HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY The Voice of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community
JULY/AUGUST 2014 | TAMUZ/AV/ELUL 5774
Lehigh Valley stands with Israel $2,250,000 Thank you for supporting our community at home and around the world. See pages 12-15.
HOLE-IN-ONE When golfing meets fundraising. See pages 18-19.
ISRAEL SOLIDARITY GATHERING & BRIEFING DRAWS 400+ STANDING ROOM ONLY CROWD. While every speaker at the gathering deplored the loss of life on both sides, Dr. Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies provided the political context for the cascade of events that led to the current crisis, including the financial isolation of Hamas as a catalyst. By the end of the evening, the Israel Emergency Campaign had raised more than $100,000 from the Lehigh Valley. By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Marketing
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The auditorium at the Jewish Community Center of Allentown was packed on July 22 as more than 400 people turned out for a gathering in support of Israel. “Unlike festive Yom Haatzmaut gatherings and programs which have occurred this past year, this is a time of solidarity, not celebration. Whenever precious human lives are lost – whoever they are and wherever they live – we do not celebrate,” said Mark L. Goldstein, executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. “Israel acts in self defense seeking to hit terrorist targets, Hamas rocket warehouses and tunnels that enable terrorists to infiltrate into Israel.” Three weeks prior, more than 300 people turned out for a memorial service for three Yeshiva students abducted and killed in the West Bank. Even before the kidnappings, rockets were raining down in Israel from Hamas and after a Non-Profit Organization
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diplomatic outreach by Prime Minister Netanyahu was answered by 100 rockets, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Protective Edge. Over the past several weeks, more than six million people – 75 percent of the Israeli population— have endured endless sirens and felt the terror that goes along with them. Like other Jewish communities, the Lehigh Valley is standing up to support our brothers and sisters in every way.
Lehigh Valley in Israel
Days after the escalation, three Jewish Federation leaders touched down at Ben Gurion Airport. Their trip was planned before the conflict, but not going was not an option. “I will not let fear dictate my actions,” said Iris Epstein. The first stop for the delegation was Yoav, the Lehigh Valley’s sister community in south central Israel, well within rocket range. “Yoav is our family in Israel. They’re us,” said Judy Diamondstein, assistant executive director of the Federation, who accompanied Epstein and Vicki Glaser on the trip. In Yoav, the trio experienced firsthand what it’s like to run for cover when the sirens sound, and what it’s like for those who have nowhere to run and can only hope for the best. Many Lehigh Valley residents were in Israel during the conflict. Debrosha McCants wishes she was one of them. Her daughter Katie was called up from IDF reserves at the beginning of the conflict to serve in her second Israeli war.
“This time feels different to me. It escalated faster and seems more intense,” McCants said. “I wish I was in Israel with Kate to give her the family support that most Israeli soldiers enjoy, especially in times of war.” Another Lehigh Valley lone soldier, who asked that her name not be printed for security reasons, found time to reflect on the current conflict. “What I find extraordinary, despite the current situation, is that Israel continues to coordinate ambulances to come in from Gaza to the hospitals in Israel ... And believe it or not, we still export goods into the Gaza Strip. Both of the crossings from Israel to Gaza, Erez and Kerem Shalom Crossings, still remain open.”
Israelis in the Lehigh Valley
Four teens from Yoav aren’t there to experience the rocket fire with their families – they’re working at Camp JCC and staying with local families for the summer. “The people we’re staying with know we have family there and they might have families there so they know about the situation and they ask a lot of questions,” one of the teens, Noa, said. “This community is very warm,” said another teen, Aviv. Sapir Lev, 22, from Haifa, is also working at camp. “Being the representative of Israel in Allentown, I feel really proud to do that because people ask me questions ... I tell them how it feels to be a child their age in Israel ... Kids are not going to summer camps in some
places in Israel because summer camps were canceled because of the rockets.”
What our community is doing
Trauma counseling. Safer shelters. Respite for children. The needs of the people of Israel were estimated to be $5 million in the first week alone, and those needs won’t go away when this conflict ends. Joining with Jewish communities across North America, the Lehigh Valley Jewish community has launched the Israel Emergency Campaign in response. All of the Valley’s synagogues are on board. One hundred percent of the money raised is going directly to emergency needs. Less than a week after launching the campaign, $60,000 was transferred from the Lehigh Valley to Israel, including $20,000 to rehabilitate shelters in Yoav. More than $100,000 has been raised to date. We will continue to provide help wherever it is needed. The Jewish Federation is in constant contact with our friends in Israel, and will continue to provide updates to the community. To receive these updates, visit www. jewishlehighvalley.org to join our mailing list and follow the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley on Facebook and Twitter. To make a donation to the Israel Emergency Campaign, visit www. jewishlehighvalley.org, call 610821-5500 or mail a check to: Israel Emergency Campaign, Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, 702 N. 22nd St., Allentown, PA 18104.
