loneliness, and a sense of fulfillment—often in the same chapter.

Written in the second person and set in Connecticut during the late 1960s, the book tells of Ariel’s experiences as she and her family cope with her older sister’s serious relationship with Raj, a recent immigrant from

India. There are not only interracial concerns, but also interfaith concerns, since Ariel’s Jewish parents are concerned with Raj being a Hindu. The book is set immediately after the Loving v.

Virginia Supreme Court decision striking down laws that forbid interracial marriages, and the ruling plays several large roles throughout the story.

When Ariel’s older sister, Leah, elopes with Raj and disappears into the hippie culture of New York City, the resulting tear in the family exposes Ariel to many previously undisclosed family secrets. This traumatic experience makes Ariel much more sensitive to those around her, whom she had previously taken for granted. The story comes to a climax as Ariel and her classmate sneak into New York City determined to find her sister and hopefully save the Goldberg fam-

ily from collapse.

Hiranandani demonstrates that it is better to be open and honest with people instead of keeping secrets and trying to act in ways that you think are making the situation better, but in reality are making things much worse. From a misunderstood classmate and a teacher trying to help a struggling student with an undiagnosed learning disability to complex parent-children relationships and many different types of prejudices, Ariel learns that looking and acting through a lens of love and honesty is the best way to solve conflicts.

Hiranandani’s mother is a Jewish American woman from Brooklyn who decided in 1968 to marry an Indian immigrant

against both of their parents’ wishes, and they have been married for over 53 years. One of Hiranandani’s children has the same disability as the main character, Ariel, so Hiranandani writes with authority and experience on many of the main topics throughout the book.

Highly recommended for ages 9 to 120, especially for anyone who has overcome adversity with love.

Sean Boyle is Congregation Keneseth Israel’s librarian and serves as president of the Schools, Synagogues, Centers, and Public Libraries Division of the Association of Jewish Libraries.

“How to Find What You’re Not

Looking For,” by Veera Hiranandani, Kokila, 2021, 372 pages.

Book Review: ‘Blacks and Jews in America’

By Sandi Teplitz Special to HAKOL You know the scenarios: hate crimes, political polarization, Israel vs. Palestine, Black Lives Matter, defunding the police.

No topic is off-limits in this candid exploration of current alliances and rifts between Blacks and Jews. Tired of the debate about who’s right? This book is for you. Conversational in tone, the authors invite us to have a peek into what open dialogue can bring to this subject.

Terrence L. Johnson and Jacques Berlinerblau co-teach a course solely devoted to it.

Berlinerblau, a Jewish professor at Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, was conceived in Paris, born in Maine, and raised in Brooklyn, which he calls a great Black and Jewish city. Since his mother didn’t speak English well, she befriended local Haitians and came to revere Martin Luther King. She passed this love on to her son.

Johnson is a Black professor in Georgetown University’s Department of African American Studies. He was reared in Indiana and had little contact with Jews other than hearing stories about them while attending Sunday school. When

he matriculated at Morehouse University, he was surprised to find that many fellow professors were white and Jewish. He discovered that many contacts in his formative years were white Jews who remained invisible in their seats of power, though they deeply influenced Black America.

The book attempts to engage Blacks and white Jews in productive ways to think and talk about race and religion.

Both friendship and antagonism are discussed, including similarities and differences in Africa and Israel as homelands.

The authors address the political ploy of the ad hominem attack: targeting character and motives rather than adhering to facts. Their exchanges with each other are balanced, probing yet nuanced, as they debate the arete of both Black and Jewish participants in the civil rights movement and anti-Semitic comments from Black tours de force in the past, and their effect on contemporary Jews. In so doing, they expose the necessity for Blacks and Jews to converse and search for a new and different understanding. Interesting chapters are titled “AfroJews” and “Outro,” the latter a catchy conclusion.

The only drawback to this “invitation” was the tediousness of the format. It would have been refreshing to have students’ stories interspersed with the dialogue and to see pictures and timelines.

