HAKOL - June 2015

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY The Voice of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community

JUNE 2015 | SIVAN/TAMUZ 5775

ON THE GROUND:

Delivering Relief in Manikhel, Nepal

By Sam Amiel American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee

MISSION TO HARRISBURG Advocating for Jewish causes.

See page 3.

Editor’s Note: On April 25, a devastating earthquake struck Nepal.

Over 8,000 people have died with many thousands more injured. JDC, a partner of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, is providing relief to the hardest hit areas in the wake of this disaster. What follows is one volunteer’s account of his time in Nepal on May 5.

Today's visit to a very tight-knit community that lost a daughter was heart-wrenching. We brought our condolences, visited with each family to understand how they are surviving and delivered critically needed aid.

The village of Manikhel, located south of Kathmandu, lost one person, a 16-year-old girl named Muna, crushed under a bed as she sought cover.

Manoj Pahari, a fellow with our partner organization Sarvodaya - Teach for Nepal (TFN) who was embedded in Manikhel for two years, told me he remembered Muna's 16th birthday party,

PASTOR CHRIS HARRIS speaks at Muhlenberg.

See page 6.

We visited six villages where more than 90 percent of homes were affected, destroyed and uninhabitable. The need for shelter is great, especially given the monsoon season set to strike in five to six weeks.

Because of the difficult terrain and landslides caused by the earthquake, it is taking even longer to deliver critical aid to the periphery than what JDC has experienced in some previous disasters.

We are hard at work with our partners to identify the best solutions that will solve short- and long-term housing needs while still providing critical first-line aid, including food and medicine.

Sam Amiel is a senior member of JDC's disaster response team.

See Page 9 to learn more about the aid efforts in Nepal and what you can do to help.

Federation to honor awardees, long-time givers at Annual Meeting

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS Meet the class of 2015!

See pages 16-18.

TAMA TAMARKIN

DR. HARVEY HAKIM

SHEILA BERG

TAFFI NEY

George Feldman Achievement Award for Young Leadership

Pomerantz Award for Campaign Excellence

Pomerantz Award for Campaign Excellence

Lifetime Achievement Award

years will be recognized at this year’s Community Celebration & Annual Meeting on June 16.

There they will be formally inducted into the Silver Circle Society for their unwavering commitment.

“It’s not about the level of giving, it’s about their dedication to helping Jews however they can,” said Judy Diamondstein, assistant executive director of the Federation. “It’s these wonderful people who have set us on the path to the future, and will hopefully inspire the next generation to do the same.”

In addition to celebrating Silver Circle members, the Federation will honor its committed volunteers and leaders.

Tama Tamarkin, current president of the Jewish Day School and a Wax Family Fund Leadership Fellow, will receive the George Feldman Achievement Award for Young Leadership.

“Tama has the heart and soul of the type of leader that makes our Jewish community continue

to grow in strength,” one of the many nominations for Tamarkin read. “She's devoted to so many aspects of our community and leads by example.”

Sheila Berg and Harvey Hakim will both be honored with the Pomerantz Award for Campaign Excellence for their dedication to the 2015 Campaign for Jewish Needs.

“Sheila takes her campaign volunteer role seriously and applies her skills as a social worker to add depth and meaning to conversations with donors,” said Iris Epstein, campaign chairperson.

“Harvey has been a standout volunteer at Super Sunday for many years. His gentle and engaging personality easily connects with people and that has translated to campaign success.”

For an impressive 40-year career, including 28 years at the Federation, Taffi Ney will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The first such award was given to Rabbi Allen Juda last year upon his retirement.

Ney officially retired in the fall, but her impact on the many people she touched over the years in her varied roles at Federation continues to be felt.

Jaccii Farris of WFMZ and Julian Farris Films will receive the Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction for her documentary, “Letters to Frieda,” about a local Holocaust survivor.

Outgoing leaders will also be honored, including Rance Block for hisi term as chair of the Allocations Committee, Frank Tamarkin for his years as Maimonides Society president and Carol Wilson for her term as Women’s Division president, and a new board of directors will be elected.

By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Marketing

No. 377 com.UNITY with Mark Goldstein 2 LVJF Tributes

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Jewish Family Service

15

Jewish Community Center

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Jewish Day School

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Jewish Senior Life Connection

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Community Calendar

celebrated in her home -- now a ruined, flattened pile of rubble.

The girl's uncle told me he had high hopes for Muna, the eldest of three daughters.

"She showed great promise, and I always spoke to her about doing well in school," he said. "My heart hurts."

The village school in Manikhel, 8,500 feet above sea level, served hundreds of children walking two hours each way from across the hilly region. The school is closed for a month, serving as a relief distribution point for 1,500 people across 10 villages. When I visited, 15 families were living in the school, with many others forming makeshift structures from tarp, tin, stones and wood salvaged from the piles of the rubble.

I saw wide-scale destruction in some of the hardest-hit districts in Nepal. It is extremely encouraging to know our partners at Tevel B'Tzedek and TFN take the same community-based approach as all of us at JDC when providing relief and assistance. We all fully believe in long-term sustainable impact for those most in need.

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Some give like their parents before them, or because it’s just the “right thing to do.”

Others say they have a responsibility as a Jewish person, or they believe in the cause.

Whatever the reason, the 432 plus people who have given to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley for 25 or more consecutive Non-Profit Organization

702 North 22nd Street Allentown, PA 18104

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

The Jewish Federation’s Community Celebration & Annual Meeting is free and open to the whole community.

The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the JCC with heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. Please RSVP to 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org.

Visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org to learn more.

com.UNITY

FROM THE DESK OF MARK L. GOLDSTEIN

Executive Director | Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley markg@jflv.org

Sometimes repetition is necessary There are times that this column will repeat themes.

It’s unavoidable. There are themes that come up regularly and are worth repeating: the value of Jewish summer camping, Israel advocacy, the importance of Jewish education and Jewish day school education, the needs of our Annual Campaign, more Israel advocacy, supporting our synagogues, more needs of our Annual Campaign, combatting BDS, to name a few. Between the Lehigh Valley and my previous community, I have been writing a column for over 20 years. And I have never repeated a theme in the same year. Never.

Until now.

In May 2014 I wrote about a powerful story in Ukraine.

Not that Russia had invaded, or that a civil war seemed imminent, or that Jews were caught in the middle between the two sides, but that the Jewish Federation system was on the ground providing services to Jews and non-Jews in this conflict-stricken region.

Then in October 2014 I wrote again about the emergency situation facing Ukrainian Jews. Everyone had hoped the situation in Ukraine would have subsided.

Surely world powers would have found an opportunity to get Russia to stand down, for ceasefires to seriously hold, or for calmer heads to prevail.

But that has not happened.

The war and accompanying humanitarian crisis, which is uniquely impacting Ukraine’s Jewish community, wages on but is largely absent from the

nightly news and from our ongoing awareness.

Harsh winter conditions and the suspension of benefit payments in some parts of eastern Ukraine made the situation even more difficult.

Food prices are increasing with inflation, which coupled with bank closures, depleted savings and overall lack of available hard currency means that access to food is quite difficult. Physical access to food is complicated as well, since markets within or near the fighting zones face ongoing security threats.

With the ongoing risk of household food insecurity, it’s likely that individual coping strategies will not be sustainable for the long term.

This is especially true for the elderly, the institutionalized, and other vulnerable individuals, including many Holocaust survivors.

The Jewish Federation system, in partnership with the JDC, continues to provide life-saving services, including food, medicines, home health care and winter relief to Jews living in the regions under fire, for internally displaced Jews living in other parts of Ukraine and Jews who have gone east and moved to Russia.

There are over 3,000 displaced Jews throughout Ukraine and approximately 8,000 Jews living in the conflict zone. It is our responsibility to help them, and we are. We are now regularly serving more than 70,000 impoverished Jews in Ukraine. For those who have fled or who remain in the

CORRECTION

conflict zone, the situation has become dire. Emergency services we provide include emergency relief assistance (food and medical support), one-time emergency expense support for surgeries, emergency home repairs, or one-time purchases of basic necessities, rental subsidies and assistance in leaving the conflict zone.

The estimated 350,000 Jews living in Ukraine have been profoundly affected by the political and economic instability that has impacted the country since early 2014. Ukraine’s economy is deteriorating. Official inflation has reached almost 25 percent and the local currency, the hryvia, has been devalued by more than 50 percent, and in some areas controlled by Russian forces the hryvia is useless as they demand the Russian ruble as the only legal tender.

While we know that the majority of Jews will stay in Ukraine, in 2014 close to 6,000 Ukrainian Jews made aliyah to Israel, a 196 percent increase as compared to 2013. Interest in Jewish Agency programs that prepare individuals and families for aliyah has increased in significant numbers: 28,000 people attended aliyah information events since the crisis began and 180 new ulpan classes serving more than 1,600 students have opened.

Despite the crisis, JAFI offices in Donetsk and Mariupol remain open and continue to provide services.

These Jewish communal staff members working both

In the May 2015 issue, Sue Travis’s name was misspelled in a story about her volunteer work with The GO Program. We apologize to Mrs. Travis and regret any confusion this may have caused.

JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship by requesting that trees be planted in the Yoav--Lehigh Valley Partnership Park.

IN HONOR MORAH GALIT In honor of her dedication to her sixth grade Hebrew class MORAH LEAH In honor of her dedication to her sixth grade Hebrew class AIDE DAVID In honor of his dedication to his sixth grade Hebrew class AIDE CORAL In honor of her dedication to her sixth grade Hebrew class MARC AND JUDY DIAMONDSTEIN Graduation of their son, Noah Partnership2Gether Committee Stan and Vicki Wax NOAH NOTIS Winning 1st Prize in the Chidon Tanach USA Competition Roberto and Eileen Fischmann

IN MEMORY GRANDMOTHER (of Alice Notis) Roberto and Eileen Fischmann PHOEBE ALTMAN (Wife of Arthur Altman) Roberto and Eileen Fischmann Edward and Andrea Reid MURRAY SCHECHTER (Husband of Marcia Schechter) Roberto and Eileen Fischmann MAURICE SCHNEIGEIGER (Father of Aliette Abo) Roberto and Eileen Fischmann ITIC ZIGHELBOIM (Father of Israel Zighelboim) Beth Kushnick, Laurie Wax and all Shiva contributors

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

2 JUNE 2015 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

for JDC and for JAFI are the heroes of this story. They are providing uninterrupted services, meeting the everyday needs of our community’s most vulnerable and those in crisis. All because of our Annual Campaign support AND our support of the Ukraine Assistance Fund.

No one could have predicted that this crisis would have lasted this long or that it would still be continuing. I can’t urge you enough to recognize the ongoing nature of this crisis and donate to the Ukraine Assistance Fund (www.JewishLehighValley/ Ukraine). All of the funds raised in this special appeal directly benefit the Jewish Federation’s relief efforts in the region.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY 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.

I hope I never have to repeat this theme in future columns. But as the crisis persists, or as new crises emerge, and Jews are in need, I will issue the clarion call to our community to respond As we have stepped up in the past, I have confidence that we will today and in the future.

HAKOL STAFF Laura Rigge

HAKOL Editor

Stephanie Smartschan

JFLV Director of Marketing

Allison Meyers

Graphic Designer

Diane McKee

Advertising Representative TEL: 610-515-1391 hakolads@jflv.org

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

JFLV EXECUTIVE STAFF Mark L. Goldstein Executive Director

Judy Diamondstein

Assistant Executive Director

Temple Coldren

Director of Finance & Administration

Jim Mueth

Director of Planned Giving & Endowments

Aaron Gorodzinsky

Director of Outreach & Community Relations

Mark H. Scoblionko JFLV President

EDITORIAL BOARD

Monica Friess, Acting Chair Barbara Reisner Judith Rodwin Sara Vigneri

Member American Jewish Press Association

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

JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY MISSION STATEMENT In order to unite, sustain, and enhance the Lehigh Valley Jewish community, and support Jewish communities in Israel and around the world, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is dedicated to the following core values:

• Supporting Jews in need wherever they may be.

• Supporting Israel as a Jewish homeland.

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

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

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

• Developing Jewish leaders.

• Building endowments to support implementation of core values.

• Committing to ongoing Jewish community strategic planning.

• Fostering cooperation among organizations and community building.

• Evaluating all decisions with respect to fiscal responsibility.

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

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

• Setting priorities for allocation and distribution of funds.

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

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

Federation advocates for seniors, education in Harrisburg

Barry Halper, Sheila Berg, Aaron Gorodzinsky, Carah Tenzer, Patty Glascom, Mark L. Goldstein, Wendy Born, Judy D’ver and Judy Diamondstein on the steps of the Capitol Building in Harrisburg. The Lehigh Valley delegation met with state legislators to discuss issues of importance to the Jewish community.

