Hakol - January 2024 by Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

The Voice of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community

www.jewishlehighvalley.org

| Issue No. 472 | January 2024 | Tevet / Shevat 5784 AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION EST. 1977

See our focus on Health and Wellness inside

The Lehigh Valley community celebrates Chanukah. Take a look at our coverage and photo collages.

Maimonides Brunch and Learn p5

p5 and p10-11

More p17-22

FROM THE DESK OF JERI ZIMMERMAN p3 WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY p4 LVJF TRIBUTES p9 JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER p14-15 JEWISH DAY SCHOOL p16 JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE p17 COMMUNITY CALENDAR p23

Community loses one of its pillars, Bobby Hammel

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

The Lehigh Valley Jewish community suffered a heartrending loss when Bobby Hammel died at age 71 on December 13 after a sevenyear battle with brain cancer. For a hint of what he meant to the community, look no further than the name of the Allentown JCC property: the Hammel Campus. This past June the JCC rededicated its city block at the corner of 22nd and Tilghman Streets in honor of Bobby and his wife, Bonnie. Back in 2019, when the JCC went into default on the loan on its property, the Hammels donated $1 million and provided a $900,000 interest-free loan to pay off the bank. A year later, Bobby

forgave the loan. “Simply put,” said JCC Executive Director Eric Lightman, “without Bobby, there would not be a JCC today. If you benefit from the JCC’s programs and services, if you have friends that you’ve met at the JCC, if your children have developed their Jewish identity here, you have Bobby to thank.” Hammel was well known for his giving nature. That and his positive attitude, especially in the face of problems and other obstacles. “He always conducted himself with tremendous optimism, and there’s obviously the incredible generosity,” said Robby Wax, president of the board of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. “You put those two together and that’s what really de-

fined Bobby: generosity and optimism.” Wendy and Ross Born, pillars of this community as the Hammels have been, told Hakol, “Bobby’s big smile and optimistic attitude that almost everything in life is terrific inspired us. He loved engaging in philanthropy and volunteerism without the need for recognition. Bobby was a mensch gadol—a great mensch.” Hammel was just as generous with his time as he was with his upbeat outlook and his donations. At a time when no one else wanted to take the position of the JCC board president, he served for three terms. He also was president and an honorary vice president of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and was active in Jewish Family Ser-

vice and the Jewish Day School. “Bobby was known for his extraordinary generosity, compassion and his kindness was only exceeded by his humility” said Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of Federation. He attended Temple Beth El, served as president there, and led the fundraising effort to construct its current building. Meanwhile, he was a member of Congregation Keneseth Israel and Congregation Bobby Hammel z”l. Sons of Israel. All of this is on top of the family business, J.C. of his enormous success in Ehrlich Pest Control. the business world. Born in In 1969 he headed off to Pottsville, Hammel and his college at Penn State with brothers started working Bobby Hammel z”l early on at the Reading shop Continues on page 5

audience in the JCC Kline Auditorium on December 17. That preparation, he said, was thanks to the ongoing efforts of nonprofit organizations that raise funds regularly for it—both before and after tragedy strikes. That includes the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, which has donated specially equipped motorcycle ambulances known as ambucycles to United Hatzalah and sponsored Beer’s live appearance via Zoom. U.S. Rep. Susan Wild was in the audience to hear Beer. “I am here today because I think that its important for

every elected official and, frankly, every member of the public to be present every time the stories of October 7 are told,” she said. “If we don’t all bear witness to October 7, everyone is going to forget what started this war and why this war started and the horrors of October 7. People already don’t remember what happened.” This day’s stories of October 7 began with the United Hatzalah command center in Jerusalem waking Beer up at 6:45 a.m. The center was getting call after call reporting direct missile hits. “Then we were taking phone calls from mothers and fathers begging us to come save their children because terrorists were knocking down their doors,” he said. “We’d actually hear the guns shooting.” Many first-response volunteers were off work that day for the holiday of Simchat Torah. The command center scrambled to get people in. It was chaos. Orders to responders were simple and direct, Beer said: “Just grab and ambulance

and go down south.” The magnitude of the attack was much bigger than anyone thought at the time. “We’re talking 2,900 terrorists,” he said. Two United Hatzalah responders were ambushed and killed as they helped treat wounded Israelis. Led by volunteers or not, widespread, massive responses like this cost a lot of money. “This is a situation that affects us all,” said Israel Zighelboim, cochair along with his wife, Valeska, of the Federation’s Israel Emergency Fund, which counts United Hatzalah among its beneficiaries. “If this doesn’t shed light on that, nothing will.” He pointed out that most of the people in the audience understood the devastation that happened and the needs it created among the Israeli population. The attendees were already donating to the emergency fund. But there were still things they could do to extend their efforts to help with the relocation of Israelis in areas attacked,

Israeli EMS chief tells 10/7 stories, urges extra support By Carl Zebrowski Editor

October 7 was a devastating day in Israel. But there was hope. Emergency medical services, tested beyond their limit, answered hundreds and hundreds of urgent calls for help. The first responders of United Hatzalah, volunteers who even pay to gas up their own emergency vehicles, rushed everywhere, rescuing and evacuating Hamas’s victims. “The reason we were successful was because we were prepared,” Eli Beer, founder of United Hatzalah, told an

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food and clothing, rebuilding of homes and infrastructure, and medical and mental health needs. “Talk to five of your friends who you know care,” Zighelboim said. “Please encourage them to really give generously and talk to others as well. Our financial support is more important than ever.” Beer told the audience that the first volunteer ambushed by Hamas was an Arab. He was a paramedic on standby to provide medical care as needed at the music festival Hamas raided along the border. He ran over to an injured girl to stop her bleeding. He told her Eli Beer continues on page 7

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Together, we will be OK

Since October 7, 2023, I one another. We are intercon- relationships that we nurhave read a number of blogs nected and must be invested ture and the efforts that we from Israel addressing the in the mental wellness and make to work through the basic conversational question overall well-being of everyproblems we encounter along How are you? What was once one. When we are willing, in- the way. A community must a simple greeting has become formed, and prepared to help provide for its members’ complex, leading to a new one another, we all benefit. spiritual and physical needs. response: We’re not OK. The connection between Social support, or close I cannot remember a time physical health and spiritual- relationships with family and when our concerns for the ity is rooted within Judaism. friends, has been linked to well-being of ourselves and Judaism emphasizes a holisimproving the health of the one another has been more tic perspective on wellness, mind, body, and soul. Good intertwined with concerns viewing the mind, body, and social support has been asabout the wellness of our soul as intertwined with one sociated with greater qualfamily and friends in Israel. another. ity of life, increased overall I also know that collectively I would add that the well-being, improved coping we have all been paying health and well-being of the skills, and engagement in special attention to the mood community contribute to the health-promotion behaviors and tone being reported from wellness of the mind, body, and better health outcomes in Join us for an exciting series of online movie events that bring together Israel, while maintaining a and soul of the P2G individual. general. Social support is not people for live and thought-provoking discussions, based on prize-winning vigilant stand to combat antiWhile every community something that a person can short Israeli with Beit HaAm and the World Zionist that semitism locally. Thefilms. situa-In cooperation needs to define its own no-Filmsdo alone; it is something Organization Department of Irgoon and Israelis Abroad. tion can’t help but color our tion of a healthy commucan be achieved only when own feelings of urgency and nity, one definition has been multiple people work to pm Minneapolis CST make us question how we are offered by the Centers for bring12:00 a community together. 1:00 pm Lehigh Valley doing. Disease Control. The definiLet’s get back to the EST 8:00 pm Israel IST This edition of Hakol fotion states, “A community question How are you? For cuses on health and wellness, that In is her continuously creating now, we can metaphorically big Moroccan family Zohara is the daughter everyone and as our secular New Year and improving thosewhile physieach other’s hand,tobeget takes for granted Oshrit ishold the beauty who is about approaches, many people cal and socialOn environments there for oneceremony another, and married. the day of the traditional henna preceding the wedding, steals Oshrit's blessing. The may take time to reflect and expanding those com-Zoharaprovide communal support mystical power of this blessing transforms Zohara, bringing her inward, reevaluate how they munity resources that enable as, together, we go through love and changing the dynamics of her relationship with her are, and recommit to improv- people to mutually support not being OK. There will be sister. ing their health and welleach other in performing all opportunities to get together being in 2024. the functions of life and in and provide support for one 12:00 pm Minneapolis CST The Talmud teaches that developing to their maxianother. 1:00 pm Lehigh Valley EST members of the Jewish commum potential.” Healthy Community engagement 8:00 pm Israel IST munity are responsible for communities are built on the and individual health share

Sunday, January 21

Sunday, February 18

Ran returns to the kibbutz to visit his father, who has suffered a sudden heart attack. There's been no contact between the two since Ran returned to his religious roots. Driving a rickety Hassidic van, which breaks the way, series Ran is anxious Join down us foralong an exciting of about the impending encounter with his father and theand options online P2G movie viewings for reconciliation.

discussions afterwards!

All showings occur at 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 17

BLESSED Sunday, January 21

REGISTRATION 12:00 pm Minneapolis CST 1:00 pm Lehigh Valley EST REQUIRED 8:00 pm Israel IST

Scan the QR code or visit the link below to register!

The New Jew is a four-episode TV documentary series showcasing TATEH the cultural and political influence of the Jewish community in theSunday, United States, the variety of alternative models it offers for living a rich Jewish life and the rifts in February 18 THE NEW JEWrelations between them and the State of Israel–presented by Guri Alfi, one of Israel's most popular comedians.

Sunday, March 17

us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAkdOigqD8iEtTHKVUSVPTS1_ku9l_bYUuo#/registration

The Lehigh Valley-Yoav Partnership Park in Blessed Memory of Mark L. Goldstein We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship by requesting that trees be planted in the Mark L. Goldstein Friendship Park, a Yoav-Lehigh Valley Partnership Forest.

IN MEMORY FRANCIS DUMAINE (Mother of Lisa Dumaine) Beth and Scott Delin BOBBY HAMMEL (Husband of Bonnie Hammel) Judy Alperin Diamondstein

There will be multiple events through our synagogues and community agencies to focus on the health and well-being of our Jewish community and to appreciate the benefits of the social support that comes from a strengthened community. Our annual Super Sunday phone-a-thon on January 28, 2024, is one such opportunity to donate financially and will include an afternoon of mitzvah activities to benefit those around us. In 2024, I welcome you to consider contributing to the health and well-being of our community in ways that matter to you and to know that the community is here for you too. Here for Good! HAKOL STAFF CARL ZEBROWSKI Editor CHARLENE RIEGGER Director of Marketing

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

COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS Submissions to HAKOL must be of interest to the entire Jewish community. HAKOL reserves all editorial rights including, but not limited to, the decision to print any submitted materials, the editing of submissions to conform to style and length requirements, and the placement of any printed material. Quotes may be edited for grammar and clarity. Articles should be submitted by e-mail or presented as typed copy; “Community Calendar” listings must be submitted by e-mail to hakol@jflv.org or online at www.jewishlehighvalley.org. Please include your name and a daytime telephone number where you can be contacted in the event questions arise. We cannot guarantee publication or placement of submissions. MAIL, FAX, OR E-MAIL TO: JFLV ATTN: HAKOL 702 N. 22nd St. Allentown, PA 18104

WILLIAM THOMPSON Digital Marketing and Graphic Design Associate DIANE McKEE Account Representative hakolads@jflv.org

JFLV EXECUTIVE STAFF JERI ZIMMERMAN Executive Director AARON GORODZINSKY Director of Campaign & Security Planning DENISE AHNER Director of Finance & Administration JULIA UMANSKY Director of Gift Planning & EITC LEE SOLOMON Director of Community Engagement ROBBY WAX JFLV President WENDY EDWARDS Office Manager GINGER HORSFORD Donor Services Associate

Phone: (610) 821-5500 Fax: (610) 821-8946 E-mail: hakol@jflv.org

ISRAEL CENTER

IN HONOR EDUARDO EICHENWALD Thank You Beth Kozinn EZRA PILDIS Happy Hanukkah Bob Lembach SOPHIA PILDIS Happy Hanukkah Bob Lembach

a reciprocal relationship. Attending yoga classes at the JCC and swimming in the pool every morning are ways to focus on individual mind and body health, whereas involvement in Jewish organizations, attending community events, and participating in Jewish life focus on spiritual health. Likewise, investing oneself in the community, by donating financially or giving your time and energy, addresses the health of the community, building and creating a vibrant Jewish community that, in turn, contributes to the health and well-being of the members who take advantage of the tremendous resources offered. Both volunteering and donating financially have been associated with decreased risk of symptoms of depression as well as daily stress.

