HAKOL - July 2020

The Voice of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community

www.jewishlehighvalley.org

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Issue No. 433

July 2020

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Tamuz/Av 5780

AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION EST. 1977

Lehigh Valley bids farewell to community shlicha Rotem Bar p4-5

Jewish community speaks out against racism p7

FROM THE DESK OF JERI ZIMMERMAN p2 LVJF TRIBUTES p8 JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE p11 JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER p14 JEWISH DAY SCHOOL p15 VIRTUAL COMMUNITY CALENDAR p23

Lehigh Valley to welcome new shaliach

By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor On his first trip to the U.S. as a young man, Gavriel Siman-Tov was first exposed to shlichim, or Israeli emissaries, and he felt like maybe that was what he was meant to be. Starting this August, his dream will come true as he travels to the Lehigh Valley to become the Jewish Federation’s new shaliach.

“When I first met the Israeli emissaries, I realized that I want to work in Jewish communities and maintain the connection between Israel and the world,” said Siman-Tov. The 23-year-old from Ramat Hasharon, a suburb of Tel Aviv, has always been interested in international relations. He’s been a camp counselor in a few different settings, including in Malibu, California. During his school days, he participated at an international camp in Russia which brought students from several countries together, an

experience that Siman-Tov said he will always remember. He also was part of an exchange program in Germany, and enrolled in a pre-army academy that had him studying with other Jews from around the world.

Once in the Israel Defense Force, he had the unique experience of serving as a sound engineer for the Air Force’s musical ensemble. As part of the band, he got to travel on delegations to the U.S. and get more exposure to Jewish culture here.

“It was very interesting. I met a lot of people and had a lot of music around me. It was amazing meeting so many talented people,” said Siman-Tov. Now, he’s looking forward to meeting the people of the Lehigh Valley.

“I know people don't capture Israel as I capture Israel and see it,” said Siman-Tov, recalling how an American friend he met on Birthright thought Israel was just one big war zone. “I want to bring to the Lehigh Valley my

perspective on Israel, as an innovative and developing country, with business and academic communities. I will share my story and my experience, to show that Israel has many options for success and self-realization, in contrast to what may be present in the world media.”

In addition to building on the work that the Lehigh Valley’s departing community shlicha, Rotem Bar, has established over the past two years, SimanTov also has big plans to strengthen the connection between the Lehigh Valley and its Partnership2Gether community in Israel, Yoav. He has already been in touch with leadership there.

“I want to create a stronger partnership and create more and more things we can do together. I’m really excited you already have that. That’s amazing, and I want to make that a bigger thing.”

Editor’s Note: Keep an eye out for ways to meet Gavriel and welcome him once he reaches the Lehigh Valley!

PJ@Home offers families fun this summer Good news! PJ Library is here to entertain your kids now that school is out. Each week, families can register for PJ@Home, a free weekly program via Zoom, and will be sent a link to join the program. Log on to enjoy a fun and engaging half hour of activities and stories.

For the first program on June 17, children made blanket forts and smores and snuggled up to listen to PJ stories.

“I loved how the families participated,” said Abby Trachtman, project coordinator for the Jewish

Non-Profit Organization 702 North 22nd Street Allentown, PA 18104

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

Federation of the Lehigh Valley, who is running the programs. “The kids were so cute. They’ve all been using Zoom so were familiar with the platform. We spent a little time visiting with one another too.”

Trachtman has high hopes for the future of the program.

“All of the families who participated in week one registered for week two as soon as the flyer went out, so that says they enjoyed it,” she added.

Programs will continue on Wednesday mornings at 11 a.m. through July 22. Future offerings

include a nature scavenger hunt followed by making a sun catcher with the items found, taking an imagination vacation and more.

Registered participants will receive an email listing the items needed for the program. Most items are things we have readily available at home. Don’t have the materials? No problem. Children can just listen and watch if they prefer and do the activity another time.

To register, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/pjathome.

Looking ahead Editor’s Note: Jeri delivered a version of the following remarks at the Federation Annual Meeting on June 11. They have been updated and edited to fit this format.

It was Thomas Paine who said: “These are the times that try men’s souls ...” While trying, this year has also been gratifying!

As I reflect on the past year as executive director of our Federation, we all had so much hope and anticipation of what 2020 would bring. It is almost difficult to remember all that we accomplished before the pandemic changed our reality. We began our year with an impressive major gifts reception, held a number of successful and engaging Women’s

Philanthropy and Maimonides Society programs, celebrated at an unprecedented community concert, participated in meaningful CRC programs and launched our community planning process, just to name a few highlights. We successfully pivoted to meet the challenges of the coronavirus and moved swiftly to our online programming platforms.

This was all done in partnership with YOU – each of you and all of you, our community members, our board members, committee members, agency leadership, clergy, volunteers and staff. It all starts with you was the slogan that led us into our 2019-20 campaign year.

Because of your generosity, I am pleased to announce that

we will close our 2020 Annual Campaign at $2,375,000 – up from our previous campaign by $120,000. This is in addition to raising significant dollars through our emergency campaign. THANK YOU! Together, we are just starting to emerge from the corona crisis and a world addressing issues of anti-Semitism and racial equality. We still face a world filled with many uncertainties. While we continue to develop business models and new approaches – transparency, accountability, focus and impact will still be our mantra.

A number of articles have been written about the new normal and some of those thoughtleaders’ words resonate with me. Organizations that are

most successful in the future will be those best able to adapt and take advantage of opportunities. We will need to continually ask the right questions in terms of how “new normal” trends can impact operations, service delivery and our ability to deliver on our mission.

To that end, I’d like to note five other points as we move forward.

1. Uncertainty will continue: Opportunities exist, but change is difficult and inertia is a strong limiting factor.

2. Organizations that are laser-focused on the execution of their mission will be best positioned to succeed.

3. Priorities have shifted and may continue to shift.

4. One cannot stress enough the importance of leadership.

5. And we also rely on the evolving and increasingly important role of each of YOU. Please accept my gratitude for your strong support and your continuing involvement in our Jewish community. I hope you will join me as we begin a new program year and our 2021 Annual Campaign. This is our moment!

HAKOL STAFF STEPHANIE GOODLING Editor

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

COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS Submissions to HAKOL must be of interest to the entire Jewish community. HAKOL reserves all editorial rights including, but not limited to, the decision to print any submitted materials, the editing of submissions to conform to style and length requirements, and the placement of any printed material. Articles should be submitted by e-mail or presented as typed copy; “Community Calendar” listings must be submitted by e-mail to hakol@jflv.org or online at www.jewishlehighvalley.org. Please include your name and a daytime telephone number where you can be contacted in the event questions arise.

We cannot guarantee publication or placement of submissions.

$2,375,000 RAISED 2020 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs

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 GARY FROMER In honor of your one-year anniversary as JFLV president Eileen and Roberto Fischmann

RABBI MICHAEL SINGER In honor of receiving the Mortimer S. Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction Eileen and Roberto Fischmann

SETH KAPLAN AND AIDEN In honor of your birthday Jane and Arthur Kaplan

SHARI SPARK In honor of your special birthday Arlene Gorchov

LARRY LEVITT In honor of your 80th birthday Marietta Banach and Jerry Mihalakis

ZACK TAMARKIN Mazel tov on your bar mitzvah Aaron Gorodzinsky

RABBI SETH PHILLIPS In honor of receiving the Mark L. Goldstein Award of Outstanding Jewish Communal Professionals Eileen and Roberto Fischmann

EILEEN UFBERG In honor of receiving the the Daniel Pomerantz Award for Campaign Excellence Eileen and Roberto Fischmann ROSALYN WEINGROD In honor of 90th birthday Cooky and Mike Notis ERIC ZAGER Mazel tov on your bar mitzvah Aaron Gorodzinsky ISRAEL ZIGHELBOIM In honor of receiving the George Feldman Achievement Award for Young Leadership Eileen and Roberto Fischmann

IN MEMORY BROTHER (Brother of Shelley Eisner) Elaine Lerner DORIS FRETZ (Mother of Jeff Fretz) Nancy Bernstein JULIE FUCHS (Wife of Spencer, mother of Jessica and Brittany) Arlene and Richard Stein STANLEY KAPLAN (Husband of Elaine Kaplan) Barbara and Fred Sussman PAUL LANGER (Husband of Elaine Langer) Aaron Gorodzinsky DAVID PHILLIPS (Father of Vanessa Shaw) Valeska and Israel Zighelboim EDITH SIMON (Mother of Robert Simon) Eileen and Roberto Fischmann Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel LARRY SCHWARTZ (Husband of Sandy Schwartz) Barbara and Fred Sussman

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

2 JULY 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

MAIL, FAX, OR E-MAIL TO: JFLV ATTN: HAKOL 702 N. 22nd St. Allentown, PA 18104 Phone: (610) 821-5500 Fax: (610) 821-8946 E-mail: hakol@jflv.org

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

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

Member American Jewish Press Association

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

JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY MISSION STATEMENT

In order to unite, sustain, and enhance the Lehigh Valley Jewish community, and support Jewish communities in Israel and around the world, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is dedicated to the following core values: • Supporting Jews in need wherever they may be.

• Supporting Israel as a Jewish homeland.

• Supporting and encouraging Jewish education in the Lehigh Valley as a means of strengthening Jewish life for individuals and families.

• Supporting programs and services of organizations whose values and mission meet local Jewish needs.

To accomplish this mission the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is committed to the following operating guidelines: • Raising and distributing funds to support the core values.

• Developing Jewish leaders.

• Building endowments to support implementation of core values.

• Committing to ongoing Jewish community strategic planning.

• Fostering cooperation among organizations and community building.

• Evaluating all decisions with respect to fiscal responsibility.

• Identifying unmet needs and investing in community initiatives to help get them started.

• Coordinating and convening a community response as an issue or need arises.

• Setting priorities for allocation and distribution of funds.

• Acting as a central address for communication about events, programs and services of the Jewish community as a whole.

Approved by the JFLV Board of Directors on November 15, 2000

Virtual Federation annual meeting brings community together

By Bayley Carl JFLV Marketing & Engagement Associate The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s 2020 Annual Meeting took place this year via Zoom on Thursday, June 11. The meeting featured inspiring speeches from Federation Executive Director Jeri Zimmerman, Federation President Gary Fromer and Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America.

The meeting opened with a video of students from the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley singing “Hatikvah.” This video was also shown at JDS’s virtual graduation ceremony two days prior.

Fromer spoke to the Jewish community’s constant willingness to give. He reported that the annual campaign this year has exceeded last year’s campaign, and with the help of the Coronavirus Emergency Campaign, Federation delivered over $175,000 to Jewish agencies to help the critical needs they faced.

The annual meeting also featured this year’s award ceremony. This year’s winners were Israel Zighelboim, winner of the George Feldman Achievement Award for Young Leadership, Eileen

Ufberg, winner of the Daniel Pomerantz Award for Campaign Excellence, Rabbi Michael Singer, winner of the Mortimer S. Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction and Rabbi Seth Phillips, winner of the Mark L. Goldstein Award for Outstanding Jewish Communal Professionals. These individuals were recognized for everything they do to enhance our Jewish community.

