HAKOL - May 2013

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY The Voice of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community

MAY 2013 |IYYAR/SIVAN 5773

Schiff Award recipient, and friends, share lifelong passion for community

By Monica Friess Special to HAKOL and Jennifer Lader Editor, HAKOL From his earliest days growing up in Allentown, Barnet Fraenkel learned from the best how to make a difference in the lives of others. For his work in this regard, on June 3, at the Mortimer S. Schiff Memorial Golf Tournament, Fraenkel will accept the Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction.

Established in 1999 by Vera Schiff to honor her husband Mortimer’s memory, the award is given to members of the Lehigh Valley community who are committed to spreading and teaching tolerance by both word and action. Past recipients have included the Rev. Dr. Peter Pettit, Ilene and Bob Wood and Jeanette Eichenwald. The Rev. Daniel G. Gambet received the award at last year’s golf tournament.

Although Barnet has much to show for his years of active service to the Jewish and general communities, it all started with his father, Fabian Fraenkel. Fabian was a member of the boards of the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, and actively sought – and found—numerous ways to serve the larger community.

“Fabian Fraenkel was, as Barnet is, very concerned with the Jewish community and for the general community, and [especially] for people less fortunate,” said Stewart Furmansky, a close personal friend of Barnet, whom he met while still a teenager in Allentown.

Years ago, Fabian called Furmansky and asked him to serve on the board of the Charles and Figa Kline Foundation,

STRATEGIC PLAN looks toward programs that engage more adults. See page 3.

MEMORIAL DAY Thank our veterans ... and consider a bike ride.

See page 17.

Barnet Fraenkel, right, links up with 2012 Schiff Award winner Rev. Daniel G. Gambet, left, at last year’s Mortimer S. Schiff Memorial Golf Tournament. They teamed up with Charles Marcon and J.B. Reilly. which primarily funds Jewish causes. “On his father’s passing, we had Barnet on the board,” Furmansky said.

It was one of several such responsibilities for Barnet. A stellar product of the Allentown public school system, he graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and received an M.B.A. in finance from the Wharton Graduate Division of the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently a senior vice president of wealth management with Morgan Stanley-Smith Barney in Allentown. “[Barnet] is smart. He gets the job done,” said Roberto Fischmann, another close friend.

“Always focusing on the job and not on himself, he also knows more about the Jewish community of Allentown than anybody I know.”

Barnet has been deeply involved with this

community at various times as president, campaign chair, allocations chair and personnel chair of the Federation. He is a former board member and treasurer for Jewish Family Service and a former board member at Temple Beth El. “I have known Barnet now for a little bit over 25 years,” Fischmann said. “During that time I cannot think of him not working very hard for some project or projects for nonprofits, Jewish or not Jewish. “ In the larger community, Barnet has been a member of the development committee and Leonard Pool Society at Lehigh Valley Hospital. He as been a board member for AAA East Penn and serves on the Parents Barnet Fraenkel Continues on page 3

KI rabbi home safe from Boston

By Ginny Cohen Special to HAKOL

ISRAEL’S 65TH BIRTHDAY Hundreds walk the land for Yom Ha’atzmaut.

See page 23.

No. 356 com.UNITY with Mark Goldstein 2 Women’s Division

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LVJF Tributes

8

Jewish Family Service

18

Jewish Day School

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Jewish Community Center

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Community Calendar

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Rabbi Seth Phillips, spiritual leader of Congregation Keneseth Israel, is an accomplished runner, having completed 53 marathons. An enthusiastic participant in this year’s Boston Marathon, he crossed the finish line about two minutes before two explosions shook Boylston Street. Phillips heard the loud boom, saw the smoke, but said he was unaware of the true danger until he heard a news report in the taxicab that he was taking to Logan Airport.

Shocked and saddened by the news, Phillips said in a recent interview, “We don’t have the power to prevent tragedy, but we do not have to live through this alone. After the explosions, a number of strangers became united as a community, caring for each other Non-Profit Organization

702 North 22nd Street Allentown, PA 18104

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

and helping each other. We can focus on the understandable: that people were kind and compassionate.”

On the day of the marathon, after crossing the finish line, Phillips was funneled into a several-block area full of volunteers who offered Mylar blankets, water, bananas, medical assistance and emotional support.

He was winded and shaking from having completed the marathon, and a volunteer stopped to give him comfort and support.

The volunteer was wearing a U.S. Army combat uniform.

Phillips recounted, “We talked, and I found out he was a physician’s assistant in the Army, nearing retirement. I told him that I had retired from the U.S. Navy.

Boston Marathon Continues on page 10

Lehigh Valley Jewish community to sponsor Memorial Day events Paul Kottler, a U.S. Navy veteran, looks on as sons Jack and Ben place flags on the graves of Jewish War Veterans at Congregation Brith Sholom’s cemetery in South Bethlehem. To find out more, see story top of page 17.

com.UNITY

FROM THE DESK OF MARK L. GOLDSTEIN

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

Is free ever really free? Sometimes.

When I was young my father took us on a “free” vacation.

That is, until he had to sit through a three-hour seminar on purchasing property at the resort and then the family climbed into the salesman’s station wagon (remember those?) to tour the development and available lots.

Or what about that free software you downloaded whose screen is cluttered by streaming advertisements that you cannot stop. The menswear store I frequent is known for their BOGO (buyone-get-one) offers. But the second one is not really free; since I never purchase from them at full price to begin with, it’s simply just a 50 percent-off discount for each.

We all know that free is not always free and the tragic events in Boston display that our freedoms come with real costs. And, culturally (e.g. “you get what you pay for…”) we are conditioned to believe that free is bad, or that free is something less desirable or less valuable.

Well, that’s not always true.

And here’s the proof text: You can make a contribution for educational scholarships and it will cost you nothing, or in some cases just pennies on the dollar. The PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC)

allows you to convert your state tax liability to a charitable donation for less than a nickel on the dollar and in most cases nothing. Free!

The only catch: you must apply for the tax credit.

Pennsylvania has created a simple online application process for these tax credits.

It will take no more than a few minutes and the benefit is available to Pennsylvania tax-paying businesses, including C-Corporations, S-Corporations, Single and Multi-Member LLCs and LLPs. That’s it.

In 2001, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, by overwhelming bi-partisan support, established the EITC program that enables businesses, including passthroughs, to claim tax credits against their tax liability for scholarship contributions made to state-certified Scholarship Organizations. The scholarships benefit lowerincome families, providing them with more choices of educational providers.

In the Lehigh Valley, the Jewish Federation is a state-approved Scholarship Organization and we directly benefit the schools at the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Day School.

The program is so simple it makes people think it is not real. Businesses, including

S-Corp shareholders or partners in a general or limited partnership, simply submit a short online application to the PA Department of Community and Economic Development. The business (or individual for pass-through entities) makes the contribution to the Federation within 60 days of receiving the approval from the state. Then, they claim the tax credit for the tax year in which the contribution was made. The state tax credits can be as high as 90 percent. When factoring in the federal tax deduction for charitable contributions, the net cost might be nothing (free) or perhaps up to a mere 4.5 cents on the dollar, or only $450 for a $10,000 contribution.

The Federation awards the scholarships to lowincome families who meet the state’s household income criteria.

More information, sample calculations and application information can be found at www.jewishlehighvalley. org/eitc.aspx.

Let’s get back to the catch. Each year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania budgets a certain amount of funds for the EITC program.

Applications for the tax credits are accepted beginning on July 1 – early applications are not accepted and appli-

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers, I recently had the privilege of hearing Jane Goodall, the ground-breaking primatologist and conservationist whom writer Chaya Burstein considers a “non-Jewish ecohero.”

This month in HAKOL, we feature stories relating to our veterans, but May is also the month of Mother’s Day. Goodall’s mother knew of her dream to live with and write about animals in Africa and told her, “Jane, if you really want something, you’re going

to have to work very hard and don’t give up.”

When at the age of 23 in 1960, Goodall was advised to take a chaperone with her into Gombe, she said, “my intrepid mother” agreed to go along. In her studies, Goodall found that the mothers of successful young are often “protective, but not overly,” tolerant yet able to discipline, affectionate and supportive enough that “if there are troubles with higher-ranking individuals, she will rush to defend her young, even if she gets beat up.”

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

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

actually free or only costs me pennies on the dollar.

With the EITC program, you can convert your state tax liability, something you are already paying, to a charitable contribution to the Jewish Federation for the direct benefit of lower income families at the JCC and the JDS. You will feel great having accomplished something for (virtually) nothing and can join me in the happy walk!

HAKOL STAFF Jennifer Lader Editor

Allison Meyers

Graphic Designer

Diane McKee

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

JFLV STAFF

Mark L. Goldstein Executive Director

Judy Diamondstein

Assistant Executive Director

Temple Coldren

Director of Finance & Administration

Stephanie Smartschan Director of Marketing

James J. Mueth

Director of Planned Giving & Endowments

Taffi Ney

Donor Development Officer

Joan Brody

Executive Assistant/Office Manager

Eileen Assed Wendy Edwards

Administrative Staff

Barry J. Halper President, JFLV

EDITORIAL BOARD

Monica Friess, Acting Chair Barbara Reisner Judith Rodwin

Member American Jewish Press Association

So this is my salute to all such mothers, including my own, who are so wonderful to support and help us in every way.

Shalom, Jennifer Lader

IN MEMORY

EDDA BIRNBAUM (Mother of Sandra Orenstein and grandmother of Noah Orenstein) Eileen and Roberto Fischmann LAUREN HALPER (Mother of Ava, daughter of Barry and Carol Halper and sister of Alex) Phoebe and Art Altman Susan and Marc Levin DOUGLAS ROTH (Son of Selma Roth and brother of Adam, Judd and Kyle Roth and Melissa Roth) Audrey and Jerome Cylinder

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

2 MAY 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

LEHIGH VALLEY

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

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

CAROL AND STEWART FURMANSKY Birth of granddaughter, Eliana Gavriella Eileen and Roberto Fischmann ALYSSA AND BRIAN GOLDBERG Birth of daughter, Ella Sophia SHALOM BABY HOWARD SOKOL Special Birthday Elaine and Les Lerner

HAKOL

Mail, fax, or e-mail to: JFLV ATTN: HAKOL 702 N. 22nd St. Allentown, PA 18104

JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY IN HONOR

cations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the budgeted credits are reserved. Because of the popularity of the program, the credits usually go fast and are exhausted within a few days of the July 1 opening day.

If you are interested, or know someone (or a business) that might be interested, please call me as soon as possible. More information is on our website. Your accountant can also substantiate how you can provide educational scholarships at the JDS and the JCC to low-income families for virtually nothing.

For me there is a spring in my step - my happy walk! when I get a really good deal, including something that is

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

Strategic plan on adult education and engagement: Recognize strengths, enhance offerings

By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Marketing and Jennifer Lader Editor, HAKOL Looking for a way to partner campus resources with the general community and provide affordable and accessible Jewish education to adults in the Lehigh Valley, Jessica Cooperman applied for a grant from the Legacy Heritage Jewish Studies Project, an initiative that aims to promote sustained Jewish studies programming in small to midsized cities.

She got it. And for the past year, through her position as visiting assistant professor in Muhlenberg College’s Religion Studies Department, Cooperman has offered programs at venues across the Valley on the topic of “Jews, Money and Capitalism,” primarily featuring interesting and knowledgeable speakers from right here at home. The programs – offered in partnership with the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley -- have been well-received and well-attended, averaging about 30 to 40 participants, with as many as 150 per session.

“I think that we have a really unique community. We have a lot of people who are thoughtful and engaged not only in Jewish life, but want intellectual engagement with continuing education, with challenging new information and new ideas,” Cooperman said. “I feel like there’s a really receptive audience for that kind of programming and I think it’s just about finding the best ways to provide it. I think the community is here and hungry for that.”

The Jewish Federation’s strategic planning committee agreed, setting as one of its six goals for the next several years to focus on engaging more adults to actively participate in Jewish communal life through programming focused on life-long learning and enrichment across generations and forms of Jewish identity.

“A richer array of programming can be offered through partnerships and

collaboration with other organizations,” the plan states.

“Program decisions will be data driven based on identified interests.”

Although the strategic plan envisions what could one day be the “Center for Jewish Life,” it may not – and likely won’t – be a physical center at all. Rather, it would serve as a central body that would coordinate adult programming at the Jewish Community Center, at synagogues, at local universities, at the Jewish Federation and at outside venues.

The programming would include educational offerings, like the Muhlenberg series and the classes currently offered through Project Yachad, along with adult engagement opportunities.

“I’m especially excited about the idea of some kind of Jewish center for learning and living,” said Wendy Born, past president of both the Jewish Federation and JCC, and a strategic planning committee member, in talking about the plan. “[I like] the idea of having some kind of an entity that’s going to help us coordinate and market and strive for the best quality of programs that would affect the whole community.”

The focus of the strategic plan is to recognize what the Valley offers and strengthen it – whether by expanding the audience, enhancing the offerings or supporting their implementation.

The ‘Empty Nesters’ While the Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Day School and synagogues offer an array of educational and programmatic opportunities for children and families, and even seniors, it is the large group in between that particularly interests Gail Eisenberg, a professor of marketing at Muhlenberg College.

“The most underprogrammed are the empty nesters, adults whose children have grown up,” said Eisenberg, who will be chairing the sub-committee to study the adult education arm of the strategic plan. “This group gets lost.”

Barnet Fraenkel Continues from page 1

Association Board of Directors of Bucknell University.

In 2008, Barnet was appointed as a trustee of the Harry C. Trexler Trust, to benefit local parks as well as Allentonians in need. Past funding recipients have included the Boys and Girls Clubs, Casa Guadalupe and the Promise Neighborhoods.

For Barnet, it’s a matter of “trying to help all the people.” To decide which of the many worthy organizations to fund, the trustees conduct site visits. “Barnet said to me, ‘If you could go out with me when I visit some of the agencies … you can’t imagine …,” Furmansky said.

For, with all Barnet has seen and all he has learned, the conditions that many people in our own area face, sometimes as a result of prejudice, sometimes through poverty and neglect, he continues to feel shocked, and motivated.

To fuel him, Barnet has sources of inspiration. With his wife, Lisa -- who is also very active in the Jewish community -- he has a daughter, Julie, and two stepchildren, Adam and Lauren Feldman.

In addition, Barnet said, “My father taught me about community service, my mother taught me to have compassion for anyone in need and my wife has taught me how the arts can impact the human condition.”

Barnet also loves the game show, “Jeopardy,” Furmanksy revealed. “And golf, he loves golf and is still trying to master it.”

With the presentation of the Schiff Award, June 3 is shaping up to be Barnet’s lucky day. Perhaps that luck will extend to the green.

To register by May 17 to play in the Mortimer S. Schiff Memorial Golf Tournament, or attend the dinner where the award will be presented, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/golf.aspx.

“The demographic study [conducted by the Jewish community several years ago] showed that this is a very large part of the community and underserved,” Eisenberg added. Her market research students have conducted studies among empty nesters and, from that, Eisenberg got a strong sense of what empty nesters like to do. Plus, “I’m in that group,” she said.

As a result Eisenberg spoke of “adult engagement,” which wouldn’t necessarily include only religion-based classes, but also “social or cultural activities that adults like to do.”

Adult Engagement and Education With the strategic planning adult programming committee still forming, it’s an issue the JCC is already at work on addressing.

Through its own adult programming committee, the JCC is launching a new series geared at adults of all ages. And with the strategic planning report’s note that programs do need to happen outside of the JCC’s walls to attract Jews from all over the Lehigh Valley, they are taking at least some of them on the road.

The series kicks off in May with two events: a private, behind-the-scenes dinner at Sagra Bistro in Hellertown and a summer beer tasting with an expert from Shangy’s at the JCC. “Really what we’re doing with adult programs is trying to provide that meeting point really where people can come together around topics that they find engaging and that can be both social and educational,” said Kathy Zimmerman, who is co-chairing the JCC’s committee with her husband, Peter Fisher.

“We definitely hope that we will draw people that are interested in finding more ways to be engaged in the community.”

These types of programs – which for the JCC will also include a drumming workshop, a garden tour and a readers’ theater – allow people to “dip in and dip out” and “hopefully, through positive experience, dip in more often,” Zimmerman said.

The Berman Center for Jewish Studies at Lehigh University offers another example of an organization that has successful offerings for Jewish adults, particularly in the area of education.

The center strives “to create an academically and culturally exciting environment by encouraging professors to explore different courses, and particularly by bringing in informative, influential and often iconic speakers … filmmakers, musicians [and more],” director Ruth Knafo Setton said.

Project Yachad, a program of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley in collaboration with area synagogues that is housed at the Jewish Community Center, also offers courses for adults.

Barbara Reisner has been a regular at Project Yachad classes for the past 12 years. Despite her limited free time, having continued Jewish education with a meaningful and thoughtful group of her peers is important to her.

“It’s geared for the adult and it doesn’t matter which synagogue you belong to or if you belong to one,” Reisner said. “Discussions are just so interesting, the enthusiasm, to be able to look

Jeanette Eichenwald teaches Yachad University’s “Future Tense: Jews, Judaism and Israel in the 21st Century.” at these Bible stories or prayers or whatever as an adult, it’s fascinating. You realize that you can’t get all this as a child.”

Currently, however, Yachad only offers four courses per semester – two for beginners and two for advanced students – in the JCC building. The feeling of the strategic planning committee, as noted in the report, is that the offerings – both because of location and context – may not be enough to attract as many people as may want this type of program.

The goals of Project Yachad “are as valid today to a vibrant Jewish community as they were when it was established in the 1990s,” the report states.

“Care should be taken to design a phased-in implementation that will create true communal collaborations and partnerships and a clear organization structure which provides the new Center necessary supervision and ownership.”

The challenges Exciting and time-sensitive programming, adequate funding and dedicated leadership will be the keys to success of the “Center for Jewish Life.”

For Ellen Weinberger, the strength of a program is what it’s all about. With her kids long out of the house, Weinberger, 75, is no longer a member of the JCC and while she does belong to Temple Beth El, she considers herself “semi-involved” in the Jewish community.

She and her husband, Ben, will attend programs, like the Muhlenberg series, but only if they’re really notable.

“Some of them interest me, some of them don’t, but if I’m interested, I would say 90 percent of the time we would go,” Weinberger said.