Jill and Jeff Blinder Eileen and Roberto Fischmann Abby and Mark Trachtman EVA LEVITT (Wife of Larry Levitt) Bob Lembach MICHAEL (MIKE) NOTIS (Husband of Cooky Notis) Bob Lembach BERNIE AND EILEEN SUSSMAN (Brother and sister-in-law of David Sussman) Arlene and Richard Stein

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

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

JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY MISSION STATEMENT

In order to unite, sustain, and enhance the Lehigh Valley Jewish community, and support Jewish communities in Israel and around the world, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is dedicated to the following core values: • Supporting Jews in need wherever they may be. • Supporting Israel as a Jewish homeland. • Supporting and encouraging Jewish education in the Lehigh Valley as a means of strengthening Jewish life for individuals and families. • Supporting programs and services of organizations whose values and mission meet local Jewish needs. To accomplish this mission the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is committed to the following operating guidelines: • Raising and distributing funds to support the core values. • Developing Jewish leaders. • Building endowments to support implementation of core values. • Committing to ongoing Jewish community strategic planning. • Fostering cooperation among organizations and community building. • Evaluating all decisions with respect to fiscal responsibility. • Identifying unmet needs and investing in community initiatives to help get them started. • Coordinating and convening a community response as an issue or need arises. • Setting priorities for allocation and distribution of funds. • Acting as a central address for communication about events, programs and services of the Jewish community as a whole. Approved by the JFLV Board of Directors on November 15, 2000

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JANUARY 2024 3

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

Candle-lighting, crafts, toy drive highlight Chanukah party By Charlene Riegger Director of Marketing

A Women’s Philanthropy gathering on December 5 started the Chanukah season with a dazzling display of wares for sale and a toy drive to benefit the children in St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital. The Chanukah party hosted by the Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy and

chaired by Tracy Sussman, Kimberly Valuntas, and Crissy Toff began with a symbolic lighting of the chanukkiah with representatives from throughout the Lehigh Valley community lighting each candle. Jeri Zimmerman lit a candle as a representative (and the executive director) of the Federation; Joanna Powers and Crissy Toff represented

the Jewish Day School, Tracy Sussman the JCC; Kimberly Valuntas Jewish Family Service; Marilyn Claire, Aviva Marlin, Devorah Halperin, Lynda Pollack, Aliette Abo, and Eitan Gitlin the synagogues, Chabad of the Lehigh Valley, and the Muhlenberg College Hillel; Miriam Zager Israel and overseas. Past Women’s Philanthropy presidents Beth Kushnick, Eileen

Ufberg, Vicki Wax, Sylvia Bub, Beth Kozinn, and Carol Bub Fromer lit the next-to-last candle, and Laurie Wax, current Women’s Philanthropy president, lit the last. The women schmoozed and ate sufganiyot and latkes while admiring the works of local vendors. Candles, commissioned artwork, jewelry, books, home décor, and more were on display for purchase.

All the vendors donated a portion or all of their proceeds from the event to the Federation’s Israel Emergency Campaign. While the toy drive table was piled high with donated toys, the women ate, shopped and decorated hamsa keychains until the end of the evening.

Dignity Grows Packing Party Sponsored by the Maimonides Society of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

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

Tuesday, March 12, 2024 6:30 PM at the JCC Join our Women’s Philanthropy Packing Party to assemble hygiene tote bags for neighbors in need.

If you cannot attend, you can still sponsor a bag! To register or sponsor, scan the QR code, or visit jewishlehighvalley.org/calendar or call 610.821.5500. 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 JANUARY 2024 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Bobby Hammel z”l Continued from page 1 more questions than answers. “The only thing I knew for sure at that time in my life was that I did not want to go into the pest management industry,” he told a writer for the trade organization Pest Control Technology. He took one class in entomology—the study of insects—along the way to a degree in political science. He hated the class. But when his cousin reached out to persuade him to join Ehrlich, he decided to give it a shot. It turned out that he loved it, all of it: the people, the technology, and even the bugs.

In 1974 Hammel moved to Allentown, a single guy who worked his first few months in town without a day off, weekends included. He’d go to a diner every morning for breakfast and met a girl who was earning money as a waitress while she studied for a teaching degree. “When are you going to buy me breakfast,” he eventually asked her. “When you buy me dinner?” she responded. He did that, and Bonnie Stitts eventually became his wife. They had four sons together—Simon, Aaron,

Bobby z”l and Bonnie Hammel.

Benjamin, and Nathan—who in turn gave their parents five grandkids. With hard work and a focus on quality assurance and customer satisfaction at Ehrlich, Bobby went to become a

co-owner. By the time the company was sold in 2006, it was the largest family-owned pest control business in North America. His legacy in his industry continues to this day, as it

does in the Valley’s Jewish community. “We do what we can to help support this community and to make sure the same community that we moved into decades ago will still be thriving years later,” Hammel told Hakol in 2020. “That’s the whole idea, that old adage of someone planted a tree for me, so we’re planting a tree again. I do believe in God, and I am grateful for the life we’ve been given. We are fulfilling our obligation to give as a means of trying to pay back everything we have received. And it’s a real pleasure.”

Just who is that practitioner you see at the doctor’s office? By Carl Zebrowski Editor

It wasn’t all that long ago that patients made an appointment at a doctor’s office and showed up on the scheduled day and saw a doctor. That’s not exactly how it always works anymore. Now, when you make an appointment, odds are good that you’ll be examined and treated by an “advanced practitioner,” a medical professional that you may know specifically as a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. One in four healthcare visits in the United States are handled by advanced practitioners. At the December 3 Brunch and Learn hosted by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Maimonides Society of healthcare professionals, Margo Lightman, a nurse practitioner with St. Luke’s Neurosurgical Associates in Bethlehem, and Andrea Reich, a physician assistant

with Advanced Dermatology Associates in Bethlehem and Allentown, talked about the training and professional roles of advanced practitioners. They discussed the history that led to their current prominence, the surveys that show high levels of patient satisfaction, and where the profession is headed in the future. So, just who are these medical practitioners who have become so important to the healthcare field? Though they don’t have medical degrees as physicians do, they are well-educated, with master’s degrees required. They are trained diligently in medical evaluation and treatment, and they’re highly experienced with patients, hands-on, before they’re licensed to practice. There are some differences in training and in practice between PAs and NPs, as they’re often called for short, but they’re minor. “For everyday practice, especially in Pennsylvania,” said Reich, “we’re

essentially the same.” NPs usually start out as registered nurses and then get their master’s degree to become nurse practitioners. PAs, meanwhile, can go straight from a bachelor’s degree into a master’s program. But both need to log a qualifying number of hours working with patients in some capacity before their graduate schooling. In Pennsylvania, PAs and NPs need to practice under the supervision of a physician, and both can prescribe medication and tests. They need to earn continuing medical education credits on a regular basis and recertify every few yours to continue practicing. Advanced practitioners trace back to the 1960s, when the federal government instituted Medicare and Medicaid, providing hundreds of thousands of patients with the sudden opportunity for healthcare. The pool of physicians was not enough for all that, especially in general

ISRAEL NEEDS YOU: OPERATION SWORDS OF IRON

medicine, as more and more doctors started going into specialties. “Most physicians are pursuing specialties because they’re more lucrative and better quality of life,” said Lightman. The shortage of doctors has remained a national problem. In fact, it has Left to right: Zach Goldsmith, Margot only gotten worse. “We Lightman, Andrea Reich, and Aaron have fewer physicians per capita than any other Gorodzinsky. a bit more time slotted with industrialized nation,” said patients than the physicians I Reich. “That’s why we are work with, so I like to spend needed.” more time and really work on The reasons for the shift to education, preventative care, advanced practitioners being things like that.” what they are, positives have Success like that, coupled come of it, besides just that with the ongoing physician these professionals are filling shortage, all but guarantees a unfilled essential roles. Surgrowing presence of advanced veys have shown, for example, practitioners. Demand for that patients prefer advanced physician assistants alone has practitioners in certain situaalready gone up 300%. Projections. tions for increased numbers of “Generally the population prefers advanced practitioners all advanced practitioners hit the 30-40% range. for education and routine topics,” said Reich. “I have

WE’RE ALMOST THERE!

In partnership with:

To address critical needs in Israel in support of Operation Swords of Iron, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley launched an emergency campaign, co-chaired by Israel and Valeska Zighelboim.

SCAN QR CODE OR VISIT THE LINK BELOW TO DONATE NOW! 100% of your donation will go directly to the relief efforts.

https://www.jewishlehighvalley.org/swords-of-iron HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JANUARY 2024 5

Empathy, anger grip JFS staffers at session to admonish UN By Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper and Chelsea Karp Jewish Family Service

We were among the 700 people at the December 4 special session of the United Nations organized by the National Council of Jewish Women to call out the UN and women’s organizations for not speaking out against the horrific crimes Hamas perpetrated against women on October 7. “I felt it so essential to bear witness to these crimes and to hear firsthand what people went through,” said U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, who invited us to the session. “I was fortunate to have a connection with Sheryl Sandberg (the event’s keynote speaker) that allowed me to extend an invitation to limited members of our Lehigh Valley community.” We walked to the United Nations in much the same way Jews have made pilgrimage to Jerusalem for many

centuries, as part of a community. The crowd began to gather with people hugging, kissing, and smiling with familiarity. The air was filled with a sense of purpose and obligation as people collected their entry badges. The two-hour session began with speeches from politicians, including Gilad Erdan, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who criticized the inaction and silence of agencies around the world. The crowd jumped to their feet, with a collective feeling of frustration and outrage. First responders from the October 7 massacre spoke, each sharing accounts of what they witnessed and giving voice to the women who could not speak for themselves. By witnessing the trauma of women who were sexually assaulted and brutally murdered as a weapon

of war, they too became victims. The lack of worldwide acknowledgment and support feels like another assault on the victims. Simcha Greinnman, a volunteer for ZAKA, an Israeli nongovernmental rescue and recovery organization, spoke about the bodies he and his unit found. Barely able to utter the words of what he saw, he talked about the women with profound sadness. His trauma and the The Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations holds a special session victims’ trauma washed over on sexual violence committed by Hamas during the terror attacks on October 7. (Jewish Telegraphic Agency) us with shocking force. a lot of the grueling details. tions of unspeakable torture Shari Mendes, a member When asked whether was the hardest thing I have of an Israeli military reserve attending the UN special sesever done. Those images are unit tasked with identifying sion felt different than viewseared in my brain forever.” the bodies of fallen female ing the October 7 video from As we stood at the conclusoldiers and preparing them the Israeli Embassy shown sion of the conference, the for burial, performed taharas to Congress, Wild replied, natural response was once (purifying rituals) to the best “To hear the descriptions of again to hug. Not out of of her ability under the most brave first responders and greeting, as we had done two unimaginable situation. It hours earlier in front of the was another painful reminder IDF (Israel Defense Forces) soldiers, to see them struggle flags of the world, but out of that as much as we thought to get through their remarks compassion for what we had we knew from the news, we just witnessed. really had been shielded from without breaking down, and then to hear descrip-

Special Purpose Entity reaches fundraising goal

By Julia Umansky Director of Gift Planning and EITC

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley has been able to accommodate individual participation in the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program (EITC) since 2019 through the establishment of a Special Purpose Entity (SPE) called the Lehigh Valley Jewish Scholarship LLC. The sole purpose for the SPE is to serve as the business that enables qualified individuals to receive state tax credits for their Pennsylvania taxes as well as federal charitable deductions. During its first two years, 26 individual donors con-

tributed $169,200 toward education at the Jewish Day School (JDS) and the Jewish Community Center (JCC). In return for their generosity, each donor received a 90% tax credit against their state income tax. In 2021, the Federation applied for continued participation in the program for the next two years. In 2021 and 2022, over 30 donors came together and contributed a total of $177,140 each year, bringing the total amount that the SPE has contributed to the program to over $650,000. The Federation was excited to see a change in state EITC funding guidelines in 2023 as we filed a new two-year application. The state ap-

proved an increase in funding raised by the SPE to $220,000 total for the pre-K and K-12 programs. This year saw an immense response from contributors in our community who were eager to participate and help us reach our goal while also receiving the benefit of the offered tax credit. In no time at all, our community donors came together and, for the first time, reached our full allotment of $220,000 to be distributed to the Jewish Day School and JCC. Thank you to our local community members who have participated in the SPE this year and made this process as seamless as possible. Not only did we reach our fund-

raising goal, but we reached it in record time, ahead of our set deadline. The EITC program is truly one that benefits all who participate: businesses and individual SPE donors, and the local schools and students who receive the benefit. The Federation is proud to support the improvement of pre-K and K-12 programs,

and our two local schools. We are happy to see that interest in participating in the SPE is growing. If you have ever considered participating in the EITC program as a business or in the Federation’s SPE as an individual, or you simply want to learn more, please reach out to Julia Umansky at julia@jflv.org or 610-821-5500.