This book depicts so much of what 2022 has come to symbolize: facing commonalities, discovering differences, and sharing experiences, all of which will hopefully bring us nearer to a deeper understanding of humanity.

“Blacks and Jews in America: An Invitation to Dialogue,” by Terrence L. Johnson and Jacques Berlinerblau, Georgetown University Press, 2022, 224 pages.

JEWISH DAY SCHOOL OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO

8th Grade Commencement CLASS

OF

2022

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE FACULTY, AND THE CLASS OF 2022 OF THE JEWISH DAY SCHOOL OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY REQUEST THE HONOR OF YOUR PRESENCE AT THE 8TH GRADE GRADUATION OF:

SHIRA BACH MICHAELA BUB ASA HOCHHAUSER EMILY KUSHNICK JAYDEN WOLERT

June 8

7pm

Jewish Day School Auditorium PLEASE RSVP BY FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 TO ADRIENNE WEAVER AT AMANGER@JDSLV.ORG OR 610-437-0721

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2022 19

Summer better than others

Thanks, Lehigh Valley Continues from page 6

By Gavriel Siman-Tov Community shaliach Another school year is over, and it feels like time flies way faster than it used to.

I’m not sure whether it’s because we ar finally back seeing and meeting people, starting to feel like normal again, or it’s just in my head. But I know for sure that time flies when you’re having fun.

Thinking back on my school time made me realize that kids here in the United States get a longer vacation for the summer. When I grew up in Israel, if you were in elementary school, you were done with school on June 30, and if you were in middle school or high school, you were done on June 20.

Throughout my school years, I always waited for this month to come because it symbolizes to me that the end of school is near. Don’t get me

wrong, I had a great time at school, but summer was so much more fun. I could stay up late and wake up whenever I wanted to. This was the best time of the year for me.

Then I grew up and realized that summer break is no longer a thing. I finished high school and the summer afterward was my last summer break.

Then there was work or Israel Defense Forces. And working during summer break became just another work time.

It was like that for a few years. I’m not sure what changed, but when I came here and it was June, the feeling of summer as summer vacation came back. I think I owe it to camp, working at camp, having this amazing experience, so much fun with the kids and just enjoying summer. This year I feel the same.

School is over and I can’t wait to start summer and summer camp.

Day three began with volunteering at Jewish Family Service, which provides food to those in need in the community. From there we toured the Hillel at Muhlenberg College and Temple Beth El, the beautiful synagogue and Hebrew school in Allentown, and we had the pleasure of meeting some of the students with teacher Alicia Zahn, a member of the Lehigh Valley steering committee. We talked to the children about Yoav, Israel, and the upcoming Israel Memorial Day and Israel Independence Day. The days are back to back and the Yoav delegation wanted us to help bring the experience and feelings of swinging quickly from sorrow to joy to the Lehigh Valley.

Sunset began Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day). Members of the community joined us as we commemorated soldiers who lost their lives in service and the victims of terrorist activities.

We remembered those from the Yoav region, reading name by name as memorial candles were lit, and we told stories of a few fallen soldiers. Rabbi Seth Phillips read prayers.

We were all so impressed with our visit to the Jewish Day School on our fourth day in the Lehigh Valley. We saw the beautifully decorated classrooms and learned about the great education provided by the teachers.

The children led a very moving Yom Hazikaron ceremony. In dance, words, and song, we joined with them to remember those who gave their lives for the state of Israel. After a delicious lunch, we walked through one of Allentown’s beautiful parks.

The end of Yom Hazikaron brings

the celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day). Flags waving, we danced the night away with the community.

One of the goals of the trip for the Yoav delegation was to get to know the history of Lehigh Valley, and what better way than to visit the site of the old Bethlehem Steel factory? This impressive structure, which we saw on day five, meant employment for thousands in the area. A walk along Main Street revealed additional history of the town, and we picnicked in the beautiful Bethlehem Rose Garden Park.

