HAKOL - March 2013

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY The Voice of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community

PHOTO COURTESY OF EDWIN DAVIS

MARCH 2013 |ADAR/NISAN 5773

Caring. Learning. Engaging.

Jewish community looks to future JCC looks to

By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Marketing Director Tasked with uncovering the needs of “empty nesters” in the Jewish community, students at Muhlenberg College conducted a series of in-person, in-depth interviews.

How did these people in their 40s, 50s and 60s want to spend their leisure time? What could the Jewish community do to provide the type of social and educational opportunities they were looking for?

“Hearing from the voices of a lot of these people in the community, I thought that this was really something that we can do better, we should do better, and it’s a pretty easy thing as a community for us to do,” said Gail Eisenberg, whose marketing research class conducted the interviews.

“We just want to provide more opportunities for them to connect,” said Eisenberg, who went on to help shape the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s strategic plan -including a goal to provide engaging programming for older adults -- as a member of its steering committee. “Whether that means social, whether that means education, whether that means spiritual, whatever it is, but just more opportunities for them to feel engaged in the community.”

For the past three years, the Jewish Federation has spearheaded a process to identify and articulate a comprehensive vision for the Lehigh Valley Jewish community’s future.

The vision includes a wide variety and range of objectives, from caring for aging seniors to transforming the Jewish Community Center into a newly energized vibrant hub of communal life.

Some of the ideas put forth are more feasible in the short term than others, according to members of the committees that created and will help implement the plan. But the plan does provide a direction, a roadmap of sorts. Now it’s up to the community to determine how to get there.

“I’m an optimist and I feel that if you build it, they will come,” said Wendy Born, who was integral to the planning process throughout her three-year Federation presidency.

“When you create more programs and give people more experiences, and if they’re good in quality and something that they want, people are going to understand the importance of that and it’s going to generate additional interest and financial resources as well.”

WHAT’S NEW?

That there is a vision for the future of the Lehigh Valley Jewish community certainly is not new.

However, what is new about this particular plan is that it grew out of the Jewish Federation’s demographic study conducted several years ago. Some of the study’s significant findings showed that our local Jewish population is trending in the same way as much of the country. About half of the Jews in the Lehigh Valley are not engaged with the community in any way. Many identified themselves as “just Jewish,” with no clear definition of what that means.

“Like Jewish communities elsewhere, the Lehigh Valley is at a critical juncture: the environment has changed so profoundly that attempting to re-create the past will not work,” wrote consultant Don Kligerman of Fairmount Ventures in Philadelphia, which was retained by the Federation to facilitate the strategic planning process.

“The convergence of multiple unique factors has made visioning change a challenge: economic downturn, agency deficits, agency debt, stagnant resource development, leadership transitions and a frozen real estate market, to name just a few. At the same time, it is the nature of complex organizations and systems that transformation does not occur unless it is perceived that there is no other option. From a planning perspective, we are in a middle ground between these two observations.”

With these factors at play, the committee ultimately decided to focus on six attainable and measurable goals: • Engage more adults to actively participate in Jewish communal life; • Strengthen Jewish education and experiences offered to youth who do not attend the Jewish Day School;

Photos from left, A hug speaks volumes. Eva Grayzel shares a story.

State Rep. Mike Schlossberg reads to PJ Library Kids.

new home

By Bobby Hammel JCC President and Carol Kranitz JCC Executive Director

Strong organizations are always planning, and our Jewish Community Center is no exception.

For the past few years, we have worked on a strategic planning process which confirms our core mission: • To be a place that fosters an appreciation and understanding of Jewish values, culture and heritage; • To be a warm and welcoming neighborhood gathering place that meets the changing needs of individuals and families; • To provide innovative and interactive programs for people of all backgrounds, ages and stages.

The result has given us direction in several areas: programs and services; membership and community engagement; and a financial plan that enabled us to weather our country’s economic downturn. We benefit from a committed Board of Directors, an active committee structure, and engaged members who regularly evaluate and improve our JCC’s program offerings. JCC members and program participants are familiar with many new program changes and improvements already implemented.

Throughout the years JCC leadership has strived to adjust to our fast-changing world and the challenges presented, always attempting to meet the needs of our members, to stay current and flexible and to position our JCC for

Jewish community future

JCC new home

Continues on page 3

Continues on page 3

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

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

No. 354 com.UNITY with Mark Goldstein 2

$71,500 RAISED!

Together, we do extraordinary things. See pages 16-17.

THIS PASSOVER

Get a feel for Passover around the world in our special section. inside

Currants in the Charoset … and Passover all around the world Passover in Africa, revisited Matzah and pitahaya: Memories of Passover in Guatemala Ugandan rabbi spreads word about the Abayudaya, the Jews of Uganda ‘I would carry the matzah in an unlabeled carton’ - Memories of Jewish life in USSR Acclaimed for Passover story and more, Jane Yolen to speak on writing, poetry Sylvia Bub’s South African-Lithuanian Stuffed Kneydlakh Miracles and sacrifices: Allentown woman recalls narrow escape

3 4 5 6-7 8 9 10 11

ADAR/NISAN 5773 | MARCH 2013

Women’s Division

4

LVJF Tributes

8

Jewish Community Center

14

Jewish Family Service

15

Jewish Day School

18-19

Community Calendar

30-31

com.UNITY

FROM THE DESK OF MARK L. GOLDSTEIN

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

Esther, Eddie and AIPAC As I write, I am still fretting over my Purim costume. This year’s rendition is not panning out as I had planned!

What always does seem to pan out as planned is the richness of our Jewish calendar. One of the consistent and amazing parts of our calendar and our tradition is the cyclical reading of various texts. On Purim, we read Megillat Esther. The story tells of Esther’s ascent to become queen to Ahashverosh, and the steps she takes, guided by her uncle, Mordechai, to use her position to save the Jews, who were threatened by the king’s counselor, Haman.

There are many extraordinary components of the story, but perhaps one of the most compelling, to paraphrase Mordechai, was his admonition to Esther that perhaps it was just for the purpose of saving her people that God placed her in her high position. Throughout the

centuries, Jews have relied often on high-placed, connected people to carry their message to rulers who could influence whether Jews lived or died.

It brings to mind the long tradition of the “court Jew” through much of European Jewish history. It also relates to the extraordinary role Eddie Jacobson played with his army buddy and former business partner, Harry Truman, at the time of Israel’s birth. Jacobson parlayed his friendship with Truman to organize an offthe-schedule meeting between Truman and Chaim Weitzman.

As a result of one Jew who acted upon his unique ability to lobby, President Truman -- against the wishes of the U.S. State Department -- recognized Israel within 11 minutes of Ben Gurion’s proclamation of the State of Israel.

Within a week of Purim this year is the annual AIPAC Policy Conference. AIPAC is the American Israel Public

Affairs Committee and it is the preeminent Israel lobby in Washington, D.C., widely regarded as one of the most powerful lobby organizations in the United States. AIPAC is not so powerful because of multimillion-dollar media campaigns.

AIPAC does not rely on corporate funded “super-PACs” to influence public opinion and elected officials. AIPAC is not so powerful simply due to highplaced members of the Jewish community.

Rather, AIPAC rests on the power of grassroots organization. AIPAC’s ability to gather at its policy conference more than 13,000 people from all walks of life, from across the U.S., from across the political spectrum, and from among Jews and Christians alike, all in support of Israel’s right to exist, is what makes it so powerful. They don’t rely on the one person who can talk to the U.S. president; they rely on 13,000 people who can talk to

Planning for the future means taking a risk. It means setting the bar and it can mean failing to reach it on the first try. However, the alternatives are grim: settling for less, defaulting down the wrong path, not achieving all that we could. Because of this, we can’t allow our doubts to stop us from looking to the future, something the Jewish Federation and its community partners are

doing right now with a strategic plan.

March is Women’s History Month. This month, we bring you NOW co-founder Gerda Lerner, z”l, spy Hannah Senesh – neither of whom let doubt stop her -- and traveling Lafayette professor Liz McMahon. They are examples of women who reach beyond what is readily available, to engage with the world and to make a difference for others. May their examples

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers,

thousands of influential people in the U.S. government. While the conference is annual, the process of grassroots lobbying on behalf of Israel and the U.S.Israel relationship is ongoing.

Recently, I was privileged to sit in on a lobbying session at Muhlenberg College with U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent. Students representing MulePAC, a bipartisan, pro-Israel student group at Muhlenberg, held an in-depth dialogue with Congressman Dent in support of Iran sanctions, U.S. foreign aid to Israel and a strong and dynamic U.S.-Israel relationship. AIPAC ensures that these activities occur at college campuses across the country, engaging both Jewish and non-Jewish students in proIsrael advocacy.

If only we had such

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

COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS

inspire us to do the same.

Shalom, Jennifer Lader

Happy Passover

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

grassroots mobilization, political prowess and access to power in the years leading up to, and during, the Holocaust.

The juxtaposition of Purim with the AIPAC Policy Conference and its effective grassroots strategy demonstrates, perhaps, our adaptive capacity as a people, to develop new ways in which we can protect ourselves beyond the limited options we had in the past.

HAKOL STAFF Jennifer Lader Editor

Allison Meyers

Graphic Designer

Diane McKee

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

JFLV STAFF

Mark L. Goldstein Executive Director

Judy Diamondstein

Assistant Executive Director

Temple Coldren

Director of Finance and Administration

Stephanie Smartschan Director of Marketing

Taffi Ney

Donor Development Officer

Joan Brody

Executive Assistant/Office Manager

Eileen Assed Wendy Edwards

Administrative Staff

Barry J. Halper President, JFLV

EDITORIAL BOARD

Monica Friess, Acting Chair Barbara Reisner Judith Rodwin

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.

from the board and staff of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley BARRY J. HALPER President

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:

MARK L. GOLDSTEIN Executive Director

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

JACK COHEN (CARMIT AND DAVID BACH Birth of son, Maoz

SHALOM BABY APRIL AND JOSH CUNNINGHAM Birth of daughter, Brenna

SHALOM BABY BRENNA AND MIKE SCHLOSSBERG Birth of daughter, Ayla Robin

SHALOM BABY ALLISON AND SHAY SHIMON Birth of daughter, Yael Florence

SHALOM BABY

IN MEMORY

SYLVIA CHASIS (Mother of Joan Brody)

Eileen and Roberto Fischmann PHYLLIS DUNN (Mother of Melissa Stein)

Eileen and Roberto Fischmann RUTH WISHNOW (Mother of Linda Hertzberg and Howard Wishnow)

Arlene and Richard Stein

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

2 MARCH 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

• 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

‘Community on positive trajectory’

Jewish Federation Executive Director Mark L. Goldstein speaks on plan Why do we need this strategic plan now?

Throughout the transition, the JCC will continue to offer all of the services members have come to expect.

JCC new home Continues from page 1

a successful future. That is why in the early 1950s, JCC leadership had the vision and foresight to move to 22nd Street, providing our community with a home for over 50 years.

Complicating our program and financial plans today are the challenges of an aging facility and our Jewish community’s changing demographic realities, the latter vividly articulated by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Community Demographic Study. Our planning efforts, fully consistent with the recently completed Jewish Federation’s strategic plan, lead us to explore a new vision, just like our leadership courageously did in the 1950s.

Accordingly, we want to share our excitement that we are moving forward with a new facility vision which will best serve our membership and Jewish community for decades to come. Investigating new locations for a future JCC home has begun.

Our JCC Board of Directors has engaged a commercial real estate broker to facilitate the sale of our current facility. Please don’t be

shocked if you see a “For Sale” sign posted on our front lawn; we want to stress this is just the beginning of a long process. A fiscally responsible plan will naturally require the sale of our current facility, creative financing and successful philanthropic efforts.

Our commitment to our membership and our Jewish community transcends our current facility. We intend to maintain, if not grow, our core services. Our members should not be concerned about any interruption in service delivery. To ensure our services remain intact, as well as plan for a new facility, we are appointing a Transition Committee to guide this process. We want to reassure you that we will keep you updated as our plan and future vision begins to take shape. At any time feel free to share your comments and suggestions with us at JCCfuture@lvjcc.org.

This year we celebrate the JCC’s 96th anniversary and the planful beginning of an exciting next phase. We know we cannot avoid change by standing still; our tradition informs us to address our realities and create our future.

Influenced by your support and input, we are very excited about the endless possibilities the future holds for us all.

Jewish community future Continues from page 1

• Assure the Jewish Day School’s long-term sustainability; • Transform the JCC into a vibrant hub of communal life; • Expand the availability of supportive services to older Jewish people; • Develop a new approach to fundraising resulting in more, sustained giving that will support the community’s priorities.

“We wanted to utilize the demographic study by integrating the data into planning for the future,” said Judith Rodwin, a strategic planning committee member.

“Clearly, people care about the character we have here in the Valley and don’t want it to dry up or vanish for lack of attention.”

But the way that programming is structured and institutions are striving to engage the community is based on a model that is no longer relevant, said Barry Halper, current president of the Federation and co-chairman of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee.

“When (my wife) Carol and I came to the Valley in the late ‘70s, we joined the Center because you just simply did it because you were Jewish and you did things like that.

You went to the programs not because you were excited about the programs, but because your friends went there.

“That model doesn’t exist anymore. People are looking toward what is going to be relevant to me today,” he said. “What we’re trying to do is recognize that it’s a new mindset regarding how people view their needs, their time, their resources and what they want to do.”

People still want to be connected, Halper believes, but on their own terms.

HURDLES TO OVERCOME

The planning itself was not without difficulties, Halper said. He noted that much time was spent discussing ideas that ultimately had to be abandoned, whether for political or economic reasons; getting everyone to agree on a single shared vision was no easy task.

There are those who have pointed out – and will point out – that many of the needs are obvious and the responses inadequate or potentially flawed: “We need to raise more money for the annual campaign, the JCC has been carrying

Because it’s time. I think there are significant realities in our community which are challenging. The demographic realities of the Lehigh Valley, the economic changes of the Lehigh Valley, how the economic changes then dovetail into resource development.

What we do today and tomorrow in the Jewish community is going to be very different than the way it was 20, 30, 40 years ago. The people are different, the way we respond to issues is different, the way we talk to each other and communicate is very different.

How was the strategic plan developed?

The strategic plan was driven by a steering committee with professional consultation. It was not a committee of representatives from specific agencies or organizations, but it was a committee which was representative of our Jewish community and representative of different agencies and different synagogues and different communities which make up our Jewish community.

What are the goals that the plan lays out?

We want to be a more engaging, a more caring and a more learning Jewish community. Our foundation of who we are as a community is built on our Jewish values and our Jewish knowledge. That’s the learning. And that’s a key thing that we want to transmit from generation to generation. How we define ourselves as a community, how we care for the disenfranchised, how we care for those that are not considered mainstream, is the caring part of the platform. And finally, for us to be successful and for us to succeed, we want to be a more engaging community. We want more people to feel connected to this thing we call Jewish

a substantial debt, there has been declining enrollment at the JDS over the last couple of decades, we need to do more for the older members of the community. All of this is not new,” said Rabbi Allen Juda of Congregation Brith Sholom.

In truth, some of the change laid out in the strategic plan will require a significant investment of time, money and energy, and it is not yet clear from where much of that will come.

“Visioning change and a new kind of Jewish community is hampered by the magnitude of the situational factors,” the strategic report reads. “Fully addressing those factors, however, requires resources and collaboration which are not easily forthcoming.”

But the inherent strengths of the Valley’s Jewish institutions and population make achieving other aspects of the plan – reenergizing existing institutions and programs, creating a Center for Jewish Life and Learning, caring for seniors who are living in residential facilities or at home – conceivable even with a much smaller investment of resources.

The thought is that by kick-starting some of the changes, there will be early successes to inspire the will needed for the longer-term projects.

“It’s going to take a lot of hard work and I think that buy-in from key players in our community will be the most important aspect to ensure its success,” said Iris Epstein, who is serving on the committee to implement the plan.

“The Epsteins have been here for a long time and I want there to be an Epstein in Allentown and in the Lehigh Valley for many years to come,” she added. “I think that if we didn’t have a strong Jewish presence here, it would affect that outcome.”

NEXT STEPS

Significant change is not as easy as the flip of a light switch.

Building a new Jewish Community Center and increasing enrollment at the Jewish Day School require considerable planning and investment of time and resources.

But the quality of programming at the JCC has been and continues to be improved, and the process toward a new building is beginning. The JDS will continue on its “campaign for excellence,” providing the best Jewish educational experience that it possibly can.

“The role of the JCC is to serve as one of the entry points for our community to come together and experience social, educational, recreational and wellness programs

community, to their synagogues, to the JCC, to the day school. We want more people to feel connected to Judaism and their own Jewishness.

Why should I care?

The strategic plan gives us the ability to target our resources to areas which will have a higher-priority impact on our community.

I’m not suggesting that we’re spending our money on things which are fruitless and unimportant. But you, as a donor, you as a member of the community, want to know that there is a serious attempt to make sure that your contributions – and the resources of the community – whether you give a dollar or whether you give $100,000 --- you want to know that your tzedakah is making an impact and is doing good and is even doing better than it did the day before. You want to know that the community is on a trajectory, a positive trajectory, toward the future. What does it mean for me? I want to give to winners. I want to give to organizations that know what they’re doing. I want to give to an organization that says not only that this is what I’m going to do with your money today, but this is where we hope to be in three years, in five years, in 10 years, and we’re working toward those goals.

And if we achieve those goals we will have an enhanced and enriched Jewish community.

And that’s to your benefit.

Is the plan realistic?

