The Voice of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community
www.jewishlehighvalley.org
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Issue No. 435
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September 2020
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Elul/Tishrei 5781
AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION EST. 1977
Former Times writer Bari Weiss to headline major donor event p3
Learn about exciting events celebrating the High Holidays and more in our New Year special section
FROM THE DESK OF JERI ZIMMERMAN p2 LVJF TRIBUTES p8 JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE p18-19 JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER p20-21 JEWISH DAY SCHOOL p22 VIRTUAL COMMUNITY CALENDAR p30-31
Mentalist Sidney Friedman to headline Federation Main Event By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Community Development and Operations You are invited for an interactive, exclusive experience for the whole family which will take place live in your home. And, specifically, in your own mind. Yes, by special arrangement, the country's leading mentalist Sidney Friedman, as seen on numerous TV shows such as The Today Show, 20/20 and The View, will perform his extraordinary feats of mind at the Jewish Federation’s Main Event on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. Friedman packed the JCC auditorium back in 2009, and this time, he’s got a brand new act fit for a virtual audience. He will interact with participants via Zoom with what can only be described as a demonstration of extraordinary telepathy and his unique musical mindreading ability. Sidney will literally read your mind from 1,000 miles away!
This show is a celebration of life and our community and will kick start the Federation’s 2021 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs. As we learn to connect in new and exciting ways, Friedman will interact and share in an experience that is meaningful, allowing us to feel present, capturing a moment in time where, together, we will all make the impossible possible. Friedman is a national best-selling author with his book “Your Mind Knows More Than You Do” which reached #1 on Amazon. Hoda Kotb of The Today Show exclaims, "We love Sidney!“ The Chicago Tribune states Sidney is ”the master of all things psychic." Forbes calls him "the mentalist to the stars." There is no cost to attend, but a campaign pledge is required and may be made that evening. To register, contact the Jewish Federation at 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org or visit www. jewishlehighvalley.org/mainevent.
In a diplomatic breakthrough, Israel suspends West Bank annexation and United Arab Emirates agrees to normalization By Josefin Dolsten Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a military base in Ramla, Israel, Aug. 4, 2020. (Yossi Aloni/Flash90) Non-Profit Organization 702 North 22nd Street Allentown, PA 18104
U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lehigh Valley, PA Permit No. 64
In a diplomatic breakthrough, Israel and the United Arab Emirates are normalizing ties. As part of a peace deal brokered by President Donald Trump, Israel will pause its plans to annex areas of the West Bank, according to a joint statement released Aug. 13 by the White House. “Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in the President’s Vision for Peace and focus its efforts now on expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and Muslim world. The United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates are confident that added diplomatic breakthroughs with other nations are possible, and will
work together to achieve this goal,” the statement read. The statement, which referred to the two countries as “two of America’s most reliable and capable regional partners,” said that Israel and the UAE will sign agreements in the coming weeks related to investment, tourism, air travel, security, opening embassies and more. The two nations also will work together on developing a vaccine for the coronavirus, it said. The Gulf states have been growing closer with Israel in recent years, but the UAE is the first to establish formal ties with the Jewish state. The countries share a goal of countering Iranian influence in the Middle East. Most Arab countries do not recognize Israel’s existence. The Jewish state
currently has ties only with Egypt and Jordan. “The UAE is employing its decision for normal relations with Israel,” the UAE’s foreign minister said in a statement, according to the Times of Israel. Speaking to media, Trump suggested that agreements between Israel and some of its other Muslim neighbors in the region could come soon, the Times of Israel reported. “Things are happening that I can’t talk about,” he said. After promising the move during multiple election campaigns last year, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been pushing to annex parts of the West Bank around July 1. The plans were delayed after the Trump administration voiced concern with the idea.
Restored, revived, renewed We are now in the month of Elul, the weeks immediately preceding the High Holidays, ushering in the new year. Traditionally, the shofar is sounded each day at morning prayers (except Shabbat) in order to awaken us to prepare ourselves for the year ahead. This is the time of introspection, of an audit of our soul (literally!) as we move forward in our lives. As the pandemic continues to shape our day-to-day activities, the shofar calls us to awaken and prepare not only for the High Holy
Days, but for the year ahead. So many of us – almost instinctively – wish each other “a happy and a healthy new year.” Though we always mean it, healthy never seemed more real a wish than it does this year. So, in that spirit, I offer the following thoughts: On Rosh Hashanah and throughout the year, we recite the following prayer for the sick – the mi sh’bayrach: “May the one who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, bless and heal those who are ill. May the Blessed Holy One be filled with compassion for their health to be restored and their strength to be revived. May God swiftly send them a complete renewal of body and spirit, and let us say, Amen.” Most Jewish prayers do not begin by invoking our ancestors. Why does the mi sh’bayrach? Maybe because, when times are tough, we remember that we come from a long line of those who loved us – and we
have a long line ahead of us, too. And, as for the present, we’re family – as a people, as a community, and of course in the most literal sense. Second, we ask God for compassion – not merely compassion, but to be filled with compassion. If we are to imitate God in our lives, let us seek to deepen our own compassion for others … and for ourselves. And finally, if we can think of our past, our future and our present with compassion – As we say the mi sh’bayrach prayer,
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 EILEEN AND ROBERTO FISCHMANN In honor of the birth of your grandson, Aiden Joshua Mattison Steven Aronsky Cooky and Mike Notis Vicki Wax CLAUDIA, RYAN AND COLE MATTISON In honor of the birth of Aiden Joshua Mattison Steven Aronsky ALICE AND MARK NOTIS
In honor of the marriage of Noah to Atara Kelman Cooky and Mike Notis AMY SCHECHNER In honor of being named chair of the Board of Trustees of the Healthcare Foundation of NJ Jennie Schechner and Aaron Gorodzinsky IN MEMORY BENTO Beloved dog of Amy and Eric Fels
Aaron Gorodzinsky UNCLE WES (Uncle of Susan Wild) Aaron Gorodzinsky ERIC BERG (Cousin of Eileen Fischmann) Steven Aronsky LINDA GLICKMAN (Wife of Ron Glickman) Judy Diamondstein Alperin CINA SIMON (Mother of Betsy Klasko) Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel
TO ORDER TREES, call the JFLV at 610-821-5500 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org.
especially during these challenging times, surely we will be restored, revived and renewed. On behalf of the board and staff of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, we extend heartfelt best wishes to our community family for the new year. To you and your loved ones, may you know peace, good health and contentment in 5781. Shana Tovah U’mevurechet! HAKOL STAFF STEPHANIE GOODLING Editor
HAKOL is published 11 times per year for the Jewish communities of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and vicinity by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.
COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS Submissions to HAKOL must be of interest to the entire Jewish community. HAKOL reserves all editorial rights including, but not limited to, the decision to print any submitted materials, the editing of submissions to conform to style and length requirements, and the placement of any printed material. Articles should be submitted by e-mail or presented as typed copy; “Community Calendar” listings must be submitted by e-mail to hakol@jflv.org or online at www.jewishlehighvalley.org. Please include your name and a daytime telephone number where you can be contacted in the event questions arise. We cannot guarantee publication or placement of submissions. MAIL, FAX, OR E-MAIL TO: JFLV ATTN: HAKOL 702 N. 22nd St. Allentown, PA 18104 Phone: (610) 821-5500 Fax: (610) 821-8946 E-mail: hakol@jflv.org
ALLISON MEYERS Graphic Designer DIANE MCKEE Account Representative TEL: 610-515-1391 hakolads@jflv.org BAYLEY CARL Marketing & Engagement Associate
JFLV EXECUTIVE STAFF JERI ZIMMERMAN Executive Director STEPHANIE SMARTSCHAN Director of Community Development & Operations TEMPLE COLDREN Director of Finance & Administration AARON GORODZINSKY Director of Campaign & Security Planning JIM MUETH Director of Planned Giving & Endowments WENDY EDWARDS Office Manager GARY FROMER JFLV President
Member American Jewish Press Association
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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
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JCC honors extraordinary award winners at annual meeting
Major donor event to feature former Times writer By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Community Development & Operations
Lynda and Stuart Krawitz By Kaitlyn Stefanowicz JCC Marketing Project Coordinator During our Annual Meeting in June, we were pleased to announce Bobby and Bonnie Hammel and Stuart Krawitz as inaugural recipients of the JCC of the Lehigh Valley Extraordinary Service Award. This award marks a new level of recognition for extraordinary service and uncommon dedication by an individual to the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley. Bobby, Bonnie and Stuart have supported the JCC in countless ways throughout the
Bonnie and Bobby Hammel years. This year was extraordinarily special. Bonnie and Bobby provided the JCC with a $1 million gift and a $900,000 loan that allowed the JCC to successfully exit its mortgage agreement with Wells Fargo. Stuart initiated and stewarded the negotiation strategy with outside counsel that ended in resolution of the JCC’s debt to Wells Fargo at a significant discount. He also well-positioned the JCC to maximize its financial return on the sale of its camp property in a bid to further reduce our debt and reduce overall operating expenses.
Through their combined effort, Stuart, Bonnie and Bobby have provided our JCC with greater time and flexibility to make the wise decisions needed to secure our future. Although we could not be together in person in June to celebrate their extraordinary contributions, we were glad to be able to celebrate virtually and to honor them as inaugural recipients of the JCC of the Lehigh Valley Extraordinary Service Award. A display off the main lobby will be installed this fall to publicly and permanently recognize the award recipients.
Bari Weiss was recently named the seventh most influential Jew in the world by The Jerusalem Post. Her parents were disappointed that she didn't rank higher. Weiss, who recently submitted a viral resignation letter to The New York Times, where she served as an op-ed writer and editor for three years, will be the featured speaker at the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s program for major donors on Sept. 16. The program will be held virtually and is open to households that have pledged a minimum of $5,000 to the 2021 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs. In her resignation letter, Weiss expressed her disappointment that “truth isn’t a process of collective discovery, but an orthodoxy already known to an enlightened few whose job is to inform everyone else.” “My own forays into Wrongthink have made me the subject of constant bullying by colleagues who disagree with my views,” she continued. “They have called me a Nazi and a racist; I have learned to brush off comments about how I’m ‘writing about the Jews again.’” Following the deadly shooting
at a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2008, Weiss published a book called "How to Fight Anti-Semitism." In the book, she delivered an urgent wake-up call to all Americans exposing the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in this country and explained what we can do to defeat it. In its review, the Jewish Journal wrote: “Weiss’ book feels like one long, soul-wrenching letter, written in a charmingly accessible style by a proud American reeling from the realization that haters are on the rise in this land we love.” Weiss will spend the majority of her talk answering questions from community members. To learn more about attending this event, contact Aaron Gorodzinsky, director of campaign and security planning, at 610-821-5500 or aaron@ jflv.org.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2020 3
Local leader discusses BIG hopes to fill identity, power and privilege Bethlehem with prayer
On Aug. 6, Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley joined together once again to co-sponsor the latest in their ongoing series of webinars related to current topics of interest. “A Discussion on Identity, Power and Privilege” was led by David S. Jones, Sr. Jones, who worked his way out of poverty in the streets of his native Allentown, has led organizations in the private, public, nonprofit and faithbased sectors, and spoke from his training as a pastor as well as his own experiences as a Black businessman. Starting in an entry-level position, Jones has gone on to travel the world as a leader with a Fortune 300 company, in addition to pastoring several megachurches and founding nonprofit organizations. Speaking to an audience
of over 40 participants at the Zoom event, Jones said, “I think this is one of the most important conversations we can have as a nation. Right now, our nation is facing two viruses, the coronavirus, and another virus—not as novel— systemic racism. Bias, bigotry and prejudice spread from one person to another person.” Recalling how his family settled in the Lehigh Valley in 1954, he said, “I have watched a lot of progress be made here in the Lehigh Valley when it comes to issues of race. We have made some progress, but we have a lot of work to do.” The first issue Jones unpacked was that of race itself. Using a special feature on Zoom, participants were able to join virtual breakout groups where they had five minutes to discuss their perspectives on the challenges and benefits of discussing race. Then, they could share thoughts with the group at large. Jones explained how the
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
To view the entirety of the webinar, visit jfslv.org/exploretopics-of-interest. Register for the second part of the presentation at jfslv.org.
OS MATTHEW
By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor
concept of cognitive dissonance can keep people from truly reflecting on their own biases. He then went on to reject the idea of race, implying that while different ethnicities are real, race is a social construct. He demonstrated how historically different groups which are now unquestionably considered “white” were not always perceived that way. The breakout groups then had a chance to meet again to discuss the terms “prejudice,” “bigot” and “racism.” After regrouping, Jones explained how while we all have our own prejudices, to be racist requires power. “Racism is a different dynamic. Racism cannot be practiced by everyone. Everyone can be a bigot and not like folks because of their false racial identity. But not everyone can be a racist, because racism requires power. Racism is the result of a group exercising its power and dominance over other groups,” said Jones. He then went on to give a brief history of the institutionalized racism built into the American system, from the first enslaved persons brought to Jamestown to today. Many participants were shocked to learn of injustices in just the past century which they were not taught in school. “We like to believe we're open-minded, fair and without bias, but all of us have blind spots and biases. And the government is just as active in denying the privileges of citizenship today as it has been historically, from my perspective as a person of color. I am convinced that most people don’t understand that they’ve been programmed to be biased, to have prejudice, to be a bigot. It’s not an intentional decision most people make. But, each of us must be taking an individual responsibility to realize that we were shaped by society,” concluded Jones. Jones will return to Zoom for Part 2 of his presentation on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m.