By Laura Rigge HAKOL Editor On May 5, a group of dedicated community members met with state legislators to advocate for seniors and students at the state capitol building in Harrisburg. The trip was coordinated by the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.

First, delegates met with Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) and Rep. Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh), who described the current state of the budget. Both offered their support for educational improvement tax credits that benefit the Jewish Day School and the JCC. Schlossberg also spoke about the new

push for funding for naturally occurring retirement communities, often abbreviated as NORCs. As more Pennsylvanians choose to age in place, their needs are changing faster than government programs can meet them. Because of these changes, legislators in Harrisburg are looking to reform the current model of senior support that largely funds facilities like nursing homes and assisted living communities in favor of broadening the services funded to better serve seniors who are aging in place. NORC funding was also a major topic of discussion with Dwayne Heckert, the assistant director of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, and Lauren Rooney, a research analyst for Rep. Steve Samuelson (D-Northampton), the chairman of the

Carah Tenzer, Wendy Born and Patty Glascom with Lauren Rooney, research analyst for Rep. Steve Samuelson (D-Northampton), the chairman of the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee.

Aging and Older Adult Services Committee.

Carah Tenzer, senior services planning consultant for the Federation, pointed to The GO Program, the free transportation service for seniors provided by the Federation and Jewish Family Service, as an example of nonprofits stepping in to serve the needs of seniors who are aging in place in the Lehigh Valley. Federation Executive Director Mark L. Goldstein recommended that state agencies should make a greater effort to partner with local nonprofits, many of whom have stepped in to fill a need as JFS has.

Former Federation president Barry Halper called the day “inspiring,” noting that the group had not only made

UKRAINE FRANCE ISRAEL YOUR OWN BACKYARD

known the needs of the community, but also had given practical ideas for how to affect positive change in the Lehigh Valley and across the state.

Aaron Gorodzinsky, director of outreach and community relations for the Federation who coordinated the trip, also considered the mission a success.

“Having the opportunity to meet with our legislators, share our concerns, priorities and ideas with them and hearing from them in regard to the upcoming priorities and issues made this experience very unique,” Gorodzinsky said. “I think everyone came out of the mission with a better understanding of what is going on in Harrisburg today and what we need to do to ensure that our voice will continue to be heard.”

NOT A GOLFER? THAT’S OK!

Join us for a fabulous dinner at Lehigh Country Club and bid on GREAT ITEMS like these!

MONDAY, JUNE 15 5:15 p.m. – Cocktails 6:00 p.m. – Dinner

There’s still time to BE THERE for Jews in need right now.

$75 PER PERSON Register now or learn more about the full tournament experience at www.jewishlehighvalley.org/golf.

Make your pledge to the 2015 Campaign for Jewish Needs by June 30.

BECAUSE OF YOU,

The Godfather Cast Movie Poster

All 6 James Bonds Cast Photo

Frozen Cast Animation Art

Arnold Palmer Photo

Bruce Springsteen Record Album

Billy Joel Signed Photo

Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs www.jewishlehighvalley.org Phil Mickelson Photo

Muhammad Ali Signed Boxing Glove

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2015 3

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

Alma gives Israeli girls the skills to succeed

Michal Barkai, founder of the Alma Preparatory School for female leadership in Israel, speaks to the Women’s Division about Alma at a Lunch & Learn in December. Alma is based in the Negev desert and physical training includes week-long hiking trips. Alma serves girls from 14 different cities and regions across Israel.

The Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley has recently received good news about the progress of the Alma Prepartory School, the beneficiary of special funds raised by the Women’s Division this year.

Alma is a pre-military academy for female leadership that provides at-risk Israeli girls with the skills they need to succeed in the IDF. Of the 18 girls who served in the first cohort of 2013-14, 17 went on to IDF units that had previously been out of their reach. Four of them were even able to enter into courses

for higher leadership. This year, 20 girls from 14 different Israeli cities have participated, including a mix of honors students and remedial students. Next year, Alma plans to expand to two locations and mentor 40 young women, double the number it is currently serving.

Alumni of the program have been vocal in their gratitude for Alma. Racheli Barabi, an Alma alumna from Netanya, said, “We had everything – true bounty. Not the kind of bounty that comes with a soft bed and gourmet meals. We had the bounty that

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

welcoming new babies to the Lehigh Valley If you’re expecting, know someone who is, or have a new baby, PLEASE LET US KNOW! Contact Abby Trachtman, 610-821-5500 | abbyt@jflv.org 4 JUNE 2015 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

comes with spirit. Bounty that comes with learning, growing and uplifting yourself.”

In Israel, the IDF unit in which one serves sets a young person on a path for years to come. Just as attending a reputable university in the U.S. can lead to better career opportunities, so too the prestige of one’s IDF service can either open doors for many years, or, in the case of low-level positions, shut those doors forever. Young women from Israel’s cultural and geographic sidelines – the ones who lack the confidence, networking opportunities or education to apply for prestigious units – are likely to take the least-challenging roles the IDF offers and lose an important chance to improve their social standing. Their lack of opportunities in the IDF translate into a lack of opportuni-

ties far into the future – and missed potential for the IDF and for Israeli society.

By providing Israeli girls with six months of studies, hiking, volunteer service, physical training and more self-confidence, Alma paves their way into some of the most prestigious army units available. Alma advocates for them directly to the IDF, providing the IDF with a stronger base of new soldiers, substantially raising the girls’ chances of desirable assignments and changing their trajectories for a lifetime.

In just six months, Alma students develop their selfesteem and poise through intellectual enrichment, physical training and giving back.

Based in Ofakim in the heart of the Negev, Alma’s program emphasizes self-discipline, teamwork and critical thinking.

Courses on Israeli history and feminist thought and women in Israeli society as well as trips to important religious and historical sites enrich the girls’ education and empower them to aim higher. This is accompanied by physical training through monthly week-long camping and hiking trips, including a survival trek and two-week extended hike.

Alma also connects the girls with accomplished female role models, including businesswomen, politicians, high-ranking IDF officers, artists, religious leaders and professionals, providing them not only with positive examples, but also connections in various sectors of Israeli society.

To learn more or contribute to this speical cause, visit www. jewishlehighvalley.org/womensdivision.

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

Evening of politics with William Daroff at Men's Night Out William Daroff, senior vice president for public policy and director of the Washington Office of The Jewish Federations of North America, was the featured speaker on April 27 for this year's Men's Night Out, a fundraiser open to Dollar-aDay donors to the Federation’s Annual Campaign.

Daroff shared JFNA's larger agenda and some personal anecdotes on the current IsraelU.S. relationship with over 80 men present at the event.

The men in attendance enjoyed a selection of Scotch and food prepared especially for the evening.

Did you know that your company can receive a substantial tax break

directly help low-income students in the Lehigh Valley for just pennies on the dollar?

Participate in the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit program through the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and your money will fund scholarship programs at the JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER and the JEWISH DAY SCHOOL. DON'T MISS OUT ON THE CHANCE TO RECEIVE UP TO A 90% TAX CREDIT Apply on July 1, 2015, spaces fill up fast. To learn more, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/eitc

BUSINESSES SUBJECT TO ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING TAXES ARE ELIGIBLE:       

Corporate Net Income Tax Capital Stock Franchise Tax Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax Title Insurance Companies Shares Tax Insurance Premiums Tax Mutual Thrift Institute Tax Personal Income Tax of S-Corporation Shareholders or Partners in a General or Limited Partnership

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2015 5

Pastor Chris Harris inspires community

By Jarrod and Nicole Rosenthal Special to HAKOL Many of those who attended the 2014 AIPAC Policy Conference count the remarks of Pastor Chris Harris as among the meeting’s most memorable moments. The Lehigh Valley was privileged to host “An Evening with Pastor Chris Harris” on April 30, an event co-sponsored by the Muhlenberg College Hillel and the Wax Family Fund Leadership Fellow. Over 200 people in attendance were treated to an inspirational message of inclusiveness and a plea for Jews and African-Americans to work together toward common goals.

Harris is the inspirational leader of the Bright Star Church on the south side of Chicago. He is the founder of the Bronzeville Dream Center, where he uses techniques learned in Israel to provide necessary social services and counseling to at-risk individuals in his community. The services are aimed at minimizing negative factors that lead to violence, while increasing protective influences that yield positive outcomes. Harris

has been honored by Bar Ilan University for his support of the Jewish community and the State of Israel, and for his work to strengthen the ties between the African-American and Jewish communities He began his church-like oration by calling on some audience participation.

When he called “The seed!,” we responded with, "The soil!” The chant served as a metaphor for taking a thought, an idea, a goal or a dream and transforming it into an organic endeavor; like a seed needs good soil to flourish, a goal needs the right environment to succeed. As he roused the crowd in the packed Moyer auditorium, Harris spoke about coming together. The African-American community in Bronzeville and the Jewish community in Chicago have done just that under the leadership of Harris. They have brought their communities together, understanding each other’s differences and their many similarities to stand together and begin the work of promoting healing and growth in Chicago.

The inspiration for this partnership, Harris explained

Pastor Chris Harris with the Wax Family Fund Leadership Fellows at “An Evening with Pastor Chris Harris” hosted by Muhlenberg Hillel and co-sponsored by the Fellows. to the crowd, was his visit to Israel a few years ago. It was on that trip that the pastor became familiar with the NATAL Trauma Center in Tel Aviv. There he learned first-hand how the Israelis treat people suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of war. He saw how they counsel the injured, and how they help the vulnerable victims of violence.

He saw how the children of Sderot were forced to have playgrounds built underground in bomb shelters. He also contemplated the ways in which Israelis struggle to preserve the emotional health and betterment of their citizens, and he constantly thought

back to his home in Chicago, where too many families are faced with violence, emotional trauma and loss.

Harris reminded the students and community members that “we are better together,” a phrase that the crowd repeated louder and louder. Harris reminded the crowd of the importance of this phrase because it has been 50 years since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel marched together with arms linked in the name of equal rights for all Americans, and we cannot rest on the laurels of the past.

Too often, he said, people are saying the right things, but not backing their words up

with action. The pastor urged that now is the time to reignite that relationship, and to stand together.

Harris pointed out that African Americans and Jews have both suffered and continue to suffer from great injustices against their people, as well as biased reporting in the media. “The media showed you the 1,000 people violently protesting [in Baltimore], but they didn't show you the 10,000 on the next block who were peacefully demonstrating,” Harris said.

He empathized with Jews who feel that Israel is

Pastor Chris Harris Continues on page 10

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Levitt Pavilion Summer Family Movie Series presented by Think Energy sponsored by Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and Spark Orthodontics

Finding Nemo | June 10 Alexander & the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day | June 17 Muppets Most Wanted | June 24 Maleficent | July 1 Captain America: Winter Solider | July 5 A Bug’s Life | July 8 Big Hero 6 | July 15 Annie | July 29

Register for Summer Art Camp Today Board game design, glass fusing, pottery: wheelthrowing, basket weaving, cartoonorama, jewelry making, stuffed animals and many more!

bananafactory.org | 610-332-1300 6 JUNE 2015 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Paddington | August 19 Boxtrolls | August 26

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The sound of music

Members of the Federation’s Young Adult Division put their singing talents on display at Karaoke Night on May 2. The evening was hosted by Nick and Jessica Volchko, with Brad and Robyn Finberg providing full-scale DJ service. The Young Adult Division hosts frequent events geared toward ages 22-45 throughout the year. To learn more, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/yad or join the Young Adult Division group on Facebook.

Natalie Portman to star as Ruth Bader Ginsburg in new movie Natalie Portman will star as U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in a new film.

“On the Basis of Sex” will follow Ginsburg’s obstaclefilled career on the road to becoming the second female justice and the first Jewish female justice on the high court, Deadline Hollywood reported.

President Bill Clinton appointed Ginsburg to the Supreme Court in 1993.

The producers are hoping to start filming by the end of the year.

Portman, who is Jewish and a native of Israel, is making her directorial debut with “A Tale Of Love And Darkness,” which is premiering at Cannes. The film is based on the memoir by Israeli author Amos Oz and is largely in Hebrew.

Best wishes to JFLV interns!

The Federation would like to thank our Spring 2015 interns from Muhnlenberg College Alyssa Kevelson, Jenny Oswald and Julie Taffet for their hard work and dedication. We wish them the best of luck with their future endeavors!

SHALOM BABY:

Jewish Heritage Night Thursday, June 4, 2015 7:05 PM $20 Tickets Include:

- IronPigs Hebrew hat - Food voucher good for kosher food stand (LVKC supervised), includes kosher hot dog or knish, chips, soda or bottled water

$15 Tickets Include:

- IronPigs Hebrew hat - $2 ballpark credit

Free PJ Library event

for ticket holders at 6 p.m. on the stadium lawn

transportation available for seniors 65+

Central pick-up points, $5 per person

To purchase discounted tickets, contact the Jewish Federation at 610-821-5500 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/ironpigs sponsored by

The Reunion

COME SEE HOW WE’VE GROWN!