ISRAEL UNDER FIRE. Coverage continues on pages 16-17.
com.UNITY Here we go again One might expect this column to be the “we’ve heard this song before” or “déjà vu all over again” about the battle currently waging between Israel and the Hamas terrorists. It could. We have been here before. Hamas relentlessly fires rockets on Israel, wantonly targeting population centers and avoiding any attempt to attack military targets. Hamas endangers Palestinian citizens by locating rocket launchers and warehouses in densely populated areas, including in schools and mosques. Hamas urges its citizens to ignore Israel’s attempts to flee buildings and areas about to be targeted by an Israeli missile strike. But this month I am writing about the troubling and tragic actions by the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA). The déjà vu relates to prior attempts by PCUSA to use its biennial General Assembly as a bully pulpit to place all culpability of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict at the feet of Israel. Relations with the national PCUSA became strained earlier this year when the PCUSA’s affiliated Israel-Palestine Mission Network issued an overtly anti-Israel and anti-Semitic congregational study guide, “Zionism Unsettled.” The guide deployed accusations, invectives and vitriol labeling Zionism as “false theology,” “heretical doctrine,” “evil,” “pathology” and “cultural genocide.” The publication, a full blown attack on Israel’s very right to exist as
a modern nation state, branded Israel an illegitimate entity and repeatedly compared its society to Jim Crow segregation in the American South and apartheid in South Africa. The publication applies the term “Jewish supremacism” – first coined and made popular by KKK Grand Wizard David Duke – to Zionism. Then, at this year’s General Assembly, delegates to the PCUSA General Assembly were subject to a biased, anti-Israel procedure of reporting and committee management. In one meeting, pro-Israel “witnessing” was allotted less than 10 minutes compared to the two hours offered to the pro-Palestinian narrative. Jewish and Presbyterian leaders in attendance complained about the overt partiality of PCUSA officials. The committee chairperson opened proceedings to consider divestment with a prayer in which she said that “Jesus had many Jewish friends, and he wasn’t afraid to speak difficult truths to Jews in his time,” implying a vote for divestment would emulate Jesus. Six days into their General Assembly, the delegates voted by a narrow seven-vote margin (out of 613 votes!) to divest from three U.S. companies because of their sales to Israel. The biased process gave voice to marginal, at best, Jewish organizations and ignored the input from the Reform and Conservative movements, a powerful statement from over 1,700 Jewish clergy from all
FROM THE DESK OF MARK L. GOLDSTEIN
Executive Director | Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley markg@jflv.org
denominations, and the entreaties of the Jewish federation system. We are deeply disturbed and hurt by the PCUSA’s actions and reject its assertion that this action is an effective tool to alleviate suffering and bring about peaceful normalizations between Palestinians and Israelis. Our national Israel Action Network labeled the action as “outrageous,” noting its disappointment that the Presbyterian Church was unable to isolate and repudiate the radical, prejudiced voices in their denomination. But these actions should not be seen in isolation. They are just the latest hateful tract emanating from the international Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The BDS movement’s message is that Jews have no right to the land. Like “Zionism Unsettled,” BDS presents no real plan to end the conflict. It simply seeks to end the Jewish State of Israel. While PCUSA leaders state they have not endorsed the global BDS movement, their decision to adopt divestment, a central BDS tactic, combined with another vote for their church to review its position on a two-state solution, has the practical effect of supporting a campaign that aims at the delegitimization of Israel. Representatives of our Jewish community have been in recent dialogue with local Presbyterian leaders, including several who were delegates at the General Assembly. We were elated
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers, This month HAKOL brings you perspectives on major news stories that you won’t find elsewhere: Lehigh Valley’s links to Israel and reporting from on the ground there, the Presbyterian USA divestment vote, Pennsylvania’s new Holocaust education law and more. Even as these events unfold, we must attend to our daily lives. I felt saddened by the recent passing of Ralpha Senderowitz,
who has been a guide to me. She spent much of her life in Allentown where, nearly 50 years ago, she broke new ground in many ways by developing her own business as a consultant to major corporations like Air Products and PP&L. I first met her while writing a story for HAKOL before I became editor. She often closed our visits with some variation of this question that might well keep us all purposeful these days: Have I been helpful? Yes, I always answered, you have. Thank you.