In her speech (see column on Page 2), Zimmerman addressed everything from individual suffering to protests to COVID-19. She expressed her gratitude to her staff, who successfully pivoted to online programming platforms at the onset of the Coronavirus epidemic.

Following an inspiring speech from Zimmerman, a new board of directors was elected.

The floor then opened up to hear from Fingerhut. Before serving in his current position with JFNA, Fingerhut served as President and CEO of Hillel International, where he helped work to double the number of college students engaged by Hillel. He worked tirelessly to help members of the Jewish community become engaged while educating them and also doing an incredible amount of fundraising.

While speaking to the at-

Eric Fingerhut, CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, speaking via Zoom from his home.

tendees, Fingerhut shared stories of working as a Sunday school teacher before leading into the struggles the world has been facing. Whether it be helping those affected by the Coronavirus epidemic, or talking about the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, “we don’t have the privilege of not responding,” Fingerhut stated. He spoke to the welcoming, safe, educated and flourishing Jewish community he lives and works within. He also emphasized how well prepared the Federations were for what 2020 would

end up bringing.

“You cannot create an organized community in a time of crisis. It has to already be organized in order to respond,” Fingerhut said. “In a time of crisis, we realize the actual insight of the Jewish community’s mode of organizing.”

“Our largest Federation, of course, is in New York City because it’s the largest Jewish community in America,” he continued. “They used to have a slogan that ‘we were here on 9/11 because we were here on 9/10.’ The insight, they didn’t just come into

existence to respond on 9/11, they were there and therefore they were able to respond.”

Regardless of our inability to gather in person, the Lehigh Valley Jewish community continues to come together and flourish both on a daily basis, and in the face of adversity.

“Who else will do what you do? Who else will step up in these moments of crisis?

Who else cares for the community as does the Federation?” Fingerhut asked. “The answer clearly is: no one else but you.”

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY 2020 3

Lehigh Valley bids farewell to community shlicha

By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor

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

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

Over the past two years, Rotem Bar has become a household name among the Lehigh Valley Jewish community.

“We’re really going to miss her and all the vibrancy she has brought to our community,” said Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of the Jewish Federation, which was responsible for bringing Bar to the Lehigh Valley. It had been several years since the Lehigh Valley had shlichim, or emissaries bringing Israeli culture to the local community, but Bar single-handedly revitalized the program during her time here.

“I felt like I was putting down the roots for the people who will come after me,” said Bar of her time as shlicha. “I had to build my own sched-

ule. The second year, I knew what that was going to look like. But the first year was meeting people and then putting them on the schedule.”

Once Bar got introduced to the community, her calendar was soon full. She spent time in public schools, in synagogues and youth group meetings, in pre-K classes at the Jewish Community Center and with students at the Jewish Day School. She led unique events on topics such as the Israeli elections, commemorating fallen soldiers and gap year programs for teens. She went everywhere from AIPAC to visiting local older adult residences with Jewish Family Service and did everything from creating escape rooms to writing a monthly HAKOL column letting everyone get to know her and her perspective a little better.

And, in a surprise to her as much as anyone, Bar spent the last few months of her time in the Lehigh Valley shifting her programming to a virtual platform in light of COVID-19. She made 50 videos to brighten the day of everyone watching the Federation Facebook feed at home, showing off her cooking skills and giving other glimpses into Israeli culture.

Now, in her final days as the official community shlicha, Bar has been working behind the scenes to set things up for her successor.

“I’ve been trying to build the new person a schedule.

A lot of organizations don’t know what’s happening next year, but hopefully he’ll at

least know things like what days he’s at the JDS,” she explained.

What seems like second nature to Bar now she had to build from scratch when she got here. Lucky for the new shaliach, he won’t have to reinvent the wheel.

“I tried to meet as many people as I could and be involved,” reflected Bar. “Trying to figure out how could I build something stable that someone can take after me, and hopefully 10 years from now, we’ll still have shlichim.”

She has a lot of hope for the future of the shlichut project in the Lehigh Valley that she is passing on.

“We’re so diverse in Israel, and everyone will bring their own impact and interests,” she said.

As for what’s next for Bar, she isn’t exactly sure where she’ll end up, but she’s hoping to settle in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. She will be returning home to Israel in August and seeking to continue a career in international relations there.

“I want to continue in an international environment.

I would love to keep doing something that I feel is satisfying and doing good for Israel,” she said.

But for the moment, it will be enough to be back home with her family.

“I’m looking forward to reuniting with my dog,” Bar said.

Editor’s Note: We wish Rotem a fond ‘L’hitraot’--see her final column on page 5. To learn about the new community shaliach, Gavriel Siman-Tov, see page 1.

Handmade Afghans

BY EVA LEVITT

All proceeds benefit projects in Israel:

Food Banks in Israel Neve Michael Youth Village

For prices or to place an order, call Eva 610-398-1376.

All payments are made payable to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley 4 JULY 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

L’hitraot—‘until we meet again’

By Rotem Bar Community Shlicha It is hard to believe that two years have passed in a blink of an eye, and very soon I will be making my way back to Israel. In my wildest dreams, I did not envision this experience to be as meaningful as it was.

Back in February 2018, only days after being told I was accepted to the Shlichut program, I got a phone call asking me to interview for a lovely community named the Lehigh Valley.

At first, I thought ‘Wow! California could be fun.’ But after a short Google search, my California picture turned

into a state I could not spell, views of trees, steel, Amish and the Liberty bell. Honestly, I did not know what to think, but after interviewing with the Federation, I just had this feeling that this is meant to be (luckily so did they). I was excited for the opportunity to represent Israel, to be part of something so meaningful and to create and build the Shlichut position in the Lehigh Valley. I was thrilled and excited, but I did not realize then that I had made a decision that will change my life as much as it did. A few months went by, and I was on a plane with a suitcase full of dreams.

(Very cliché but so true! Also, I had

way more than one suitcase.)

It has not been a traditional start, and it is definitely not a traditional end. The past two years, you have shown me the power of community. It was inspiring to learn the dynamics of Jewish life in the Lehigh Valley. I was amazed how groups and individuals live together in harmony as one strong community as you do here. I quickly understood what a model example this is and how much there is to learn from it. You have let me into your homes, hearts and let me share “my Israel” with you in every encounter we have had. We might have met at Federation, at one of the synagogues, maybe at the JCC, in the corridors of JDS or over dinner. We might have met at one of my Israel programs or JFS. We probably passed each other at Giant or at one of the many community events. Every encounter with every one of you has made an impact on me, and I will always cherish that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this treasured, one-of-a-kind journey.

A special thank you to Federation and the Gaines family for allowing this to happen. Thank you all for collaborating, being partners and showing up to the activities, programs and ideas that I brought with me. Thank you for listening and allowing me to learn and, most importantly, for all the meaningful relationships and bonds we were able to create together. All of which I am so proud of.

There is so much to say, and it is hard to sum it all up on paper, but I will say the most important thing I

have learned is how strong we are as human beings, as a Jewish people and as a community. I hope we will always use these strengths to make this world a better place. I will definitely take all that I have learned from you back home with me, in the hope that I can pass this on to the people around me. In these uncertain times, I do not know exactly what my next step is, but I do know it is going to be amazing, and I promise to share it with you as soon as I have settled down back in Israel. Over the past two years, I feel that I have planted the roots of shlichut here, and I am very proud of what we have created together. I am certain these roots will continue to grow each year with the shlichim to come. We have an awesome shaliach coming in this year, and I know you will welcome and embrace him as much as you did me.

I will be leaving my second home here in late July. It breaks my heart that due to the pandemic, I cannot properly say goodbye to all of you before I leave, but I will always have a place in my heart for this wonderful community. I hope you know that you have a friend in Israel, and I will be waiting to see you when you come to visit. I will miss you all; this is not ‘Goodbye’ but a ‘L’hitraot,’ until we meet again.

With lots of love and gratitude,

Rotem

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY 2020 5

Young Jewish adults to become ‘changemakers’ through JFNA program

Free kosher meals program feeds kids in Lehigh Valley

AARON BERGER

The Jewish Federations of North America is offering young adults an opportunity to gain leadership skills and earn a little cash this summer.

The first session of two Jewish Changemaker Fellowship sessions will launch July 6. The second session, beginning Aug. 3, was added after an overwhelming response from applicants across North America.

The three-week online leadership experience for Jewish students and recent graduates, ages 20-25, is built for career development, networking and making a difference in the community. Changemakers will grow their skills and contacts needed for success in a competitive job market. They will lean into their Jewish community and act at a time of unprecedented crisis and challenge.

For approximately 15 hours per week, Fellows will earn credits for each session completed, for volunteering and for connecting with their small group cohort and coach.

Each cohort will develop its own project to address a local challenge caused by the global health pandemic. Participants who achieve the total credit goal and meet the program requirements will earn a certificate of completion and a $500 stipend.

The Changemaker curriculum covers three different themes: professional development, service and advocacy and the global Jewish community. Jewish values and ideas are woven throughout.

The “big idea” is to recruit and train a generation of young Jewish leaders – a vanguard that will transform our community now and into the future.

Volunteers unload kosher meals for local Jewish children from the C.B.S Kosher Food Program. The Pennsylvania Department of Education approved C.B.S. to provide kosher, nutritious meals for all children under the age of 18 from all schools, regardless of family income. Pickup is available each week on Monday between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind Congregation Sons of Israel.

The food boxes include five lunches and snacks.

Hebrew University makes master’s program more accessible Just because you can’t travel to Israel right now doesn’t mean you can’t earn a master’s degree from the Melton Centre at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Previously, the centre offered a blended learning program, with two to four distance learning semesters and four weeks on cam-

pus to earn a master of arts in education specializing in Jewish education.

Due to the travel restrictions surrounding COVID-19, the four-week summer semester will now be taught online over six weeks. By completing a minimum of three online summer courses, you can meet the on-campus learning requirement.

And the centre has more news regarding its Midcareer Fellowship, to accommodate Jewish educators in these uncertain times. The fellowship is open to profes-

sionals who have completed their undergraduate degree at least five years prior and have served the Jewish community professionally for a minimum of three years.

Before, it was required that professionals work at a Jewish institution for at least 15 hours a week while pursuing their degree. A special COVID-19 exemption for the work requirement will be made in 2020-21 for Jewish community professionals who have lost their jobs.

To learn more, visit www. majewisheducation.com.

Bring Jewish stories home To learn more about PJ Library and register to receive free Jewish-themed books for children from 6 months through 8 years, visit www.pjlibrary.org.

6 JULY 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

DAVID CAINE

Jewish community speaks out against racism

In response to the recent protests seeking justice in the deaths of many wrongly killed Black Americans,

the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley released the following state-

ment: “Federation stands in solidarity and partnership with the Black community, decrying the horrific murder of George Floyd and the racism that tragically still engulfs our nation. We mourn the deaths of those who have lost their lives because of hate, racism and bigotry. We stand in solidarity with all communities of color in the fight for equality and the right of all people regardless of the color of their skin to live without fear.”