Rev. Tammie Rinker of West Side Moravian Church and her daughter Quinn pray while pre-recording a video for the Bethlehem Interfaith Group day of an Abundance of Prayer. By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor When Rabbi Michael Singer of Congregation Brith Sholom went around knocking on doors to raise up interest in his vision for the Bethlehem Interfaith Group (BIG), he had no way of knowing how successful it would be. Now, it is a thriving organization uniting several congregations of multiple faiths across the diverse city of Bethlehem. Their three-pronged mission of education, social justice and friendship is being lived out through their activities. Their next big event uniting Bethlehem is “An Abundance of Prayer” on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m. “We’ll be stitching together all these different prayer videos from all the clergy from all their houses of worship,” explained Singer. The service will be visible at https://youtu.be/ mh0wOgNyccl. In addition to preparing for the virtual prayer service, Singer has been busy with the schedule of the growing group. “We are meeting every month. We’ve got a really great book club on Tuesdays with clergy,” he said. There are many other projects BIG is involved
with, from engaging with the Bethlehem Food Co-Op to volunteering with the Monocacy Farm Project, an organic farm which donates its produce to places such as the Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley Community Food Pantry. When an individual member congregation offers an opportunity for doing a mitzvah, all of BIG can also get involved, such as with a recent backpack drive run by Wesley Methodist Church. “We’re working together. We’re supporting each other. We were able to fill 1,500 backpacks with supplies, socks and underwear for back to school. We’re all coming together to support this effort,” said Singer. In light of the recent focus on social justice, already a focus for BIG, in the wake of George Floyd’s murder in May, BIG has been out in front with anti-racist activism and education, something Singer says will continue. Overall, BIG is gearing up for the many events that they have planned for the fall. “We’re hopefully trying to make a real difference in the quality of life here in Bethlehem. Our Jewish community is engaged and involved,” said Singer.
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 SEPTEMBER 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
YAD kicks off year Local leaders complete with star-studded philanthropy certificate course event By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Community Development and Operations The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Young Adult Division is kicking off the year in a big way! On Wednesday, Sept. 16, YAD members are invited to join together at 1 p.m. for a lunch hour meet and greet with new community shaliach Gavriel Siman-Tov. The gathering will be a chance to interact with each other and learn a little bit about SimanTov’s journey from Israel to the Lehigh Valley. Then from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m., YAD will join with Jewish Federations across North America for a big “Communal Kvell” featur-
ing a multi-generational celebrity family from a hit TV show. YAD welcomes all community members to join for this portion of the event. During this program, in addition to listening to stories from the stars, you’ll hear more about where your dollar has gone and why you are such a critical piece of our shared Jewish community. And it wouldn’t be a party without music — there will be special live performances.
Jim Mueth and Lynne Shampain each received a certificate on Aug. 5 for completing a 16-week online course in assetbased philanthropy. Mueth is the director of planned giving and endowments for the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and for the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation. Shampain is a retired development professional and social worker. She currently volunteers for the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley LIFE & LEGACY team.
Plain English Planned Giving was taught by Lynda L. Sands, J.D., M.B.A., from her office in central Oregon to 360 students worldwide. Sands is a lawyer, consultant, trainer, author and motivational speaker in philanthropic planning. Her experience working with nonprofits, individuals, families and financial advisors spans over 40 years. She offers a range of books and courses through her publishing company website, www.dogtailpress.com.
To register, visit cvent. me/5VMblD or contact the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley at 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org.
Netanyahu delays threat of another Israeli election with budget compromise
YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90
his former campaign rival and now coalition partner, about his decision to postpone the budget vote. Israel, which is struggling through a second wave of increased coronavirus infections, held three elections between April 2019 and March 2020. Left, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a press statement in Jerusalem, Aug. 13, 2020. By Marcy Oster Jewish Telegraphic Agency Israel will not head to a fourth round of elections just yet. The government had been set to automatically dissolve on Monday, Aug. 24, at midnight if no budget bill was passed, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed on the evening of Aug. 23 to postpone a budget vote by 100 days. “This is the time for unity; it is not time for elections,” Netanyahu said in an address to the nation. At issue is Netanyahu’s desire to pass a one-year budget, though his coalition agreement with Benny Gantz, who is set to rotate into the prime minister role next year, calls for a twoyear budget through 2021. Netanyahu told a reporter at the news conference that he did not tell Gantz, HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2020 5
Where are they now? Catching up with Yoav madrichim to the Valley By Annette Mashi Partnership2Gether The Yoav-Lehigh Valley Partnership2Gether reflects on 17 successful summers of Yoav teen delegations to the Lehigh Valley. Sixty-eight Yoav teens, many of whom traveled to the U.S. for the first time, facilitated Israel programming and forged great friendships with the campers, their families and the staff at Camp JCC. Similarly, deep connections were made with the Jewish families in the Lehigh Valley who generously hosted the teens, as well as with the families of the teens in Yoav. The ever-widening circle of lives impacted by this flagship Partnership2Gether project continues. "Where Are They Now?" will periodically highlight several Yoav teens from the past 17 delegations and include updates on their lives today and memories and insights as to how their experience connecting with and living with Jews outside of Israel influenced and impacted them. Readers are invited to reconnect and share their memories and photographs on the Partnership2Gether Facebook page or write to the editor of HAKOL (sbolmer@jflv.org). Don't forget to mention who you remember from Yoav and how you got to know them, including the year you met.
Shai Bachar From Beit Guvrin, Israel, participated in the 2013 delegation, hosted by the Brenner, Zager, Trachtman and Cohen families. Shai just returned to Boston after being at home in Israel for a three-month break due to COVID-19. Shai is employed by the Jewish Agency as a community Israeli emissary (shlicha) in Boston, Massachusetts, in a Jewish-Israeli community in the Diaspora. She coordinated the "Ofek" Tribe of Israeli Scouts and ran the "Keshet" Program of the IAC Israeli American Council, a young children’s movement providing framework and resources that empower the community to connect as a family through the Hebrew language, Israeli culture, Jewish heritage and a strong connection to Israel. Shai says that the most significant memory of her summer in Lehigh Valley was attending the Federation event sponsored by Abby Trachtman. They made teddy bears and talked about courtesy and kindness. The delegation sparked Shai’s love for American Jewry, different from the Judaism she knew in Israel, where each person could connect to Judaism in their own way. This prompted her to become a shlicha. The experience made
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her realize how important it is for her to continue to contribute to the relationship between U.S. and Israeli Jewry and how much we need to preserve it. Shai is most in touch with the Zager family, keeping in touch with WhatsApp and in real life. While in Boston, she met Ben and Zach. Her family in Israel is very close to the whole family. In addition, she is also in contact with mentors, Alisa and Isabel, who guided her during camp. Ofer Efraim From Kibbutz Gat, Israel, participated in the 2018 delegation, hosted by the Levin, Stein, Kroo, Epstein and Zager families. Ofer is in the 12th grade, surviving the busy period of school. She is very active with the Hashomer Hatzair (Youth Organization) and Tzafit High School boarding school. Ofer’s fondest memory is on the day before the delegation flew back home, they met with some of the guides at Miriam’s house. After spending most of the day together, they felt a really strong connection. Ofer remembers everyone in a circle talking, and then they just burst out laughing at something. And one of the guides - Tyler - had a really, really, really funny laugh. So when he laughed, everyone laughed and couldn't stop at all. So for
Above and right, our past Yoav madrichim to the Lehigh Valley show how much fun can be had through the connections made with Partnership2Gether.
20 minutes, they just stood and laughed, and it was amazing. It took them about half an hour to say goodbye, no one wanted to go home and they kept talking and laughing, and it was really sad when they finally parted. The camp experience made Ofer realize that Judaism is a nation and not just the religion. It made her proud of who she is and where she came from. The experience has made her a better mentor, a better friend, more sociable and a better person. Ofer has continued her connection with a few of all the families that hosted her using both WhatsApp and Instagram. She also visited Lehigh
Valley last summer and all the families came to meet her. It was amazing how much she missed them and how good and meaningful a connection there is. Ofer especially wants to thank everybody who took part in this amazing delegation and can hardly express how much she appreciates them.
Am Haskalah’s new student rabbi says ‘shalom’ to Lehigh Valley By Student Rabbi Armin Langer Congregation Am Haskalah Shalom Lehigh Valley! I hope you are all doing well and keeping safe. My name is Armin Langer, and I’m an advanced rabbinical student at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RRC) – and since this August, I have had the pleasure to be Congregation Am Haskalah’s new student rabbi! I was born into a HungarianJewish family in Munich, Germany, and lived in Berlin for the past few years. Prior to Am Haskalah, I was working as a prayer-leader, Torahreader and a teacher in various Reform, Conservative and Orthodox
Jewish communities in Austria, Germany, Hungary and Sweden. I put emphasis on education, especially adult education, and on the inclusion of marginalized communities within the Jewish community and beyond. My understanding of Judaism has been heavily influenced by Mordecai Kaplan’s work, which eventually made me come to the U.S. to study at RRC. Kaplan’s application of sociological and philosophical insights into Jewish theology makes so much sense! One of the first courses I will teach at Am Haskalah is on Kaplan: feel free to join us, if you haven’t understood yet what the Reconstructionist school of thought is about. Combining Jewish community engagement with critical thinking is
a personal ideal of mine. Currently, I am completing a doctorate in sociology, and I hold a master’s and two bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and Jewish studies. My research focuses on modern Jewish history and contemporary politics in Europe, but I write on U.S. topics too. I published two books, an anthology and several articles on these topics and have been working as a freelance lecturer. So far, I have lectured at dozens of universities, including Moravian College in Bethlehem. My stay back then was a truly positive experience, and I was really happy to return to the Valley! It will be my honor to serve Am Haskalah and the broader Jewish community of the region. I look forward to getting involved in the
Valley’s community life. Stay safe and let’s connect! Feel free to reach out at amhaskalahrabbi@gmail.com.
The Great JFS FoodFestFaire to celebrate food pantry
By Stephanie Goodling HAKOL Editor This year Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley’s annual fundraiser will be a virtual food festival to celebrate the work of their Community Food Pantry and those who support it. On Sunday, Nov. 8, The Great JFS FoodFestFaire will be an innovative all-day affair, with videos highlighting JFS, community cooks and sponsors streaming on their Facebook page throughout the morning and early afternoon. “Agencies have become innovative and creative in the ways they are reaching out and connecting to their supporters in light of the pandemic,” said Marcia Berkow, fundraiser cochair. “In lieu of our traditional brunch, we are excited to present this online event that will still bring people together around something that is important to the Jewish community—food.” At 4:00 p.m., the big event will go live on Zoom. The ticketed Food Pantry Throwdown, hosted by Naomi Schachter, will consist of local chefs facing off to compete in three different categories. Amateur chefs from the Lehigh Valley Jewish community will prepare appetizers, professionals will tackle the main course, and kids will take on dessert. All three categories will be judged, with the winners being announced live. All of the dishes prepared will include kosher ingredients from the JFS Community Food Pantry. In addition to the Nov. 8 festivities, registered attendees will also receive a copy of “The Great JFS FoodFestFaire Cookbook: Feeding Families, Changing Lives,” which is being published in conjunction with the event. All members of the community are invited to submit one or more vegetarian or dairy recipes to the cookbook to create a one-of-a-kind collection of family favorites to be passed down for generations. Recipes are being collected until Sept. 16, and can be submitted
through jfslv.org/foodfestfaire, and additional copies of the cookbook may be ordered. Sponsorship opportunities for the fundraiser are also available. Anyone can place an ad in the cookbook in honor of a loved one (perhaps in honor of Bubbe after sharing her rugelach recipe) or in honor of the work of JFS. There are many levels of sponsorship available, from a small personalized ad to logo recognition up to having your company or family recipe highlighted in a featured video during the online film festival portion of the event. “The Lehigh Valley has missed out on so many beloved festivals this summer, but our virtual FoodFestFaire will be a fun-filled day for all while supporting the vital work of our food pantry,” said Susan Sosnow, fundraiser co-chair. To submit your recipe, register for the event or purchase a sponsorship package, please visit jfslv.org/foodfestfaire or mail in to Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley, 2004 W. Allen Street, Allentown, PA 18104.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2020 7
IN HONOR SHERYL AND RANCE BLOCK In honor of son Josh’s marriage to Kirsten Vicki Wax DANNY COHEN In appreciation Ilana and Yair Levy LAURIE AND MARC BERSON In honor of the birth of your granddaughter Jill and Jeff Blinder Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Vicki Wax EILEEN AND ROBERTO FISCHMANN In honor of the birth of your
ps are just as s themselves.
grandson, Aiden Joshua Mattison Wendy and Ross Born Carol and Stewart Furmansky Andrea and James Jesberger Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz AMY AND HARRY FISHER In honor of your daughter Elana’s marriage to Yiffie Kerner Vicki Wax LISA AND BARNET FRAENKEL In honor of the birth of your granddaughter, Isabelle Grace Vicki Wax STEPHANIE AND BRANDON GOODLING In honor of your marriage Vicki Wax MARGIE AND JONATHAN HERTZ
In honor of the birth of your granddaughter, Madeleine Nina Hertz Wendy and Ross Born MARTY KATZ In honor of being named President of KI Vicki Wax JUDY AND MARTY KRASNOV Wishing you a speedy recovery and good health Sybil and Barry Baiman SHARON AND DAVID LISTWA In honor of the marriage of your son, David Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald ALISON AND KEVIN MAST In honor of the birth of your son, William John Mast Sybil and Barry Baiman MIKE MILLER Wishing you a speedy recovery Vicki Wax ALICE AND MARK NOTIS In honor of daughter Evie’s
COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE for businesses that wish to grow.