LEHIGH VALLEY HAKOL is published 11 times per year for the Jewish communities of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and vicinity by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.
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.
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to alleviate Palestinian and Israeli suffering. And without voices of reason from within the Presbyterian community, the PCUSA’s actions will have caused irreparable damage between the Jewish and Presbyterian communities. This coming year the Jewish Federation will host several programs exposing the BDS movement and better equipping us to respond. The first program will be on August 21 (see page 3). The wars fought for Israel are not solely fought on the battlefield.
HAKOL STAFF Jennifer Lader Editor
Allison Meyers
Graphic Designer
Diane McKee
Advertising Representative TEL: 610-515-1391 hakolads@jflv.org
JFLV EXECUTIVE STAFF Mark L. Goldstein Executive Director
Judy Diamondstein
Assistant Executive Director
Temple Coldren
Director of Finance & Administration
Stephanie Smartschan Director of Marketing
Jim Mueth
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Aaron Gorodzinsky
Director of Outreach & Community Relations
Taffi Ney
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Barry J. Halper President, JFLV
EDITORIAL BOARD
Monica Friess, Acting Chair Barbara Reisner Judith Rodwin Sara Vigneri
Member American Jewish Press Association
Shalom, Jennifer Lader
We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship by requesting that trees be planted in the Yoav--Lehigh Valley Partnership Park. BARNET AND LISA FRAENKEL Graduation of daughter, Julie Roberto and Eileen Fischmann TRACEY AND BENJAMIN HAMMEL Birth of son Jackson Henry Hammel SHALOM BABY MARGELIT AND SHMUEL HOFFMAN Birth of daughter Devorah Orah Blanca Hoffman SHALOM BABY TINA AND MICHAEL IMERMAN Birth of son Alexander Lee Imerman SHALOM BABY MEGAN AND JEREMY PILDIS Birth of daughter Sophia Eloise Pildis SHALOM BABY FRANK TAMARKIN George Feldman Award Alli and Scott Lipson IN MEMORY JERRY BLOCK (Father of Debbie Sroka) Barnet and Lisa Fraenkel ROSE WILDERMAN (Mother of Ann Sloane) Roberta and Robert Kritzer
TO ORDER TREES, call the JFLV at 610-821-5500 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org. 2 JULY/AUGUST 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
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 JEFF AND JILL BLINDER Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary Sydelle Weinberger ALAN AND NANCY BERMAN BLOCH Graduation of grandson from Lehigh University Roberto and Eileen Fischmann WENDY AND ROSS BORN Birth of grandson, Benjamin Born Pascal Barry and Carol Halper Mark and Deena Scoblionko KIRA AND RICHARD BUB Birth of daughter, Ariana Leah Bub Roberto and Eileen Fischmann SAM AND SYLVIA BUB Birth of granddaughter, Ariana Leah Bub Roberto and Eileen Fischmann Mark and Deena Scoblionko BROOKE AND RYAN DIETRICK Birth of daughter Sloane Marie Dietrick SHALOM BABY ROBERTA EPSTEIN Happy Birthday Bette and Jerry Friedenheim
to receive a statement from Allentown’s First Presbyterian Church (see page 3) condemning the “Zionism Unsettled” publication and expressing that this local church was against divestment in this instance and at this time. I am hopeful other statements will be forthcoming and as generous. The closeness of the final vote at the PCUSA General Assembly implies this was a divisive issue; national surveys of Presbyterians indicate that about 70 percent are not in favor of divestment as a tool in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is evident that the actions of PCUSA do not represent the majority of Presbyterians occupying pews in our local churches. But the efforts of interfaith dialogue will only be enhanced if they speak out and become active in their Church’s deliberations. The PCUSA’s actions will do absolutely nothing
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