At the JCC, we celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut. Children from the Jewish Day School paraded over to join in the festivities. Tables were set to represent each kibbutz or moshav, and the children went from booth to booth to get their “Yoav passports” stamped. They enjoyed dressing in army clothes and squeezing oranges into juice. They listened to Israeli music. The whole play yard was decorated with blue and white.

The evening ended with a wineand-dessert get-together of women who had been on one of the Momentum group trips to Israel in the past or are going this July.

It’s amazing how quickly the time passed during our visit to Lehigh Valley. With tearful goodbyes, we thanked our friends for spending time with us.

We got the opportunity to learn and connect, strengthening our bonds. You took us from point A to point B and kept us on time so we could learn about your community. You educated us on the culture and challenges of the Lehigh Valley Jewish population and showed us the wonderful work you do in the community as a whole.

We invite you to come to Yoav in 2023 (if not before). The Yoav–Lehigh Valley Partnership2Gether is stronger than ever, working together and building our future.

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20 JUNE 2022 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Sisters forever: Yoav visit to the valley strengthens Momentum bonds

By Annette Mashi Special to HAKOL It seemed like only yesterday that 12 women from Lehigh Valley hopped on a plane to visit Israel as part of the Momentum program. The first stop on that trip in July 2019 was to Yoav, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s partner community. From the moment these women got off the bus, we felt the bonds of friendship beginning.

We traveled together through Yoav — to the Arab village Al-Azi, to Kibbutz Gat for wine tasting and chocolate making, and to the Mark L. Goldstein, z”l, grove for tree planting. Spending the evening with host families, the Lehigh Valley women learned more about Yoav. No trip to the region is complete without stopping at the Beit Guvrin Caves and the Tom and Tomer Memorial in Kibbutz Negba.

Then it was time to join the official Momentum journey.

As we traveled through Israel, friendships with the Momentum participants grew and strengthened. Safet, Massada, the Dead Sea, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem — no matter where we were, we explored and connected. Laughing, sharing stories and experiences, and learning about each other, the nine days passed quickly.

Plenty of tears were shed when the trip ended and the women had to return to their lives in the Lehigh Valley. We said our goodbyes and promised to keep in touch.

And so we did. Whether it was through Facebook posts or Whatsapp messages, we continued to keep each other updated on what happened in our individual lives. We were excited to learn that in 2020 the Yoav delegation for Partnership2Gether would travel to the Lehigh Valley. We’ll see

our Momentum sisters! However, COVID-19 changed that and the trip was postponed.

We would have to settle for jumping on Zoom calls to see how everyone was coping. Was there someone who needed assistance? When would we see each other in person again?

Finally, after a two-year wait, the Yoav delegation visit was scheduled for May 2022. As the days drew closer, constant messages were sent.

“You must stay with me,” said Wendy Edwards to Yael Feller Malka and Amy Sams to me. “Of course,” we replied. After all, we had no doubt that we were coming to be hosted by our sisters.

Wendy contacted all the other Lehigh Valley women to arrange an evening together, where else but at Naomi Elice Schachter’s beautiful home.

Around the table with everyone taking turns to share updates on their lives, their families, their triumphs, and their sorrows, we created another memory to add to memories from the past.

As part of the Yoav delegation to the Lehigh Valley, we met with not only the past participants of Momentum, but also the women who will be part of the Momentum trip this July. Tali Haion, a member of the Yoav delegation who will also be joining the trip in July, got the chance to schmooze and connect with her new friends. We could feel their anticipation and excitement as the women from the past trips gave tips to make this year’s trip even better. They are in for a truly wonderful journey, and we look forward to hearing about their adventures in Israel and in Yoav.

The Momentum trip in 2019 was life-changing for each of us in our own way, empowering us to be stronger

Past and future participants of the Lehigh Valley Momentum mission trip. and to learn to ask for help when we need it. We know that our sisters are there, excited to celebrate our successes. We encourage each other to venture forward, to have confidence, and we look to each other for inspiration.