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8 SEPTEMBER 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
graduation from med school and son Noah’s marriage to Atara Vicki Wax ED POSNER Wishing you a speedy return to good health Vicki Wax ADINA AND MOSHE RE’EM In honor of the birth of your grandson Vicki Wax CAROLE AND HARRY ROSE In honor of your 70th Wedding Anniversary Wendy and Ross Born NANCY AND ABE ROSS In honor of your 50th Wedding Anniversary Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald MELISSA AND RON STEIN In honor of the birth of your granddaughter, Sophie Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz BARBARA AND FRED SUSSMAN In honor of the birth of your great grandchild Sybil and Barry Baiman RUTH VISHNIAVSKY In honor of your 70th Birthday and Retirement Shirley Furmansky ERIC ZAGER In honor of your Bar Mitzvah The Wiener Family
Vicki Wax LINDA GLICKMAN (Wife of Ron Glickman) Wendy and Ross Born Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald ERNEST LEVY (Brother of Gil Levy) Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Bonnie and Bobbie Hammel Barbara and Arthur Weinrach ROBERT MENDELSON (Husband of Betty, father of Jan Ehrich) Vicki Wax SY RATNER (Father of Amy Morse) Tama and Frank Tamarkin LARRY SCHWARTZ (Husband of Sandy Schwartz) Carol Robins SHIELA SHAFFERAN (Mother of Dori Farber) Edith Miller EDITH SIMON (Mother of Robert Simon and Carol Ann Miller) Andrea and James Jesberger Marissa and Jeffrey Richman Vicki Wax ANDREA STRIMBAN (Sister of Ellen Hof) Bonnie and Bobbie Hammel
IN MEMORY JOAN BOGARAD (Sister of Howard Silverman) Barbara and Arthur Weinrach ROCHELLE FREEMAN (Mother/mother-in-law of Jen and Gary Oxfeld, grandmother of Sam and Noah) Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Tamarkin Family
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.
LIFE & LEGACY CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL YEAR 3 By Jim Mueth JFLV Director of Planned Giving & Endowments Year 3 of the LIFE & LEGACY program is now in the books for our 10 participating organizations. LIFE & LEGACY which is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation has the goal of generating legacy gifts in our community. Although the rise of the pandemic provided a challenge for our 10 participating organizations, we were able to close out a successful year on June 30. Through the first two years, our teams' primary focus had been to have legacy conversations with the goal of generating commitments. Although this
remains of vital importance to maintain momentum, the goal for Year 3 became to formalize the commitments that had already been received. In order to formalize a commitment, the donor can make a provision in his or her will, retirement account, life insurance policy or cash donation. Volunteers from participating organizations have been contacting their donors to discuss the option that will work best for the donor. Through diligence, our local organizations were able to formalize 55% of the commitments received. LIFE & LEGACY provides two levels of benefit to our community. Primary is the impressive number of legacy gifts that have been gener-
ated so far. Currently 323 donors have committed to $8.24 million in estimated gifts through 520 commitments! A second benefit is achieved through incentives provided by the Grinspoon Foundation. Our organizations can earn anywhere between $4,500 to $7,500 of unrestricted funds by reaching annual goals. To date our organizations have earned a total in excess of $100,000. The community will celebrate these achievements with a virtual Community Celebration on Sept. 9 to thank our donors and our participating organizations. For more information regarding LIFE & LEGACY or the Community Celebration, contact Jim Mueth at the Jewish Federation at jim@jflv.org.
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS FOR ASSURING JEWISH TOMORROWS IN OUR COMMUNITY Dr. Marc and Aliette Abo Leonard Abrams Rony Ackerman Dr. Houman and Lori Ahdieh Karen Albert Richard Albert Carolyn Andersen Stephanie Barnett Robert Becker Sheila Berg Steven and Nanci Bergstein Dr. Ethan Berkove Kyra Berkove Dr. Scott Berman Lauren Berson Dr. Marc Berson Hon. Alan and Donna Black Dr. Jeffrey Blinder Rance and Sheryl Block Ross Born Wendy Born Dr. John and Ingelise Brown Sheila Brown Jerold Brucker Dr. Wilma Krause Brucker David Caine Sarah Caine Dr. Ian Carlis Patricia Carlis Elizabeth Cartine Harvey Cartine Lawrence Center Emily Charlap Daniel and Nancy Cohen Joanne Cohen Elsa Collins Dr. Jessica Cooperman Rachel Cubellis Edwin Davis Rabbi Melody Davis Michael Donohue Risa Dorfman-Thomas Vikki Dunn Brion and Nancy Ebert Glenn and Jan Ehrich Eduardo Eichenwald Jeanette Eichenwald Fred and Gail Eisenberg David Eiskowitz Andrew Ellis Dr. Lisa Ellis
Ellyn Elstein Iris Epstein Rabbi Mordechai Eskovitz Joseph Facchiano Elizabeth Fear Amy Fels Dr. Eric Fels Ben Felzer Eileen Fischmann Roberto Fischmann Veronica Fischmann Dr. Jay and Fran Fisher Dr. Peter Fisher Eric Fleisch Brian and Emily Ford Rena Fraade Barnet and Lisa Fraenkel Susan Engelson Friefeld Dr. Jeffrey Gevirtz Renee Gittler Gary and Patricia Glascom Leonard Glazier Rhoda Glazier Lauren Glick Steven Glickman Neil and Eydie Glickstein Gordon Goldberg Rose Lee Goldberg Sandra Goldfarb Amy Golding Anita Goldman Jordan Goldman Mark L. Goldstein (z”l) Martin Goldstein (z”l) Allan Goodman Dr. Robert Gordon Bennett Grossman Dr. Harvey and Melissa Hakim Greg and Linda Hamilton Bobby and Bonnie Hammel Jerome (z”l) and Florence Hausman Kevin and Mary Ellen Hausman Eric and Lori Herz Diana Hirsch Arthur Hochhauser Susan Hochhauser Arthur Hoffman Barbara Hoffman
Carolyn Hoffman Amy Holtz Mark Holtz Charity Hyde Dr. David and Susan Hyman Michael Iorio Gwen Jacobs Rabbi Allen Juda Toby Juda Andrew Kahn Dr. Kenneth and Marilyn Kalnitsky Irving Kaplan Alan Kares Aaron Katz Dr. Barbara Katz Martin Katz Kathi Katzman Seth Katzman Anne Keller-Smith Ken and Sue Kirshner Rabbi Malkah Binah Klein and Neysa Nevins Dr. Hilary Koprowski Dr. Nelson and Andrea Kopyt Lucy Korsky Martin and Judy Krasnov Stuart and Lynda Krawitz Danielle Kroo Ferne Kushner Hartley Lachter Gary Lader Jennifer Lader Madeleine Langman Peter Langman Suzanne Lapiduss Henry and Susan Lehrich Scott Leiber Dr. Daniel Leisawitz and Daniele Viale Elaine Lerner Olivier Level Ina Level Larry Levin Ina Levin Mary Jane Levine Jennifer Levins-Rivera Dr. Larry Levitt Eva Levitt Dr. Marc Levitt Edward Levy (z”l) Dr. Jenni Levy
Ursla Levy Joan Lichtenstein Eric and Margo Lightman Emmy Livezey Raymond Livezey Pam Lott Gale Maleskey Lisa Markowitz Moshe Markowitz Dr. Bill and Jane Markson Richard Master Susan Master Claudia Mattison Ethel Melamut Dr. Gerald Melamut Jay and Marla Melman Edward Michael Jeannie Miller Linda Miller Mike Miller Rabbi Yehoshua Mizrachi Lynn Mollick and Dr. Milton Spett Jim Mueth Shelah Mueth Jeffrey Murdoch Douglas Nathanson Ruth Nathanson Daria Newfeld Kyle Newfeld Sandy Newman Taffi Ney Audrey Nolte Alice Notis Dr. Mark Notis Dr. Michael Notis Ruth Notis Martina Obenski Dr. Michael Obenski Diana Orenstein Dorothy Parmet (z”l) Alan and Roberta Penn Dr. Andrew Pestcoe Dr. Flora Pestcoe Eve Peterson Rabbi Seth Phillips Barbara and Michael Platt Edward and Beth Posner Dr. Robert and Lota Post Abby Pozefsky Gary Preis
YEARS 1 -3 By the Numbers 520 COMMITMENTS WITH AN ESTIMATED VALUE OF
$8.24 MILLION (As of August 11, 2020)
To learn more about ways that you can remember one or several of these organizations with a gift in your will, trust, retirement account or life insurance policy, contact Jim Mueth at 610-821-5500 or jim@jflv.org or any of the participating organizations.
In partnership with
Sandra Preis Patti Price Elaine Rappaport-Bass Seymour (z”l) and Lois Ratner Rabbi Moshe and Adina Re’em Bruce Reich Dr. Richard and Barbara Reisner Kevin and Lauren Reuther Carol Robins Robert Rockmaker Judith Rodwin Michelle Rohrbach Dr. Alex and Robin Rosenau Jodie Rosenblum Janet Rosenthal Alan Salinger Mary Salinger Amy Sams Rick Sams Herbert Saunders Julia Saunders Mary Louise Scarf Marcia Schechter Lorrie Scherline Melvin Schmier Pearl Schmier Ellen Schneider Irwin Schneider Ivan Schonfeld Jillian Schonfeld Mark and Deena Scoblionko Joy Scott Eileen Segal Vickie Semmel Lynne Shampain Dr. Mark Shampain Adrian Shanker Elliot and Linda Sheftel Howard Sherer Dr. Susan Sherer
Sam Shikiar Stanley Shrager Linda Silowka Robert Simon Rabbi Michael and Alexis Singer Dr. David Smith Elaine Snyder Susan Sosnow Ann Stehney Dr. Mark Stein and Sharon Albert Margaret Stettner Aimee Stewart Ron Ticho Marsha Timmerman Richard Timmerman Ufberg Family Community Fund Beverly Volk Dr. Stanley and Judith Walker Joseph Weiner Arthur and Barbara Weinrach Barbara Weitzman (z”l) Rabbi David and Rachel Wilensky James and Linda Wimmer Norman Wruble Sandra Wruble Elissa Wurf Rachel Zane Valeska Zighelboim Kathy Zimmerman Dr. Larry and Deborah Zohn Debbie Zoller Leon Zoller Anonymous (43) * as of 8/11/2020 ** z”l of blessed memory Names in bold have formalized their commitments
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2020 9
Living with uncertainty
RABBI MOSHE RE’EM Temple Beth El Sukkot, like many of our other holidays during this COVID year, comes at a time of great uncertainty. Although we may welcome the opportunity to go outside into the open fresh air of the Sukkah, in many ways the structure of the Sukkah itself highlights the shakiness of life. By going out into this fragile structure of the Sukkah, we are reminded that our material possessions are not truly secure. Nothing material
is permanent. Given such uncertainty, how are we to proceed? Kohelet (Ecclesiastes), which is customarily read on Sukkot and which is part of biblical wisdom literature, provides us with some guidance on how to proceed. He envisions the world running in cycles and Sukkot falling near the beginning of the New Year, at the time of the year’s final agricultural harvest, prior to winter. On Rosh Hashanah, there is a ceremony of symbolically casting away our sins – Tashlich, where we caste bread crumbs into the water. That ceremony is reminiscent of a verse from Kohelet 11:1 “Send your bread forth upon the waters; for after many days you will find it.” What wisdom lies in this verse for living during uncertain times? To “send forth one’s bread upon the waters” means giving it up, surrendering expectations of personal benefit from it. Yet, paradoxically, if you do this you can expect benefit over time. Kohelet was probably influenced by a similar saying that appears
in Ancient Near Eastern literature. The Egyptian instruction of Ank-Sheshonq, who was a near contemporary of Kohelet’s, says, “Do a good deed and throw it in the water; when it dries up you will find it.” Others understand this verse as advice on investments. Send your merchandise over the seas, but divide it among several boats for safety’s sake. Take chances, such as is common in commercial investments, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket. That way, you will not lose all your wealth
in some unlucky venture. All of these sayings serve as sound advice in these troubled times. Kohelet 7:8 reminds us: “The end of a matter is better than the beginning of it. Better a patient spirit, than a haughty spirit.” In explaining this verse, Rabbi Meir long ago stated: “An investment in a stock of goods may lose money at first, but finally earn profit.” This ancient piece of wisdom ought to sound familiar to advice we hear from contemporary investment managers.
Both Kohelet and Sukkot serve as a sobering reminder that in living in a world when one cannot predict or control the outcome of events, the best stance is patience and resignation. Things are bound to get better. I love this optimism of our tradition, and I love the Festival of Sukkot. The Festival of Sukkot is also known as Zeman Simchateinu, the "time of our joy." May we be granted greater joy, if not by Sukkot, than certainly afterward. Shana Tovah and Chag Sameach!