Allentown’s First Presbyterian Church affirms partnership with Jewish community By Jennifer Lader Editor, HAKOL The First Presbyterian Church of Allentown has reaffirmed its ties with the Jewish community of the Lehigh Valley in anticipation of a recent vote at the Presbyterian Church USA’s [PCUSA’s] general convention. PCUSA voted in Detroit to divest from certain companies whose involvement in Israel the church finds problematic. The Allentown church is against such divestment. Representing the First Presbyterian Church of Allentown via the letter were the Reverend Dr. Tony Sundermeier, then lead pastor and moderator of session, and Elder Janet Ney, clerk of session. Leaders of the Jewish community expressed deep appreciation for the Allentown church’s commitment to mutual understanding and connection. On June 20, the PCUSA voted on the issue of divestment at its convention in Detroit and singled out three international companies. The companies slated for divestment are Motorola Solutions, Hewlett-Packard and Caterpillar. The Huffington Post quotes the church as saying the three companies “supply equipment and materials used to destroy homes and construct and monitor Israeli checkpoints and settlements, which most countries view as illegal and an
obstacle to peacemaking.” Meanwhile, the companies have defended their record and, according to the Huffington Post, “Caterpillar has said it doesn't sell its equipment directly to Israel, but to the U.S. government.” In announcing the vote, Church officials indicated that they are not fully aligning themselves with the international Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which seeks a blanket boycott of all Israeli goods and questions Israel's legitimacy. Representatives of the church characterized the vote as “a compassionate and holistic approach to relationships in the Middle East” and likened the situation to PCUSA’s divestment from apartheid South Africa. No mention was made of the products employed by any other governments of the world. Others expressed concern that the move would damage relationships with the Jewish community. The Anti-Defamation League voiced its disappointment and said the resolution, which it said comes ”in the context of years of hostility by PCUSA leadership toward Israel,” was out of step with the views of the majority of Presbyterians in the pews and sends a painful message to American Jews. In anticipation of the vote and even before knowing
what the outcome would be, the First Presbyterian Church of Allentown sent a letter to Lehigh Valley Jewish community leaders affirming the friendships between the church and Valley’s Jewish community, saying in part, “We have deeply appreciated our longstanding collegiality and partnerships and we look forward to even better days ahead!” The letter goes on to reference a second controversy, one that had developed over the preceding months with the January publication of “Zionism Unsettled,” a study guide by PCUSA’s Israel/ Palestine Mission Network. The guide targeted what it called “the theological and ethical exceptionalism of Jewish and Christian Zionism, which have been sheltered from open debate despite the intolerable human rights abuses rooted in their core beliefs.” The Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports that even before the divestment vote, Jewish-Presbyterian relations already were strained severely following the publication by the church-affiliated group of the publication, which depicted Zionism as a false theology. “The publication of ‘Zionism Unsettled’ by the very voices backing divestment in the PCUSA revealed an agenda that is not about church
investments,” said Ethan Felson, the vice president of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. “These backers of divestment want to return their church to a place of retrograde antiJewish theology, hostility to mainstream Jews and, of course, a blind eye to the responsibility of Hamas and Hezbollah on the IsraelPalestinian conflict and the steps Israelis are forced to take to defend themselves.” Of this, the letter from the Allentown church states, “This network does not speak for the entire denomination but is sanctioned by it. We are concerned about this document as some of its content creates dissonance, confusion, and a potential polarization between the Christian and Jewish communities. To be as clear as
possible: We support peace, justice, prosperity and safety in the Middle East for both Palestinians and Israelis.” The letter goes on to state that “Zionism Unsettled” jeopardizes years of work toward mutual understanding and may in fact compromise the stated goals. Weeks later at the convention in Detroit, PCUSA also passed a resolution declaring that “the booklet ’Zionism Unsettled’ does not represent the views of the Presbyterian Church USA.” Across the country, other local Presbyterian churches have likewise condemned the move by the national body regarding the divestment vote. The Episcopal and Evangelical Lutheran Churches have considered and rejected divestment.