For others, interest is not the issue. “I think there is plenty to do in the Lehigh Valley already,” said one active synagogue member, who said the real challenge is that many people are already very busy.

With this in mind, Rabbi David Wilensky of Congregation Sons of Israel offers “bite-sized” classes between or after prayer services, delivers classes right in the living room of congregants’ homes and capitalizes on the internet, all in order to tailor classes to his members’ lifestyles.

Wilensky’s membership receives a link to a two-minute “Daily

Halacha Video” embedded in the synagogue website which he said has drawn thousands of hits throughout the year, all from members enjoying a “Torah nugget” in the comfort of their own homes. The links are available on request to nonmembers as well.

This gets at another challenge that Wilensky has identified: “Sometimes people don’t feel comfortable going to a synagogue where they aren’t members.”

People like to feel comfortable.

Wilensky, who teaches one of the Yachad courses, spoke of two models for community-wide adult education: the hub and the satellite.

“In the hub model, the Federation is the place [where] everyone comes together,” Wilensky said. With the satellite model, on the other hand, “the Federation enables the synagogues.”

“I’m a fan of the latter,” Wilensky said. “It would be difficult to create a Jewish education arm [and] you’ve got all the natural Jewish educators there in the synagogues.”

Others lean toward the “hub” model, as seen in programs like Project Yachad, as an alternate way to avoid the common obstacles of membership and, sometimes, low turnouts. The pros and cons of these and other approaches are something with which planners must contend in the Lehigh Valley which, historically, has not been a onesize-fits-all place. Respecting the reality of many “flavors” and expressions of Jewish life in the Lehigh Valley, the strategic planning committee underscored the need to expand existing service delivery, yet recognized the inherent value of renewed collaboration and resource husbanding.

With constructive dialogue on the horizon, Cooperman said she will continue to look for ways for Muhlenberg to partner with the Jewish community, particularly as the school launches its new Jewish studies major.

“I think that there’s a lot that we can do well through partnership,” she said.

Interested in serving on the adult education committee? Contact the Federation at 610-821-5500 or strategicplan@jflv.org. To read the strategic plan in its entirety, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2013 3

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

save the date

Thursday, May 30, 2013 Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Women’s Division

Lion of Judah & Pomegranate Women Spring trip to Philadelphia

Lunch at kosher restaurant Citron and rose

Tour of the national museum of american jewish history www.jewishlehighvalley.org

6:30 p.m. | crayola gallery at the banana factory 25 W. Third Street, Bethlehem

$36 per person for dinner & program Minimum gift of $365 (dollar-a-day) to the 2013 Campaign for Jewish Needs required to attend bring non-perishable food items for the JFS food pantry

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

WELCOMING NEW BABIES to the Lehigh Valley

AYLA ROBIN

daughter of Brenna and Michael Schlossberg

YAEL FLORENCE daughter of Allison and Shay Shimon

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 MAY 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Textile industry looms large in Allentown history

By Jennifer Lader Editor, HAKOL

Living in Allentown and teaching in the business department at Muhlenberg College, Gail Eisenberg couldn’t help but note the importance of the textile industry in the city’s development – and the role of Jewish families in that industry.

After her colleague, history professor Susan Clemens, completed an oral history project on the Allentown black community, Eisenberg engaged her in a joint project of a similar nature on the Jewish families involved with textiles.

Eisenberg and Clemens will talk about the four major themes that have emerged from that project at the next Women’s Division Lunch & Learn on Thursday, May 23, at the JCC of Allentown. It is a crossover event with the Muhlenberg Speaker Series on Jews, Money & Capitalism.

The story of the families they identified is that of the industry and of the immigrant, very entrepreneurial. “It was contract sewing for businesses in New York, from 1930 to 1980,” Eisenberg said. This had been a major occupation in that city from about 1900 to 1930, she said. Russian and Eastern European Jewish

immigrants set up factories there and employed primarily Jewish and Italian women.

As labor became more unionized and more scarce, the owners moved the factories. The manufacturers stayed in New York, but this was not where the sewing was taking place.

“Labor was cheaper here in Pennsylvania,” Eisenberg said. “The men worked in the steel mill and immigrant women didn’t have access to [secretarial] jobs. With sewing, you don’t have to speak.”

The textile businesses dotted the area, with several in Allentown and others in Bethlehem and Slatington.

“We’re letting families tell the story in their own words,” Eisenberg explained of the oral history project. Each summer, she and Clemens interview six or so households, in order to preserve the history and share it.

“It’s a lovely story,” she said. “These people helped transform this community, especially the Jewish community.”

The cost to attend is $12, including lunch, and men and women are welcome.

For more information or to RSVP, contact the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley at 610-8215500 or mailbox@jflv.org.

Western Wall rabbi ‘can live with’ plan for egalitarian prayer site Jewish Telegraphic Agency The rabbi of the Western Wall said he “can live with” a plan presented by Jewish Agency for Israel Chairman Natan Sharansky for a permanent egalitarian prayer section at the Western Wall.

Sharansky briefed Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz on the plan before he left Israel to present it to Jewish leaders in New York in April.

The proposal, first reported by the Forward and later shared by Sharansky with The New York Jewish Week, would turn an archaeological site adjacent to the main Western Wall plaza into a permanent place of egalitarian worship.

“This re-division of the plaza does not match my worldview, as I believe that there should be one site of prayer according to the place’s customs, but we can live with this solution,” Rabinowitz told Ynet, the website of the Israeli daily Yediot Achronot.

The newspaper reported that the haredi Orthodox

Rabinowitz, the rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, had been involved in recent months in planning the suggested solution, citing unnamed sources at the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. Egalitarian prayer is now allowed at the plaza site, near Robinson’s Arch, but only at specific times.

Under the proposal, the plaza would be expanded to encompass the additional prayer space, which is at the southern part of the Western Wall.

“One Western Wall for one Jewish people,” Sharansky said. “In this way, the Kotel will once again be a symbol of unity among the Jewish people, and not one of discord and strife.”

Jerry Silverman, CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, who attended the meeting, refused to go into detail about Sharansky’s proposal, saying it had yet to be presented to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for approval.

Women’s prayer at the

Western Wall has been a contentious issue for years.

Anat Hoffman, director of the Reform movement’s Israel Religious Action Center and head of Women of the Wall, has led a campaign aimed at permitting women to recite prayers in a women’s minyan at the Kotel. Orthodox groups have vigorously opposed such an accommodation, saying it constitutes a violation of Jewish law, and Sharansky’s plan likely would face stiff opposition from Orthodox groups.

Initial responses from non-Orthodox Jewish leaders mostly supported Sharansky’s idea. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, told The Jewish Week that the initiative represented a significant step toward “respecting and protecting the rights of nonOrthodox Jews.”

Hoffman was quoted by the Forward as saying the plan was not “everything we were hoping for” but still “a dramatic change, and it will make history.”

Handmade Afghans

BY EVA LEVITT

All proceeds benefit projects in Israel:

Food Banks in Israel Neve Michael Youth Village

For prices or to place an order, call Eva 610-398-1376. All payments are made payable to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

JFLV welcomes endowment director

By Jennifer Lader Editor, HAKOL Jim Mueth has thought a lot about family: why family is important and what it means to be part of one. In addition to his own family, he has extensive experience in working with philanthropic families. Mueth has joined the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley as the director of planned giving and endowments.

In this role, he will support Jewish families as they make decisions about the future.

Mueth grew up in the St. Louis area, attending college at St. Louis University and moving to Kansas City, Mo., for law school.

After practicing law briefly, he joined a regional bank as a personal trust officer. In this capacity, he worked with families on a variety of issues, administering their trusts and ensuring their taxes were paid, but there was something more that he sought.

“A gentleman who I considered a mentor worked at the bank giving away money for good causes,” Mueth said. He was able to move into the philanthropic area of the organization, now part of Bank of America.

Since then, Mueth has spent more than 14 years making grants, administering accounts

and working as part of a team. His areas of expertise include work with non-profits and with family foundations.

Although Mueth loved the work, by last year, his own family was changing. When his father, an avid bowler, passed away last spring, Mueth found himself re-connecting with bowling because it had been so important to his father. Last fall, he joined the B’nai Brith League in the Kansas City area.

That was the same year that Mueth and wife Shelah sent their daughter Leah off to her second year of college at American University in Washington, D.C. Her field is international studies, something for which there isn’t so much call in the Midwest.

Not one for sitting still, Mueth then set his sights beyond Missouri. Over the years, he had time to think while on the golf course and during a seven-day Iowa cycling event. “You dip the rear tire in the Missouri River and ride across the state, through all the towns, to dip the front tire in the Mississippi,” he said.

It took little more than a hop and a skip eastward to find the Lehigh Valley. Mueth started work at the Federation in mid-April.

In Kansas City, Jim and Shelah belonged to the 140-year-old synagogue called The Temple, Congregation B’Nai Jehudah and are looking toward active involvement in the Jewish community here in the Lehigh Valley.

It was clear even in a short conversation with Mueth what he brings to the Lehigh Valley Jewish community: “There’s the old saying that God gave us one mouth and two ears,” he said, “and that we should talk half as much as we listen.”

For Mueth, one of the joys of his work in the philanthropic area is getting to know people. “You get to know families, the dynamics, the stories … ,” he said. “I try to be a good listener.”

He and Shelah, a home health pediatric physical therapist, look forward to getting to know Pennsylvania and, especially, the individuals and families who are the Lehigh Valley’s Jewish community.

Lunch & Learn Family Stories Behind the Local Textile Industry THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., JCC of Allentown

Muhlenberg Professors Gail Eisenberg and Susan Clemens are digging into Allentown’s rich past in the garment industry.

By interviewing those who were there, they are creating an oral history of the businesses and families that helped to shape the city between 1930 and 1980.

Hear the major themes that Gail and Susan have so far uncovered at the next Women’s Division Lunch & Learn, a crossover event with the Muhlenberg Speaker Series, “Jews, Money, & Capitalism.”

Program is $12, including lunch. Men and women are welcome.

Sponsored by the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of Lehigh Valley and Muhlenberg College's Jews, Money & Capitalism series, made possible by a grant from the Legacy Heritage Jewish Studies Project and the Association for Jewish Studies.

To RSVP, please call 610-821-5500 or e-mail mailbox@jflv.org.

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Hakol 4x4_May_AddamsFamily_Layout 1 4/5/2013 4:37 PM Page 1

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By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Marketing Everyone knows the number.

It begins with a “six” and is followed by six zeroes. Six million Jews were killed in the Holocaust.

But how many can you name? If your list begins and ends with Anne Frank, or maybe even the two or three other names that have become synonymous with such an overwhelming tragedy, then you are doing a great disservice to the memory of those who perished, said Dr. Rachel Korazim, an Israeli Holocaust expert and daughter of Holocaust survivors, she spoke

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS GET COMFORTABLE.

at the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Yom Hashoah commemoration on April 7.

Before these Jews were numbers, or captured at their lowest low in black and white imagery, they were people.

Mothers, fathers, lawyers, doctors. Children with colored ribbons in their hair. Let us not forget and let us honor their memory by recapturing who they were as people, not as victims, Korazim implored the hundreds of community members in attendance.

It’s something the Federation’s Holocaust Resource Center is striving to do.

Working in conjunction with Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial in Israel, the center is urging those with relatives who died in the Holocaust to participate in the Shoah Victims’ Names Recovery Project.

Through the project, 4.2 million names of Holocaust victims have been recorded, along with photos and biographical information when available. But 1.8 million remain.

“It is a race against time before these names are lost forever,” said Shari Spark, Holocaust Resource Center coordinator, who is also collecting the names of local

survivors – including second and third generation -- for the center’s own database. “It’s up to us to make sure that these people, our relatives, are remembered.”

A few of those memories did start to come to life at the commemoration as audience members called out the names of lost relatives. Children and grandchildren of survivors lit the six memorial candles, each representing one million Jews.

We represent the next generation; we will not let the lessons of the Holocaust, the lessons of our grandparents, be forgotten, said Lauren Rabin, as she lit the final candle.

The ceremony also featured a tribute to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising on its 70th anniversary, delivered by Brayden Koch, a seventh grader at Springhouse Middle School.

Visit http://db.yadvashem.org/ names/search.html to search the Shoah Victims’ Names Recovery Project database and download Pages of Testimony. Pages are also available through the Holocaust Resource Center, 702 N. 22nd St., Allentown, 610-821-5500, hrc@jflv. org, www.jewishlehighvalley.org.

To submit names of local survivors, contact the HRC.

Israel closes Gaza crossing following rocket attacks Jewish Telegraphic Agency

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Israel closed the border crossing with Gaza after three rockets were fired at southern Israel from the coastal strip.

With the shutdown on April 8, goods were not allowed to pass through the Kerem Shalom crossing. The crossing remained closed until April 12.

One of the three rockets fired from Gaza struck southern Israel on April 7 as the national ceremony for Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Yom Hashoah, was taking place at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. The rocket also struck just hours after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Israel to push the reopening of peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

Two other rockets reportedly missed their targets and landed in Gaza.

Southern Israel suffered three days of rocket attacks from Gaza in the prior week. The area has suffered a handful of rocket attacks from Gaza since an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire agreement following Israel's Operation Pillar of Defense, which ended in early December.

PHOTO TAKEN WITH PERMISSION INSIDE YAD VASHEM, JERUSALEM 2012

Birthright reaches bar/bat mitzvah year

Above, Taglit-Birthright Israel participants inside Yad Vashem.

Below, Birthright participants enjoy the great outdoors in Israel.

By Kara Kastan Taglit-Birthright Israel North America When Nicole, a Muhlenberg College freshman, initially signed up for a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip, she decided it was time to see the place she had learned about her whole life. Once in Israel, Nicole realized she was always so focused on only the religious aspects. “I never really gave much thought to the other aspects like the scenery and the culture. Absolutely everything is so beautiful … Israel is breathtaking,” Nicole said.

“At the Kotel, I stood crying with my hand and face against the wall praying for myself and my family,” she continued.

“This was the first time I felt like G-d was right with me listening to every word.”

When asked to recount one of her favorite recollections from the trip, she said, “I bought my first Israeli shawarma in Tzfat. It was so delicious, I went right back and bought another one.”

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley funds Birthright, along with other Jewish Federations across North America, the government of

Israel and individual Jewish philanthropists. The goal of the program is to ensure the continuity of the Jewish people by strengthening Jewish identity and Jewish communities while building solidarity with Israel.

Taglit-Birthright Israel offers this 10-day, peer group, educational trip to Israel for Jewish young adults between the ages of 18 and 26 who meet several eligibility criteria. The trip includes roundtrip flights to Israel from various departure cities in North America, overnight accommodations at hotels (plus one night under the stars at a Bedouin tent), two meals a day and all organized activities and touring. To date, Taglit-Birthright Israel has brought more than 330,000 participants to Israel.

Participants travel throughout the country, exploring sites of historic, cultural and religious significance, accompanied by Israeli peers for a significant part of the trip. After her participation as part of the mifgash (encounter) component in 2012, one Israeli reflected, “This amazing project provided the privilege to teach Jewish children from other parts of the world to love the country, their homeland, and that no matter where they live, they would always have a warm home here in Israel.”

Taglit-Birthright Israel, now in it’s bar/bat mitzvah year, continues to grow and surpass the wildest dreams of those who travel and take part in this gift of a lifetime.

JDS begins search for new head of school

By Heather Mill JDS Director of Marketing and Communications The Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley has recently begun the search for a new head of school to replace current head Yossi Kastan for the 2013-14 school year. In March, Kastan and JDS President Karen Cooper announced to parents and community members Kastan’s resignation.

Kastan came to the JDS in 2011 and, over the past two years, his enthusiasm has inspired a clear vision for the school: to develop bright, confident students with a strong American and Jewish identity who are prepared for a global world. Kastan will stay on as principal and head of school through the rest of the school year.

The board of directors immediately initiated a

search for a new head of school. Board members Tama Tamarkin and Dr. Jessica Cooperman head the search committee, which has been elected and will carry out the work of seeking a new leader.

The committee has met to discuss the qualities and qualifications sought and the process to be used in hiring a new head of school.

The JDS Board of Directors will continue to update the community on the progress of the search.

Cooper and the search committee are confident that with the framework for success laid over the past two years, the future of the JDS is bright.

While the JDS community regrets the announcement that Kastan will be moving on, the board is appreciative of all of his contributions to the school and wishes him and his family the best in their future endeavors.

“Life should be a special occasion.”

Life advice from Stephanie B., Resident and Master of Enjoyment

For more information on the Taglit-Birthright Israel program, please visit www.birthrightisrael. com or e-mail us at information@ birthrightisrael.com.

Seems like the more time we spend with our residents, the more we learn about life.

Dream of sending your child to Israel?

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A trip to Israel is not only a fun and exciting experience for your child; it is also a unique way to get him or her connected with our Jewish heritage.

Young people who have participated in an Israel experience regard their time in Israel as one of the most positive Jewish moments of their lives.

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s VISIT program is a saving partnership that helps diffuse the costs of your child’s trip to Israel.