All the participants say they consider the Momentum journey a gift they gave to themselves. You will always be busy and can always find excuses to delay the experience, but when we, as women, learn to put ourselves and our needs first, it’s better for our families as a whole. Having love, family, and friends makes our lives richer, fuller, and happier. Isn’t that what life is all about?

Yael Malka and Amit Zehavi, members of Partnership2Gether, talk about their experience meeting the travelers on the last trip.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2022 21

PARTNERSHIP2GETHER UPDATE FROM YOAV

YOAV CALLING!

Some lessons for the schools

By Nurit Galon Partnership2Gether Somehow, despite all the problems of COVID-19 —yes school, no school, Zoom school—the school year is coming to an end, with all the excitement for the graduates preparing to enter a new phase of their lives and with the schools saying goodbye to students they have taught and guided for the last three or six years.

Here in Yoav, Israel, where we have three regional elementary schools and one regional high school, we decided to talk to the students, and also to students at a neighboring high school, to see how they feel about their schools. Have they been sufficiently prepared to go out into the world, to join the army, to plan their future?

Maya Malai and Sagiv Rubinski, graduates of Tzafit, the regional high school of Yoav, explained what it means to study in a school that offers boarding to stu-

dents three days a week. The boarding is voluntary, though all students are encouraged to take part. What does boarding school give its students?

A feeling of belonging, and time together to organize activities, discuss subjects, prepare projects. Students who are boarding are tremendously loyal to one another and to their school.

What about studies? When the emphasis is so much on developing by doing, surely there isn’t much time for learning? Both Maya and Sagiv insist that, on the contrary, studies are an important part of school—just not the only part!

How do the teachers regard the boarding school?

Some are not thrilled with it, but the more senior teachers are in favor because they see the results. Batya Dansiger, the principal of Tzafit for 10 years, has no doubt that boarding school is beneficial all around.

In today’s world, where the accent is on achievement,

it is doubly important to give students the chance to express themselves and develop in various directions, not only academically. Tzafit was voted by the Ministry of Education as example of excellence last year.

Shaked Tubis graduated a year ago from the Brenner High School in Yoav’s neighboring community. Today she is a reporter for the navy.

Was she happy at Brenner?

Certainly not unhappy, but the focus was totally on doing well academically; there was very little time for social activities. Consequently Shaked felt that students had time only for academic achievement and were not encouraged to develop other facets of their character. She added that she probably would have been happier in a kibbutz high school with a boarding school component.

This week the Minister of Education dropped a “bomb” when she revealed a plan to abandon a number of final exams and replace them

with work projects. All the students here thought this was a great idea, though they admitted it needed a lot of preparation. Would students from wealthy families have an advantage in being able to get better help? But it’s time for a system that has seen very little change over the last

20 years to reexamine itself.

To all the graduates of Lehigh Valley and Yoav, our very best wishes go with you. We are confident that all you have learned in your communities and schools will help and support you whatever direction you choose to go.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TEMPLE / ST. LUKE’S SCHOOL OF MEDICINE CLASS OF 2022!

“I RECEIVED ALL MY EDUCATION TO BECOME

A DOCTOR RIGHT HERE IN

THE LEHIGH VALLEY.”

Thirty medical school graduates will now go on to practice medicine. Many new doctors, such as Dr. Nick Roma, will stay in our community. Dr. Roma just graduated from Temple/St. Luke’s School of M e d i c i n e and will be a resident at St. Luke’s University Hospital – Bethlehem, where he plans to become an interventional cardiologist.

Nick’s accomplishment is a combination of hard work, dedication and an entirely h o me g ro w n education. He gra d u a te d from Central Catholic High School and Mu h le n b e rg College, and went on to study medicine right here at the Nation’s #1 Teaching Hospital. It’s an educational journey that could only be made possible by the first and only four-year medical school in the Lehigh Valley. sluhn.org/SOM

HAKOL | 10" X 8" | SLU3052 SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

22 JUNE 2022 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

PJ Library helps dedicate the newest JDS playground

By Amy Golding Head of School, Jewish Day School PJ Library visited the Jewish Day School for a redribbon-cutting ceremony at the school’s newest little-kid playground on Sunday, May 15, 2022. The JDS built two new playgrounds this school year, completing the last one this spring. A beautiful wooden structure here stands next to an outdoor classroom gazebo, four garden beds, and a compost bin.