MOMS, DADS, BABIES Join us for our 6th annual Shalom Baby play date event!

SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2015

10 to Noon @ the JCC Playground Meet other Shalom Baby families Make new friends for you AND the kiddos

Snacks & Drinks on us!

Pictures, too.

Please respond by June 5 to Abby Trachtman abbyt@jflv.org | 610-821-5500

The event is open to families whose babies were welcomed through the Shalom Baby project.

This event is FREE for the entire family.

Shalom Baby is a project of the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2015 7

JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY

Nominees for the 2015-16 Board of Directors

The Federation’s Board consists of thirty-three (33) elected directors serving staggered three (3) year terms. Each year, therefore, the Nominating Committee nominates eleven (11) directors for three-year terms. The nominated directors will be presented for election at the:

Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley ANNUAL MEETING Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at 6:30 PM at the Jewish Community Center The Board Nominating Committee recommendations are: DIRECTORS, 3-YEAR TERMS (ENDING IN 2018) Aliette Abo Lawrence Center Karen Cooper Dr. Peter Fisher Robert J. Grey

Beth Kushnick Dr. Hartley Lachter Michael Miller

Dr. Nicole Rosenthal Dr. Robert Wilson Ilene Wood

HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS, 1-YEAR TERMS (ENDING IN 2016) Rita Scheller Mayor Matti Sarfatti Harcavi, Ronnie Sheftel Yoav Israel Jean Weiner

The Officers Nominating Committee recommendations are: President Mark H. Scoblionko

Secretary Lawrence Center

Vice Presidents Karen Cooper Dr. Carol Bub Fromer Sandra Goldfarb Nan Ronis Dr. Nicole Rosenthal Dr. Robert Wilson

Treasurer Iris Epstein HONORARY President Ross Born

HONORARY Vice Presidents Leonard Abrams Bob Born Nathan Braunstein Barnet Fraenkel Murray Goodman Stanley Wax Martin Zippel

Treasurer Roberto Fischmann

Pursuant to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley by-laws, “any twenty (20) members of the Federation may, by petition, present to the Secretary the name of any one qualified member for nomination.

No member may sign more than one such petition. No person shall be eligible for election as a member of the Board of Directors unless his or her name shall thus have been submitted to the Secretary or nominated by said Nominating Committee.”

8 JUNE 2015 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

IN MEMORY PHOEBE ALTMAN (Wife of Arthur Altman) Sandra and Alan Abeshaus Barry and Sybil Baiman Martha Barnett Tama Lee Barsky Charles and Kathleen Bauers Sharon and Joseph Bernstein Ross and Wendy Born Joan and Izzy Brody Floyd and Betty Deardorff Judy and Marc Diamondstein Roberta and Jeff Epstein Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein Carol and Gary Fromer Ann and Gene Ginsberg Sandra and Harold Goldfarb Marilyn Gordon Betty Greenberg Joan and John Hobart Anita and Tom Homoki Beth and Wesley Kozinn Elaine Lerner Dion and Mindy Manhoff Ted and Jackie Matlow Bernice Merbaum Martha and Ron Segel Audrey and Arthur Sosis Vicki and Stan Wax Arthur and Barbara Weinrach Louise Weinstein (Mother of Howard Altman) Carol and Gary Fromer DICK DICKERMAN (Husband of Bunny Dickerman) Arlene and Lenny Samuelson STELLA KLEMPNER Andrew and Deborah Kimmel DAVID MARVI (Husband of Chahine Marvi) Sybil and Barry Baiman MURRAY SCHECHTER (Husband of Marcia Schechter) Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald MAURICE SCHNEIGEIGER (Father of Aliette Abo) Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Sandra and Harold Goldfarb Beth and Wesley Kozinn Laurie and Robby Wax Stan and Vicki Wax GERTRUDE DAVISON WEISBROD (Mother of Leonard Davison) Sybil and Barry Baiman ITIC ZIGHELBOIM (Father of Israel Zighelboim)

Beth and Howard Kushnick IN HONOR JOAN AND RICHARD BASS Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary Stan and Vicki Wax SHEILA BERG Pomerantz Award for Campaign Excellence Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald SUSAN AND LARRY BERMAN Lindsay and Ari’s Engagement Elaine and Leon Papir WENDY BORN Becoming Jewish Family Service President Barry and Carol Halper CAROL BUB FROMER Happy Mother’s Day Kira, Richard, Michaela, Sienna, and Ariana Bub DAVID BUB Named an Innovation Hero–Finalist for Lehigh Valley Business Journal Health Care Heroes Barry and Carol Halper SARA-JANE BUB Happy Mother’s Day Kira, Richard, Michaela, Sienna, and Ariana Bub SYLVIA BUB Happy Mother’s Day Kira, Richard, Michaela, Sienna, and Ariana Bub JUDY AND MARC DIAMONDSTEIN Graduation of son Noah from University of Pittsburgh Wendy and Ross Born Barry and Carol Halper JEANETTE EICHENWALD In honor of her work for Yachad Edyth Glickstein SIDNEY ENGELSON Speedy recovery Arthur and Barbara Weinrach LYNN AND SAM FELDMAN Peter and Deena’s Marriage Elaine and Leon Papir HAROLD GOLDFARB Happy ‘Special’ Birthday Arlene and Dick Stein MARK GOLDSTEIN AND SHARI SPARK College graduation of son, Ezra Wendy and Ross Born Barry and Carol Halper TERRIE GOREN In honor of her years as Executive Director at Jewish Social Services of Madison

Louise Goldstein and Bruce Thomadsen Mindy Wiseman KAREN KUHN Happy Birthday Elaine and Leon Papir FERNE KUSHNER Birth of great-grandson, Jack Eliot Courigaru Wendy and Ross Born SUZANNE LAPIDUSS Birth of granddaughter Madison Leigh Billig Wendy and Ross Born JIM AND SHELAH MUETH College graduation of daughter, Leah Wendy and Ross Born Barry and Carol Halper JAY NEEDLE Speedy Recovery Selma Roth and Family RABBI MOSHE RE’EM Honorary Doctorate from Jewish Theological Seminary Wendy and Ross Born Stan and Vicki Wax ADAM ROTH Happy Birthday Audrey and Jerome Cylinder REBA SCOBLIONKO Happy ‘Special’ Birthday Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein SYLVIA AND BEN SUSSMAN In honor of their granddaughter’s wedding Betty Greenberg TAMA TAMARKIN George Feldman Achievement Award for Young Leadership Kira and Richard Bub Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Stan and Vicki Wax MICKEY UFBERG Speedy Recovery Judy and Marc Diamondstein Bobby and Bonnie Hammel Beth and Wesley Kozinn Suzanne Lapiduss Elaine and Leon Papir Stan and Vicki Wax STAN AND VICKI WAX In honor of their leadership and generosity Judy and Marc Diamondstein RABBI DAVID WILENSKY In honor of his work for Yachad Edyth Glickstein HELEN & SOL KRAWITZ HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY MAURICE SCHNEIGEIGER (Father of Aliette Abo) Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz 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 610821-5500 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley. org to place your card requests. Thank you for your continued support.

Where is the Jewish aid to Nepal going?

By Uriel Heilman Jewish Telegraphic Agency As soon as news of Nepal’s devastating earthquake reached the wider world, Jewish aid groups began mobilizing humanitarian efforts to help the victims.

How is the Jewish aid being deployed in Nepal?

ISRAEL

The biggest Jewish on-the-ground response has come from Israel, which deployed more than 260 soldiers, doctors and rescue experts to the disaster zone — the largest of the international aid teams on the ground. The 170-person Israeli Defense Forces delegation helped with search-and-rescue operations and set up field hospitals. Magen David Adom, Israel’s version of the Red Cross, also sent a group of doctors, paramedics and medical supplies to the country as well as rescue and recovery workers. In addition, Israeli nonprofits like Tevel b’Tzedek and IsraAid participated in the relief effort by assisting rescuers and providing emergency shelters.

AMERICAN JEWISH JOINT DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE (JDC)

The JDC collects money for disaster relief appeals from North American federations – including the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley – and individual donors and foundations and spends it on a variety of needs ranging from the immediate to the long term.

After the Nepal earthquake hit, JDC sent medical equipment to the IDF field hospital and sent funds to Magen David Adom to assist the Nepalese Red Cross, to UNICEF to provide emergency supplies for children including water and sanitary materials and to Tevel b’Tzedek to assist with providing shelter.

JDC disaster relief efforts last for years, helping those affected rebuild their lives. The JDC coordinates the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief, a collection of 49 Jewish agencies.

AMERICAN JEWISH WORLD SERVICE (AJWS)

AJWS does not have a presence in Nepal, but following the earthquake the organization sprang into action, raising $800,000 for Nepal disaster relief in just five days and beginning to distribute the funds to local recipient organizations. AJWS’s focus is on rural communities, minorities, women and the LGBT community.

To that end, the first round of AJWS grants to Nepal are going to an organization that provides

free and low-cost medical care to Nepal's most destitute; a group that focuses on health care, education and employment for poor communities in remote mountain villages; and a women’s rights organization providing pregnant mothers with shelter and other basic necessities. AJWS is also providing earthquake survivors with first aid and psychosocial support. Some of AJWS’s money has come from the Jewish Federations.

CHABAD

With outposts around the world, Chabad emissaries often are the first Jews to respond in person to disasters in far-flung places. After the earthquake struck Nepal, Rabbi Chezky Lifshitz of Chabad of Nepal began bringing hygiene supplies, hot meals, fresh water and fruit to clusters of Nepalese citizens whose homes had turned to rubble, distributing some 2,000 meals per day, according to Chabad. The rabbi also borrowed a helicopter to hitch a ride to the mountainous region of Dhunche, where some 25 Israeli hikers were stranded and later were airlifted out. The hikers were sheltered in the Chabad house, which was turned into a crisis hub. The movement is also collecting funds for Nepal earthquake relief.

YOU CAN HELP

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley has opened an emergency campaign to provide urgent assistance in response to this disaster, with a critical focus on providing medical relief and supplies in the hardest-hit areas. 100 percent of the money you donate will go directly to the Nepal Relief Fund.

Donate Now at www.jewishlehighvalley.org/nepal.

Lehigh Valley community members on the ground in Nepal

By Laura Rigge HAKOL Editor Sue Travis’s trip to Nepal with her husband was an opportunity to see Mt. Everest. “We had taken a helicopter ride to see the Everest base camp and were planning on flying to China to see the Tibetan side,” said Travis, a Slatington resident and Jewish Family Service volunteer. They stopped for a few days in Kathmandu to sightsee and take pictures around the city before leaving Nepal for China.

Travis was on the tarmac at Kathmandu airport when the first earthquake struck. She could see the city below her. “I saw the death cloud,” she said. “It looked like morning fog over the city.”

The plane sat on the tarmac for the next six hours. The airport had shut down almost immediately, and officials scrambled to make sense of what had just occurred. Eventually, Travis made it back to the United States via Chang Du, China, but the experience was harrowing.

“There are places we have pictures of that don’t exist anymore.

They were gone the next day,” Travis said.

That same day, Lehigh Valley native Evan McCants-Goldman was in Sundrawoti, a village in southern Nepal, when the earthquake struck. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, McCantsGoldman was volunteering for Tevel b’Tzedak, an Israeli aid organization that has development

projects in Nepal and Africa.

Villagers that were already struggling now had to face the arduous task of rebuilding their homes. Tevel b’Tzedak offered volunteers the opportunity to go home after the first earthquake,

but McCants-Goldman chose to stay and continue helping the people of Sundrawoti put their lives back together after the devastation of the earthquake, a task made even more difficult by the approaching monsoon season.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2015 9

MEET THE PRESIDENTS

By Monica Friess Special to HAKOL Temple Covenant of Peace in Easton has just celebrated its 175th anniversary, making it the third oldest practicing congregation in Pennsylvania and the 10th oldest in the United States.

It’s a synagogue that its president Harvey Cartine is proud to lead, and he does so with great enthusiasm.

Providing the community with meaningful spiritual worship, Jewish educational programs and social interactions – not just within the Jewish community but with the community at large – is one of Cartine’s primary goals. TCP is the 12th congregation in the United States to declare Reform Judaism as its form of worship, and Cartine says his overarching goal is to continue to provide a high-quality Reform Jewish presence in the greater Easton community.

A key challenge of his position, and one that many other synagogues have to address, is providing services and programs to congregants in a financially affordable way. Cartine says he is very grateful to the Federation and its Easton

Pastor Chris Harris Continues from page 6

Israel is continually the target of unfair media bias.

“I'll fight for Israel,” he said. “I'll lobby for Israel. But don't ask me to fight for Israel unless you're going to fight for Bronzeville.”