While Gaza conflict rages, CUFI summit rallies Christian support for Israel By Sean Savage Jewish News Service With the conflict in Israel in their hearts and on their minds, thousands of evangelical Christians converged on Washington, D.C., from July 21-22 to flex their collective muscles for the Jewish state as part of the annual Christians United for Israel (CUFI) summit. “Our joy is consistently interrupted by news from Israel. But it is good to be together with loved ones at a sad time. I see the energy more than ever, that we have to speak out and be a voice for Israel,” David Brog, executive director of CUFI, told JNS.org. With nearly 1.75 million members, CUFI calls itself the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States. But CUFI’s vocal support for Israel also draws a number of detractors who deride the group’s mixing of bible-based morality with lobbying and politics. “The day America turns it back against Israel, God will turn its back against the United States of America,” CUFI’s founder, Pastor John Hagee, told thousands of supporters packed into Washington’s Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Despite the skeptics, Jewish and Israeli leaders have taken notice of the rapid growth of evangelical support for Israel over the last few decades, and those leaders’ presence at the CUFI summit reflected their gratitude and respect. “I come here to get refreshed,” said
Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, referring to evangelicals’ strong passion for Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (in a recorded video message) and Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer also addressed the summit. But the summit strove for more than the series of speeches celebrating Israel and criticizing U.S. President Barack Obama’s policies. CUFI has a number of legislative goals that it hopes its supporters will deliver to Congress. First and foremost is preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. CUFI urged its supporters to back further U.S. sanctions on Iran, which have been held up in Congress in order to allow the U.S.—as part of the P5+1 powers (U.S., U.K., France, Russia, China and Germany)—to continue diplomatic negotiations with the Islamic Republic in Vienna. A new survey conducted by the Pew Research Center amid the Israel-Gaza conflict found a large partisan gap in support for Israel, with 73 percent of Republican respondents saying they sympathize with Israel in the current Gaza conflict, compared to 44 percent of Democrats. Like its Jewish counterpart, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, CUFI believes that bipartisan support for Israel is essential and welcomes anyone on either side of the aisle who shares the group’s values. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2014 3
WOMEN’S DIVISION OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY
For Pomegranates and Lions, a sweet afternoon JFLV Staff Chocolate was the theme in both body and spirit as the Pomegranate and Lion of Judah women enjoyed a lovely afternoon at the home of Roberta Epstein on June 11. The decadent delights included drizzled chocolate martinis, Nutella-stuffed French toast, cheese enchiladas with a molé sauce and chocolate ravioli. After lunch, the women were treated to a chocolate-filled presentation with Deborah Prinz, the “chocolate rabbi” and author of “On the Chocolate Trail: A Delicious Adventure Connecting Jews, Religions, History, Travel, Rituals and Recipes to the Magic of Cacao.” The ladies also celebrated three of their own, as Iris Epstein, Roberta Epstein and Tama Fogelman received their newly endowed Lion of Judah pins. Their Lions will now be holding a flame, symbolizing their gift to the Jewish community that will live on.
Lynda Somach, Ilene Wood, Taffi Ney, Eydie Glickstein, Leslie Weinstock and Audrey Sosis get ready to taste the chocolate goodies at the Pomegranate and Lion of Judah spring luncheon on June 11.
SPONSORED BY THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY’S WOMEN’S DIVISION
WELCOMING NEW BABIES
to the Lehigh Valley ALEXANDER LEE son of Tina and Michael Imerman
Above left, Iris Epstein and her mother-in-law, Roberta, proudly show off their newly endowed Lion pins. Above right, Amy Morse, Carol Wilson and Eva Levitt.
DEVORAH ORAH BLANCA
Left, Beth Kozinn, Roberta Kritzer and Marilyn Claire.
daughter of Margelit and Shmuel Hoffman
JACKSON HENRY
son of Tracey and Benjamin Hammel
SLOANE MARIE
daughter of Brooke and Ryan Dietrich
SOPHIA ELOUISE
daughter of Megan and Jeremy Pildis
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 JULY/AUGUST 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Above, Beth Kozinn with Rabbi Deborah Prinz, the “chocolate rabbi,” who spoke to the Lions and Pomegranates about her book “On the Chocolate Trail: A Delicious Adventure Connecting Jews, Religions, History, Travel, Rituals and Recipes to the Magic of Cacao.”
Register by August 1 for the 2014 INTERNATIONAL LION OF JUDAH CONFERENCE September 7-10 in New York City
Join the most powerful, dedicated and generous Jewish women in the world for a world-class conference. For information, contact Judy Diamondstein at 610-821-5500 or judy@jflv.org.
WWW.LIONCONFERENCE.ORG
PHOTOS BY LEAH FRIESS
Shalom Baby Reunion: Watch us grow!