It’s visionary and we hope as much of it as possible will be realistic. Do I think we’ll achieve everything in the strategic plan? I sure hope so, but I would be reluctant to say we’re going to achieve everything. Do I think we can be on a trajectory that makes ourselves more caring, more learning and more engaging? Absolutely.

instilled with Jewish culture, values and traditions,” said Executive Director Carol Kranitz. “It’s very important that everyone feels they have a place to come to where they can [have that] experience at whatever level they so desire.”

The strategic plan makes a clear case for how strengthening these core institutions is vital to the community’s future. Both have undergone their own strategic planning processes independent of the Federation’s plan, with parallel and consistent conclusions.

“If anything, the Federation strategic plan only strengthened ours because the Federation has explicitly communicated the importance of having a Jewish Day School in the community,” said Yossi Kastan, head of school at the JDS. “Our strategic plan takes that and basically makes sure that we’re building a quality product that’s sustainable long term. We’re both on the same page.”

As for the goals centered outside of these established institutions, actions are already being taken to make them a reality.

Four task forces have been established to address the issues of seniors, education and programming, Jewish education that’s non day-school related and new ways of looking at fundraising.

Recruitment of more volunteers for these committees will be critical, said Halper.

“Are people willing to put energy into these programs?

We’re going to have to find the people who have the interest, the passion, to move these programs forward or move these goals forward and meet the objectives of the strategic plan,” he said.

Additionally, the Jewish Federation will be setting up opportunities for community members to hear more about the plan, ask questions and have their voices heard.

“We don’t have all the ‘T’s crossed and the ‘I’s dotted,” Born said. Involving community members who have professional expertise, and those who will be consumers, will help to make that happen, she said.

“Our biggest strength is that people really love the community, people love living here, love the diversity of Jewish life and want to stay,” said Rodwin. “The purpose of the plan is to find ways to perpetuate what is loved within the changing realities of our population.”

To read the report in its entirety and stay up to date on volunteer recruitment and community forums, visit www. jewishlehighvalley.org.

HAKOL editor Jennifer Lader contributed to this story.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2013 3

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

Jewish women support the arts

Women’s Division Dollar-A-Day Spring Event

ABOVE, Elaine Lerner’s glass collection, on display at the Allentown Art Museum through April 14.

WITH LESLIE MAITLAND

investigative journalist and author of the epic, true World War II love story, “Crossing the Borders of Time”

FAR LEFT, Lerner with a bust of “Frederico” by Kéké Cribbs (b. 1951), a fired-glass work of enameled tiles on hybridized concrete completed in 2001.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013 JCC of Allentown

Minimum gift of $365 to the 2013 Campaign for Jewish Needs required to attend

On a pier in Marseille in 1942, with desperate refugees pressing to board one of the last ships to escape France before the Nazis choked off its ports, an 18-year-old German Jewish girl was pried from the arms of the Frenchman she loved and promised to marry.

As the Lipari carried Janine and her family to Casablanca on the first leg of a perilous journey to safety in Cuba, she would read through her tears the farewell letter that Roland had slipped in her pocket: “Whatever the length of our separation, our love will survive it, because it depends on us alone. I give you my vow that whatever the time we must wait, you will be my wife.

Never forget, never doubt.”

Come find out what finally reunited the pair -- 50 years later.

To learn more about the book, visit www.lesliemaitland.com.

To learn more about the event, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org.

LEFT, The work of Roberta Friedman, which will be on exhibit at the JCC Gallery through April 12.

By Jennifer Lader Editor, HAKOL Because of the efforts of several dedicated Federation women, March brings with it opportunities to see and appreciate several beautiful exhibitions of art.

Beginning closest to “home,” Carole Rose and Lisa Fraenkel and their committee are continuing to bring celebrated artists to the JCC Gallery.

Opening Feb. 28 and running through April 12, the works of Roberta Friedman will be on exhibit at the JCC. Friedman displays a number of watercolors and collages made from organic matter and colors found in nature.

Setting that exhibit off beautifully will be the Merzatta Jewelry Collection, by Chris and Danielle Merzatta.

Most recently, the Gallery has exhibited the works of Steven Russell – paintings of trees – and Will Dexter’s glass works.

Just ahead, the JCC Gallery will exhibit the works of architectural artist David Levy and kinetic sculptor Jeff Kahn.

Also in March and running through April 14, The Lerner Contemporary Glass Collection is on exhibit at the Allentown Art Museum. Elaine Lerner and her husband, Les, began collecting glass about 25 years ago, beginning with decorative perfume bottles. They became serious collectors of original glass works after attending several glass shows in New York and Chicago.

This stunning and colorful arrangement of 21 glass objects is illuminated by the natural lighting that enters the museum’s Linny and Beall Fowler Gallery’s nine-foot-tall windows.

Women, money & power Nate and Marilyn Braunstein congratulate daughter Cherie Braunstein Zettlemoyer on her presentation at the Women’s Division Lunch & Learn on February 13. Zettlemoyer, vice president of the ValleyWest Financial Group, encouraged the women in the room to take control of their personal finances.

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

WELCOMING NEW BABIES to the Lehigh Valley

HANNAH JOELLE

Daughter of Aaron Berger and Nissa Gossom

WANTED:

Hand Puppets If you’re expecting, know someone who is, or have a new baby, PLEASE LET US KNOW! Contact Abby Trachtman 610-821-5500 | abbyt@jflv.org 4 MARCH 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Help Eva Levitt bring puppet theater to the children of Africa by donating gently used hand puppets for her medical mission in April. Call Eva at 610-398-1376 to donate today.

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

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HEATHER GOGAL PHOTOGRAPHY

At golf tournament, everyone wins

Shaoli Rosenberg, Linda Epstein and Erica Hyman hit the links together at the 2012 tournament.

By Kate Burdick JFLV Intern For Linda Epstein, only one thing could make this year’s Federation-sponsored golf tournament better than last year’s: More female golfers.

In every other way, last year’s tournament was “wonderful,” Epstein said.

One of the things that made the day so memorable, Epstein said, was the presence and good-humored contributions to the day’s events by Golf Channel anchor and reporter, and Allentown native son, Rich Lerner. This year, Lerner makes a return engagement.

The Mortimer S. Schiff tournament is set for Monday, June 3, at Lehigh Country Club. The tournament has a lot of pluses. The theme of the tournament is prejudice reduction. Acting on their core values of compassion, charity, generosity and responsibility, Vera and the late Mort Schiff dedicated a huge portion of their lives to teaching tolerance and acceptance of others, encouraging people to discover what they have in common with others rather than focus on differences.

It gets better: Besides raising money for a great cause, it’s about being present for this significant event in the community, and it’s about

The putting contest is serious business for Gaspare DiCarlo.

He came so close to taking home the $5,000 prize.

having a good time.

At last year’s dinner, following the day on the course, every person present was deeply moved to hear the story of the Rev. Dan Gambet, a local Catholic priest and recipient of the Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction. Unrelated in any way to receiving the award itself, Gambet shared his experience of learning of his own Jewish roots.

“There was a lot of camaraderie and excitement getting the Jewish group and the non-Jews together,” said Erica Hyman, a player and member of the golf tournament committee. “Prominent members of the community were out to honor Father Gambet.”

She and others found that his presentation was a meaningful and reflective time.

The fun came earlier in the day as well on the course.

Players in the tournament present a range in abilities and seriousness about the sport. Cantor Kevin Wartell jokingly claimed that he and Rabbi Allen Juda should have won the tournament, “but the scores got mixed up.” Prizes were awarded at dinner.

In addition to a round of 18 holes, the tournament includes a putting contest, specialty side games and a reverse raffle. With the raffle, everyone wins, and some win big. Last year, Wartell turned

Federation Shabbat

with Doug Bloomfield

soon, early bird registration is open until Friday, March 15, and, with it, the opportunity to save $50 per person.

The general participation and sponsorship deadline is Friday, May 18, but the tournament will be limited to the first 120 players that sign up. The full entry fee is $500 for an individual, $900 for a couple (limited to spouses and partners) and $1,850 for a foursome.

Tournament entry includes

18 holes of golf, access to the driving range, a decadent brunch, on-course snacks and beverages, a scrumptious dinner buffet, entry in the reverse raffle, the opportunity to participate in an auction … and, altogether, a very good day.

See you on the green!

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or playing in the tournament, or to register now, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/golf. aspx.

With a special observance of the 70th Anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY Yom Hashoah v’Hagvurah

Saturday,

SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 2013 7:00 PM | Jewish Community Center of Allentown

9 a.m., Congregation Brith Sholom, Bethlehem

Featuring Dr. Rachel Korazim, freelance Jewish education consultant Free and open to the community Go to www.jewishlehighvalley.org for information

April 27, 2013

SPONSORED BY

out to be the big winner of the day, drawing the $5,000 cash prize.

This year, the cash prize will also be $5,000 and the putting purse has doubled. In addition, players will have the opportunity to bid on – and possibly participate in – a once-in-a-lifetime trip to play at the Lexus National Championship at Pebble Beach in December.

As if that isn’t enough to persuade golfers to sign up

Cantor Kevin Wartell is the big winner in the reverse raffle.

Douglas M. Bloomfield, a syndicated columnist, Washington lobbyist and consultant, will be the featured speaker at Shabbat services at Congregation Brith Sholom, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. All are welcome.

Dr. Korazim will be speaking throughout the community on Monday, April 8.

To learn more, visit the Jewish Federation online.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2013 5

MAIMONIDES BAGEL BRUNCH

The Eyeball Update SUNDAY, MARCH 10 10:15-11:45 a.m. at the JCC of Allentown A panel discussion with Maimonides Society eye health professionals.

PANEL INCLUDES: Dr. Houman Ahdieh LehighValley Center for Sight Dr. Marc Berson West End Family Eye Care Dr. Karen Dacey McDonald Ophthalmology & Associates Dr. Howard Kushnick LehighValley Eye Center

Free for Maimonides members and spouses, $10 for community members.

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What are cataracts?

‘A CADILLAC? BUT I WANTED A LINCOLN’ It’s an old joke but one that still makes me chuckle. A patient goes to see the ophthalmologist for a checkup. He or she complains of difficulty reading the newspaper or driving at nighttime and the doctor diagnoses a cataract. And like a bad game of telephone, the word cataract sounds like Cadillac and all of a sudden the visit turns into a discussion on American cars!

The word cataract comes from the Latin word cataract, which means “waterfall,” and the Greek word katarrhaktēs, which means “down rushing.” Just as rushing water turns white, this derivation may allude to the “whiteness” of the aging crystalline lens.

Symptoms of a progressing cataract are changes in vision. Many patients complain of difficulty with reading road signs, of problems with glare with night driving, and of blurred vision with near tasks like reading. The change in vision typically happens slowly, so that it is not noticeable on a day-to-day basis. Over the course of years,

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however, a person may find that they are no longer comfortable reading road signs in unfamiliar locations or seeing the television guide on the TV screen.

So what can be done for loss of vision due to cataracts? First, it is important to have a complete eye exam. Other eye diseases, like glaucoma or macular degeneration, can also decrease a person’s vision slowly over time. An updated eyeglass prescription is another way to improve vision. At some point, however, many people find themselves considering cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy crystalline lens. The lens is then replaced with a manufactured intraocular lens (IOL). The “traditional” IOL is called a monofocal lens. It allows the patient to see clearly at one focal length. Patients can choose an IOL so they can see distance objects without glasses and then use readers for near tasks. Alternatively, patients may choose to have a monofocal IOL which allows them to read comfortably without glasses and then wear a pair of spectacles for driving or watching a movie.

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Visit jewishlehighvalley.org to learn more or contact Judy Diamondstein at 610-821-5500 or judy@jflv.org.

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BY KAREN DACEY, M.D.

companies cover the cost of a monofocal IOL. Advances in technology have brought “premium” or “lifestyle” lenses to our treatment options. For patients with astigmatism, there are toric IOLs which neutralize this astigmatism. Multifocal lenses are specially designed lenses which allow even greater freedom from glasses for distance, intermediate and near tasks. Additional testing is necessary to determine whether a patient is a good candidate for these lenses. The entire cost of the “lifestyle” lenses is not typically covered by insurance.

It is important to discuss with your doctor the visual goals you have when undergoing cataract surgery and to understand the options available. Great vision is an important factor for active, independent living!

Dr. Karen Dacey joined McDonald Ophthalmology and Associates in Bethlehem after serving as a physician and eye surgeon in the United States Air Force. She received her medical degree from the Uniformed Services University School of Medicine and her undergraduate degree from Barnard College, Columbia University.

Call for entries from 10th, 11th, and 12th graders:

Max ‘Maggie’ Levine Essay Contest

for Alexander Muss High School in Israel scholarship The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is pleased to announce the annual Maggie Levine Essay Contest. Max “Maggie” Levine was an active member of both the JFLV board and staff. He is remembered for his hard work and dedication, inspirational enthusiasm and great energy that were reflected in all his endeavors on behalf of the Federation, the Jewish and general communities and the

state of Israel.

The essay contest, established to recognize an outstanding essay submitted by a teenager interested in enrolling in the Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI), is open to all Jewish 10th, 11th and 12th graders. The winner(s) will receive a generous prize toward the cost of the AMHSI program. The theme of the 500 to 1,200-word essay should address “How Israel is part of my Jewish identity and/or how the High School in Israel experience will help shape my relationship with Israel.”

DEADLINES FOR THE ESSAYS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

April 1, 2013 - for summer 2013 program September 1, 2013 - for 2013-14 school year program March 15, 2014 - for summer 2014 program The committee reserves the right not to make an award presentation if the submitted essays do not meet the high standards of the committee.

For more information about the Alexander Muss High School in Israel program, visit www.amhsi.com or call Mark L. Goldstein at the JFLV at 610821-5500.

For detailed requirements of the Maggie Levine Essay Contest, contact Joan Brody at 610-821-5500.

The funds for the Maggie Levine Essay Contest are provided by the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation, the Jewish community’s endowment program of the JFLV. 6 MARCH 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

To see through a new lens

By Marc Berson, O.D., M.B.A. Special to HAKOL Thirty years ago, while still a student in optometry school, I traveled to Cap Haitien, Haiti, as a member of an eye care mission. The memories of that trip have remained vivid in my mind. Fast forward to 2012. A few months ago, I contacted Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) to donate equipment for an optical lab. VOSH, the current sponsor of these eye care missions, has expanded their destinations to include Guatemala, India, Peru and more. I had long considered a return trip, and coincidentally VOSH had a trip planned for January 2013 to Cap Haitien. A few conversations later, I was officially a member of the team, although this time as a doctor.

Additionally, now I had the bonus of revisiting Haiti with my daughter, Ronni. Ronni is a senior at West Chester University, studying nutrition. She plans to become a registered dietician. She joined us as a lay member of the 11-person team. I knew she would be interested in the nutrition challenges that exist in a Third World country.

We arrived in Cap Haitien and I sadly discovered the situation had worsened in the 30 years since I’d been there. Years of political corruption, natural disasters and lack of infrastructure have taken their toll. The people live without clean water, electricity and health care. Open sewers, dirt floors, thatched roofs and washing clothes in the river are the norm. It is widely considered to be the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

Each day, our team of five optometrists and six lay assistants, including Ronni, traveled with translators for up to 90 minutes into small villages and set up rudimentary eye clinics.

(Translators were needed because the language spoken is Haitien Creole.) For most people, this was the first time they had ever had an eye exam. Only one or two of these villages had electric power, which consisted of a generator and perhaps one outlet. Most of them had no running water. We usually worked in a semiwalled structure.

We set up stations, where first the translators and patients completed intake forms. Next,

the assistants put in dilating eye drops, tested visual acuities and completed glaucoma testing.

Last came the actual doctor stations. Here, we checked the health of the eye and to see if glasses were needed and, if so, what power.

If the patients needed glasses, we had opticians and thousands of pairs of glasses that we had brought with us. These were used glasses collected through the years. It usually would not be their exact prescription, but something quite close. Most people needed “sewing glasses” to use while working as seamstresses or tailors. We would call them reading glasses, except most people in rural Haiti do not read. We saw many people with cataracts and corneal conditions related to the bright sun and ultraviolet light.

We had sunglasses for nearly everyone, plus baseball caps or hats with visors.

One young woman, 18 years old, came to us having never worn glasses. It was thought that she was blind. Her prescription was -18 (extremely nearsighted). We did not have that strength, so we gave her two pairs of glasses to wear simultaneously to get her through until we can send down a specially made pair. It turned out that all she needed was the right pair of glasses and she could see!

Altogether, we did 1,261 full eye exams. In addition, we screened over 800 students in one day. The incidence of glaucoma was quite high, about 10 percent of patients. We diagnosed 153 cases of this condition, plus 43 patients with cataracts. One week after we left, an ophthalmologist from Boston arrived and set up a clinic in one of the villages. He even brought a laser for glaucoma treatment. He operated for three days, providing vision-saving surgery for all of these patients.

The definition of tikkun olam is “repairing the world.” Here at home, we often take our skills for granted. There, people could not even communicate with us and yet it was a life-changing experience for every patient and volunteer. My skills were needed and valuable, and I was gratified to be able to make a difference. What is routine for us made a huge difference to them. Returning to Cap Haitien after 30 years and personally treating people in need is a lesson in tikkun olam I will always treasure.

Child nutrition in Haiti

The VOSH team screened 800 students at one Haitian school in a single day.

The optometric team sent to Haiti by Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity, including Dr. Marc Berson, left, and his daughter Ronni.

How you can help Dr. Berson is collecting used glasses and hats with visors because, he said, “It will not be the last time I’m going.” Donations can be dropped off at his office at 2804 Walbert Avenue in Allentown. Call 610-439-3937 for more information.