Harris went on to demonstrate what is possible, providing concrete examples

Leadership Council for its support of many of the synagogue’s programs.

Another reality shared by many congregations is a declining Jewish population.

Cartine said, “we challenge ourselves to find ways to reach out to unaffiliated Jews who may want to share our values.” To accomplish this, TCP maintains a physical presence at civic events, holds open-house programs throughout the year and welcomes non-members free of charge to worship during the High Holidays.

Cartine says that with the help of wonderful board members, clergy and congregants, he has affected many successes over the past few years.

A few examples include refurbishing the physical facility (a work still in progress), strengthening the spirit of the synagogue’s community and using that synergistic energy to create a more connected congregation, and fostering a positive image of TCP throughout the community as a friendly and caring place. “Our catch phrase,” he says, “is ‘Warm Folks, Cool Shul!’”

“Seeing a vibrant

of cooperation in his community. He discussed a local bar mitzvah project in which two boys decided to forgo expensive parties and instead raised money to build a community playground in Bronzeville.

He went on to show footage from a recent “Freedom Seder,” in which Jewish and African-American clergy and congregants sat down for a Passover seder in a bond of togetherness.

Harris was asked to speak in the Lehigh Valley in part to

congregation is the most rewarding part of being president,” Cartine says. It is also gratifying to work with dedicated board members and clergy, “knowing that everyone is working toward one goal – keeping our temple strong and healthy.”

Cartine and his wife Liz moved to the Lehigh Valley from New Jersey in 2000.

They have two sons and recently welcomed their first grandchild. Cartine worked in the aerospace industry and is currently a full-time professor of mathematics at Warren County Community College in New Jersey, but gladly makes the time for this role. “It’s a lot of work,” he says, “but at the end of the day, I know that I’ve given something back to the community. I feel better about myself, and I know that I’ve grown with the job.”

show some of the exemplary values that Israel has shared with the world in order to inspire local students and community members to remain proud of the Jewish homeland. The climactic event of the evening was a rousing rendition of Hatikvah, sung

by Harris in Hebrew. He reminded us of the hope in the anthem for a better tomorrow not only in Israel, but here in the United States. He emphasized the lessons of past cooperation among Jews and African-Americans, as well as the current atmosphere of cooperation that he has fostered in Chicago. This was especially true, he noted, in light of the unrest in Baltimore.

He ended by asking for a commitment to take on responsibilities, to take social action and to build the bridges that need to be built and to affect change to bring the African-American and Jewish communities back together.

Both have historically faced similar obstacles as minorities, and both can only benefit from a closer relationship.

“We are better together!” Harris said again. Perhaps he was able to plant the seed, and perhaps it can be nurtured to take root and grow in many more communities, an inspiring message for all who were privileged to attend, and a responsibility that the attendees seemed willing to accept. The next step will be up to them.

Jarrod and Nicole Rosenthal are Wax Family Fund Leadership Fellows.

10 JUNE 2015 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Could an Israeli invention end cooking as we know it?

By Julie Wiener Jewish Telegraphic Agency Plenty of mobile apps help consumers order meals for delivery or offer recipes.

But a new app developed by Israeli entrepreneurs will actually prepare the food for you on your kitchen counter.

While not quite as fantastical as it sounds — to use the app you also need a coffeemaker-sized appliance called The Genie — the invention promises to prepare mess-free, all-natural, healthy food in just seconds.

Described by one writer as “like a Keurig [coffeemaker] for food,” the device, which looks sort of like a fancy rice cooker, uses Keurig-like single-serving, disposable (but in this case recyclable) pods.

Genie creators Ayelet Carasso and Doron Marco told Reuters the food in the pods will be nutritious and free of preservatives, the ingredients kept fresh simply through freeze-drying technology.

“The dish can be anything, it can be a meal like chicken with rice, like couscous with vegetable or an amazing Ramen or even a chocolate soufflé or any other desert that you want,” Carasso told Reuters. (The product does not appear to have its own website yet, nor is it featured on the site of Marco and Carasso’s White Innovation company.)

While not yet available commercially, at least not to individual consumers, the Genie, expected to cost several hundreds of dollars, is preparing for mass production and distribution. The meal pods will be “priced

Vegetables and couscous cooked from a Genie pod

The Genie

so they are comparable to a meal, snack or dessert,” Reuters reported.

The Genie’s creators say it could also help solve global hunger. “In our world, we are getting fat and we are throwing away a lot of food, in their world, they don’t have any food,” Marco told Reuters. “So if you use Genie, you can distribute the food better, you can have the shelf life much longer without the preservatives, give the people better food for them.”

One thing that remains unclear from the coverage so far is what the cooked product looks like: Promotional materials show beautifully plated meals, but from what I could see on the Reuters video, the food comes in the form of mush and is served up, Cup-o’-Noodles style, in a cardboard container. Which makes me think of the chewing-gum meal in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” that tastes great but turns Violet Beauregarde into a giant blueberry.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2015 11

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JEWISH DESTINATIONS

Federation works to revive Jewish identity in Hungary, Romania

The shoe memorial in Budapest honoring victims of the Holocaust.

By Iris Epstein Special to HAKOL As part of my six year journey on The Jewish Federations of North America's National Young Leadership Cabinet, I have the opportunity each year to go on a unique experience called Study Mission. Representing the Lehigh Valley, I went with over 80 young leaders from North America to Bucharest, Romania, and Budapest, Hungary. In less than seven days, I rode an emotional roller coaster that spanned many highs and lows.

While visiting Romania and Hungary, I learned that we have a lost generation of Jews. Fearing persecution, Jews hid their Jewish identity during World War II and the 40 plus years of communist rule after. Over and over again, I heard stories from young adults telling us that they did not know their Jewish roots until they were sent to a 12-day Jewish camp known as Camp Szarvos in Hungary.

Established in 1990 and only possible with dollars we send to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the sole purpose of the camp is to build Jewish identity. I had the opportunity to visit a spring version of the camp and was immediately taken back to my own camp days. The positive energy was riveting and children at the camp sang the same cheers I did during lunch and everywhere I looked, I could see smiling faces.

While visiting the camp, I heard from SoSo, a young boy who told us that being Jewish was not important. He was too cool for camp and only went to camp upon his grandmother's insistence. His 12 days at camp were transformative, and today he is a very proud Jew who is definitely not too cool for camp.

In stark contrast, I visited several Holocaust memorials. In Romania, the Holocaust memorial was erected in October 2009 by the Romanian government as a permanent place

Gan Ha Shel Yeldut, a school for Jewish pre-school children in Bucharest.

of remembrance to the 300,000 Jews and Roma (gypsies) killed during the Holocaust as a warning addressed to the future generations. The building is built to resemble a gas chamber and only first names are listed around the room because there could be thousands of each. Tombstones were placed on both sides of the memorial, and there are lines on the ground symbolizing the railroad tracks that transported the Jews to the camps.

In Hungary, I visited the Shoe Memorial which honors Jews, Roma and Gentiles who tried to help who were killed by fascist Arrow Cross militiamen at the end of World War II, two months before liberation. It breaks my heart to think that a human being is capable of tying together groups of five or six people, including elderly and young children, lining them up by the river, and shooting the person closest to the river in order to save bullets. The weight of the person shot falling into the river would take all the others with him, causing everyone else to drown in the freezing winter water. Is it any wonder the human spirit was so broken that an entire generation of Eastern European Jews can deny their Jewish heritage and identity? We must never allow such atrocities to happen again.

Yet it is easy for us to voice the words “never again” as survivors pass away, my biggest fear is that we will become complacent and forget. In 2014, the Hungarian government created the Eagle and the Angel Memorial portraying Hungarians as victims of the Nazis, thus releasing them from culpability for their part in the killing of over 400,000 Jews and Romas. It is outrageous that this memorial was erected knowing that the Hungarian government played an active role in sending over 430,000 people to Auschwitz.

In Hungary, anti-Semitism is accepted in polite company rather than combated and is used in political debates to win favor with

the public. This past year, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban decreed that large supermarkets be forced to shut their doors on Sundays. Unlike us in the United States, there is no place to buy kosher food. If one wants kosher food, they must ask friends and family to bring it from overseas.

Through our partnership with the JDC and the Jewish Agency for Israel, we are making a difference. Money we send to our overseas partners helps create vibrant JCC's in both Romania and Hungary, resulting in huge positive impacts. Just eight years ago, the average age of people in key positions within the Jewish community of Bucharest was 75 years and survival of the community was questionable. Thanks to the Federation and our funding of the JDC and the Jewish Agency to engage young children, teenagers and their families, the average age of leaders within the Jewish community in Bucharest is now 30-35 years old.

We are also making a difference by building schools for Jewish children. In Romania, I went to Gan Ha Shel Yeldut, a school for preschool and kindergarten-age Jewish children that opened six years ago in the fall of 2009. The goal for the school is to show parents currently living in Bucharest that Jewish life is flourishing and that they do not need to leave. After singing and dancing with the children and teachers, we created artwork together which the children presented to us to take home to bless our homes, remind us of the important work we do at Federation and to remember that we are all connected as human beings and as Jews.

Visiting Romania and Hungary has filled me with such inspiration about what is possible. The people living in these countries are able to do so much with so little. We must continue to support the Jewish communities in countries like Romania and Hungary and learn from their resilience and persistence.

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Two Jews among confirmed dead in Amtrak crash Jewish Telegraphic Agency A 39-year-old executive with an education startup and a 20-year-old naval academy student were among the eight people confirmed dead from an Amtrak train derailment in Philadelphia.

Rachel Jacobs, the executive, who also is the daughter

of former Michigan State Senator Gilda Jacobs, and Justin Zemser, a second-year student at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, were both Jewish.

The accident on May 12 injured more than 200 people.

While the causes of the derailment are still being investigated, the train was traveling

over 100 miles per hour, double the recommended speed, as it rounded a sharp curve.

Jacobs was recently hired as the CEO of ApprenNet, an online education startup based in the University City section of West Philadelphia.

The 1997 graduate of Swarthmore College was commuting back and forth from her Manhattan home, which she shared with her husband and son.

“This is an unthinkable tragedy. Rachel was a wonderful mother, daughter, sister, wife and friend,” her family said, according to NBC News. “She was devoted to her family, her community and the pursuit of social justice. We cannot imagine life without her.”

Zemser was on his way home to visit his parents in the Rockaway Beach section of Queens, New York. An aspiring Navy SEAL who was elected student president of his public high school, Zemser was vice president of the naval academy’s Jewish Midshipmen Club and a wide receiver on the school’s sprint football team.

“I would say to Justin, ‘I hope I live long enough to see you become the first Jewish American president,’

Rachel Jacobs, left, and Justin Zemser, right. and we would laugh about it,” Zemser’s uncle, Richard Zemser, said, according to the Los Angeles Times. “The more I thought about it, I meant it. This was a kid who was destined for phenomenal things.”

Zemser’s mother, Susan Zemser, said, “He was a loving son, nephew and cousin, who was very communityminded. This tragedy has shocked us all in the worst way, and we wish to spend this time grieving with our close family and friends,” according to News Channel 5, an NBC affiliate.

Jacobs, who grew up in the Detroit suburb of Huntington Woods, Michigan, spoke of her deep connection to Jewish community in a 2011 interview she gave to a Detroit fellow with Repair the World, a national nonprofit Jewish

service-learning program that has a West Philadelphiabased branch.

“When we think about what it means to be Jewish, it’s very much focused on building community,” she said in describing Detroit Nation, a nonprofit group she co-founded in 2010 to help Detroit natives stay connected and involved even if they didn’t live there. She said her family had always been involved in the Jewish and non-Jewish communities of Detroit.

“Going back to high school, I was very involved with NFTY,” she said of the Reform movement’s youth group. “I was the social action president for the Michigan chapter.”

(The Philadelphia Jewish Exponent contributed to this report.)

Genetics and Cancer What do your genes say about you?

The study of genetics has led to some of the most significant breakthroughs in cancer research, diagnosis and treatment. Through sophisticated genetic testing, specialists can identify the presence of genetic markers that indicate an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Israel Zighelboim, MD, FACOG, FACS

Individuals who know they are at greater risk can take steps to significantly increase their chance of survival. They can be screened more frequently to catch cancer when it first appears and is most treatable. They can take medications and have surgical procedures to reduce their risk. For example, a woman not interested in future fertility might opt to have her reproductive organs removed.

oncologist Dr. Israel Zighelboim of

Should cancer develop, an oncologist may use information from genetic testing to design a highly effective course of targeted molecular therapy to interfere with specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer.

malignancies.