Other groups are speaking out against injustice, as well, such as the Bethlehem Interfaith Group (BIG), founded and led by Rabbi

Michael Singer of Congregation Brith Sholom. Singer spoke at an NAACP rally at Payrow Plaza in Bethlehem on June 6. He also helped craft the BIG statement with other clergy leaders, which read in part, “We raise our voices in support of and solidarity with those who are peacefully demonstrating for racial justice, and commit ourselves to being partners and allies for systemic change.”

The Lehigh Valley Jewish Clergy Group echoed these sentiments: “We must address all issues of racism and xenophobia and as a country begin the process of unifying our nation under

one principle of justice that recognizes all humans as created in the image of God and deserving of equal treatment. We must also remember that there are Jews of color in our communities who are affected by the systemic racism in our society, as well as by antiSemitism. They must not be forgotten or ignored. We must all stand together, for we are one.”

The Jewish Federations of North America state unequivocally, “Together, we can and must be stronger than hate. We will stand and fight for a world free of racism and bigotry in all of its forms.”

What Juneteenth means to my Black Jewish family

By Marcella White Campbell Kveller.com

of the oldest Jewish stories.

My children’s ancestors were enslaved in ancient Egypt — and in Arkansas.

If one of us is not free, none of us is free. If anyone’s humanity is called into question, that should shame all of us. Juneteenth is the day that all my Black ancestors were finally free, but that means it is also the day America became free, at least by law. This year, Juneteenth was marked with rallies and marches, and families gathered — in small groups, socially distanced, or over Zoom — to celebrate. I hope your family celebrated, too.

BLUEBEARRY/GETTY IMAGES

I have always been interested in genealogy, but having children made me more invested than ever in unearthing my family’s stories. I wanted to show my children what “biracial” really meant, piecing together their father’s Scottish and Russian Jewish ancestry with my Black Arkansas and San Francisco roots. At the same time, I felt the need to bolster what “Black” really meant. My husband could point to the specific villages his forebears left behind. How far back could I trace my own, formerly enslaved, ancestors?

Once, I tried to trace my mother’s family back to specific plantations. For those who don’t know, the best way to do this is to compare census records with the family wills of slave owners, because they often mentioned slave names in their wills. A lover of research, I happily immersed myself in a scanned antebellum document, deciphering the copper-plate handwriting.

I came upon the list of possessions. “One mahogany table,” it read. “One dozen napkins. One slave, George, age 6.” It stopped me cold, and I haven’t opened another will since.

I was familiar with the history of slavery in this country, of course. I had researched the Middle Passage, where thousands of slaves met their deaths before they ever reached the Americas. I knew the horrors the United States had inflicted upon enslaved people. I had understood that my ancestors had been considered inferior. But I had never seen it so clearly: My ancestors and their children were seen as objects, stripped of their humanity, to be disposed of the way I inherited my grandmother’s earrings and her silverware. Under the law, my ancestors weren’t seen as fully

human until the Emancipation Proclamation, in 1863.

But not all of them. During the Civil War, slave owners fleeing the Union Army transported over 100,000 enslaved people to Texas, hoping to outrun abolition. After the war, although news of the Emancipation Proclamation did reach Texas, slave owners simply refused to obey it. While emancipation was celebrated in the rest of the United States, the enslaved people of Texas remained subjugated. Some were unaware of their freedom; others were lynched for trying to claim it.

On June 19, 1865 — two years after the Emancipation Proclamation — the Union Army arrived in Galveston, Texas, to formally enforce the law. Major General Gordon Granger read aloud General Order #3, a statement that permanently liberated enslaved Texans. They could no longer be bought, sold, or handed down from parent to child. Under the law of the land, they were finally seen as human.

Every year since, on June 19, Black Americans have celebrated Juneteenth — the only holiday that marks the end of slavery. Some celebrate formally, with community festivals, parades, speakers and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation. Some families gather for celebratory barbecues, where generations mingle and share stories. Some may do nothing at all. On Juneteenth, the very act of living freely and joyfully defies those who enslaved us. Juneteenth reminds us to cherish our freedom, and, at the same time, to guard it fiercely.

Juneteenth also reminds me to tell my children the stories of my enslaved ancestors; there is no shtetl in our past, but our subjugation and freedom are essential pieces of the American story, just as slavery and freedom are part

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY 2020 7

IN HONOR MARC BERNSTEIN AND SARA VIGNERI In honor of daughter Lillian’s graduation from Barrack Hebrew Academy Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald LAURA AND BOB BLACK In honor of your daughter Stefanie’s engagement to Alex Alchek Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Bonnie and Bobby Hammel SHERYL AND RANCE BLOCK In honor of the marriage of your son Josh to Kristen Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald JEANETTE EICHENWALD In appreciation Francie Ficelman JEANETTE AND EDUARD EICHENWALD In honor of grandson Eben’s Bar Mitzvah Barbara and Arthur Weinrach AMY AND ERIC FELS In honor of daughter Brenna’s graduation from Barrack Hebrew Academy Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald LISA AND BARNET FRAENKEL In honor of the birth of your granddaughter, Isabelle Grace Jill and Jeff Blinder Suzanne Lapiduss Edith Miller Cooky and Mike Notis Randi and Donald Senderowitz Pam and Greg Silverberg RACHEL FROMER

In honor of your graduation from Penn The Wiener Family VICKI AND LARRY GLASER In honor of the engagement of Jeff to Martha Jill and Jeff Blinder SANDRA AND HAROLD GOLDFARB In honor of the birth of your great grandson, Luca David Weinstein Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald STEPHANIE AND BRANDON GOODLING In honor of your marriage Bonnie and Bobbie Hammel CAROL HALPER In honor of being a 2020 Lehigh Valley Business Women of Influence nominee Wendy and Ross Born ELLEN AND PHIL HOF In honor of the birth of your grandson, Abraham Louis Hof Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald ANNA KARP In honor of your graduation from Parkland High School Lauren and Doron Rabin CHELSEA AND ERIC KARP In honor of your daughter’s graduation from Parkland High School Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald BETH AND HOWARD KUSHNICK In honor of your son Ethan’s graduation Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald SUZANNE LAPIDUSS In honor of the birth of your grandson, Mathias Matan Billig

Wendy and Ross Born Elaine and Leon Papir BROOKE PLOTKIN AND BEN LEFFEL In honor of the birth of your daughter "Charlie" Sybil and Barry Baiman LARRY LEVITT In honor of your 80th Birthday Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Judy and Alan Morrison MARGO AND ERIC LIGHTMAN In honor of the birth of your son, Asher Levi Lightman Vicki Wax AMY AND ROB MORRISON In honor of the engagement of your daughter Rachel to Jeff Mermelstein Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald BOBBI AND JAY NEEDLE In honor of the birth of your grandson Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald AUDREY AND NICK NOLTE In honor of the birth of your grandson, Luke Michael Nolte Wendy and Ross Born Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald RABBI SETH PHILLIPS In honor of receiving the Mark L. Goldstein Award for Outstanding Jewish Communal Professionals Jill and Jeff Blinder Wendy and Ross Born Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Sara and Karl Glassman Carol and Barry Halper Bonnie and Bobby Hammel Lynn and Michael Rothman ILENE AND MICHAEL RINGOLD In honor of your son Andrew’s graduation from Parkland High School Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald LESLIE SCHMIER In honor of receiving your therapy degree Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald JILL AND IVAN SCHONFELD In honor of your 50th wedding anniversary Wendy and Ross Born Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald RABBI MICHAEL SINGER In honor of receiving the Mortimer S. Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction Wendy and Ross Born Carol and Barry Halper Bonnie and Bobby Hammel Lynn and Michael Rothman SHARI SPARK Happy Birthday Arlene and Richard Stein JACOB SUSSMAN In honor of your graduation from Parkland High School Lauren and Doron Rabin Jake Wiener and Family EILEEN UFBERG In honor of receiving the Daniel Pomerantz Award for Campaign Excellence Wendy and Ross Born Jeanette and Eduardo

Eichenwald Sara and Karl Glassman Carol and Barry Halper Bonnie and Bobby Hammel Lynn and Michael Rothman ALEX VALUNTAS In honor of your graduation from Parkland High School Lauren and Doron Rabin Jake Wiener and Family VICKI WAX In honor of your special birthday Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Joan Epstein Iris Klein Suzanne Lapiduss and Family Lauren and Doron Rabin MARTIN WEINBERG Wishing you a speedy recovery Barbra and Arthur Weinrach BARBARA AND ARTHUR WEINRACH In honor of your daughter Julie’s marriage Wendy and Ross Born Monica and Martin Lemelman MIRIAM AND MIKE ZAGER In honor of Eric’s Bar Mitzvah Marla and Brian Strahl ALICIA AND BRUCE ZAHN In honor of your son Daniel’s graduation Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald ISRAEL ZIGHELBOIM In honor of receiving the George Feldman Achievement Award for Young Leadership Jill and Jeff Blinder Wendy and Ross Born Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Sara and Karl Glassman Carol and Barry Halper Bonnie and Bobby Hammel Lynn and Michael Rothman

TED MARKSON (Father of Bill Markson) Carol and Barry Halper ROBERT MENDELSON (Husband of Betty Mendelson, father of Jan Ehrich and Mona Kaufman) Wendy and Ross Born David Gorman and Janice Rosenberg Orna and Larry Rosenthal Monica and Martin Lemelman Ron Ticho and Pam Lott Barbara and Arthur Weinrach FAYE MOZES (Yahrzeit) Nahum and Ruth Vishniavsky DAVID PHILLIPS (Father of Vanessa Shaw) Lauren and Doron Rabin SEYMOUR RATNER (Husband of Lois Ratner, father of Amy Morse) Abby and Mark Trachtman WENDY ROSS (Daughter of Marjorie Ross) Carol Robins ROBERT SCHIFF (Brother of Marjorie Jasper) Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald EDITH SIMON (Mother of Robert Simon and Carol Ann Miller) Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Carol and Stewart Furmansky Bobbi and Jay Needle Barbara and Herb Richman Randi and Donald Senderowitz MICHAEL WOOD (Brother of Judy Sheftel) Carol and Stewart Furmansky Randi and Donald Senderowitz

IN MEMORY FATHER (Father of Tamar Weinger) Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald RUTH (Sister of Cecilia Cable) Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald HARRY BRILL (Father of Sam Brill and Eli Brill) Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein Randi and Donald Senderowitz STEVE DAVIDOFF (Husband of Chellie, father of Lisa) Darlene and Beverly Stein ETHEL HAMBURGER (Mother of Melanie Greenberg) Randi and Donald Senderowitz JOAN HARRISON (Wife of Ron Harrison) Wendy and Ross Born STANLEY KAPLAN (Husband of Elaine Kaplan) Randi and Donald Senderowitz MORRIE KRICUN (Brother of Bobby) Randi and Donald Senderowitz PAUL LANGER (Husband of Elaine Langer) Merry Landis DOROTHY LITTMAN (Mother of Beth Josephson and sister of Stephen Epstein) Roberta and George Diamond

IN HONOR LYNDA KRAWITZ In honor of your special birthday Lynda and Richard Somach Arlene and Richard Stein JANE AND BILL MARKSON In honor of the marriage of your son Jon to Julia Lynda and Richard Somach MARYBETH AND DAVID WEINSTEIN In honor of the birth of your two grandsons Lynda and Stuart Krawitz

HELEN AND SOL KRAWITZ HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND

IN MEMORY DONNA BRESLOW (Wife of Jonathan Breslow, mother of Jordan Breslow, sister of Marsha Krawitz) Lynda and Stuart Krawitz EDNA BRILL (Wife of Harry Brill) Lynda and Richard Somach LINDA CHMIELEWSKI (Mother of Danielle Silverman) Lynda and Richard Somach LOUIS FURMANSKY (Father of Stewart Furmansky) Lynda and Richard Somach MALCOLM LEVY (Father of Carol Wilson) Lynda and Richard Somach TED MARKSON (Father of Bill Markson) Lynda and Richard Somach STANLEY STEIN (Brother of Richard Stein) Lynda and Richard Somach MICHAEL WOOD (Brother of Judy Sheftel) Lynda and Stuart Krawitz 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.