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Eli Beer

Continued from page 1 not to worry. “I’m not leaving

you alone,” Beer said he told the girl. Terrorists found him a few minutes later and brutally killed him. The second volunteer killed had Israeli Defense Forces combat training. He was armed when he arrived on the scene and saw attackers. He started shooting. “He killed many of the terrorists who were coming toward him,” Beer said, “but unfortunately he was killed.” Beer then recounted the widespread story of the twin babies found alone but alive inside a home. “We were trying to figure out what to do with them,” he said. “They were cry-

ing the whole day.” The backstory became clear in time. “The terrorists killed the parents and left the babies alive,” Beer said. “They weren’t helping them. They kept them as live bait. The terrorists were waiting outside, and they killed 15 people trying to get to the babies.” But the babies did survive. “That was one of the miracles of that day.” By the end of it all, United Hatzalah had treated over 2,000 people. That was in addition to the usual calls, heart attacks and strokes and other everyday emergencies that don’t just go away. “If someone is choking,” Beer said, “we can’t say, ‘Sorry, we have a war, so we can’t help you.” Beer ended his talk by emphasizing that Israel and Jewish

people around the world need to stay strong together. “We can’t save lives if we’re not united,” he said. “Look at you, getting together today on a Sunday morning to support Israel.” This sort of thing needs to continue, including the fundraising that makes it possible for organizations like United Hatzalah to provide its services and that aids Israelis affected by the war in making it through their current difficul-

SECURITY SQUARE WITH TIM BROOKS

Hoax bomb threats continue to be emailed to entities within the Jewish community around the country. On December 8 numerous bomb threats were made in New York City. On December 11 numerous bomb threats were made in Oregon. Don’t become complacent. We need to follow established protocols until an incident is proven a hoax or non-credible. I have many resources that can assist your organization. You can contact me at 872-400-0239 or tbrooks@securecommunitynetwork.org.

ties and getting back on their feet when the time comes. Learn more about the Federation’s Israel Emergency Fund and make a donation at www.jewishlehighvalley. org/swords-of-iron. One hundred percent of donations goes directly to Israel.

MY LIFE, MY LEGACY

Carol and Bob Wilson When Carol and Bob Wilson came to the Lehigh Valley, they didn’t have to travel too far. Carol, from Pittsburgh, and Bob, from Philadelphia, arrived in the ’90s. Work may have brought them here, but the lives they have created and the community they are a part of, has kept them here. While Carol was raised within the Reformed Jewish community and Bob was raised in the Conservative Jewish community, they both are third-generation Americans who learned their

important Jewish values from their families and the communities they were raised in. Carol recounts attending Sunday school and getting confirmed in her youth, though she did not have her bat mitzvah until later in life. Her father always modeled the need to care for the community and support those in need, while her mother modeled the importance of community engagement, as a president of the Organization for Rehabilitation through Training (ORT), a member of

the women’s Zionist organization Hadassah, and a volunteer with her local Jewish Federation. Bob was raised in a more traditional Conservative Jewish home and had his bar mitzvah in his youth. Carol had been involved with the Jewish Federation in Pittsburgh, and she and Bob knew they wanted to continue their Jewish engagement in their new home of the Lehigh Valley. Carol’s community involvement and leadership earned her the George Feldman Achieve-

ment award in 2006. When discussing what led her and Bob to make a legacy gift to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, Carol explained how the act of giving was modeled by the generation before them and was a tradition they were familiar with in the Jewish community. “It was important for us to encourage others to see how they could make a difference,” Carol said. “This community has been so welcoming, the people have been so welcoming, and we

wanted to give back.” Carol and Bob’s friendships spread across different generations, and they hope their actions will set an example for the next generation of community stewards. “With the rise in antisemitism and the rise of hate,” Carol explained, “legacy giving is more important than ever.” Carol and Bob are thankful for the opportunity to share their support for the Jewish community, and they encourage others to do the same.

Thank you to all who participated in

NATIONAL MOBILIZATION WEEK The week is over, YOUR TASK IS NOT COMPLETE!

Keep making calls to ensure that our voices are heard. Reach out to elected officials and express your support for our ally Israel in the face of Hamas terrorism. Scan the QR Code or visit the link below to find their contact information.

www.callforisrael.org/JFLV?fbclid=IwAR08lcSafsmwoYlIv8hm_SLbwp3Z_l1tj1eEayIYuRh4iIJna6v9WGGNinE HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JANUARY 2024 7

Yoav fills 460 care packages for IDF families Over the weekend of December 9-10, members of the Partnership2Gether committee of the Lehigh Valley’s sister region, Yoav, organized, assembled, and delivered 460 care packages for families of reserve duty members of the Israeli Defense Forces. The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley helped fund the packages, and the deliveries included letters from the Valley community.

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Open & ready in Bethlehem! 24/7/365

IN HONOR SAM BUB In celebration of reading the Haftorah of your Bar Mitzvah year Beth and Wes Kozinn SARA AND KARL GLASSMAN In celebration of your son Josh’s marriage Beth and Wes Kozinn LEONARD GURVITZ In celebration of your 100th Birthday Anita Hirsch BETH AND WES KOZINN In celebration of your grandson Dean’s Bar Mitzvah Sylvia and Sam Bub and Family Elaine and Leon Papir JULIE AND BEN KOZINN In celebration of Dean’s Bar Mitzvah Beth and Wes Kozinn ALICE AND MARK NOTIS In honor of the birth of your grandson Micah Eileen Ufberg Vicki Wax JUDY AND KARL OLESH In celebration of your grand-

son’s Bar Mitzvah Vicki Wax LISA SCHELLER In celebration of your daughter Zary’s upcoming marriage to Aaron McCausland Suzanne Lapiduss EILEEN UFBERG In celebration of being honored by the JDS Beth and Wes Kozinn IN MEMORY ELEANOR WIENER FLETCHER (Mother of Rabbi Alan Wiener and Steve Wiener) Laura and Bob Black Lynne and Mark Shampain BOBBY HAMMEL (Husband of Bonnie Hammel, brother of Victor Hammel) Sheila Berg Joan Epstein Carol and Gary Fromer Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie Schechner Impact Israel Team Dee and Arny Kaplan Iris Klein Beth and Wes Kozinn Roberta and Robert Kritzer Mike Miller

Charlene Riegger Susan and David Shaffer Lynne and Mark Shampain The Tamarkin Family Pam Lott and Ron Ticho Eileen Ufberg Laurie, Robby, Ben and Danny Wax Valeska and Israel Zighelboim GERALD KAPLAN (Brother of Arthur Kaplan) Elaine and Leon Papir JASON LALAK (Husband of Beth Block Lalak) Tracey Billig Suzanne Lapiduss JOAN LICHTENSTEIN (Mother of Gary Lichtenstein and David Lichtenstein) Sheila Berg JACK SECOULER In observance of his Yahrzeit Lorraine Secouler SYLVIA SUSSMAN (Sister of Edith Miller) Laura and Bob Black Sylvia and Sam Bub and Family

We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship through recent gifts to the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation. The minimum contribution for an Endowment Card is $10. Call 610-821-5500 or visit jewishlehighvalley.org to place your card requests. Thank you for your support.

SAVE THE DATE! Sunday February 25th 4:00 PM Congregation Sons of Israel Community Concert

IN HONOR RICHARD BASS In celebration of your Birthday Cheryl George JOSEPH BRILL Happy Hanukkah Beth and Wes Kozinn IRIS EPSTEIN In celebration of your Birthday Roberta and Jeff Epstein ERICA HYMAN In celebration of your Special Birthday Alli Lipson and Debi Wiener BETH AND WES KOZINN In celebration of your grandson Dean’s Bar Mitzvah Joan and Richard Bass Nancy Koch NANCY AND ABE ROSS In celebration of your granddaughter’s Bat Mitzvah Roberta and Jeff Epstein

, II

BARBARA VENGROVE In celebration of your Special Birthday Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz IN MEMORY SAM EBERSMAN (Son of Michelle and David Ebersman) Sandra and Harold Goldfarb BOBBY HAMMEL (Husband of Bonnie Hammel) Marilyn Claire ASHIRA RABINOWITZ (Granddaughter of Ruth Derby) Marilyn Claire Roberta and Robert Kritzer Diane and Gary Miller

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION �\� \ ��- SC HOLARSHIPSAVAILABLE Scholarships will be awarded to individuals for Jewish teen education experiences that will enrich the recipients, enhance the community, and increase the likelihood of future engagement with Jewish life. Scholarships are provided by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley's annual campaign, on a non-needs basis.

Teens may request scholarships for: Conventions I Jewish youth group summer programs I Jewish summer camps Certain trips to Israel I Leadership development programs

LIMITED FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE.

Scholarship forms are available at www.jewishlehighvalley.org/scholarships

DEADLINE: MARCH 24, 2023

Info: www.sonsofisrael.net | 610.433.6089

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JANUARY 2024 9

1st community Chanukah party draws 200+ to TBE By Cindy Schneider and Shari Spark Temple Beth El

More than 200 people filled Temple Beth El for the first Lehigh Valley Jewish community Chanukah party on Sunday, December 10. The holiday event was organized and run by a collaboration of teams from local synagogues and Jewish agencies: Congregation Am Haskalah, Congregation Brith Sholom, Congregation Keneseth Israel, Congregation Bnai Shalom, Temple Beth El, PJ Library, BBYO,

the JCC, the Jewish Day School, Jewish Family Service, and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. The crowd on this third day of Chanukah enjoyed an Israeli breakfast complete with shakshuka, Israeli salad, pita and hummus, and handmade latkes, all expertly prepared by chef Eric Rappaport and his KI Brotherhood team. No Chanukah celebration can be complete without jelly donuts—and not a single donut was left over! The party offered something for all ages:

• Dreidel Stadium with chocolate gelt for gambling • The Amazing Marookie (JDS President Marc Berson) presented his always-popu lar Chanukah magic • Fleece was cut and made into scarves for Jewish Family Service to distribute to those in need • At PJ Library’s Share the Light banner, party-goers personalized stick-on candles representing the light we can all make when we work together • Heartfelt wishes were written and drawn on cards to be sent to children in

Israel • The JCC Minute to Win It booth had different types of challenges to meet within a minute. • The JDS student council created logic games using Chanukah candles • Temple Beth El teens ran the Chanukah Jeopardy game • Youth from KI, JDS, JCC, and TBE created all kinds of trinkets, bracelets, and Israeli flags for the Tzedakah Shuk, a pop-up market benefiting Israel • BBYO’s Kiss-ing booth raised $39 selling chances

to guess the number of Hershey Kisses in the Chanukah jar • Sumer Noel from JDS engaged party-goers with live Chanukah singing and dancing The day was warm and alive with activity and togetherness. With participants and organizational partners from all over the Lehigh Valley, the day exemplified Chanukah spirit.

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Longtime Jewish educator teaching course on Gaza

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

Who better than Jeanette Eichenwald to educate Lehigh Valley community members on the ancient and complicated history leading up to the

current crisis in Israel? Eichenwald is a legend in the Valley for the Jewish education classes she cofounded in 1997 and taught until halted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Classes returned virtually, but in 2022,

she retired. Yachad (Together) University, it was called, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and aimed at rekindling the focus on Judaism education that tends to decline for many after their school years. The current war in Israel convinced her to return to the classroom (aka the JCC boardroom). Despite some successful efforts to summarize the twisting-and-turning backstory of Israel and the Palestinians—including Federation President Robby Wax’s excellent Q&As published here and in the Morning Call—there’s no substitute for an in-depth treatment by an expert to satisfy those who are committed to learning

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whatever they can. And the first classes made clear to anyone who didn’t already know: Eichenwald is an expert. The first classes met during the week of December 4-8. Eichenwald took her students back 4,000 years into the history of the land that is now the State of Israel, to Abraham and Isaac, and moved forward along the timeline from there. One of the main points Eichenwald made during the initial class was that Jews have been in the land that is now the State of Israel a very long time, as is documented in Torah. “We are the same people,” she explained. “We are connected to the Torah. The Torah was given to our

ancestors and given to us. The Palestinian story is a modern one. It cannot be disputed.” The course, titled Gaza in Jewish History: What’s It All About, will continue through February 15. The course is taught to two separate classes, each covering the same subject matter each week. One class meets every Tuesday and the other every Thursday, both 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. You can still register, catching up with past classes by watching the videos of Eichenwald talks and discussions that are recorded each week. The cost is $100 per person. Register at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/special-seriesgaza-in-jewish-history.