CONTACT ABBY TRACHTMAN

Project Coordinator 610.821.5500 | abbyt@jflv.org www.jewishlehighvalley.org/visitisrael.aspx

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Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation The endowment fund of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley IN MEMORY

LAUREN HALPER (Mother of Ava, daughter of Carol and Barry Halper and sister of Alex) Phoebe and Art Altman Kelly Banach and Rick Mongilutz Sheryl and Rance Block Kira and Richard Bub Pamela and Charlie Dent Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Iris, Jon, Harry and Charlie Epstein Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel Gloria and Harvey Gordon Ellen and Philip Hof Beth and Wes Kozinn Linda and Michael Miller Elaine and Leon Papir Randi and Donald Senderowitz Cherie and Rick Zettlemoyer MAURICE MARIN (Father of Eydie Glickstein) Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Beth and Wes Kozinn DAVID PERKIN (Father of Henry Perkin) Kelly Banach and Rick Mongilutz Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Carol and Barry Halper Randi and Donald Senderowitz DOUGLAS ROTH (Son of Selma Roth and brother of Adam, Judd and Kyle Roth and Melissa Roth) Carole Beck Rita and Michael Bloom

SYLVIA CHASIS (Mother of Joan Brody) Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Beth and Wes Kozinn BETTE COHEN (Mother of Robert Cohen) Elaine and Leon Papir Randi and Donald Senderowitz ALVIN COHODAS (Husband of Dorothy Cohodas) Gloria and Harvey Gordon LEROY FAIGIN (Father of Roni Englert) Judy and Marc Diamondstein Lisa Mishkin and Family FREDERICK FRIEDMAN (Father of Karen Cooper) Marilyn and Nate Braunstein DONALD GOREN (Father of Leonard and Steven Goren) Allison and Seth Berger Carol, Ken, Ellen and Julie Bernhard Helen and Joel Bodzin Cindy and Harold Daitch Eileen and Jerry Markzon Eileen Millstone Elisa Morales Myra and Jeremy Nammack Robin Pappas and Family Debbie Rottman Suzanne and Michael Silverstein Margery and Jay Strauss Lori Sherman and Edward Weber

Marilyn and Nate Braunstein Audrey Cherney Audrey and Jerome Cylinder Linda Del Balso and Robert Steinberg Mitzi and Gene Denitz Judy and Marc Diamondstein Rhoda and Lenny Glazier Sandra and Harold Goldfarb Todd Greenawald Betty Greenberg Halfpenny Technologies, Inc. Paula and Steve Kaunitz Elaine and Leslie Lerner Jean Mandel Lenore S. Marantz / Trustee of the Survivors Trust Bryn and Tina Mellenberg Edie Miller Carole and Harry Rose Elaine and David Rothfeld Janet and David Rothfeld Lynne and Lynn Sarig Sandy and Larry Schwartz Judy and Larrie Sheftel Elaine and Stanley Snyder Barbara and Fred Sussman Elaine and Leon Papir Cherie and Rick Zettlemoyer CECILE SHAFFER (Mother of David Shaffer) Beth and Wes Kozinn GERALDINE WENNER (Mother of Bobbi Needle) Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein

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IN HONOR

DANNY COHEN Many Thanks Jeri Taylor and Ingelise Brown ROBIN COLEMAN AND MICHAEL KUDRYK Birth of daughter, Carly Laurie, Robby, Ben and Danny Wax KAREN AND PETER COOPER Marriage of daughter, Rachel to Jared Zolna Beth and Wes Kozinn JEANETTE AND EDUARDO EICHENWALD Birth of granddaughter, Lyla Joy Rebecca Golding Monica and Henry Friess Roberta and Robert Kritzer Diane and Howard Silverman Vicki and Stan Wax CAROL AND STEWART FURMANSKY Birth of granddaughter, Eliana Gavriella Wendy and Ross Born FRANCINE AND ANTHONY GODFREY Engagement of son Nick to Amanda Vicki and Stan Wax ETTA HELLER Birth of grandson, Miles Vicki and Stan Wax MONICA AND MARTIN LEMELMAN Marriage of son Benjamin to Michelle Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald DIANE AND GARY MILLER Birth of grandson, Griffin Vicki and Stan Wax ROZ AND AL MISHKIN

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Speedy Recovery Judy and Marc Diamondstein Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel Shirley and Lou Furmansky Carole and Harry Rose Barbara and Fred Sussman Vicki and Stan Wax MR. AND MRS. LEONARD ROSENBERG Shaoli Rosenberg MILT SHEFTEL Speedy Recovery Vicki and Stan Wax MARGERY AND JAY STRAUSS Engagement of daughter Amanda to Dan Guthrie Beth and Wes Kozinn SUSAN AND MARC VENGROVE Birth of grandson, Caleb Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein LINDA WIENER Granddaughter’s Bat Mitzvah Vicki and Stan Wax CAROL AND BOB WILSON Son Ben’s Bar Mitzvah Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald

HELEN AND SOL KRAWITZ HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY

ROBERTA ‘BOBBI’ CYLINDER (Mother of Cindy Schneider) Lynda and Stuart Krawitz LAUREN HALPER (Mother of Ava, daughter of Barry and Carol Halper and sister of Alex) Lynda, Stuart and Joshie Krawitz DOUGLAS ROTH (Son of Selma Roth and brother of Adam, Judd and Kyle Roth and Melissa Roth) Joani Lesavoy and Sid Greenberg Lynda and Stuart Krawitz MICHAEL WAITE (Son of Peggy Waite) Lynda and Stuart Krawitz We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship through recent gifts to the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation. The minimum contribution for an Endowment Card is $10. Call 610-821-5500 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org to place your card requests. Thank you for your continued support.

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Young adults schmooze with brews Members of the Young Adult Division of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley enjoy a spring afternoon at the new Noti's Clubhouse Tavern at the Allentown Municipal Golf Course on April 18.

Those in attendance at the "Brews with Jews" event sampled four different beers and munched on veggie burgers and onion rings. Lucky raffle winners walked away with Iron Pigs tickets, Steelhawks tickets and passes to a wine festival in Bethlehem.

For more information about the Young Adult Division or to find out about future events, visit www. jewishlehighvalley.org/yad.aspx.

Left: Erin Corsa and Sara-Jane Bub Below, left: Michael Arbittier and Sam Rawlinson Below, right: Jessica Volchko and Robyn Finberg

JCC Gallery showcases engineered abstraction The art gallery at the Jewish Community Center will feature the kinetic sculptures of Jeff Kahn and the architectural paintings of David Levy through the month of May. Though gravity makes things fall down, Kahn's kinetic sculptures explore the use of gravity to hold objects up. He is fascinated by movement, whether it is the static movement of a Michelangelo statue or the swaying of a tree in the wind, and creates natural movement using metal, gravity and a little air.

“Creating something 20 feet tall that moves in a slight breeze is an exhilarating experience,” Kahn said of his work.

His art is made from aluminum, stainless steel and titanium to endure outdoor environments while some of his smaller sculptures for indoor use include materials of precious woods, gemstones, silver and gold. Kahn's goal is

to make kinetic sculptures that move and inspire.

Levy loves the purity of geometric forms, crisp and elegant lines, a few bold colors and the visual record of brushstroke.

“In combining these things, I wish to visually please, provoke and, on occasion, perplex my audience; but always to engage them,” Levy said.

He wants to entice his viewers, encouraging them to repeatedly scan and measure the art and to discover patterns and illusions of spatial depth that he suggests. His subjects of bridges, cars and musical instruments inspire him and he believes that recognition and completion of pattern is natural and pleasurable because line, shape, color and texture have meanings. Levy hopes to impart the passion he feels for his subjects and the joy and fun of examining and reexamining

a painting.

The exhibit will run until May 31 and is open to the public. Call 610-435-3571 to check for open hours.

The gallery will next exhibit the works of Ben Marcune, a nationally acclaimed artist and sculptor known for his plein air paintings of Historic Bethlehem and Bucks County, his portraits of mayors and college presidents and his sculptures at the Bethlehem Municipal Plaza, Bethlehem Rose Garden and DeSales University. It will also feature the ceramic works of Lisa Fraenkel, who hand builds ceramic boxes and forms emphasizing line, shape and texture. That exhibit will run from June 6 through July 19, with an opening reception on June 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Student to conduct symphony in memory of Jay Scherline

By Lucy Bloise Allentown Symphony Association Marketing Director Over the past few years, Jay Scherline, z”l, became increasingly enthusiastic in supporting the Allentown Symphony Association. He was excited to be a sponsor of the Steve Lippia Simply Sinatra performance along with the jazz performance of Rob Stoneback and the Papa Doo Run Run ASO Pops Concert featuring the music of the Beach Boys. He enjoyed every performance he attended and was always impressed that our community that he held so dear was the home to the great theater.

One of Jay’s dreams was to be a maestro. As a surprise for his 61st birthday, Jay Scherline

was given a gift from his family to be a “guest conductor” at the Allentown Symphony Pops Concert. He was scheduled to be a guest conductor on May 11, 2013, at the ASO Pops Concert, Piano Men – The Music of Elton and Billy™. Due to his passing, his family requested that the Symphony Association seek a replacement on his behalf to conduct in his memory. His wife Lorrie said that Jay was always fond of helping young adults to succeed in their careers and aspirations. She requested that the Allentown Symphony Association reach out and find a local student who may have musical aspirations.

Mardochee Dade, a ninth grade student at William Allen

High School, has been chosen.

Mardochee has been playing cello since third grade and plays cello in both the City Orchestra and the William Allen High School orchestra. He was recently selected as one of only a thousand students nationwide to receive a scholarship from the Jack Kent Cook Foundation, which advances the education of exceptionally promising students. He will attend Interlochen Arts Camp this summer in Michigan.

Mardochee will be the guest conductor at this year’s ASO Pops Concert on May 11 in honor of Jay Scherline. It will be a wonderful tribute to the Scherline family, in particular, to continue Jay’s gift of sharing and fulfilling someone’s dream.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2013 9

Jewish groups favor Borscht gun control legislation

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By Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Jennifer Lader Editor, HAKOL

Twenty-three national Jewish organizations signed on to a letter to the U.S. Senate urging members to pass gun control legislation. The letter reached the Senate in time for a debate on a bill co-sponsored by Sens.

Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), calling for expanded background check requirements.

In the letter addressed to Sens. Harry Reid (D-Nev.), the majority leader, and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the minor-

ity leader, the Jewish groups called on the Obama administration and Congress “to act quickly to prevent needless firearms deaths and injuries.”

They called for comprehensive action that would limit access to the most dangerous weapons and high capacity ammunition magazines, track all firearms, include waiting periods and background checks, provide better access to high-quality mental health care and examine the role of violence in the media.

“There is no single solution to our country’s grave problem with gun control,” said Rabbi

Boston Marathon Continues from page 1

We also discovered that we were both Jewish, and then we exchanged emails so that we could keep in touch.”

When Phillips returned to Allentown, he received an email from this new friend. The email included a photo attachment of his fellow serviceman carrying a stretcher and helping people who had been injured in the blasts. The photo gave the rabbi great pause as he internalized that the man who had provided him so much comfort at the finish line continued to help others who, many of whom were injured in the blasts.

Since coming home to the Lehigh Valley, Phillips has been touched by the concern that the community has shown for his peace and well-being.

“The outpouring of kindness here reminds me that we are all part of a team,” Phillips said.

He attended a KI Board of Trustees meeting soon after his return and felt firsthand the power of people’s prayers. At the meeting, he recited the Birkat HaGomel with a prayer

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Steve Gutow, president of Jewish Council for Public Affairs, which organized the letterwriting campaign. “And with 33 lives lost to gun violence every day, every proposal that can save lives must be considered and given a vote. Delay is not a tactic that will make anybody safe.”

JCPA’s members adopted a similar gun control policy during its annual conference in March.

The Senate bill nevertheless failed on April 17 with a 54-46 vote that fell six short of the 60 votes needed to pass the legislation.

response from the KI Board. The Birkat HaGomel is a Hebrew blessing that thanks G-d for graciousness and deliverance. It is recited upon emerging in good health after a serious or dangerous incident.

“Saying the prayer in front of my friends and colleagues was so comforting,” Phillips said.

“So much energy comes from prayer.”

Elsewhere in the Valley, Rabbi Daniel Stein of Bnai Abraham Synagogue in Easton joined ten religious leaders in an interfaith service held in Easton’s Centre Square days after the events in Boston. Co-sponsored by the city of Easton, the aim of the service was to honor the victims of the bombings, and express prayers for peace and healing.

“The blasts reminded me of the times I spent in Israel after terror attacks,” Stein said. “It is so jarring, and everyone feels the emotional need to connect and be with each other.

“From the Jewish perspective,” he said, “it is important to reach out, acknowledge and care for each other.”

“In a chaotic universe,” Phillips concluded, “we can look for the kindness in community and for the kindness in strangers. We can turn to G-d as a source of comfort and continuity.”

WRITINGS FROM THE

CLERGY

How to answer timeless questions

Korazim, to paraphrase, said what is the difference, she was talking about the horrors of the Holocaust and the entire situation and the precise numbers are not the point.

A woman spoke to Korazim after that lecture and said, “You have incredible chutzpah; what

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between three and four, or for that matter four and five? Or we can send out an open-ended question such as, “Are the institutions serving your needs, on a scale of one to five?” Oy! How do we move forward using a survey or, more importantly, what does it mean

SUNDAY, MAY 19

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

Historical Problems of Biblical Prophecy

In Judaism it is said that each life contains the world.

A talk on the modern historical-critical problems in the study of biblical prophets as well as rabbinic approaches.

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We live in a world where every aspect of society is codified, scrutinized and counted. Polls are taken at every turn; numbers rule; the actuary is king.

I went to a fantastic talk at the latest Yom Hashoah service sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.

The guest speaker was Dr. Rachel Korazim and she told a thoughtprovoking story of something that happened at a talk in the past and that highlighted the power of numbers: Once, while she was speaking about the Holocaust, Korazim mentioned the commonly agreed upon number of Jewish victims: 6,000,000. A man in the audience said he read that it was only 5,500,000.

do you mean 500,000 is not the point? Numbers mean people: your mother, father or child.”

The lesson, Korazim said, was that we should never forget that each number represents a person.

In Judaism it is said that each life contains the world.

The woman who spoke to Korazim made me think about how careful we must be when taking a survey. We must always remember the humanity behind the numbers. We must always remember the stories.

It is the fashion of each governmental or religious institution to send out a survey to get the pulse of its constituency.

For example, a synagogue will send out a survey: “Do you like services, rate them from one to five.” What is the difference

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

to move forward? How can we find out what best serves the community in which we live? How can we discern what connectedness to Judaism really means? I am thinking that we must go to the very basics of what it means to live together as a Jewish community. It is our responsibility to delve deeply into how best to serve.

How can we answer all those timeless questions? The only way to find the answer to all these questions is to ask. We must hear the stories of those we serve.

I propose that at every gathering we take a moment to ask the question Ed Koch asked New Yorkers when he was mayor: “How am I doing?” Then, most importantly, listen.

Presentation by

PROFESSOR JASON RADINE Moravian College

Based on the salon concept in Europe

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

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

There is no cost to participate.

Light refreshments and coffee will be served.

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

25 W. Third St. Bethlehem, PA

Summer CampS June 10 - July 26 | Ages 4-17

May 23

Preservation Hall Jazz Band May 9

The Girls

A Tribute To Mom featuring Sarah Ayers, Bev Conklin, & Lori Donovan May 12

The Fabulous Thunderbirds May 17

Chick Corea Solo Piano Concert May 17

The Music of Grover Washington Jr.

Full-day and half-day camps

Jason Miles Musical Director

May 24

Camps in: - painting SteelStacks™ Bethlehem, PA Tickets: artsquest.org 610-332-3378

register Now Camps Filling Fast!

- drawing

- ceramics

- glass

- photography

- jewelry

- mixed media - and more For complete schedule and to register: artsquest.org | 610-332-3378

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2013 11

Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley 2013 Campaign for Jewish Needs

DONOR HONOR ROLL $1,849,393 raised (as of 4/12/13) Because of you, we are able to help when help is needed, provide a safety net for those who must rely upon it, and nurture the core institutions that are the fabric of a rich and dynamic Jewish community.

THANK YOU.

PRIME MINISTERS CIRCLE $100,000 + Ross Born Wendy Born* Robert and Bonnie* Hammel Just Born Inc Charles and Figa* Kline Foundation Anonymous (1) THEODORE HERZL SOCIETY $50,000 -$99,999 The Deanne and Arnold Kaplan Foundation* KING DAVID SOCIETY $25,000 - $49,999 Fischmann Family Fund* Roberto and Eileen* Fischmann Claudia Fischmann* Diana Fischmann* and Dr. Noah Orenstein Veronica Fischmann* Tama* Fogelman and Family The Fraenkel Family Dr. Harold and Sandra* Goldfarb Max and Shelley* Stettner and Family The Wax-Goldman Family Funds Stan and Vicki* Wax Robby and Laurie* Wax Steven and Nancy* Wax Goldman TREE OF LIFE SOCIETY $18,000 - $24,999 Leonard Abrams Peter and Karen* Cooper Lisa Scheller* and Wayne Woodman Jean Weiner* KING SOLOMON CIRCLE $10,000 - $17,999 Hon. Alan and Donna* Black Dr. Jeffrey and Jill* Blinder Nathan and Marilyn* Braunstein Gary Fromer and Dr. Carol Bub Fromer* Charles Cohen and Rebecca Binder* Robert J. and Susan* Grey Judith Auritt Klein Family Fund* Kobrovsky Family Fund Leslie and Elaine* Lerner Master Family Richard and Susan Master MCS Industries Harry Louis Yanoff & Jeanette Master Yanoff Charitable Fund Orgler Family Fund Nan Ronis* Jay (z�l) and Lorrie* Scherline Ilene Wood* BUILDERS OF ISRAEL $5,000 - $9,999 Dr. Arthur and Phoebe* Altman Ellis and Lisa* Block Sadie Berman Lion of Judah Endowment Fund* Pearl Brooks* Dr. Sam and Sylvia* Bub Marc and Judy* Diamondstein Jonathan and Iris* Epstein Arnan and Marlene* Finkelstein Susan Gadomski * Dr. Jeffrey Gevirtz Mark L. Goldstein and Shari Spark* Allen and Patricia* Gribben Bennett Grossman Barry and Carol R.* Halper Nat and Erica* Hyman Laub Seidel Cohen Hof and Reid Daniel and Nancy Cohen Phillip and Ellen* Hof Chris and Tara Reid Norman Seidel Mark and Patty Klein Bernard and Florence Kobrovsky Special Fund Dr. Wesley and Beth* Kozinn Stanley R. Liebman Estate Dr. Lawrence and Eva* Levitt Michael and Linda* Miller Alvin and Roz* Mishkin Daniel Poresky Dr. Richard and Barbara* Reisner