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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2020 11
2020 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs
$2,385,646 raised Because of your support of the 2020 campaign, we are able to help when help is needed, provide a safety net for those who must rely upon it, and nurture the core institutions that are the fabric of a rich and dynamic Jewish community.
THANK YOU. PRIME MINISTERS CIRCLE $100,000+ Wendy Born*° Ross Born° Lewis and Roberta Gaines° Robert and Bonnie* Hammel° Just Born Inc° Charles and Figa* Kline Foundation° Anonymous (1) THEODORE HERZL SOCIETY
$50,000 - $99,999 The Wax-Goldman Family Funds Vicki Wax* Robby and Laurie* Wax Steven and Nancy* Wax Goldman KING DAVID SOCIETY $25,000 - $49,999 Leonard and Enid Abrams Family Foundation Fischmann Family Fund° Roberto and Eileen* Fischmann Tama Fogelman* and Family° Dr. Harold and Sandra* Goldfarb° Patty Klein* Joseph B. and Rita* Scheller° Master Family° Harry Louis Yanoff and
12 SEPTEMBER 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Jeannette Master Yanoff Charitable Fund Richard and Susan* Master MCS Industries TREE OF LIFE SOCIETY $18,000 - $24,999 The Fraenkel Family° Gary Fromer and Dr. Carol Bub Fromer* Hof & Reid LLC° Daniel and Nancy* Cohen Phillip and Ellen* Hof Chris and Tara Reid Robert & Judy Auritt Klein Family Fund Lisa Scheller* KING SOLOMON CIRCLE $10,000 - $17,999 Dr. Jeffrey and Jill* Blinder° Charles Cohen and Rebecca Binder*
The Martin Cohen Family Foundation° Jonathan and Iris* Epstein Susan Gadomski *° Kobrovsky Family Fund Elaine Lerner*° The Philip and Muriel Berman Foundation Orgler Family Fund Dr. Richard and Barbara* Reisner° Mortimer S. and Vera M.* Schiff Foundation° Dr. Stuart A. and Janice* Schwartz° Dr. Israel and Valeska* Zighelboim BUILDERS OF ISRAEL $5,000 - $9,999 Alan and Sandy* Abeshaus Dr. Marc and Aliette* Abo Air Products Foundation Bernard and Flo Kobrovsky Special Fund Alan and Donna Black* Dr. Sam and Sylvia* Bub° Peter and Karen* Cooper° Jeff and Roberta* Epstein° Dr. Eric J. and Amy* Fels Arnan and Marlene* Finkelstein Dr. Jay and Fran* Fisher° Dr. Peter Fisher and Kathy Zimmerman* Frances & Abraham Schwab Memorial Fund Dr. Jeffrey Gevirtz° Robert J. and Susan* Grey Shirley F. Gross*° Barry and Carol R.* Halper° Nat and Erica* Hyman Dr. Wesley and Beth* Kozinn° Martin and Judy* Krasnov° Stuart and Lynda* Krawitz Ferne Rodale Kushner*° Dr. Howard and Beth* Kushnick Dr. Lawrence and Eva* Levitt° Stanley R. Liebman Estate Dr. William and Jane* Markson° Michael and Linda* Miller° Dr. Alan and Judith* Morrison° Drs. Steven and Nancy* Oberlender Daniel Poresky° Dr. Robert and Lota* Post° Rhoda Prager*° Sandra Preis*° Dr. Doron and Lauren* Rabin Shaoli Rosenberg* Drs. Jarrod and Nicole* Rosenthal Sadie Berman Lion of Judah Endowment Lorrie Scherline*° Irwin and Ellen* Schneider° Mark and Deena* Scoblionko° Elizabeth Scofield* Larrie and Judy* Sheftel° Edith Simon*° z"l Dr. Frank and Tama* Tamarkin Marsha Timmerman*° Dr. Michael and Eileen* Ufberg° Dr. Michael and Janet
Ulman* Arthur and Barbara* Weinrach° Dr. Robert and Carol* Wilson James and Linda* Wimmer° Ilene Wood* Larry and Carolyn Zelson Jeri Zimmerman* Anonymous (2) SABRA CIRCLE $2,500 - $4,999 Dr. Houman and Lori* Ahdieh Leonard and Beverly* Bloch Foundation° Dr. David and Sara-Jane* Bub Dr. Ian and Patricia* Carlis° Lawrence Center Dr. Mitchell Cooper and Rebecca AxelrodCooper* Glenn and Jan* Ehrich° Andrew and Dr. Lisa* Ellis Finkelstein Family Fund Veronica Fischmann* Stewart and Carol* Furmansky° Dr. Gordon and Rose Lee* Goldberg° Drs. Zach and Andrea* Goldsmith Bennett Grossman Dr. Steve and Audrey* Kanoff° Dr. Arthur and Jane* Kaplan° Dr. Robert and Janice* Kaplan Drs. Andrew and Deborah* Kimmel° Dr. Harold and Linda* Kreithen° Dr. Robert and Stephanie* Kricun° Robert and Roberta* Kritzer Dr. Michael and Carole* Langsam° Dr. Brian LeFrock Dr. Howard and Rachel* Levin Donald and Lois* Lipson° Dr. Richard and Roberta* London° Dr. Moshe and Lisa* Markowitz Ryan and Claudia* Mattison Dr. Jay and Marla* Melman° Dr. Holmes and Jeannie* Miller° Dr. Robert and Amy* Morrison Dr. Noah Orenstein and Diana Fischmann Orenstein* Dr. Robert and Joanne* Palumbo Rabbi Seth Phillips and Marge Kramer* Phoebe Altman Lion of Judah Endowment Bruce and Enid Reich Judith Rodwin* Dr. Alex and Robin* Rosenau° Dr. Marvin and Janet Rosenthal° Dr. Abraham and Nancy* Ross and Family Dr. Michael and Lynn F.*
Rothman Cathy Sacher*° Ronald and Martha* Segel° Dr. Mark and Lynne* Shampain° Dr. Elliot Shear Jack and Amy* Silverman° Dr. Arthur and Audrey* Sosis° Dr. Jay E. and Margery* Strauss° Fred and Barbara K.* Sussman° Dr. Kenneth and Alla* Toff° Dr. Edward Tomkin and Sandra Wadsworth Steven and Margo* Wiener° Dr. Michael and Miriam* Zager and Family Anonymous (2)
CHAVERIM $500 - $1,499 Richard and Karen* Albert° Alfred T. Gifford Family Fund Dr. Richard and Judith* Aronson° Barry and Sybil Baiman Marietta Banach* Tama Lee Barsky* Dr. Noy Bassik and Andrea Pinkus Susan W. Berman*° Larry and Susan W.* Berman° Joseph and Sharon* Bernstein Ronald and Linda* Black° Rance and Sheryl* Block° Dr. Stuart and Joan* Boreen Richard and Kira* Bub Dr. Elliot and Chelsea* Busch Harvey and Elizabeth* Cartine Charles L. Fletcher Memorial Fund Robert Cohen Albert and Eva* Derby Richard and Ruth* Derby° Eduardo and Jeanette* Eichenwald° Dr. Mark and Ellyn* Elstein° Joan Epstein*° Eleanor Extract* Dr. Bruce Feldman° Brian and Emily* Ford Hon. Robert and Ronnie Freedberg° Dr. Henry and Monica* Friess and Family Gerald and Selma Roth Family Fund Dr. Eric Goldman Lance and Ellen* Gordon Alan Greenberger° Sandra Greenfield* H. Sheftel Memorial Fund Drs. Harvey and Melissa Hakim Arthur and Susan* Hochhauser° Aron and Julie* Hochhauser Dr. Arthur and Barbara* Hoffman° Roslyn Holtz* Dr. David and Susan* Hyman° Gwen Jacobs* Selma Jacowitz* Dr. Beth Jennings* Andrew and Nancy Kahn° Dr. Binae Karpo* Dr. Barbara Katz* Seth and Kathi* Katzman° Dr. Jay and Phyllis* Kaufman° Drs. William and Susan* Kitei° Maxine S. Klein*° Dr. Joshua and Teri* Krassen Joshua and Danielle* Kroo Karen Kuhn*° Lawrence M. Lang and Elaine N. Deutch* Dr. Paul H. and Elaine* Langer° Suzanne Lapiduss*° Gerson Lazar Family Fund Martha B. Lebovitz*° Dr. Henry and Susan Lehrich Bernard and Laurie Lesavoy Lesavoy Butz & Seitz LLC Gilfrid and Michele* Levy Lillian Schwab Memorial Fund Scott and Allison* Lipson
Jean Mandel*° David and Judy* Mickenberg Ari Mittleman and Tara Brown* Michael Molovinsky° Richard Montalvo and Dr. Milena Goldshmidt* James and Shelah Mueth Dr. Jonathan Munves Jay and Bobbi* Needle Marc Nissenbaum° Dr. Michael and Martina Obenski° Dr. William and Marjorie Ofrichter° Dr. Martin and Amy Oselkin Dr. David and Carole* Ostfeld° Dr. David and Ann* Packman Leon and Elaine* Papir° Henry and Phyllis* Perkin Allen and Sandra* Perlman Stephen and Marianne Phillips Jay and Marlene* Plotnick Edward and Beth* Posner° Alison Post* and Morgan Godorov Elaine Rappaport-Bass*° Dr. Daniel Relles Nan Ronis* Dr. Howard and Lisa* Rosenberg° Michael and Linda Rosenfeld° Adam and Penny* Roth and Family Sheila Saunders*° Naomi Schachter* Marcia Schechter*° Nathan and Rusty* Schiff Michael and Brenna Schlossberg John Schneider Schwartz Family Fund Dr. Howard and Tamara Selden Elliot and Linda* Sheftel° Dr. Howard and Diane* Silverman° Nina Silverstein° Rabbi Michael Singer and Alexis Vega-Singer* Adam and Stephanie* Smartschan Shari Spark*° Marcy Staiman* Richard and Allison Staiman Dr. Phil and Diane* Stein Dr. Richard and Arlene* Stein° Hon. Robert L. Steinberg Barry Goldin and Cheri Sterman* Aimee Stewart*° Dr. David and Laurie Strassman Dr. Michael F. Stroock° Sussman Family Fund Ron Ticho and Pam Lott* Dr. Mark and Abby* Trachtman Dr. Stephen and Beverly* Volk° Dr. Arkady and Ilana* Voloshin Dr. Ronald and Beverly* Wasserman° Robert and Sandy* Weiner° Rosalyn Weingrod* Gerald Weisberger and Gail Ehrens* Alan J. and Abby* Wiener Jerry and Flossie* Zales° Richard and Cherie* Zettlemoyer Dr. Larry and Debra Zohn° Anonymous (12)
Team Latkey Balboa returns to defend their championship title at the third annual Latke-Vodka Hanukkah Cook-Off in December 2019.
"New-ish and Jewish" women come together before the Purim holiday to bake hamentaschen together.
Wes and Beth Kozinn and Eileen Ufberg get ready to hear featured speaker Rudy Rochman at a major donor reception in September 2019.