Thursday, March 7, 2013 7 p.m. | The Barristers Club 1114 West Walnut Street, Allentown With Elizabeth Riley Bell, renowned expert and author of

The Smart Guide to Single Malt Scotch Whisky Featuring a premium Scotch whisky tasting Ronni Berson, a student at West Chester, examines a Haitian child at the optometry clinic.

While in Haiti, Ronni Berson spent a day at a health center that provides nutrition and wellness checks to children from surrounding villages. Some of these families travel from as much as an hour and a half away by foot. These children suffer from ongoing malnutrition and starvation, arriving with bloated, swollen stomachs.

“We saw one girl who was 1 ½ years old, yet looked 2 months old,” Ronni said. “Her brother was 5, but looked 2.

The mother was very young.”

The staff at the center weighed and measured these children, and enrolled them in a daily four-hour program.

During this program, the children ate lunch, bathed and played. If the mother could not afford to pay for the program, she attended a sewing class at the clinic to develop marketable skills. The staff referred cases of severe health problems to the hospital.

“It was a devastating experience to [witness],” Ronni said, “and also amazing to see the difference that a few days could make in the look of a child’s stomach and eye sockets.”

The poverty from which Haitian children suffer is the ongoing result of Haiti’s significant economic problems. As Ronni said, “The earthquake of three years ago was just one more thing to get past.”

A JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY PROGRAM Men and women welcome To register, go to www.jewishlehighvalley.org/mensnightout.aspx Minimum gift of $365 to the 2013 Campaign for Jewish Needs required to attend Dietary laws observed | Off-street parking available

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2013 7

Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation

SIMCHA

The endowment fund of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

C|L|U|B ARE YOU 70 YEARS OR OLDER?

Then join us for a social and entertainment experience.

THE SIMCHA CLUB meets quarterly for a kosher lunch and a program. The price of the luncheon is $5.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 NOON at Brith Sholom

FEATURING: Rabbi Melody Davis PLEASE RSVP to Brith Sholom 610-866-8009 or cbs@fast.net

We want to feed you like a Yiddishe Mama Need a ride? Contact: Jewish Family Service 610-821-8722 or Brith Sholom

IN MEMORY

GRANDMOTHER OF IRIS EPSTEIN Lynda and Richard Somach LARRY ARROW (Father of Barrie Cherwony) Joan and Izzy Brody IRWIN BECK (Husband of Carole Beck and father of Jodi Stoudt) Vicki and Stan Wax WENDY BENSTOCK (Daughter of Joan and Gerald Benstock, sister of Susie Schwartz and Peter and Michael Benstock) Beth, Scott, Arianna, Noah and Ben Delin JORDAN BRUCE (Fiancé of Karen Kuhn) Roberta and Robert Kritzer Suzanne Lapiduss and Family SYLVIA CHASIS (Mother of Joan Brody) Wendy and Ross Born Beverly and Bill Bowman Marilyn Claire Roberta and Jeff Epstein Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel Carol and Gary Fromer Julia and Richard Givre Sandra and Harold Goldfarb Gloria and Harvey Gordon Carol and Barry Halper Eileen and Mickey Ufberg Vicki and Stan Wax Barbara and Arthur Weinrach DAVE COHEN (Husband of Harriet Cohen) Lorrie Scherline BERNARD DAVISON (Brother of Max Davison) Penny and Adam Roth SIGMOND DUBROW (Husband of Marion Dubrow) Elaine and Les Lerner PHYLLIS DUNN (Mother of Melissa Stein) Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel Carol and Barry Halper Linda and Harold Kreithen Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz Lynda and Richard Somach M. J. FRIEDBERG (Husband of Jane Kay Friedberg) Wendy and Ross Born LEONARD JACK GRIBBEN (Brother of Allen Gribben) Wendy and Ross Born Rusty and Nate Schiff HAROLD HINDLER (Father of Linda Levy) Jill and Hank Narrow

8 MARCH 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

HERBERT HIRSCH (Father of Sharon Bernstein) Susan and Marc Vengrove FAYE MOZES (Mother of Ruth Vishniavsky and Janet Mozes) Renee and Steve Bellin & Family Mila and Boris Belopolsky Nanci and Steven Bergstein Jill and Jeff Blinder Gayle and Robert Bryar Bonnie Cavanaugh Sarah and David Dussault Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel Shirley and Lou Furmansky Betty Greenberg Janyce and Payson Greene Ted Kaplan Sally and Herbert Kepnes Helen Kirschbaum and Stephanie, Josh & Lisa Charlotte Krentzel Risa and David Krohn Judith and Marvin Packer Debbie and Jack Schuss Abby and Danny Wyschogrod HENRY PHILLIPS (Husband of Vivian Phillips) Ruth Sheftel MARTIN ROSENBLUM (Father of Marjorie Ofrichter) Susan and Marc Vengrove GLORIA ROUSSEAU (Mother of Ed Rousseau) Scott Delin MEYER SCHARF (Father of Jane Schiff) Suzanne Lapiduss and Family Lynda and Richard Somach HUGH SCHENK (Husband of Lynn Schenk) Selma Roth and Family JAY SCHERLINE (Husband of Lorrie Scherline) Laura and Bob Black Beth and Scott Delin Carol and Gary Fromer Merry Landis Elaine and Les Lerner Lisa Mishkin and Philip & Alex Penny and Adam Roth Lynda and Richard Somach Susan and Marc Vengrove Lynn Waite and Arielle & Justin LINDA SCHWARTZ (Daughter of Anne Gordon) Ossie Holtz NAOMI SEGEL (Mother of Ron Segel) Carol and Barry Halper Elaine and Les Lerner

CECILE SHAFFER (Mother of David Shaffer) Randi and Donald Senderowitz JULIUS SHAPIRO (Father of Paul Shapiro) Shirley and Lou Furmansky Marilyn and Elwood Kolb NORMAN SOMACH (Husband of Saundra Somach) Lynda and Richard Somach CLIFFORD VERNICK (Husband of Joan Vernick) Sandra and Harold Goldfarb Ruth Sheftel GERALDINE WENNER (Mother of Bobbi Needle) Penny and Adam Roth Lorrie Scherline Lynda and Richard Somach

IN HONOR

ALIETTE AND MARC ABO Engagement of daughter, Alyssa, to David Vicki and Stan Wax CARMIT AND DAVID BACH Birth of son, Maoz Carol and Gary Fromer ALAN BLACK Speedy Recovery Suzanne Lapiduss KAREN AND PETER COOPER Marriage of daughter, Rachel to Jared Zolna Wendy and Ross Born Carol and Gary Fromer Carol and Barry Halper SANDRA AND HAROLD GOLDFARB Honored by the Jewish Day School Beth and Howard Kushnick Elaine and Les Lerner JOAN HARRISON Speedy Recovery Roberta and Robert Kritzer KAREN KUHN Bar Mitzvah of grandson, Justin Roberta and Robert Kritzer Suzanne Lapiduss and Family ROBERT PALUMBO Speedy Recovery Vicki and Stan Wax DIANE AND MARVIN SANDLER Grandson Evan’s Bar Mitzvah Selma and Sam Lauter Joani Lesavoy and Sid Greenberg ALLISON AND SHAY SHIMON Birth of daughter, Yael Florence Caren, Keith and Nathanael Lowrey MARGERY AND JAY STRAUSS Engagement of daughter, Amanda, to Dan Guthrie Judy, Marc, Noah and

Molly Diamondstein EILEEN UFBERG Special Birthday Lota and Bob Post BENJAMIN WILSON Bar Mitzvah The Mittleman Family CAROL AND BOB WILSON Son Ben’s Bar Mitzvah Wendy and Ross Born Karen and Peter Cooper Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel Sandra and Harold Goldfarb Betty Greenberg Carol and Barry Halper Lorrie Scherline Lynda and Richard Somach PATRICIA ZURICK In deep appreciation Selma Roth, Doug Roth and Family

HELEN & SOL KRAWITZ HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND IN HONOR

KAREN AND PETER COOPER Marriage of daughter, Rachel, to Jared Zolna The Krawitz Family ARNOLD RAPOPORT Speedy Recovery Joani Lesavoy and Sid Greenberg

IN MEMORY

IRWIN BECK (Husband of Carole Beck and father of Jodi Stoudt) The Krawitz Family BERNARD DAVISON (Brother of Max Davison) Joani Lesavoy and Sid Greenberg ANNE GRIBBEN (Mother of Allen Gribben) Joani Lesavoy and Sid Greenberg LEONARD JACK GRIBBEN (Brother of Allen Gribben) The Krawitz Family NAOMI SEGEL (Mother of Ron Segel) Joani Lesavoy and Sid Greenberg We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship through recent gifts to the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation. The minimum contribution for an Endowment Card is $10. Call 610-821-5500 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org to place your card requests. Thank you for your continued support.

Hebrew Family League continues to play vital role in Jewish community

By Robert Levin-Dando and Lisa Markowitz Hebrew Family League A vibrant Jewish community must include certain essential facilities and institutions. While synagogues and a school are of the utmost importance, they alone are not enough. The Hebrew Family League (HFL) is an organization comprised of volunteers who are dedicated to providing for the ritual and halachic needs of the Lehigh Valley Jewish community. The HFL is an umbrella organization which oversees three individual committees that maintain the institutions required to serve these needs.

Mikvah – In the time of the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), immersion in a mikvah (ritual bath) was a prerequisite for participation in a wide range of rituals. Today, in traditional Judaism, the mikvah is used primarily in four areas: conversion, immersion of utensils before use, immersions before the Sabbath and holidays and immersion as part of observing family purity. The Lehigh Valley mikvah is open to the entire community. The HFL has operated a community mikvah in Allentown since 1963, first on Whitehall Street and now at our location on College Heights Boulevard. l

Chevrah Kadishah – The Chevrah Kadisha, or “holy society,” is a group of dedicated volunteers who work in cooperation with local funeral directors to provide the traditional and halachically required preparation for burial, or tahara. In addition to the function of purification, the Chevra Kadisha also provides shomrim, or watchers, to sit with the deceased until the time of the funeral.

After tahara, the deceased is brought into the shomrim room in a closed coffin. It is traditional to read psalms during this time. Many members of our community who have performed shomrim duty report that it is a very comforting time for them. The mitzvah performed by the Chevrah Kadisha is a mitzvah of chesed shel emet – a true mitzvah for which the recipient cannot offer thanks or repayment -- and is considered one of the most praiseworthy mitzvot in Judaism. Please contact Bob Levin-Dando or Mark Notis if you are interested in serving on a tahara team or as one of our shomrim. l

Lehigh Valley Kashrut Commission (LVKC) -The LVKC is responsible for both supervising and promoting kashrut observance in the Lehigh Valley.

The LVKC provides kashrut supervision for the JCC and a number of private establishments including the bakeries at Giant and Weis supermarkets, the Giant fish department, Manhattan Bagel, l

The Lehigh Valley Mikvah Rita’s Italian Ice, Carvel and A-Treat bottling.

The halachic decisions of the LVKC are the responsibility of the Rav HaMachsir, Rabbi David Wilensky, and the kosher supervision itself is overseen by our head mashgiach, Jonathan Powers.

It is because of the LVKC that we have available to us kosher challah and other baked goods, fish, ice cream cake and more.

Recently, the Lehigh Valley Kashrut Commission, conducted an internal audit and found some serious irregularities in its finances. During this time period, the kashrut standards of the LVKC were never compromised.

Thanks to the practical and logistical support of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, the HFL has made recent significant improvements in its financial reporting and organizational structure, including, but not limited to the following: detailed financial reports are presented to the LVKC Board of Directors on a monthly basis, all checks require dual signature, and bank statements and reconciliations are reviewed and approved by a board member other than the treasurer.

In the Lehigh Valley, we are all aware of the Federation. We might have a general knowledge of what the Federation does in a broad sense, i.e. providing financial support to Israel and local Jewish institutions. However, it is necessary to emphasize to the community how the Federation helps the little guys like the HFL. While the HFL is a relatively small organization, its services are vital to our Jewish community. The HFL is committed to a strong and enduring presence in the Lehigh Valley, and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley shares and supports this commitment.

Federation reviews fiscal accountability in allocations process Questions raised during the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s annual allocations review last year led to the filing of formal charges by legal authorities concerning alleged fiscal improprieties involving a former representative at one of its beneficiary agencies.

The Lehigh Valley Kashrut Commission (LVKC), a subsidiary of the Hebrew Family League (HFL), was granted $4,600 for fiscal year 2013 from the Federation. In making its recommendation, the Allocations Committee requested a more detailed picture in the future of the organization’s finances. “This will give the Allocations Committee a more complete understanding of the LVKC and its parent organization,” the committee noted in its report.

In August, HFL President Robert Levin-Dando and Treasurer Lisa Markowitz commenced an internal review of the kashrut commission’s finances. That audit found substantial financial impropriety and fraudulent activity dating back 10 years.

That discovery led to multiple charges being filed by the Lehigh County District Attorney in January alleging financial fraud and embezzlement

by a former Lehigh Valley Kashrut Commission board member and officer.

The HFL’s other two subsidiaries, the Chevra Kadisha burial society and the Lehigh Valley Mikvah, were not affected, nor were the kashrut standards administered by the LVKC. The Jewish Federation immediately facilitated consultations for the HFL and LVKC leadership on a variety of issues, including forensic accounting. In addition, the Federation’s independent auditor reviewed the new fiscal accountability controls instituted by the HFL and LVKC. Moving forward, the Allocations Committee will be reviewing its financial standards.

“All of our larger beneficiaries are independently audited and we are using this as an opportunity to review fiscal and accountability standards at beneficiary agencies for which an independent audit is impractical,” said Ellen Hof, chairwoman of the Allocations Committee. “We take our fiduciary responsibility very seriously.”

Through its allocations process, the Federation distributed nearly $1.4 million last year to local and overseas programs. Each request is reviewed rigorously by the committee and approved by the Board of Directors.

We invite you to learn about the academic excellence and rich heritage that is Moravian Academy. Beginning in Pre-K, we seek to build character by inspiring and supporting our students to reach their full potential and realize their goals for the future. Our graduates matriculate to a variety of top college and universities.

Attend one of our upcoming Admissions events!

For dates and times, visit our website or call 610-691-1600.

Bethlehem, PA

www.moravianacademy.org

Do you know an outstanding young leader in the Jewish community?

Nominate him or her for the

2013 GEORGE FELDMAN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD An exceptional cadre of young leaders have been recipients of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley's Feldman Award. First given in 1973, the award recognizes those individuals who have exemplified the finest qualities of leadership in volunteer life serving the Jewish community.

The award has a monetary value of up to $1,500 for participation in a mission to Israel.

Full nominating criteria can be found at www.jewishlehighvalley.org/feldman.aspx.

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO DESERVES THIS SPECIAL RECOGNITION? Please submit names of nominees, along with a short statement indicating the reasons for consideration for this award.

Nominations should be sent to the attention of GFAA, Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, 702 North 22nd Street, Allentown, PA 18104 or by e-mail to judy@jflv.org with GFAA in the subject line. Nominations must be received no later than April 10, 2013.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2013 9

REMEMBERING GERDA LERNER:

The ‘mother’ of women's history Gerda Lerner, pioneer in women’s history, remarkable public intellectual and life-long activist, died January 2 in Wisconsin at the age of 92. A member of Jewish Women’s Archive’s Academic Advisory Council, she was enthusiastic about our mission of chronicling and transmitting the history of Jewish women. No historian was more identified with the field of women’s history. Receiving her Ph.D. at the age of 46, she wrote a series of groundbreaking books in which she almost singlehandedly created a conceptual framework for the field.

Her leadership extended beyond theory to practice: She institutionalized women’s history when she created the first M.A. and Ph.D. programs in the country at Sarah Lawrence College and the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and played a major role in making women’s history a subject of interest to the general public. The idea for Women’s History Week (now the popular Women’s History Month) grew out of an institute she organized in 1979. “Women’s history is women’s right,” she said, “an essential, indispensable heritage from which we can draw pride, comfort, courage and long range vision.”

She wrote important, marvelously readable books beginning with her first, “The Grimke Sisters from South Carolina,” published in 1967. Among her other seminal works are the anthologies, “Black Women in White America” and “The Female Experience”; a collection of essays, “The Majority Finds Its Past”; two volumes on the development of patriarchy and women’s resistance to it, “The Origins of Patriarchy” and “The Creation of Feminist Consciousness”; her autobiography, “Fireweed”; and essays reflecting on her life and work, “Why History Matters” and “Living with History/Making Social Change.”

Lerner did not connect her heritage as a Jewish refugee to her work in women's history until fairly late in her life. In the early 1990s, I asked if she would come to a conference I had been planning at Brandeis on Jewish women’s history. I suggested that she might want to speak on how being Jewish might have influenced her work as a historian. At first, she answered that she had "never given it a moment's thought." But the question prompted her to reflect on a connection she had hidden even from herself.

Soon she answered, quite simply: "I am a historian because of my Jewish experience," adding that she was a historian of women and marginalized groups because she had

PHOTO COURTESY OF GERDA LERNER

By Joyce Antler Jewish Women’s Archive, reprinted with permission

Gerda Lerner with landmark sign designating Sarah Lawrence College the home of the first graduate program in women's history. Lerner was a co-founder in 1966 of the National Organization of Women (NOW). so long been defined, and defined herself, as an "outsider." She attended the conference and gave a wonderful paper that became the seed of a powerful essay, and later of her book, “Why History Matters.”

"After the Holocaust," she reflected, "history for me was no longer something outside, which I needed to comprehend and use to illuminate my own life and times.

Those of us who survived carried a charge to keep memory alive in order to resist the total destruction of our people. History had become an obligation." She believed that her "Jewish background and … experience with Nazi fascism disposed her [sic] toward thinking historically," and added, "my experience of being defined as an 'outsider' by others and accepting that definition for myself had predisposed me toward an understanding of 'outgroups.'" She chose race as her subspecialty within women's history since it was the major issue in U.S. history, and since African Americans, not Jews, were the "targeted out-group.”