8 JULY 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

National Jewish endowment building initiative tops $1 billion in commitments including $8.2 million in Lehigh Valley

To support the Lehigh Valley Jewish community's future, 318 donors have made 516 legacy commitments thus far through the LIFE & LEGACY program. These commitments have helped LIFE & LEGACY, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, to hit the $1 billion mark nationally.

“LIFE & LEGACY continues to be a community success story. Our 10 participating organizations have studied together and supported each other to create a legacy program for the entire community. They have embraced the fact that if one organization benefits, we all benefit,” said Jim Mueth, director of planned giving and endowments for the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.

In less than eight years, LIFE & LEGACY has motivated more than 17,000 donors in 63 communities across North America to commit more than $1 billion in current and afterlifetime assets to the Jewish organizations which shaped their lives. In challenging times like these, endowments provide organizations with the financial stability to meet evolving needs. Legacy commitments ensure that organizations that are providing impactful programs and

services during both calm and turbulent times have the necessary resources to adapt.

“The cooperation and collaboration fostered by LIFE & LEGACY as local organizations work to a shared goal of endowment building is especially critical now,” said Arlene D. Schiff, national director, LIFE & LEGACY. “Even in the midst of so much disruption and uncertainty, we continue to empower many generous and committed individuals and families to give back to the Jewish organizations that have played and are playing an important role in their lives.”

The commitments made by the Lehigh Valley’s legacy donors are just the beginning of a community-wide effort to ensure a bright Jewish future.

A full list of LIFE & LEGACY participating organizations and the donors who are supporting them can be found at jewishlehighvalley.org/lifeandlegacy.

“Providing Jewish organizations with a strategy to help secure their long-term financial goals is absolutely vital, especially now in the middle of an economic crisis,” said Harold Grinspoon, founder of HGF. “Supporting our Jewish institutions is critical to ensuring future generations are able to enjoy our rich culture and heritage. I am thrilled that LIFE & LEGACY is motivating donors to make legacy commitments that will sustain vibrant Jewish communities for years to come.”

To learn how you can be part of securing the Lehigh Valley’s Jewish future, call Jim Mueth at 610-821-5500 or visit jewishlehighvalley.org/lifeandlegacy.

This new movie about Jewish and Palestinian foods is streaming on Amazon Prime

By Gerri Miller The Nosher To quote noted Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi, “Food can bring people together in a way nothing else could.”

That’s the premise of the new movie “Abe,” in which the young title character tries to blend the cuisines of his mother’s Jewish family and his father’s Palestinian parents to forge a truce between these feuding branches of their family tree.

Set in Brooklyn, the story follows the 12-yearold protagonist (played by “Stranger Things’” Noah Schnapp), whose passion for cooking leads him to a street fair and to Chico (Seu Jorge), an Afro-Brazilian chef who takes him under his wing and teaches him the culinary ropes. Abe applies what he learns to get his extended family to stop fighting over Middle East politics.

Brazilian-Jewish director Fernando Grostein Andrade personally related to the crisis of identity that children of interfaith marriages, like the fictional Abe, often face.

He’s the son of a Catholic father and a Jewish mother of Polish-Russian heritage, and he was raised on latkes, kasha varnishkes and matzah ball soup. Food provides the backdrop of the film, and the recipes were chosen with just as much care as the actors and their wardrobes.

In the film, historically Jewish fare is shown mixing with traditional Middle Eastern flavors, producing such hybrids as hummus tahini challah, yucca latkes and fattoush salad with garlic matzah.

For research, Andrade and his production designer, Claudia Calabi, traveled to Israel and Palestinian areas to interview chefs, farmers and people at food markets,

documenting it for a forthcoming documentary called “Flavors” that he’s editing now. He had a food stylist on set, and the use of an industrial kitchen to prepare multiples of everything.

He turned to Brazilian food writer, editor and teacher Monica Mortara to serve as his expert consultant, and she faced numerous challenges on her first film.

“Coming up with the recipes wasn’t easy. The cuisines of both cultures are closer than they might seem,” she said. “We chose the most popular dishes in those cultures, and we made very daring interventions with iconic ingredients. For example, the fattoush salad, traditionally served with the pita bread, is modified and served with matzah.”

Of all the movie’s recipes, Andrade pronounced it his favorite.

Each recipe was carefully concocted. Some of the dishes appear less than perfect because Abe is not a seasoned chef. The film depicts his failures as

well as his triumphs. “The Thanksgiving lunch scene is Abe’s attempt at integrating both parts of his family.

He uses the symbolism of Thanksgiving to support his initiative,” Mortara said.

“He sets himself out to deal with family feuds with an intensity that does not give any room for perfectionism.

His dishes are charmingly imperfect.”

“Abe” was well received at its premiere at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, and it won the audience award at the Washington Jewish Film Festival, proof that audiences are responding to its story and culinary message.

“Food has healing powers, because it activates our memories of once being fed with comfort food by our mothers when we were sick,” Andrade said. “It’s a path to connect people, and connection is crucial in order to reach understanding and agreement.”

“Abe” is available On Demand and for rent on Amazon, GooglePlay and YouTube.

Happy Happy2019!

2019!

Happy 2019!

Allentown & Lebanon Allentown & Wilkes-Barre Allentown & Lebanon Allentown & Wilkes-Barre Allentown & Lebanon Allentown & Wilkes-Barre

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY 2020 9

Ringel lecturer offers advice on 'what's in your medicine cabinet'

JFS unveils new financial assistance program for pandemic relief

By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor

Jewish Family Service Staff

On June 7, Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley held its annual Phyllis Ringel Memorial Lecture on a topic promoting family values, as it does each spring. The only difference was that this year, it was held via Zoom.

The talk, entitled “What’s In Your Medicine Cabinet?”, featured speaker Don Bastian, a registered pharmacist who specializes in geriatric medicine, presenting on safe medicine use for older adults. He explained how once a person reaches age 65 and over, their bodies can metabolize medicines differently. They are also prone to comorbidities that can lead them to several prescriptions from several different medical care providers. These have the potential to interact in dangerous ways if not monitored carefully.

“I am asked to privately consult older patients and their families about are they taking the right drugs and are they taking them in the right dosages.

The geriatric pharmacist basically has a mission to promote safe and effective medication use and, most importantly, the best quality of life in older adults,” said Bastian.

He went through the most common groups of drugs to be prescribed to older adults and gave examples of issues that may arise with each one.

He also answered questions from the audience on topics such as how to address concerns for loved ones living in assisted living facilities.

Although the lecture is usually given to an in-person audience, due to the social distancing restrictions of COVID-19, the event was held virtu-

ally. The silver lining to this, however, was that more of the extended Ringel family could attend, and Joseph Ringel, the son of Dr. Phyllis Ringel, z”l, long-time executive director of JFS in whose memory the lecture series was established, was able to address the audience.

“She helped guide the institution in ways that enabled JFS to thrive as a community institution,” said Ringel, speaking of his mother. “She was involved in a wide variety of activities that served young and old, men and women, Jews and non-Jews. … It was at JFS that she truly felt that she was truly able to contribute her skills to society at large.”

That legacy lives on in the support that JFS is able to provide to the local community, such as through webinars like the one Bastian presented.

To view a replay of the entire webinar, visit jfslv.org/explore-topics-of-interest.

The vast majority of people we connect with are walking on a tightrope with their finances. All it takes is one extra need such as a medical issue, loss of income or other crisis to throw them off balance.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in March, we knew that our clients would probably be facing devastating consequences, and therefore a mobilization plan was quickly implemented.

This plan included applying for funds to help clients and seeking ways that we could safely distribute food to families through the Community Food Pantry.

We began this process by securing a grant to provide direct support to food pantry clients with children living in their homes. We were allowed to supplement the pantry food with a gift card to a grocery store for families with children under the age of 18. While we could not continue to offer a “choice” pantry during the pandemic, we modified our food distribution process so that we are now able to consistently provide significant quantities of food to households. We have earmarked funding to ensure clients with special dietary needs, including kashrut and gluten intolerance, have access to the foods they need.

The next step was for us to conduct a survey of food pantry and case management clients; discovering the highest areas of need to be job loss, rent/mortgage assistance and food insufficiency.

We focused on applying for grants that supported these areas of need.

Through grants from United Way

and the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP), we developed the Emergency Financial Assistance Program (EFAP). EFAP provides families with assistance related to housing, utilities, health care and food where there are financial challenges due to COVID-19.

Clients experiencing need are required to fill out an application form, which can be found at jfslv.org/emergency, to determine eligibility. Those without access to a computer may call the JFS office at 610-821-8722 and request a paper application to be mailed to them.

EFAP provides clients with a onetime grant to alleviate financial hardship brought on by COVID-19. Beyond financial support, we offer case management to individuals and families to help access additional resources and support.

The JFS vision is that “no one in our community should suffer hunger, isolation, abandonment, emotional or physical distress, or lack of community support and caring.” While we may not be able to fulfill all needs, our services can provide the opportunity for a person to take a deep breath and have some relief.

“The goal is to try and give some relief to families in a confidential and professional manner. We invite those who have suffered financially as a result of the virus to apply, knowing that our goal is always to be sensitive and caring,” said Debbie Zoller, executive director of JFS. To apply for the EFAP, visit jfslv.org/ emergency or call Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper at 610-821-8722.