12 MAY 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Dr. Alex and Robin* Rosenau Shaoli Rosenberg* Drs. Jarrod and Nicole Rosenthal* Paul Sacher Irwin and Ellen* Schneider Mark and Deena* Scoblionko Elizabeth Scofield* and James R. Tanenbaum Larrie and Judy* Sheftel Jack and Amy* Silverman Edith Simon* Dr. Frank and Tama* Tamarkin Dr. William and Pauline* Trachtenberg Dr. Michael and Eileen* Ufberg Dr. Robert and Carol* Wilson Anonymous (3) SABRA CIRCLE $2,500 - $4,999 Dr. Marc and Aliette* Abo Leonard & Beverly* Bloch Foundation Dr. David and Sarah-Jane* Bub Justin and Erin* Corsa Scott and Beth* Delin Andrew and Dr. Lisa* Ellis Dr. Peter Fisher and Kathy Zimmerman* Stewart and Carol* Furmansky Louis and Shirley* Furmansky Dr. Arthur and Jane* Kaplan Drs. Andrew and Deborah* Kimmel Stuart and Lynda* Krawitz Dr. Harold and Linda* Kreithen Jack and Ferne Rodale* Kushner Dr. Richard and Roberta* London Dr. Moshe and Lisa* Markowitz Dr. William and Jane* Markson Dr. Jay and Marla* Melman Dr. Richard J. and Amy* Morse Dr. Robert and Lota* Post Rhoda Prager* Judith Rodwin* Ronald and Martha* Segel Dr. Arthur and Audrey* Sosis Richard and Allison Staiman Dr. Ryan and Carah* Tenzer Arthur and Barbara* Weinrach Dr. Michael and Leslie* Weinstock James and Linda* Wimmer Gail Wolson* Dr. Michael and Miriam* Zager and Family Dr. Israel and Valeska* Zighelboim GATES OF JAFFA $1,500 - $2,499 Marsha Abraham* Dr. Howard Altman Richard J. Mongilutz and Kelly Banach* Dr. Mitchell Cooper and Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper* Dr. Alan Berger Dr. Marc and Lauren* Berson Michael and Rita* Bloom Dr. Scott Brenner and Cheryl Figlin-Brenner* Lawrence Center Marilyn Claire* Dr. Arnold R. Cook Helen Cook* Margo Corsa* Glenn and Jan* Ehrich Norman Falk Dr. Michael and Ellen Feldman Dr. Hal and Kimberly Folander Dr. Ronald and Emily Freudenberger Dr. Henry and Monica* Friess and Family Dr. Lawrence and Vicki* Glaser Dr. Ronald J. and Linda Glickman Dr. Gordon and Rose Lee* Goldberg Mitzi Goldenberg* Dr. Robert M. Gordon Dr. Jeffrey Gould Kenneth and Ellen* Greene Dr. Robert and Tracy Grob Dr. Paul Gross Drs. Harvey and Melissa Hakim Esther Halperin* Hausman Family Mark and Amy* Holtz Dr. Jeffrey and Nancy Jahre Dr. John Jaffe Roland and Dorothy Joseph Rabbi Allen and Toby* Juda Martin and Judy* Krasnov Dr. Joshua and Teri* Krassen Linda Kreithen* Dr. Robert and Stephanie* Kricun Robert and Roberta* Kritzer Dr. Howard and Beth* Kushnick Dr. Michael and Carole* Langsam Dr. Brian LeFrock Dr. Henry and Susan* Lehrich Dr. Paul and Diane* Lemberg and Family Monica Lemelman*

Mort & Myra Levy Philanthropic Fund Dr. Jay and Evelyn* Lipschutz Donald Lipson Dr. Eiran and Janet* Mandelker Dr. Gerald and Ethel* Melamut Robert and Betty* Mendelson Dr. Holmes and Jeannie* Miller Taffi Ney* Dr. Mark and Alice* Notis Dr. Michael and Ruth* Notis Drs. Steven and Nancy Oberlender Dr. Robert and Joanne* Palumbo The Ringold Family* Selma Roth* Dr. Michael and Lynn F.* Rothman Dr. Mark Shampain Marshall and Nina* Silverstein Dr. Raymond and Bonnie Singer Richard and Lynda* Somach Dr. Ronald and Melissa Stein and Family Dr. Jay E. and Margery* Strauss Dr. Benjamin and Ellen Weinberger Dr. Robert Wellner and Tanya Milask* Susan Wild* Dr. Eric Young Dr. Larry and Debra Zohn Anonymous (4) CHAVERIM $500 - $1,499 Richard and Karen* Albert Dr. Richard and Judith* Aronson Marietta Banach* Tama Lee Barsky* Larry and Susan W.* Berman Joseph and Sharon* Bernstein Laura Black* Ronald and Linda* Black Dr. Robert and Linda Bloch Rance and Sheryl* Block Dr. Stuart and Joan* Boreen Regina Brenner* Harry and Edna* Brill Dr. Charles and Ellie* Brooks Evelyn H. Brown* Richard and Kira* Bub Gordon and Janet* Campbell Harvey and Elizabeth* Cartine Dr. Robert Cohn and The Harold and Matilda Cohn Family Fund Edward and Natalie Coleman* Dr. William and Gail* Combs Dr. Karen Dacey* Richard and Ruth* Derby Dr. George and Roberta* Diamond Dr. Mark and Ellyn* Elstein Dr. Thomas and Roni* Englert and Family Joan Epstein* Howard and Shirley* Falk Dr. Alex and Harriet Feig Finkelstein Family Fund Jules and Tama Fogelman Family Fund* Dr. Ari and Margee* Forgosh Neil and Marjorie* Forgosh Hon. Robert and Ronnie Freedberg Alfred T. Gifford Family Fund Dr. Karl and Sara* Glassman Goldfarb Family Fund Goldman Family Foundation Prof. Gary Gordon and Elizabeth McMahon Irwin and Diane Greenberg Alan Greenberger Ralph and Anna Mae* Grossman Jay Haltzman Ronald and Joan* Harrison Aron and Julie* Hochhauser Arthur and Susan* Hochhauser Les and Ricky* Hochhauser Roslyn Holtz* Dr. Arthur and Barbara* Hoffman Carol Hoffman* Dr. Joseph Jacobs Sondra Jacobs* Carolyn Katwan* Dr. Corey and Lisa* Kirshner Drs. William and Susan* Kitei Maxine S. Klein* Muriel Kosen* Paul and Dore Kottler Merry Landis* Lawrence M. Lang and Elaine N. Deutch* Dr. Paul H. and Elaine* Langer Gerson Lazar Family Fund Martha B. Lebovitz* Olivier and Alice* Level The Eva Levitt Knitting Project Scott and Allison* Lipson Eric Luftig Robert and Shirley* Malenovsky Jean Mandel* Dr. Norman Maron Dr. Gerald Melamut Edith Miller* Rabbi Alan and Patricia* Mittleman

Michael Molovinsky Dr. Jerome and Ellie* Morse James Mueth Dr. Jonathan Munves Dexter and Sally Neadle Jay and Bobbi* Needle Gerald and Bernice* Nepon Carole Ostfeld* Leon and Elaine* Papir Alan and Roberta* Penn Frank Penn Family Fund Allen and Sandra* Perlman Stephen and Marianne* Phillips Alison Post* Michael and Ilene* Prokup Dr. Mitchell and Carol Rabinowitz Julian Rappaport and Toby Brandt Elaine Rappaport-Bass* Howard and Sharon* Richman Dr. Max L. and Helen Robbins Joseph Rosenfeld and Jonathan Rosenfeld Dr. Abraham and Nancy Ross and Family Adam and Penny Roth and Family Dr. Norman and Jett* Sarachek Sheila Saunders* Dr. Murray and Marcia* Schechter Dr. Michael and Heidi* Schiffman Lillian Schwab Memorial Fund Schwartz Family Fund Renee Schwartz* Dr. Stuart A. and Janice Schwartz Lorey Shaff* Dr. Edward and Sally* Shapiro Elliot and Linda Sheftel Howard and Susan* Sherer Dr. Howard and Diane* Silverman William and Roslyne Smolow Edward Spitzer and Yvonne Payne Marcy Staiman* Sidney and Lenore* Stecher Dr. Richard and Arlene* Stein Hon. Robert L. Steinberg Kevin Stempel Cheri Sterman* Dr. David and Laurie Strassman Dr. Michael F. Stroock Frank and Zenora Surnamer Fred and Barbara K.* Sussman Fred and Barbara K.* Sussman Fund Marsha Timmerman* Dr. Darren and Stefanie* Traub Susan Vengrove* Dr. Stanley and Judith* Walker Joel and Susan Weiner Robert and Sandy* Weiner Harold and Louise Weinstein Gerald Weisberger and Gail Ehrens* Deborah Weiss* Dr. Michael and Miriam* Zager and Family Jerry and Flossie* Zales Dr. Jason and Barnara* Zicherman Kathy Zimmerman* Anonymous (24) SHORASHIM $250 - $499 Vivian Appel* Baiman Family Fund Joan Balkwill* Miriam Bandler* Sanford and Patricia* Beldon Judy Belmont* Dr. Harry and Donna Berger Richard Bergstein Dr. Neil and Christy Boderman Amy Born Fund* Sally Brau* Patricia Carlis* Marcia K. Cohen* Robert Cohen and Michelle Hindin Martin Cohen Family Foundation Temple and Ann Coldren Coleman Family Fund Donald Denburg Richard Director Eduardo and Jeanette* Eichenwald Fred and Gail* Eisenberg Jack and Shirley* Engelson Samuel and Lynn* Feldman Marcia Felkay* Harry and Amy* Fisher Fran Fisher* Atty. Jeffrey Fleischaker and Dr. Ophira Silbert* Eleanor Fletcher* Charles Fletcher Memorial Fund Brian and Emily* Ford Ronald and Olga* Gelber Renee Gittler* Betsy Glazier* Rhoda Glazier* Glazier Furniture Ann Goldberg* Libby Golomb* Arkady and Sophia* Golynsky Allan Goodman Lothar and Wendy Gumberich Dr. Leo Heitlinger Hertzmark Family Fund Jonathan and Jocelyn* Hodes Ms. Carol Jaspan* James and Andrea* Jesberger Andrew and Nancy Kahn Irving Kaplan Lawrence Kaplan Dr. Binae Karpo* Herbert Katz Dr. Jay and Phyllis* Kaufman Dr. Andrew Kimmel

Edward Komito Teri Krassen* Dr. Hartley Lachter and Dr. Jessica Cooperman* Bernard and Laurie Lesavoy-Lesavoy Butz & Seitz LLC Victoria Levin* Dr. Edward Levy Gilfrid and Michele* Levy Herbert Litvin Thomas Loetzbeier Sylvia Mandel* Dr. Norman and Roberta* Marcus Murray Milkman Paul and Natalie Millrod Cary Moritz* Elaine Morrow* David and Catherine Nahmias Dr. Douglas and Ruth* Nathanson Jerome and Norma* Neff Marc Nissenbaum Dr. Michael Obenski Hon. Edward Pawlowski Rabbi Seth Phillips Daniel Pomerantz Fund Edward and Beth* Posner Reitars-Braunstein Family Foundation Harry and Carole* Rose Michael and Linda Rosenfeld Cary Rothstein Lance and Pamela* Rozsa Joel and Linda Scheer Terry Schettini and Barbara Yudis* Henry and Isabel Schiff Michael and Brenna Schlossberg Bernard and Sara* Schonbach Sydney and Helene* Schultz H. Sheftel Memorial Fund Stuart and Susan* Shmookler Dr. Andrew and Rachel* Shurman Dr. Laurence and Mimi* Silberstein John and Judi* Silverberg Dr. Roger and Marna* Simon Beth El Sisterhood Sons of Israel Sisterhood Dr. Bruce and Ardeth* Smackey Peter and Sheila* Sokalsky Michael and Jane* Spitzer Dr. Mark Stein and Sharon Albert* Stephanie Szilagyi* Dr. Jonathan Tenzer Family Fund Ron Ticho Selma Tomkin* Dr. William and Rae Tuffiash Beverly Wasserman* Robert and Marcia* Weill Joseph Weiner Eugene and Helene Weiss David and Deborah* Wiener Linda Wiener* Bruce and Alicia* Zahn Debby Ziev* Dr. Zeev and Narda Zimerman Debbie Zoller Anonymous (20) GENESIS under $250 Dr. Albert Abrams Dr. Henry Abramson Frederic Abeloff Linda Adler* Marvin and Sylvia* Adler Joseph Aflalo Richard and Maria* Ain Isabella Alkasov* David Anderson Richard and Regina* Angel Florence Applebaum* Scott Appleman Elaine Atlas* Dr. Mark Auerbach Pnina Avitzur* David and Carmit* Bach Karen Bader* Dr. Marsha Baar* Dr. Susan Basow* Michael and Barbara* Bassano Dr. Sherri Bassner* Donald and Andrea* Bastian Marla Beck* Dr. Sharon Beckhard* Belman Family Fund Michael Benioff Lillian Benton* Millie Berg Memorial Fund Elaine Berk* Phyllis Berkowitz* Scott Berman Nancy Bernstein* Dr. Jason and Roslyn* Birnbaum Dr. Joan Bischoff* Jonathan Black Randi Blauth* Edith Blinderman* Andrew and Dr. Christy* Block and Family Glenn and Melisa Block Jerome and Loretta Block Igor and Alla* Bolotovsky Ilya Borshansky John and Miriam Harris* Botzum Gerald and Audrey Brandis Rose Breuer* Ron Brodsky Dr. John and Ingelise* Brown Kareem Brown Neil and Diane Brown Jerry and Wilma Brucker Robert and Gail* Burger Betty Burian* Ivan Buyum

David and Sarah* Caine Sara Camuti* Annette Carpien* Allen and Marjorie Carroll Dena Cedor* Audrey Cherney* Tammy Ciliberti Elena Cohen Charity Fund Dr. Ofer and Dana* Cohen Robert and Jane* Cohen Zachary and Ginny* Cohen Alvin and Dorothy* Cohodas Dr. Karen G. Cook* and Caity Kanengiser Eric and Heidi* Coolidge Jerome and Audrey* Cylinder Marjorie Danciger* Edwin and Rabbi Melody* Davis Arianna Delin* Ben Delin Noah Delin Eugene and Eileen* Denitz Purple Diamond* Marilyn Doluisio* Sandra Dror* Shelley Drozd* Dr. Wayne and Heather Dubov Niles Dubin Vicki Duerr* William Dunleavy and Dr. Laurie Cohen* Marla Duran* Helen Ebert* Stewart Eichelbaum Edward Eidelman Emily Eider* Barbara Einhorn* David Eiskowitz Lisa Ellis Fund* Alyssa Emswiler Joseph Epstein and Sheryl Feinstein Michael Finley and Audrey Ettinger* Anita Evelyn* Eleanor Extract* Jerry Farris Deborah Feden* Doba Feldman* Sharon Feldman* Jerome and Judith* Fields Anna Figlin* Sandi Fine* Millie Fingerman* Michael Finley and Audrey Ettinger* Fredda Fischman* Diana Fischmann Fund* Veronica Fischmann Fund* Vivian Fishbone* Adele Fisher* Diane Fisher* Jeff and Jackie* Flashnick Lance and Marian* Flax Peter Foldes Phyllis Ford* Julie Fraenkel Fund* Paul S. and Melissa Frank Marla Freedman* Michael and Sandra Freeman Barbara Friedenheim* Jerry and Bette* Friedenheim Dr. Allan and Sandra* Futernick Dr. Michael and Traci Gabriel Lewis and Roberta* Gaines Linda Garber* Dr. Debra Garlin* Arnon and Hagit* Gavish Gail Gelb* Rabbi Jonathan Gerard and Dr. Pearl Rosenberg Dr. Eric and Debbie Gertner* and Family Hildi Gesoff* Nancy Gevirtz Memorial Fund Samuel Gevirtz Mitzvah Fund Jerome and Gloria* Ginsburg Gary and Pat* Glascom Sally Glascom* Lauren Glick* Bernice Glickman* Lolly Glickman* Doris Goeld* Carrie Gofberg* Julia Goldberg* Arlene Gorchov* and Mark Kennedy Brian and Judith* Goldman Susan Goldman* Dr. Malvin and Lillian* Goldner Lee Goldstein Martin Goldstein David and Tova* Goldstein Dr. Richard Gordon David Gottlieb Betty Greenberg* Donald Greenberg Jeff and Elizabeth* Greenberg Rabbi Zalman and Yehudit Greenberg Rosaly Greenberger* Sidney Greenberg and Joan Lesavoy Arlene Griffin* Ervin Gross Lila Gross* Ruth Gross* Shirley F. Gross* Ruth Grossbard* Gayanne Grossman* Marcel and Sharon Guindine Tom and Rita* Guthrie Mark and Alice* Gutman Marion Halperin* Sharon Hamilton* Simon and Elaine Hammel Bernice Harris* Greg and Suzanne Harris Samuel Harris Fund

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

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2013 13

Gloria Hartglass* Dolores Heller* Etta Heller* Alvin and Arlene* Herling Ted Herstein Marjorie Hertz* Philip Heyman Syman and Anita* Hirsch Charles Hochstedler and Nancy Silver* Dorothy Hoffman* Dr. Neil and Janet* Hogan Karen Holloway* Dr. Michael and Stacy* Hortner Caren Hughes* Charles and Dale Inlander Michael Iorio Vladimir and Lubov Iskold Nina Jackson* Julius and Rosanna Jacobs Dr. Donald and Carol Jaffe Douglas and Amy* Jaffe Joel and Liz Kamp Honey Kandel* Sidney and Helene* Kaplan Lisa Kappes* Alan Kares Harriet Karess* Lorraine Karess* Gary Kaskowitz Yossi and Kara* Kastan Dr. Lewis and Joan* Katz Stephanie Katz* Francine Katzman* Marilyn Kaufman* Stanley and Marilyn Kaufman Chaim and Carol Kaufmann Frances Kaufmann* Daniel and Anne* Kaye Ludmila Khodorkovsky* Lionel and Ellen* Kier Allen Kirstein Renee B. Kleaveland* Mark Klein Family Fund Nathan Kline Rosine Knafo* Lillian Kobrovsky* Deborah Kohler* James and Kathleen Koones Dr. Nelson and Andrea* Kopyt David and Gina* Kormanik Paul and Dore Kottler Barbara Kowitz* Dr. Neal Kramer Dr. Arnold and Barbara* Kritz Ruth Kugelman* Abraham and Bea Kuller Dr. Michael and Fay* Kun Diane LaBelle*