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Brother tells LV audience story of twins’ kidnapping and his wife have been trying to maintain a sense of normalcy in their routines for the sake of their children, a son age 4 and a daughter age 2. The son senses that there’s a change in the family, but Berman said there would be no good way to explain the conflict to the children without terrorizing them. Berman has taken the story of his brothers across the world to make sure it’s not forgotten. He stresses that putting families behind the names and faces of those kidnapped by Hamas is very important. They are not just hostages; they are uncles, kids, fathers, mothers. Berman’s mother and brother were rescued by the Israel Defense Forces and are now among the many survivors of the Hamas assault who have been displaced from their homes near the Gaza Strip. Berman’s mother wished to stay close to family in this trying time, so she, her husband, and son left for Kibbutz Beit Guvrin in the Lehigh Valley’s Parternship2Gether region, Yoav. Berman spoke of the kind hearts of the kibbutz residents in this time of crisis as they refurbished two small homes for his parents and brother, even providing special accommodations to his father, who has Parkinson’s disease. Berman said they treated his family as their own. For the foreseeable future, Berman’s mother, father, and brother will remain in Beit Guvrin. Their sense of safety in Kfar Aza is lost. All this is just one story. There were 137 more re-

By Billy Thompson Digital Marketing Associate

The Jewish community of the Lehigh Valley came together on the evening of December 3 to hear a story from Liran Berman, whose twin brothers, Ziv and Gali Berman, were taken hostage by Hamas during the terrorist attacks on October 7. On the morning of the attacks, Israelis awoke to the sound of emergency sirens and alerts on their phones. Liran Berman. Berman and his family assumed that this was just the life. Ten days went by, and usual short burst of rocket during this time he attended fire from Gaza, an all-toonine or 10 funerals for 13 common occurrence, and Israelis murdered by Hamas. that they would be able to go back to their lives shortly. All the while there was no news regarding the twins. It The severity of the situation wasn’t until day 10 that the became apparent as news family was told of the twins’ of Hamas invading Israel status as Hamas hostages. spread. As Berman put it, they had Berman had his wife the surreal feeling of celand children safe with him, ebrating his brother being a but his mother, father, and hostage; that was better that brothers were in Kibbutz than murdered. The family, Kfar Aza, near the Gaza knowing there was a chance strip. Compounding the the twins were still alive, terror of the situation, cell were once again able to feel phone service had become hope. unavailable due to the mass Ziv and Gali are known of emergency calls coming as the light of their family, from Hamas’s victims. All friends, and colleagues. They the family could do was are in the prime of their text message one another lives, at age 26, working in on WhatsApp. By 9:30 a.m., the entertainment industry. They had just returned from Costa Rica and Mexico before October 7. When they were not working on entertainment production, they were participating in sports. They love soccer and played on their kibbutz’s soccer team. Berman recounted some of his happiest moments with his brothers. He said they were the best uncles Ziv and Gali Berman. his children could hope for, always playing and dancing Berman and his family had with them. The twins were lost contact with the twins. Sunday afternoon marked just as good as brothers. Berman said he and they always the last rescue mission by got along, despite the 10the Israel Defense Forces in year age gap between them. Kfar Aza, and Ziv and Gali They share similar hobbies were not accounted for in the group of survivors. After and are in touch frequently. Since the twins’ kidnapthat began what Berman Ziv and Gali Berman. ping and the war, Berman called the worst week of his

maining hostages at the time of this event. Berman urged everyone to keep the people of Israel in their

thoughts and prayers and to put pressure on their elected representatives to push for a ceasefire on Israel’s terms.

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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JANUARY 2024 13

Oh, the Places We’ll Go - With Your Help ages have access to the resources and experiences that will shape their futures. Time is of the essence, as the Our annual Friends of the JCC campaign concludes on January campaign is well underway, and we are on a journey together under 15th. We encourage you to be an the inspiring theme, “Oh the Places integral part of this journey by making a difference through your We’ll Go.” This year’s campaign, donations. Whether it’s fostering a filled with excitement and possibilities, invites our community love for learning in our youngest minds, providing transformative to join hands in supporting the experiences for our youth at camp, Jewish Community Center of the or strengthening the fabric of Lehigh Valley’s vital initiatives. Jewish life and learning, every As we collectively imagine the contribution makes a lasting places we can go, we are focusing impact. To contribute to the “Oh the our efforts on three key pillars: Places We’ll Go” campaign, visit Early Childhood Education, lvjcc.org/Friends or call 610-435Youth and Camp programs, and 3571. Your support is the compass the enrichment of Jewish Life that guides us on this incredible and Learning. Your generous contributions will pave the way for journey, and we are grateful for your commitment to shaping a countless opportunities, ensuring that our community members of all brighter future for our community. By Maggie Schutzler Development Director

“Between my dad growing up at the JCC and its outstanding reputation among parents, it was a no-brainer to sign my theater-inclined child up for Stagemakers and Theater Camps. Josie has grown in her skills and confidence, made friends, and feels an immense sense of accomplishment with each performance. The staff make her feel loved and supported, and the parents are welcoming and fun, with everyone pitching in to help. The JCC is more than a place for children’s programming; it’s a family with shared values.”

“Our friends spoke highly of the JCC, and it was very important that our son, Liam, attended a diverse, inclusive, and accepting space. Lisa was so welcoming and you could feel it was a space where little minds and bodies develop, grow, and excel. Liam’s teachers noticed he had a speech delay and gently notified us. They were able to integrate therapy into his classroom day seamlessly. We know the JCC is a space where we are welcomed, valued, and accepted.”

“After gaining guardianship of James following his mother’s death, my husband and I enrolled him in Pre-K at the JCC because we knew the reputation it has. James has done very well after such a devastating loss, due to the friendly nature and top notch instructors who care deeply about the children. James has made so many friends and loves swimming classes. He’s now back to being a normal and happy little 4 year old. We are forever grateful for the JCC.”

- Zolotsky Family

- Criswell Family

- Devers Family

14 JANUARY 2024 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Competition Ramps Up For New JHoops Season ECE Celebrates Rosh Hashanah With Some Sweet Guests Welcome Danielle Brown, Sports & Fitness Director JCC Dedicates Campus in Honor of Bonnie and Bobby Hammel By Heather Lavin By Jackie Weiss

Additionally, the students had the Program Director be on the fitness and recreation the connections and relationships opportunity to smell a honeycomb Early Childhood & Jewish I get to build with people. Seeing departments at the JCC. Next and learn how honey is made! Education Coordinator time you’re at the building feel clients improve and reach their The 2023-2024 season begins in The free honeybees to stop by collect and saynectar hello.from goals is an amazing feeling, mid-November with practices and flowering plants and bring the and knowing that I am helping Danielle is a graduate of Our ECE students had a sweet games starting in December. We Bloomsburg University with a make a difference in their lives is nectar back to the hive. Once the second week of school! For Rosh are recruiting for teams in grades B.S. is Exercise Science. She is absolutely incredible! Hashanah this year, a couple of our honeybees are back in the hive, 1-2, grades 3-4, and grades 5-6. also a NASM Certified Personal the nectar is stored inside the ECE classes gathered in the gym Trainer and has been training Q: When you’re not at work, We are always looking for coaches empty made of beeswax. for a special honeybee presentation clientscombs both one-on-one and in what can you be found doing? and volunteers to help us make the The honeybees then flap their (minus the bees). group settings since graduating program a success. Practices take wings very quickly to remove the Dr. Robbie Roeshman, a master A: When I’m not working I am place during the week, with games in 2019. typically spending time with beekeeper for 35 years, along with excess moisture. Afterwards, the on Sundays both at homethe and away. honeybees Join us in welcoming Q: What is your favorite part of my family which often involves make a wax to create his wife, Adrienne London, are Whether they areofnew toJCC the team, sport ayour n ewest member our a range of activities including seal job? over the honeycomb for beekeepers in the Lehigh Valley. or are looking to Sports play with friends, protection. Finally, beekeepers Danielle Brown, & Fitness going to sporting events or The presentation was a fun and With the opening of winter JHoops isDanielle’s the perfectfocus opportunity Director. will A: My favorite part of my job is harvest the honey by collecting the participating in some sort of interactive experience with props, programs we will also bring back for your child to get in the game. honeycomb frames and scraping off beekeeping supplies, a honeybee our popular JHoops Jr. classes. Our teams will once again be the wax cap that seals the honey. song, and a waggle dance! The Both Pre-K and Kindergarten-aged competing in the Rising Stars The frames are then placed in an Campus Re-Dedication - 2023 to be Campus Opening - 1958 students enjoyed pretending athletes will have the opportunity Basketball League, in both boys extractor to spin honey out of the bees and buzzing around the gym. to be introduced to basketball and and girls leagues. All teams must comb. After the honey is extracted, The students learned that basic skills. These practices have a required minimum number itlearn is strained toorremove anyThis honeybees get all their food from value, chesed, kindness. By Jackie Weiss are once a week and include inof players to run. Our time in the remaining wax or other particles. flowersChildhood and the food consists of mitzvah project gave our students Early and Jewish house recreational scrimmages. league for the 2022-2023 season After straining thelearn honey, it is time wish all of you a happy and healthy nectar and pollen. Afterwards, the the opportunity more about Education To register ortofor more was a hugeCoordinator success, giving our to bottle, label, and bring person it to you! new year. If you’re looking for a how we can show another students had the opportunity to information about JHoops visit teams opportunities to play (and How does honey connect tofarthe sweet way to celebrate, local honey kindness, even if we are very look at a container of nectar and a Hanukkah, also known as the lvjcc.org/JHoops. win) in a league that fits our High Holidays? Because eating is available all year round at the away. The cards displayed beautiful containerofof pollen. students Festival Lights, is The atuned time when players’ skills. Stay for our apples and honey is a tradition on artwork from our students as well as Game Preserve Apiary, which is nowremember know that is aofliquid we thenectar miracle the home game schedule! messages that expressed our love and Rosh Hashanah, of course! We located at 4542 Game Preserve small amount of oil that burned for and pollen looks like dust. support for Israel. eight nights in the ancient Temple of The cards were taken to Israel Jerusalem. This miracle represents and delivered by Cindy Smukler, a the triumph of light over darkness been placed in hotels throughout and the enduring power of hope and Philadelphia based Jewish activist. the country in Eilat, Jerusalem, Tel The children who received the faith. By Heather Lavin Aviv, and the Dead Sea. Like many cards are from Sderot, which is the Currently,Director the global Jewish others in the community, the children Program closest Israeli city to the Gaza Strip. community is facing a very dark who received these cards have lost By Jodi Lovenwirth and difficult time. Our ECE students Sderot has frequently been the target loved ones, known people who were Stagemakers Youth Theater Aquatics Director of rocket fire and attacks during made cards for IDF soldiers as well kidnapped, and for their own safety, welcomes both new and returning A message from Bonnie & Bobby By Maggie Schutzler as children who were affected by the the course of the Hamas–Israel were unable to live in their homes. performersDirector to our7.stage as we was delivered by horrific Rance Block, Development conflict. After the attacksand by Every year during late grateful fall, the to attacks on October Throughout The children were very present The Addams Family Young the event concluded with a photo Hamas on October 7, the residents aquaticsthese center at the JCC the month of November, the students cards from ourcomes students @ Performances are of Sderot all attendees in front ofand thehave new receive OnPart. Sunday, June about 11, 2023, were evacuated alive with smiling faces, cheering have been learning theThursday, Jewish of and they were happy to know that November 9 at 7was p.m.officially and Sunday, campus sign. the JCC property children, and blooming friendships. November as 12 the at noon and 4 p.m. at Perhaps the most notable quality rededicated Hammel It’s swim season, featuring the the JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Bonnie & Bobby share, however, Campus. The new name is in honor JSeals Swim Team! This year in on the fun and celebrate is their humility. They are always of To thejoin incredible contributions of is going to be packed with team the work of this great castto and Bonnie & Bobby Hammel thecrew, putting others before themselves, building parties, swim meets, and from hisdeeply beloved wife,the Morticia. Madison’s “process you of canthecheer them on in Bonnie person in and care about Jewish JCC Lehigh Valley. lots of ruachphilosophy (spirit). Forisanyone over product.” In Stagemakers Everything will change for the November. Wednesday Addams, community of the Lehigh Valley. & Bobby were honored with who doesn’t know what the JSeals performers whole family on the fateful night the ultimate princess of darkness, By Kaitly Stefanowicz The JCC of the Lehigh Valley and the basics of gameplay gameplay. previous heartfelt words from past JCC isproductions, about, weNo are more thanspend just afar they host a dinner for Wednesday’s more time learning and building has grownKathy up andZimmerman, fallen in love Marketing Project Coordinator Hammel CampusWe is incredibly is necessary. Looking and teamwork. will also be experience Presidents swim team, we are a family. This a show than they do performing “normal” boyfriend and his parents. with a sweet, smart young man grateful to Bonnie & Bobby offering a second session of our to embrace your creativity? Brian Ford, and Stuart Krawitz; is a place for swimmers to build it Director in front of while an audience. While from respectable whom Whata JCC better timefamily toJeff branch Hammel forMadison all they William, have done Red Cross Babysitter Training Messy Art will also forthe current President their skills they return grow their stage performance is the ultimate with choreographer Marcell her parents have never met. She out and develop new interests to support the JCC. Without their a January session. Get your Class which is designed to teach Fleischaker and Executive Director friendships. This close-knit group Mackenzie and musical director itdirty is all thewith rehearsal process confides in her father and begs him than the advent of a new year? support, the JCC would not be what young teens skills necessary to hands an exciting Eric Lightman. The Hammels were ofgoal, friends share their love of that gives performers experience Mackenzie Lynch, have taken not honored to tell herbymother. Now,Mayor Gomez it January signals the arrival is today. you, Bonnie immersive arts and crafts safely andThank responsibly give & care and also Allentown swimming while cheering on their and opportunity for growth. these young performers on a Addams must do something he’s of much anticipated winter Bobby! experience. for children and infants, basic Matt Tuerk and Pennsylvania State teammates and watching themThis journey rehearsals. creative team, including stage never programming done before– a secret youth at the first aid, throughout and how to develop New this winter isthe Anime Representative Mike keep Schlossberg. progress throughout season. JCC, including a mix of brand and Manga Adventure Club, a leadership skills to effectively The 2023-2024 JSeals season new offerings. Returning manage their own babysitting program begins on designed Novemberfor 27. 3rd-6th this January is JHoops Jr., a graders who have a passion business. Each member has the opportunity basketball league designed for Also returning this winter for art, reading, and all things to practice up to three times a the youngest hoopsters. Kids is Chess Club, a fun class anime and manga to explore week to build their swimming the in Pre-K and Kindergarten will where kids in Kindergarten fascinating world Japanese skills. Practices willof consist of hit the court to learn basketball through 5th grade will learn animation and comics in a safe clear, concise, proven workouts, fundamentals, key skills, drills, critical thinking skills through and inclusive environment.

sports/rec activities ourselves. Aside from that, in my spare time I enjoy trying different crafts with my Cricut. Q: What is something you have on your bucket list? A: I can’t say that I have a legitimate bucket list, but I would like to travel. I haven’t gone many places and I’ve never been out of the country!