SHORASHIM $250 - $499 Herma Abramson* Richard and Regina* Angel Miriam Bandler*° Peter and Barbara Barbour Patricia Beldon* * Indicates an individual woman’s gift to the 2020 Campaign for Jewish Needs ° Indicates Silver Circle member
HARRY FISHER PHOTOGRAPHY
GATES OF JAFFA $1,500 - $2,499 Dr. Howard Altman° Richard J. Mongilutz and Kelly Banach* Dr. Alan Berger° William M. and Peggy* Berger° Steven Bergstein and Nanci Goldman Bergstein° Dr. Marc and Lauren* Berson° Dr. Michael and Nancy Busch Marilyn Claire*° Dr. William and Gail* Combs Helen Cook*° Dr. Karen Dacey* Hon. Maxwell Davison° Dr. Hal and Kimberly Folander Dr. Ari and Margee* Forgosh Jerome and Sally Frank Frank Penn Family Fund Dr. Ronald and Emily Freudenberger Linda Glickman*° Mitzi Goldenberg* Dr. Marsha Gordon* Dr. Robert and Tracy Grob Dr. Paul Gross° Esther Halperin*° Hausman Family Dr. Jonathan and Marjorie* Hertz Stuart and Hope* Horowitz° Dr. John Jaffe° Dr. Jeffrey and Nancy Jahre Rabbi Allen and Toby* Juda° Dr. Michael and Fay* Kun Dr. Paul and Diane* Lemberg and Family Eric and Margo* Lightman Dr. Jay and Evelyn* Lipschutz° Drs. Evan and Aviva* Marlin Dr. Gerald and Ethel* Melamut° Robert (z'l) and Betty* Mendelson Katherine Molinaro* Dr. Michael and Cary* Moritz Morris & Dyna Gorfinkel Memorial Fund Dr. Richard J. and Amy* Morse Mort & Myra Levy Philanthropic Fund Taffi Ney*° Dr. Mark and Alice* Notis° Dr. Michael and Ruth* Notis° Alan and Roberta* Penn° Drs. Andrew and Flora* Pestcoe The Ringold Family* Selma Roth* Dr. Andrew and Jacqueline Schwartz Donald and Randi Senderowitz Dr. Darryn and Lorey* Shaff Howard and Susan* Sherer Dr. Andrew and Rachel* Shurman Dr. Bruce and Donna Silverberg Dr. Frederic A. and Gilda Stelzer° Dr. Adam Teichman
Dr. Ryan and Carah* Tenzer Dr. Darren and Stefanie* Traub Dr. Marc and Susan* Vengrove° Dr. Andrew Wakstein Dr. Benjamin and Ellen Weinberger° David and Deborah* Wiener Gail Wolson*° Dr. Eric and Helaine* Young Leon and Debbie* Zoller Anonymous (6)
The Levin family embraced the theme at this year's Super Sunday Community Mitzvah Day. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2020 13
Renee Schwartz*° Sally Shapiro*° Stuart and Susan* Shmookler° Linda Silowka*° Dr. Roger and Marna* Simon° Beth El Sisterhood° Lynda Somach*° Matthew and Tracy* Sussman Stephanie Szilagyi*° Tenzer Family Fund Kimberly Valuntas* Volk Family Fund Stanley and Judith* Walker Martin and Frances* Weinberg Joseph and Kristina* Weiner Women of KI* Bruce and Alicia* Zahn Zelickson Family Fund Anonymous (7) KEHILLAH $100 - $249 Richard and Maria* Ain Alfred Wiener Family Fund Amy Born Fund Elaine Atlas*° Pnina Avitzur* AXA Foundation Dr. Marsha Baar*° Karen Bader*° Barbara Bassano* Belman Family Fund Michael Benioff Elaine Berk* Dr. Neal Berkowitz Jason and Tracy* Billig Dr. Joan Bischoff* Randi Blauth* Glenn and Melisa Block° Dr. Edward and Lila* Borshansky John Botzum and Miriam Harris Botzum Ilya Bragin Joan Brody*° Victor and Leslie* Bunick Robert and Gail* Burger Audrey Cherney*° Dana Cohen* Zachary and Ginny* Cohen David and Nicole Cooper Jerome and Audrey* Cylinder° Sarah Danna* Rabbi Melody Davis* Richard Director David and Vikki* Dunn Dr. Abbott and Judy* D’ver° Noah Ehrich Barbara Einhorn* Steven Eisen Lynda Extract* Brenda Finberg* Michael Finley and Audrey Ettinger* Vivian Fishbone* Bette Friedenheim* Ann Friedenheim*
Jenna Fromer* Dr. Todd and Laura* Garber Murray and Linda* Garber° Jerry and Gloria* Ginsburg° Rebekah Goldenberg* Brian and Judith* Goldman° Mark Kennedy and Arlene Gorchov*° Alvin and Sharon Goren Jeff and Elizabeth* Greenberg Arlene Griffin*° Merle Grollman* Tom and Rita* Guthrie° Ronald Harrison° Harry & Ethel Miller Fund Dr. Leo and Marilyn Heitlinger Syman and Anita* Hirsch Dr. Michael and Stacy* Hortner Kristin Illick* Michael and Donna* Iorio Julie Paige Fraenkel Fund Joel and Liz* Kamp Jennifer Kaplan* Martin and Susanne Katz Dr. Lewis and Joan* Katz Daniel and Anne* Kaye Glenn and Svetlana* Kaye Ilena Key* Renee B. Kleaveland* William J. Klein Jerry Knafo Lillian Kobrovsky*° Susan Kolpon* Paul and Dore Kottler Barbara Kritz*° Ruth Kugelman*° Gary and Jennifer* Lader Gilbert and Judy* Lappen Mary Laronge* Frederick and Sherry Lesavoy° Leonard and Janice Levy Lisa Ellis Fund Dr. David and Elizabeth* Lischner Dr. Zalman and Maya Liss° David and Marilyn* Louick° Steven Markowitz° Marvi Family Fund Robert Mayer and Jan Muzycka* Matt and Allison* Meyers Janis Mikofsky* Gary and Diane* Miller° Norman and Maxine* Miller° Natalie Millrod* Steven and Judy Molder Judith Murman* Rabbi Steven Nathan Howard and Jill Nathanson Jay Neadle Michael Neuwirth and Melony Stanton Sandy Newman* Rabbi Ari and Rebecca Perten Peter Cooper Fund Joseph and Eve* Peterson Linda Piesner*
Jeremy and Megan* Pildis Howard and Jane* Pitkoff Dr. Matthew and Denise* Pollack Patti Price* Ilene Prokup*° Alyssa Pure* Raab Fund Dr. Mitchell and Carol Rabinowitz° Alan Raisman David Reiff Ira and Erica* Robbins Rosenau Family Fund Dr. Edward and Wendy* Rosenfeld Herman Rovner Barth Rubin Alan and Mary* Salinger° Rick and Amy* Sams Helene Rae Scarcia* Seith Schentzel Bernard and Sara* Schonbach Ivan and Jill* Schonfeld Mark and Joyce Schuman Eugene Search Ezra Shapiro Vanessa Shaw* Stanley Shrager Sheldon and Lolly* Siegel Serita Silberg* Jessica Silverman* Abigail Silverman* Dr. Yehuda and Victoria* Smooha° Susan Sosnow* Rabbi Aryeh and Beth* Spero Michael and Jane* Spitzer° Michael and Sybil* Stershic David Vaida and Cantor Ellen Sussman* Richard Toltzis Dr. Mark and Gayle* Unger° Marcia Weingartner* Norman and Sandra* Wruble Dr. Robert and Susanna Zemble Anonymous (22) GENESIS $1 - $99 Abigail Silverman Fund Aaron Alkasov Florence Applebaum* Max Averbach Zoe Averbach* Emmanuel Avraham and Allyson Wiener Avraham Jayson and Nurit* Baron Dr. Susan Basow* Delores Bednar* Phyllis Berg* Aaron Berger and Nissa Gossom* Bernard and Sarina* Berlow Stephanie Berman* Betty Burian* Ivan Buyum Joyce Camm* Allen and Marjorie* Carroll
Claudia Fischmann Fund Dr. Barry and Robbie Cohen Danielle Staiman Mitzvah Fund Eric and Joanne* Daniels Eileen Denitz* Diana Fischmann Fund Marilyn Doluisio*° Doba Domashevskaya* Wendy Edwards* Stewart Eichelbaum Elena S. Cohen Charity Fund Joseph Epstein and Sheryl Feinstein Anita Evelyn* Dr. Ellen Field* Brad and Robyn* Finberg Jeffrey Fleischaker and Dr. Ophira Silbert* Michael and Sandra Freeman Rachel Fromer* Melissa Gallant* Dr. Debra Garlin* Gail Gelb* Dr. Jennifer Gell* Roger and Cathy Gilbert Jordan and Susan* Goldman Dr. Malvin and Lillian* Goldner Stephanie Goodling* Rosaly Greenberger* Cynthia Griffon* Harry and Paula* Grines Marcel and Sharon* Guindine Samuel Guncler Rabbi Yaacov and Devorah* Halperin Rebecca Hartman* Dolores Heller* Philip Heyman° Rima Hirsch* Carolyn Hoffman* Arlene Hurwitz* Dr. Lubov Iskold* Douglas and Amy* Jaffe Chester J. Jasinsky Jessica Silverman Philanthropic Fund Kristen Johnson* Jules and Tama Fogelman Fund David and Margaret* Kaplan Helene Kaplan* Harriet Karess* Rosine Knafo*° Michael and Robyn Kudryk Doe Levan*° Mary Jane Levine* Maccabee Levine Michael and Barbara* Levinson Maya Levy* Nancy Levy* Howard Lieberman Doris Lifland* Herbert Litvin Rochelle Lower* Caren Lowrey* Leonard Lutsky° Silvia Mandler*
JACLYN DU CHATEAU PHOTOGRAPHY
R. Bill Bergstein° Robert and Laura* Black° Andrew and Dr. Christy* Block and Family Akiva and Rachel* Boonswang Sally Brau*° Muriel Charon* Robert and Jane* Cohen ° Temple and Ann Coldren Roger and Sharon* Collins Daniel Pomerantz Fund Leah Devine* Dr. George and Roberta* Diamond° Dr. Neil and Linda* Dicker Fred and Gail* Eisenberg Melissa Falk* Dr. Alex and Harriet Feig° Samuel and Lynn* Feldman° Harry and Amy* Fisher Phyllis Ford* Neil and Marjorie* Forgosh Renee Gittler*° Dr. Lawrence and Vicki* Glaser° Sharon Glassman* Rhoda Glazier*° Ann Goldberg* Dr. Brian and Alyssa Goldberg Amy Golding* Nathaniel and Joanna Golub Allan and Mary Goodman° Aaron Gorodzinsky Dr. David Greenberg Donald Greenberg Lothar and Wendy Gumberich Jay Haltzman° Ricky Hochhauser* James and Andrea* Jesberger Irving Kaplan and Caroline Goldblat° Chelsea Karp* Carolyn Katwan* Iris Klein*° Merry Landis*° Susan Levin* Eileen Lewbart* Eric Luftig Robert and Shirley* Malenovsky° Dr. Norman and Roberta* Marcus Mark Klein Family Fund Hank Narrow Dr. Douglas and Ruth* Nathanson Papir Family Fund Mark and Nina* Pinsley Rabbi Moshe and Adina Re’em Dan and Mary* Rockman Harry and Carole* Rose° Dr. Norman and Jett* Sarachek° Jane Schiff* Melvin and Pearl* Schmier James and Sandra* Schonberger°
Israeli band Hatikva 6 takes the stage at SteelStacks in November at a mega concert to bring unity to the community with 400 people in attendance. 14 SEPTEMBER 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Sam Bub, David Bub and Marc Abo enjoy a drink and each other’s company at the Maimonides Society Campaign Kick-Off in September 2019 at The Shelby.
Karen Goldner* Allison Shimon* Judi Silverberg* Greg and Pamela* Silverberg Silverman Family Fund Micki Sinclair* Debra Skinner* Michael Smith Giz Smolinsky* Susan B. Mellan Memorial Fund Norman and Cindy* Sussman° Kenneth Szydlow Sandi Teplitz*° Howard and Marilyn Tokosh Ufberg Family Fund Julia Urich* Veronica Fischmann Fund Nicholas and Jessica* Volchko Dori Wallace*° Cantor Kevin Wartell° Micki Wechsler* Neil Weinberg Barbara Wolfgang* Herman and Jessica* Ytkin Beth Zaleon* Beth Zimmerman* Dr. Scott and Beth* Zimmerman Joey and Haley Zimring Jessica Zolotsky* Anonymous (19)
The donors noted above represent gifts to the JFLV 2020 Campaign for Jewish Needs. Every effort is made to correctly recognize all of our generous donors and honor their listing requests. If there are any inaccuracies or omissions, please call the Federation office at 610-821-5500. * Indicates an individual woman’s gift to the 2020 Campaign for Jewish Needs ° Indicates Silver Circle member
EDWIN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY
David and Susan* Manela Louise Mapstone* Marlee Senderowitz Fund Aliza Martin* Chahine Marvi* Debrosha McCants* Ruth Meislin*° Stanley Miller Dr. Robert and Ellen Miller* and Family Millie Berg Memorial Fund Susan Mohr* Daniel and Larisa Morgenbesser Anne Morris*° Jane Much* Nancy Gevirtz Memorial Fund Myra Needle* Brian Neff Richard and Paula* Nelson Robert Prichard and Ellen Osher* Cantor Jill Pakman* Dr. Alan and Joan Parker Miriam Pitkoff* Mildred Poliner*° Adina Preis* Anna Ratmansky* Andrea Reich* Kevin and Lauren Reuther Linda Rich* Rissa Senderowitz Philanthropic Fund Ethan and Selena* Robinson Robert Rockmaker Jodie Rosenblum* Phyllis Rothkopf* Lance and Pamela* Rozsa Samuel and Ann Born Foundation Samuel Gevirtz Mitzvah Fund Mary Lou Scarf* Jennifer Schechner* Lynn Schiavone* Warren and Rabbi Rebecca* Schorr Jonathan Schultz and
Ross Born, Kathy Zimmerman and Peter Fisher enjoy the LIFE & LEGACY Year 2 Celebration in September 2019.