To dedicate the new outdoor space and to celebrate the love of play, the head of the school, Amy Golding, alongside JDS students, read

PJ Library books to the more than 100 people who attended the celebration. Games, a mitzvah project, a beautification activity, face painting, and more were all part of the afternoon fun.

The red-ribbon ceremony featured Senator Pat Brown, a representative from Congresswoman Susan Wild’s office, Allentown Mayor Matthew Tuerk, Representative Mike Schlossberg, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, and South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners President Diane Kelly.

The proclamations received from elected officials will be hung inside the school to mark this event. The special guests

fa ll

noted that the JDS continues to educate the whole child, focusing not just on academics and on social and emotional learning, but also on the value of play-based education. The JDS has continued to be a source of comfort to families as they navigate a pandemic life.

The beautiful campus stands out in the neighborhood and deserves to be celebrated.

While JDS students will harvest food from the garden to be used in the school’s nutritious hot meal plan, donations will be delivered to the Jewish Family Service soup kitchen on a regular basis.

Mazal tov to the JDS community on reaching this milestone.

A DISH FOR DAD

By Sandi Teplitz I was lucky to have a father who customarily brought home goodies from the bakers he sold supplies to. Additionally, when my siblings and I visited his workplace, we could climb on the tiered boxes piled to the ceiling and open one or two, pulling out some mini chips and candied fruit. This was one of his favorite Shabbat starters, lovingly prepared for us by my mother.

CHOPPED LIVER & EGGS WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS Ingredients:

1 pound kosher chicken livers 10 Vidalia or Mayan onions, sliced 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped coarsely 5 tablespoons corn oil, preferably Mazola Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder

Technique:

Caramelize the onions with the oil over low heat; this will take about 30 minutes. During the last 10 minutes, add the livers. Remove livers from the liquid and chop coarsely in a bowl. Add eggs, and season with pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly. Add paprika to the onions, then add to the meat, being careful not to mash it. Serve warm on slices of fresh Challah.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2022 23

Do Jews believe in magic?

By Adina Re’em Special to HAKOL The Hebrew words Shema Yisrael, “Hear, O Israel,” mark the opening of the Shema. The Shema has been cherished and preserved by the Jewish people for over 2,000 years, but few realize it has a connection to magic, specifically magic used to attain protection, health, and success. Its use in protective magic is attested throughout the Jewish world and continues to the present day.

“Hear, O Israel: The Magic of the Shema on Zoom” was the first museum exhibition to explore the uses of the Shema in magic. Among the items on exhibit were the ritual objects tefillin (phylacteries) and mezuzot, which contain the text of the Shema and are regarded as having protective qualities. The exhibition thus raises thought-provoking questions about the complex relationship between religion and magic.

The exhibit recently ran at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Exquisitely crafted jewelry, amulets, talismans, and much more were on display, with stories as gripping as their beauty. Staffer Nancy Benovitz, who studied archaeology and Greek epigraphy, jumped at the opportunity to translate the Greek writing on a recently acquired artifact and ended up cocurating the exhibit.

Temple Beth El in Allentown is sponsoring a one-time opportunity to see the Israel Museum exhibit, via a virtual tour that begins at 10 a.m. on June 26. Register at https://tinyurl. com/yfmwkwwc.

Jewish biographer of artist Sol LeWitt to speak and sign books at Allentown Art Museum

Above left, “Wall Drawing #793A,” Sol LeWitt, India ink and color ink wash. First installation: Sala de las Alhajas, Madrid, 1996. Allentown Art Museum installation: 2018. ©ESTATE OF SOL LEWITT, 2018 Above right, Lary Bloom with newsman Morley Safer in Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek synagogue in Chester, Connecticut, in 2012. Bloom and artist Sol DeWitt were synagogue board members together. DeWitt was also on the design committee and designed this Star of David, as well as the synagogue itself.