Gary and Jennifer* Lader Dr. Samuel and Sharon* Land Jill Lang* Peter and Madeline* Langman Gilbert and Judy* Lappen Mary Laronge* Howard and Ellen* Lebowitz Dr. David Leff Frederick and Sherry Lesavoy Maur and Doe* Levan Aaron and Rachel* Level Gustav and Zelda Levin Dr. Larry Levin Cindy Levine* Lee and Mary Jane* Levine Robert and Cindy* Levine Paul Levy and Helen Mack-Levy* Stacy Lewis* Joan Lichtenstein* Howard and Alice* Lieberman Doris Lifland* Boris and Ellen Lifschutz Maria Lifschutz* Dr. Lisa Lindauer* Alex and Dr. Anna* Linderman Dr. David and Elizabeth* Lischner Dr. Zalman and Maya* Liss David and Marilyn* Louick Rebecca Lovingood* Rochelle Lower* Dr. Henry and Pat Luftman Howard and Edith Lustig Leonard Lutsky Bruce and Carina* Magida Ronald and Patricia Malvin Itzik and Elvira Mana Jorge and Silvia* Mandler David and Susan* Manela Louise Mapstone* Joe and Rebecca Marchese Pamela Marth* Aliza Martin* Chahine Marvi* Dr. Davoud and Chahine* Marvi Robert Mayer and Jan Muzycka* Thomas McAloon Ruth Meislin* Susan Mellan Memorial Fund* Betty Mikofsky* Janis Mikofsky* Donald and Julia* Miles Gary and Diane* Miller Dr. Robert and Ellen Miller* and Family Norman and Maxine* Miller Robert and Joy* Miller Stanley Miller David and Susan* Miner Sharon Minick* Susan Mohr*

Steven and Judy Molder Daniel Morgenbesser Gladys Morgenstein* Anne Morris* Joseph Mozes Memorial Fund William and Sharon* Mullin David and Jane* Much Judith Murman* Mark Nadler Namm Family* Henry and Jill* Narrow Howard and Jill Nathanson Mattathias Needle Terry David and Shirley Neff Richard and Paula* Nelson Audrey Nolte* Maurice and Sandy* Ojalvo Robert Orenstein Debbie Ovitz* Cantor Jill Pakman* Barbara Pass-Glazier* Matan and Cantor Jennifer* Peled Jean Perch* Phyllis Perkin* Dr. Peter Pettit The Pitkoff Family Miriam Pitkoff* Murray and Dorothy* Platt Jay and Marlene* Plotnick Matt Plotnick Mildred Poliner* Dr. Matthew and Denise* Pollack Igor and Anna* Polonsky Rhissa Pontrelli* Rabbi Jonathan and Joanna* Powers Leo Pozefsky Adina Preis Patti Price* Ellen Osher* and Robert Prichard Miriam Puccio* The Purple Fund Raab Fund Dr. Jason Radine Martin Rapoport Bruce Reich David Reiff Ruth Reiter* Linda Rich* Charles Richter and Lynda Pollack* Theresa Romain* Rosenau Family Fund Lisa Rosenberg* Karen Rosenblatt* Dr. Joel Rosenfeld Myra Rosenhaus* Monro and Mimi Roth Phyllis Rothkopf* Herman Rovner Barbara Rudolph*

Eileen Rugh* Vladimir Salik Alan and Mary* Salinger Gerald and Etta* Salman Dr. Matthew and Keren* Saltz Richard and Amy* Sams Leonard and Arlene* Samuelson Deborah Sarachek* David and Myra Saturen Helene Rae Scarcia* Mary Lou Scarf* Seith Schentzel Elana Schettini Fund Noah Schettini Fund Ellyn Schindler Rachel Schmiedberg* Stephan and Rachel* Schmiedberg Melvin and Pearl* Schmier Leon Schneider Sol and Dolly* Schocker James and Sandra* Schonberger Ivan and Jill* Schonfeld Lewis and Nesha Schor Gil Schpero Dr. David Scoblionko Dr. Arthur Levine and Dr. Janet Schwartz* Richard and Dr. Cheryl Shadick Robert Shaw Shay and Allison* Shimon Dr. Miriam Shustik* Mimi Silberstein* Dr. Stephen Shore Stanley Shrager Barry Siegel Sheldon and Lolly* Siegel Serita Silberg* Charles Nochstedler and Nancy Silver* Abigail Silverman* Abigail Silverman Fund Diane Silverman* Jessica Silverman* Jessica Silverman Philanthropic Fund* Silverman Family Fund Debra Skinner* Monica Slutsky* Dr. Arnold and Judy* Slyper Mervin and Giz Smolinsky Dr.Yehuda and Victoria* Smooha Susan Sosnow* Aryeh Spero Danielle Staiman Mitzvah Fund* Alan and Lori Starr Dr. David Stein Arieh Sternberg Michael and Sybil* Stershic Ronald Sunshine and Feather Frazier David Vaida and Cantor Ellen Sussman*

Honey Sussman* Norman and Cindy* Sussman Robert Sussman Kenneth Szydlow Norman and Susan Tahler Adam and Elysse* Teichman Sandi Teplitz* David Teumim Donald Thaler Harriet Theodore* Alla Toff* Earl and Sondra* Toland Doris Tomback* Dr. Edward Tomkin and Sandra Wadsworth Alan and Enid* Tope Saul and Sheila* Topolsky Nancy Trabin* Gary and Sharon Trinker Philmore and Rose* Tucker Ufberg Family Fund Dr. Mark and Gayle* Unger Sharone and Lora* Vaknin Dr. Steven Vale and Dr. Jennifer Gell* Kimberly Valuntas* Inna Vishnevetsky* Volk Family Fund Dr. Arkady and Ilana Voloshin Kenn and Sarah Wagenheim Jonah and Lucille Wahrman Lynn Waite* Dori Wallace* Alice Ward* Anne M. Warschauer* Cantor Kevin Wartell and Rabbi Barbara Goldman-Wartell* Dr. Andrea Waxman* Marcia Weinberg* Gershen and Faith Weiner Isadore and Dorothy* Weiner Les and Anita* Weintraub Dr. Steven Weintraub Magda Weiss* Marjorie Weiss* Neil and Judith Wetcher Alfred Wiener Family Fund Tamar Wiener* Clifford and Marlene* Wolf Francine Wolfe* Barbara Wolfgang* Norman and Sandra* Wruble Rabbi and Mrs.Yitzchak Yagod* Gladys Yass* Yofresh Yogurt Cafe Herman and Jessica* Ytkin Cindy Zehnder* Zelickson Family Fund Dr. Robert and Susanna* Zemble Anonymous (54)

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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2013 15

GIVE A MITZVAH, DO A MITZVAH

Bar Mitzvah honors Jewish War Veterans Ben Wax will become a Bar Mitzvah on May 25, 2013, at Temple Beth El in Allentown.

It is the Saturday immediately prior to Memorial Day. With that in mind, Ben decided to honor Jewish War Veterans for his mitzvah project.

Ben and his family contacted Major Nathan Kline of the Jewish War Veterans of the Lehigh Valley. Major Kline flew 65 bombing missions from March 1944 through April 1945 as a bombardier/ navigator in B-26 Marauders in Europe. He received numerous medals, including the Air Force’s Distinguished Flying Cross and the Legion of Honor medal from the French government on June 5, 2009. Ben invited Major Kline to speak to the middle school students at Temple Beth El, and on April 29, Kline came and spoke to the students. Kline shared stories, artifacts and memorabilia from World War II. Ben also invited other members of the Jewish War Veterans of the Lehigh Valley to attend so that his classmates could meet them and discuss their experiences.

"I chose this project because my bar mitzvah is on the

weekend of Memorial Day. I discussed ideas with Cantor Wartell and my parents, and we discovered the Lehigh Valley Jewish War Veterans and the Blue Star Mothers. I heard Major Kline speak at the JDS last year, and I thought my friends at Beth El would really benefit from the program," Ben said.

"Ben wanted to select a project involving patriotism and our armed forces. We were thrilled to invite Major Kline to speak to the kids and to arrange for the Beth El students to write letters to our troops," said Laurie Wax, Ben’s proud mom.

Robby Wax, Ben’s dad, had this to add: "Major Kline is a true American hero with an incredible story to share with Ben and his classmates. We need to remember the sacrifices that have been made by prior generations so that we do not take our freedom for granted."

Following the presentation and discussion, the students wrote letters to active duty soldiers thanking them for their service to our country. The letters will be delivered through the local chapter of Blue Star

Mothers, an organization dedicated to supporting members of the Armed Forces Ben is a seventh grade honor student at the Swain School. He enjoys playing basketball, soccer and tennis. He loves spending time with his grandparents and other family members. Pinemere Camp is Ben’s second home after having spent the last six summers there.

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

Walk to raise awareness of Chiari and Syringomyelia

Elana Valladares, a seventh grade student at Saucon Valley Middle School, had surgery four years ago to provide symptom relief for Chiari I Malformation. There is no cure for the congenital malformation of the back compartment of the skull that results in crowding of neurological tissues. The surgery was a success and Elana only has a few lingering symptoms and activity restrictions today.

Elana will become a Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Keneseth Israel on June 22, 2013. It seemed natural to do a mitzvah project to raise aware-

ness about this condition with which many doctors are unfamiliar. As part of Chiari & Syringomyelia Foundation’s unite@night campaign, Elana will help to organize and cohost one of over 45 one-mile walks taking place around the country during the month of June. Elana’s walk will be at Upper Saucon Community Park on June 9, 2013. Registration begins at 5 p.m. and the walk will take place at 6 p.m.

This walk will bring together people who are suffering from the devastating effects of Chiari malformation, syringomyelia and related disorders. unite@night will support CSF chapters and co-ops to provide education and increase awareness while funding research projects that can potentially find answers to help those who are fighting these disorders.

Elana and her mother, Barbara Valladares, are very busy planning and organizing the event. They need people to join the walk and sponsors to donate food and raffle prizes for the event which is free and open to the public. They are trying to get media coverage and donations for both the

expenses of the walk and to donate to CSF. If you would like to join the walk, make a donation or sponsor Elana, visit http://unitenight.kintera. org/bethlehem. Her team is the “Chiari Crushers.”

“I’m excited, “Elana said,” I hope a lot of people come walk with us. I want people to understand what other people have to go through. I have a fundraising goal of $1,000. I really think I can do it.”

“It was very frustrating to get a diagnosis when she was little,” Valladares said of her daughter. “I had to keep at our doctor to get the appropriate tests for Elana. Some doctors are not familiar with the condition and that made diagnosis and treatment all that much more difficult. We are both hoping to raise awareness and provide funding for education.”

Contact Valladares at barbsv@verizon.net if you have questions or would like to get involved.

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

This Give a Mitzvah, Do a Mitzvah feature continues on page 25 with Jonah Grob.

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

16 MAY 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

MEMORIAL DAY 2013 This Memorial Day, thank a soldier or veteran

By Jerry Farris Special to HAKOL Memorial Day. It’s all about burgers and doggies, chips, soda and in some places, parades, right? Wrong.

Memorial Day is about remembering our men and women who not only served in the military, but died to keep our country free. Over the course of the various conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, we lost 50 Jewish men and women through combat, IEDs and accidents during training missions.

But Memorial Day is about more than the current losses. We remember all the soldiers who have died that we might have a free and safe country from the time of New Amsterdam’s settlement through the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and the conflicts between and since.

Every Memorial Day in Allentown, you will find veterans, community leaders and citizens from all walks of life gathered at the Government Center just off 7th and Hamilton Streets. There, all gathered remember the fallen and give thanks for our freedoms.

Veterans’ posts throughout the country participate locally in ceremonies observing Memorial Day. This year, as always, veterans will gather together, forgetting differences of any sort, supporting each other and family members as together we bow our heads in prayer, and salute the colors as the flag is carried high past us. Memorial Day brings us together,

with no attention to differences in color, religion, ethnicity. We are one.

Some of our area synagogues have enlisted the high school students from their religious schools to gather around Memorial Day (usually a Sunday prior) to replace the torn and tattered flags on the graves of veterans at their respective cemeteries.

Some also hold a short memorial service at the cemetery after replacing the flags. The services are very poignant and meaningful to all who participate.

Temple Beth El and Congregation Keneseth Israel both have such plans. Contact your synagogue to check dates and times.

There are many veterans in our Jewish community.

Many have gone unrecognized for their service; and we often do not know they served until they are no longer with us. We only find out later, when it is too late to say, “Thank you.”

I could tell you about Maur Levan, David Weiner, Jerome Ginsberg … all veterans living here in Allentown. But it would be far better if you were to seek out the veterans and ask them about their service and thank them in person.

Join with me and other veterans this Memorial Day to say “Thank you!” to those who have served, continue to serve and to those who no longer walk this earth. Remember, if the veteran had not fought for your freedom, for all our freedoms, we would be enslaved to others or denied what we consider our basic freedoms.

If you see a soldier, thank him or her. If you know a

veteran, thank that person, too.

The next time you hear or sing the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” think about the words, think of the lives lost in battle so this country could be formed.

An unknown author once said: “A veteran -whether active duty, national guard or reserve, retired or discharged from any of these, is someone who, at one point in life, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The United States of America,’ for an amount of ‘up to and including my life.’”

Memorial Day is one day out of 365 days; it is set aside to honor the fallen, to memorialize their unselfish desire to lay their lives on the line for you and me.

Come to Center City Allentown on Memorial Day; or better still, come to our local Jewish War Veterans meeting (the second Sunday of the month most months, but the 3rd Sunday in May -- the 19th -- this year because of Mother’s Day). Come, stand and let them know you truly appreciate their service; then join us as we stand in sacred silence to remember those who are no longer with us.

Memorial Day. America. Veterans. Together we stand. Together, we are strong. Together we will remember. G-d Bless America! And G-d Bless our veterans!

Jerry Farris served in the U.S. Air Force. She is a member of Lehigh Valley’s JWV Post 239, serves on the National Executive Committee of JWV and is the group’s national lay cantor.

JCC Ride for Fitness: Start summer on the right track

By Bill Markson Special to HAKOL Join the JCC this Memorial Day for the first annual JCC Ride for Fitness to benefit the Fitness Department.

There will be three ride options on Monday, May 27, all starting at Wehr’s Dam Covered Bridge Park. For the fittest and most ambitious, a 45-mile ride will start at 8:30 a.m.; the 25-mile ride will start at 9:30 a.m.; and the casual riders can enjoy a 10-mile ride starting at 10:30 a.m. All rides are designed to finish at 11:30 a.m. so that riders and their supporters can gather, swap stories and share refreshments.

An exchangeable Trek bike from Fitness Central valued at $900 will be raffled off after the ride.

Representatives of Fitness Central in Schnecksville will be at the ride to perform bike and helmet safety checks.

Fitness Central is an excellent store and has generously contributed to the bike to be raffled. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the time of registration or on the day of the race.

The ride fee of $30 includes refreshments and a commemorative T-shirt, which can be proudly worn for years to come. T-shirts are only

guaranteed to those who register in advance.

The proceeds will directly benefit the Fitness Department of the JCC. Highlights of the Fitness Department include terrific equipment, trainers and group classes as well as personal training sessions. The JCC is hoping to upgrade the sound system in the spin room and improve the locker rooms.

The idea for the JCC Ride for Fitness came from a group that has been riding on Sunday mornings for the past two years. The core group included JCC members who live on Hampton Road in South Whitehall and their friends. None of them rode for fitness until they were collectively inspired to change their exercise routine. Now that they are in the habit, they have a Twitter account announcing rides (@hamptonroadrides).

They are hooked on the schmoozing and cruising Sunday mornings during the nice weather. Typical rides are 20 miles at a 12-14 miles- per-hour pace.

Newcomers are welcome.

As many of the riders are members of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Maimonides Society, a group for health care

Members of the Maimonides Society bike riding group gather on a recent Sunday morning. professionals, they hope the JCC Ride for Fitness will inspire others to join their group rides and improve our community health and fitness.

Register now at the JCC Welcome Desk or call

the JCC at 610-435-3571 for more information. It’s going to be a great start to the summer.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2013 17

18 MAY 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

Walk the Land: Israel turns 65 Hundreds of people from across the Lehigh Valley turned out to "Walk the Land" in celebration of Israel's 65th birthday on Tuesday, April 16. The event featured activities at the Jewish Day School, a parade through the streets of Allentown and a birthday party at the JCC. The parade was led by Yunna Kolfina, a “lone soldier� in the Israel Defense Forces. Marta Gabriel, regional manager for Sen. Pat Toomey, presented Federation President Barry Halper with a proclamation commemorating the day. The event was sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, the Jewish Day School and the Jewish Community Center, and supported by business partner Palram.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2013 19

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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2013 21

The view from Ha’aretz

By Lauren Epstein JFLV Intern

The old saying goes, “two Jews, three opinions.”

Certainly, the Jewish people are known for having strong opinions and for not being at all shy about letting their views be known. It makes sense, therefore, that Israelis share this quality as well.

During my 10-day trip over the holiday of Passover to Israel, I was privy to the varied thoughts and opinions of Israelis regarding President Barack Obama’s monumental first visit while in office. The consensus was that they were glad he came and content with the messages presented in his speech. Plus, Israelis especially got a kick out of the president speaking in Hebrew.

While Israelis were generally pleased with the president, they wondered why he chose to come when he did, “wreaking havoc on traffic conditions and Passover preparations and plans,” as one person said.

This chaos was endured by Israelis and tourists alike in Jerusalem throughout Obama’s stay, when barriers and heavy security descended on the city.

Our cab driver from the airport to Jerusalem was an observant Jew who was very amiable, but he grew increasingly frustrated with the president as a result of the time that the security measures added to our route, because he was anxious to get home in time for Shabbat.

This cab driver, in particular, represented the

MARK NEYMAN/GPO/JTA

Editor’s Note: Lauren lived in Israel for three months during high school and recently traveled there again, this time with her family, for Passover.

President Obama places a stone on the headstone of Yitzhak and Leah Rabin during a visit to Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, March 22, 2013.

opinion of the more skeptical contingency of Israelis. He was very religious, more right wing in his political views, and not convinced of Obama’s loyalty to Israel. When I asked him about his opinions of the president’s visit he conveyed his disapproval of Obama’s more left wing approach to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

He cited the reasons for his distrust and disapproval, the first being the president’s lack of visitations to Israel during his first term, which he said was filled with visits to various Arab countries.

The second reason the cab driver cited was his middle name, constantly referring to the president as Barack Hussein Obama, attributing to the president, in this way, the role of an Arab sympathizer. He felt as though the visit was “good for the president’s publicity” and argued that that in itself was the reason behind the Obama’s visit.