LION OF JUDAH DONORS Sandy Abeshaus Aliette Abo* Phoebe Altman Lion of Judah Endowment* Rebecca Binder Donna Black Jill Blinder Wendy Born* Carol Bub Fromer Nancy Cohen Karen Cooper* Iris Epstein* Roberta Epstein* Eileen Fischmann* Tama Fogelman*
Lisa Fraenkel* Susan Gadomski Sandra Goldfarb* Susan Grey Shirley F. Gross Bonnie Hammel* Ellen Hof Mindy Holender Erica Hyman Patty Klein Beth Kozinn Lynda Krawitz Ferne R. Kushner Elaine Lerner* Eva Levitt* Linda Miller
Philip A. Muriel Berman Foundation Lota Post Rhoda Prager Sandra Preis Barbara Reisner Robert & Judith Auritt Klein Family Fund* Shaoli Rosenberg Sadie Berman Lion of Judah Endowment Rita Scheller Lisa Scheller* Lorrie Scherline
Janice Schwartz Elizabeth Scofield Marsha Timmerman Eileen Ufberg Janet Ulman Vicki Wax* Laurie Wax Carol Wilson Ilene H. Wood* Valeska Zighelboim Jeri Zimmerman * LOJE
POMEGRANATE DONORS Lori Ahdieh Rebecca AxelrodCooper Kelly L. Banach Sheila Berg Beverly Bloch Sylvia Bub Patty Carlis Marilyn Claire Helen Cook Karen Dacey Tamar Earnest Jan Ehrich Lisa Ellis Amy Fels Marlene Finkelstein Veronica Fischmann
Fran Fisher Norma Goldenberg Nancy W. Goldman Andrea Goldsmith Marsha Gordon Carol R. Halper Esther Halperin Jane Kaplan Deborah Kimmel Lucy Korsky** Judy Krasnov Roberta B. Kritzer Beth Kushnick Rachel Levin Lois Lipson Jane Markson Claudia F. Mattison
Rill Miller Jeannie Miller Katherine Molinaro Judith Morrison Amy Morrison Taffi Ney** Nancy R. Oberlender Diana F. Orenstein Jennifer Oxfeld Lauren Rabin Judith Rodwin Nicole Rosenthal Selma Roth Lynn F. Rothman Cathy Sacher Deena Scoblionko Martha G. Segel
Lynne F. Shampain Judy Sheftel Rachel Shurman Amy Silverman* Audrey Sosis Margery E. Strauss Tama Tamarkin Stefanie Traub Barbara Weinrach Deborah Wiener Gail Wolson Kathy Zimmerman Debbie Zoller * LOJE ** POME
MAIMONIDES SOCIETY DONORS Marc Abo Houman Ahdieh Howard Altman Marcus Averbach Noy Bassik Alan Berger Marc Berson Jeffrey Blinder David Bub Sam Bub Carol Bub Fromer Elliot Busch Michael Busch Ian Carlis William Combs Mitchell Cooper Karen Dacey Beth Delin Lisa Ellis Eric J. Fels Jay Fisher Peter Fisher Hal Folander Ari Forgosh Ronald Freudenberger Henry Friess Robert Gayner
Jeffrey Gevirtz Mark A. Gittleman Harold Goldfarb Milena Goldshmidt Andrea Goldsmith Zach Goldsmith Marsha Gordon Robert B. Grob Jonathan Hertz Arthur D. Hoffman Eric Holender Stuart Horowitz David Hyman John S. Jaffe Jeffrey Jahre Steve Kanoff Arthur Kaplan Robert J. Kaplan Andrew Kimmel Deborah Kimmel Wesley Kozinn Harold Kreithen Robert Kricun Michael Kun Howard Kushnick Brian LeFrock Paul Lemberg Howard Levin
Lawrence Levitt Margo Lightman Richard London Moshe Markowitz William Markson Aviva Marlin Evan Marlin Gerald Melamut Jay E. Melman Michael J. Moritz Alan N. Morrison Robert Morrison Richard Morse Mark Notis Nancy R. Oberlender Steven Oberlender Martin Oselkin Robert Palumbo Andrew Pestcoe Robert Post Doron Rabin Richard Reisner Daniel Relles Michael Ringold Alex Rosenau Jarrod Rosenthal Nicole Rosenthal Abraham Ross
Andrew Schwartz Stuart A. Schwartz Howard Selden Cheryl Shadick Darryn Shaff Mark P. Shampain Elliot Shear Amy Silverman Arthur Sosis Frederic A. Stelzer Jay E. Strauss Frank Tamarkin Adam Teichman Ryan Tenzer Kenneth Toff Edward Tomkin Michael Ufberg Marc Vengrove Andrew Wakstein Robert Wax Benjamin Weinberger Robert Wilson Eric T. Young Michael Zager Israel Zighelboim Larry Zohn
2020 CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS
The Goldsmith family gets their portrait taken by Heather Gogal Photography as a thank you for making their campaign gift by Nov. 1.
Aliette Abo Leonard Abrams Sheila Berg Marc Berson Rance Block Ross Born Wendy Born Sam Bub Sylvia Bub Carol Bub Fromer Marilyn Claire Daniel E. Cohen Karen Dacey Scott Delin Iris Epstein Amy Fels Eileen Fischmann Brian Ford
Barnet Fraenkel Gary Fromer Stewart Furmansky Jeffrey Gevirtz Lawrence Glaser Barry Halper Robert Hammel Allen Juda Chelsea Karp Beth Kozinn Danielle Kroo Beth Kushnick Merry N. Landis Suzanne Lapiduss Paul Lemberg Lawrence Levitt Eva Levitt William Markson
Evan Marlin Aviva Marlin Michael R. Miller Jeannie Miller Taffi Ney Mark Notis Lota Post Lauren Rabin Elaine Rappaport-Bass Bruce Reich Nicole Rosenthal Lynn F. Rothman Mark Scoblionko Amy Silverman Nicole Smith Frank Tamarkin Tama Tamarkin
Ron Ticho Michael Ufberg Eileen Ufberg Vicki Wax Robert Wax Arthur Weinrach Deborah Wiener Robert Wilson Ilene H. Wood Israel Zighelboim Valeska Zighelboim Kathy Zimmerman
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2020 15
COVID-19 INNOVATIONS UPDATE FROM ISRAEL
Israeli 1-second COVID spit test shown 95% accurate so far By Abigail Klein Leichmain Israel21c.org
PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWSIGHT
Imagine results of a COVID-19 test in less than a second, from a single sample of saliva. That could happen by the end of this year, if Newsight Imaging’s revolutionary SpectraLit device continues to show excellent results in ongoing clinical trials at Sheba Medical Center. “Under laboratory conditions, we were clearly able to differentiate between COVID-19 samples that were positive and those that were negative, with a 95 percent accuracy rate,” said trial leader Dr. Eli Schwartz, founder of Sheba’s Center for Geographic Medicine and Tropical Diseases. “For a new AI-based technology such as this, the results are quite encouraging,” Schwartz added. Newsight’s core business is advanced image sensor chips for 3D machine vision and spectral analysis, used in verticals such as mobile, robotics, Industry 4.0, automotive safety
and surveillance. “The corona pandemic forced us to be extremely creative,” said Eyal Yatskan, CTO and cofounder of Newsight Imaging, based in Ness Ziona. “With our team of experts in chip design, optics and microbiology, in a great collaboration with Professor Schwartz and his team, we were able to utilize our groundbreaking advantages in the machine vision world, validated in our 3D technology, into the spectral analysis world, and specifically to virus detection. Our AI-based solution is unique as we have developed all the technology solutions starting from a spectral chip, through its firmware, boards and of course AI algorithms.” The company has already sold a license to develop virus and bacteria detection devices based on its technology to Hong Kong company AIinnoBio. The Israeli clinical trial will test Newsight’s SpectraLit on hundreds more patients for another four to six
A one-second saliva test for COVID-19 is being tested in Israel. weeks, after which final results will be analyzed. Patents for the company’s chip technology are registered worldwide. Newsight is establishing a joint company, Virusight Diagnostics, with Sheba’s ARC Innovation Center to
make the COVID-19 test and other novel solutions commercially available worldwide. ARC is testing and implementing a range of cutting-edge COVID-19 treatments, vaccines and diagnostic technologies at Sheba.
Israelis and Emiratis to develop COVID stem-cell therapy By Abigail Klein Leichman Israel21c.org
PHOTO VIA TWITTER/PLURISTEM
Fast on the heels of the agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to establish full diplomatic relations, Haifa-based Pluristem Therapeutics signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center to advance cell therapies for diseases including COVID-19. “The aim of the collaboration is to capitalize on each company’s respective areas of expertise in cell therapies to deliver regenerative medicine for the benefit not only of
Could these Israeli sprays prevent COVID-19 infection? By Abigail Klein Leichman Israel21c.org Until a vaccine for COVID-19 is available, we are told that our best defenses are facemasks, social distance and handwashing. Another potential defense is Bio-Wall, a nasal spray under development at Israeli company BioChange. Bio-Wall forms a temporary flexible film over the mucosa of the nose, throat and oral cavity. Antiviral components in the bio-adhesive matrix are meant to trap the virus and block it. “Once Bio-Wall is sprayed over the mucosa, it masks the tissue from pathogen penetration and infectious disease such as the COVID-19 virus” for several hours, said BioChange Chairman and CEO Ishay Attar.
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The company’s main focus is developing CellFoam, a bio-adhesive 3D foam scaffold structure for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. It is already available in the veterinary market. “Bio-Wall is based on the innovative BioChange scaffold technology, re-engineered to serve as a pathogen trap, preventing virus attachment to its receptor,” said Attar. “This will eradicate viruses in the initial infection phase, just as they land in the body.” The drug-free formula will be clinically tested in six to eight months. If successful, Bio-Wall could get CE and FDA approval as a Class II medical device as soon as the third quarter of 2021. Meanwhile, Nufar Natural Products is selling Corona Beach Spray in Israeli pharmacies and online.
CEO Israel Solodoch describes this product as a quick-drying perfumed disinfecting spray. “Corona Beach spray contains 70 percent alcohol and is more concentrated than the alcohol in a gel formulation, so it disinfects more effectively,” said Solodoch. “The spray also contains jojoba oil to prevent dehydration of the hands and eucalyptus aromatic oil, which is an antiseptic.” This paraben-free solution claims to disinfect surfaces from phones to coins to elevator buttons – as well as the outer surface of facemasks — and for hand hygiene when soap and water aren’t available. “It can also be sprayed in the air at a distance, disinfecting the environment if someone coughs or sneezes anywhere you are,” Solodoch told ISRAEL21c.
the citizens of the UAE and Israel, but for humanity as a whole,” Pluristem explained in a press release on Aug. 17. Pluristem has treated patients with its placental PLX-PAD allogenic product via compassionate use programs in Israel and the United States and is currently conducting phase II studies in the U.S. and EU. Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center has been treating COVID-19 patients with stem cells sourced from the patient’s blood, by returning the cells back into the patient’s lungs as a fine mist through a nebulizer. The collaboration, initiated by the Better Alternatives advisory firm, would involve exchanging research results, patient samples and testing equipment. “I believe it is our obligation and privilege as business and scientific leaders to lead the way forward to strengthen collaborations, and promote innovation and education. We are honored to be on the front line of this historical moment,” stated Pluristem CEO and President Yaky Yanay. This is not the first COVID-related joint project between the two countries. In July, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries signed agreements with Abu Dhabi’s Group 42 concerning R&D collaborations for solutions to SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. On Aug. 15, UAE’s APEX National Investment signed a strategic commercial agreement with Israel’s TeraGroup concerning SARS-CoV-2 research. The Pluristem-Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center MoU was signed in a video conference. But soon it may be possible to make a three-hour flight between the two Middle East countries for the first time. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is working on establishing a direct route between Tel Aviv and Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which would fly over Saudi Arabia.
Israel starts clinical trial of plasma-derived COVID drug By Abigail Klein Leichmain Israel21c.org
ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE BY ZETY AKHZAR VIA SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Physicians at Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem report promising early results of a clinical study in which they are treating COVID-19 patients with immunoglobulin (IgG) derived from the plasma of recovered patients found to have high levels of antibodies. The serum is prepared by Rehovotbased biopharmaceutical company Kamada. Three patients have already received the serum and are doing well, according to Dr. Yaron Ilan, chief of internal medicine at Hadassah University Medical Center. “The first patient demonstrated a rapid clinical benefit and went home after previously being in moderate condition.” The other two also have been released from the hospital. Ilan stressed that this experimental treatment, though very encouraging, is in an early phase. Dr. Zeev Rotstein, director general of Hadassah Medical Center, called their recovery “almost a miracle.” Rotstein was among the initiators of the collection of plasma from
recovered corona patients. He also revealed to the Jerusalem Post on Aug. 12 that Hadassah will help test a Russian-developed vaccine for coronavirus. For the past three months, Hadassah has been collecting plasma donations from recovered patients with the cooperation of ultra-Orthodox communal organizations. Kamada said additional Israeli hospitals are taking part in this Phase 1/2 clinical trial of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 plasma-derived IgG. “This open-label, single-arm multicenter study was approved by the Ministry of Health in Israel. The trial will assess the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the company’s plasma-derived IgG product in hospitalized, non-ventilated COVID-19 patients with pneumonia,” Kamada reported. “A total of 12 eligible patients will be enrolled and receive Kamada’s product at a single dose of 4g within 10 days of initial symptoms. Patients will be followed for 84 days. In parallel, Kamada intends to further explore the potential of its IgG product to prevent COVID-19 disease in healthy subjects at risk in a separate
study.” This milestone is part of the global collaboration agreement established in April 2020 between Kamada and its partner Kedrion Biopharma for the development, manufacturing and distribution of a plasma-derived immunoglobulin product as a potential treatment for coronavirus disease. Kamada and Kedrion intend to conduct a pre-investigational new drug (IND) meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration soon in anticipation of obtaining FDA ap-
proval of the proposed clinical development program. Meanwhile, Kedrion will collect COVID-19 convalescent plasma from recovered American patients. “We are encouraged by the results of the product neutralization activity and we believe our product has the potential to be an effective treatment for hospitalized, non-ventilated COVID-19 patients with pneumonia, and look forward to the results from this trial,” said Amir London, Kamada’s CEO.