“Wall Art #793A,” which transformed the Allentown Art Museum’s Trexler Hall with its waves of vibrant color for more than three years, is being removed soon. To celebrate this creation of the groundbreaking conceptual artist Sol LeWitt once more before it’s gone, the museum is hosting a “dynamic conversation” with his biographer, Lary Bloom, in June.

Bloom was a long-time friend of LeWitt, who died in 2007. And they were both members of the board of Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek in Chester, Connecticut. LeWitt, a son of Jewish immigrants from Russia, designed the synagogue in collaboration with an architect. He conceived of 24 JUNE 2022 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

the now-famous interior with its shallow dome and exposed wooden roof beams as an homage to the wooden synagogues of Eastern Europe. He created the foyer for use as an art gallery.

Bloom, in writing the first biography of LeWitt, “Sol LeWitt: A Life of Ideas” (2019), drew on his 20-year friendship with his subject, as well as on the artist’s letters and on over 100 interviews with friends and acquaintances. Bloom is the author of multiple books besides “Sol LeWitt,” including a collaboration with former Senator Christopher Dodd, “Letters from Nuremberg: My Father’s Narrative of a Quest for Justice” (2007), and he has taught writing at Yale University and Trinity

College. His daughter, Amy Bloom Coleman, lives in the Lehigh Valley and owns the design company Spundesign.

In celebration of LeWitt’s wall art in Allentown, Bloom will discuss the artist’s life and work in the museum’s auditorium on June 25, beginning at 1 p.m. A book signing will follow at 2.

Admission is free. Seats are first come, first served, though museum members are guaranteed spots. Members can also attend a meetand-greet with Bloom in the Member Lounge before the talk. All visitors, of all ages, are invited to make miniature wall drawings of their own in the museum’s Art Ways Interactive Family Gallery between noon and 3 p.m.

Israeli designer fashions right here in the valley

By Shira Yacker Special to HAKOL Israel has a long fashion history. And in recent years it’s been starting to get its due recognition. “Slowly but surely,” Vogue declared in 2019, “a new generation of Israeli labels is finding its way onto international red carpets.”

Now the fashion conscious of the Lehigh Valley can find items from three different Israeli designers right here at home. BoutiqueToGo, a shop in the Allentown’s West End Theater District known for designer clothes, jewelry, and handbags and other accessories, is featuring clothing and accessories by three different Israeli designers.

One of those designers is Daniella Lehavi, focusing

on leather handbags and other accessories. Lehavi opened her studio in 1990 and, since her passing, her son now works to create bags and shoes for every season from a variety of materials, with different color schemes and themes.

BoutiqueToGo is carrying Lehavi’s Let & Her line.

Then there are two clothing designers. Both stay true to Israel’s casual-chic style, which the fashion website Chic Icon explains like this: “The land of Israel is known for its casual outfit due to its geographical location.

People there tend to enjoy lightweight-natural fabrics for their daily wear. Cotton, bamboo, or silk match their preference well to protect them from the heat.”

Alembika is one of the two Israeli clothing lines at

BoutiqueToGo. The label says it’s focused on helping women feel comfortable in their own skin, offering “fashion that treats your body with respect.”

Founded in 2005 by Hagar Alembik-Hazofe, who attended the Shenkar School of Design, and Dr. Judy Fadlon, an anthropologist, the company has created a line of clothes to flatter women of all sizes.

The other Israeli clothing designer is Bevy Flog, which specializes in comfortable elastic-waist pants that can be either casual or dressy, depending on how they’re accessorized. The label caters to all body types with comfortable yet updated and stylish clothing for women.

BoutiqueToGo is at 522 North 19th Street, Allentown, near the Civic Theater.