St. Luke’s is working tirelessly to ensure our hospitals and facilities are as safe as ever: • We are all masking for you • We screen all patients for COVID-19 symptoms prior to appointment and convert suspected positive screens to virtual appointments • We limit the number of people in our waiting rooms and maintain social distancing • We limit guests to 1 per person and mask all guests • We keep patients with COVID-19 in separate patient rooms • We make sure our staff is healthy and fever-free • We provide virtual registration and check-in as well as online payments • We offer a blend of appointments (in-person and virtual) • We maintain high levels of infection prevention, repeatedly cleaning and disinfecting all waiting and exam rooms

The care you trust. Now more than ever.

sluhn.org/COVID-19 10 JULY 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY 2020 11

Rest and Recreation

5 easy ways to ‘campify’ your home this summer

UNITONEVECTOR/GETTY IMAGES

here. Yes, you may want to provide some activities, guidance and structure, but lack of structure is also good, healthy and great for your sanity as well as your children’s. In this unprecedented moment, take advantage of the flexibility of not needing to rush to the next activity. In sum, go easy on yourself!

By Sharon Weiss-Greenberg Kveller.com Ready or not, summer 2020 is here, folks!

How to “campify” your home?

(And if that’s not actually a word, it is now!) What purchases might be made to make your home a little more camp-like this summer, and/or how can we make use of ourselves and random objects in our home to bring some much-needed levity and camp spirit to our homes?

Dara Podjarski Marcus, founder of Little Compass; Molly Wernick,

community director at Habonim Dror Camp Galil; and Andrew Davies, founder and executive director of Jewish improv group The Bible Players each gave practical wisdom as well as positivity and creativity.

Here are some key takeaways that we learned from these experts: 1. You do not and cannot recreate camp at home.

You are not an entire camp staff. You do not have kitchen staff, drama staff, sports staff and so on. Summer 2020 need not be jam packed with activities and entertainment — balance is key

2. Empowerment is a camp value.

Self-empowerment is a key tenet of camp, and that’s one element of camp life you should incorporate in your home ASAP. Empowerment does not mean giving your kids free reign to do as they want — rather, empowerment is defined as individuals having access to resources in order to accomplish their goals and objectives. In other words, you do not need to hold your kids’ hands for every step of a project or activity. Depending on your children’s ages and the tasks at hand, you can help get them started — however, whatever they’re working on, be it a painting or cleaning the bathroom, will be more engaging and meaningful for your kids if they are the ones driving it and feel a sense of ownership over it.

3. Some framing is helpful.

Depending on your childrens’ ages and interests, you may want to consider building a calendar of daily or weekly themes for them to de-

velop. Examples include traveling around the world, Olympics, historical periods and more. Children can think creatively of ways to develop activities related to the theme, such as making passports or planning international menus or creating medal ceremonies. A family brainstorming session or two may provide loads of independent activities throughout the summer.

4. Reuse, recycle…

Look, you have a lot going on. You do not have to come up with all of the ideas on your own. Rabbi Google is your friend. Borrow ideas up the wazoo. Heck, steal them! No need to keep up with the Joneses and purchase a whole bunch of stuff your kids will use once and will then gather dust. Keep your eyes on the prize: sanity!

5. Have fun!

Another tenet of camp is being a dugma ishit, a role model. What this is really about is role modeling how to act. This happens to be the BEST way to transfer values you hold dear to the next generation — plus, your behavior and outlook toward the summer ahead will affect your children’s attitudes as well. While the world may be chaotic and downright scary, you can create a bubble and allow yourself to let loose. You’ve earned it.

Two-ingredient banana tahini pops are the perfect summer dessert hack

By Sheri Silver The Nosher Remember when one-ingredient banana ice cream broke the internet? If not, let me refresh your memory.

A while back a “recipe” (if you can call anything with one ingredient a recipe) for banana ice cream went viral.

And with good reason. To make it you simply put a few frozen sliced bananas in a food processor and blended them until they achieved the consistency of soft serve.

Pop them into the freezer and sure enough, you had a frozen, scoopable “ice cream” that was healthy, vegan and sugar-free.

And, like most viral recipes, banana ice cream was soon replaced by the next

food trend – and the one after that — and so on.

But we’re bringing it back, giving it a tahini swirl and turning it into popsicles! Because everything’s better on a stick. And with a tahini swirl.

Not everyone has a popsicle mold, so we’re showing you how you can make these pops in a loaf pan — but feel free to use those molds if you’ve got ‘em.

And don’t stop there — tahini is just the beginning! You can swap it for almond butter, chocolate chips, strawberry preserves, granola or even add some other frozen fruit like strawberries or blueberries — whatever you like.

These couldn’t be easier, and when was the last time you gave permission to eat ice cream for breakfast?

12 JULY 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Ingredients 6 ripe bananas, peeled, sliced and frozen 1/2 cup tahini 3 Tbsp. maple syrup (or to taste) Directions 1. Line an 8” x 4” loaf pan with plastic wrap (you can use a 9” x 5” pan if that’s what you’ve got), leaving an overhang on all sides.

2. Place the bananas in your food processor and process till crumbly. Scrape down the sides and continue processing – the bananas will become smooth, and then thick and creamy with a consistency similar to soft-serve ice cream.

3. Meanwhile whisk the tahini and maple syrup till smooth – taste and adjust sweetener if needed.

4. Spread half the ice cream into your loaf pan and smooth with the back of a spoon.

5. Drizzle half the tahini mixture over. Repeat with remaining ice cream and tahini.

Use a thin sharp knife to swirl the mixture together; rap the pan on the counter to level.

6. Cover the pan with plastic wrap, making sure it makes contact with the surface of the ice cream. Use a small knife

to make two rows of slits and insert your popsicle sticks.

Freeze overnight.

7. Use the plastic wrap to transfer the ice cream to a cutting board – carefully remove the top layer of plastic and peel back the sides. Use a large sharp knife to cut the loaf down the middle and then crosswise into individual “pops.” Serve immediately or keep frozen.

Fun ways to stay sane at home this summer

By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor What are your plans for this summer? Quarantine is getting old, but unfortunately, your vacation may still be cancelled.

Here are some creative ideas to make this summer fun and relaxing from home: Get outside and discover something!

On a recent walk outside to get some much-needed fresh air and Vitamin D, my husband and I discovered a nature trail running along a creek only a few blocks from our new apartment that we had no idea was there! You may be pretty familiar with your neighborhood already, but there's no telling what you'll find if you take a different route or keep your eyes peeled on your next nature walk.

Or stay inside and try something new Maybe indoors is more your style. I've been learning

French by practicing daily with the free language app Duolingo. Maybe this is your chance to finally learn Klingon or to brush up on your Hebrew. I also have friends who have taken on cross stitch and embroidery for the first time and are loving it.

And of course, the internet has a myriad of new recipes just waiting for you to whip them up in your kitchen.

Organize your friends for a food swap Those new recipes you're trying? Share them!

"To keep busy and stay connected, my friends and I did a week-long dessert exchange back in May. Each night, one family dropped off a sweet treat for all the others.

My kids had fun making and sharing Oreo cake balls!" said JFLV Director of Community Development and Operations Stephanie Smartschan.

You can do the same, or maybe turn it into a progressive dinner where each person makes a different course.

Summer blockbusters

By Yoni Glatt koshercrosswords@gmail.com Difficulty Level: Easy Across 1. Speaks scratchily 6. The IDF, for one 10. Amts. in recipes 14. "Shake off your dust, ___!"

(Isaiah, 52:2) 15. "'Arrivederci'" 16. Jewish dance 17. 1997 summer blockbuster about the garb of many kollel students?

19. Starting point?

20. Lee who directed "Hulk" 21. Money mentioned in "Les Miz" 22. Give a new form, as PlayDoh 24. Hightail 26. Kind of dot 27. Out of sight 29. Akin, on Mom's side 33. Get lighter, as jeans 36. "You've Got Mail!" co.

37. Makes a smooth transition 38. Military branch up high, briefly 39. 1990 summer blockbuster about Samuel's return from the dead?

41. Chances 42. River that Vienna and Budapest are on 44. Race car driver Fabi 45. AMEX alternative 46. "Creed II" sympathetic villain 47. Chewbacca, e.g.

49. Omar of concern, to some 51. El Al alternative 55. Trump spends a lot of time on it 58. "Sketchy" NBC show?

59. ___-ray disc 60. Hindi word for "queen" 61. 1998 summer blockbuster about the end of days?

64. Israel's Tel 65. Read Torah 66. Believe in 67. Rose or Sampras 68. Problem with a fishing line 69. 1992 Australian, French, and U.S. Open winner Monica Down 1. Big name in Jewish camp 2. Basketball game setting 3. Belts out 4. Trident-shaped Greek letter 5. Mr. Miyagi, to Daniel 6. Bill of Rights advocates, for short 7. Bayou 8. Current President of France 9. Cletus the Slack-Jawed ___ ("The Simpsons" character) 10. 2009 summer blockbuster about the day after Purim?

11. Coke, e.g.

12. School like Eton or Harrow 13. Not meshuggah 18. Moses freed the Israelites from it 23. Arcade game, ___-ball 25. 1993 summer blockbuster about Elijah's time on the run from Jezebel and Ahab?

Reconnect with old friends You know what the great thing about Zoom is? You're just as close to someone in your town as you are to someone on the other side of the country. Inspired by all the virtual events going on, an old college friend got in touch with the whole gang and scheduled a Zoom reunion. It was the first time in over a decade I'd "seen" some of these ladies, and it was like no time had passed at all!

Create a ritual for you and your family I've been reading up on how having rituals can build stronger relationships. Pick something fun and meaningful to your family and do it often, whether that's having an indoor picnic, painting rocks with positive messages and hiding them around your neighborhood for others to find or simply gathering at the end of each day to express gratitude to one another.

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Oreo cake balls made by JFLV Director of Community Development and Operations Stephanie Smartschan and her children.

Make #Summer5780 matter Since the onset of quarantine, the Jewish Federations of North America have been there for you with JewishTogether.org. Now, they have a whole hub of virtual Jewish experiences for all ages curated at jewishtogether. org/summer5780. Find your experience from journal-

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If you try one of these ideas or have your own unique summer projects in store, send me a photo at sbolmer@jflv.org and you could be featured in the next HAKOL!

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26. Fitness company that soared in popularity this spring 28. Cry from Homer 30. Car from Germany 31. Cruz and Koppel 32. She, to Luigi 33. Last name in wabbit hunting 34. Israeli teen?

35. Comedian Carvey

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37. Tending, as a fire 40. One of its letters stands for "optimization" 43. Ultrafast Usain 47. Elizabeth who ran for President 48. Florida Keys, e.g.

50. Gets better, as a wound 52. Paula who had a Bat Mitzvah 53. Words of defeat

54. They're the littlest in their litters 55. "It's a ___!" (noted "Star Wars" line) 56. Ballpark crowd antic 57. "What's ___ for me?"