ECE Spreads the Light of Hanukkah Across the Globe Road, Schnecksville, PA 18078. Contact Dr. Robbie Roeshman and Adrienne London at 610-360-4191 or 13beekeeper@gmail.com for more information.

Stagemakers Brings the Spooky This Fall JSeals Is Back, Making a Splash This November

Ring In the New Year With Winter Programming

Jewish communities all over the world, including ours, had them in their thoughts. This is one of the ways in which the JCC is sharing the light. Asbywe light thecoaches. hanukkiyah instructed qualified each night, we see the light continue Our participants will also get to to grow. Just like how one small act compete against other JCC swim of kindness brings another act of teams in the Mid-Atlantic region, kindness, it creates a ripple effect, including Baltimore, and it brings more lightHarrisburg, into our Cherry Hill,and andour Delaware. community world. These exciting competitions consist of home and away meets, leading up to the championship meet in Delaware, where the swimmers get to show off their swimming managerand Tessa abilities hardDeJesus work. and costume designer Stokes, To have some funKayla throughout has led a cast over 40various middle In addition toof after-school the season, we will have and elementary school students enrichments, theater enthusiasts parties including a holiday party, through physical rehearsals that can join us on stage February pizza party, and the coveted Diphave to improve 5N-Disco, and challenged 6 for Stagemakers Youth which isthem scheduled for their skills as performers and cast Theater auditions for the January 13, 2024. Mark yourspring members.Honk! musical, Jr. Parents calendars, you won’t want to and miss For tickets and more information caregivers can also move and it! One of my proudest moments lvjcc.org/stagemakers. groove with their little asvisit Aquatics Director is notones only during our brand new “Moving watching the swimmers earn their Together” Movement trophies andCreative medals, but watching Class brought to you by these children become a family Creativity Moves Lehigh Valley. Registration is now open for the Winter youth programs start JSeals 2023-2024 season. For more soon and space is limited. information, call the JCC at 610Register at lvjcc.org/Afterschool 435-3571 or visit lvjcc.org/JSeals. or call the JCC at 610-435-3571.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JANUARY 2024 15