Individuals with a high prevalence of cancer within their family – one or more immediate family members or several extended family members diagnosed with cancer – should consider genetic counseling. This is especially true if the family members were young when diagnosed. Also, certain ethnic groups have a greater risk of developing cancer. For example, Ashkenazi Jews have a 1 in 40 chance of carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, 10 times greater risk than the non-Jewish population. Individuals with these mutations have a significantly increased chance of developing breast, ovarian and other cancers.

Each individual should be aware of his or her family’s cancer history. If concerned, seek out genetic counseling from a certified genetic counselor who can provide the individual the information needed to make the right decision to pursue testing in order to reduce their cancer risk.

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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2015 15

HADAR RE’EM

16 JUNE 2015 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

ADRIAN REITARS

LEXIE BOTZUM

JIORDAN DROR

REBECA FELDMAN

BEN FISHER

HENRY FISHER

JOSH GOLDIN

LAUREN GUTTERMAN

ALLYSON HAAS

EVAN HALTZMAN TRACY

SARAH HOLTZ

JULIA HYMAN

HANNAH KAHN

SHELBY KNAFO

BLAIR KRASSEN

ANNA LANGMAN

MADELINE LEFROCK

AARON LEVEL

MEREDITH LIPSON

AVIAD MANA

JULIA MCALOON

ABBY SILVERMAN

MATTHEW STEIGERWALD

DOUGLAS TRACHTMAN

BENJAMIN ZAGER

SARAH ZAKIN

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2015 17

Congratulations, class of 2015 LEXIE BOTZUM*

Daughter of John Botzum and Miriam Harris-Botzum PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Dance, debate team, Festival of the Arts Club, literary magazine, USY, National Merit finalist, AP scholar. Plans to attend Johns Hopkins University to study international studies.

BENJAMIN COHEN

Son of Chuck Cohen and Rebecca Binder PHILLIPS EXETER ACADEMY Varsity crew, student council, Exonian newspaper, Exeter Jewish Community, Admissions Office tour guide, dorm proctor.

Plans to attend Harvard University.

JIORDAN DROR

Daughter of Sandra Skepton Dror PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Multicultural Club, Friendship Circle. Plans to attend Kutztown University to study journalism.

YARDEN DVIR

Son of Ron and Hila Dvir PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Plans to attend University of Pittsburgh to study computer science.

REBECA FELDMAN

Daughter of Neil and Ellen Feldman PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Key Club, Mock Trial Club, National Honor Society, French Club, chorus, children’s theater production, BBYO. Plans to attend American University to study law and society in the School of Public Affairs.

BEN FISHER

Son of Peter Fisher and Kathy Zimmerman PERKIOMEN SCHOOL Soccer, winter track, basketball, baseball, BBYO, Shalshelet.

HENRY FISHER

Son of Peter Fisher and Kathy Zimmerman PERKIOMEN SCHOOL Soccer, winter track, basketball, class vice president, class president, BBYO, Shalshelet.

Plans to attend Lehigh University.

JOSHUA BARUCH GOLDIN

Society of High School Scholars, Lehigh Valley Chess Association Championship College Scholarships, HAKOL teen correspondent, St. Luke’s Hospital volunteer, Lehigh Valley Hospital Flu Crew volunteer. Plans to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Robert E. Cook Honors College.

JULIA HYMAN*

LAUREN GUTTERMAN

HANNAH KAHN

Daughter of Steven and Melissa Gutterman EMMAUS HIGH SCHOOL Interact Club, Habitat for Humanity Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society. Plans to attend University of Pittsburgh to study communication science and disorders.

SARAH HOLTZ

Daughter of Mark and Amy Holtz PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Trumpet newspaper staff, Interact Club, Allentown BBG chapter sh’licha, BBYO. Plans to attend Pennsylvania State University.

SHELBY RAE KNAFO

Daughter of Jerry and Heidi Knafo PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Student Council, tennis team, class officer, Student Forum, FBLA, volunteer at Camelot House. Plans to attend Muhlenberg College to study business.

ALLYSON HAAS

Daughter of Stuart and Susan Haas PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL USY. Plans to attend West Virginia University to study marketing.

SAMANTHA HOLENDER

Daughter of Eric and Mindy Holender PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL debate team, Interact Club, yearbook, student senate, class vice president, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society, writer for the Parkland Newsletter. Plans to attend George Washington University to study journalism and mass communication.

Son of Barry Goldin and Cheri Sterman PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Chess team, Mock Trial Club, Reading Olympic Competition, Computer Club, National 18 JUNE 2015 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Daughter of Nat and Erica Hyman THE LAWRENCEVILLE SCHOOL Golf team, tennis team, squash team, Boys and Girls Club tutor, Religious Life Council, Stephens House, Kiva Club.

Plans to attend Georgetown University to study business.

Daughter of Andrew and Nancy Kahn SALISBURY HIGH SCHOOL Tennis, Student Government Association, Key Club, Model UN, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, National Honor Society, BBYO. Plans to attend Pennsylvania State University to study biomedical engineering.

JENNY KAUFMANN

Daughter of Chaim and Carol Kaufmann LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Scholastic Scrimmage Team, math team, Young Writer Magazine, National Merit Scholar, Lehigh Valley ARML Team, Tae Kwon Do black belt. Plans to attend Princeton University to study mathematics.

BLAIR KRASSEN

Daughter of Josh and Teri Krassen PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Fitness team, Key Club, BBYO. Plans to attend Ithaca College to study communications.

ANNA LANGMAN*

Daughter of Peter and Madeleine Langman LEHIGH VALLEY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS National Honor Society, Writing Club, Odyssey of the Mind, Scholastic Scrimmage, Doctor Who Club, Old Milk Theater Company. Plans to attend Connecticut College to study theater and English and earn a degree in secondary education.

MADELINE LEFROCK

Daughter of Brian and Diane LeFrock PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Varsity track and cross country, field hockey, National Honor Society, Key Club, Welcome Pack Club, Club Med, Science Honor Society, French Honor Society, English Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Red Cross Club, BBYO, Shalshelet, Lehigh

Valley Hospital volunteer, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital volunteer. Plans to attend University of Delaware Honors Program to study nursing.

AARON LEVEL*

Son of Olivier and Alice Level NAZARETH AREA HIGH SCHOOL Debate team, mock trial team, Scholastic Scrimmage team, Nazareth High School Orchestra, National Honor Society, Class Executive Council, Biology Olympics, Model United States, senior class vice president, National AP scholar. Plans to attend Vanderbilt University to study political science.

MEREDITH LIPSON

Daughter of Alli and Scott Lipson PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Editor of newspaper, ARCH (Art Reaching Children in Hospitals), Interact Club, theatre, National Honor Society, Civic Theatre, Temple Beth El Hebrew School aid, Friendship Circle. Plans to attend University of North Carolina School of the Arts to study drama.

AVIAD MANA

Son of Itzik and Elvira Mana PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Parkland Aquatic Club, BBYO. Plans to attend Ramapo College to study psychology.

JULIA MCALOON

Daughter of Tom and Diane McAloon SAUCON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Field hockey, track and field, Key Club, debate team, Model UN, School Spirit Club, Environmental Club, BBYO. Plans to attend Pennsylvania State University.

HADAR RE’EM

Daughter of Rabbi Moshe and Adina Re’em JACK M. BARRACK HEBREW ACADEMY Varsity soccer, varsity lacrosse, Student Association, Cancer Awareness Club, Holocaust Education and Reflection Club, Israel Club, Chesed Club, M’et L’et, volunteer at the Samuel Gompers School. Plans to attend University of Vermont to study anthropology and pre-med.

ADRIAN M. REITARS

Son of Lawrence and Suzan Reitars SOUTHERN LEHIGH HIGH SCHOOL National Honor Society, varsity tennis team, Scholastic hockey, St. Luke’s Hospital volunteer, science and math tutor, orchestra, Ice Dogs travel

hockey, BBYO. Plans to attend University of Pittsburgh College of Engineering in the fall.

ABBY SILVERMAN

Daughter of Jack and Amy Silverman PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Key Club, JFLV Volunteer, BBYO, Friendship Circle. Plans to attend Bloomsburg University to study business.

MATTHEW STEIGERWALD

Son of Bruce and Jill Steigerwald PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Parkland ice hockey, BBYO. Plans to attend Johnson and Wales to study sports, entertainment and event management.

DOUGLAS TRACHTMAN

Son of Mark and Abby Trachtman PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Future Business Leaders of America, National Honors Society, Spanish Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, Key Club, Spanish Club, BBYO, volunteer at PJ Library. Plans to attend Temple University Fox School of Business.

BENJAMIN ZAGER

Son of Michael and Miriam Zager PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Ice hockey, lacrosse, coss country, National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Interact, BBYO, Friendship Circle. Plans to attend Tufts University to study engineering physics and applied mathematics.

DAVID ZAHN

Son of Bruce and Alicia Zahn PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Future Business Leaders of America, Interact, National Merit award, National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, English Honor Society, BBYO, USY, Friendship Circle, Shalshelet.

Plans to attend Lafayette College in the fall.

SARAH ZAKIN

Daughter of Douglas and Marcia Zakin PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL Concert/symphonic band, marching band, jazz band, indoor percussion, chorus, Midday News, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, English Honor Society. Plans to attend Temple University Honors Program College of Public Health to study nursing. *attended Jewish Day School

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Allen students preserve Holocaust survivors’ stories

Hector Nunez, Robert Borowski, Edward Posner, Adalgeovany Caceres, Luis E. Justo and Jeff Dutt.

By Laura Rigge Editor, HAKOL William Allen High School students Adalgeovany Caceres, Luis E. Justo, Hector Nunez and Robert Borowski listened intently as Edward Posner talked about his childhood.

As the students took notes and recorded the conversation, Posner described what it was like in the ghetto of Shanghai during World War II, how he acclimated to life in the United States and his experience on a kibbutz in the 1970s.

This conversation was just one part of a project that has been years in the making.

After receiving a grant from the Allentown School District Foundation, William Allen history teachers Jeff Dutt and Matt Rohrbach have been working with their students to compile an oral history of the Holocaust in the form of interviews with area survivors.

They have been assisted in this effort by the Jewish Federation’s Holocaust Resource Center, and the recordings will be donated to the center upon completion, along with the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. In total, 40 Allen High School students will interview 10 Holocaust survivors from the Lehigh Valley.

Dutt and Rohrbach became inspired after working with Shari Spark, Holocaust Resource Center coordinator, to bring Holocaust education to their classroom in the form of

speakers and artifacts.

In January, students began preparing for the interviews, learning about not only the history of the Holocaust, but also how to go about compiling an oral history.

The students had help in creating their questions from Ashley Sastak, who previously worked as a researcher in the Oral History Department at the Holocaust Museum in Washington. Sastak jumped on board when she was contacted by Spark, and she has been impressed by the students’ commitment to the project and the thoughtfulness of their questions.

Although they have been teaching the Holocaust for many years, Dutt and Rohrbach are still learning new things. Before interviewing survivors, “I felt like I knew a lot,” Dutt said.

“I’d taught about the Holocaust for years and I’ve even been to concentration camps in Austria and Germany, but I haven’t even scratched the surface.”

Their students echoed this sentiment. “It was so much more widespread than I realized,” Borowski said. Fellow student Caceres agreed, saying he was surprised to learn that Jews in Shanghai like Posner were terrorized and discriminated against.

Their teachers are pleased with the direction of the project. “It’s amazing to me what questions they ask and what they want to know,” Dutt said. “They’ve really blossomed.”

Coming soon...

SPECIAL SECTION July/August 2015 HAKOL For advertising, contact DIANE McKEE 610-821-5500 | hakolads@jflv.org

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2015 21

Temple Shirat Shalom hosts tallit making gathering On April 26, Temple Shirat Shalom's religious school hosted a "Make Your Own Tallit" event at the JCC. They provided white cotton and silk tallitot ready to be personalized with atara and titzit.

KI, TBE and TCP middle schoolers visit Holocaust Museum

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On April 26, a group of 8th graders from Congregation Keneseth Israel, Temple Beth El and Temple Covenant of Peace went on a joint trip to the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. The trip was a culmination of their year-long course about the Holocaust which prepared them for this moment. During the bus ride, the group read the testimony of a Shoah survivor from Israel as further preparation for the visit to the museum.

The students were lucky to have their own guide to the museum, Ashley Stasak, who previously worked there before

becoming a proud member of the Jewish community of the Lehigh Valley. Our wonderful organizer Shari Spark did a great job of providing an outstanding educa-

tion during the trip. We want to thank the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley for making this trip possible so that me may remember and never forget.

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Brith Sholom-Bnai Abraham religious school students visit Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty Editor’s Note: The combined Congregation Brith Sholom-Bnai Abraham Synagogue religious school children, accompanied by their rabbis, teachers, and dozens of family members, traveled to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty in April, as the culmination of a year-long study of genealogy and the Jewish life-cycle.Afterward, students wrote about their experience for an essay contest. The following are the winning essays.

My Trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty

By Daniel Caine Congregation Brith SholomBnai Abraham Synagogue Religious School I enjoyed the Hebrew School field trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. It was very fun and educational. I learned a whole ton of new things, such as the three tests that the immigrants had to take. The physical test was that the immigrants were observed as they walked up the stairs and were taken aside to go to the hospital, and the mental test was when the doctors who were watching you took you off to the side and gave you a puzzle to do. If you put at least two or three pieces together, you passed. If you failed those last two tests, you were sent to the hospital.

The last test was a citizenship test.

The people there asked you about

10 to 15 questions. Most people normally passed that test. Rabbi Singer had to take the mental test.

Fortunately, he passed that one.

My group went on a guided tour.

We also had these radio devices that walked you through the whole building. We missed the ferry and had to wait an extra 40 minutes. Then we got on the ferry that would take us to the Statue of Liberty.

The first thing I noticed about the statue was its size. It was ginormous! We had the sound recorders hear too, but not many people used them. I learned some cool new facts about Lady Liberty, too. Did you know that the “skin” on Lady Liberty is about as thick as two pennies? When the Statue was built, it was the tallest structure in the United States.

The Statue of Liberty was a gift to America from France in 1886.

Also, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are located in New Jersey, not New York. My Hebrew school

group only had tickets to go to the pedestal. There were a ton of steps to get to the top of the pedestal. To get to the crown, you must climb 354 steps. Lady Liberty was a beacon of hope to the immigrants as they traveled to America. One of my friends got hurt on the statue, so Rabbi Stein, my brother, Toby, Mordy, Dimitri and I ran to catch the ferry. The boat pulled away just as we arrived, so we had to wait forty more minutes until we could go back to the Jersey Shore.

We finally got back to the bus.

We were almost late, but everyone was safe.My favorite part of the trip was watching Rabbi Singer take the mental test. My least favorite part of the trip was getting seasick on all the boat rides. I think that this was a wonderful trip and very educational.

I enjoyed it immensely!

Religious school looks through ‘the gates of liberty’

By Daniel Lader Congregation Brith SholomBnai Abraham Synagogue Religious School On Sunday, April 19, I got on a bus heading for New Jersey, along with the entire combined Brith Sholom and Bnai Abraham religious school, our rabbis, teachers and many parents. After crossing that state, we rode a ferry to Ellis Island. That’s where, a little more than a century ago, millions of immigrants came to America, in one of the greatest migrations in history.

My Hebrew School’s trip came at the end of a full school year of studying genealogy, which included making family trees and sharing family recipes and photographs.

The ferry we rode had three floors and plenty of room. I am sure that the people coming from Europe did not have that luxury.

They were crowded together, huddled in blankets, on the deck of their ship. The worst part would probably be that they didn’t know if they would be sent back for being sick.

For example, the guide explained how the officials at Ellis Island would have people watch the immigrants walk up the steps to see if they were able; if not, they would need further examination.

Our tour guide told us that the immigrants had been raised seeing castles in the distance, but never setting foot in one. For that

reason, the immigration center was designed to look like a castle, one from the French renaissance time period. It was definitely amazing, with its tiled ceilings and arched windows.

After eating lunch, our group got onto another ferry and went to the Statue of Liberty. One hundred and fifty-one feet tall, “Lady Liberty” was probably the first thing that the immigrants saw of the New World. She symbolized freedom and hope.

For us, the view was amazing, too; from the statue, I could see all the way to the Empire State Building. My school’s trip was exciting and it reminded me that America is a special place for so many people. It made me think of what my ancestors went through to come here.

From Ellis Island, I could catch a glimpse through the gates of liberty.

“Finally we realized that while change is hard, not changing is even harder.”

For years, Matt could see his parents struggling to get up the steps and do simple maintenance on their home, but couldn’t seem to convince them that there was a better way to live.

So Matt asked us for advice. We gave him tips on how to approach the subject of change and then worked out a plan for an easier transition than any of them had imagined.

Now their disagreements are what they should be, like if the Pirates™ or Phillies™ will make the playoffs this year.

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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2015 23 Hakol_Change is Hard_4x10.indd 1

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PJ Library is such a wonderful program - ever since Sam was a baby, we’re always eager to open the envelope every time it arrives in the mail. “Sammy Spider’s First Passover” was a big hit with Sam, who loves spiders, and was very proud to see a spider with the same name as his. The kids like the books, but it’s the music CDs that they like the best - we play them in the car and the kids never have enough. Hannah loves to listen to “Noah Noah Had an Ark” over and over again, but if we parents hear it one more time we’ll go nuts (just joking ... kind of). Thanks PJ Library! - DANIELA VIALE

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.

24 JUNE 2015 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

PJ celebrates Shavuot In “Bagels from Benny,” Benny leaves God a bagful of bagels in the synagogue at the end of each week as a way of showing thanks. To celebrate Shavuot on May 17, the PJ Library kids took inspiration from this story and gave thanks in their own way. They made get-well cards for people in the hospital and bird feeders to give thanks for the natural environment all around them.

Right, Ellen Wruble Greenberg, Andy Pestcoe and David and Sarah Caine browse the silent auction offerings.

Israel’s Ben-Gurion University to develop robots to help senior citizens

JNS.org Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researchers have received a grant from Israel’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Space to develop robotic systems that will meet the needs of senior citizens.

The BGU project, titled “Follow Me: Proxemics

and Responsiveness for Following Tasks in Adaptive Assistive Robotics,” will use “robotic adaptive person-following” algorithms to create robots that will adjust to specific tasks, the pace and abilities of their users, and the characteristics of their environments.

“While most person-following algorithms focus on the effectiveness and efficiency of the robot, what is unique about our approach is that we focus on the effectiveness of the human-robot interaction by introducing constructs related to proximity in human-human interaction,” Dr. Tal Oron-Gilad, a researcher in BGU’s Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, said in a statement.

In essence, the Israeli-developed robots will behave similarly to how humans interact with one another.

“Robots can assist the elderly in everyday tasks as they seek to age independently. Nevertheless, the introduction of assistive robotics into seniors' daily life will be dependent upon user acceptance, satisfaction and affordability,” said Oron-Gilad.

By Sandy Newman JCC Assistant Exective Director On Saturday, June 20, the 11th Annual Justin Sheftel Memorial Softball Tournament will be held at its new location of Lehigh County Athletic Fields. From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., a jam-packed activity schedule will be held, including a special appearance by none other than Charlie Manuel, former manager of the Philadelphia Phillies.

The first pitch will kick off the festivities at 8:30 a.m. As the teams compete, there will also be a speed pitch contest, a photo booth, a tie-dye T-shirt stand, face painting and the opportunity to make your own mini first aid kits. The day also features food, a 50/50 raffle, fabulous silent auction and the annual Mocktail MixOff. St. Luke's HealthStar mobile health van will be onsite providing first aid services and a baby changing station. ESPN and Hawk Radio broadcasting are sponsored by Vinart.

Come join us for a day of fun and a great cause. The softball tournament honors Justin Sheftel, who was killed by a drunk driver shortly after his high school graduation. The tournament continues to honor Justin with its charitable efforts and support from the community. The JCC is fortunate to have been a recipient of generous camp scholarship dollars and funding for our baseball program.

The jSox, the JCC’s softball team, is ready for action on June 20. Our roster boasts Nolie Schneider, Mark Fisher, Ben Fisher, Sam Kirshner, Jodi Lovenwirth, Ron Kahan, Greg Harris, Mitch Kurlander, Steve Arnovitz, Camron Farrell, Vance Farrell, Hailey Farrell, Brett Schaffer, Josh Krassen and Terrence Baker.

Come cheer us on and support the tournament!

For more information please visit www.justinsheftel.com or find the Justin Sheftel Softball Tournament on Facebook.

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Left, Jerry Hausman, Steve Wiener, Kevin Hausman, and Jay Fisher enjoy Congregation Brith Sholom's gala auction on May 17. The well-attended event featured fine goods and services – think kosher dinner for six, a week at the beach, airplane rides! – as well as gourmet hors d'oeuvres and good company throughout the evening.

Day of fun for a good cause at Sheftel Softball Tournament

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Everyone’s a winner at Brith Sholom's Gala Auction

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PA Legislature moves to protect investments in Israel

By Laura Rigge HAKOL Editor On May 12, state Rep. Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks) introduced a bill to the Pennsylvania House to protect investments in Israel. Created to counter anti-Israeli pressure on U.S. college campuses, Santarsiero’s bipartisan bill would withhold state funds from any Pennsylvania school that chooses to boycott or divest from Israel’s commercial inter-

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ests with the United States.

The bill, which would implement the Standing with Israel Act, defines a boycott or divestment as politically motivated actions that are intended to penalize Israel or otherwise limit commercial activities.

"Unfortunately, there is a growing – and alarming – trend on some college and university campuses to launch politically motivated attacks with the intent of pressuring these institutions to engage in

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boycotts against or divestment from Israel," said Santarsiero in a press conference announcing the bill. "The State of Israel is the only dependable, democratic ally of the United States in the Middle East. As such, it is in the interest of this commonwealth to promote America’s close ties with Israel."

The legislation was written with consultation from Jewish Federations across Pennsylvania as well as the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition, which ensured that the bill wouldn’t infringe on free speech rights.

“This legislation would not ban open debate or free speech.

It merely creates consequences should schools succumb to political pressure to harm Israel,” Santarsiero said.

The bill has almost equal support among Democrats and Republicans, and Santarsiero and his co-sponsors are hopeful that it will motivate universities to push back against antiIsrael sentiment that is becoming increasingly prevalent on college campuses across the nation.

“Pennsylvanians do not want their public funds to discriminate against a staunch American ally and long-standing democracy such as Israel,” said state Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allengheny), a co-sponsor of the bill.

Israeli soldier to introduce film at JCC

By Monica Friess Special to HAKOL The JCC’s 20th Annual Jewish & Israeli Film Festival concludes on Wednesday, June 3, with “Beneath the Helmet: From High School to the Home Front.” Presented in partnership with the Federation’s Community Relations Council, the film is a coming-of-age story which follows the journey of five Israeli high school graduates as they begin their army service. A lone soldier from Switzerland, a recent immigrant from Ethiopia, a girl who thought about evading army service but changed her mind and is now a drill sergeant in a program that helps soldiers integrate into army life, these teens and others captivate us with their stories. We learn how these young men and women are defending not only their homes and their country, but also the values of peace, equality, opportunity, democracy, religious tolerance, and women’s rights.

“Sometimes we forget that beneath the helmet there is a young person with hopes and dreams looking for a better future for their families and their country,” said Aaron Gorodzinsky, director of outreach and community relations for the Federation. “This is why it is so important to watch this film because it reminds us that the

IDF is an army of people who feel, fear, and dream just like we do.”

One of the soldiers in the film, Aviv Regev, will be with us to introduce the film and to take part in a post-presentation discussion. Regev, who grew up in the Golan Heights, was a deputy platoon commander in the 101st Paratrooper Brigade, and at the age of 23, was in charge of 120 soldiers.

The film begins at 7 p.m. in the Kline Auditorium at the JCC. Refreshments will be served.

Tickets are $9/$6 JCC members; they may be purchased in advance at the JCC and will also be available at the door.

For more information visit www. allentownjcc.org or email jcclvfilms@gmail.com

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1 in 6 Jews are new to Judaism – and 9 other new Pew findings

Some 90 percent of Jews are white, according to a new study by the Pew Research Center, down from 95 percent in 2007.

By Uriel Heilman Jewish Telegraphic Agency The Pew Research Center’s newly released 2014 U.S. Religious Landscape Study offers a trove of data on American Jews based on interviews with 35,071 American adults, 847 of whom identified their faith as Jewish. Here are some of the more interesting findings about the Jews.

We’re highly educated: There are more American Jews with two or more university degrees than those who have just one – 31 percent have a graduate degree and 29 percent have just a bachelor’s degree. With a college graduation rate of about 59 percent (more than twice the national average of 27 percent), American Jews are the second most-educated religious group in America after Hindus, at 77 percent.

We’re the biggest religious minority: Judaism is the largest faith group in America after Christianity, and its relative size in America has grown slightly since 2007 – from 1.7 percent of the U.S. population in 2007 to 1.9 percent in 2014. The denominational breakdown of Jews who identify with the Jewish faith (“Jews by religion”) is 44 percent Reform, 22 percent Conservative, 14 percent Orthodox, 5 percent another movement and 16 percent no denomination.

But 17 percent of us have found Judaism: Seventeen percent of American Jews say they were raised in another religion. Six percent say they were raised unaffiliated, 4 percent as mainline Protestant, 3 percent as Catholic, and 2 percent each as Evangelical and in some other religion.

and bred: Sixty-six percent of Jewish adults are Americans born to American-born parents.