58. Made like 52-Down, at times 62. "Mamma ___!"

63. Notable Dr. who does not have a PhD

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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY 2020 15

Merging Easton synagogues seek to return heirloom artifacts

MEET THE PRESIDENT:

Rabbi Allen Juda

By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor Rabbi Allen Juda was not born in the Lehigh Valley, but he has been a staple of the community for over four decades. Moving to Bethlehem fresh out of rabbinical school with his young bride, he devoted his career to serving Congregation Brith Sholom as their rabbi. Having retired a few years ago, he now holds the title of rabbi emeritus.

His involvement in the Lehigh Valley Jewish community, however, has not slowed down.

Juda has served as the president of Jewish Family Service for the past three years.

His passion for helping others led him to being a part of their leadership for a long time before that, however. Holding positions with various committees from Beth Tikvah House to the Russian Resettlement project, Juda became a fixture of the organization along with carrying out his many other duties as a member of the local clergy.

He was a representative of the clergy on the JFS board, and after his retirement, became one in his own right. Eventually, this led to him becoming president.

In the face of the COVID-19

pandemic, Juda is proud that JFS has continued to provide the services that are needed for its clients now more than ever.

“The community should take a lot of pride in how JFS has adapted in the last few months to the pandemic,” said Juda.

“We’ve been able to continue counseling by phone, we’ve made major changes to the food pantry, but now it’s again pretty much fully functional with clients still able to give input into what they want and we’ve just started with a couple of volunteers coming back in. Older adults have received delivery of food and food gift cards.

Although it’s unquestionably a huge disruption of our lives, the staff has really done a great job.”

Juda is aware that the future will only bring more needs to JFS, but he believes their preparation now will ensure they will be ready to face them.

“We’re very cognizant that there’s always been a significant need, and there’s going to be an even greater need. We’re preparing for it, and that is very important,” he added.

This work is all a part of the overall culture of the JFS staff.

“An ongoing goal at JFS is being an agency of excellence.

Whether you're talking about communication issues or the substantive things—services for older adults, the Community Food Pantry, counseling services, doing as much as we can for the disabled or providing quality, customized volunteer experiences. We want to be known in all those areas as an agency of excellence,” Juda explained.

He and his wife, Toby, have three grown children, all graduates of the Jewish Day School and JCC day camp, and three grandchildren who are also enrolled in Jewish education in their hometown. When he’s not busy with his commitments to them and to JFS, you might find him tending to his garden.

Temple Covenant of Peace and Bnai Abraham Synagogue in Easton will officially merge into Bnai Shalom as of Aug 1. They will be one united congregation representing the Greater Easton Jewish Community. In preparation for their physical co-locating, they are in the process of examining, admiring and affectionately reflecting upon their treasured Judaic artifacts.

“The congregation has been blessed as the recipients of many cherished donations of artwork, sculptures, statues, silver pieces, paintings, etc. These items may have been donated by you, your parents or your bubbe and zayde throughout the years. We sincerely thank you for the mitzvah of having shared these valued pieces of your Jewish heritage,” said Harvey Cartine, current president of TCP, and Marc Abo, current preseident of BAS. Now, they are offering the chance for congregants to retrieve any items they have donated.

If you or members of your family have gifted any legacy items that you would prefer be returned to your possession, contact Irene in the office of Temple Covenant of Peace at 610-253-2031. Irene will assist you in completing the necessary paperwork to reclaim your family Judaic heirlooms between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Please respond by July 15.

9 OFFICES VALLEYWIDE: Allentown • Bethlehem • Easton • Macungie • Nazareth

(610) 882-8800 • embassybank.com 16 JULY 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

This new Holocaust education law matters now more than ever

By Rhoda Smolow Kveller.com

UNDREY/GETTY IMAGES

Good news is always welcome, and despite an onslaught of harrowing headlines, we got a dose of positivity on May 28 when President Trump signed into law a bipartisan bill that was supported by an overwhelming majority of Congress. The Never Again Education Act (NAEA) — passed by the House of Representatives in a 393-5 vote and approved in the Senate by unanimous consent — will fund Holocaust awareness programming in middle schools and high schools.

Holocaust education? You might be wondering: Why now? Why, amid a pandemic, unprecedented protests against racial injustice, crushing economic pressure, a national election and deep political division?

Because when our gridlocked lawmaking system yields to near unanimity on the need for a law, there’s no better time to act.

Because focusing on coronavirus doesn’t mean we ignore other forms of contagion.

And because the lesson of the Holocaust — and the language of the NAEA — speak directly to the struggle against racism as well.

Studies show Holocaust awareness declining and anti-Jewish hate crimes are rising — not just in societies associated with anti-Semitism, but in the United States, home to what we think of as the safest Diaspora community in history. More hate crimes in America target Jews than

any other religious group. And from Pittsburgh to Poway, from Monsey to Jersey City, the attacks are deadlier than ever.

Anti-Semitism is itself a virus. In country after country, century after century, the Jewish people have been subjected to discrimination, forced conversion, expulsion and mass murder. The disease crests and wanes but never disappears. Democracy and education are proven factors in mitigating its spread and virulence but, like ventilators and PPE, there is sometimes more demand than supply.

When the bubonic plague swept Europe in the 14th century, thousands were massacred in anti-Semitic attacks ignited by conspiracy theories blaming Jews for the pandemic. We hear similar claims from hate groups and individuals today — that Jews or Israel, George Soros or the Rothschilds, are behind coronavirus, either to assert their supremacy or later save the world with a vaccine. These libels are less deadly than in medieval times but amplified and spread by today’s communication tools.

Fortunately, America is still a place where the vast majority of citizens and leaders stand with the Jewish people. We not only have the freedom to defend ourselves, our neighbors protect us, as well. The vast majority also consider hate — against Jews or anyone else — everybody’s problem.

They understand that tolerance and inclusion are not red or blue issues but values for all.

The new law enables the United

States Holocaust Memorial Museum (itself chartered by an Act of Congress) to expand its training and programming for teachers across the country by developing and disseminating materials designed to foster understanding of the Holocaust, educate students on its history and on the urgency of opposing hate, bigotry and genocide against any group.

The measure provides $10 million in funding over the next five years and calls for the museum’s director to engage “with state and local education leaders to encourage the adoption of resources supported under this act into curricula across diverse disciplines.”

Seventy-five years after the end of World War II, the number of living Holocaust survivors is dwindling. If

“Never Again” is to mean anything, now is the time to deploy our democratic institutions and educational vision to promote our highest ideals and curb humanity’s basest instincts.

The passage of the NAEA is a clear demonstration that America will not allow memory of the Holocaust to fade and that our political leadership, across the country and across the board, stands behind the effort.

Times of great stress threaten diverse immune systems — of body and soul, of polity and economy.

For America to maintain itself as a healthy society with informed citizens, Holocaust education is a key prescription. The NAEA has become law at the time when —as virtually all in Washington agree — it is needed most.

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This Jewish Boston bookseller wants to help you spruce up your Zoom background

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BRATTLE BOOK SHOP

Above right, "What you see of someone's books tells you about their intellect and their personality," said Ken Gloss, who owns Boston's Brattle Book Shop.

Above left, Gloss outside the Brattle Book Shop, which is steps from Boston Common.

Left, Here are some Jewish bookshelf suggestions from Gloss.

By Penny Schwartz Jewish Telegraphic Agency In early April, just a few weeks after non-essential businesses in Massachusetts were shut down due to COVID-19, the staff at the Brattle Book Shop noticed that some prominent personalities conducting video interviews from home were seated in front of fairly lackluster bookshelves.

So staffers at the legendary 185-year-old antiquarian bookseller in the heart of downtown Boston offered to help them out.

In an April 7 Twitter post, they offered their expertise to prospective customers seeking a more sophisticated look — or at least a tidier one, free of worn copies of old paperbacks. The local media took note of the tweet and soon the phone started ringing.

One caller was an epidemiologist who wanted to feature medical books.

Another who suddenly found himself conducting business meetings from home wanted to tone down his valuable collection of rare books. Some callers

didn’t really care; they just wanted a good-looking selection.

“Books are giving that first impression,” Ken Gloss, the Brattle’s owner, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in a phone interview from the shop, which is located just steps from Boston Common. “What you see of someone’s books tells you about their intellect and their personality, whether you’d like to meet them or not meet them.”

As the world has shifted to virtual gatherings in response to the coronavirus pandemic, millions of people have suddenly gained intimate glimpses of the living rooms and home offices of their friends, co-workers or even strangers who happen to be taking the same online course. And some have grown self-conscious about the image those books are projecting.

Jonathan Sarna, a noted historian of American Judaism, told JTA that he switched to a virtual background after a participant in a webinar he was leading offered to organize the piles of books piled high

18 JULY 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

on his desk.

For those who want to improve the look of their home libraries, Gloss and his staff start by asking about the person’s interests. Then they scour their massive inventory and arrange a selection of books on a shelf. Finally they email a photograph to the prospective customer, who can choose to purchase any or all of them.

The Brattle has been in Gloss’ family since 1949, when the shop was purchased by his father, George, the American-born son of Jewish immigrants from Lithuania. Ken Gloss took over after his dad died in 1985.

A regular on the popular public television program “Antiques Roadshow,” Gloss is a sought-after lecturer and an appraiser for clients that include Harvard University and the FBI. He’s also no stranger to using books as decor, curating selections for set designers who need, say, books from the 1950s.

He once supplied 6,000 books with red covers for a movie set.

Over the years, the Brattle has sold 16th- and

17th-century Hebrew Bibles, volumes of the Talmud, a commentary by the medieval Jewish philosopher Moses Maimonides and old cookbooks with kosher recipes.

“It tells a huge amount of society and its values,” Gloss said of the cookbooks.

So what books should Jewish readers consider if they’re looking to spruce up their videoconference backdrops?

For an eye-catching aesthetic, Gloss suggests Marc Chagall’s “The Jerusalem Windows.”

For Bostonians, he suggests “The Jews of Boston,” a photo-rich gem co-edited by Sarna, or “The Death of an American Jewish Community,” a timely title that addresses Black-Jewish relations in the city. Books by and about the Boston-born maestro Leonard Bernstein also stand out, he says.

A reader wanting to display Jewish pride might consider books about the late Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, Supreme Court Justices Felix Frankfurter or Louis Brandeis, whose letters Gloss has sold. For a sports fan, Gloss suggests titles about Sandy Koufax or Moe Berg, the Major League Baseball catcher who spied for the United States during World War II. One book that struck a chord with Gloss is “Outwitting History: The Amaz-

ing Adventures of a Man Who Rescued a Million Yiddish Books,” by Aaron Lansky, the founder and director of the National Yiddish Book Center. Gloss recalled in vivid detail a passage from the book in which Lansky described visits with elderly Yiddish speakers who insisted on feeding him as they told stories about the cherished books they were passing on.

“We’ve experienced that,” Gloss said. “You’re buying their library. It’s so emotional and so deep to them. They want to talk about it.”

While the bookshelf venture can’t entirely sustain the Brattle, which has been closed for more than two months, Gloss said it has provided some fun for the staff. But there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon: In mid-June, Massachusetts began lifting restrictions on businesses and the Brattle was able to reopen, albeit with restrictions.