we’d be here only a few weeks at most. As demic as built-in playmates and friends. we’d be here o be here few weeksthat at most. As demic as pandemic built-in play The JDSonly hasaenabled relationship to the pandemic continued, we made deci- we’d the The JDS has enabled the pandemic continued, we made decision after decision to establish roots and strengthen – they check in on each other sion after deci strengthen – they sion after decision to establish roots and on the playground and love to see each build a life here in Pennsylvania. build a life chec her on the playground an build a life here in Pennsylvania. When it came time for Joseph, our When other itin came the hallways. It’s a joy to see the When it ca time for Joseph, our other in the hallways. now five-year-old son, to get back into older children care for the younger ones. now five-yearnow five-year-old son, to Valley get back into older children care for JDS is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation ofJDS theisLehigh Valleyagency of the JDS is Federation a beneficiary of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh a beneficiary Jewish of theagency Lehigh Valley is always so proud when one of an early childhood education program, an Evelyn anisearly Evelyn alwayschild so p early childhood education program, “big helps h welcoming, intimate, the welcoming, intimate, and warm en- thethe “big kids” helpsand herwarm withenher the backthe kids” welcoming pack vironment at the end ofatthJ JDSend was of an the obvious pack atatthe day,place and Joseph vironment at JDS was an obvious place vironment for us to turn. The administration and talks about his “rea for us to turn. The administration and talks about his “reading buddy” confor us to turn staff worked tirelessly to adhere to ever- stantly! staff worked tirelessly to adhere to ever- changing stantly!guidelines from the CDC and staff worked One of the major tit One the of magic the major tenets the JDS is to theguid changing guidelines from the CDC and still make changing a devotion deve of school veryofreal the development of bright, still make the magic of school very real foraitsdevotion still students make the confident wh students. toJoseph FLOURISHED to meet Th environment, and who now that confident students are he’s wellinprepared for itsHyman students. Joseph FLOURISHED in this forthe itsworld. students By Megan mingled and relished our war in Israel began and andand Eileen Ufberg, and attended the JDS andbetheir representative of our histo third yearthe as world. a studentThis (kindergarten!) meet couldn’t more in this environment, now that he’s in in this environ By first Megan Hymangala since By Megan Sadly, our chapter in he loves theJDS dynamic and joyful learn- They he decision parentsand make about Hyman in-person triggered an unprecedentBarbara Weinstudent children. representative of our experience. his third year as aArthur student (kindergarten!) his third year a ing to a close. For profe ing experience he’s had there. I’ll never where to send their children for 2019. The Luxury Raffle ed level of anti-Semitism rach. answered questions about our chapter isare comdynamic joyful learn- forget he loves he decision parents make about he loves heSadly, decision parents make about moving backthe to Td when he came homeintoAllentown recite the schoolthe is often one of and the most stressful ticket sale began America. I was so glad to be able the past 70 years ofthethe to aofclose. For professional ing Dorney experience there. I’ll never ingtheexperience where which to send theirin children forChief where to send their children for sionwe of school yea Pledge Allegiance and knew all reasons, and difficult. he’s Will had the school strike the fulling would lead toissome instrumento publicly Jeri Zimwhat it would look community Amy words theschool, Hatikvah three years old! right balance between quality ofrecite educaareistomoving backofat tothe Texas atstressful the concluwhen he came home tothank the forget that when h school often very one of thewas mostincredibly stressful forget school often one most lucky winners at the end tal in keeping the JDS safe merman, Robby Wax, and like 70 years from now, andthe volunteers have This year, his sister Evelyn was able tion andofoverall child development? How of the school Our lovethe for Allegiance and knew all the full Pledge ofcrA and difficult. Will the school strike the full Pledge and sion difficult. Will the year. school strike The to community join the three-year-old withherusstaff, willtoour fitthe in? entire Luckily for our famof the night. Seats were and of weeducawere sowords moved tochild Jewish Federawhat aprogram JDS that Amy Golding, the Hatikvah at three years old! words to friends the H right balance between quality right balanceand between quality ofeducation educa- forever. a family through the the same teachers and several younger ily, in a period of great uncertainty, the found attion theand elegantly see him at our Evening of his tion ofEvelyn the Lehigh Valley meant to them aswill parents volunteers have created stay with This year, sister was able This year, h overall child development? How tion and overall child development? How decision to choose the Jewish Day School siblings of her brother’s class. She was and we know these m designed tables and the Tribute. for supporting us every and students. There were us shy forever. we’ve made as the three-year-old with to join theforthr will our child fit in? Luckily for our fam- to join will our child fitThe in? Luckily our famwill bring us joy ye very at first, butfriendships quickly for overcame of Lehigh Valley was theprogram easiest “yes!” evening’s I was humbled beever the way, along few eyes in the room. through the school will remain same teachers andofseveral younger teac ily, program in a periodbegan. of great uncertainty, the the to ily,that ina and afamily period of dry great uncertainty, the Forthe any same parent grap truly gets ready for school with we’ve said.step By Joanna Powers The crowd askedthe Jewish given opportunity to sion of where toofsend enthusiasm. school has supported many other local AThe spirited slide show gave arrived inwith Allentown in late March and to wechoose know these memories made here siblingsWeof her brother’s class. She was siblings hery decisionwas to choose Daythe School decision the Jewish Day School Interim Head of School in thevery Lehigh her lovebring ofValley art, and she’s a 2-year-old son, Joseph and ofto to standofand sing Valley as videos thoughts about organizations close our everyone ayears peak into the will ussinging, joy forthe tomade come. very2020 shy with at first, but quickly overcame shyValley, at fi Lehigh was theshare easiestmy “yes!” Lehigh was easiest “yes!” the sweetest friends. We LOVE getting an extremely support 4-month-old daughter, Having were shown JDS stuthis very specialthat gathering hearts. Every member incredible days the For any parent grappling withchilthe deciand truly gets ready Evelyn. for school with that and truly we’ve of ever said. we’veofever said. On the unseasonably flown in from Dallas, Texas to be closer updates and photos on the Class Dojo from the uncertainties dents leading heartfelt for a very special school. sion of where to send your child to school enthusiasm. The school has supported enthusiasm. the Lehigh Valley needs dren spend at school and We arrived in Allentown in late March We arrived in Allentown in late March mild first Saturday night our daily lives, and thT to family (Adam’s parents, Dr. David and app throughout the day. in the Lehigh Valley, we found the JDS her love of art, singing, and she’s made her love recitations HaTikvah I reflected on the history 2020ofwith a 2-year-old son, Joseph and with 2-year-old son,close Joseph eachwho other andinthe JDSOur is teachers held up their ment to instill a of lovear o kidsabecame extremely dur-and Mrs. Susan Hyman have lived Al- 2020 of December, the Lehigh supportive place, a refuge the sweetest getting the sweetest f ish values. ingantheextremely quarantine stage of the panlentown nearly 50We years), we assumed daughter, Having 4-month-old daughter, Having and the 4-month-old Star Spangled Ban- Evelyn. of the JDS and how the forfriends. there forLOVE the Lehigh Valwishes forEvelyn. the school’s Valley Jewish community thefuture. uncertainties we closer all face in and photos on the Class Dojo updates and p from Dallas, to be closer flownfrom Dallas,Finally, Texasthat to the be ner. Dr. flown MarcinBerson, the Texas honorees were updates responsible ley Jewsih community asin from entire gathered at Temple Beth our daily lives, and the perfect environapp throughout the day. app throughou to family (Adam’s parents, Dr. David and to family (Adam’s parents, Dr. David and President of the JDS Board for the children’s home much as they are there for student body declared El to celebrate a thrilling ment to instill a love of learning and JewOur kids became extremely close durMrs. Susan Hyman who have lived in AlMrs. Susan Hyman who have lived in Alof Directors, welcomed away from home filled us. “Thank You” to all of our Our kids be milestone: the 70th anish values. ing the quarantine stage of the panlentown for nearly 50 years), we assumed lentown for nearly 50 years), we assumed ing the quara the guests and spoke elowith learning, growing, The program continued supporters. niversary of the Jewish quently about the journey playing, and Jewish idenwith inspirational words The evening continued Day School of the Lehigh and importance of the JDS, tity and pride, even in from EiIeen Fischmann as Dr. Levitt recited the Valley. Dressed in swanky guage that my kids have – only bec Editor’s note: On Saturday, February 4, JDS parboth the Zavodnyk, the face was of ainvited global Hamotzie and delicious cocktail attire, guests were the dedication ofent veryaimportant because we have the a Anastasiia to crisis. be a guest who represented the honorees and thespeaker com- at Refugee OurShabbat honorees mean so dinner was served, fol- which I hadn’t in m with their roots, at Temple Beth El. honorees and spoke about ushered into the beautihelp and support Here are her remarks. munity, and the school’s much to us and we gave devotion and dedication lowed by decadent des- made us confiden fully adorned Social Hall. here, inwere the US! bright future. our love to those who to the JDS for the sake of serts. The guests The wonderfully diverse So, what is the difference betwee So, who is the refugee? It’s me. I can’t speak for everySuzanne Lapiduss, the were with us But thatleteveevery generation. Eileen’s hesitant to leave after a crowd esand other peopleItwho my storyOn be Saturday, February guage that have – only because of you. is came here as Editor’sincluded note: Onour Saturday, February 4, JDS par-one, only for myself and my family. Editor’s note: 4, my JDSkids parEvening of Tribute Com-that can ning and to thepicture. blessed message led perfectly into night of warm friendship teemed honorees, devoted sons why we came. I love Ukraine, it something show the general important ent Anastasiia Zavodnyk, was invited to be a guest ent Anastasiia Zavodnyk, was very invited to be abecause guest we have the ability to reconnect Chairperson, memory of those will needed togetherness. my children and many past gene a happywho time for me. our main video presentacommunity members who atmittee’s with their roots, I hadn’t in myof childhood. Your speaker at Refugee Shabbat Temple Beth El. The beginning of 2022 It was speaker at Refugee Shabbat at Temple Bethwhich El. and my husband’s family. We miss our h I had a beautiful house near Kyiv, capital of Ukraine. I addressed the attendees always be in our hearts. tion, the result of months A huge thank you to have supported our school help and support made us confident in our presence Here are her remarks. Here are her Iremarks. fore February 2022 hadspecial a garden full We of fruit and berry bushes. had of effort from our teachers, our planning aretrees forever indebted committee of we never thoug in many different ways for to welcome a very here, in the US! ing abroad, we simply didn’t want to great plans – I was opening my own cafe and bakery guest to our event, theI was settingtoupEduardo andwho Jeanette students, few guest Suzanne Lapiduss, decades, neighbors So,aspeak what is the difference between me aswith aMerefugee So, who is newer the refugee? It’s me. I can’t speak for everySo, themany refugee? It’s me. Iand can’t for everysatisfied our lives and happy in store, a big greenhouse to is plant Chief of the South WhiteEichenwald, Roberto and helpers. After a beautigan Pildis, Marc Berson, US becauseReait was the best opti great for preschool and who were andBut other people immigrants? one, parents only for myself and my family. But let my story bevegetables there. My children went one,to only myself and my family. let my storywho be came here as the most difficult. It was hard, and i and afterschool smart classes. My daughterHarstarted to show hall Police Department, EiIeen Fischmann, ful the rendition “Chai Adrienne andhome Art enjoying first JDSthe general sonsof why we came. I love Ukraine,Weaver, it’sthemy home, something their that can show picture. something that can general picture. because of usual immigrant’s difficu go to ballroom classes at the best dance school in the old and Sandra Chai” students, Hochhauser. A wonderful gala, from of my children past generations of my and Therepresentatives beginning of 2022 It was aChief happyGlen time A. for Dorney. me. TheGoldfarb, beginning of 2022 It by wasour a happy time forand me.many ent language, different culture, find area. My husband had a very important role with great expressed all of Suzanne Lapiduss, Eva house our eighth graders time by all! husband’s family.IWe misswas ourhad home lot. And beI had a beautiful house Kyiv, Suzanne capital of Ukraine. Icareer I had a beautiful near Kyiv,my capital of acted Ukraine. almost all of our areanear Jewlocal adocuments, impossible life wit opportunities in the biggest energy company in our deep gratitude to the Levitt, zichronah l’vracha as consummate documenfore February about life emigrathadorganizations, a garden full of fruit had atogarden berry bushes.2022 I hadwe never thought ish and trees our and berry bushes. I hadUkraine. We used to invite our friends impossible without a credit scor our littlefull par-of fruit trees and South Larry Levitt, Michael tary hosts as the history of didn’t want to,ficulty is notwe being allowed to go out ties at home, usedand to see our parents we –wanted abroad, webakery simply because were great plans – I was and opening my own cafeWhitehall and bakerypolice greatwhen plans I was opening my ing own cafe and beloved teachers staff. for people,We who decide to come he to. It was really a very great period of life; I was truly officers for their JDS was explored. Amany satisfied our lives and happy in Ukraine. chose store, I was settingbegan up a big greenhouse to plant manyprotection Notis, zichrono store, l’vracha I was setting upthe a big greenhouse towith plant The evening with big of goal, who oftoand involvement in the and Cooky vegetables Notis, Michael highlightthe toUSgreat because it was the best option all, butchoose also to live here an vegetables hors there. d’oeuvres My children went great preschoolhappy. there. My special children segment went preschool delicious thing to make this “American dream And then, on 24th of February, all was ruined. The especially the And Ufberg, zichrono L’vrachasmartedclasses. current parents who most difficult. Not only and afterschool smart daughter started since towar started. and afterschool Mythe daughter startedIttowas hard, and ititisis hard. and libations as the classes. guests MyJDS, very hard for us, refugees, force what did we know about war? Only because of usual immigrant’s difficulties such go to ballroom classes at the best dance school in thehistory WW2 from books and movies…and go to ballroom classes at the best dance school in the our home with our some hor- evening we needed to shut all lights, because our ter- heart is stillasatdifferent different culture, job, houses getting area. My husband had a very important role with greatrible stories from our grandparents. area. My husband a very important role for with great ritorial defense was language, looking hiding russian soldiers.finding I parents, andallgardens. And on We decided to stay, had realized that I couldn’t stand any more. I couldn’t preour life here more like at home (thro because it was our home. We thought that our village local documents, life without a car, almost career opportunities in the biggest energy company in career opportunities in the biggest energy companyimpossible in tend as nothing serious was happening and it was safe versations, care and was now a target for the enemy and even if they would impossible without Ukraine. We used to invite our friends to our little parUkraine. We used to invite our friends to ourlife little par- a credit score, but the real dif-support). Becaus come. We heard stories from our grandparents who enough for kids. The worse for me was to let then feel day most important things are not m ficulty is not allowed to go out of the US. Maybe ties at home, used to see our parents when we wanted ties at home, used to see our parents when webeing wanted remembered a time when their homes were under oc- fear, to feel war. It’s not what children should feel, not will never ever fill your heart and so for people, who decide to come has it like to. It was really a very great period of life; I was trulycupation during WW2 so we kindto.ofItcould was guess reallyhow a very great period of life; I was truly until they are enough old to understand everything andhere, nesswho and happiness. big goal, who choose to live here and can stand happy. happy. So, I want toeverysay a big, huge thank it could be in our case. But we were wrong, very very not be hurt by it. I want my children to be happy, to be to make this “American dream” came true, And then, on 24th of February, all was ruined. Thewrong. Because in village aren’t many And then,– it’s ondif24thconfident of February, all was ruined. The and thing have strong and healthy mental health. to all of you! I ambut grateful for the ab people So, I asked my husband to leave our home. day, in a safe, beautiful and ambitious ficult to feel panic. We heard sounds of missile strikes, it is very hard for us, refugees, forced migrants, who’s war started. And what did we know about war? Only war started. And what did we know about war? Only We left on 7th of March and on 8th of March rusgrateful to all of you, for listening the house was shaking every time, but personally I really all lights, our and ter- movies…and we friends, needed neighbors, to shut all lights, becato heart is stillsome at our homeevening with our history WW2 from books and movies…and some hor- evening we needed to shut history WW2 because from books horfelt it on the second week, end of February. I needed to sians* came to our house. They occupied all village, porting my family and Ukraine. I be forstories hidingfrom russian I parents, ritorial defense was looking for hiding russia housestoand gardens. And only your help made rible stories from our grandparents. We decided to stay, ritorial defense was looking rible our soldiers. grandparents. We decided stay, take my youngest daughter to doctor. So, we were going killed men, raped women, stole a lot of things, ruin our end soon, that I can finally see my ho realized that I couldn’t stand any more. I couldn’t prerealized that I couldn’t stand any c our life here more like at home (through relations, conbecause it was our home. We thought that our villageby car because it was our home. We thought that our village Butmore. I, as allI U there. It wasn’t far but we needed to go through houses… it lasted 4 weeks. So, it was nothing like occu- friends and neighbors. tend as nothing and wasenemy safe tend asAnd nothing serious was happening and versations, care andmuch support). the end of the was now a target for the enemy and even if they woulda checkpoint was now foritthe even itifwas they would pation duringand WW2… worse, worse.Because inat that fatal February, in pre-war day which wasserious createdwas as ahappening part a of target country is still. our land, inworse our they home; happy, actions. ThereThe I sawworse real soldiers, bulenough for kids. for We meguns, was to stories letitthen feel our enough formaterial kids. The for me wasconfid to daygrandparents most important things are not things, come. We heard stories from our grandparents whoprotection come. heard from who Nowtheir we arehomes here.never And weever are very lucky,heart because we days, full love, of plans. shou on feel the ground, the first time ainshould my when fear, to war. It’stanks notfor what children feel, not fear, to feelsoul war. It’s notambitious what will fill ocyour and with kind-children remembered a time when their homes were under oc-lets laying remembered time were under metsopeople with very bighappiness. open hearts lovethey and are enough old to understand eve And itthey wasn’t it was real everything life aremuseum enoughexhibition, oldcupation to understand andkind until ness and cupation during WW2 so we kind of could guess howlife. until during WW2 we of could guess howfull of situation. But worst was that something just fly above kindness, people who helped us with so many things. *I use little letter instead of capital on p not be hurt by it. I want itmycould children be happy, to be hurt by I want children to be h So,wrong, I want very to sayvery a big, not hugebethank youit.one moremy time it could be in our case. But we were wrong, very verymy head be intoour case. But we were and then I heard and felt shot near me. It was People from Jewish Day School, Jewish Community of this people anymore and it’s even hard for m confident and have strong and healthy mental health. confident and have strong and me to all of you! I am grateful for the ability to be here towrong. Because in village aren’t many people – it’s dif-enemy wrong. Because in village aren’t many people – it’s difLehigh Valley, Jewish Community Center. Not enough because what they have donehealthy and are still drone. It scared me to death, I never ever felt So, before. I asked myweeks husband to leave home. So, I asked husband to leave day,how in safe, beautiful and place, the US. I’m ficult to feel panic. We heard sounds of missile strikes,like this ficult to our feel panic. heard sounds of amissile strikes, words to describe grateful we are for it. ambitious And this my they are humans at all to me.our And home. because i Next were very scary for me. The We great opportunity know Jewish traditions and left lan- on my them.8th of soldiers closer closer to ouron village. At March left were on 7th ofand March and 8thshaking of rusWe 7thstory, ofit as March andto on to all of you, for listening to highlight my forrelation supthe house was shaking every time, but personally I reallyenemy We the house was every time, grateful but to personally I really They occupied village, sians* came to our They occupied myI needed family and I believe thathouse. war will felt it on the second week, end of February. I needed to sians* came to our house. felt it on the second all week, end of porting February. to Ukraine. stole lot of things, ruin our killed men, raped women, endSo, soon, finally see my home and hug allstole my a lot of thin take my youngest daughter to doctor. So, we were going killed men, raped women, take myayoungest daughter to doctor. wethat wereI can going was nothing houses… lasted 4 weeks. So, it was nothin I, as allitUkrainians, still stay by car there. It wasn’t far but we needed to go through houses… it lasted 4 weeks. by So, car itthere. It wasn’tlike faroccubut we friends needed and to goneighbors. through But worse, much And in pation during WW2… it was fatalofFebruary, days, when we were onworse, much a checkpoint which was created as a part of country pation during WW2… ita was checkpoint whichworse. was created asthat a part countryin pre-war it is still. oursoldiers, land, inguns, our home; confident in the coming protection actions. There I saw real soldiers, guns, bul- it is still. protection actions. There I saw real bul- happy, Now we are here. Andlets we laying are very becausetanks we for Now we are here. And we are very lucky, days, ambitious lets laying on the ground, tanks for the first time in my onlucky, the ground, thefull firstoftime in my plans. open full of love and life. And it wasn’t museum exhibition, it was real life met people with very biglife. Andhearts it wasn’t museum exhibition, it was real life met people with very big open hearts full us with many helped *I use little instead of kindness, capital on people purpose. who I don’t respectus with so m situation. But worst was that something just fly above kindness, people who helped situation. But so worst wasthings. that something justletter fly above People from Jewish Day School, Jewish Community of People from Jewish Day School, Jewish Co this people anymore and it’s even hard for me to call them people, my head and then I heard and felt shot near me. It was my head and then I heard and felt shot near me. It was Center. Not enough Jewish Center. becauseI what have and are Valley, still doing doesn’tCommunity look like enemy drone. It scared me to death, I never ever felt Lehigh Valley, Jewish Community enemy drone. It scared me to death, neverthey ever feltdone Lehigh are for it.weeks And this to describe howI grateful they are humans at allThe to me. words And because it is my story, want to we are for like this before. Next weeks were very scary for me. The words to describe how grateful like this we before. Next were very scary for me. Jewish traditions and langreat opportunity to know Jewish traditio highlight it as village. my relation enemy soldiers were closer and closer to our village. At great opportunity to know enemy soldiers were closer and closer to our At to them. 16 JANUARY 2024 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Why JDS? Why JDS?

The JDS 70th Anniversary Evening of Tribute: Why JDS?

Honoring How Far We’ve Come, and How Far We Will Go T

Who is the refugee? It’s me

Who is the refugee? WhoIt’s is the me.refug

we’d be here only a few weeks at most. As the pandemic continued, we made deci-

demic as built-in playmates and friends. we’d be here o The JDS has enabled that relationship to the pandemic

610.821.8722 | www.jfslv.org

From Darkness to Light Debbie Zoller, MSW, LCSW, JFSLV Executive Director With the holidays behind us, people are spending more time in their homes which can feel isolating. I truly understand why those who are able may gravitate to a warmer climate for the winter. For most of us who don’t have this luxury, we have to be creative in order to find ways to help us cope. The concept of the window of tolerance, developed by Dan Siegel, MD, is a way to recognize and talk about your current mental

state. When a person is managing and coping well with their emotions they are operating within their window. This is the ideal place to be. When someone is feeling anxious, overwhelmed and experiencing a traumatic-stress response they are outside their window of tolerance. Every winter as we enter the dark, cold months of January and February, I look to expand my window of tolerance by developing creative coping skills. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can contribute to

depression, social media overload, and losing interest in activities you once enjoyed. A favorite quote of mine about this season comes from philosopher Albert Camus who said, “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.” This philosophy tells me that we must recognize our inner strength and actively plan for the future. Plan for the future while cherishing the present. Select an activity that you enjoy whether it be writing, reading, cooking, exercising, connecting, creating,

playing games, praying, laughing... The possibilities are endless. Whether you are doing something just for you or trying something new with a friend, be aware of how you are feeling. It can be helpful to communicate with others when you are feeling vulnerable and outside your window of tolerance.

difficult information, emotions, and physical sensations. This will expand your window and help you bring light into the darkness.