Gerda Lerner’s historical work and her activism shaped the field of women’s history for over 40 years. But the going wasn’t always easy. I remember in particular one occasion, probably in the early 1980s, when Harvard’s Committee on Women’s Studies invited her to give a special lecture. At that time, there was no Women’s Studies program at Harvard, and the organizers hoped that bringing Gerda Lerner to address the community would demonstrate the

Register online at www.phoebe.org/piaconference

importance of the field. When the day came, she was introduced by a gentleman in the history department who evidently was not a supporter of women’s history. He proceeded to say that while he knew the speaker had a distinguished record and had written “some books” about women, he hadn’t read any of them. But, he added, “she has two children.”

You can just imagine Gerda’s reaction.

She came up to the podium, gave him a withering look, and replied: “For the record, my husband and I have two children. And I have written nine books.” Feisty, tough, outspoken but with a marvelous sense of humor, Gerda would never let such a slight of her beloved field, women’s history, pass without comment. She never shied away from confrontation, and her personality was as outsized as her work. She mentored hundreds of students both in and out of her classroom, always combining intellectual work with a message about the importance of activism. In “Fireweed,” she made an explicit connection between her work in the academy and her commitment to grassroots activism. “The style and method of my teaching, the practical extension of my academic knowledge through community outreach … came directly out of my organizational work,” she wrote. Her “lifelong commitment to social action as a political radical” in her own words helped shape her work, and it enriched incalculably the lives of her students, colleagues and the general public. May her memory be for a blessing.

PHOEBE Institute on Aging Spring Conference

An Interfaith View of the Spiritual Aspects of Aging and Dying With Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman, MSW, MAJCS, BCC and E. Allen Richardson, M.Div., Ph.D

April 10, 2013 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Pre-registration Required

At Temple Beth-El 3105 Springhouse Road Allentown

www.phoebe.org/piaconference 10 MARCH 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

WRITINGS FROM THE

CLERGY

RABBI YAACOV HALPERIN Chabad of the Lehigh Valley

Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley | www.JDSLV.org

The song of Chad Gadya, sung at the end of the Passover seder in most Ashkenazic communities, is one of the most intriguing and interesting in the Pesach Haggadah. The song relates the tragic and comedic tale of a young kid goat that “my father bought for two zuz.” Although the author of Chad Gadya is unknown, the song has a long history and was already published in Ashkenazic Haggados of the 1500s. It contains great depth and meaning and hundreds of explanations have been written about this single song.

The young goat unfortunately is eaten by a cat, which is then bitten by a dog, and so on. The song ends when G-d Himself purges the Angel of Death. I know

G-d, seemingly, is on the wrong side! most people are too exhausted or inebriated at the end of the seder to do even simple math, but if we play this equation out until its logical end, we discover something astonishing and profoundly disturbing: G-d, seemingly, is on the wrong side!

The first one to do wrong is the wild cat who eats the goat. The dog is thus acting nobly, for the cat deserved to be punished, so then the stick hitting the dog is wrong.

So the fire burning the stick is right, and the water extinguishing the fire is wrong. The ox drinking the water is the “good guy” and the slaughterer who kills the ox is the “bad guy.” If so the Angel of Death himself is in the right!

But that means that G-d who punished the angel of death is seemingly acting unjustly. How can this be?

One of many explanations for the apparent absence of justice in Chad Gadya has to do with faith. Passover is the holiday of questions and answers. The entire structure of the seder revolves around our children asking questions and us trying to provide answers. And yet, after it is all done, at the conclusion of the entire seder, when we sing Chad Gadya, we acknowledge that there is something that does not add up. At the end, it seems, G-d is behaving unjustly. So then, we are left with a big question: Where is justice in life?

It’s simple, in Chad Gadya we

do not understand G-d’s justice and we are not left with answers, we are left with questions. And that is the true secret of Jewish survival, Jewish belief and of the Jewish story. Our faith, in the Jewish perspective, is not about blindly accepting rationally unfounded facts. Instead, it is a “sense” within the human soul that allows us to experience ultimate reality. G-d is not a logical concept — He created intellect, and He cannot be captured by His own creation. The human mind can prove that there is an existence of a Creator, but the mind cannot experience G-d, any more than a deaf man can experience Beethoven’s Ninth. We simply lack the instrument to experience this reality.

How then do we experience G-d? Because we have a “sixth sense,” called emunah, faith. Faith in Judaism is the “skill” within our soul that allows us to see and experience G-d. The mind we must use, and logic must be celebrated. But our minds can take us only so far in life. Here is where we need to cultivate faith, that dimension of ourself that can experience the Divine. That is why as we conclude a night of answers with questions, with Chad Gadya. And even with all of life’s questions and challenges, we remain steadfast in our relationship with G-d and in our hope that “Next year will be in Jerusalem!”

Easton Salon Series

A hybrid social/intellectual Jewish experience

MARCH 17, 2013

7 to 9 p.m., Hillel Society at Lafayette College

What Makes This Night Different?

Varieties of Passover from Around the World Presentation by

DR. HARTLEY LACHTER Dr. Lachter is an associate professor of religion studies and director of Jewish studies at Muhlenberg College. His research focuses on the proliferation of Kabbalah in the late 13th century.

Based on the salon concept in Europe

where the elite would host small gatherings featuring scholars or artists, the Easton series allows Jews to come together every month to discuss captivating and thought-provoking themes.

Future salons will be held the 3rd Sunday of every month.

There is no cost to participate.

Light refreshments and coffee will be served.

Sponsored by the Easton Leadership Council of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

It’s Never Too Early or Too Late To Explore Your Child’s Potential at the JDS

Enrollment Now Open for the 2013-2014 School Year.

2313 Pennsylvania Street • Allentown, PA 18104 610-437-0721 • www.jdslv.org

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2013 11

Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley 2013 Campaign for Jewish Needs

DONOR HONOR ROLL $1,538,241 raised (as of 2/8/13)

Because of you, we are able to help when help is needed, provide a safety net for those who must rely upon it, and nurture the core institutions that are the fabric of a rich and dynamic Jewish community.

THANK YOU.

PRIME MINISTERS CIRCLE $100,000 + Ross Born Wendy Born* Robert and Bonnie* Hammel Just Born, Inc. Anonymous (1) THEODORE HERZL SOCIETY $50,000 -$99,999 The Deanne and Arnold Kaplan Foundation* KING DAVID SOCIETY $25,000 - $49,999 Fischmann Family Fund* Roberto and Eileen* Fischmann Claudia Fischmann* Diana Fischmann* and Dr. Noah Orenstein Veronica Fischmann* Tama* Fogelman and Family The Fraenkel Family Dr. Harold and Sandra* Goldfarb Max and Shelley* Stettner and Family The Wax-Goldman Family Funds Stan and Vicki* Wax Robby and Laurie* Wax Steven and Nancy* Wax Goldman TREE OF LIFE SOCIETY $18,000 - $24,999 Leonard Abrams Peter and Karen* Cooper Jean Weiner* KING SOLOMON CIRCLE $10,000 - $17,999 Hon. Alan and Donna* Black Dr. Jeffrey and Jill* Blinder Nathan and Marilyn* Braunstein Gary Fromer and Dr. Carol Bub Fromer* Robert J. and Susan* Grey Judith Auritt Klein Family Fund* Kobrovsky Family Fund Leslie and Elaine* Lerner Orgler Family Fund Nan Ronis* Jay (z�l) and Lorrie* Scherline Ilene Wood* BUILDERS OF ISRAEL $5,000 - $9,999 Dr. Arthur and Phoebe* Altman Ellis and Lisa* Block Sadie Berman Lion of Judah Endowment Fund* Pearl Brooks* Dr. Sam and Sylvia* Bub Marc and Judy* Diamondstein Jonathan and Iris* Epstein Arnan and Marlene* Finkelstein Susan Gadomski * Mark L. Goldstein and Shari Spark* Allen and Patricia* Gribben Bennett Grossman

Barry and Carol R.* Halper Nat and Erica* Hyman Laub Seidel Cohen Hof and Reid Daniel and Nancy Cohen Phillip and Ellen* Hof Chris and Tara Reid Norman Seidel Mark and Patty Klein Bernard and Florence Kobrovsky Special Fund Dr. Wesley and Beth* Kozinn Stanley R. Liebman Estate Dr. Lawrence and Eva* Levitt Michael and Linda* Miller Alvin and Roz* Mishkin Daniel Poresky Dr. Richard and Barbara* Reisner Dr. Alex and Robin* Rosenau Shaoli Rosenberg* Drs. Jarrod and Nicole Rosenthal* Paul Sacher Irwin and Ellen* Schneider Mark and Deena* Scoblionko Elizabeth Scofield* and James R. Tanenbaum Larrie and Judy* Sheftel Jack and Amy* Silverman Edith Simon* Dr. Frank and Tama* Tamarkin Dr. William and Pauline* Trachtenberg Dr. Michael and Eileen* Ufberg Robert and Carol* Wilson Anonymous (2) SABRA CIRCLE $2,500 - $4,999 Leonard & Beverly* Bloch Foundation Justin and Erin* Corsa Scott and Beth* Delin Andrew and Dr. Lisa* Ellis Stewart and Carol* Furmansky Louis and Shirley* Furmansky Dr. Arthur and Jane* Kaplan Drs. Andrew and Deborah* Kimmel Stuart and Lynda* Krawitz Jack and Ferne Rodale* Kushner Dr. Richard and Roberta* London Dr. Moshe and Lisa* Markowitz Dr. William and Jane* Markson Dr. Jay and Marla* Melman Dr. Richard J. and Amy* Morse Dr. Robert and Lota* Post Rhoda Prager* Judith Rodwin* Ronald and Martha* Segel Dr. Arthur and Audrey* Sosis Richard and Allison Staiman Arthur and Barbara* Weinrach Dr. Michael and Leslie* Weinstock James and Linda* Wimmer Gail Wolson* GATES OF JAFFA $1,500 - $2,499 Marsha Abraham* Richard J. Mongilutz and Kelly Banach* Dr. Mitchell Cooper and Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper* Dr. Alan Berger Dr. Marc and Lauren* Berson Michael and Rita* Bloom Dr. Scott Brenner and Cheryl Figlin-Brenner* Lawrence Center Marilyn Claire* Dr. Arnold R. Cook Helen Cook* Margo Corsa* Glenn and Jan* Ehrich Norman Falk Dr. Michael and Ellen Feldman Dr. Ronald and Emily Freudenberger

Federation dollars support Jewish programming. Above, children enjoy a PJ Library event.

12 MARCH 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Dr. Henry and Monica* Friess and Family Dr. Lawrence and Vicki* Glaser Dr. Ronald J. and Linda Glickman Dr. Gordon and Rose Lee* Goldberg Mitzi Goldenberg* Dr. Robert M. Gordon Dr. Jeffrey Gould Kenneth and Ellen* Greene Esther Halperin* Hausman Family Mark and Amy* Holtz Dr. John Jaffe Roland and Dorothy Joseph Rabbi Allen and Toby* Juda Martin and Judy* Krasnov Linda* Kreithen Dr. Robert and Stephanie* Kricun Robert and Roberta* Kritzer Dr. Howard and Beth* Kushnick Dr. Michael and Carole* Langsam Dr. Brian LeFrock Dr. Henry and Susan* Lehrich Monica Lemelman* Mort & Myra Levy Philanthropic Fund Dr. Jay and Evelyn* Lipschutz Donald Lipson Dr. Eiran Mandelker Dr. Gerald and Ethel* Melamut Robert and Betty* Mendelson Dr. Holmes and Jeannie* Miller Taffi Ney* Dr. Mark Notis Dr. Michael and Ruth* Notis Dr. Robert and Joanne* Palumbo The Ringold Family* Selma Roth* Dr. Michael and Lynn F.* Rothman Dr. Mark Shampain Marshall and Nina* Silverstein Dr. Raymond and Bonnie Singer Richard and Lynda* Somach Dr. Ronald and Melissa Stein and Family Dr. Jay E. and Margery* Strauss Dr. Benjamin and Ellen Weinberger Dr. Robert Wellner and Tanya Milask* Dr. Michael and Miriam* Zager and Family Anonymous (2) CHAVERIM $500 - $1,499 Richard and Karen* Albert Dr. Richard and Judith* Aronson Marietta Banach* Tama Lee Barsky* Larry and Susan W.* Berman Laura Black* Dr. Robert and Linda Bloch Rance and Sheryl* Block Regina Brenner* Harry and Edna* Brill Dr. Charles and Ellie* Brooks Evelyn H. Brown* Richard and Kira* Bub Gordon and Janet* Campbell Harvey and Elizabeth* Cartine Dr. Robert Cohn and The Harold and Matilda Cohn Family Fund Dr. William and Gail* Combs Dr. Karen Dacey* Richard and Ruth* Derby Dr. George and Roberta* Diamond Dr. Thomas and Roni* Englert and Family Howard and Shirley* Falk Finkelstein Family Fund Jules and Tama Fogelman Family Fund* Dr. Ari and Margee* Forgosh Neil and Marjorie* Forgosh Alfred T. Gifford Family Fund Goldfarb Family Fund Goldman Family Foundation Prof. Gary Gordon and Elizabeth McMahon Irwin and Diane Greenberg Alan Greenberger Ralph and Anna Mae* Grossman Jay Haltzman Ronald and Joan* Harrison Aron and Julie* Hochhauser Arthur and Susan* Hochhauser Les and Ricky* Hochhauser Dr. Arthur and Barbara* Hoffman Dr. Joseph Jacobs Sondra Jacobs* Dr. Corey and Lisa* Kirshner Drs. William and Susan* Kitei Paul and Dore Kottler Lawrence M. Lang and Elaine N. Deutch* Gerson Lazar Family Fund Olivier and Alice* Level The Eva Levitt Knitting Project Scott and Allison* Lipson Eric Luftig Robert and Shirley* Malenovsky Jean Mandel* Dr. Norman Maron

Dr. Gerald Melamut Edith Miller* Michael Molovinsky Dr. Jerome and Ellie* Morse Dr. Jonathan Munves Dexter and Sally Neadle Jay and Bobbi* Needle Gerald and Bernice* Nepon Carole Ostfeld* Leon and Elaine* Papir Alan and Roberta* Penn Frank Penn Family Fund Allen and Sandra* Perlman Stephen and Marianne* Phillips Alison Post* Michael and Ilene* Prokup Dr. Mitchell and Carol Rabinowitz Julian Rappaport and Toby Brandt Elaine Rappaport-Bass* Howard and Sharon* Richman Dr. Max L. and Helen Robbins Dr. Abraham and Nancy Ross and Family Dr. Norman and Jett* Sarachek Dr. Murray and Marcia* Schechter Dr. Michael and Heidi* Schiffman Lillian Schwab Memorial Fund Schwartz Family Fund Renee Schwartz* Dr. Stuart A. and Janice Schwartz Dr. Edward and Sally* Shapiro Elliot and Linda Sheftel Howard and Susan* Sherer Dr. Howard Silverman Marcy Staiman* Sidney and Lenore* Stecher Dr. Richard and Arlene* Stein Hon. Robert L. Steinberg Kevin Stempel Cheri Sterman* Dr. David and Laurie Strassman Dr. Michael F. Stroock Frank and Zenora Surnamer Fred and Barbara K.* Sussman Fred and Barbara K.* Sussman Fund Marsha Timmerman* Dr. Darren and Stefanie* Traub Susan Vengrove* Joel and Susan Weiner Robert and Sandy* Weiner Harold and Louise Weinstein Gerald Weisberger and Gail Ehrens* Deborah Weiss* Jerry and Flossie* Zales Dr. Jason and Barnara* Zicherman Kathy Zimmerman* Anonymous (21)

Teri Krassen* Dr. Hartley Lachter and Dr. Jessica Cooperman* Bernard and Laurie Lesavoy-Lesavoy Butz & Seitz LLC Dr. Edward Levy Gilfrid and Michele* Levy Herbert Litvin Thomas Loetzbeier Sylvia Mandel* Paul and Natalie Millrod Elaine Morrow* David and Catherine Nahmias Dr. Douglas and Ruth* Nathanson Jerome and Norma* Neff Marc Nissenbaum Dr. Michael Obenski Hon. Edward Pawlowski Daniel Pomerantz Fund Edward and Beth* Posner Reitars-Braunstein Family Foundation Harry and Carole* Rose Cary Rothstein Lance and Pamela* Rozsa Joel and Linda Scheer Terry Schettini and Barbara Yudis* Henry and Isabel Schiff Bernard and Sara* Schonbach Sydney and Helene* Schultz H. Sheftel Memorial Fund Stuart and Susan* Shmookler Dr. Andrew and Rachel* Shurman Dr. Laurence and Mimi* Silberstein John and Judi* Silverberg Dr. Roger and Marna* Simon Beth El Sisterhood Sons of Israel Sisterhood Dr. Bruce and Ardeth* Smackey Peter and Sheila* Sokalsky Michael and Jane* Spitzer Dr. Mark Stein and Sharon Albert* Stephanie Szilagyi* Dr. Jonathan Tenzer Family Fund Ron Ticho Dr. William and Rae Tuffiash Judith Walker* Beverly Wasserman* Robert and Marcia* Weill Joseph Weiner David and Deborah* Wiener Linda Wiener* Debby Ziev* Dr. Zeev and Narda Zimerman Anonymous (15)