The reopening went well, said Gloss, who recently found another reason to celebrate — he became a first-time grandfather, beginning a new generation of book lovers.

“One of my great joys when my children were growing up was reading to them,” he said. “It did not matter exactly what book, but the act of reading. I plan to regularly read to him.”

119 Ethiopian Immigrants Land in Israel on Memorial Day for Ethiopian Jews

SCREENSHOT FROM "EVA.STORIES" ON INSTAGRAM

‘Eva.Stories,’ Instagram series about young Holocaust victim, wins 2 Webbys

"Eva.Stories" is a dramatized version of the life of Eva Heyman, a 13-year-old Jewish girl killed in Auschwitz.

An Instagram story series about a Hungarian teenager who died during the Holocaust won two Webby Awards, the internet Oscars.

“Eva.Stories” won for best use of stories and for best campaigns on social media.

The series was created by Israeli tech executive Mati Kochavi and his daughter Maya.

The Webbys were awarded May 19 in an online ceremony.

For 24 hours last year on Yom HaShoah, Israel’s

Holocaust Memorial Day, the Kochavis put up a dramatized version of Eva’s life on the social media site. The stories are based on a diary kept by Eva prior to her deportation and death. The stories appear as if 13-year-old Eva owned a smartphone and was connected on social media during the Holocaust.

The Kochavis had hoped their initiative would help spread awareness about Eva’s life and the Holocaust to a younger generation.

“Eva.Stories,” which has won several other awards, has 1.3 million followers.

Jewish Agency Chairman of the Executive Isaac Herzog and Minister of Aliyah and Integration Pnina Tamano-Shata welcome 119 Ethiopian immigrants to Israel.

Jewish Agency for Israel On May 21, 119 Ethiopian immigrants arrived at Ben Gurion airport to begin their new life in Israel. The new immigrants were greeted upon their arrival by Jewish Agency Chairman of the Executive Isaac Herzog and the new Minister of Aliyah and Integration Pnina TamanoShata. The date of their arrival was an auspicious one, as it coincided with the annual Memorial Day for Ethiopian Jews who perished on their way to Israel, and Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day), which marks the unification of Israel’s capital, a city which holds a special place in the heart of Jewish Ethiopians.

Given the continued monitoring of the coronavirus pandemic, the arrival of the new immigrants adhered to Ministry of Health regulations. The Jewish Agency and Ministry of Aliyah and Integration also worked with the Ministry of Defense in supervising their transition to a governmentprovided youth hostel where the new immigrants were expected to stay for the mandated quarantine.

During this period, Jewish Agency caseworkers assisted them in ensuring they are acclimating to their new life in Israel and facilitated their subsequent move to various absorption centers across the country.

Due to strict travel restric-

tions amid the coronavirus pandemic, The Jewish Agency and Ministry of Aliyah and Integration chartered a special aircraft to bring the Olim to Israel. This is the second cohort of Ethiopian immigrants who arrived amid the pandemic, with 72 arriving in March and settling in absorption centers in the country’s North and South.

Their arrival was made possible by support from the Jewish Federations of North America, Keren Hayesod and other friends of Israel from around the world.

Editor’s Note: The Jewish Agency for Israel is one of the Jewish Federation’s overseas partners.

RDB/ULLSTEIN BILD VIA GETTY IMAGES

There’s going to be a new ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ movie

SHLOMI AMSALEM

By Marcy Oster Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Chaim Topol in the 1971 “Fiddler on the Roof” movie.

By Ben Sales Jewish Telegraphic Agency Wonder of wonders: “Fiddler on the Roof” is returning to the big screen.

MGM will produce a remake of the iconic 1964 musical about the struggles and joys of Jewish life in the fictional Eastern European shtetl of Anatevka, according to Deadline.

The new film will bring some star power from Broadway: Director Thomas Kail served in the same role for “Hamilton” and has collaborated with its creator, LinManuel Miranda (famously a “Fiddler” fan), on other shows. Steven Levenson, who wrote the acclaimed musical “Dear Evan Hansen,” will pen

the screenplay.

The remake will be carrying on a tradition of more than 50 years.

“Fiddler” first had audiences saying “L’chaim” when it opened on Broadway in 1964 starring Zero Mostel as Tevye and winning nine Tonys. It saw many sunrises and sunsets, at one time holding the record for longest-running Broadway musical at nearly 10 years.

The movie version came out in 1971 and garnered three Oscars, as well as nominations for best actor for Topol and best picture.

Broadway brought back another revival in 2015, and a Yiddish-language “Fiddler” ran off-Broadway until this year.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY 2020 19

PARTNERSHIP2GETHER UPDATE FROM YOAV

Back to (sort of) normal in Yoav

The Partnership Yoav Steering Committee celebrating Shavuot.

By Nurit Galon Partnership2Gether

Above, Back to school in Yoav, complete with masks and 6-foot social distancing.

Below, The sunflower field at the height of the blossoming – in a few days the flowers will be really black with sunflower seeds – good to eat but not to look at.

20 JULY 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

If the optimistic amongst us had hoped that by now we would be back to some semblance of normality, I don't think we are quite there!

Whilst it is true that there is more freedom of movement, the return to school has brought with it a rash of students and teachers who have caught Corona, and so schools open and shut without any clear order, and of course, there is no shortage of experts, often with conflicting opinions!

Beaches are open, restaurants are open, weddings and bar mitzvahs, etc., are permissible but with a limit of 250 participants. Many people have returned to work, many people are still on vacation with pay, and it would not be exaggerating to say that Corona has brought with it a very serious financial crisis.

The order of the day is still clear—wear a mask, keep a six-foot distance and wash your hands as often as possible. So some do, others don't.

For the public, there is a rising belief that Corona is here to stay and we are going to have

to learn to live with it, with the sick and elderly remaining the vulnerable groups.

Here in Yoav, although Zoom activities are still very much a part of our lives, slowly and carefully we have now a few activities taking place in the Yoav Regional Council Golden Age building, and how great it is to actually meet again face to face! Our schools are working again, and as this is the time of the equivalent of your SATs, the pressure on the students is really heavy.

In the Lehigh Valley-Yoav Partnership, although plans are moving ahead for joint activities, we are dealing with two big disappointments. Our four teenage counselors to the JCC of the Lehigh Valley summer camp will not be coming this year. We often call this project, one of the earliest in our Partnership, "the jewel in its crown," and it has done so much to cement our two communities' relationships. And the Lehigh Valley women's Momentum group has also had to cancel joining women from Yoav and other communities here in their exploring of Israel together. But as the women have been in contact

even before the outbreak of Corona, we are sure that the friendships made will continue.

Noah Lombachno from Moshav Kfar Harif was scheduled to go to Brooklyn as a young Jewish Agency emissary—and this, too, was cancelled. But the good news is that it seems almost sure that she will now be going to Montreal, and like other young shlichim (emissaries) such as Rotem Bar, will surely add the magic of Israel to community life there.

Shavuout, the biggest of the agriculture festivals especially to the rural communities of Yoav, should have been the occasion for the bringing of the first fruits (including all the new babies), the rondo of the tractors and farm machinery, the waterpipes dance of the male field workers, the best cheesecake and bread competition, and much more! In normal times, town people look for kibbutz and moshav relatives to invite them to Shavuot—in short, a very special holiday! But, not this year. Sadly, Shavuot was celebrated, but in a very modest way. So the Steering Committee of our Partnership decided the time had come for us to get together and celebrate also. And we did!

Wearing the traditional white shirts and dresses, flowers in our hair (yes, even the guys) and sending heartfelt greetings to all of you, we had a great time, perhaps even more than usual, as it had been a long time since we met face to face.

In Israel, with our new government trying to decide who are the allies and who are the opposition, life is as confusing as ever. But the weather is now warm and sunny, the fields are golden and we can at least leave our houses and even meet up with families and friends. So, to look on the bright side, next month we will surely exchange thanks that life has indeed returned to normal, even if normal in the Jewish world means a multitude of things.

Stay well, stay safe, stay sane!

JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Universal becomes first major music label to open a branch in Israel

By Gabe Friedman Jewish Telegraphic Agency Universal Music Group, one of the largest music corporations in the United States, has become the first major American music company to open a branch in Israel.

UMG Israel will be based in Tel Aviv and be led by Yoram Mokady, a lawyer with no experience in the music industry, Billboard reported June 16.

According to Billboard, major labels such

as Universal, Sony Music and Warner have engaged in an international music “arms race,” branching out into several countries to develop and sign local talent.

The news comes days after it was announced that the 19-year-old pop star Noa Kirel signed a multimillion-dollar record deal with Atlantic Records — possibly the largest ever for an Israeli artist.

Taylor Swift, Rihanna and Lady Gaga are among the recording artists who have released music through labels owned by Universal.

Summer in the Tropics

By Sandi Teplitz So, you aren't going on that cruise after all this year? No need to eliminate that tropical drink though. Sip one of these with your best summer appetizers and you can picture yourself on deck. Each drink serves 4.

RAZZBERRY FLING

2 1/2 cups soft vanilla ice cream 2 1/2 oz. raspberry liqueur 1 1/2 oz. brandy Blend in blender and garnish with red and black raspberries.

PEACH PARADISE

2 ripe peaches, cut up 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup cream 1/4 cup peach schnapps 1/2 cup crushed ice Blend and serve with a mango slice.

PEANUT BANANA DELIGHT

3 ripe bananas, peeled sliced and frozen 3 cup milk 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter 3 Tbsp. superfine sugar 2 oz. banana liqueur 2 oz. Peanut Lolita liqueur Blend in blender. Decorate with banana slices dipped in melted bittersweet chocolate.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY 2020 21

Mayim Bialik teams with DC Comics to create book that will turn kids on to science Actress Mayim Bialik will channel the DC Comics character the Flash to turn kids on to science.

DC Comics announced on June 25 that “Flash Facts,” a collection of stories featuring DC characters such as the Flash, Batman and Superman, will be published in February.

The anthology curated by Bialik, working with science writers and DC illustrators, will answer burning questions such as what’s at the

bottom of the sea and which tools do forensic scientists use to solve a crime?

The book “provides a helpful bridge between the lessons taught inside the classroom and our everyday lives,” DC said in a statement.

Bialik, who has a doctorate in neuroscience, is best known for portraying the neuroscientist Dr. Amy Farrah Fawler in the hit television show “The Big Bang Theory.”

She currently serves as host for a 10-episode TBS series, “Celebrity Show-off,” which features celebrities as

they create original video content from their homes.

Bialik also is working on the screenplay for a comedydrama feature film titled “As Sick As They Made Us,” which will deal with mental illness. It will be her screenwriting and directing debut.

She was launched into stardom at 15 as the title character in the TV series “Blossom.” She is the divorced mother of two sons.

Right, Mayim Bialik speaks at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Hollywood, May 1, 2019.