Of the 12 percent of American Jews who are immigrants, 5 percent were born in Europe, 4 percent in the Americas, 2 percent in the Middle East and 1 percent in the Asia-Pacific region.

Who are we marrying? Sixtyfive percent of American Jews who are married or living with a partner are with a Jew and 35 percent are with a non-Jew. Nine percent of American Jews are partnered with Catholics, 8 percent with mainline Protestants, 4 percent with peoples of other faiths and 11 percent with unaffiliated Americans.

We still heart New York: Where do America’s Jews live? Fortytwo percent in the Northeast, 27 percent in the South, 20 percent in the West and 11 percent in the Midwest. In the Northeast, where Jews are most numerous, Jews comprise roughly 4 percent of the total population.

Eight percent of the New York City area is Jewish.

Nu, when are we going to get married already? The percentage of Jewish adult singles is growing – up from 19 percent in 2007 to 23 percent in 2014. Fiftysix percent of Jewish adults are married, and another 6 percent are living with a partner. Fifteen percent were married but are now separated, divorced or widowed. The Jewish fertility rate is 2.0 children, compared to 2.1 children for all Americans.

We’re rich (but also poor): American Jews (44 percent) are more than twice as likely as average Americans (19 percent) to have annual household incomes over $100,000. But 16 percent of Jewish adults have annual household incomes of $30,000 or less, and 15 percent live in households that earn between $30,000 and $50,000.

We’re mostly American born

(The Jewish data in the survey has a margin of error of 4.2 percentage points.)

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We’re not as white as we used to be: American Jewish adults are 90 percent white, 2 percent black, 4 percent Latino, 2 percent Asian-American and 2 percent “other non-Hispanic.”

That’s a notable change from 2007, when whites comprised 95 percent of American Jews, Latinos comprised 3 percent, blacks comprised 1 percent and the percentage of Asians was negligible.

A quarter of us are losing our religion: When it comes to religious retention rates, American Jews come in third, retaining 75 percent of those raised Jewish. By comparison, Hindus retain 80 percent and Muslims 77 percent. Behind the Jews are Evangelical Christians at 65 percent; Mormons, 64 percent; Catholics, 59 percent; and mainline Protestants, 45 percent.

Jehovah’s Witnesses retain only 34 percent.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2015 27

Summer Bread Salad

BY SANDI TEPLITZ I must confess that the first time I saw this on a menu, I was skeptical – but it is delicious!

INGREDIENTS: 6 ripe tomatoes, assorted colors 1 red onion, peeled and sliced thinly 3/4 c. Spanish extra virgin olive oil 3 T. balsamic vinegar 2 garlic cloves, peeled and halved Maldon sea salt (flaky) pepper to taste 1/3 lb. whole wheat day old crusty bread, sliced 1/3 lb. white day old crusty bread, sliced 1/3 lb. rye day old crusty bread, sliced 1/2 c. chopped basil leaves TECHNIQUE: Get the grill ready for direct cooking over high heat. In the meantime, combine tomatoes with onion, vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour over this 1/4 c. of oil. Use another 1/4 c. of oil to brush both sides of each slice of bread. Grill on each side for 1 - 2 minutes, until toasted. Rub both sides with the cut garlic, then dispose of the garlic. Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes. Toss with vegetable mixture; add basil, and pour over the remaining 1/4 c. of oil. Serve as soon as possible!

Dear Diary: Riding the bus to Barrack

By Sara Vigneri & Ivy Bernstein Special to HAKOL Whenever I tell anyone that my daughter goes to high school near Philly I am met with shock. The commute! It must be brutal! Needless to say, she isn’t the one driving, so the hour-long drive isn’t nearly as taxing as you might think.

My daughter, Ivy, is part of a large group of teens who travel to Bryn Mawr each day to attend Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy. In fact, roughly 30 percent of the student body at Barrack commutes to school.

In addition to Allentown, students travel from Bucks County, Cherry Hill, New Jersey and various locations in the Philadelphia area including Germantown, Abington and Upper Dublin. They even have a few students from Wilmington, Delaware. So our kids aren’t the only ones in the school who don’t live on the Main Line, and the school is always willing to accommodate the commuters especially when it comes to after school and extra curricular activities (and icy conditions on the Northeast Extension that delay our bus). And in a pinch, there are plenty of Main Line kids willing to house a commuter overnight or even for Shabbat.

Like most high schoolers, my daughter wakes up before the sun to get ready for school. She travels on a school bus with 10 other students (including high schoolers and middle schoolers) and seems to enjoy the time to gear up for her day and decompress on the way home. I asked Ivy to write me a diary during one day of her commute so you can read what it’s like in her own words: 6:55 a.m. Everyone always says the bus is a good time to sleep, but not for me. Most of the time, I do the remnants of last night's homework, quickly reviewing flashcards or finishing that last Algebra problem. Sometimes though, I just spend the ride enjoying the time to myself, a time to think and reflect.

After waking up in the heavy darkness, I love watching the sun push itself up onto the horizon, as if its only purpose is to peer up at me. At first, the sun's oranges and reds leach into the clouds, forming a colony of watermelon cotton-candy puffs. The source of light is still hidden behind tall pines, the cemented highway walls, and most often the monstrous transmission towers. The buildings seem to keep appearing out of nowhere, blocking the now-bright orange light from my eyes.

Suddenly, all the obstacles clear, without even a massive truck to block the view. Since everyone (except for the bus driver)

is sleeping, it's like I get a private moment with this blinding light, a light so powerful it illuminates the world like a kerosene lamp in a basement. Music pounds in my eardrums, overpowering orange light dances before my eyes, and I am grateful for today.

The day drags on sometimes, and other times it's like I blink and the day disappears. I'm assigned an English essay, a long history reading, a Bible presentation, math homework and a chemistry packet. I laugh and hang out with my friends between classes and at lunch. Some days, I mosey into a club meeting with my closest friends during lunch, determined to have some free time before the meeting starts. After the action-packed day of the duel-curriculum, I am exhausted! My friends and I plan to video chat to study together when we get home.

Once I hop on the bus, I always like to sit in the seat facing west, so I can watch the sun set. It’s one girl's birthday, so everyone's eating cupcakes and having a good time. We all hang out for a bit, but then everyone gets quiet, and most people fall asleep again. I take the time to read and do other homework, all the while listening to my favorite songs. I finish the first few assignments while the sun is still looking at me, and the whole bus, and the whole world. I finish just in time to watch the light slip away. 4:55 p.m.

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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2015 29

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

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 Simcha Club 12 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom. The program will feature a deli lunch (cost $5). Please make a reservation by calling 610-866-8009. This is a senior program, but everyone from 5 - 105 is welcome. Contact tammy@brithsholom.net.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 JCC Film Festival: ‘Beneath the Helmet’ 7 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Community Relations Council. It is a moving documentary which follows five young Israeli high school graduates as they begin their service in the army.

Tickets: $9 general community/$6 JCC members.

THURSDAY, JUNE 4 ‘Meat’ the Mascots: PJ Library at the IronPigs 6 p.m., Coca-Cola Park Stadium Lawn. Bring the family to Jewish Heritage Night at the IronPigs and enjoy a free PJ Library program before the game!

Have your photo taken with one of the pork racers and hear the story of Baxter, the pig who wanted to be kosher, from special guest reader Cantor Kevin Wartell. The game begins at 7:05 p.m. RSVP to Abby Trachtman, abbyt@jflv.org. Purchase discounted package tickets to the game at www. jewishlehighvalley.org/ironpigs. To be seated with other PJ Library families at the game, select PJ Library from the seating options.

THURSDAY, JUNE 4 Jewish Heritage Night at the IronPigs 7:05 p.m., Coca-Cola Park. Join the Jewish community for the second annual Jewish Heritage Night at the IronPigs. The game against the Indians will begin at 7:05 p.m. $20 tickets include a Hebrew IronPigs hat and a kosher food voucher (kosher hot dog or knish, chips, soda or bottled water, LVKC supervised). $15 tickets include a Hebrew IronPigs hat and $2 ballpark credit. A free PJ Library event for ticket holders will take place at 6 p.m. on the stadium lawn. Purchase discounted ticket packages or find out where you can buy tickets at www.jewishlehighvalley.org/ironpigs or by calling 610-821-5500. Jewish Heritage Night is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.

THURSDAY, JUNE 4 TBE Healing Service 7 p.m., Temple Beth El. We will be creating a safe space to bring our pain, our questions and our yearning. The one-hour service will include music, silent meditation, traditional prayers and Torah study. The entire community is invited to participate.

SUNDAY, JUNE 7 Shalom Baby Reunion 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Join us for our annual reunion for families who have been visited by Shalom Baby, a program of the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation. Snacks and playtime for moms, dads and kids of all ages.

Meet old friends and make some new ones. Free for the whole family.

FRIDAY, JUNE 12 IJCU First Friday Luncheon Discussion 12 p.m., Muhlenberg College, Segers Union, Rooms 108-110. El Sistema: Transformation through Music (an international music program at the Roosevelt School). Featuring Steven Liu of the Allentown Symphony Association. Bring your lunch or buy lunch at Seegers Union. Be sure to leave ample time to locate on-street parking as this program begins promptly at noon. Free and open to the public. To learn more, visit www.ijcu. org or call 484-664-3470.

SUNDAY, JUNE 14 JBrews: Weyerbacher Brewery Tour & Tasting 1 to 3 p.m., Weyerbacher Brewing Company Visitors Center, 905 Line St., Easton. Group tour and beer sampling at Weyberbacher Brewing Company. Learn about the history of the brewery, the brewing and packaging process, as well as great beer trivia and history! Two 4-oz samples included, additional samples may be purchased. A special prize will be raffled off to participants who register by June 10. Adults 21+ are welcome.

Price: $12 per person, $8 JCC members. Call or stop by the JCC Welcome Desk, 610-435-3571, or visit www.allentownjcc.org.

MONDAY, JUNE 15 4th Annual Mortimer S. Schiff Memorial Golf Tournament 10 a.m., Lehigh Country Club. Player registration may be closed, but you can still join us for dinner at Lehigh Country Club to bid on some amazing auction items. $75 per person. Visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/golf or call 610-821-5500 to register.

awards and celebrating the end of the 2015 campaign year. This year, we will pay special tribute to our Silver Circle Society members for 25+ years of giving. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and open bar. Free and open to the community.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18 JCC Annual Meeting and Celebration 5:30 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Meet new Executive Director Jeffrey Rembrandt and pay tribute to outgoing President Bobby Hammel and Interim Executive Director Amy Holtz at the JCC’s annual meeting. Hear the state of the JCC and help us elect our new board members. The pre-meeting BBQ dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m. There will be children’s activities during the meeting. Dinner is free for JCC members, $18 for community members.

RSVP for dinner is required by June 11 at the JCC Welcome Desk or call 610-435-3571.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19 Mizmor Shir Musical Shabbat Experience 7:30 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace. Our Mizmor Shir band will be joined by special guest musicians Bob Cisik on the clarinet and Gene Gelfenson on the piano. A special Oneg Shabbat is planned. All are welcome! Contact TCP at 610-253-2031 for information. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation’s Easton Leadership Council.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 TBE Under the Stars with Shira Chadasha Service 7:30 p.m., Temple Beth El. You and your family are invited to “Service Under the Stars” to be held on the temple’s patio. Welcoming Shabbat, surrounded by G-d’s creations, trees and plants, clouds and stars enhance understanding to the words of the Kiddush, “Then G-d blessed the seventh day and called it holy because on it He ceased from all his work creation.” Join your fellow congregants at this special service.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 Young Adult Division Summer BBQ 3:30 p.m., home of Ben Grossman. Join the Federation’s Young Adult Division for an afternoon of hamburgers, hotdogs, games and prizes!

Hosted by Jewish Federation board member Ben Grossman. KIDS WELCOME! Food provided by The Noshery at Muhlenberg; prepared on site, not under direct supervision. RSVP required by Monday, Aug. 3, to Aaron Gorodzinsky at 610-821-5500 or aaron@jflv.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 16 JFLV Community Celebration & Annual Meeting 6:30 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Please join us in honoring outgoing leadership, presenting special

FRIDAYS 8 - 9:30 AM WMUH 91.7 Featuring Cantor Wartell muhlenberg.edu/wmuh

Celebrate the beauty of Shabbat

Shabbat & Yom Tov Candlelighting Times

30 JUNE 2015 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Friday, June 5

8:11 pm

Friday, June 26

8:19 pm

Friday, June 12

8:15 pm

Friday, July 3

8:18 pm

Friday, June 19

8:18 pm

Friday, July 10

8:16 pm

Community Calendar SUNDAY to FRIDAY DAF YOMI 7:30 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Meeting all year long, this class covers the gamut of Talmudic law, studying one page of the talmud each day, and completing the talmud over the course of seven and a half years. Basic Jewish background is recommended.