By developing tools to stabilize your feelings you will increase your capacity to deal with

Believe that you deserve to indulge in something that makes you feel good.

Volunteer Spotlight: Dynashia Blue When Dynashia Blue was 10, she and her family moved from New York to the Lehigh Valley. She is now 22 and a student at LCCC studying special education and working with special needs adults through BAYADA Habilitation. She began looking for volunteer opportunities in Allentown and came upon JFS in her search. The food pantry sparked her interest. “When I first moved here,” she said, “my family didn’t have

much, and we went to a food pantry.” Today, her family is doing better, and she says it feels good to be able to give back to others the way her family was helped. Dynashia volunteers a few times a month, helping to unload deliveries and organize the pantry. “I tell others that this is a fun place to be,” she says, “and I really like learning about Jewish culture and holidays. The other

CHEERS

VO LUNTEERS volunteers are great. It’s really nice to see people giving their time to help others.”

SAVE THE DATE

APRIL 7, 2024 BRUNCH & CELEBRATION

at TEMPLE BETH EL

To volunteer, contact volunteer@jfslv.org.

We thank those individuals who have graciously supported Jewish Family Service by sending tribute cards: IN HONOR

ALLEN AND ROBIN ABBOTT Bonnie and Jim Kelly ELLEN AND JOEL FELDMAN In Honor of the birth of Eli Wendy and Ross Born GIA JONES In Honor of your altruistic values Wendy Kornet LAURA GARBER In Honor of your LCSW accreditation Linda and Murray Garber

RON HARRISON In Honor of your special birthday Roberta and Alan Penn

IN LOVING MEMORY

ELEANOR WIENER FLETCHER (Mother of Rabbi Alan Wiener and Steve Wiener) Elizabeth and Jeffrey Greenberg Florence Hausman Roberta and Alan Penn Robin and Alex Rosenau CAROLYN HOFFMAN Barbara and Arthur Hoffman

DOROTHY HOFFMAN (Mother of Betty Burian) Linda and Robert Becker RICHARD KOTTLER (Brother of Paul Kottler) Steve Wiener JOAN LICHTENSTEIN (Aunt of Cheryl Kelberg) Roberta and Alan Penn CAROLE MARDER (Wife of Arnold Marder) Ardeth Smackey JUDY RIFKIN Penny Kornet

SVETLANA SHAPOSHNIKOV Silvia Mandler BERNIE AND EILEEN SUSSMAN (Brother and Sister-in-law of Dave Sussman) Barbara and Fred Sussman SUE SUSSMAN (In observation of Yarhzeit) Barbara and Fred Sussman SYLVIA SUSSMAN (Beloved mother, grandmother and sister) Sheila Berg Andrew and Nancy Branz

Judith Elwell Monica and Henry Friess Elizabeth and Jeffrey Greenberg Florence Hausman Barbara and Stephen Katz Martha Lebovitz Carolyn McGee Cookie Notis Roberta and Alan Penn Mimi Roth Connie and Jim Russell Susan and Stuart Shmookler Barbara and Fred Sussman

A wonderful way to share your thoughtfulness with family and friends, the minimum contribution for a JFS Tribute Card is $18. Visit www.jfslv.org/give to place card orders. Questions? 610.821.8122. Thank you for your continued support. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JANUARY 2024 17

The Jewish people’s long history of healthy resilience

By Dr. Chelsea Busch Maimonides Society

October 7 marked a turning point for Jews both in Israel and the Diaspora. As the initial shock and horror of the tragic events wore off, a new set of questions and fears has settled in around Jewish security and longevity. While many allies in important places have spoken up against antisemitism, we have also been disappointed, and in

some cases surprised, by the silence and complacency of so many individuals and communities—many communities that we, as Jews, have spoken up for in the past. We have watched as many of our higher education institutions have seemingly turned their backs on us, unable to unequivocally say, “We condemn the calls for genocide against Jews.” For many American Jews, especially younger generations, the questions of safety and feelings of marginalization have been unprecedented in our lifetime. For both younger and older generations alike, the attacks of October 7 have reignited intergenerational traumas of persecution and genocide passed on through families over the course of centuries. But these events have also reignited one of the greatest strengths of the Jewish people: resilience. Although the fear and instability can feel paralyzing,

it can be detrimental in the long-term to stay in this constant state of post-traumatic stress. In some ways, it feels important to bear witness to the atrocities of October 7. Yet resilience is based on the ability to balance the act of bearing witness with being able to move through traumatic experiences and persevere. Strategies like deep-breathing exercises and guided meditation can be helpful for addressing biological stress processes in the short term. In the long term, it is important to connect with friends, families, communities, and support systems. For some, this might look like serving others. Volunteering time and contributing financially to Jewish causes can feel empowering and can promote a sense of self-control, especially in a time when many things feel out of our control. For others, giving and receiving social support brings

comfort—connecting with a friend over coffee, gathering with family for Shabbat dinner, and authentically sharing in one another’s joys and sorrows. Resilience is not a trait that a person possesses, and certainly not something that anyone develops in isolation. Resilience is a process resulting from the connections of lots of little networks in a person’s life—networks of supportive back-and-forth interactions with our families, friends, and communities. Jewish comedian Alan King once summed up all Jewish holidays as, “They tried to kill us. We won. Let’s eat.” The same can be said about Jewish existence more broadly. What is remarkable about the resilience of the Jewish people is that the community connections that contributed to our survival in previous generations are probably similar to the connections I am now seeing in

Jewish communities worldwide. One of the things I have found to be both humbling and inspiring has been participating in our local Jewish community events and finding the threads that connect our Jewish existence today with that of our shared Jewish history. On a local scale, this was especially evident at the Jewish Federation Women’s Philanthropy Chanukah event in December. A close friend and I spoke at length with Vicki Wax, cochair of the Federation’s annual campaign, about our decision to send our children to Pinemere Camp this summer, and Vicki shared the experiences of her children and grandchildren, who had all attended Pinemere as well. I was struck by the shared experience and moved to be walking in the footsteps of so many Jewish families before us with the same goals Healthy Resilience continues on page 19

Mazel Tov to the Muhlenberg Hillel

Hillel International, the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, honored Muhlenberg College’s Hillel at the 2023 Hillel International Global Assembly, an annual gathering of Hillel professionals from around the world. The Muhlenberg Hillel received the Philip H. and Susan Rudd Cohen Outstanding Campus Award, which honors two campus Hillels for their achievements in empowering student leadership and reaching a breadth and depth of students. The Muhlenberg Hillel was honored specifically for its excellence in strategically engaging students on the periphery of Jewish life. “To me,” said Muhlenberg Hillel director Ira Blum, “this honor affirms the unique environment here at Muhlenberg that enables Jewish life to thrive, the expansive creativity of our students, and the commitment of talented staff and colleagues including Hillel and Religious and Spiritual Life. Together we strive to build enduring relationships, not only with all Jewish students but more broadly across the entire student body.

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Healthy resilience Continued from page 18

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in mind: living a life aligned with Jewish values and building our Jewish community for the future. Local Jewish community events have inspired similar feelings on a greater scale as well. Hearing the young children at the Jewish Day School and Camp JCC singing “Hatikvah” is reminiscent for me of a 1930s black-and-white video from the end of Yad Vashem, a video of young children singing “Hatikvah” standing outside the Munkács Hebrew Gymnasium, an early Jewish day school and Zionist youth organization. For me, this is the essence of Jewish resilience. My parents instilled in me the importance of Jewish values, not just as individuals and within our homes but, perhaps more importantly, with the values shared in connecting within

our Jewish communities as well. The beauty of Jewish survival is that now I strive to instill that in my children, too. If there has been any silver lining to the events and aftermath of October 7, it has been this: Jewish resilience and the longevity of the Jewish people is not some unique turn of events. It is in the simple but intentional decision to live Jewish lives in connection with one another, in building communities for ourselves and for our children, and making that intentional decision again and again, generation to generation, dor l’dor: Am Yisrael Chai. Dr. Chelsea Busch is a clinical child and adolescent psychologist in Allentown and a member of the Jewish Federation’s Maimonides Society of healthcare professionals.

Adina Fleischmann — whose organization offers extensive resources for cancer patients, ranging from emotional support, mental health counseling and education to financial subsidies for women and their families facing breast and ovarian cancer — has some guidance for what to say, how to reach out and what kind of help might be appropriate to provide in the face of a friend or family member’s cancer diagnosis. It’s all about providing chizuk – Hebrew for strength – to the person facing cancer. 1. Establish the “Kvetching Order.” Those close to someone struggling with a cancer diagnosis offer only support to the cancer patient, and any kvetching about their own stress outward. 2. Be clear and specific with offers of help. Offer concrete and practical assistance to the patient. 3. Check in often but don’t expect a response. They

may not have the energy. 4. Leave cancer out of it sometimes and just be with them. 5. Continue your support throughout someone’s cancer journey. Check in during maintenance treatment, survivorship, and if they are living with metastatic or advanced cancer. 6. Make sure you have your own support system. Make sure to take care of

yourself physically and emotionally so that you have the capacity to attend to your friend or loved one’s needs. 7. Talk to your healthcare provider and safeguard your own health. Even while supporting a loved one or friend with cancer, it’s important to safeguard your own health.

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Midrasha is religious school for students in grades seven, eight, and nine. The first hour of the day is core classes and the second hour is electives. Spring semester electives will be different each week. Midrasha is looking for volunteers to teach these electives. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JANUARY 2024 19

YOAV CALLING!

Are Israelis healthy, well in this time of war? In a way

By Nurit Galon Partnership2Gether

If we accept the definitions in Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary that “health” is “the condition of being sound in body, mind or spirit … freedom from physical disease or pain” and “well-being” is “the state of being happy, healthy, or prosperous,” then the recent months in Israel certainly challenge us. Israelis represent a kaleidoscope of viewpoints and feelings, and we are not very

quiet about expressing our differences. This past year we were witness to, and often took part in, a variety of demonstrations and often didn’t like one another very much. October 7 changed all that. At 6 a.m. on October 7, a bewildered country awoke to sirens and bombs. It was war, and war with a vicious, cruel, and frightening enemy who had no qualms about killing, raping, and kidnapping, an enemy who was virtually destroying the settlements surrounding the Gaza Strip. Where was our army? Where was our country’s leadership? What was happening? Did anyone know? The Israelis locked in their safe rooms were trying desperately to contact someone for help, and none was coming. The newscaster

on duty became the contact person for the people trying to keep Hamas out of their villages. Suddenly there was no left wing or right wing, religious or secular. In the space of one day, Israelis pulled themselves together to fight for their country, to do whatever was necessary. The Jewish world was quick to follow, as it usually is. Jews have been organizing to stand up and fight back. In Israel today, there are still massive demonstrations—but under the banner Bring Them Home, referring of course to the kidnapped Israelis in the hands of Hamas. My neighbor and I stand side by side holding pictures of the babies and children still in captivity. A month

ago we demonstrated on different sides of the street, for different reasons, but not anymore. Every day we watch the news and see our soldiers encouraging us. We also see the price we are paying—more than 300 soldiers, men and women, have been killed. Yet there they are, assuring us not to worry. They are watching over us. Meanwhile, Jews arrive every day from all over the world to help the farmers try to save their crops, to milk their cows. This is the real meaning of health and wellness. Are we sound in body, mind, and spirit? Are we free from physical disease and pain? Not really. Just visit our overflowing hospitals and feel the physical pain, the constant worry. Notice that our ears are always open for sirens, and we’re ever-ready to rush to shelters and safe rooms. But there is the spirit of a nation working together, helping one another. The army reservists come for a day’s rest to the

kibbutzim and moshavim (cooperative settlements). The women are busy cooking. The kids are busy making greetings cards. Another group is doing laundry for the soldiers, some of whom haven’t showered for days (or weeks!). Someone on a broadcast said Israel is better off without a government, that we Israelis do a good job of self-governing! This is highly exaggerated, and yet, when a country puts aside its internal squabbles and is determined to act together and keep its spirits up, is this not a case of well-being and health in the best sense of the words?

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WRITINGS FROM THE CLERGY

A time to mourn and a time to dance—all in the same day

By Rabbi Steve Nathan Lehigh University Endowed Director of Jewish Student Life and Associate Chaplain

As we begin the new secular year, it’s hard not to think

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about how things have changed during the last third of 2023. Before that, October 7 was simply my birthday. Now, the date has taken on a whole new meaning. I have said to many friends that I’m going to have to change my birthdate. I’m only joking, but there is a degree of truth to that statement. Who wants their birthday forever associated with one of the worst days in modern Jewish history? Those who celebrate their birthdays on September 11 and December 7 have already had to deal with a similar phenomenon. And, let’s face it, we can’t just change dates around when bad things happen. This reminds us that

we must always find a way to face adversity and still carry on. We must find a way to celebrate in the midst of tragedy. This is not something that can be done when we are still in the midst of tragedy and trauma. It’s difficult to celebrate when we know that more than 100 Jews are still being held captive by Hamas and when there are so many children and other innocents suffering. And yet, when Chanukah came around, we were able to celebrate, even if not as joyously as in the past. Let us hope that once Purim comes around, we will no longer need to grapple with this dilemma. As we begin the new year, let us remember that we must

find a way both to celebrate and to mourn each and every day. Let us celebrate each ordinary day, as well as Shabbat and holidays, even as we acknowledge sadness and continue to pray for the release of hostages and an end to the violence. I would love nothing more than for this message to be obsolete by the time Hakol goes to press. Yet, even then, every day of our life we have to find a way to balance the joys and sorrows that are a part of living, even though they are not as serious as what we’ve been facing since October 7. After all, isn’t that what life is all about? Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) wrote, “To everything there is a season; and a time for every

purpose under heaven.” But what Kohelet neglected to mention is that often there are multiple purposes and multiple seasons taking place at any given moment. As the new secular year begins, my wish for all of us is that we find a way to celebrate our joys every day, even in the face of adversity. And let us also remember the difficulties in our lives even as we are in the midst of joyous time, for that is how we move from moment to moment and day to day through all the times and seasons of our life. I’ll do my best to remember that next October 7, and every other day as well.