PAUL ARCHULETA/FILMMAGIC/GETTY IMAGES

By Marcy Oster Jewish Telegraphic Agency

RCN, Grande Communications and Wave Broadband commit $100K to support Feeding America®

Editor’s note: RCN is a sponsor of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and of HAKOL, and we’re proud to highlight how they are giving back to the greater community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RCN, an award-winning and leading provider of fiber and broadband services, with its family of companies including Grande and Wave, will pledge $100,000 total to Feeding America® to support local food banks in their service areas. Additionally, RCN will be running Feeding America’s advertisements on its cable network free of charge to help raise awareness and further support fundraising.

This pledge from RCN, Grande and Wave is intended to help the communities within each of their respective service areas and to bring awareness to the food shortages they are faced with today. Through this initiative, customers can also join in donating directly to Feeding America.

“According to the USDA, 37 million individuals face hunger, and the pandemic has

exacerbated this problem,” said Chris Fenger, chief operating officer at RCN, Grande and Wave. “We want to continue doing all we can to support the communities we serve during this tough time, and encourage everyone to join us in supporting Feeding America by donating – in any capacity – so we can collectively ensure that our local food banks continue to help people in need.”

As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, Feeding America is a nonprofit organization committed to reducing hunger across the country. Through partnerships with businesses, government organizations and individuals, Feeding America’s nationwide network of food banks, pantries and meal programs serve communities across the United States.

“Feeding America food banks are working hard to meet the needs of communities facing hunger during this pandemic,” said Lauren Biedron, vice president of corporate partnerships at Feeding America. “We are grateful to RCN, Grande and Wave for helping to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.”

RCN remains committed to keeping customers connected, providing added support to students and families in lowincome households and much more during this time. The company has taken a number of measures to support customers and their families amidst COVID-19, such as the Internet First Program and Keep Americans Connected Pledge.

Additionally, RCN is supporting its broader communities with a newly launched Everyday Heroes campaign.

Residents are invited to nominate a local hero in their community via their website.

Heroes will be entered to win a $250 Visa gift card and a year of free internet service to thank them for their bravery and selflessness during this time.

To help RCN in its support of Feeding America and its initiatives during this pandemic, please visit www.rcn.com/feedingamerica.

For details and additional updates on the company’s response to COVID-19, please visit www. rcn.com/we-care.

22 JULY 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Virtual 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.

WEDNESDAYS, THROUGH JULY 22

PJ@Home - A 6-Week Summer Series with Abby Trachtman

11 a.m., Jewish Federation Join Abby for weekly adventures and activities the whole family can enjoy.

Each Wednesday at 11 a.m., we will come together on Zoom or send out a video with a fun activity and PJ story.

JULY 8 - Take an Imagination Vacation JULY 15 - Sock/Paper Bag Puppets JULY 22 - Science Experiment Learn more at www.jewishlehighvalley.org/pjathome.

FRIDAY, JULY 10

Family Shabbat Services with Temple Covenant of Peace

6:30 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace via Zoom Please join us for Shabbat services this Friday night. Join Zoom meeting here: www.tinyurl.com/y9w322tj.

Meeting ID: 354 606 838, Password: 681393. ____________

MONDAYS

Hatha Yoga, Mixed Level, Featuring Miriam Serow

8:30 to 9:45 a.m., Congregation Brith Sholom via Zoom No flow but best of you can go from seated on the floor to standing poses and then back again to seated. Join Zoom meeting here: www.tinyurl. com/yapxo8o5.

Chair-Supported Yoga, Featuring Miriam Serow

10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Congregation Brith Sholom via Zoom Be seated in a comfortable chair, preferably armless (folding works well). Join Zoom meeting here: www. tinyurl.com/y7qzv87v

Friendship Circle

11:45 a.m., JCC via Zoom Join our wonderful, vibrant Friendship Circle group on Zoom. Enjoy chatting, getting to know new people, entertainment and so much more.

Free to all, we would love to have you! You can log go on the zoom link or you can call in from your cell phone or landline. All are welcome in the community and around. Join us! You will be happy you did! Any questions, contact Beth Kushnick at bkushnick@lvjcc.org.

Join Zoom meeting here: www.tinyurl. com/y8ugbpfn. Meeting ID: 880 5885 1810, Password: 425206 +19

292056099,,88058851810#,,1#,4 25206# US.

Free Kosher Food Distribution for Children

12:30 to 1:30 p.m., parking lot behind Congregation Sons of Israel The Pennsylvania Department of Education has approved the C.B.S Kosher Food Program to provide kosher nutritious meals for ALL CHILDREN under the age of 18 from ALL schools, regardless of family income. Pickup will be ONCE A WEEK and you will receive five lunches and snacks. (All food is chalav yisrael and pas yisrael.) Drive up to the kosher meal distribution table outside Sons of Israel and open your trunk or door for meals to be placed in your car.

You will need to give your name and address and number of children.

(You can write this on a piece of paper and hold at your window, which would help speed the process along!)

Please wear a mask. You may also walk up to the distribution site. If you are walking, you must wear a mask.

TUESDAYS

Jewish Meditation for Calm and Resilience

8 to 8:45 a.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality and JPRO Network Drop in for a meditation session, led by an experienced Jewish mindfulness meditation instructor. These sessions will help you develop your ability to pay attention to the present moment, cultivate calmness, practice kindness towards yourself and others, and respond to this difficult moment more wisely and skillfully.

Register now here: www.tinyurl.com/ y7hzdq78.

Weekly Torah Study

12 to 12:25 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 now: www.tinyurl.com/ybzk478p.

Yiddish Club

2 p.m., JCC via Zoom Experience the joys of Yiddish viva Zoom as part of the J-DAYS program.

The group meets weekly (Tuesdays) to discuss topics like cooking, politics, humor, music and all kinds of entertainment in the Yiddish language. All are welcome to join this lively, weekly discussion. There is something for everyone no matter if you know a few words, or are a fluent speaker. Enjoy fun, fellowship, stories and more. Yiddish Club will

be holding regular Zoom call meetings every Tuesday at 2:00pm. Go to www.tinyurl.com/y9jpzdvd to join the Zoom meeting. Meeting ID: 901 665 520 | Dial by your location: +1 929 205 6099 US

Torah Tuesdays with Temple Covenant of Peace

7 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace via Zoom Torah on Tuesdays - Interactive Torah study group. Register in advance for this meeting: www.tinyurl.com/ y9xt6qpy.

Basic Hebrew Tuesdays with Temple Covenant of Peace 8:15 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace via Zoom Register in advance for this meeting: www.tinyurl.com/yb9jazch.

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS

Minecraft Class with Ariel

5 p.m., JCC via Zoom Join Ariel and learn about the game Minecraft through Zoom. The time slots are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Sign up for a time slot here: www.tinyurl.com/y8v7m5my.

WEDNESDAYS

Judaism 101 Wednesdays with Temple Covenant of Peace

11 a.m., Temple Covenant of Peace via Zoom Register in advance for this meeting: www.tinyurl.com/ycfw2fz2.

Virtual Coffee Klatch

1 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace via Zoom Register in advance for this meeting: www.tinyurl.com/ya4ysbbv.

Chair-Supported Yoga, Featuring Miriam Serow

1 to 2 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom via Zoom Be seated in a comfortable chair, preferably armless (folding works well). Join Zoom meeting: www. tinyurl.com/y82hsryd

AIPAC Club Member Webinars

2 p.m., AIPAC AIPAC Engage is a brand new virtual conversation series developed exclusively for AIPAC club members.

This program will take place at the same time each Wednesday and will feature subject matter experts to discuss the latest developments impacting the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Club members can check their email for access information.

Chess Club

5 p.m., JCC via Zoom Learn the basics of chess and more advanced tactics, such as identifying and countering an opponent, with customized learning schedules. Sign up for a time slot: www.tinyurl.com/ ydybq5zm.

Vinyasa Flow, Level 1 & 2, Featuring Miriam Serow

5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom via Zoom Able to do Downward Facing Dog and support some weight on your hands.

Best with a yoga mat. Join Zoom meeting: www.tinyurl.com/yag3twpd.

FRIDAYS - SHABBAT SERVICES

Kabbalat Shabbat with Brith Sholom

6 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom via Zoom Join Congregation Brith Sholom for a Kabbalat Shabbat service with Rabbi Singer and Chazan Sam. Join in here: www.tinyurl.com/y7pt9zeq.

Meeting ID: 677 083 639; Password: SHABBATLUV.

Kabbalat Shabbat with Temple Beth El

6 p.m., Temple Beth El Facebook Join Rabbi Moshe Re’em for a Kabbalat Shabbat service via Facebook LIVE. Like the Temple Beth El Facebook page, at www.tinyurl.com/ ybl795te, to follow along.

Shabbat Services with Temple Shirat Shalom

email Liz at AmHaskalahDirector@ gmail.com.

Easton Jewish Community Friday Night Services

7:30 p.m., Easton Jewish Community via Zoom The Easton Jewish community will be holding virtual Friday evening services on Zoom for the foreseeable future. All are welcome. Go to www. tinyurl.com/yd9dwkho to join Zoom meeting. Enter meeting ID: 354 606 828 and password: 681393 to join.

SUNDAY through FRIDAY

Daf Yomi

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 www.zoom. us/j/5598767191.

Morning Prayer Group

6 p.m., Temple Shirat Shalom via Zoom Please join us for Shabbat services this Friday night. Just click on the link below and then use the ID number below that. We will be able to see each other and hear each other. The meeting will begin promptly at 6:00.

I am looking forward to seeing you all on Friday. Register for the Zoom meeting here: www.tinyurl.com/ydyfcn8o. Meeting ID: 819 2143 3408, Password: 091889

Virtual Shabbat with KI

7 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel via Zoom Join Congregation Keneseth Israel for a virtual Shabbat service. Email vdunn@kilv.org for the link to the Zoom meeting.

Congregation Am Haskalah: Online Erev Shabbat Services 7:30 p.m., Congregation Am Haskalah via Zoom Please join us for weekly Erev Shabbat services, held here: www.tinyurl. com/y6vg37je. Open to ALL. For tech support or any additional questions,

8:30 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel via Zoom Join Rabbi Nisan Andrews of Sons of Israel for a morning prayer group. To access the daily Zoom conference, go to www.zoom.us/j/5598767191.

Along with the prayer group, Rabbi Andrews will also be sending out a daily insight email. To subscribe, email him at rabbicsoi@gmail.com.

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 now at www. tinyurl.com/ybzk478p.

DAILY

PJ Library Virtual Events

PJ Library has got a packed schedule of activities available for families.

Find story times, craft projects, virtual field trips and more on their Facebook page. Learn more at www. facebook.com/PJLibrary.

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

muhlenberg.edu/wmuh | 484.664.3456

Celebrate the beauty of Shabbat

Shabbat & Yom Tov Candlelighting Times

Friday, July 3 Friday, July 10 Friday, July 17

8:18 pm 8:16 pm 8:12 pm

Friday, July 24 Friday, July 31 Friday, August 7

8:07 pm 8:00 pm 7:52 pm

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY 2020 23