Historical society offers a virtual tour of Jewish Easton

The Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society is offering a new virtual tour of the community. “From Past to Present: A Virtual Tour of Jewish Easton” was launched on May 1 and will be available permanently as a virtual activity through the society’s online platform.

In the 1650s, Dutchmen from New Amsterdam (present-day New York) were exploring the area that would become Northampton County.

Among those explorers was a group of Jewish refugees from Brazil that had made an agreement with the Dutch West India Company to stay and settle in New Amsterdam. This Brazilian group was the first established Jewish community in North America.

On November 29, 1655, three of those explorers requested permission from the West India Company to travel and trade along the Delaware River. Although their

request was denied, they were granted permission to send two others on a different expedition. This is where Easton’s Jewish history begins.

The 22-two stop virtual tour moves in chronological order, encompassing Easton’s downtown area between Scott Park and Sixth Street. Exact addresses or approximate locations are provided for anyone who wishes to walk through the sequence of tour stops. Citations, sources, and further reading material are provided at the end of the tour.

Access to the virtual tour is free for society members and $10 per device for nonmembers. Visit www.

NCHGSpa.org to log in.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2022 25

France’s first female premier in decades is daughter of Holocaust survivor

French President Emmanuel Macron has named Élisabeth Borne to be the country’s new prime minister—the first woman to hold the position in 30 years.

“I dedicate this nomination to all the little girls in France, to tell them ‘follow

stein, was a Polish Jewish refugee who fled from Belgium to France in 1940 and joined the French resistance against Nazi forces in Europe. He was later deported to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, where his father and his youngest brother were killed upon arrival.

Another brother was deported to Majdanek and hanged. Bornstein and an older brother survived the Holocaust. He passed away in 1972 when Borne was just 11 years old.

Borne is France’s first female premier since Édith Cresson, who served from May 1991 to April 1992 under President François Mitterrand.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BAR-ILAN UNIVERSITY SPOKESMAN'S OFFICE

Jewish News Syndicate

your dreams,’ ” said Borne, 61. “Nothing should stop the fight for women’s place in our society.”

Borne held three different ministerial positions—transportation, environment and labor—during Macon’s first term in office. Macron secured a second term after facing a run-off contest with far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, daughter of Jean-Marie Le Pen, a Holocaust denier even further to the right.

An engineer, Borne served as director of strategy for the French railway company SNCF. She also worked in various local and national governmental departments.

Her father, Joseph Born-

Israeli university takes in young Ukrainian math prodigies

Ukrainian students with math coach Aleksandr Tolesnikov, center.

By Diana Bletter Israel21c Thirteen of Ukraine’s top highschool math geniuses have landed in Israel for a specially created program at Bar-Ilan University’s International School.

“My mother took me as far as Poland but then I had to say goodbye,” said Leonid Diachenko, 14, from Kyiv. “It was really hard to say goodbye because I don’t know when I’ll see her again.”

Dan Carmon, an engineer at StarkWare, one of the main donors to the project, is a coach on the Israel Youth Math Team. He said that he knew the Ukrainian coaches from competitions, and he and his colleagues were “crushed by the plight of the Ukrainian team.”

Carmon proposed that StarkWare contribute funding needed to launch the humanitarian effort and the company immediately agreed. Bar-Ilan University then raised approximately 1 million shekels ($289,000) to absorb Ukrainian researchers and students, with contributions from Google and the Israel Friends of Bar-Ilan.

The Bar-Ilan International School arranged visas and housing, and prepared an interdisciplinary academic curriculum tailored to the students’ needs. The students will learn Hebrew and take courses in math, computer science and physics. Some will continue with bachelor’s degree studies in October.

“It’s heartbreaking that these youngsters need to leave home to continue normal life, but we were determined to give them the chance to do so,” said Bar-Ilan University President Arie Zaban.

Diachenko said that he thinks a lot about the safety of his family but added, “I have to live with this.” The Bar-Ilan program is “giving me exactly what I’ve wanted, in spite of the war which is disrupting the dreams of so many people from our country,” he said.

26 JUNE 2022 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

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