He concluded by saying

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that Obama was like any other politician, even comparing him to “Bebe” Netanyahu, in that respect.

Once at our hotel, we met up with some fellow Americans for a lovely Shabbat meal. Of course, the topic of Obama’s visit and the resulting lengthy trips from the airport to Jerusalem came up. This group shared a more optimistic opinion.

A mix of Democrats and Republicans, this bunch agreed that on the issue of Israel, the party of the president should not matter; rather, what counts is the politician’s dedication to the State of Israel. It seemed to them that Obama was in fact dedicated to the well-being of the State of Israel. Overall, the group was very happy with the messages expressed

by Obama in his speech.

The group of visiting families then went to the youth hostel where my brother and his classmates were staying, and there heard firsthand accounts of the presidential motorcade driving through Jerusalem and of students’ interactions with Obama through the window of a car.

The students told us how excited their Israeli madrichim, or counselors, were for him to come to Israel, expressing a sense of hope in his leadership.

The kids told us how much these native Israelis, just out of army duty, admired Obama and his peaceful methods.

They expressed their overwhelming desire for peace at any cost and the need for change in the approach taken to reach that difficult goal.

They also expressed their tremendous respect for the U.S. president for trying new, progressive methods towards achieving peace in the tumultuous region.

Oh, tov lihiyot shuv ba’aretz! – It’s good to be back in the land of lsrael!

Jews, Money & Capitalism series presents final programs

By Rachel Kennett Special to HAKOL Muhlenberg’s communitywide series, “Jews, Money & Capitalism,” is coming to a close after eight months of thought-provoking, informative and fascinating discussions. Join us in May for our last three presentations.

The first of the three events will be “Jews and the Left in America,” a brunch discussion with Professor Roger Simon of Lehigh University. Co-sponsored by Bnai Abraham Synagogue and the Easton Leadership Council of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, this presentation will be on Sunday, May 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Bnai Abraham Synagogue.

Simon, an American social and labor historian, will focus on why American Jews have been associated with leftist movements and

causes. Compared to the general population, American Jews tend to be more liberal in their outlooks, according to Simon. The relationship of the American population and American workers with respect to liberalism will be addressed.

Hoping that audience members will take away “a better understanding about why most American Jews today are liberal minded and strong supporters of the democratic party,” as Simon states, he will provide the background information necessary so that attendees can fully grasp the ideas and concepts he will present.

“New Research on Family Stories behind the Local Textile Industry, 1930 to 1980,” is the second presentation and will take place on Thursday, May 23, at 12 p.m. at the JCC of Allentown. Featuring Professors Susan Clemens and

‘Window of opportunity’ for Mideast peace talks Jewish Telegraphic Agency President Obama said there was a “window of opportunity” to kick-start Palestinian-Israeli peace talks.

Speaking after meeting on April 11 with U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon, Obama said the two “talked about Middle East peace, where there’s at least a window of opportunity for both Israelis and Palestinians to get back to the peace table.”

“We explored how the United States, as a strong friend of Israel and a supporter of the Palestinian state, can work with the United Nations and multilateral bodies to try to move that process forward,” the U.S. leader said.

The comments came two days after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry dubbed his talks with Israeli and P.A. leaders in the Middle East “very constructive.”

Kerry cautioned that it was more important to find ways of resuming the long-frozen negotiations correctly rather than “quickly.”

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas wants a full freeze on construction in the West Bank before returning to talks, while Israel is insisting there be no preconditions,

according to reports on Israel Radio.

Abbas told Kerry that Israel should freeze construction in the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem and release terrorist prisoners, especially those arrested before the 1993 Oslo Accords, before any resumption of peace talks.

Kerry continued to London, where he attended a summit of foreign ministers from the G-8 industrial nations.

In its closing statement, the G-8 called among other things for the Israelis and the Palestinians “ to refrain from unilateral actions and to create an atmosphere conducive to peace” -- code for Israel to stop settlement expansion and for the Palestinians not to seek statehood recognition outside of negotiations.

The G-8 also said that Iran’s only way out of punishing sanctions was to cooperate with the international community in making more transparent Iran’s nuclear program.

“Iran has the ability to avoid further isolation and improve its situation only if it promptly addresses the concerns of the international community,” said the April 11 statement.

Roger Simon

Gail Eisenberg

Susan Clemens

Gail Eisenberg of Muhlenberg College and co-sponsored by the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and the History and Economics Departments of Muhlenberg College, the presentation will include lunch and cost is $12.

Eisenberg and Clemens have conducted oral histories in which they conversed with families that were connected to the vibrant textile and needle trades prevalent in the Lehigh Valley, mainly focusing on Allentown, from 1930-80. (See story on page 4.)

Although Eisenberg is a member of the Business, Marketing and Economic Department of Muhlenberg, she was able to team up with Clemens and pursue her interest in Jewish history.

Eisenberg reflect on how history influences society and culture, especially within her topic of expertise. A proud member of the local Jewish community, Eisenberg said, “I knew this story was around but never had an opportunity to form and I wanted to be a part of this … [adding to the] rich culture of Jewish studies that can be viewed in many different ways.”

Clemens, from outside Trenton, lived in an area with a Jewish community and Jewish culture. An interdisciplinary historian, interested in family history, labor and business history, and intellectual and cultural history, Clemens believes that history is “a way to get at understudied populations [such as] the Jewish

population in Allentown and we need to give back to a population … that kept Allentown alive.”

The series concludes on Friday, May 31, at 10:30 a.m. at the ArtsQuest Center in Bethlehem. Muhlenberg professor Jessica Cooperman, who skillfully initiated and directed the entire series, will lead a capstone discussion.

These presentations are free and open to the public.

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

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2013 23

Lone Soldier

writes home

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

Shalom HAKOL Readers,

First let me catch my breath, just jumped off one bus and sprinted to another, but no worries I made it! (This happens to me a lot.) During this bus ride, I want to tell you about my course, which I’ve almost finished, but first let me give you a mental picture of our bus ride.

We are going from Tel Aviv to Beit Shean on bus #842. There are about 17 people here, some soldiers, some not.

Sitting across the aisle is an older man, maybe in his 70s. His newspaper is either really old and discolored, or someone sold him a pink newspaper. He also has with him a satchel (it’s fine, Indiana Jones has one, too, you know).

Behind me is a female soldier with some funky-looking glasses. Everyone else looks exhausted, including me, I’m sure. Shortly, we will start the worst part of this trip: Tel Aviv traffic.

Oops, so much for a seat to ourselves! A large army dude is now sitting beside us. Oy … that’s a lot of cologne.

In my past articles I may have mentioned that I wanted to be a tank instructor, then a physical trainer. Well, I’m not doing either of those things.

At first, I was a little upset, but I wound up loving my new course. In English, my unit is called COGAT (Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories). It’s very interesting. Since some jobs in our unit require us to speak Arabic, I’m also learning Arabic in Hebrew, which is even more complicated than it sounds.

We are 35 girls in my course; four of us are lone soldiers. All of the other girls are really nice and want to help us with learning the lessons and understanding everything. Being an American in the IDF is really hard and absolutely amazing

24 MAY 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

at the same time. There are so many times that my friends and I complain about our week, our commanders, missing our families and friends (love you mom, dad and Dani) and all the other hardships that come with being an American lone soldier. Yet the strange thing is, no matter how many times I complain, I couldn’t be happier that I made this decision.

The Israelis that I’m with in the army are always so kind as to offer their house for Shabbat or any holidays that come up. Even my commanders are willing to let me talk with my family during the day, since they are working while I have my free time at night. I miss you all so much and can’t wait to come back and visit!

Ok, we are finally at Beit Shean! I hope you didn’t get too bus-sick.

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

Warsaw Ghetto fighters inspire Lithuanian, Polish Jews

By Josh Goldin Teen Correspondent Mordechai Anielewicz, the leader of the Jewish resistance in the Warsaw ghetto, once told his friend, “My life’s dream has been realized. I have lived to see Jewish defense in the ghetto rally its greatness and glory.” His legacy was to be fulfilled many times as many Jews took up arms against the Nazis during the Holocaust.

One of the first organized resistance groups was in the Vilna Ghetto in Lithuania. There were two ghettos in Vilna; the group formed in the first of these. The second ghetto was destroyed in October of 1941, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Jews and, in the first ghetto, in the formation in January of 1942 of the United Partisan Organization, which created hiding places for weapons and prepared the population to fight the Nazis.

“We will not go like sheep to the slaughter,” wrote Abba Kovner, the Hebrew poet, writer and leader of the partisan group, in the manifesto of the group.

In September of 1943, when the Nazis decided to destroy this ghetto as well, some members of the resistance group went along with the deportations to avoid bloodshed. However, thousands of others did resist by going into the sewers in order to escape through the forests surrounding the ghetto.

Bialystock, a city in northern

Poland, had become a war zone when the Soviets took the city, along with the rest of Poland, in September of 1939. The ghetto was established in August of 1941, with 50,000 Jews confined in a small section of the city.

During the war, about 10,000 of them were transferred to extermination camps such as Treblinka. Others were deported to Theresientadt ghetto, eventually to be taken to AuschwitzBirkenau and killed. However, in August of 1943, after all hopes of staying alive had nearly vanished, the Jews attempted to fight the Nazis.

During the night, between 300 and 500 Jews led by Mordechai Tenenbaum and Daniel Mosckowicz revolted against their Nazi captors. With 25 rifles, 100 pistols and homemade Molotov cocktails, they fought valiantly. The battle lasted for five days and resulted in the deaths of many Jews. At one point, the Nazis discovered 71 fighters in a bunker and killed them at once.

The uprising really did not have a chance, but it was the fighters’ chosen alternative to dying in the concentration camps without resistance. Of the hundreds who resisted, about 100 Jews did escape into the forests where they joined partisan groups.

This was a heart-wrenching and extraordinarily discouraging time in Jewish history, one that we must remember for the sake of those who lost their lives.

GIVE A MITZVAH, DO A MITZVAH

Walk for a Cause By the time you read this, Jonah Grob, will have gathered a group of family and friends and participated in the March 23, 2013, Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley’s “Run to Live” event to raise money for children and their families who are touched by cancer.

Jonah will become a Bar Mitzvah on May 4, 2013, at Congregation Keneseth Israel in Allentown. Jonah, who plays basketball and attends Camp Harlam, knew he wanted to do a mitzvah project that helped a child in need. He heard about PCFLV at religious school. His mom, Tracy Grob, called Carrie Gofberg, director of PCFLV, who told her there were all sorts of ways that Jonah could help.

Jonah didn’t just want to organize a team to walk, he wanted to help on a personal level, meet the children and know what they thought. Over the winter holidays, he put together a basket of items for an 18-month-old child to give as a gift. That was an anonymous donation, so Jonah also attended an event at Paint Some Pottery held by PCFLV. At

that event, Jonah got the chance to meet and interact with children who have cancer. “I learned that kids are just like you, “Jonah said, “and they have cancer. They don’t want to be treated special.

They want to be the same as everyone else.”

PCFLV is a local, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports the entire family battling pediatric cancer. It provides individual assistance based on the needs of the families, as well as organizes events and special get-togethers to create opportunities for those families to participate in fun and engaging activities, free of charge. These gatherings create a place for parents and kids to find nurturing support within the pediatric cancer community.

PCFLV also makes hospital visits with an array of arts and crafts and toys to entertain and distract children during their treatment.

“A lot of organizations won’t let a 12 or 13 year old volunteer,” Grob said. “Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley is happy to have them. I’m so proud of Jonah. He wanted to know the children and not just

Family of the Month:

THE STANTENS

raise money. I think it is much more meaningful this way.”

If you would like to support Jonah’s fundraising efforts, even after the walk is over, you can find his donation page under team name “Jonah” at www. pcflv.org In addition to his mitzvah project, Jonah has made his first adult gift of tzedakah to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs.

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

PHOTO BY FLASH 90

What Boston hospitals learned from Israel

A paramedic treating a woman who was wounded in a terrorist attack in Tel Aviv’s Carmel Market, November 2004.

By Ben Sales Jewish Telegraphic Agency Minutes after a terrorist attack killed three at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, doctors and nurses at the city’s hospitals faced a harrowing scene of severe injuries. For Boston doctors, the challenge presented by the bombing was unprecedented -but they were prepared.

Many of the city’s hospitals have doctors with actual battlefield experience. Others have trauma experience from deployments on humanitarian missions, like the one that followed the Haitian earthquake, and have learned from presentations by veterans of other terror attacks.

But they have benefited as well from the expertise developed by Israeli physicians over decades of treating victims of terrorist attacks -- expertise that Israel has shared with scores of doctors and hospitals around the world. Eight years ago, four Israeli doctors and a staff of nurses spent two days at

Massachusetts General Hospital teaching hospital staff the methods pioneered in Israel.

According to the New Yorker magazine, every Boston patient who reached the hospital alive has survived.

Alastair Conn, the chief of emergency services at Massachusetts General Hospital, acknowledged the day of the attack the help provided by Israeli experts.

“About two years ago in actual fact we asked the Israelis to come across and they helped us set up our disaster team so that we could respond in this kind of manner,” Conn told reporters.

Techniques that were routine in Israel by 2005, and helped save lives in Boston, began evolving in the 1990s, when Israel experienced a spate of bus bombings. Israeli doctors “rewrote the bible of blast trauma,” said Avi Rivkind, the director of surgery at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center, where 60 percent of Israeli victims have been treated.

PJ LIBRARY

Much of what Israel has learned about treating attack victims was done on the fly.

In 1996, a 19-year-old soldier arrived at the Hadassah hospital following a bus bombing with severe injuries to her chest and esophagus. Doctors put chest drains on her lungs and performed endoscopies twice a day to stop the bleeding. Both techniques are now regular practices.

Organizing the emergency room, Rivkind said, is as important as treating patients correctly.

During the second intifada, Hadassah developed what he called the “accordion method,” a method of moving patients through various stages of assessment with maximal efficiency. The process has become standard in hospitals across Israel and around the world.

Some of what distinguishes Israeli trauma doctors are qualities that are hard to teach.

Rivkind has said he keeps two beepers and a cell phone on him at all times, even in bed. Even when calls come in the middle of the night, a small army of medical professionals can usually be relied on to arrive at their posts within minutes, sometimes even ahead of the ambulances carrying the wounded.

“Whenever there was an alarm, we jumped, ran and called our homes, and then got ready to absorb patients,” said Liora Utitz, the mass-casualty coordinator at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa. “I felt very safe. The volunteerism of everyone gave me strength.”

“We have tens of years of cumulative trauma experience,” Rivkind said. “We’ve learned not to give up.”

“PJ Library has been a wonderful welcome in our home. My daughter Mia, age 5, absolutely loves books. I’ve struggled with how to teach my kids about all the wonderful traditions in the Jewish culture. Each month, PJ Library makes it happen in a timely, fun and informative way. Not only am I teaching Mia, I am getting a long overdue refresher course myself. I’m thankful to have learned about the program and for those that make it happen. I only wish I would have known about it when my son, Jacob, age 12, was Mia’s age. Through the gift of PJ Library, I also find myself more interested in other activities at the JCC – like the miniSeder we recently attended – and Mia is totally on board. Normally, mail stacks up in a big pile on the center island in our kitchen. When I see something from PJ Library, it immediately gets opened and enjoyed. So keep them coming!”

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

SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2013

PJ Goes to Yofresh 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Yofresh Yogurt Cafe, Allentown

Enjoy a PJ Library story and crafts along with the refreshing taste of Yofresh yogurt! Purchase your own yogurt, but activities are free.

Contact Brenda Finberg at 610-435-3571 or bfinberg@lvjcc.org to learn more.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2013 25

With “Prague Winter,” Madeleine Albright moves toward engagement

By Jennifer Lader Editor, HAKOL A few weeks before Purim, former Secretary of State Madeleine Korbel Albright spoke at Lehigh University, addressing a full house and answering audience questions, mainly on political topics. While she was Secretary of State, a reporter surfaced the fact that Albright was born of Jewish parents.

Unlike Esther, whose story we read at Purim and who had to reveal her faith to Ahashverosh, Albright had claimed no connection to the Jewish people and said she didn’t know until she was 59 that she was Jewish.

In his 1995 book, “Madeleine Albright: A Twentieth-Century Odyssey,” Michael Dobbs of The Washington Post revealed that the Episcopalian Albright was born of Jewish parents in Czechoslovakia and that three of her grandparents died in the Holocaust. But that wasn’t the book being offered for sale that night at Lehigh. On the tables outside the packed auditorium was “Prague Winter: A Personal Story of Remembrance and War, 1937-1948,” which Albright wrote with Bill Wood-

ward.

“Prague Winter” tells the story of Albright’s parents, who fled Czechoslovakia with her when she was a toddler.

The family lived through the war in Britain and then returned to their homeland. They encountered Communism and emigrated to Denver, Colo., where Albright grew up. Along the way, her parents shed their Jewish identity and raised their three children as Catholics.

At her Lehigh talk, Albright promoted “engagement” as the means to achieve diplomatic goals. That and the abundant evidence of this consummate diplomat’s abilities to overcome obstacles raises interest in her prespective on her Jewish roots, from which she had long been distanced.

This distancing predated the war and her birth. In the 1930s, Albright’s father was an official in the Czechoslovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, according to “Prague Winter,” her parents’ 1935 marriage certificate says bez vyznani, which she translates as “without religious confession.”

Albright was born on May 15, 1937, and spent time in Czechoslovakia in the company of both of her Jewish grandmothers, with whom she is pictured in the book as a toddler. At the Lehigh talk, she distanced herself from them, saying she had never called them grandparent, that to her they were “people in a photo.”

More than a dozen of Albright’s relatives faced the same fate that awaited all of

the Jews who had remained in Czechoslovakia, the same fate that Albright and her parents would have met, regardless of their personal choices, had they remained in the country: Along with the others, Albright’s grandmother, Ruzena Spiegelova, was sent to Terezin.

With this book, Albright takes readers into the horrors of Terezin in the company of 25 of her relatives. Those who survived the selections and abuse there were transferred to Auschwitz, where they died.

Some of the camp’s male prisoners were, in June 1942, trucked with barrels of lime to the site of a Czechoslovakian town called Lidice. They were ordered by the Nazis to obliterate any trace of this town of hundreds that had just been the site of a massacre in retribution for the killing of Reinhard Heydrich, known as the Butcher of Prague.