SUNDAYS JEWISH WAR VETERANS POST 239 2nd Sunday of the month, 10 a.m., JCC of Allentown Veterans and their significant others are invited as the guest of the Ladies Auxiliary. Come and enjoy comradeship; we’ll even listen to your “war stories.” A brunch follows each meeting. Questions? Contact Commander Sheila Berg at 610-360-1267 or sh-berg1@hotmail. com.

TEFILLIN CLUB & ADULT HEBREW SCHOOL 9:30 a.m. Tefillin; 10 to 11 a.m. Adult Hebrew, Chabad Tefillin is for Jewish men and boys over the age of Bar Mitzvah, to learn about, and gain appreciation for, the rich and enriching Jewish practice – the mitzvah – of donning Tefillin. Adult Hebrew is an opportunity for you to learn about your heritage and expand your Jewish knowledge so that you can keep up with your child. Contact 610-351-6511.

TSS HEBREW & ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES 10 a.m., JCC of Allentown Interested in learning Hebrew for the first time or brushing up your skills? Marcia Berkow teaches adult Hebrew beginning at 10 a.m., followed at 11 a.m. by David Vaida, who will you take you through the great moments across all 5,774 years of Jewish history. Free and open to all. RSVP at learnwithus@templeshiratshalom.org or 610-820-7666.

TALMUD CLASS FOR BEGINNERS! 10 to 11 a.m., Congregation Beth Avraham of Bethlehem-Easton For information,contact Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod at 610-905-2166.

MONDAYS FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., JCC of Allentown Friendship Circle is a place for people to meet, make new friends and enjoy each other’s company. We welcome all adults over 50. Friendship Circle meets weekly for lively and enjoyable programs and a delicious lunch. Annual dues $25; paid up members are treated to two major programs with a catered luncheon. Regular weekly meetings and lunch – $6. First visit – NO CHARGE. Weather permitting. Contact Betty at 610-395-6282 for reservations.

THE RHYTHM OF JEWISH LIVING 8 to 9 p.m., Temple Beth El Taught by Rabbi Moshe Re’em. This course will examine the ideas, beliefs and practices that define and shape Jewish life through daily, weekly, annual and life-cycle observances. The is designed as a year-long course for those wishing to learn more about the religious observances of Judaism, theology of the holidays and ritual practices. The course is organized around the Jewish calendar, but includes other daily Jewish rituals.

TUESDAYS TORAH STUDY 12 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace Join Rabbi Melody to delve into the heart and soul of the Torah and how it applies to your life! No knowledge of Hebrew is necessary, nor is registration.

Join us when you can and do the Jewish thing: LEARN! Contact 610-253-2031 for information.

PIRKEI AVOT (THE ETHICS OF THE FATHERS) 1:15 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace Join Rabbi Melody in TCP’s new “lounge” for this wonderful new class. All wel-

come! Contact 610-253-2031 for information.

YACHAD TORAH STUDY GROUP 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., JCC of Allentown It doesn’t matter how much you know, it matters how much you want to know.

Bring your curiosity to thet Yachad Torah study group and discover the wonders, adventures and meaning of the Torah.

Moderated by Rabbi Yehoshua Mizrachi.

Held in the Teachers’ Learning Center/ Holocaust Resource Room (lower level, JCC). Call 610-435-3571 for information.

100,000 MILES/YR FOR KOSHER! First Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., Congregation Beth Avraham Open to all. Fascinating vignettes from a mashgiach who drives approximately 100,000 miles/year (yes, per year!) to keep the kosher supply chain intact.

From rural Arkansas to frigid Nova Scotia, winter and summer, the demands are always there. Contact Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod, Kashruth Hotline (24/6), 610-9052166, rabbiyagod1@gmail.com.

LATTE & LEARN 8 to 9 p.m., Starbucks, Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem Grab your favorite Starbucks quaff and jump right in as we relate the weekly Torah portion to world events, western civilization and even our own relationships. No Hebrew is required, but a spirit of inquiry and a sense of humor might come in handy! Contact Rabbi Mizrachi 207-404-0474; opshiloh@gmail.com; www.torahovereasy.blogspot.com.

WEDNESDAYS 101 JUDAISM CLASS 10 a.m., Temple Covenant of Peace Join Rabbi Melody for the 101 Judaism Class. All welcome! Contact 610-2532031 for information.

HADASSAH STUDY GROUP Every other Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Temple Beth El Allentown Hadassah presents a stimulating series of short story seminars. All are welcome to attend these free sessions in the Temple Beth El library. The group will be reading selections from anthologies available from Amazon.com. For dates and stories, e-mail Lolly Siegel at spscomm@aol.com or call 610-4391851.

BETH AVRAHAM TORAH STUDY 7 p.m., Congregation Beth Avraham Torah: It is the common heritage that binds all Jews together. Explore the ancient healing wisdom of Torah together. All are welcome. Who knows? It might even be fun! RSVP: Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod, 610905-2166, rabbiyagod1@gmail.com.

HUSBANDS ANONYMOUS First Wednesday of the month, 7:30 p.m., location upon signup Calling all wives! Send your husbands to this class! Rabbi WIlensky guides us on how to become more attentive, caring, sensitive partners, and how to strengthen and deepen our spousal relationships in the context of Torah. Contact Sons of Israel for exact dates and locations.

TORAH STUDIES: A WEEKLY JOURNEY INTO THE SOUL OF TORAH 7:30 p.m., Chabad Torah Studies by JLI presents: Season Three: A 12-part series. Cost is $36 for the complete 12-week series (textbook included). For more information contact 610-351-6511 or Rabbi@chabadlehighvalley.com.

ORTHODOX JEWISH LIVING: WHAT IS IT & HOW? 8 p.m. To learn more, contact Rabbi Yizchok I. Yagod, 610-905-2166 or rabbiyagod1@gmail.com THURSDAYS ADULT EDUCATION CLASS 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., Bnai Abraham Synagogue No preparation or prior knowledge is required. Rabbi Daniel Stein leads an

eager-to-learn group. We examine the Torah, Judaism, the holidays, Hebrew and Yiddish literature, well-known stories and poetry. Cost: $10 each semester. Contact 610-258-5343, office@ bnaiabraham.org.

MOMMY & ME 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., Chabad Led by Devorah Halperin and Alli Lipson, Mommy & Me is an innovative program for babies and toddlers to experience Jewish traditions in a stimulating, fun and creative atmosphere. Cost is $10 per class, $40 for full session. For information and to register, morahdevorah@ chabadlehighvalley.com.

TORAH ON TILGHMAN 12:15 p.m., Allentown Wegmans Cantor Ellen Sussman of Temple Shirat Shalom leads a lunch and learn on the Torah. RSVP to contactus@templeshiratshalom.com or 610-820-7666.

FRIDAYS KINDERLIGHTS 3:30 p.m., Jewish Day School and Congregation Sons of Israel Have your kids and their friends bring some Erev Shabbat cheer, flowers and songs to elderly members of our community. Friday afternoons after school with Rabbi David Wilensky and Mrs. Eva Levitt. Starts at the Jewish Day School with pickup at Congregations Sons of Israel. Children of all ages are welcome.

Free, but RSVP required. Contact Congregations Sons of Israel at 610-4336089 to learn more.

SIMCHA SHABBAT 1st Friday of the month, 6:30 p.m., Bnai Abraham Synagogue Please join us for our musical Simcha Shabbat and stay for a special oneg.

For more information please call Bnai Abraham Synagogue at 610-258-5343.

SHABBAT BEGINNER’S GEMARA 8 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Facilitated by Dr. Henry Grossbard, this is an excellent primer for developing the analytical tools necessary for in-depth study of the Talmud. Dr. Grossbard, a dynamic and erudite scholar in his own right, helps students understand the argument-behind-the-argument, using Rashi, Tosafos and commentaries.

JAVA AND JEANS 4th Saturday of the month, 10 a.m., Bnai Abraham Synagogue Join us for our monthly Shabbat service to discuss current topics of interest as they relate to Jewish laws and practices.

For more information, call 610-2585343.

CHAVURAT TORAH STUDY Each Shabbat following kiddush lunch, Temple Beth El No sign-up needed for this class. Taught

by Shari Spark. Enrich your Shabbat experience by studying the parashat hashavua, the weekly Torah portion, with other congregants, each Shabbat in the library at approximately 12:45 p.m. No previous knowledge or long-term commitments are required as we discuss Torah together.

ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY HALACHAH 12 p.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Applying the ancient wisdom of Jewish Law to modern challenges is one of the most fascinating aspects of Jewish life.

Join Rabbi Wilensky as he takes Halachah from the weekly Torah portion and brings it to bear on some of the most pressing issues of our time.

BNEI AKIVA 5:45 p.m., Congregation Sons of Israel An Israel-centered fun program for kids ages eight to 14. This program is free and open to the public. For information and to RSVP, call 610-433-6089.

Congregations BNAI ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE 1545 Bushkill St., Easton – 610.258.5343 Rabbi Daniel Stein, Conservative MORNING MINYAN services are Thursday mornings at 7:25 a.m., SHABBAT EVENING services are Fridays at 8 p.m., SHABBAT MORNING services are Saturdays at 9:30 a.m., RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes are Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m..

CHABAD OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY 4457 Crackersport Rd., Allentown – 610.336.6603 Rabbi Yaacov Halperin, Chabad Lubavitch SHABBAT EVENING services are held once a month seasonally, SHABBAT MORNING services are held Saturdays at 10 a.m., RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes are held Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m.

CONGREGATION AM HASKALAH 1190 W. Macada Rd., Bethlehem – 610.435.3775 Student Rabbi Leiah Moser, Reconstructionist Weekly Shabbat services and a monthly family service with potluck dinner. Religious school meets Sunday mornings. Email am.haskalah.office@gmail.com to learn more.

CONGREGATION BETH AVRAHAM 439 South Nulton Ave., Palmer Township – 610.905.2166 | Rabbi Yitzchok Yagod, Orthodox SHABBAT EVENING starts half an hour after candle lighting. SHABBAT MORNING starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by a hot kiddish.

CONGREGATION BRITH SHOLOM 1190 W. Macada Rd., Bethlehem – 610.866.8009 Rabbi Michael Singer, Conservative MINYAN is at 7:45 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. on Saturdays and holidays. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at Brith Sholom and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. at Bnai Abraham Synagogue.

CONGREGATION KENESETH ISRAEL 2227 Chew St., Allentown – 610.435.9074 Rabbi Seth D. Phillips Cantor Jennifer Duretz Peled, Reform Services begin at 7:30 p.m. every Friday night.

The first Friday of the month is a FAMILY SERVICE and celebration of birthdays and anniversaries.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes are held Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

CONGREGATION SONS OF ISRAEL 2715 Tilghman St., Allentown – 610.433.6089 Rabbi David Wilensky, Orthodox SHACHARIT: Sundays at 8:30 a.m., Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:45 a.m. MINCHAH/MAARIV: 20 minutes before sunset. FRIDAY EVENING: 20 minutes before sunset, 7 p.m. in the summer. SHABBAT MORNING: 9 a.m. SHABBAT AFTERNOON: 90 minutes before dark.

TEMPLE BETH EL 1305 Springhouse Rd., Allentown – 610.435.3521 Rabbi Moshe Re’em | Cantor Kevin Wartell Conservative Weekday morning minyan services at 7:45 a.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. Shabbat evening services at 7:30 p.m. with the last Friday evening of the month featuring our Shira Chadasha Service .

Shabbat morning services at 9 a.m. followed by Kiddush. Religious school classes every Tuesday/ Thursday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. Midrasha school classes Monday at 7 p.m. Shalshelet — Temple Beth El’s new innovative high school program — meets bi-monthly on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. Shalshelet (the chain) is open to ALL 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students in the Lehigh Valley. For more information contact Alicia Zahn, religlious school director, at bethelallentown.org.

TEMPLE COVENANT OF PEACE 1451 Northampton St., Easton – 610.253.2031 Tcp@rcn.com; tcopeace.org Rabbi Melody Davis | Cantor Jill Pakman Reform TCP holds Shabbat evening services every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and a Renewal Style Shabbat morning service on the 4th Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. A family Shabbat service is held on the second Friday night of each month at 6:30 p.m. Our services reflect a diverse culture of traditional, innovative and musical experiences with a Reform Jewish context. Religious school meets on Sunday mornings from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

We have a Family Game / Movie night on the first Saturday of every month at 6 p.m. For more information about our Temple and activities, see our website at www.tcopeace.org or look us up on Facebook.

TEMPLE SHIRAT SHALOM 610.820.7666 Cantor Ellen Sussman Friday night SHABBAT WORSHIP SERVICES held at 7 p.m. at The Swain School, 1100 South 24th St., Allentown. For more information, Contact Us at templeshiratshalom.org or 610-820-7666.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JUNE 2015 31

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