SHORASHIM $250 - $499

Dr. Albert Abrams Dr. Henry Abramson Frederic Abeloff Linda Adler* Marvin and Sylvia* Adler Joseph Aflalo Richard and Maria* Ain Isabella Alkasov* David Anderson Richard and Regina* Angel Florence Applebaum* Scott Appleman Elaine Atlas* Pnina Avitzur* David and Carmit* Bach Karen Bader* Michael and Barbara* Bassano Dr. Sherri Bassner* Donald and Andrea* Bastian Marla Beck* Dr. Sharon Beckhard* Belman Family Fund Michael Benioff Lillian Benton* Millie Berg Memorial Fund Phyllis Berkowitz* Scott Berman Nancy Bernstein* Dr. Jason and Roslyn* Birnbaum Dr. Joan Bischoff* Jonathan Black Randi Blauth* Edith Blinderman* Andrew and Dr. Christy* Block and Family Glenn and Melisa Block Jerome and Loretta Block Igor and Alla* Bolotovsky Ilya Borshansky Gerald and Audrey Brandis Rose Breuer* Ron Brodsky Kareem Brown Neil and Diane Brown Jerry and Wilma Brucker Robert and Gail* Burger Betty Burian* Ivan Buyum Sara Camuti* Annette Carpien* Allen and Marjorie Carroll Dena Cedor* Audrey Cherney*

Vivian Appel* Baiman Family Fund Joan Balkwill* Miriam Bandler* Sanford and Patricia* Beldon Dr. Harry and Donna Berger Richard Bergstein Dr. Neil and Christy Boderman Amy Born Fund* Sally Brau* Patricia Carlis* Marcia K. Cohen* Robert Cohen and Michelle Hindin Martin Cohen Family Foundation Temple and Ann Coldren Coleman Family Fund Donald Denburg Richard Director Eduardo and Jeanette* Eichenwald Fred and Gail* Eisenberg Samuel and Lynn* Feldman Marcia Felkay* Harry and Amy* Fisher Fran Fisher* Atty. Jeffrey Fleischaker and Dr. Ophira Silbert* Eleanor Fletcher* Charles Fletcher Memorial Fund Brian and Emily* Ford Ronald and Olga* Gelber Renee Gittler* Betsy Glazier* Ann Goldberg* Libby Golomb* Arkady and Sophia* Golynsky Allan Goodman Lothar and Wendy Gumberich Dr. Leo Heitlinger Hertzmark Family Fund Jonathan and Jocelyn* Hodes Ms. Carol Jaspan* James and Andrea* Jesberger Andrew and Nancy Kahn Irving Kaplan Lawrence Kaplan Dr. Binae Karpo* Herbert Katz Dr. Jay and Phyllis* Kaufman Dr. Andrew Kimmel Edward Komito

GENESIS under $250

Tammy Ciliberti Elena Cohen Charity Fund Dr. Ofer and Dana* Cohen Robert and Jane* Cohen Zachary and Ginny* Cohen Alvin and Dorothy* Cohodas Dr. Karen G. Cook* and Caity Kanengiser Eric and Heidi* Coolidge Jerome and Audrey* Cylinder Marjorie Danciger* Edwin and Melody* Davis Arianna Delin* Ben Delin Noah Delin Eugene and Eileen* Denitz Purple Diamond* Marilyn Doluisio* Shelley Drozd* Dr. Wayne and Heather Dubov Niles Dubin Vicki Duerr* William Dunleavy and Dr. Laurie Cohen* Helen Ebert* Stewart Eichelbaum Edward Eidelman Emily Eider* Barbara Einhorn* David Eiskowitz Lisa Ellis Fund* Alyssa Emswiler Joseph Epstein and Sheryl Feinstein Michael Finley and Audrey Ettinger* Anita Evelyn* Eleanor Extract* Jerry Farris Deborah Feden* Doba Feldman* Sharon Feldman* Jerome and Judith* Fields Anna Figlin* Millie Fingerman* Michael Finley and Audrey Ettinger* Fredda Fischman* Veronica Fischmann Fund* Vivian Fishbone* Adele Fisher* Diane Fisher* Jeff and Jackie* Flashnick Lance and Marian* Flax Peter Foldes Julie Fraenkel Fund* Paul S. and Melissa Frank Marla Freedman* Michael and Sandra Freeman Barbara Friedenheim* Jerry and Bette* Friedenheim Dr. Allan and Sandra* Futernick Dr. Michael and Traci Gabriel Lewis and Roberta* Gaines Linda Garber* Dr. Debra Garlin* Arnon and Hagit* Gavish Gail Gelb* Rabbi Jonathan Gerard and Dr. Pearl Rosenberg Dr. Eric and Debbie Gertner* and Family Hildi Gesoff* Nancy Gevirtz Memorial Fund Samuel Gevirtz Mitzvah Fund Jerome and Gloria* Ginsburg Gary and Pat* Glascom Sally Glascom* Bernice Glickman* Lolly Glickman* Julia Goldberg* Arlene Gorchov* and Mark Kennedy Brian and Judith* Goldman Susan Goldman* Dr. Malvin and Lillian* Goldner Lee Goldstein Martin Goldstein David and Tova* Goldstein Dr. Richard Gordon David Gottlieb Betty Greenberg* Donald Greenberg Jeff and Elizabeth* Greenberg Rabbi Zalman and Yehudit Greenberg Rosaly Greenberger* Sidney Greenberg and Joan Lesavoy Arlene Griffin* Ervin Gross Lila Gross* Ruth Gross* Shirley F. Gross* Ruth Grossbard* Gayanne Grossman* Marcel and Sharon Guindine Mark and Alice* Gutman Marion Halperin* Simon and Elaine Hammel Bernice Harris* Greg and Suzanne Harris Gloria Hartglass* Dolores Heller* Etta Heller* Alvin and Arlene* Herling Ted Herstein Philip Heyman Syman and Anita* Hirsch Charles Hochstedler and Nancy Silver* Dorothy Hoffman* Dr. Neil and Janet* Hogan Karen Holloway* Dr. Michael and Stacy* Hortner Caren Hughes* Charles and Dale Inlander Michael Iorio Vladimir and Lubov Iskold Nina Jackson*

Julius and Rosanna Jacobs Dr. Donald and Carol Jaffe Douglas and Amy* Jaffe Joel and Liz Kamp Honey Kandel* Sidney and Helene* Kaplan Lisa Kappes* Alan Kares Harriet Karess* Lorraine Karess* Gary Kaskowitz Yossi and Kara* Kastan Dr. Lewis and Joan* Katz Stephanie Katz* Stanley and Marilyn Kaufman Chaim and Carol Kaufmann Daniel and Anne* Kaye Ludmila Khodorkovsky* Lionel and Ellen* Kier Allen Kirstein Renee B. Kleaveland* Mark Klein Family Fund Nathan Kline Rosine Knafo* Lillian Kobrovsky* Deborah Kohler* James and Kathleen Koones Dr. Nelson and Andrea* Kopyt Paul and Dore Kottler Barbara Kowitz* Dr. Neal Kramer Dr. Arnold and Barbara* Kritz Ruth Kugelman* Dr. Michael and Fay* Kun Diane LaBelle* Gary and Jennifer* Lader Dr. Samuel and Sharon* Land Jill Lang* Peter and Madeline* Langman Mary Laronge* Howard and Ellen* Lebowitz Dr. David Leff Frederick and Sherry Lesavoy Aaron and Rachel* Level Gustav and Zelda Levin Dr. Larry Levin Cindy Levine* Lee and Mary Jane* Levine Robert and Cindy* Levine Paul Levy and Helen Mack-Levy* Stacy Lewis* Joan Lichtenstein* Howard and Alice* Lieberman Doris Lifland* Boris and Ellen Lifschutz Maria Lifschutz* Dr. Lisa Lindauer* Alex and Dr. Anna* Linderman Dr. Zalman and Maya* Liss David and Marilyn* Louick Rebecca Lovingood* Rochelle Lower* Dr. Henry and Pat Luftman Howard and Edith Lustig Leonard Lutsky Ronald and Patricia Malvin Itzik and Elvira Mana David and Susan* Manela Louise Mapstone* Joe and Rebecca Marchese Pamela Marth* Aliza Martin* Chahine Marvi* Dr. Davoud and Chahine* Marvi Thomas McAloon Ruth Meislin* Susan Mellan Memorial Fund* Betty Mikofsky* Janis Mikofsky* Donald and Julia* Miles Gary and Diane* Miller Dr. Robert and Ellen Miller* and Family Norman and Maxine* Miller Robert and Joy* Miller Stanley Miller David and Susan* Miner Sharon Minick* Susan Mohr* Steven and Judy Molder Daniel Morgenbesser Gladys Morgenstein* Anne Morris* Joseph Mozes Memorial Fund William and Sharon* Mullin David and Jane* Much Judith Murman* Mark Nadler Namm Family* Henry and Jill* Narrow Howard and Jill Nathanson Terry David and Shirley Neff Richard and Paula* Nelson Maurice and Sandy* Ojalvo Debbie Ovitz* Cantor Jill Pakman* Barbara Pass-Glazier* Matan and Cantor Jennifer* Peled Jean Perch* Phyllis Perkin* Dr. Peter Pettit The Pitkoff Family Murray and Dorothy* Platt Jay and Marlene* Plotnick Matt Plotnick Mildred Poliner* Dr. Matthew and Denise* Pollack Igor and Anna* Polonsky Rhissa Pontrelli* Leo Pozefsky Adina Preis Patti Price* Ellen Osher* and Robert Prichard Miriam Puccio* The Purple Fund

Raab Fund Dr. Jason Radine Martin Rapoport Bruce Reich David Reiff Ruth Reiter* Linda Rich* Charles Richter and Lynda Pollack* Rosenau Family Fund Lisa Rosenberg* Karen Rosenblatt* Dr. Joel Rosenfeld Myra Rosenhaus* Monro and Mimi Roth Phyllis Rothkopf* Herman Rovner Barbara Rudolph* Vladimir Salik Alan and Mary* Salinger Gerald and Etta* Salman Dr. Matthew and Keren* Saltz Arlene Samuelson* Deborah Sarachek* Helene Rae Scarcia* Mary Lou Scarf* Seith Schentzel Elana Schettini Fund Noah Schettini Fund Rachel Schmiedberg* Stephan and Rachel* Schmiedberg Melvin and Pearl* Schmier Leon Schneider Sol and Dolly* Schocker James and Sandra* Schonberger Ivan and Jill* Schonfeld Lewis and Nesha Schor Dr. Arthur Levine and Dr. Janet Schwartz* Richard and Dr. Cheryl Shadick Robert Shaw Mimi Silberstein* Dr. Stephen Shore Stanley Shrager Barry Siegel Charles Nochstedler and Nancy Silver* Abigail Silverman* Abigail Silverman Fund Jessica Silverman* Jessica Silverman Philanthropic Fund* Silverman Family Fund Debra Skinner* Monica Slutsky* Dr. Arnold and Judy* Slyper Mervin and Giz Smolinsky Dr.Yehuda and Victoria* Smooha Susan Sosnow* Danielle Staiman Mitzvah Fund* Alan and Lori Starr Dr. David Stein Arieh Sternberg Michael and Sybil* Stershic Ronald Sunshine and Feather Frazier David Vaida and Cantor Ellen Sussman* Honey Sussman* Norman and Cindy* Sussman Robert Sussman Kenneth Szydlow Norman and Susan Tahler Adam and Elysse* Teichman Sandi Teplitz* David Teumim Donald Thaler Harriet Theodore* Alla Toff* Earl and Sondra* Toland Doris Tomback* Dr. Edward Tomkin and Sandra Wadsworth Alan and Enid* Tope Saul and Sheila* Topolsky Nancy Trabin* Gary and Sharon Trinker Philmore and Rose* Tucker Ufberg Family Fund Dr. Mark and Gayle* Unger Sharone and Lora* Vaknin Kimberly Valuntas* Inna Vishnevetsky* Volk Family Fund Dr. Arkady and Ilana Voloshin Kenn and Sarah Wagenheim Jonah and Lucille Wahrman Lynn Waite* Dori Wallace* Alice Ward* Anne M. Warschauer* Cantor Kevin Wartell and Rabbi Barbara Goldman-Wartell* Dr. Andrea Waxman* Marcia Weinberg* Gershen and Faith Weiner Isadore and Dorothy* Weiner Dr. Steven Weintraub Magda Weiss* Marjorie Weiss* Neil and Judith Wetcher Alfred Wiener Family Fund Tamar Wiener* Francine Wolfe* Barbara Wolfgang* Norman and Sandra* Wruble Rabbi and Mrs.Yitzchak Yagod* Gladys Yass* Yo Fresh Yogurt Cafe Herman and Jessica* Ytkin Cindy Zehnder* Zelickson Family Fund Dr. Robert and Susanna* Zemble Anonymous (51)

The Ellises make Super Sunday a family affair.

State Rep. Gary Day greets volunteers Elaine Rappaport-Bass and Ilene Wood and JFLV president Barry J. Halper.

State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie helps JFLV president Barry J. Halper and other volunteers raise money at Super Sunday.

Volunteers Justin Corsa and Zac Cohen bring Corsa's son in on the action.

The donors noted above represent gifts to date to the JFLV 2013 Campaign for Jewish Needs. Every effort is made to correctly recognize all of our generous donors and honor their listing requests. If there are any inaccuracies or omissions, please call the Federation office at 610-821-5500. *Indicates an individual woman’s gift to the 2013 Campaign for Jewish Needs

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2013 13

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF ALLENTOWN 702 N. 22nd Street • Allentown, PA 18104 610.435.3571 • www.allentownjcc.org

14 MARCH 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

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Annual Super Sunday phone-a-thon breaks records

By Jennifer Lader Editor, HAKOL

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One of the first of 135 volunteer to arrive early on the morning of January 27, Sheila Berg was ready to get down to business.

It was to be a record-breaking Super Sunday with over $71,000 pledged, a 40 percent increase over last year.

But for Berg, her role and its mission were simple. She chose a table festooned with candy and balloons, sat down and got out her cell phone.

“I love [making the calls] because it’s for the Federation,” she said.

Soon, Dr. Harvey Hakim walked in and joined her.

“We all have advantages from the Federation,” Hakim said, referring to the funds that, thanks to everyone in the community who donates, support the JCC, the Jewish Day School, the kosher food pantry at Jewish Family Service, the Family Life Education programs at many area synagogues, and help Jews and non-Jews in need locally and around the world.

Erin Corsa, who with her husband, Justin, is chair of the Federation’s Young Adult Division, looked even closer to home for her inspiration in making the calls: “Justin loves doing this.” She saved a seat for their pre-K son, Caleb, who showed up with paper and crayons, and for Dr. Nicole Rosenthal, her co-chair of the Ben Gurion Society, a donor recognition program for individuals ages 25 to 45.

By then, Corsa’s husband was sitting across from her, talking on the phone: “Would you give the same as last year … ,” Justin asked, “or a little bit more?” Although he successfully completed the call, Justin denied having any special talent for fundraising. “My job is easy,” he said, “because the Federation does a good job.”

He wasn’t the only one who thought so. At around 11 a.m., elected officials began arriving. JFLV Executive Director Mark L. Goldstein greeted each new arrival and the volunteers -- or at least those not on a call -- seconded that with enthusiastic applause.

After greeting Easton Mayor Sal Panto, Goldstein announced the arrival of our newest Congressional delegation representative, Matt Cartwright, who described to those gathered his children’s preschool years at the JCC of Scranton. Despite being raised Catholic, his children went to so many bar and bat mitzvahs, they questioned why they never had their own, he said.

When state Rep. Gary Day greeted those gathered and asked whether anyone was here from his district, Berg, the early arrival, cheered and he soon made his way over to her. That was only one of many happy meetings between officials and their constituents.

Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan greeted Rabbi Allen Juda of Congregation Brith Sholom as he finished making a call, and state Rep. Mike Schlossberg read a selection from PJ Library to the children of volunteers.

Besides children’s activities, Niles Dubin offered massages for tired neck muscles and many callers took a timeout for that. Even though he hadn’t been visiting for long, Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski got in line, perhaps only anticipating sore muscles.

When asked how he managed to avoid making calls this year, he indicated with a smile that he’d likely be on the phone soon. Late in the day, state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie took his turn on the telephone at a time when there were few volunteers left.

At one busy table that morning, Eva Levitt, Ilene Wood, Eileen Fischmann and Sandra Goldfarb were having great success: “You can pay any way you want,” Wood said into the phone, “You tell me what works for you.”

But Wood also understood when she heard from someone that money is tight this year. “Everyone’s money is important,” she said to the person on the other end of the line, “and it all adds up at the end of the day.”

Whether contributors can give $1 or $1,000, each showed their support for what the community does through the Federation.

This thought reassured some of the callers, as well as event co-chairs Jonathan and Iris Epstein, who might otherwise have found it difficult to ask for money. Jonathan voiced the thought that gave many of the Super Sunday volunteers the drive to make the call when he explained, “We’re helping people do a mitzvah.”

That message was understood loud and clear by the 393 donors, including 69 individuals who have not given in recent years, who responded to this year’s call with a generous donation.

At the conclusion of her call to the person having the tight year, Wood suggested, “How about donating chai?” meaning $18.

The response came back: “How about double chai?”

Together, we do extraordinary things

135 volunteers we raised $71,500 a 40% increase over Super Sunday 2012 Thanks to our

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:

If you did not have an opportunity to answer the call on Super Sunday, please contact JFLV at 610-821-500 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org to make your pledge and be counted today.