Speaking out against Heydrich at the time, Albright’s father said in a radio broadcast, “No nation can accept the fate of slaves or give up the right to exist.”

After carrying out their grim task, the Auschwitz prisoners returned to their barracks and took the time to say Kaddish for the victims, most likely none of whom were Jewish, before falling into an exhausted sleep.

Albright’s cousin, Dasa Deimlova, was saved from all of this. She was sent to Holland with a trainload of children.

Carrying only a doll and a cardboard with the number 298, she survived the war and went on

to become active in Holocaust education.

Albright, who as an adult had contact with her cousin, writes, “What fascinates me … is why we make the choices we do.” She refers to choice repeatedly, as if she is trying to explain, or perhaps to understand, her own choices.

Once beyond the Nazi grasp, Albright’s parents could choose as they wished, and her book gets into the “why” of that choice. However, when questioned at Lehigh, Albright zeroed in not on her parents’ choice, but on their loss, at ages 30 and 31, of their own parents.

Albright also told of seeing a Holocaust memorial on a wall and said of her parents, “I feel so desperately sorry for them and what they went through.

But for my parents, our names would be up there and my brother and sister would not exist.” She owes her parents a debt of gratitude for her life.

Albright could not ask her parents about their choice.

“They were dead when I found out,” she said. In other words, her debt is one that can never be redeemed, other than to live as they intended for her to live.

Yet she is an intelligent, accomplished woman accustomed to breaching barriers and unafraid of the limelight. There had to be an acceptable way to connect and, with “Prague Winter,” she found it.

Although Albright’s family made a choice that moved them away from the Jewish community, and although she attributes to herself “a Slavic soul,” the story of her accomplishments, of the intellectual household in which she grew up, of her advanced education in a time when many fewer women went to college, still rings of the story of a Jewish woman. So does her determination.

“Prague Winter” became a New York Times bestseller. In

it, she seems to want to defend her parents’ choice; yet with the book, Albright also contributes to the body of knowledge about the war and brings the Holocaust to the attention of a large number of people who possibly had hitherto known very little about it.

Albright’s parents, and perhaps she herself, made the same choice that many European Jewish families made at that time, one heard repeatedly from Russian Jews. They made the choice that some still make today, with actions and words that express ambivalence, even rejection, of Jewish identity. And so, Albright’s story speaks to a different kind of Jewish experience, one that is talked about less yet constantly looms for those who encourage engagement in Jewish life: It sometimes has been and is a part of the Jewish experience to cut the ties.

While Albright does not choose, as some have, to renew her connection to the Jewish people, which choice is certainly hers to make, in her book she facilitates understanding and, in the awareness-raising done through its pages, moves toward connection with the Jewish people. Though less direct than the actions of Queen Esther, hers are still significant.

In its stories and photos, “Prague Winter” says to millions of readers everything that Albright cannot bring herself to say aloud before a single, albeit large, roomful of people: that she is tied to the Jewish people, that these were her beloved grandparents who died, and that her parents made a choice in which she has a share.

“Prague Winter” succeeds because it is the grandest gesture that Albright, who owes her life to her parents and whose choice she has chosen to honor, can now make toward connection.

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‘People like to have clear and strong divisions’

PHOTO COURTESY GO 2 FILMS

Film examines Jewish-born priest’s odyssey

Romuald-Jakub Weksler-Waszkinel at the Western Wall.

By Monica Friess Special to HAKOL “Everyone is Jewish until proven otherwise.” So writes columnist and political commentator Charles Krauthammer in a 2006 Washington Post article. Calling it “Krauthammer’s Law,” he cites the striking number of public figures who have learned they have Jewish heritage. The piece was written just after George Allen, a former governor and senator from Virginia, was “outed” when, during an election campaign, the media learned that his mother was Jewish.

Krauthammer also notes that John Kerry had two Jewish grandparents, and former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO Wesley Clark’s father was Jewish. Then there is former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright about whom much has been written regarding her Jewish ancestry (see story on page 26).

In the above cases, new-found knowledge of a Jewish heritage did not change the individual’s religious practices. It was a different story for Romuald Jakub Weksler-Waszkinel,

the subject of the Israeli documentary “Torn,” which was recently copresented by Muhlenberg’s Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding and the JCC’s Jewish & Israeli Film Festival.

Instead, the revelation sends him on a journey of self-discovery that continues to evolve at this writing.

Weksler-Waszkinel, whose very name speaks to the film’s title, was born Jakub Weksler in 1943 in Poland.

Knowing the danger faced by Jews, his parents convinced a Polish family to take him in soon after his birth.

Weksler’s biological parents perished in the Holocaust, and he grew up as Romuald Waszkinel.

At age 17, the boy once called Yankele entered a seminary and became a priest. When he was 35, his terminally ill mother told him the story of his roots, setting him on a course to reconcile two faiths which he feels can co-exist within him as one, but which Christian and Jewish groups view as mutually exclusive.

Weksler-Waszkinel spent years trying to come to terms with his identity, and in his mid-60s, he decided to go to

Israel. The film follows his attempts to study and live in Israel under the right of return. But a relatively new provision to this law prohibits return to anyone who has chosen to practice another faith and who then chooses not to abandon that faith upon moving to Israel. Instead, he is granted temporary residence on a worker’s visa.

He is welcomed at a religious kibbutz, where he asks to be able to leave on Sundays to attend Mass at a monastery. Kibbutz leaders are uncomfortable with this and ask him to compromise by worshipping quietly in his room. At one point, disillusioned with his choices, he looks into living at the monastery while continuing his Jewish studies there, but this proposal is not accepted.

More than once he is asked, “Who are you? A Jew? A Catholic?” Though he studies Hebrew at Ulpan and religion with rabbis, he cannot bring himself to take the last step and “convert” to Judaism.

“I can deny everything about Catholicism except Jesus,” he says. He also explains, “The only reason I cannot say no to my Polish parents is their love for me. The only reason that, for the rest of my days, I am going to shout that I am Jewish, is my love for my Jewish parents. The rest is the Holocaust. My only fault is to be born at the wrong time, and to survive.”

Filmmaker Ronit Kerstner says that Weksler-Waszkinel had only one complaint about the film: its title.

“He says he is not torn,” Kerstner says. “He says he lives in peace with his two identities. I say that people see him from outside as torn.”

Weksler-Waszkinel points out that it is the world that wants to tear him apart “because people like to have clear and strong divisions. I simply want to be both.”

Due in large part to an outcry after the film’s release regarding his status, Weksler-Waszkinel has been classified as a “permanent resident,” which grants him three years to decide whether he wants to reapply for Israeli citizenship. He is currently working as an archivist at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem.

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2013 27

KI celebrates 110 years

By Ginny Cohen Special to HAKOL

annual BAUM SC H OOL

A RT A U C T I ON

This June, Congregation Keneseth Israel will celebrate its 110th birthday by hosting a gala weekend entitled “KI -Honoring our Past and Forging our Future.”

Three special members of KI have connections that go further back than most because they are all part of multigenerational families that have belonged to the temple since the early days of its incorporation.

Peggy Berger is part of one of the oldest, continuously practicing Jewish families in the Lehigh Valley area, and one of the families that founded KI in 1903. Hers is a five-generation KI family.

“Being at KI means a lot to me, because family history was always important to my father, and he passed that down to me,” Berger said. “There is a newfound enthusiasm at KI, and I look forward to celebrating another wonderful milestone with my friends.”

Berger served as Sisterhood president from 1989 to1991.

Her daughter, Sarah, was a bat mitzvah and her daughter, Annie, a bride at KI. Berger is happily anticipating the gala weekend and enjoys being on the 110th celebration planning

committee.

Patty Glascom, who is part of a four-generation family at KI, served as KI co-president from 2010-11 and now serves as chair of the KI Religious School Committee.

“My family came to Allentown in 1925,” she said, “and my grandfather believed deeply in Judaism and in KI, and establishing that tie from the beginning was essential.”

Glascom watched with pride when her daughters, Sarah and Elizabeth, had their bat mitzvahs and confirmations at KI. As for the future of KI, she said, “We need to expand on the concept of the KI family, where everyone cares for one another and shows support in good times and in grieving times. We are presently re-energized, and I smile with pride, just as my mother always did, when I see the generations at KI growing.”

Linda Miller, part of a five-generation KI family, was the first female president of its board, serving from 199295. Her grandfather, Hyman Rockmaker, was the very first Brotherhood president in 1940.

Her daughter, Amy, served as Sisterhood president from 200911, and her granddaughter, Natalie, currently serves as co-president of Keneseth Israel Temple Youth (KITY.)

“I love seeing the continuance of family at the temple,” Miller said. “We’ve made our dearest friends at KI, and we celebrate the close knit community that celebrates and helps our members and the community at large.”

Miller’s daughters -- Amy, Karen and Laurie -- all had bat mitzvahs and confirmations at KI. “I now love watching my grandchildren thrive at KI,” she said. “I hope we continue to grow our congregation, develop wonderful programs and have a Sisterhood made up of all ages.”

All three women celebrate and honor the history of Keneseth Israel, and embrace l’dor va dor – from generation to generation. They are all looking forward to the weekend gala, which starts June 7 with a Friday night Shabbat service and promises family fun, food and entertainment.

The KI gala committee, lead

by Patty Carlis, is working hard to plan a memorable party, in the works for Saturday night, June 8. Sunday’s gala schedule will involve a relaxed, familyfun event for all ages.

For more information on KI’s 110th birthday party, please visit the congregation’s website at www. kiallentown.org or call the temple office at 610-435-9074.

Temple Beth El confirmation

By Alicia Zahn Temple Beth El

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Live Auction begins at 8 pm Silent Auction & Buffet Dinner 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Preview Night May 16, 2013 from 6 - 8 pm To view items up for bid visit www.baumschool.org 510 Linden Street, Allentown, PA • 610.433.0032 • www.baumschool.org

28 MAY 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

This year’s Temple Beth El confirmands, from left to right: Isabelle Weiman, Rachel LeFrock, Daniel Zahn, Eliana Lemberg, Andrew Fine, Mia Kaufman, Naomi Pitkoff

A few years ago, a special group of children at Temple Beth El in Allentown celebrated their b’nai mitzvah and made a choice that this Jewish milestone would not be the end.

These newly recognized “adults” made the commitment to continue their studies in Midrasha and go on to confirmation. In seventh grade, the entire year focused on our homeland, the modern state of Israel.

In eighth grade, the teens spent the year grappling with the lessons of the Holocaust.

In this ninth grade year, they studied with Rabbi Re’em, who introduced them to biblical and rabbinic texts and then focused on Megillat Ruth. They also studied with Cantor Wartell, who taught them to chant the Megillat Ruth trope and helped them choose the class mitzvah project of honoring the elderly (hiddur penei zaken).

The religious school collected tzedakah to send to an eldercare home in Israel and the class visited residents of Country Meadows and Phoebe Home.

It is a testament to their parents and their religious school teachers that these young men and women continue their studies and their pursuit of mitzvot.

This special group of teenagers will lead the service on Shavuot to celebrate their confirmation.

Please join us on Wednesday, May 15, at 9 a.m. to celebrate the next milestone in the lives of these future Jewish leaders.

Grandparents – and an aunt – enjoy hosting their summer campers

By Deb Goldberg Camp JCC - Center Valley Director The saying, “Being a grandparent may even be better than being a parent” takes on a new meaning when you are talking about a summer experience offering the best of all worlds. Ask any of the grandparents (and even an aunt) who hosted the little ones and paired their stay with a Camp JCC experience over the last few summers.

Let’s start with Harold and Sandra Goldfarb.

Over the last two years, the Goldfarbs have had their grandsons Myles and Harrison attend Camp JCC in Center Valley and Camp JCC Jr. while soaking up tons of bonding time in the off hours. The children visit from the New York suburbs for about 10 to 12 days, depending on what the boys’ parents have planned. This summer, both boys will attend the fullday program in Center Valley. After camp, they get to discuss their days at dinner and spend quality time with their grandparents.

This will be Asher’s third summer at Camp JCC in Center Valley, and Grandma Becky Goldenberg couldn’t be happier that this year it will be for the full eight weeks. Asher has found not only friends from the Lehigh Valley at camp, but also keeps in touch during the year via Skype with Madeline Kranitz (granddaughter of Jeffrey and Carol Kranitz) who visits from South Carolina and also comes to camp each summer.

“She lives for camp, waiting all year long to go back,” said Grandma Becky.

Asher’s parents come out from New York City to visit on the weekends, but her time with her grandmother is what completes the experience for both of them. Each day, they stop at a local chicken farm, let out the chicks, visit them on the way home

from camp, and then help collect them back in the coop for the night. “And of course we get our eggs,” Becky said.

Becky drives Asher to and from camp daily, but wouldn’t have it any other way. “Our talks on the way there and back are one of the best parts of the summer, priceless.” And of course, Asher always wants to be the first one to arrive.

Ginny Wolkoff was always willing to take her nephews and/or niece for a night or two on a visit from New Jersey, but the big step came the year Ginny’s brother and his wife were making a house move.

“It gave them a chance to set up their new home and get organized without the kids around,” said Ginny. “It also gave the children a chance to be on their own, but in a familiar setting” – Ginny’s home. The children spent two weeks with their Aunt Ginny and attended Camp JCC in Center Valley.

Eytan, Josef and Dahlia enjoyed it so much that they repeated the experience even though there was no move involved the next year.

“It’s the best camp we’ve ever been to because we learned so much” was what one of the boys shared about his first day at Camp JCC in Center Valley.

Ginny said that this year, the boys will be attending Jewish overnight camp for the first time and she felt that the experience of day camp away from home was the perfect bridge. For Ginny, it was a pleasure to enjoy the children and still manage to continue her work schedule during the week.

Others camper host families in the Lehigh Valley include the Fleszlers, the Edwardses, the Perlmans and the Epsteins. Campers come from California, Florida, South Carolina, Ohio, New Jersey, Alaska and more.

All Camps at the J – they really are a family experience!

One-of-a-kind.

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NYC walking tours set for Jewish American history month This Mother’s Day, The Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy will present “Heroines of the Lower East Side: A Historic Walking Tour.” The tour, set for Sunday, May 12, at 10:45 a.m., will be led by esteemed historian and tour guide Justin Ferate. It is a look at nine women who played a large role in the social and political history of the Lower East Side, from immigrant girls to uptown reformers, homemakers and community activists.

Then, on Sunday, May 26, at 10:45 a.m., The Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy will present “Jewish Upper West Side,” a walking tour of the historic uptown Manhattan neighborhood guided by urban historian Marty Shore.

During the 1930s, a significant number of Jewish refugees escaping Europe moved to Manhattan's Upper West Side

to join an already diverse community. The 2.5 square mile neighborhood has some of the most outstanding 19th century row houses in New York City. Bordered by Central Park on one side and Riverside Park on the other, the Upper West Side contains a wealth of cultural history and a variety of architectural styles: Beaux Arts, Art Nouveau and Art Deco.

The neighborhood is also home to a cross section of Jewish culture, with dozens of synagogues, Jewish-style restaurants and educational institutions. Tour-goers will visit Congregations Ohab Zedek, Shaare Zedek, Rodeph Shalom, Young Israel (formerly Temple Israel) and Shearith Israel, as well as the venerable upper west side market Zabars.

Admission for each of the tours is $18 for adults and $16 for

seniors and students.

Pre-registration is recommended at www. nycjewishtours.org. (An additional fee of $2 will be charged for tickets purchased on the day of the tour.) For further information, please call 212-3744100 ext. 1 or 2.

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INTERIOR & EXTERIOR X X X X

The Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving, sharing and celebrating the Jewish Heritage of the Lower East Side. The Conservancy aims to raise public awareness of the Lower East Side's distinct cultural identity through innovative public walking tours and other programs, while supporting the neighborhood's community of living synagogues and other historic structures.

Private, customized tours are available by appointment. For more information about the LESJC, please call 212-374-4100 or visit www. nycjewishtours.org or www.facebook. com/nycjewishtours.

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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2013 29

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

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

SUNDAY, MAY 5 Bus Trip to Broadway - “The Memory Show”

10:30 a.m., bus leaves from JCC. Travel with Temple Shirat Shalom to New York City to see “The Memory Show,” which is the story of a daughter who comes home to care for her aging mother. Cost of event: $85, including private bus and show tickets. The show features actor Leslie Kritzer, the daughter of Allentonian Robert Kritzer. After the show, there will be an opportunity to meet with the cast and people who made this show possible. Lunch in New York prior to the show. Contact Roberta Kritzer, rbk1021@ptd.net or 610-398-2659.

SUNDAY, MAY 5 Jews and the Left in America

10:30 a.m., Bnai Abraham Synagogue. The next installment of the Muhlenberg Speaker Series on Jews, Money & Capitalism will feature a brunch discussion with Professor Roger Simon. Program is free and open to the public thanks to a generous grant from the Legacy Heritage Jewish Studies Project. Free and open to the community.

SUNDAY, MAY 5 PJ Goes to Yofresh

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Yofresh Yogurt Cafe, Allentown.

Enjoy a PJ Library story and crafts along with the refreshing taste of Yofresh yogurt! Purchase your own yogurt, but activities are free. Contact Brenda Finberg at 610-435-3571 or bfinberg@ lvjcc.org for more information.

SUNDAY, MAY 5 The Am Haskalah Spring Swing

2 to 7 p.m., The Barrister’s Club, 1114 W. Walnut St., Allentown.

Enjoy The Brooklyn Swing Orchestra playing Klezmer, Ladino and dance music, and a dairy/vegetarian buffet, all to benefit our religious school. Cost: $45. Visit www.amhaskalah.org, call 610435-3775 or e-mail Dr. Gwen Greenberg at drgwengreenberg@ gmail.com for more information.

SUNDAY, MAY 5 JCC’s Jewish & Israeli Film Festival: “Hava Nagila”

7 p.m., Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema at ArtsQuest, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. “Hava Nagila” follows the song from the shtetls of Eastern Europe to the kibbutzim of Palestine to the culde-sacs of America. Co-sponsored by the JCC of Allentown and ArtsQuest. For more information visit, www.artsquest.org/pages/ details.php?57248 or www.allentownjcc.org. Cost: $10 adults/$8 seniors, students, JCC members/$7 ArtsQuest members. Discounted tickets are available now at the JCC and will also be available at the door on the evening of the performance.