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BOOK REVIEWS

Turning PTSD into PTG “Wounds into Wisdom,” by Rabbi Tirzah Firestone, Monkfish, 2022, 256 pages. By Sandi Teplitz Special to Hakol

Prior to the recent HamasGaza situation, most Jews would certainly have considered the Holocaust the most traumatizing event in the psyche of today’s Jewry. Since our world has been turned upside down right before our eyes, “Wounds of Wisdom” takes on a more profound and deeply rooted meaning. Writing well before Oc-

tober 7, 2023, Rabbi Tirzah Firestone recognizes that our past, personal as well as communal, will never totally disappear, but the way we react to it can. She speaks of tuning in to ourselves and our inner experiences—we become our inner witness, using our thought processes sans emotions to discover how to re-own our lives. Rabbi Firestone is no stranger to trauma. She lost a brother who died without family support after he abandoned traditional Jewry for Buddhism. Later, her sister was also abandoned by

the family, emotionally, as she embraced feminism and called for a revolution against male oppression. These events prompted the rabbi’s call for personal accountability to turn things around before it’s too late to get off the path to hate and destruction, which itself leads to even more tension and prevents healing. This is a timely book, sensitively written. Rabbi Firestone spends a lot of her life interacting with those who have suffered, interviewing them and making connections, attempting to harness pain, making it an “ally” in

conquering the darkness and turning it to light. This requires intervention by a professional so that the former victim will achieve “agency,” the sense that one is in charge of life and can change its outcome. Rabbi Firestone wants the reader to turn PTSD into PTG—post-traumatic stress disorder into post-traumatic growth.

lies. Prompted by them, Nico walks among the Jews being loaded onto trains destined for the camps and tells them that everything will be OK once they get to Poland. He was told that if he did this, he would be reunited with his family and they would all be safe together. When Nico sees his family being loaded onto the last train, he realizes the Nazis have been lying to him and that, by extension, he himself has been lying all this time. After he discovers that everyone he knows and loves has been sent to Auschwitz, he never tells the truth again. The book follows four characters through the war years and the following decades: Nico, who becomes

a pathological liar; his older brother, who vows revenge for Nico’s betrayal; a woman who loves both brothers and must decide between them; and the Nazi officer whose lies set everything in motion. With Truth as the novel’s narrator, the reader explores what happens when people pervert truth and the consequences it has on their own and others’ lives. Through Nico’s traumatic realization about his lying for the Nazis and his desire to be with his family and neighbors again and beg for their forgiveness, the reader begins to understand what levels people will go to to be forgiven. Albom has been concerned for a long time about the way society has begun to

make truth relative and about the damages that result from people lying. For several years, he has asked new people he’s met, What is the biggest lie you’ve ever told? He lets them off the hook when it becomes obvious how ashamed they are and then asks what they would do to be forgiven. Forgiving others and yourself is a lesson professor Morrie Schwartz taught Albom and is a running theme through all his books. Albom has extended family who are Holocaust camp survivors, and his childhood neighborhood in New Jersey had many survivors who would wear long-sleeve shirts even on the hottest days of the summer to hide their tattoos. He has wanted to write a Holocaust story since the 1990s, but didn’t want one that was “tragically familiar” or one set in Poland, Germany, or France and dealing only with the camps. Albom had lived in Greece after graduating college and was shocked to discover that Salonika’s Jewish population

Sandi Teplitz writes recipes and book reviews for every issue of Hakol.

Boy seeks forgiveness for helping the Nazis lie

“The Little Liar,” by Mitch Albom, Harper, 2023, 352 pages. By Sean Boyle Congregation Keneseth Israel

“The Little Liar,” a novel by the award-winning and bestselling author Mitch Albom, is set in WWII-era Thessaloniki (Salonika), Greece, a city with a majority-Jewish population that had the largest percentage of Jewish citizens of any city in Europe city. In 1943, Nazis murdered about 90 percent of those Jews. Eleven-year-old Nico has never told a lie in his life. He is kidnapped by Nazis, who take advantage of his innocence and his reputation as the boy who never

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was killed in one year, not by guns but by lies. He was stunned when he saw a video of a survivor talking about Jews at the train station reassuring everyone they would be safe at the end of their journey. “The Little Liar” is highly recommended for ages 14120, especially for any fan of Albom. Sean Boyle is Congregation Keneseth Israel’s librarian and serves as vice president, president-elect, of the Association of Jewish Libraries.

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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.

TUESDAYS OR THURSDAYS THROUGH FEBRUARY 15 Gaza in Jewish History: What’s It All About? 9:30-10:30 a.m., JCC Jeanette Eichenwald, former instructor for Yachad University, returns for the special series “Gaza in Jewish History: What’s It All About? This eight-session series runs as two separate classes, one that meets on Tuesdays and the other on Thursdays, in person in the JCC board room. The last classes are February 13 and February 15. A recording of each class will be available for those who cannot attend. The cost is $100 per person. Registration at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/specialseries-gaza-in-jewish-history is required to attend in person or to view the recordings. MONDAY, JANUARY 1 Roaring ‘20s Brunch and Talk 11:30 a.m., Congregation Brith Sholom The entire Lehigh Valley Jewish community is invited to help launch Brith Sholom’s centennial year. Step back and visit the 1920s with brunch. The menu will feature many types of food diners might have seen then. A short program is included. Cost is $18. To sign up, contact Tammy at the synagogue office at 610-866-8009 by December 15. FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 Shabbat of Love Join the Jewish community across America in setting the table for the largest Shabbat dinner celebration in North American history. Jews of all ages, backgrounds, and identities are invited to come together with family, friends, and neighbors to experience the sacred joy of Shabbat. To learn more about this event and to register, visit shabbatoflove.org. SUNDAYS JANUARY 21, FEBRUARY 18, MARCH 17 Israeli Film Club 1 p.m., via Zoom Watch an Israeli film via Zoom as viewers in the Lehigh Valley’s Partership2Gether region, Yoav, Israel, do the same. Then discuss it with the group here and there. The films are “Blessed” in January, “Tateh” in February, and “The New Jew” in March. Visit the film club at jewishminneapolis.org/p2gfilm-club/?mc_cid=5fe57b930d&mc_ eid=6f42536b63 for more information and to register. SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 KI Simmering Secrets Soup Event 10 a.m.-noon, Congregation Keneseth Israel Learn the secrets of great soup making at a demo with KI’s Chef Eric. Enjoy his vegetarian corn chowder. Bread and salad will also be provided. If you’d like, you can also bring soup of your own to swap with others. Cost is $5 per person. Register by January 15 at kilv.org/ event/simmering-secrets---soup-event. html#.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 Super Sunday 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., JCC Come out for an unprecedented day of generosity with a Maimonides Brunch and Learn, a Women’s Philanthropy mitzvah day of cooking, and a PJ Library family event. Volunteers will make phone calls to raise funds for the Federation’s Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs and the Israel Emergency Campaign. Lunch will be provided. Register at jewishlehighvalley.org/supersunday. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31 “Singfeld!” off-Broadway 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., bus from Keneseth Israel Go along with Congregation Keneseth Israel’s Women of KI to see the unauthorized musical parody about nothing, starring KI’s own Hannah Hakim, at the Jerry Orbach Theater. The bus leaves KI at 9:30 and returns at 6. Participants will have time for lunch or shopping in New York before the show. Cost is $118. RSVP with payment at kilv.org/ event/singfeld.html by January 15. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Family Movie Night and Havdalah 6:30 p.m., Jay’s Local Join the Young Leadership at the cafestyle eatery Jay’s Local. Register at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/yl-familymovie-night. ONGOING EVENTS FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH Bnai Shalom Cash Bingo 1 p.m., Congregation Bnai Shalom Join Bnai Shalom for its monthly bingo games on the first Sunday of most months. For more information call 610258-5343. MONDAYS Yiddish Club 2-3:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley via Zoom Experience the joys of Yiddish via Zoom as part of “Adults at the J.” The group meets weekly to discuss topics like cooking, humor, music and all kinds of entertainment in the Yiddish language. All are welcome to join this lively, weekly discussion. There is something for everyone no matter if you know a few words or are a fluent speaker. Enjoy fun, fellowship, stories and more. Participants Zoom in from 5 states. No cost. Call 610-435-3571, ext. 501. MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS Online Jewish yoga studio Mondays 11-11:45 a.m., Thursdays 4-4:45 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality Mindful body practices help us find shelter right where we are, in our bodies in this very moment. Join yoga teacher and IJS faculty member Rabbi Myriam Klotz or Cantor Lizzie Shammash as she guides you in an all-levels yoga and movement session informed by Jewish spiritual teachings and designed to relieve stress as we increase

awareness of breath and grounding through our bodies. Open to all, no experience needed. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/get-started. TUESDAYS Weekly Torah study 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality Rabbi Jonathan Slater will lead a weekly program: “Torah Study to Sustain The Soul,” aimed at addressing an aspect of spiritual life that will help us navigate this time of uncertainty and isolation. Open to all, no previous knowledge needed. Sign up at jewishspirituality. org/get-started. WEDNESDAYS Yoga with Miriam Sandler: Chair-Supported Yoga 1-2 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom in person and via Zoom Be seated in a comfortable chair, preferably armless (folding works well). Some standing poses holding onto the chair are offered, though students may choose to remain seated. Modifications are given. Open to the public in person and live stream available to all via Zoom. *$10 drop-in fee payable to Congregation Brith Sholom. For more information email mbserow@gmail.com. WEDNESDAYS Torah Studies: A Weekly Journey into the Soul of Torah 7 p.m., Chabad of the Lehigh Valley in person and via Zoom Torah Studies by the Jewish Learning Institute presents Season One 5784, a 12-part series, in person and via Zoom. Cost is $54 for the course, including textbook. For more information, call 610-351-6511 or email rabbi@ chabadlehighvalley.com. EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY Hadassah study group 12:30 p.m., via Zoom We discuss short stories from an anthology. Always welcoming new participants! Contact mjclaire@gmail.com or 610-972-7054 to sign up. THURSDAYS Basic Yiddish class 4-5:30 p.m., JCC via Zoom Learn to read, write, speak and comprehend Yiddish. Textbooks from Yiddish Book Center available for purchase. Contact 610-435-3571, ext. 501. FRIDAYS Kol HaEmek 8:30-9:30 a.m., WMUH 91.7 Radio show with Cantor Kevin Wartell. For information go to muhlenberg.edu/ wmuh.

SATURDAYS KI Torah Study 9:30-11 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel Join Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg for a study session making sense of the week’s Torah portion. Enter the building through the 23rd Street door. For more information, contact Rabbi Tornberg using the form at kilv.org/form/contactrabbicall. SATURDAYS Wisdom of the Talmud class After Shabbat Lunch and Schmooze, Congregation Brith Sholom Join Rabbi Michael Singer in a discussion about Jewish law, ethics, customs and history as found in the pages of the Talmud. The fall-winter class begins a new volume of the Talmud: “Mesechet Megillah.” Books are available in the synagogue office. No previous Talmud study required. For information email tammy@brithsholom.net or call 610866-8009. DAILY Jewish Broadcasting Service JBS is a Jewish television channel featuring daily news from Israel; leading Jewish figures, issues and events of Jewish importance; call-in programs; Jewish studies; 92nd Street Y; live Friday and holiday services for those at home; children’s programs; films; music; books; and entertainment. jbstv. org. DAILY Congregation Sons of Israel minyanim Shacharit on Mondays and Thursdays 6:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 6:45 a.m.; Sundays 8:30 a.m. Congregation Sons of Israel welcomes all to the daily Shacharis and Mincha/ Maariv services, which are conducted in the main sanctuary of the synagogue. Please check the synagogue at sonsofisrael.net for the weekly listing of the starting time for Mincha/Maariv. If you have any questions, call the synagogue office at 610-433-6089. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY Daily online meditation 12:30 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality One of their master teachers will lead a live daily guided meditation. Join with people from around the world to share 30 minutes of Jewish mindfulness. Open to all, no experience needed. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/get-started. Noon, 1:30, 5:30 and 7 p.m. daily except Sunday, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., JCC

3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH KI Shabbat B’Yachad 5:30-7 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel Art projects, songs, snack stories, prayer and dinner. Geared toward kids ages 5-10, but perfect for younger siblings too. RSVP at kilv.org.

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

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