Tuberculosis immunization may lessen COVID-19 illness By Brian Blum Israel21c.org A vaccination against tuberculosis appears to provide some protection against COVID-19 for people under 24 years of age, according to a new Israeli study. The study, led by researcher Dr. Nadav Rappoport of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev together with colleagues from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, found a correlation between countries’ policies for the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine against tuberculosis and those countries’ COVID-19 outcomes. The protection appears to be significant primarily among those who received the vaccination in the last 15 years. The researchers did not find a similar effect among older adults who received the BCG vaccine longer than 15 years ago. Their data revealed that BCG vaccination was consistently in the top two effects across 55 countries studied (comprising nearly 63 percent of the world’s population). Rappaport, who is part of BGU’s department of software and information systems engineering, and his colleagues normalized the data so that countries were aligned by the first date at which each country reached a death rate of 0.5 deaths per million or higher. The researchers also controlled for demographic, economic, pandemic-restrictionrelated and health-related countrybased variables. Only countries with a population of at least 3 million were included.
The research also compared how country-wide BCG vaccination compared with vaccinations for other diseases such as measles and rubella. Rappaport and his team found that other vaccines did not have a significant association with COVID-19 outcomes. The Israeli research is not the first to find an effect of BCG beyond tuberculosis. Researchers in The Netherlands have reported that the vaccine appears to have a general stimulating effect on the immune system. The Netherlands study did not test BCG specifically for COVID-19 outcomes but shows a “cautiously positive picture” with a lower number of sick people in the period March-May 2020 among the vaccinated group as well as fewer fatigue complaints. A separate American study suggests that, had BCG vaccination been mandatory several decades ago, the number of deaths in the first wave of COVID-19 in the United States could have decreased by as much as 80%. BCG is the world’s most widely received vaccine. It is usually given shortly after birth or during early childhood. “We propose that BCG immunization coverage, especially among the most recently vaccinated population, contributes to attenuation of the spread and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Israeli researchers concluded. “Our findings suggest that exploring BCG vaccine protocols in the context of the current pandemic could be worthwhile.” The BGU research was published in the journal Vaccines.
Israel-US team find drug that can stop COVID-19 in its tracks Could a well-known cholesterollowering drug help treat COVID-19? A research team led by Hebrew University of Jerusalem Professor Yaakov Nahmias says that early research looks promising. Over the last three-months, Nahmias and Dr. Benjamin tenOever at New York’s Mount Sinai Medical Center have focused on the ways in which the SARSCoV-2 (the coronavirus that’s causing our current pandemic) changes patients’ lungs in order to reproduce itself. Their major finding is that this virus prevents the routine burning of carbohydrates. As a result, large amounts of fat accumulate inside lung cells, and this enables the virus to reproduce. This new understanding of SARS CoV-2 may help explain why patients with high blood sugar and cholesterol levels are often at a particularly high risk to
develop COVID-19. With this information in hand, Nahmias and tenOever began to screen FDA-approved medications that interfere with the virus’ ability to reproduce. In lab studies, the cholesterol-lowering drug Fenofibrate (Tricor) showed extremely promising results. By allowing lung cells to burn more fat, fenofibrate broke the virus’ grip on these cells. Within five days of treatment, the virus almost completely disappeared, the researchers reported in Cell Press’ Sneak Peak. “With second-wave infections spiking in countries across the globe, these findings couldn’t come at a better time,” said Nahmias. “If our findings are borne out by clinical studies, this course of treatment could potentially downgrade COVID19’s severity into nothing worse than a common cold.”
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S’lichot speaker explores the Hebrew word for virus By Rabbi Rachel Zohar Dulin, Ph.D. Special to HAKOL
Leaders for Tomorrow program recruiting high school students
Editor’s note: Rabbi Rachel Zohar Dulin, Ph.D. is a professor of Hebrew and Bible and explores the etymologies of Hebrew words, as in this story. She will be the featured speaker at the community S’lichot program on Sept. 12. Learn more in the New Year special section. The last few weeks have been very difficult on all of us, young and old alike. The coronavirus pandemic took the breath away not only from thousands of people around the globe, but also from our cultural and economic wellbeing. Streets empty, schools closed, theaters darkened, businesses shut down, all attest to the destruction, fear and confusion, which entered our universe with the invasion of the coronavirus. This is not the first time that human beings faced an unseen enemy in the form of a virus. In the ancient world, we read of many plagues that struck from time to time. Since, the origin of the plagues were unknown, people attributed them to the will of God or the influence of the stars. Briefly, it is interesting to mention that the word “influenza,” for example, is based on Middle-Age Latin influenta, meaning “influence,” and stemming from the belief that plagues were caused by the influence of the stars. Also, interesting to note, the word epidemic is a combination of two Greek words: epi meaning “between” and demos meaning “people” and “nation.” Epidemic, then, means a sickness, which is transmitted between individuals and sickens an entire nation. It was only in the 19th century that it became known that viruses were the cause for several plagues that afflicted human societies throughout history. Interestingly, in Biblical Hebrew we find multiple words for plagues and sicknesses. Words like, ma-ka, ne-ga, cho-li and mage-fah, all attest to the fact that such conditions greatly affected the world, or else we would not find so many terms repeated numerously in the Text. Let us focus briefly on the word ma-ge-fa, which is derived from the verb na-gaf. Na-gaf appears in different forms 49 times in the Hebrew Bible. Depending on context, na-gaf means “strike,” “afflict with plague,” “smite” and “defeated in battle.” However, 22 times, na-gaf refers directly to the devastation of a plague. As for ma-ge-fah (pl. ma-ge-fot), namely “plague,” it is mentioned 26 times in the Text. It is interesting to note that in the well-known story of the Exodus, where Egypt was struck by the 10 plagues, na-gaf is used only once (Ex 9:14). In this historical rendition, the writer preferred the verb le-ha-kot, meaning “to strike,” out of which the noun ma-kah, a synonym to ma-ge-fah, is derived (Rashi Ex 21:35). Coincidently, the same verb, le-hakot, was used to describe the pain afflicted upon the Israelites as slaves (Ex 5:14,15). From that perspective, it is clear that slavery was perceived as a social plague. We should mention that in Modern Hebrew, too, ma-gefah, means “plague” or “pandemic.” “The Black Plague,” for example, is called in Hebrew Ha-ma-ge-fah Ha-sh’chro-rah. Moreover, since it was discovered that viruses were the cause of ma-ge-fot, which plagued the human race, it is not surprising that the word for a virus stems from the same root as ma-gefah. Indeed, na-gif (pl. ne-gi-fim) based on the root na-gaf, is the Hebrew word for “a virus.” Related to it is the term milchemet ne-gi-fim, which means “virus warfare.” A terrible na-gif entered our world. Let us hope that the worst is behind us. Let us also hope that milchemet negifim, caused by mankind, will vanish and we will not know war and sorrow any more. Amen.
American Jewish Committee The American Jewish Committee (AJC) is recruiting high school sophomores and juniors this fall for their Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) program. Now entering its third season, this extracurricular initiative helps students develop a strong Jewish identity and trains them as advocates for Israel and to be voices against anti-Semitism. “This is a terrific opportunity,” said Phyllis Fertik, AJC coordinator. “Today’s high school students are tomorrow’s Jewish leaders. Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) empowers young Jews to speak up for Israel and the
Jewish people.” LFT aims to give students the tools to talk about the issues impacting world Jewry today, and the confidence to stand up for these issues in college and throughout their lives, no matter how difficult the situation. Students will learn to engage people, be proud to be part of a community and build bridges of friendships through advocacy and more. The program runs from November through April 2021 and will meet one Sunday each month over Zoom. To learn more and complete an application, visit www.AJC.org/LFT.
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. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2020 23
PARTNERSHIP2GETHER UPDATE FROM YOAV
An uncertain Yoav longs for more boring times By Nurit Galon Partnership2Gether Here we are in the middle of the summer, and what a strange summer it is! Even the weather here seems to be affected by coronavirus, and although we do have days of extreme heat, on the whole the weather is pleasant, almost as though it wants to compensate for all the uncertainties around us – and as I think just about everywhere. There are so many uncertainties and so many conflicting decisions coming from our government. On the one hand, no one wants to return to the strict quarantine of the early months, but we are dismayed that there doesn't seem to be any real lessening of coronavirus victims, and are often totally confused by what we can do and what we can't. And as in Israel we have 20% unemployment with growing numbers of families unable to cope financially, the future does not seem too rosy. Our experts don't seem to agree on very much, but most do agree that a real solution will only happen when we have a tried and tested vaccine. Here in Yoav, we consider ourselves fortunate in having an extremely efficient and capable municipal leadership. Over many years of security problems, rockets and balloon traps, infiltrators etc., the regional council has had only too many opportunities to organize emergency teams in every community including communications, early warnings, schooling under warlike conditions, mutual help and co-oper-
ation, and all this has been put into action for the duration of the coronavirus. As the kibbutzim and moshavim were from their very beginning built on the principle of community going forward together, older adults and those who are not able to take care of themselves have been adopted by their communities and provided with home service. Meals are delivered to the door, groceries brought by volunteers from the minimarkets and Shabbat challot are brought by families with their kids every Friday. But we are fortunate in other ways, too — plenty of space to walk around in, big verandas to sit on and drink coffee with the neighbors (with masks of course). On the Steering Committee of the Lehigh Valley-Yoav Partnership, there is of course a certain amount of frustration as projects that have, at least for the next few months, been put on the shelves. Our young youth leaders who were destined to come to the JCC of the Lehigh Valley summer camp are, of course, deeply disappointed, but ever optimistic, hoping for next year's camp. Plans and projects for the Partnership continue to be on the drawing board, and there is sincere interest in Yoav as to how you are all faring in the Lehigh Valley. We'd love to hear from you! Although many people have returned to work – those who still have work – and public transport is running again, the beaches are open and so are the restaurants, yet there is the uneasy feeling of what lies in front
of us. The community center of Yoav works full-time, mostly on Zoom, and the activities are unlimited. This week, there was a special week for our seniors. Chi Kong, pilates and yoga take place every week, Zoom lectures are available in all the community club rooms, handicrafts are booming, and there are also outdoor activities monitored to avoid too crowded attendance. Last week saw the end-ofterm production of the Yoav Dance Academy, and, as usual, it was amazing. Classic and modern ballet, hip hop, you name it! Next year sees the 40th anniversary of the Academy – not to be missed and in the hope that by then, the skies will have opened up. We look forward to seeing many of you here! And here is another something special. Recently, in the Bell Caves of Beit Guvrin, a new exhibition, "The Human Forms" by the sculptor Ivo Bisignano, was opened. Any of you who have attended an event in these caves are aware of their magic and, who knows, maybe the exhibition will reopen again next year (when you come to the 40th anniversary of our Dance Academy!). Last week we celebrated Tu B'Av – the festival of love – and one of our farmers in Kibbutz Bet Neir ploughed a large heart in the fields for his wife. Now that's romantic! In a way, we are living on two levels. On the surface, life goes on pretty much as usual, with certain restrictions which most of us do try and keep. On another level, we do worry about
catching coronavirus, especially our friends and family, and we are uncertain as to the future. We still do not know if school will open at the beginning of September, and if so, who for? And if the children are not in school, that means that at least one parent will also be home. Can the kids get used to virtual learning? Will the health system really collapse? So many questions and so few clear answers. Each month I write for HAKOL, I am sure that next month we will be back to normal. Although, I wonder what that means? Will there be serious changes in the world at large, and in Yoav and the Lehigh Valley? I can only misquote a
Chinese proverb – "Let us live in boring times!" Meanwhile to all of you, our family, friends and Partners, be well, and be safe!
Take a virtual tour of Yoav with our series ‘Summer in Yoav’ streaming now on Facebook
AM HASKALAH CONTINUING EDUCATION
LOOKING WITHIN TO Thurs. SEE OUR NEIGHBORS 9/10 @ 7pm Burgandy Holiday, LCSW PRESENTED ONLINE BY
Anti-Racism Educator and Therapist
Privilege and oppression are more than trending words. They are at the core of our identities. Each of us has ways in which we experience both of these identities, waxing and waning as a moment dictates. This is happening within all of us, often without our awareness. As a result, we all engage the world with the varying identities, sometimes at our best, and sometimes at our worst. RSVP TO:
Through this conversation, you will have the opportunity to look at your own identities as a tool for understanding people often perceived as “the other.” You will be introduced to The ADDRESSING Model, and explore your unique intersectional identity, for ways to find empathy and empowerment for yourself and others. This 90-minute session will allow you to explore the concept of being an ally by leveraging your resources and privilege for problem solving and supporting others.
AmHaskalahDirector@gmail.com or 610-435-3775
24 SEPTEMBER 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Annette Lark Mashi takes us on a tour of Moshav Segula, and shows us the park dedicated to Mark L. Goldstein, z”l. By Bayley Carl JFLV Marketing & Engagement Associate Summer has come and gone in the blink of an eye. While some of our plans stayed intact, others did not. One of the things we’re sorry we missed out on was meeting the teens who come from Yoav to work at the JCC summer camp. In lieu of meeting the teens in person, Partnership2Gether and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley have teamed up to present you a Facebook video series called “Summer in Yoav.” Partnership2Gether is a program where the Jewish Agency for Israel connects our community in the Lehigh Valley and the Yoav Regional Council in Israel. “Summer in Yoav” will take the Facebook community on a virtual tour of 12 of Yoav’s 14 kibbutzim and moshavim. Residents everywhere from Re’em Junction in the north to Kiryat Gat in the south, Beit Guvrin to the east and Givati Junction in the west will take you on tours of their communities. You’ll even get to meet some
of the teens who were supposed to be camp counselors this summer! The idea for “Summer in Yoav” came from a collaboration between our very own former community shlicha Rotem Bar and Partnership2Gether’s Associate Director Amit Zehavi. Zehavi shared, “In times when real travel is unavailable, a virtual visit is the next best thing. Twelve of the 14 Yoav communities are represented, and all the videos were lovingly prepared by Partnership2Gether beneficiaries, some JCC summer camp alumni, some Momentum alumni and members of our joint steering committee.” She added that “in each and every one of these places, we can find families that will be more than happy to host folks from Lehigh valley for a meal, coffee, a tour of the area and even overnight.” The connections that have been made between the Lehigh Valley and Yoav communities are proving just how strong they are. Stay tuned for more virtual tours of Yoav!