Mike & Ike Bistro will extend its hours and remain open until 7:15 p.m., so come and dine before the movie.

MONDAY, MAY 6 Temple Beth El Mah Jongg Club

6:30 p.m., Temple Beth El. Register at 6:30 p.m., begin playing promptly at 6:45 p.m. for about three hours. $10 per player donation to TBE Sisterhood. NEW FACES ARE ALWAYS WELCOME TO PLAY! For questions or to RSVP, contact Ilene Rubel, 610-7761577, IRUBEL@aol.com.

Honorable MENSCHens Alan and Marsha Abraham Alan and Marsha Abraham accepted the inaugural Children’s Health Leadership Award during the Weller Center for Health Education’s 30th anniversary celebration. The Abrahams have helped the Weller Center for years, supporting the group during its move from Easton Hospital to Downtown Easton in the late 1990s as well as throughout its conversion about 10 years after that to a strictly outreach program. As a result of the Abrahams’ effort on the Center’s behalf, Weller Center health educators serve 40 counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and reach more than 70,000 children a year.

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

30 MAY 2013 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

TUESDAY, MAY 7 JFLV Women’s Division Dollar-A-Day Spring Event

6:30 p.m., Crayola Gallery at the Banana Factory, 25 W. Third St., Bethlehem. An evening with Leslie Maitland, investigative journalist and author of the epic true story of love and war, “Crossing the Borders of Time.” Minimum commitment of $365 to the 2013 Campaign for Jewish Needs required to attend. Cost is $36 per person, including dinner. To learn more or register now, visit www. jewishlehighvalley.org.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8 KI Sisterhood Donor Dinner

6 p.m., Bravo Cucina Italiana, Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall. Join KI Sisterhood for a “Girls Night Out” and become a donor in support of the KI Scholarship Fund. The KI Scholarship fund helps our youth participate in Jewish activities and strengthen their Jewish identity. Cost for dinner is $40 (cash bar). Additional donations to the Scholarship Fund are welcome. Contact Michele Salomon at michele.salomon@gmail.com or 610-706-0855 for more information or to RSVP.

THURSDAY, MAY 9 J-Gourmet: For the Foodie in YOU

6:30 p.m., Sagra Bistro, 620 Main Street, Hellertown. Join us for a special “behind the scenes” dining experience, the first in a series of special dining experiences around the Lehigh Valley.

J-Gourmet guests will be dining in the private second-floor dining room. Respectful accommodation for dietary observance.

Special menu will include fish, vegetarian and dairy options.

The dining experience will include an appetizer, soup or salad, choice of four entrees, dessert, soda, coffee/tea, gratuity and tax. Additional beverages are available for purchase. J-Gourmet guests will be treated to time with the owners and chef, specialty drink demonstrations from the bartender (with samples), a tour of the restaurant and entry into a raffle for a surprise giveaway from Sagra Bistro. Cost: $48 per person, discounted to $40 for JCC members. This event is open to adults 21 years and up. Limited spaces available. NO walk-ins at the event. RSVP with payment at the JCC front desk only. Please stop by or call 610-435-3571.

RSVP deadline May 2, 2013. Questions? Contact Amy Sams, event coordinator, at asams@lvjcc.org.

FRIDAY, MAY 10 FIRST FRIDAY Luncheon Discussion (Second Friday) 12 to 1 p.m., Muhlenberg College, Seegers Union, Rooms 111 & 112. “Legal Cases that Changed History” with Malcolm Gross, Esq., partner at Gross McGinley Attorneys at Law. Free and open to the public. Bring your lunch or buy lunch at Seegers Union. Be sure to leave ample time to locate on-street parking as this program begins promptly at noon. To learn more, visit www.ijcu.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 11 KI Dinner and a Movie: “The Goldbergs”

6 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel. Join KI for a look back in time and discover how Jews and Jewish culture were portrayed to the country in the mid 20th century. Beginning as a radio program in 1929 and running on television from 1949 to 1956, “The Goldbergs” was a comedy series about a Jewish family’s dealings with the day-to-day obstacles of life. Please join us for a stimulating evening beginning with dinner at 6 p.m. and viewing of “The Goldbergs” at 7 p.m. A discussion will follow led

by KI member Charlie Richter, director of theatre at Muhlenberg College. Cost is $12.50 per person. RSVP to the temple office at 610-435-9074 by Tuesday, May 7.

MONDAY, MAY 13 TSS Adult Ed: Estate Planning

7 p.m., home of Don and Judy Belmont. Standard estate planning includes four separate documents: will, financial durable power of attorney, health care power of attorney and living wills.

Find out what each document is and does, why you need them and what happens if you do not have them. Stuart will provide a PowerPoint presentation with Q&A. ContactUs@templeshiratshalom.org, 610-730-6272.

TUESDAY, MAY 14 Gallery at the JCC Fundraiser: Tea and Talk & Wine and Cheese

2 p.m. and 5 p.m., Larry Miley’s Studio, 2207 Allen Street, Allentown.. A fundraiser for the Gallery at the JCC. There will be two events offered: a tea and talk at 2 p.m. and a wine and cheese event at 5 p.m. Each is open to 20 attendees. Please call 610435-3571 to register. Cost: $36.

FRIDAY, MAY 17 KI Shabbat Service with Confirmation Class

7:30 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel. Please join KI as our confirmation students lead Shabbat services and complete their

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

formal religious education. Service is family friendly and all are welcome to join us at the oneg. Call the temple office at 610435-9074 for more information.

SUNDAY, MAY 19 TSS Community Garage Sale

9 a.m. to 3 p.m., home of Liz and Joel Kamp, 1905 Duffield Ct. Allentown. Imagine actually putting your car in your garage!

It’s possible ... if you clean out the clutter and donate it to the TSS Community Garage Sale! Give a call - we’ll do the shlepping, pricing, marketing and selling - your old junk never had it so good! Drop off on Saturday, May 18, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. For questions, contact Jett Sarachek (jettusara@aol.com) or Liz Kamp (ekamp@rcn.com). Proceeds from the sale go to the TSS Operating Fund.

SUNDAY, MAY 19 Easton Salon Series

7 p.m., Hillel Society at Lafayette College Join Moravian College Professor Jason Radine for an open, thoughtful discussion at this month’s salon on the topic of “Historical Problems of Biblical Prophecy.” Event is free of charge.

Light refreshments and coffee will be served. Sponsored by the Easton Leadership Council of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. For more information, contact Judy Diamondstein at judy@jflv.org or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org.

TUESDAY, MAY 21 J-Brews: Taste of Summer Beer Experience with Shangy’s The Beer Authority

7 to 9 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Please join us as we partner with Pat, Shangy’s “Beer Guy,” for a fun and informative beer experience. Enjoy a seasonal preview and let your inner beer critic explore the taste of summer. This special J-Gourmet experience includes beer tasting, invigorating discussion and snacks. Cost: $20 per person, discounted to $15 for JCC members. This event is open to adults 21 years and up. Limited spaces available.

NO walk-ins at the event. RSVP with payment at the JCC front desk only. Please stop by or call 610-435-3571. RSVP deadline May 14. Questions? Contact Amy Sams, event coordinator, at asams@lvjcc.org

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 JFS Brunch and Learn: “The Touro Synagogue”

9:45 a.m., Jewish Family Service. Learn about America’s oldest synagogue from a former tour guide, Rabbi Mordechai Escovitz. $3 per person. Reservations needed by May 20, 610-821-8722.

THURSDAY, MAY 23 Lunch & Learn: New Research on Family Stories Behind the Local Textile Industry, 1930 to 1980

12 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Muhlenberg Professors Gail Eisenberg and Susan Clemens are digging into Allentown’s rich past in the garment industry. By interviewing those who were there, they are creating an oral history of the businesses and families that helped to shape the city between 1930 and 1980. Hear the major themes that Gail and Susan have so far uncovered at the next Women’s Division Lunch & Learn, a crossover event with the Muhlenberg Speaker Series. Program is $12, including lunch.

Men and women are welcome. Made possible by a grant from the Legacy Heritage Jewish Studies Project and the Association for Jewish Studies. To RSVP, please call 610-821-5500 or e-mail mailbox@jflv.org.

THURSDAY, MAY 30 Pomegranate & Lion of Judah Spring Trip to Philadelphia

Bus departs 10 a.m. from the JCC, estimated return time 6 p.m.

Pomegranate and Lion of Judah women are invited to spend the day in Philadelphia with the Jewish Federation. Enjoy lunch at the new kosher restaurant Citron and Rose and a private tour of the National Museum of American Jewish History featuring exhibits about prominent Jewish women. Cost is $95, including lunch, museum admission and transportation. For more details, contact Judy Diamondstein at 610-821-5500 or judy@jflv.org.

To register now, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org. Open to women who have made a minimum commitment of $1,800 to the 2013 Campaign for Jewish Needs.

FRIDAY, MAY 31 Jews, Money and Capitalism Capstone discussion with Dr. Jessica Cooperman

10:30 a.m., ArtsQuest Center, Bethlehem. A wrap-up to the yearlong Muhlenberg speaker program on Jews, Money & Capitalsm, made possible by a grant from the Legacy Heritage Jewish Studies Project and the Association for Jewish Studies.

Celebrate the beauty of Shabbat

Shabbat & Yom Tov Candlelighting Times Friday, May 3

7:41 pm

Friday, May 24

8:02 pm

Friday, May 10

7:49 pm

Friday, May 31

8:08 pm

Friday, May 17

7:55 pm

Friday, June 7

8:12 pm

Community Calendar Ongoing Events MONDAYS FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., JCC of Allentown Friendship Circle is a place for people to meet, make new friends and enjoy each other’s company. We welcome all adults over 50. Friendship Circle meets weekly on Mondays at the JCC of Allentown from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lively and enjoyable programs and a delicious lunch. Annual dues - $25. Regular weekly meetings and lunch - $6. First visit - NO CHARGE. BEGINNERS MISHNAH FOR ADULTS 12 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom The Mishnah is a collection of ancient discussions on all major topics of Jewish life from the period of 0 - 200 C.E. Beginning Jan. 14, the beginners Mishnah for adults continues at Brith Sholom. Class meets Mondays at noon in the Brith Sholom Goodman Library. It is open to everyone who wishes to engage in serious study of Torah. There is no fee, but book purchase is required. Please call the synagogue office 610-866-8009 to register.

THE RHYTHM OF JEWISH LIVING 8 to 9 p.m., Temple Beth El Taught by: Rabbi Moshe Re’em.

This course will examine the ideas, beliefs and practices that define and shape Jewish life through daily, weekly, annual and life-cycle observances. The course is designed as a year-long course for those wishing to learn more about the religious observances of Judaism, theology of the holidays and ritual practices. The course is organized around the Jewish calendar, but includes other daily Jewish rituals.

TUESDAYS PROJECT YACHAD’S TORAH STUDY GROUP 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., JCC of Allentown It doesn’t matter how much you know, it matters how much you want to know. Bring your curiosity to Project Yachad’s Torah study group and discover the wonders, adventures and meaning of the Torah. Each FREE session is taught by one of our dedicated clergy members or a respected Jewish educator. Held in the Teachers’ Learning Center/Holocaust Resource Room (lower level, JCC).

Call 610-435-3571 for information about individual sessions.

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

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

LATTE & LEARN 8 to 9 p.m., Starbucks, Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem Come help us figure out the weekly Torah portion! Laid back, lots of fun, no Hebrew required. This event is sponsored by Congregation Beth Avraham. This event is free and open to the public. For information, contact Rabbi Yehoshua Mizrachi at 207-404-0474.

WEDNESDAYS FROM JESUS TO CONSTANTINE 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom

Rabbi Jonathan Gerard leads a weekly adult learning class centered around the timelline from Jesus to Constantine. Because it is possible to enter the text at any place, new participants are welcome at any time.

HADASSAH STUDY GROUP Every other Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Temple Beth El Allentown Hadassah presents a stimulating series of short story seminars.

All are welcome to attend these free sessions in the Temple Beth El library.

The group will be reading selections from anthologies available from Amazon.com. For dates and stories, e-mail Lolly Siegel at spscomm@aol. com or call 610-439-1851.

BETH AVRAHAM TORAH STUDY 7 p.m., Congregation Beth Avraham Torah: It is the common heritage that binds all Jews together. It belongs to you! We will explore the ancient healing wisdom of Torah together. All are welcome. Who knows? It might even be fun! RSVP to Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod at 207-217-1094 or rabbiyagod@yahoo.com.

IN-DEPTH STUDY OF THE BOOK OF JOSHUA 7 p.m., Congregation Sons of Israel On Wednesday nights at Congregation Sons of Israel Judy Slyper teaches an in-depth study of the book of Joshua. We are currently learning the book of Joshua with commentaries and other resources to give us a feel of the time, the people and the lessons in the story. We are a friendly group who have been studying different books of the Prophets almost every Wednesday night for four years, but we’d love you to join and add your thoughts and knowledge to the discussions.

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

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

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

TORAH ON TILGHMAN 12:15 p.m., Allentown Wegmans Cantor Ellen Sussman of Temple Shirat Shalom leads a lunch and learn on the Torah. Shopping is optional.

RSVP to contactus@templeshiratshalom.com or 610-820-7666.

FRIDAYS TCP TOT SHABBAT SERVICE 4th Friday of the month, 5 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace This wonderful program introduces children to Shabbat ritual and songs with activities designed especially for our youngest congregants and their families. Arts and crafts, stories and prayer round out the children’s activities.

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

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

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

BNEI AKIVA 5:45 p.m., Congregation Sons of Israel On Shabbat afternoons, SOI holds Bnei Akiva, an Israel-centered fun program for kids ages eight to 14.

This program is free and open to the public. For information and to RSVP, call 610-433-6089.

SUNDAYS JEWISH WAR VETERANS POST 239 2nd Sunday of the month, 10 a.m., JCC of Allentown A brunch follows each meeting – bagels, cream cheese, lox, herring, pastry and coffee. The veteran and significant other are invited as the guest of the Ladies Auxiliary. Come and enjoy camaraderie and we will even listen to your “war story.” Questions? Call Commander Maur Levan at 610-437-4561.

TEFILLIN CLUB & ADULT HEBREW SCHOOL 9:30 a.m. Tefillin; 10 to 11 a.m.

Adult Hebrew, Chabad Tefillin is for Jewish men and boys over the age of Bar Mitzvah, to learn about, and gain appreciation for, the rich and enriching Jewish practice - the mitzvah - of donning Tefillin.

Adult Hebrew is an opportunity for you to learn about your heritage and expand your Jewish knowledge so that you can keep up with your child.

Contact 610-351-6511.

TSS HEBREW & ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES 10 a.m., JCC of Allentown Interested in learning Hebrew for the first time or brushing up your skills?

Marcia Berkow teaches adult Hebrew beginning at 10 a.m., followed at 11 a.m. by David Vaida, who will you take you through the great moments across all 5,773 years of Jewish history.

Free and open to all. RSVP at learnwithus@templeshiratshalom.org or 610-820-7666.

TALMUD CLASS FOR BEGINNERS! 10 to 11 a.m., Congregation Beth Avraham of Bethlehem-Easton For information,contact Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod at 207-217-1094.

SUNDAY to FRIDAY DAF YOMI 7:30 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Are you intrigued by thought-provoking, stimulating and provocative religious discussion? Are you enamored by the depth and scope of the Jewish legal system? Are you curious about Judaism’s perspective on marriage, tort law, Jewish burial, holiday observance, prayer, blessings and, for that matter, nearly any Jewish topic? Then Sons of Israel’s daily “Daf Yomi” class is for you. Meeting all year long, this class covers the gamut of Talmudic law, studying one page of the talmud each day, and completing the talmud over the course of seven and a half years. Basic Jewish background is recommended.

Congregations BNAI ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE

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

CHABAD OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY

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

CONGREGATION AM HASKALAH

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

CONGREGATION BETH AVRAHAM

439 South Nulton Ave., Palmer Township – 610.905.2166 | Rabbi Yitzchok Yagod, Orthodox SHABBAT EVENING starts half an hour after candle lighting. SHABBAT MORNING starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by a hot kiddish. We are in the process of moving so please contact Rabbi Yehoshua Mizrachi at 207-404-0474 for service location information.

CONGREGATION BRITH SHOLOM

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

CONGREGATION KENESETH ISRAEL

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

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

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

CONGREGATION SONS OF ISRAEL

2715 Tilghman St., Allentown – 610.433.6089 Rabbi David Wilensky, Orthodox SHACHARIT: Sundays at 8:30 a.m., Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:45 a.m. For MINCHA, MAARIV.

TEMPLE BETH EL

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

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

TEMPLE COVENANT OF PEACE

1451 Northampton St., Easton – 610.253.2031 Tcp@rcn.com; tcopeace.org Rabbi Melody Davis | Cantor Jill Pakman Reform TCP holds Shabbat evening services every Friday night at 7:30 p.m., and a Renewal Shabbat morning service on the 4th Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. A Family Shabbat Service is held on the second Friday night of each month. Our services reflect a diverse culture of traditional, innovative and musical experiences with a Reform Jewish context. Religious School meets on Sunday mornings from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. We have family potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Friday of the month. For more information about our temple and activities, see our website at www. tcopeace.org or look us up on Facebook.

TEMPLE SHIRAT SHALOM

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

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2013 31

Celebrate Community A SHARED VISION. A BRIGHT FUTURE.

Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Vallley Annual Meeting

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 7:00 p.m., JCC of Allentown

BARNET FRAENKEL, Schiff Award Winner IRIS EPSTEIN, George Feldman Award Winner www.jewishlehighvalley.org

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2013 at Lehigh Country Club

2319 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. | Allentown, PA 18103

ALL INCLUSIVE

Decadent dairy brunch, on-course refreshments, cocktails & scrumptious dinner buffet

$10,000 PUTTING PURSE!

Entry into putting contest with specialty package

$5,000 GRAND RAFFLE PRIZE!

Every player takes something home in our reverse raffle

GET A HOLE IN ONE ‌ AND WIN A LEXUS! 2-year lease on a 2013 GS 350

BID ON A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME TRIP! Play at the Lexus National Championship at Pebble Beach on Dec. 11-15, 2013, an $8,000 value!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE - MAY 17, 2013 www.jewishlehighvalley.org/golf.aspx