PHOTO KEY:

1. Students from Muhlenberg College Hillel 2. Cantor Ellen Sussman, Rabbi Yaacov Halperin, Rabbi Allen Juda 3. Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski and PJ Library children 4. Sheila Berg and Cheryl Figlin-Brenner 5. Kira Bub 6. Stan Wax, U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent, Vicki Wax and Robby Wax 7. Iris and Jonathan Epstein and children 8. U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright and Mark L. Goldstein, JFLV executive director 9. JCC Board members 10. Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, JFLV President Barry J. Halper and Easton Mayor Sal Panto 11. JFS Board members 12. JDS Board members 13.

Lafayette College Hillel students and Y Man from the Yofresh Yogurt Café

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

www.jewishlehighvalley.org

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2013 17

18 MARCH 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2013 19

Rabbi to speak at Beth El on opportunities for aging

Rabbi Dayle Friedman works with those in the second half of life.

By Jennifer Lader Editor, HAKOL Rabbi Dayle Friedman credits a college experience with setting her on the path to working with those “in the second half of life.”

Friedman will share what she’s learned on this path and moderate a discussion set for April 10 at Allentown’s Temple Beth El and sponsored by Phoebe Ministries as part of the non-profit group’s spring conference on how the aging process can differ across cultures.

Years ago, as a student, Friedman had been asked to help a group of volunteers lead a Jewish service at a senior center and had reluctantly agreed.

“What I found there was absolutely compelling and magi-

20 MARCH 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

cal,” Friedman said in a recent telephone interview. “It was the transformative power of relationships across generations and of connecting to Judaism.”

Many of those attending the service were not necessarily oriented about the details of their lives, she said, “but they were whole and radiant when practicing their religion.”

Although Friedman had wanted to be a rabbi since she was a little girl growing up in Denver -- “no one told me girls couldn’t do that!” -- she realized from the to-do when the first female Reform rabbi, Sally Priesand, was ordained that it wasn’t the usual thing. Thinking that no one would want to hire her if she were a rabbi, Friedman earned two master’s degrees, one in social work and the other in Jewish communal service. However, her call to be a rabbi had not diminished and she enrolled in rabbinic school.

One of Friedman’s tenets is that older people are very important teachers of young people. As a new rabbi working at the Philadelphia Jewish Center, now called the Abramson Center for Jewish Life, she learned about the possibilities for wholeness even when much is broken. Bearing in mind the physical challenges later in life, Friedman brought in teens to help the Center’s residents get to services. During that process, something unexpected happened: “It was profound for these teenagers to encounter people who they thought didn’t have much to give. The [residents] did, and the teens learned that they could get over fears within themselves.”

After many years as a geriatric chaplain, Friedman has opened a practice called “Growing Older.” She gives workshops for organizations such as the Germantown Jewish Center and will visit Allentown in April.

She also leads Wisdom Circles for women in the second half of life and counsels individuals who come to her, most often via the Internet or by word of mouth.

“We do this work so that they won’t feel stuck or incomplete [late in life],” she said. “I

often see physical and cognitive difficulties, but I also see regret, an inwardly turned emotion, and grievance, which is holding onto or carrying something for many years.”

Friedman told of a 91-yearold man who believed he had been struck blind because he did not attend his sister’s funeral. “We talked about what he would have said to her, and it helped him,” she said.

Her specialization is not without its drawbacks. “I’m sometimes seen as the bearer of bad news because we are talking about something that people are so afraid of. However, as the baby boomers age, more and more is being explored about the possibilities in aging. There is a longing for learning exploring, wondering and growing.”

Friedman’s workshop this April will focus on the spiritual journey, drawing from a concept found in the Kabbalah, and on end-of-life conversations with the intent that individuals will be able to express to others in their lives their fears and hopes so they will be treated commensurate with their hopes, priorities and goals.

Such communication may seem like a tall order, but Friedman makes it all seem possible and has written two books on the subject, “Jewish Visions for Aging” and “Jewish Pastoral Care.”

“It’s an opportunity to grow into deeper, wiser beings,” Friedman said, “and there is a significant reward for overcoming dread and avoidance.”

Friedman agreed that she sounds hopeful on this front.

“That’s me,” she said.

Rabbi Dayle Friedman will speak at Temple Beth El in Allentown on Wednesday, April 10, on “An Interfaith View of the Spiritual Aspects of Aging and Dying.”

This is part of a spring conference run by Phoebe Ministries, phone 610-794-5150, which is associated with the United Church of Christ and provides healthcare, housing and services for senior adults and which offers a clinical pastoral care program and is a partner of the Jewish Community Center. For more information about the rabbi, her website is www.growingolder.co.

Pennsylvania senators vocal on Hezbollah

Zion to present on Jewish giving

PHOTO COURTESY OF DANO MONKOTOVIC/FLASH90/JTA

By Rachel Kennett Muhlenberg College

Israeli ZAKA emergency rescue team examines the remains of the bus at the scene of the terrorist attack in Burgas, Bulgaria, on July 19, 2012.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey have been vocal opponents of Hezbollah.

Last September, Casey led a bipartisan group of 75 senators, including Toomey, in urging the European Union to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.

In December, both were among 56 co-sponsors of a Senate resolution calling for an E.U. designation of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and expressing U.S. commitment to stand by Bulgaria, a key NATO ally, during its investigation of the July 2012 attack that killed five Israeli tourists and their Bulgarian bus driver.

With the Bulgarian government’s announcement in February that

the terrorist group Hezbollah was responsible for the bus bombing, Casey released a statement that reads, in part: “This brazen act of terrorism

by Hezbollah was committed on European Union soil. Brussels can no longer delay -- I strongly urge the E.U. to move immediately to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. I also call upon the rest of the international community to stand in solidarity with the Bulgarian government. Reprisal attacks by Hezbollah, Iran or any other sponsor of terrorism should not be tolerated.”

Hezbollah receives substantial assistance from Iran and has conducted acts of terrorism on Western targets.

Noam Zion is the next presenter in the series “Jews, Money & Capitalism.”

Zion, a research fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, will speak on “Jewish Giving in Comparative Perspective” on Tuesday, March 12, at 7 p.m. in Moyer Hall of Muhlenberg College. In the course of the evening, Zion will address how money has typified Jews as a culture and as a community, specifically within the context of tzedakah. The presentation will challenge attendees to consider the motivations and narratives of people when deciding whether to contribute money to the Jewish community.

According to Zion, altruism is not the main motive for giving tzedakah.

Rather, most people give in order to be remembered and to form an identity.

“Money is a way we leave our mark on the world in which we express our identities,” Zion said.

The acts of donating money, and the reasons to give tzedakah, elucidate details about oneself and one’s values.

Furthermore, as Zion explained, “’Myself’ is my identification with my whole community.” Donating to a Jewish community impacts someone’s communal identity. Supporting others and giving are also acts of solidarity in which reciprocity is expected. Zion plans to examine the motivations for giving through Jewish, Christian and Greek traditions.

“Jews have given an enormous amount of thought to the issues having

to do with tzedakah,” Zion said. With Pesach approaching, Zion encourages the Jewish community to implement new traditions regarding tzedakah.

In his haggadah, “A Different Night,” Zion suggests the custom of requesting that children set aside 10 percent of the afikomen financial prize for tzedakah.

The children, working together as a group, can then negotiate to select a donor organization. Zion also proposes that the adults match the funds donated by the children and contribute that amount to the same organization chosen by the children.

This presentation is free and open to the public. The series is sponsored jointly by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, the Jewish Studies Program and the Religion Studies Departments of Muhlenberg College, and made possible by a grant from the Legacy Heritage Jewish Studies Project and the Association for Jewish Studies.

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Concerts Fridays and Saturdays Ladies Night - Thursdays Trivia - Thursdays Art Exhibitions and more

Joy Behar March 12 | 7:30 pm “The Future of God: The Merging of Science & Religion” April 15 | 8:15 pm OneVoice with Jason Alexander May 16 | 8 pm

artsquest.org | 610-332-3378 For more information, menus and upcoming events visit:

www.artsquest.org HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2013 21

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‘Call me Nehama’

By Bunnie Piltch Special to HAKOL “The Midrash states that teachers go straight to heaven because they have more than their fair share of hell on earth. But this is one of the few times I disagree with the Sages, because I think that teachers have more than their fair share of heaven on earth!” -- Nehama Leibowitz (19051997) This past October on Shabbat Lekh Lekha, I led a Family Life Education program at Congregation Brith Sholom. Part of the lesson was based on a point noted in Nehama Leibowitz’s “Studies in Bereshit” (Genesis). At the time, I acknowledged

Thank you to

STACY HORTNER

DISCOVER

for years of dedicated and insightful service on HAKOL’s Editorial Board

Nehama Leibowitz as the source for the activity which I had based on her commentary. Yet, I had hardly begun to learn about her: A biography of her – Yael Unterman’s “Nehama Leibowitz: Teacher and Scholar” -- sat on my shelf, heretofore unread, until I was asked to write about her for HAKOL. Nehama was born in 1905 in Riga, Latvia. She grew up in an intellectual household where knowledge was prized. In 1919, the Leibowitz family moved to Berlin, Germany, and had to adjust to German culture.

Nehama began her teaching career with the Ivrit be-Ivrit (Hebrew in Hebrew) method of Hebrew language immersion which was very new at the time. In 1930, she finished her Ph.D., married her father’s older brother who was many years her senior, and moved to Palestine. Nehama earned several prestigious awards such as the Israel Prize in Education in 1956, and an honorary doctorate from Bar Ilan University in 1983. Throughout her prolific career, despite numerous invitations to teach abroad, Nehama did not leave her beloved Israel.

Nehama dedicated her life to the study and teaching of Torah. Perhaps the most innovative teaching aids that Nehama pioneered were her gilyonot (worksheets). She mailed mimeographed worksheets of questions based on the weekly Torah portion to students and to anyone who requested them. Respondents came from all walks of life, from secular to religious, young and old, and Nehama read and commented on them all. In her famous five-book series on the Torah entitled “Studies,” the outgrowth of the worksheets she pioneered, Nehama presents her extensive research of the traditional as well as contemporary and lesser known commentators in a way

that makes Torah study accessible to all, formal background in Torah study or not. In the process, her own questions and comments render her a distinguished commentator.

David Bedein, a classmate of mine from day school, recounted meeting Nehama as follows: “She gave her model Bible lesson [at Hebrew University in 1970], and gave us the ground rules: bring a full Bible to every class, do not chew gum, ask lots of questions, and ‘call me Nehama,’ she would often say, with her perennial smile, beret and good humor.” He went on to name his daughter in her honor, Rivka Nehama.

From a personal standpoint, Nehama often made a point of finding time to get to know students individually. Unterman writes: “R. Shlomo Riskin was particularly taken aback when he walked into Nehama’s class after a hiatus of 15 years, only to have her look up and ask calmly, ‘Riskin, what took you so long to make aliyah?’”

Finally, as we near the festival of Pesach, it seems appropriate to include a teaching point that Nehama made, supported by a reference from the Haggadah. Nehama emphasized that students’ questions are more important than either the teachers’ questions or the answers. This point is exemplified in the Haggadah, she said, in that the difference between the Wise Child and the Wicked Child is that the Wise Child asks a question seeking an answer, whereas the Wicked Child states a position and does not seek an answer. Unterman quotes Nehama, “No matter how brazen the question, as long as the student is asking and looking for an answer, he or she is not a Wicked Child.”

May we all find inspiration from Nehama Leibowitz to enrich our lives with Torah.

PJ Library

Family of the Month: THE ZIGHELBOIMS

The PJ library gives our family the opportunity to share fun quality time with Jewish content every evening at bedtime!

Thanks for all you do.

- THE ZIGHELBOIMS

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.

PJ LIBRARY PASSOVER SUNDAY, MARCH 10 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., JCC of Allentown

Get ready for some Passover crafts, a mini seder led by Cantor Ellen Sussman, a movie and PJ library story time with guest reader Harry Rose.

Join us as we celebrate Passover. $18 per family.

Register at the JCC front desk or contact Brenda Finberg at bfinberg@lvjcc.org for more information.

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.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT THE Open and welcoming to the entire community 8 weeks through full day kindergarten

REGISTRATION OPEN 610.435.3571

Jewish Community Center of Allentown Sheryl Block, ECE Director sblock@lvjcc.org HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2013 23

Jewish Telegraphic Agency The illustrator of an editorial cartoon depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu building a wall on the bodies of Palestinians and using their blood as cement apologized for the timing of its publication.

In a statement printed on his official website, Gerald This anti-Israel cartoon that appeared in the Scarfe emphasized Sunday Times of London on International that “I am not, and Holocaust Remembrance Day was called a never have been, anti“modern day evocation of the ancient blood Semitic.” libel charge.” (From Sunday Times) He said the drawing, published Jan. 27 -- International Holocaust Memorial Day -- in the Sunday Times, was “a criticism of Netanyahu, and not of the Jewish people: there was no slight whatsoever intended against them.”

“I was, however, stupidly completely unaware that it would be printed on Holocaust Day, and I apologize for the very unfortunate timing,” the statement concluded.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews, an umbrella organization, filed a complaint with the independent Press Complaints Commission, the Guardian reported, and incoming Sunday Times editor Martin Ivens told The Jerusalem Post that he would meet with leaders of the British Jewish community this week over reaction to the cartoon.

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24 MARCH 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY PMS 118

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Ed Koch, pugnacious New Yorker and passionate Jew till his dying day

By Ron Kampeas and Uriel Heilman Jewish Telegraphic Agency One of the proudest moments of Ed Koch’s life came during a trip to Israel in 1990, in the midst of the first Palestinian intifada.

Koch had recently left City Hall after 12 years as mayor of New York City and was touring Jerusalem when a Palestinian threw a rock at his group, striking Koch in the head. The ex-mayor was bleeding a bit but wasn’t really hurt, and he mopped up the wound with his handkerchief.

The incident would become one of Koch’s favorite stories, the moment, he would say, when “I shed a little blood for the people of Israel.”

Koch, 88, died of congestive heart failure on Feb.1 at New York-Presbyterian Columbia Hospital. His death came on the same day as “Koch,” a documentary about his life, opened in theaters nationwide.

Famous for greeting constituents with “How’m I doin?,” the Jewish mayor presided over some of the city’s most difficult years, from 1978 to 1989, and helped spur the recovery that would flourish under one of his successors, Rudy Giuliani.

Edward Irving Koch was born in the Bronx on Dec. 12, 1924, to Jewish immigrants from Poland. The family moved to Newark, N.J., when Koch was 9, after his father’s fur shop closed during the Depression, but returned to New York in 1941 when business picked up again. After high school, Koch enrolled at City College and worked as a shoe salesman, but his studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the

OBAMA CAMPAIGN/YOUTUBE

Illustrator of anti-Israel cartoon apologizes for timing of publication

Even in his late 80s, political endorsements from Ed Koch, who served as New York City's mayor from 1978 to 1989, were prized.

He appeared in this 2012 video supporting President Obama's bid for reelection. army in 1943.

He served in the infantry and after the war spent time in Bavaria helping replace Nazis who occupied public posts with non-Nazis, according to The New York Times. He was discharged in 1946 and went to law school at New York University.

Koch got his start in politics as a Democratic district leader in Greenwich Village, then worked his way up to City Council and, in 1968, beat incumbent Whitney North Seymour, Jr., a Republican, in a race for Congress. Though he served for nine years in Washington, Koch remained a creature of New York, saying he got the “bends” whenever he stayed away from the city for too long, according to the Times.

In 1977, Koch successfully ran for mayor and began by trimming the city’s workforce.

In his second term, he turned the $400 million deficit he had inherited into a $500 million

surplus.

He won a third term with 78 percent of the vote, but then things went sour. His administration was beset by a series of corruption scandals, rising drug-related violence and burgeoning racial tensions.

Koch, who never married, held twin passions he guarded ferociously: the Jewish people and New York.

Koch’s tombstone is engraved with his name, his years as mayor, the Sh’ma prayer, and the final words of Daniel Pearl, the Wall Street Journal reporter murdered in Pakistan on Feb. 1, 2002, the same date Koch died: “My father is Jewish. My mother is Jewish. I am Jewish.” Koch’s tombstone also has a Star of David.

His chosen burial place is a non-denominational churchyard at the corner of 155th Street and Amsterdam -- selected because he could not imagine spending eternity outside Manhattan.

Lafayette students travel to Madagascar, prep college applicants

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By Jennifer Lader Editor, HAKOL Professor Liz McMahon of Lafayette College recently traveled to Madagascar with a group of 10 students and another professor. McMahon, who with her family is a member of Easton’s Bnai Abraham Synagogue, didn’t have to look far to find a “Jewish connection” in the group’s mission.

Madagascar is an island of 22 million people, found off the southeastern coast of Africa.

The country is known for its stone forests of limestone towers, dazzlingly photographed for the November 2009 issue of National Geographic Magazine.

The country is also the subject of much interest because of its wildlife, 90 percent of which is unknown anywhere else on Earth, yet is threatened by the expanding human population.

Rice is the main food and it is grown wherever possible.

The purpose of the trip, taken during Lafayette’s interim session between the first and second semesters, was to assist students in Madagascar who are applying to American colleges. The relationship with Madagascar is called Lafayette Initiative for Malagasy Education (LIME) and was established by professor of economics David Stifel in 2010.

The Malagasy, as the people and language of Madagascar are known, are mostly impoverished. McMahon said they have “zero chance of going to the U.S. for college” without the kind of assistance that the Lafayette students and profes-

sors provide.

“These are not children of elites,” McMahon said. “We’re talking about parents who are stall keepers, one of them with an income of less than $2,000 per year, [certainly] all under $10,000 per year.”

Upon arriving in Madagascar, the Lafayette group went on two excursions, mainly as team-building experiences in preparation for working together to teach the Malagasy students how to take the SAT and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exams.

“I had lemurs jumping on me,” McMahon said of one of the stops, where these distinctive primates, native to Madagascar, have become accustomed to human contact.