AZA sports a new look in more ways than one By Jared Lazansky AZA After the shockwave of the global pandemic, BBYO as a whole was flipped on its head, but that didn’t stop the boys from getting the job done. The chapter finished out the previous year virtually, with meetings and fun events such as the Virtual Mini Hoop Dunk Contest. In June, we went through the process and elected the 93rd Board into office. The new board members are: Cory Lemberg (godol), Josh Jaffe (s’gan), Noah Oxfeld (moreh), Yuval Shimoni (shaliach), Jared Lazansky (mazkir) and Brendan Cohen (3rd s’gan). The new board is ready for whatever lies ahead and has already
taken steps to making this a great year no matter what. Shortly after being elected, the new board got together and discussed plans, concerns, personal strengths and weaknesses and individual responsibilities for the coming year. But that get-together wasn’t all business. To help with board bonding, the boys played a multitude of fun yard games such as Spikeball, Kan Jam and 3v3 Basketball. They finished off the night by watching the graduating class of 2020 present their heartfelt and emotional speeches touching on the impact BBYO has had on their lives. The boys got to see their own Aaron Fraley give a rousing and truly heart-wrenching speech which served as an appropriate send off for Mr. BBYO himself. As the new school year quickly approaches, the board is making final preparations for the new season and is more ready than ever to make this year one to remember! If anyone has any questions or just wants some more info on AZA and/or BBYO, feel free to send an email to allentownaza@ gmail.com, and I will get back to you!
Making the desert bloom Jewish Agency for Israel EDITOR’S NOTE: The Jewish Agency for Israel is an overseas partner of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. Just north of Mitzpe Ramon, breaking up the vast brownness of the Negev desert in Israel’s south, lies a cluster of vineyards that make up Eshkolot Grove. The Grove was established in 2010 by Ronnie and Simcha, childhood sweethearts who moved to the desert with their twin sons 14 years ago after Ronnie served in the army for 24 years. The idea for Eshkolot Grove first sprouted while Ronnie was stationed in Mitzpeh Ramon during his IDF service. Upon moving to the Negev, Ronnie and Simcha began the process of planting their grove, made up of mostly olives. Their groves also grow the other seven species of which the land of Israel is blessed: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates and dates. Additionally, they produce award-winning olive oil (see maromoil.co.il), as well as wine and soaps. “We wanted to connect to the land, to connect to the desert, and start a business. The desert has a way of taking you out of the traffic and noise of other parts of the country and making you look inward. It also has a way of making you want to initiate new things,“ said Simcha. In 2015, when the couple wanted to make their grove more profitable, they needed help. That’s when they were directed to seek support from The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Loan Funds. The Loan Funds program assists entrepreneurs in Israel’s geographic and social periphery opening or expanding small businesses by acting as a partial guarantor so they can receive a low-interest loan. “Our vision was to find a way to share the values of
education, agriculture, Jewish roots and great tasting olive oil with other people. So we came up with the idea of building a field classroom, which visitors could come to and learn about the land, the desert, the history, Judaism and making oil,” shared Simcha. They were granted a loan of 300,000 NIS (nearly $86,000) from the Ness Loan Fund for the Negev, which is funded by American Jewish communities in Greater MetroWest, New Jersey, and Miami, to set up their visitor center/field classroom. “The program really helps you as a business owner, and taking advantage of programs like this helps you learn to believe in your business and build confidence in what you are doing,” said Simcha. “And the project we needed the loan for was so successful, we were even able to pay off the loan ahead of time.” Today, that field classroom gets a few hundred visitors a year, including tourists, soldiers and school groups, who come to learn about the desert and what it’s like to grow things under extreme and dry conditions. “Every day we are connected to what it says in the Bible about agriculture and our Jewish heritage, and making that coming alive,” shared Simcha on what she loves most about running Eshkolot Grove. “We are proud to be able to fulfill Ben Gurion’s vision of making the
desert bloom. Working with our hands, we are creating sustainable agriculture, and educating others about all these values.”
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2020 25
ChaiFlicks, the ‘Jewish Netflix,’ is here By Stephen Silver Jewish Telegraphic Agency It was only a matter of time: A Jewish Netflix has arrived. That moniker is probably the best description of ChaiFlicks, a film and TV streaming platform focused on Jewishthemed movies that launched Aug. 12. It helps that its creators were once in business with the real Netflix. Neil Friedman, founder of the Jewish-focused distribution company Menemsha Films, said he sold two films to Netflix: the 2015 bakery-set drama “Dough” and the 2016 Israeli film “The Women’s Balcony.” But since then, Netflix has shifted its focus to its original offerings. In 2017, when Netflix passed on another film that the founders were distributing — “1945,” a rare Hungarian production about the effects of the Holocaust — the idea for ChaiFlicks began. “We realized then and there that if we were going to have our films on [a subscription video on demand] channel, we would have to initiate our own channel,” Friedman said. The service was offered earlier this year in a beta version for Menemsha Films’ mailing list subscribers, spokesman Gary Springer said. But as of Aug. 12, the service will be open officially to all at a price point of $5.99 a month, or $65.99 a year. ChaiFlicks also offers a 14-day free trial. It’s launching with over 150 titles, including feature films, documentaries, shorts
and other entertainment, all of it either Jewish- or Israelithemed. While it doesn’t have nearly as much content, ChaiFlicks also offers something that newer, bigger streaming services like HBO Max and Peacock don’t: It’s available on every major streaming platform, including Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV, as well as both iOS and Android mobile devices, in addition to a desktop version. The tech for the site is powered by the video platform Vimeo. “We have not had any issues with Roku or Amazon,” Friedman said. “We are a small niche streaming service and that has its advantages so as not to affect the preexisting ecosystem in the VOD and streaming worlds.” The ChaiFlicks lineup at the start includes “Natasha,” “A Home on the Range: The Jewish Chicken Ranchers of Petaluma,” “Holy Land Hardball,” “In Search of Israeli Cuisine,” “Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel,” the show “Soon By You” and other titles that might be familiar to those who follow the Jewish film festival circuit. “Shekinah: The Intimate Life of Hasidic Women” and “Bulgarian Rhapsody” are among the titles that will come to the service in the week after launch. “We started ChaiFlicks … as soon as the pandemic hit in March, as we had the advantage of owning 80 Jewish and Israeli titles of our own,” Friedman said. “Since such time, although still in the beta stage for the channel, we have been
acquiring third-party product for ChaiFlicks to the extent that we as of today have 150 titles for ChaiFlicks alone.” As the service continues to acquire third-party programming, Friedman said, he and his two co-founders expect that Menemsha titles will become a minimal part of the ChaiFlicks presentations. Those co-founders are Heidi Oshin, a fellow Menemsha Films staffer, and Bill Weiner, who once worked for the large production company now called Regency Enterprises. Friedman estimated that the service will add about three new films per week. Categories include comedy, drama, documentaries, food, music, sports, LGBTQ stories, shorts, “The American Sephardi Federation presents …” and specific categories for individual countries and regions, which include Israel, Europe, France and South America. Also on the way, according to the spokesman Springer, is a partnership with the Jewish Women’s Theater in Santa Monica, California, and agreements with some Israeli film companies. Eventually there will be content that premieres on ChaiFlicks, mostly special live debut events. “We will need to provide that ‘wow’ factor to the subscribers with premieres on ChaiFlicks,” Friedman said. “However, for now we want to retain the sequential windowing not to upset existing relationships in the first four stages of release.”
Summer blockbusters Answers to crossword puzzle from page 13 of the July 2020 HAKOL.
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JADE MAY
Torahs packed and synagogues on high alert as wildfires bear down on Northern California
A fire in Napa County as seen from Middletown in Lake County, Calif., Aug. 19, 2020. By Maya Mirsky and Gabriel Greschler Jewish Telegraphic Agency When the evacuation orders came on Aug. 19, Guerneville, California, resident Sonia Tubridy and her daughter packed the car and left, joining a caravan of vehicles fleeing the North Bay area and the fires that threatened to engulf them. Tubridy, cultural director of the Russian River Jewish Community, was among the thousands of people ordered to evacuate from fires burning 46,000 acres across a vast area covering five counties and stretching from Vacaville north to Lake Berryessa and out to the Sonoma County coast. Dubbed the “LNU Lightning Complex” by Cal Fire, the danger zone has required mandatory evacuations in Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties and continues to expand. Tubridy described the evacuation process as hectic. “We were in a stream of traffic leaving River Road,” she said from near Bodega Bay, where she and her daughter were temporarily taking refuge for the day. “Thousands of cars going five miles per hour.” With hot and windy weather forecast, more evacuations are expected, especially for areas south of the fires, according to a Cal Fire press conference this morning. “If you think you’re in danger, please be ready to go,” Sonoma County Sheriff Mark Essick said. Rabbi Chaim Zaklos of Chabad of Solano County is one of those who was prepared and waiting for the call the following morning. As the fires bore down on Vacaville overnight, Zaklos got ready. “The Torah has been packed up and ready to go,” he said. “All the other holy artifacts have been packed up.” Zaklos added that it was “literally raining ashes.” “You can see the red in the sky,” he said. In addition to the LNC Fire, other large fires are burning near Santa Cruz, and hundreds of smaller blazes are being fought in San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties. “This all makes this time of year quite Biblical in feel,” said Rabbi Niles Goldstein of Congregation Beth Shalom in Napa. He said that some of his congregants who live outside the
city limits have had to evacuate, although the synagogue isn’t threatened at the moment. “There is some smoke and ash, but the city of Napa is safe so far,” he said. E. Michèle Samson, president of Congregation Shir Shalom in Sonoma, also felt a Biblical pull. “Oh my God, can you believe this?” she said. “It’s like the next thing is going to be boils or locusts.” She added that the synagogue wasn’t in the path of the fire for now. “Today, I think we’re OK,” she said. Rabbi Stephanie Kramer of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa also said her synagogue was not currently at risk from the fires, but that the homes of some of her congregants are threatened. The fires have been bringing back traumatic memories for many. Last year, the Kincade wildfire torched over 66,000 acres in mostly rural Sonoma County,
destroying roughly 100 buildings and forcing 185,000 people to evacuate. The destructive Tubbs Fire hit Sonoma, Napa and Lake counties in 2017. “It’s making everyone quite anxious and brings up memories,” Kramer said. Shomrei Torah was a major point of relief during the 2017 fire, when the synagogue opened its doors and became a hub and command center, offering shelter, food and counseling during the crisis and for months after. But she said this time, any efforts to help will be hampered by coronavirus concerns, as people can no longer be packed into small spaces. “It will not look the same in a pandemic,” Kramer said. At Congregation Beth Ami in Santa Rosa, which was similarly affected by the state’s 2017 wildfire season, president Carolyn Metz recalled how four families lost their homes, and said the current crisis is bringing up feelings of post-traumatic stress disorder. Beth Ami had planned to open its preschool on Aug. 17 but postponed until Aug. 24 because of the heat advisory now affecting the region. Metz described the “delicate balance” of dealing with the fires and the pandemic as “daunting.” Tubridy, who was planning to stay in a Santa Rosa hotel for the night with her adult daughter, described the situation as “layer upon layer of challenges.” Not only are they escaping the fires, she said, but also trying to stay safe from COVID-19. “The pandemic is not gone.”
Our littlest reader peruses HAKOL
Proud mom Tara Brown, mid-Atlantic regional director for AIPAC says, "I don’t think she is quite ready to read, but Eliora is showing great interest in what’s going on with the Lehigh Valley Jewish community!"
CONGRESSWOMAN SUSAN WILD WISHES YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR I've worked hard in Congress to help get us through the COVID-19 crisis together. I've led two bills that were signed into law by President Trump to help seniors get the support and at-home care they need and I've worked with our local small businesses owners to ensure they get the recourses they need. I'll continue working across the aisle to get things done to help families here in the Greater Lehigh Valley. GET INVOLVED AND CONTRIBUTE TO OUR CAMPAIGN AT
WWW.WILDFORCONGRESS.COM
Paid for by Susan Wild for Congress
PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2020 27
Do a mitzvah, wear a mask Thanks to the many smiling (you can see it in their eyes!) faces who sent in selfies of themselves wearing masks to promote this important mitzvah during this time of pandemic! They were all featured in a video shared online about how wearing a mask is a simple act of kindness to try to keep others safe from COVID-19.
PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT
28 SEPTEMBER 2020 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2020 29
(610) 882-8800 • embassybank.com
L’Shana Tova! Weis Markets extends to you and your family a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year! U
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visit us at www.weismarkets.com or connect with us on Prices through September 24, 2020.
We also carry many of your favorite Kosher deli, dairy, frozen and grocery products.
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