“In Andasibe, the lemurs were really wild,” McMahon said. “Tourists do not go there.

People saw us and said ‘Fazas!’ meaning ‘white people,’” even though not all of the students were white.

What really made an impression on McMahon, though, was getting to know the Malagasy students through the program, learning of their aspirations and how they feel about their country.

This year’s LIME program worked with five students, helping them find schools that offer full financial aid to international students and that have good support systems.

The team also introduced the students to standardized tests.

“Madagascar is a former French colony, so their educational system is based on France’s,” McMahon said.

The students go through école, college and lycée -- equivalent to elementary, middle and high school -- in preparation for taking the baccalaureate, which is “their ticket to everything,” McMahon said. Yet, they’ve never seen a test with a format like that of the SAT. The five Malagasy students are applying for college programs in architecture, economics, journalism, computer science and environmental studies.

“For all of them,” McMahon said, “their goal is to come here and attend a liberal arts program, studying a broad range of subjects; for example, sociology, economics and language. Then they all want to go back and fix the place.”

For McMahon, the program “feels like a mitzvah.”

“These are students from an extremely poor country …” she said. “Not only did the LIME students work with them -- teaching math, critical reading and vocabulary preparation -- but they came back and did fundraising to pay for the airplane tickets of the students.”

More information on LIME and the fundraising is available at http://sites.lafayette.edu/ lime/.

“They don’t even have winter coats … we also paid for the SATs and TOEFLs. If that’s not a mitzvah, I’m not sure what is,” McMahon concluded.

“I’m so proud of our Lafayette students and I’m going to be waiting to hear whether the Malagasy students get into college,” McMahon said. “I’m going to be as nervous as I was for my own kids.”

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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2013 25

Uncovering Israel’s antiquity

Above left, Professor Lipschits (left) shares a distinctive find with President Shimon Peres at Ramat Rachel.

Left, Ann Stehney’s private domain.

Above, Stehney measures the elevation of a limestone floor.

By Ann Stehney Special to HAKOL To hear my kids tell it, I schlepped them to every archaeological site in Israel and, at ages 7 and 11, they may well have thought so. In truth, I had added only the three cities attributed to King Solomon -- Hazor, Megiddo and Gezer -- to our typical tourist itinerary that included Masada and Caesarea. That was 20 years ago and only the beginning.

Fast forward to 2009: One Shabbat at Brith Sholom, Rabbi Juda announced a lecture by Professor Oded Lipschits of Tel Aviv University on the excavations at Ramat Rachel, between Jerusalem

and (the other) Bethlehem.

Professor Lipschits was in town to help Professors Jason Radine and Deborah Appler of Moravian College and Theological Seminary recruit students for his dig that summer. They agreed that I could come along, too.

Like the students, I paid for my own transportation and living costs; however, I paid no tuition, did none of the course assignments and could “cut” the accompanying lectures. Arriving at Ramat Rachel, I found that I wasn’t the only outsider, nor was I the only senior citizen volunteer among the established and in-training archaeologists.

The excavation at Ramat Rachel drew undergraduates, graduate students and faculty from the U.S., Canada, Germany and Israel. In addition to illustrated lectures, guided tours of the dig site and field trips to other sites, volunteers benefitted from informal instruction as the work progressed and from feedback provided by visiting experts from the Israel Antiquities Authority. The official language on the site was English.

I was assigned to a group to “open” an area that had never before been excavated, sharing responsibility for a five-meter square with an energetic college student.

Protected from the summer sun by overhead shades, we started our work with

large pickaxes and shovels, eventually progressing to small pickaxes and trowels. We carefully exposed the remains of stone walls, which we left in place to be measured, mapped and photographed before moving lower.

As we hauled away countless buckets full of dirt and stones, we set aside even the most undistinguished pottery sherds for a professional to evaluate. The lost ark didn’t appear to be in our square, but I did unearth pieces of blue-green glass, a ceramic pot with handles (in pieces, but complete), a limestone floor and a coin, all from the “late Roman” (Byzantine) period. Imagine being the first person to hold that coin in more than 1,600 years!

Hooked by the experience, I volunteered two years later for the excavation at Tel Akko (Acre), headed by Penn State and the University of Haifa and enhanced by visitors from the Israel Antiquities Authority. My time there was divided between a conservation course focused on the Crusader/Ottoman city of Akko and digging in the Persian and Hellenistic levels of the Tel. As at Ramat Rachel, the educational program in Akko was first rate.

Looking ahead, I have my eye on Azekah, where Professor Lipschits and colleagues are now working. See you there?

Find a dig in Israel The Biblical Archaeology Society (BAS) helps volunteers to find a dig. Each listing describes the significance of the site, goals of the current excavation, important finds from past seasons and photos of diggers at work and play. Also included are the dates of the dig season (most are July to August), minimum stay (typically 2 or 3 weeks), accommodations (expect to share an air conditioned room in a guest house, kibbutz or dormitory), college credit options, cost (perhaps $100 a day plus airfare and any tuition fees), and application information. The 2013 database already has more than 20 sites in Israel, listed at http://digs.bib-arch.org/.

26 MARCH 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

By Lauren Epstein JFLV Marketing Intern Aishet Chayil Mi Yimtzah? Or, a woman of valor, who can find? -(Proverb 31:10) Now, it’s easy!

The Jewish Women’s Archive (JWA) is an online database with abundant information about significant American Jewish women, both past and present.

But it’s more than just an online encyclopedia. It’s also an interactive blog that tackles a wide range of current and timely topics. And it’s an educational resource that provides lesson plans for teachers, suggestions for bat mitzvah girls and activities for Jewish mothers and daughters to do together. JWA has, since its inception in 1995, strived to “uncover, chronicle and transmit” the rich and, in many cases, unsung, history of American Jewish women.

Developed by a group of Jewish women, the database, at www. jwa.org, is easy to navigate and extraordinarily interesting. It

touches upon American Jewish women from all walks of life, from historical and pop culture figures to politicians and foodies.

One example is Barbara Myerhoff, anthropologist and author of “Number Our Days,” a ground-breaking study of elderly Jews living in a California senior center, which she later made into a movie of the same name. Myerhoff believed that “stories told to oneself or others could transform the world” and showed that “the study of one’s own culture” is just as important as traditional anthropological research on the “exotic.”

The Jewish Women’s Archive is a truly remarkable and important new resource that encourages the discovery and recognition of women in Judaim and in our country’s history. It is a valuable resource for all of us and proves, yet again, just how key Jewish women have been, are and continue to be in our communities, our country and the world.

Synagogue in Siberia damaged by meteorite Jewish Telegraphic Agency A synagogue in Siberia was lightly damaged by a meteorite that fell nearby.

On Feb. 15, Rabbi Yechiel Michel Levitin, director of the Or Avner Jewish day school in Chelyabinsk, a city located 1,000 miles east of Moscow, was quoted by an Israeli website as saying congregants heard a huge explosion during morning prayers followed by a bright flash that lit up the sky.

“Glass shattered and people tried to escape, but they weren’t sure where to go,” Levitin told COL, a media outlet affiliated with Chabad. “Outside we were told a meteor had fallen from the space.”

Media reported a suspected extraterrestrial object had landed somewhere in western Siberia. Videos posted on YouTube by drivers in the area showed a bright orb streaking the early morning sky.

Levitin uploaded photos of the Chelyabisnk synagogue’s stained-glass windows, which he said were shattered by the shock waves. The rabbi said one congregant was spared serious injury when a large shard of glass landed in his seat seconds after he went to the window

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHABAD ONLINE

Database aids research of Jewish women’s history

Rabbi Yechiel Michel Levitin stands next to the stained glass windows of the synagogue in Chelyabisnk, Russia, that he said were shattered by a blast caused by a likely meteorite, Feb. 15. to investigate the cause of the blast.

“It was a real miracle,” Levitin said, according to COL. Levitin said authorities were telling residents to stay indoors while they were investigating the incident.

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GIVE A MITZVAH, DO A MITZVAH

What’s more important?

The recent tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School shocked the nation, and Max Hakim felt he needed to do something to help.

Already working on a mitzvah project for his Feb. 16, bar mitzvah at Congregation Keneseth Israel, Max completely changed direction. He did some research on gun violence and found the Children’s Defense Fund.

CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all of the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. They pay particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investments before these children get sick, drop out of school, get into trouble or suffer family breakdowns.

Max found statistics about deaths and injuries to children from gun violence in the United States and the numbers were staggering: More than 18,000 children were injured or died from gun violence in 2010 alone.

Between 1979 and 2010, 119,079

children and teens died from guns. This is more child and teen deaths in 32 years than there were U.S. soldiers killed in action in the Vietnam (47,434), Korean (33,739), Afghanistan (1,712) and Iraq (3,518) wars combined.

Ben decided to participate in the CDF’s “Protect Children, Not Guns” campaign.

The Hakim family made rubber wristbands in green and white, the colors of Sandy Hook Elementary School, that bear the question, “What’s More Important?” He is hoping the slogan will start conversations between wearers and friends.

The bracelets will be sold for $2 each. Max is buying the wristbands with his own money and will donate all that he brings in to the Children’s Defense Fund. He is setting up a table to sell them at the JCC during sporting events and will also sell them at Parkland High School events. He is a member of the Orefield Middle School Builder’s Club, a service organization, and will approach them about taking up the cause. “I want to sell 500 bracelets and raise $1,000,” Max said.

Allentown AZA victorious

By Zach Zager Allentown AZA Godol (President)

“We’re very proud of Max,” Melissa Hakim, Max’s mom, said. “This is a relevant topic that affects kids. He’s not charging much so that children can get involved in wearing the wristbands and understand on a child-friendly level. The company that we ordered the bracelets from was amazed that a boy so young would want to help with such an adult cause.”

If you would like to purchase a bracelet, you may contact Max at maxwristbands@gmail.com.

In addition to his mitzvah project, Max has made his first adult gift of tzedakah to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs.

For help developing your mitzvah project, contact Abby Trachtman, program coordinator, at abbyt@jflv. org or 610-821-5500.

Allentown AZA is a youth group/fraternity for Jewish teens from eighth to 12th grade. We run Judaic, community service, educational and social programs for boys in the local community.

Together with Allentown BBG, we form the Allentown chapter of BBYO, an international Jewish youth organization. We also happened to win Tournies, an annual competition, this year.

Tournies, which took place in November, pits every chapter of Central Region East, Allentown’s BBYO region, against the others in athletic and artistic competitions. This year, Tournies was held in Allentown, so we were also responsible for planning and running it. This required a lot of effort, but when we came out victorious in the final standings, it was all worth it.

Soon after the winter break, we planned Interchapter Kallah, another big event in Allentown, focusing on Jewish programming.

We were joined by Kol Hadror (Main Line/King of Prussia) BBYO. The event turned out to be a lot of fun and extremely enlightening on Jewish topics such as adapting Judaism into modern times and how the worldwide Jewish community is connected.

Yet, the year is far from over! We still have our megafundraiser Up All Night event taking place on Saturday, March 2, as well as several more conventions. The goal of this year’s Up All Night is to help raise money for Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley. This organization functions as a safe place where victims of abuse and their children can find refuge. They provide services in Lehigh and Northampton counties to more than 5,000 victims of domestic violence each year. Up All Night will feature dancing, a basketball tournament, an auction and more. This event has been a smashing success in the past and we hope to expand upon it this year.

For more information on AZA, contact allentownaza@gmail.com.

Chapter merger tops news for BBG

By Halle N. Nelson Allentown BBG These past few weeks have been very busy for Allentown BBG and brought us big news about an upcoming merger between our own Central Region East and Philly Region.

On Jan. 26, we kicked off the year with our annual MIT sleepover. MIT is an acronym for “members in training” and during this sleepover new members, generally eighth and ninth graders, get together at a sleepover organized by our Morah (leader) and they are inducted into Allentown BBG. It’s a funfilled sleepover complete with delicious food and classic sisterly bonding.

From Feb. 8 to 10, we had our exciting IT convention! The convention was created solely for new members to have a convention completely dedicated to them. This is a convention in which new BBGs and AZAs learn about what it means to be a part of a region and how they can make an impact. I made a few friends during my first IT convention and I can safely say that not only haven’t we lost touch, but also that over the years our friendships have grown even stronger.

There is one thing that really set this IT convention apart from every other IT convention in the history of Central Region East.

During the Regional Leadership Training Institute, which took place early in the school year, everyone found out that Central Region East was officially merging with the Philly region! This is still monumental news for our region and, for the very first time, both of our regions met together at the IT convention.

Our eighth and ninth graders had the privilege of meeting many other kids and they will have the opportunity to have front row seats in watching us make BBYO history. The merging of the two regions will officially take place during our end-of-year spring convention, where we will vote on the new regional board amongst a set of candidates from both the CRE and Philly regions.

We have an event set for March 2 at the Allentown JCC called Up All Night, in which we stay up all night, play games and fundraise. From 7 to 10 p.m., this event is open to all community members. Proceeds from Up All Night are going to a local nonprofit organization called Turning Point.

In April, we have our 5/6 Sleepover in which we are further educated about BBYO. Also in April, CRE will meet up again for our annual WOW convention, a convention in which we have fun, listen to motivational speakers, hang out with our friends and learn about the many summer programs which BBYO has to offer.

With this new year ahead of us, Allentown BBG is ready to learn, inspire, make a difference and create memories that will last a lifetime!

For more info on BBYO contact Dana Shustik, dana.shustik3@gmail.com, Hannah Kahn, allentownmazkirah@gmail.com or advisor Barbara Yudis, byudis@aol.com.

28 MARCH 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

WOMEN OF THE WORLD

To understand Lapid: Cherchez la femme Reported by the Bethlehem-Easton Chapter of Hadassah One does learn a lot about a man looking at the women surrounding him.

Yair Lapid, the new face in Israel’s January elections, is a women’s man. He is chair of Yesh Atid (“There’s a future”), now the second-largest party in the 19th Knesset. Women’s votes were crucial to bring this prince, as the Israelis like to call him, to the Israeli government.

You were probably surprised by the 19 mandates he received, but he wasn’t, and Lihi wasn’t either: Lihi, meaning “the woman,” his wife, the one who calls him “the strong one” in her writings and who has been there for him for the last 22 years minus a short “glitch” when, 10 years ago, Yair left home for a short while, thus elevating the expectations of many Israeli women. However, the Lapids got back together and are to this day and to this government, happily married.

The Lapid family’s life is an open book. Seriously. Go on Facebook and check. For instance, the day after the earthquake election of Jan. 22, Lihi wrote on Facebook: “It was moving and exhilarating, and it was a once in a lifetime kind of experience. Now that elections are over there is no choice: I have to get back to working out.” The couple’s life is transparent and always was. Both Yair and Lihi have been writing up close and personal columns for decades now. Years ago, Yair described the tears Lihi and he shed the day Lior, their son, went to first grade. More recently, Lihi wrote about the tears

she shed when the same Lior, now 17, got his first induction order.

One of Lihi Lapid’s bestsellers -- she is the author of 10 books -- is called “Woman of Valor.” It takes one to write one. The book depicts the painful struggle with an autistic child, based on her personal experience with Yael, the only daughter the Lapids have.

Lihi wrote a famous Personal Declaration of Freedom that hangs to this day on many Israeli household refrigerators.

Here are some excerpts: I hereby vow to cease and desist my ridiculous, endless, and aggravating attempts to maintain a sparklingly spotless home, squeaky clean at any given moment in time.

Because I never could (…) I hereby withdraw from the race to be groomed and clothed according to the latest fashion.

Tapered, wide, high, low, knee-length, calf-length...enough!

I hereby give up my dream of a stomach that is flat and smooth as a crystal mirror, and of thighs that remind one of long spaghetti. It was never going to happen. I will sometimes sin by eating too many sweets, I’ll wolf down a sandwich too late in the day, and I may even grab some chips.

I soundly renounce the status of being the one who’s waiting and the one who’s disappointed … of being the one who waits for someone to offer help. When I need a kind word, a shoulder to lean on, a hug, or some help, I’ll simply say so.

I promise. And you say so, too. Forgive

me, but I don’t understand hints.

Another strong woman is Shulamit Lapid, Yair Lapid’s mother.

Lapid-mother is a writer as well, probably the best in this verbose family. She has written many novels, detective series, children books and plays. Both she and her daughter-inlaw have been the backbone of Lapid’s forming “Yesh Atid,” the party that brought Lapid to power.

Lapid has prominent women in his party, too, beginning with Yael German, number three on his list, the mayor of Herzlia since 1998, a time when there were no women mayors in Israel. She was reelected as mayor for the third time and did a lot to make Herzlia a better place to live.

As in life, especially in Israel’s life, not all is wine and roses. Yael German lost a son in military maneuvering. Yair Lapid is no foreigner to suffering; his sister Michal was killed in a car accident in 1984.

There are seven more women on Lapid’s party list; one of them is Karin Elharar, 35, an attorney specializing in the rights of seniors, the handicapped and Holocaust survivors. She suffers from muscular dystrophy and is bound to a wheelchair.

Another is Penina Tamnu-Shata, 31, an attorney and activist specializing in human rights issues. She immigrated from Ethiopia at the age of 3, and will become the first female Knesset member of Ethiopian origin.

With so many powerful women, it seems we won’t have one dull minute. Lihi often says of her hubby that “he is the feminist at home,” so let’s sit back and see the party roll.

Lone Soldier

writes home

Editor’s note: Sami Meir-Levi graduated from high school in the Lehigh Valley in the spring of 2012, then headed for Israel. She writes to us each month of her experiences as a lone soldier -- an Israeli soldier without family living in Israel.

Shalom HAKOL Readers,

At the kotel!

I’m finishing up my course at Mikveh Alon (Hebrew course), just a few tests and interviews left and I’ll know where I’ll be going next! Although I’m being tested in only Hebrew, we learn a lot about history, wars, the country, and important people. That being said, since this month is Women’s History Month, there are three women you will want to know about.

Golda Meir (1898-1978) was the first female prime minister of Israel. She was born in Kiev in present-day Ukraine, lived in Wisconsin and moved with her husband to British Mandate Palestine. She began as an official with Histadrut Trade Union and worked her way up. The Yom Kippur War occurred during her administration.

Sarah Aaronsohn (1890-1917) was an essential member of Nili, a group of spies that collected information for the British in World War I. A participant in spy missions to learn more about the Ottomans who died as a captive, today we remember her as the “heroine of Nili.”

Hannah Senesh (1921-44), at the age of 13, moved from her native Hungary to Israel. During World War II, she parachuted into Yugoslavia to support the resistance and eventually she crossed the border into Hungry. The Hungarian police caught her and held her captive for several months, but Hannah refused to disclose any information about her mission. She is one of my heroes; risking her life for a dangerous mission like that is truly a selfless deed.

I look up to these noble women. The things they’ve done and achieved are incredible.

Have a great Passover HAKOL readers, looking forward to writing to you next time. Chag Sameach!

Shalom,

Sami Meir-Levi

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and other Federations in North America fund the Lone Soldier program.

2013

ALL CAMPS 8 weeks - entering 10th grade • • • • • •

Mazel ToTs CaMp JCC Jr. sTageMakers CaMp CaMp JCC CenTer Valley one Week speCialTy sporTs CaMps posT CaMp

JCC of Allentown 702 N. 22nd St. Allentown, PA 18104 610.435.3571 allentownjcc.org HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2013 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.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 IJCU First Friday Luncheon Discussion

12 to 1 p.m., Seegers Union, Room 111 & 112, Muhlenberg College. Jews, Money & Capitalism presented by Dr. Jessica Cooperman, Posen fellow, religion studies, Muhlenberg College. Free and open to the public. Bring lunch or buy lunch at Seegers Union. Sodas available for purchase in room. Leave ample time to locate on-street parking. To learn more, visit www.ijcu.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 2 TBE Comedy Night

7 p.m., Temple Beth El. $36 admission - includes snacks,

Honorable MENSCHens

desserts and drinks. Doors open at 7 p.m./ showtime is 8 p.m. Comics provided by the New York Hysterical Society.

For reservations, call 610-435-3521.

SATURDAY, MARCH 2 BBYO Up All Night

7 to 10 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Up All Night is a fun, community-based event filled with dancing, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a chinese auction and much, much more. All proceeds are being donated to Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, a local non-profit organization that helps provide support for those experiencing domestic violence. All ages are welcome! It’s going to be a great night for a great cause! The cost is $15. Questions? Email zachzager@gmail.com or dana.shustik3@gmail.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 3 TBE Blood Drive

10 a.m., Temple Beth El. Make you feel good to give?

Blood donors reported feeling a sense of great satisfaction after making their donation. Why? Because helping others in need just feels good. For information, please contact the temple office at 610-435-3521.

SUNDAY, MARCH 3 CBS Healthy U@55+ Series - Mental Health

10 a.m., Congregation Brith Sholom. Two outstanding mental health professionals, Barry Siegel and Annette Carpien, will discuss mental health issues for the 55+ community. Siegel of Jewish Family Service will speak on “Changes in Aging: What to Expect.” Carpien, a mastercertified relationship coach, will discuss: “Satisfying Relationships: Using your Differences to Bring you Closer.”

Continental breakfast will be served. Program is free for CBS members, $3 for general public. Call 610-866-8009 or e-mail cbstammy@fast.net to learn more. Walk-ins welcome.

SUNDAY, MARCH 3 JCC Film Festival: Footnote

2 p.m., Whitaker Auditorium, 5 East Packer Ave., Lehigh University. The Philip and Muriel Berman Center for Jewish Studies and the JCC’s Jewish and Israeli Film Festival copresent “Footnote,” the 2011 Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Film. The screening will be introduced by writer and director Joseph Cedar. Cedar presents a complex tale of bitter rivalry between a father and son who are both Talmud scholars. A discussion and Q&A will follow. Refreshments will be served following the presentation. The event is free and open to the community.

For more information call 610-758-4869, e-mail inber@ lehigh.edu or visit http://lehigh.edu/~inber/inber.html.

JCC staff members On Sunday, February 17, seven JCC staff members were honored for their years of service. Tom Graboritz, 26 years, Sandy Newman, 28 years, Brenda Finberg, 25 years, Sheryl Block, 31 years, Sue Pollan, 31 years, Peggy Waite, 37 years, and Clarence Cook, 30 years. Pictured, JCC Executive Director Carol Kranitz and President Bobby Hammel, right, with Peggy Waite and Beverly Wasserman.

Molly Diamondstein Molly Diamondstein, daughter of Marc and Judy Diamondstein, was one of the five Parkland High School students to best faculty members during an academic competition at the Parkland High School library called “Are you Smarter than a Teacher?”

Students and faculty formed teams of five to compete against each other in this fun but challenging game hosted by the school’s Spanish Honor Society and Honor Society. Questions covered a wide range of topics; math, science, sports, pop culture, history and the arts.

Allyson Fels Allyson Fels, daughter of Eric and Amy Fels, received the Triple Threat Award at her regional New York City Dance Alliance annual convention. Not only is it a big accomplishment for Allyson, but it is also an automatic acceptance for her into a twoweek summer intensive program in New York City where she can attend dance workshops with top instructors including Joey Dowling from “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Want to see your accomplishments in the pages of HAKOL? E-mail them to hakol@jflv.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 7 JFLV Men’s Night Out

7 p.m., The Barristers Club, 1114 West Walnut St., Allentown. Men (and women) who have made a minimum contribution of $365 to the 2013 Campaign for Jewish Needs are invited to dinner and a premium Scotch whisky tasting with renowned expert, and author of “The Smart Guide to Single Malt Scotch Whisky,” Elizabeth Riley Bell. $30 per person for dinner and program; $20 per person additional for premium Scotch whisky tasting. Off-street parking available. Dietary laws observed. To learn more, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/mensnightout.aspx.

SUNDAY, MARCH 10 Maimonides Brunch: The Eyeball Update

10:15 to 11:45 a.m., JCC of Allentown. Hear the latest on eye health from local experts Dr. Howard Kushnick, Dr. Houman Ahdieh, Dr. Karen Dacey and Dr. Marc Berson.

Brunch is free for Maimonides Society members and spouses, $10 for community members. Contact Judy Diamondstein at 610-821-5500 or judy@jflv.org to learn more.

SUNDAY, MARCH 10 PJ Library Passover Mini Seder

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Passover crafts, a mini Seder led by Cantor Ellen Sussman, a movie and PJ library story time with guest reader Harry Rose. Join us as we celebrate Passover. Price per family is $18. Register

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

at the JCC front desk or contact Brenda Finberg at bfinberg@lvjcc.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 10 Marcellus Shale and Hydrofracking: The Science Behind the Story

3 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom . Come hear geologist and Congregation Am Haskalah member Dr. David Smith talk about the geology and resources of the Marcellus Shale and the technology of horizontal drilling and hydrofracturing or “fracking.”

TUESDAY, MARCH 12 Muhlenberg Speaker Series: Jewish Giving in the Comparative Perspective

7 p.m., Moyer Hall, Muhlenberg College. The next installment of the Muhlenberg Speaker Series will feature Noam Zion of the Shalom Hartman Institute of Jerusalem, speaking about his new trilogy. Program is free and open to the public.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MARCH 15-17 KI Scholar in Residence Weekend with Arthur Strimling

Congregation Keneseth Israel. Scholar in Residence weekend with Arthur Strimling, NYC storyteller, director, performer, writer and teacher, titled “How Did You Get Here from There? Tracing Our Spiritual Journeys.” To learn more, visit www.kiallentown.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17 Easton Salon Series

7 to 9 p.m., Hillel Society at Lafayette College. Join Professor Hartley Lachter for an open, thoughtful discussion on issues of Jewish concern. Light refreshments and coffee will be served. Free and open to the public.

Sponsored by the Easton Leadership Council of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 Simcha Club

12 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom. Lunch and a program featuring Rabbi Melody Davis. Cost of event: $5.

This event is open to seniors 70 and older. Please make a reservation, 610-866-8009.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21 JCC Film Festival: Torn

7 p.m., Miller Forum, Muhlenberg College. Can one be a Catholic Priest and an observant Jew at the same time?

Twelve years after he was ordained as a Polish Catholic priest, Romuald Waszkinel discovers that he was born to Jewish parents, and that his name was Jacob Weksler.

The film follows his amazing journey: from conducting mass in a church in Poland to life as an observant Jew in a religious kibbutz in Israel. Cost of event: $6 JCC members; $9 community. Co-sponsored by the Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding.

SUNDAY, MARCH 24 CBS Chai Life Baked Goods Pickup

10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom. Kosher for Passover gourmet baked goods ordered and paid for in advance may be picked up. Call the synagogue office at 610-866-8009 for more information or to place an order by March 8.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26 Jewish Community Passover Seder

6 p.m., JCC of Allentown. $30 per adult /$15 per child/ children under 5 free. This lively and interactive seder for the whole community (and your whole family!) will be co-led by Cantor Ellen Sussman of Temple Shirat Shalom and Rabbi Seth Phillips of Congregation Keneseth Israel.

LVKC-approved kosher meal. Reservation deadline: March 15. To reserve space, call 610-435-3571. Special financial arrangements can be made by contacting JCC Director Carol Kranitz. More information about Passover seders in the Lehigh Valley can be found on Page 2 of the Passover section or online at www. jewishlehighvalley.org.

Celebrate the beauty of Shabbat Shabbat & Yom Tov Candlelighting Times Friday, March 1

5:35 pm

Friday, March 22

6:58 pm

Friday, March 8

5:43 pm

Friday, March 29

7:05 pm

Friday, March 15

6:50 pm

Friday, April 5

7:12 pm

Community Calendar Ongoing Events MONDAYS INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace The purpose of the course is to provide a forum to acquire a more complete understanding of the history, practices and ideas of the Jewish people. Cost: $120. Checks made payable to: TCP. Fee includes text and materials. (There is no additional fee for spouses, fiancées, partners or other family members.) Contact the temple office at tcp@rcn.com.

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. Meet for lively and enjoyable programs and a delicious lunch.

Annual dues - $25; paid up members are treated to four major programs with a catered luncheon. Regular weekly meetings and lunch - $6. First visit - NO CHARGE. BEGINNERS MISHNAH FOR ADULTS 12 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom The Mishnah is a collection of ancient discussions on all major topics of Jewish life from the period of 0 - 200 C.E. Beginning Jan. 14, the beginners Mishnah for adults continues at Brith Sholom.

Class meets Mondays at noon in the Brith Sholom Goodman Library. It is open to everyone who wishes to engage in serious study of Torah. There is no fee, but book purchase is required. Please call the synagogue office 610-866-8009 to register.

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 course 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 PROJECT YACHAD’S TORAH STUDY GROUP 12:15 to 1:15 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 Project Yachad’s Torah study group and discover the wonders, adventures and meaning of the Torah. Each FREE session is taught by one of our dedicated clergy members or a respected Jewish educator. Held in the Teachers’ Learning Center/Holocaust Resource Room (lower level, JCC). Call 610-435-3571 for information about individual sessions.

JFS-LV’S YIDDISH CLUB 1:30 p.m., Jewish Family Service Kibbitz in the mama loshen! You don’t need to be fluent — just come and enjoy! Call 610-821-8722 for more information.

THE DAVEN-CI CODE: UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF JEWISH PRAYER 8 p.m., Congregation Beth Avraham Weekly discussion group focusing on the structure, nuance and poetry of Jewish prayer. (Hebrew competence is not required.) Free and open to all.

LATTE & LEARN 8 to 9 p.m., Starbucks, Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem Come help us figure out the weekly Torah portion! Laid back, lots of fun, no Hebrew required. This event is sponsored

by Congregation Beth Avraham. This event is free and open to the public.

For information, contact R’ Yehoshua Mizrachi at 207-404-0474.

WEDNESDAYS

FRIDAYS

FROM JESUS TO CONSTANTINE 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom Rabbi Jonathan Gerard leads a weekly adult learning class centered around the timelline from Jesus to Constantine.

Because it is possible to enter the text at any place, new participants are welcome at any time.

CURRENT EVENTS DISCUSSION GROUP 10 a.m., JCC of Allentown Everyone is welcome. Exercise your mind.

BETH AVRAHAM TORAH STUDY 7 p.m., Congregation Beth Avraham Torah: It is the common heritage that binds all Jews together. It belongs to you! We will explore the ancient healing wisdom of Torah together. All are welcome. Who knows? It might even be fun! RSVP to Rabbi Yehoshua Mizrachi at 207-404-0474 or congregationbethavraham@gmail.com.

THE BOOK OF EZRA WITH JUDY SLYPER 7 p.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Come to Sons of Israel for a discussionoriented class on the Book of Ezra with accomplished teacher Mrs. Judy Slyper.

This class is free, on-going and open to the public.

TORAH STUDIES: A WEEKLY JOURNEY INTO THE SOUL OF TORAH 7:30 p.m., Chabad Torah Studies by JLI presents: Season Two: 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.

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.

THURSDAYS JEWISH CHANTING AND MEDITATION Every first and third Thursday of the month, 10 a.m., Temple Covenant of Peace Chanting is a traditional Jewish art form which is now being recognized outside the Hasidic tradition. It may be used as a vehicle for healing, prayer and emotional expression. Using music, breathing and simple, easily learned words and melodies, one can enter Jewish prayer on a whole new level. Bring your soul yearning for connection, your sense of adventure and any pillows, back-jacks or yoga mats that make you comfortable.

MOMMY & ME 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., Chabad Led by Morah Devorah Halperin and Mrs. 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.

PSALMS & SERENITY 10:30 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel Join Rabbi Seth and a friendly group of seekers who are exploring the Book of Psalms to discover its ancient wisdom and modern sensibilities. Newcomers always welcome. Knowledge of Hebrew not required. Come with an open heart!

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

SHABBAT INTRODUCTION TO TALMUD 8:15 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel On Shabbat mornings, come to an Introduction to Talmud class with Dr. Henry Grossbard. This class is free and open to the public.

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 to participate as we discuss Torah together. This is an ongoing class.

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

Bethlehem – 610.435.3775 Weekly Shabbat services and a monthly family service with potluck dinner. Religious school meets Sunday mornings. Email am.haskalah.office@gmail.com to be added to list for exact times and locations.

CONGREGATION BETH AVRAHAM

BNEI AKIVA 5:45 p.m., Congregation Sons of Israel On Shabbat afternoons, Bnei Akiva, 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.

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. We are in the process of moving so please contact Rabbi Yehoshua Mizrachi at 207-404-0474 for service location information.

SUNDAYS

CONGREGATION BRITH SHOLOM

JEWISH WAR VETERANS POST 239 Second Sunday of the month, 10 a.m., JCC of Allentown A brunch follows each meeting – bagels, cream cheese, lox, herring, pastry and coffee. The veteran and significant other are invited as the guest of the Ladies Auxiliary. Come and enjoy camaraderie and we will even listen to your “war story.” Questions? Call Commander Maur Levan at 610-437-4561.

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 for more information.

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 5,773 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 Yehoshua Mizrachi at 207-404-0474.

SUNDAY to FRIDAY DAF YOMI 7:30 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Are you intrigued by thought-provoking, stimulating and provocative religious discussion? Are you enamored by the depth and scope of the Jewish legal system? Are you curious about Judaism’s perspective on marriage, tort law, Jewish burial, holiday observance, prayer, blessings and, for that matter, nearly any Jewish topic? Then Sons of Israel’s daily “Daf Yomi” class is for you.

Meeting all year long, 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.

1190 W. Macada Rd., Bethlehem – 610.866.8009 Rabbi Allen Juda, Conservative MINYAN is at 7:45 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. on Saturdays and holidays. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes every Tuesday/Thursday at 4:15 p.m.

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 Wednesdays 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. For MINCHA, MAARIV.

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 school 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 Shabbat morning service on the 4th Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. A Family Shabbat Service is held on the second Friday night of each month. 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 family potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Friday of the month. For more information about our temple and activities, see our website at www. tcopeace.org or look us up on Facebook.

TEMPLE SHIRAT SHALOM

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 | MARCH 2013 31

weis wishes you a Happy Passover David Elliot Fresh Kosher Chicken

Chicken Breast Fillets p

4

Cut Up Chicken Fryers p

2

Whole Broiler Chickens

2

p

$ 99 $ 29 $ 29 Per pound

Per pound

Unger’s Frozen Gefilte Fish 22 ounce

4

Per pound

David Elliot Whole Frozen Turkeys

2

$ 99

$ 99

U p

p

Per pound

We have a selection of Kosher for Passover Shabtai Gourmet cakes and cookies Pas Yisroel Gold’s Horseradish U p 6 ounce

1 69

$ .

Weis Quality Sour Cream U p 32 ounce

U p

U p

U p

U p

Manischewitz Gefilte Fish Tabatchnick Soup

Manischewitz Macaroons Matzo Meal

$

$

2.99 4.99 10/ 10 2.99 2.99

$

ounce

14.5 or 15 ounce

$

10 ounce

Manischewitz - 16 ounce

$

Weis Proudly Accepts Prices Effective March 3 through April 6, 2013

We also carry many of your favorite Kosher for Passover deli, dairy, frozen and grocery products.

We reserve the right to limit quantities. Not responsible for typographical or pictorial errors.

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