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2014 5
Museum director uncovers links, tells story
By Jennifer Lader Editor, HAKOL The Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley houses significant treasures, including one that you may not expect. True, the exhibit “Of Heaven and Earth: 500 Years of Italian Painting from Glasgow Museums” in combination with Francisco Goya’s Los Caprichos and the exhibit, “Destinations in Paintings: The Kasten Collection” -the very worthwhile latter through August 17 only! -- are relatively new and together display important works, including Botticelli’s “The Annunciation.” But another of the museum’s treasures is president and CEO David Mickenberg, who is new to the area and to the Lehigh Valley Jewish community. It was the museum itself that drew Mickenberg. In addition to other significant collections, its holdings
include the Kress Collection, another part of which was one of the founding collections at the National Gallery of Art. Mickenberg’s fascination with art museums began at the Brooklyn Museum when he was 7 years old and led to some tough decision-making when he worked there on weekends at the same time that he was president of his junior congregation. He came to Allentown from the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, Virginia, and prior to that, from the university art museums at Wellesley College and Northwestern University. Mickenberg has already put into place boundarytesting exhibits and made the Allentown Art Museum an essential link in the chain of revitalizing projects in downtown Allentown. On schedule for this fall are the continuation of the wellreceived partnership with the Civic Theatre, artist-
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“Works of art show how artists tell stories and depict religion,” says David Mickenberg, president and CEO of the Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley. On display now with the museum’s “Of Heaven and Earth” exhibit is “The Annunciation” by Sandro Botticelli (and possibly Assistant), ca. 1490–95, oil, tempera and gold leaf on walnut panel. Glasgow Museums; bequeathed by Archibald McLellan, 1856 (174) © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection. Courtesy American Federation of Arts.
led talks, expanded K-12 engagement and creative children’s programs. The special exhibition this fall features the pop art of Robert Indiana, widely known for his “LOVE” and “HOPE” sculptures. It turns out that with every collection, there are stories to tell. For Mickenberg, the challenge -- the thrill -- is in finding the connections among, for example, the
museum’s very good Japanese print collection, the Old Masters and contemporary artists, and then drawing the community -- from all ages and sub-cultures -- to that story. An exhibit that feels applicable across the generations, he said, “creates an open playing field” on which the experiences of older generations are honored while still allowing the younger generation to make other references. The museum therefore collects and preserves the connections to the past, for example the works of sculptor Harry Bertoia, who lived in the area, and frames how today’s visitors see the world and each other. The partnerships of which Mickenberg speaks are rooted firmly in Allentown and vicinity, as the citizens of the city and region create the future they want to inhabit. Not only must institutions like the Allentown Art Museum, Allentown Symphony Hall, Baum School of Art, and Communities in Schools reach out, but the people of the city must come in to support these institutions. Mickenberg emphasized that museum membership means not only financial support but an additional form of engagement. Under his leadership, the museum has installed English-Spanish bilingual descriptions in the museum, reworked the permanent exhibit in Trexler Hall and made access to the Museum free for the summer. As a result of all this and more, attendance has “skyrocketed, with a steady increase from week
to week,” he said. That’s perfect, because Mickenberg thinks big -- literally. In Roanoke, his museum hosted the creation of a 55-foot high sculpture composed of a thousand ladders that groups and individuals lent to the museum. That same artist, Charlie Brouwer, will be producing a similar ladder sculpture in Arts Park in Allentown in early September to celebrate the opening of the downtown Arena. While at Northwestern’s Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, Mickenberg sought to open the floodgates of research with a project he curated, “The Last Expression: Art and Auschwitz.” He explained that Auschwitz had art studios and a printing press. Forty thousand works of art were created, mainly by Polish political prisoners but also by Jewish inmates, most of whom later died. One who survived was Dinah Babbitt. Within the camp’s children’s barracks, she painted Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on the wall and thus offered a form of relief to the young inmates. Yad Vashem and the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., supported “The Last Expression” and Mickenberg created a multimedia presentation -- using technology little seen at that time, 2002 and earlier -- and a book with Corinne Granof and Peter Hayes. It took seven years. By comparison, Mickenberg’s plans for the Allentown Art Museum appear simple: Carry out the responsibility to preserve the past and inspire the hopes and dreams of the future. Now that’s something that we’d all like to see.
Introducing Shalom Lehigh Valley STYLE! The brand new Shalom Lehigh Valley will make its debut when the August edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine hits newsstands. The 24-page supplement at the back of the magazine showcases all that the Lehigh Valley Jewish community has to offer. The magazine reaches 80,000 people and marks the first time the Jewish community has distributed this publication to such a wide audience. “This partnership with Lehigh Valley Style is so exciting,” said Stephanie Smartschan, director of marketing of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, which produced the supplement. “It allows us to not only reach both Jews and non-Jews that we wouldn’t normally, but for the involved members of our community to really be proud of all that we do.” All of the Lehigh Valley’s Jewish institutions had a role in the project, contributing to stories and supporting the publication through advertising. “In our day and age when so many less affiliated Jews are looking for some way to connect with Judaism, we need to make as many entry points available to them as we can,” Rabbi David Wilensky of Congregation Sons of Israel said. “Shalom Lehigh Valley is doing just that.”
“We are so thankful for the community’s support of this endeavor,” Smartschan added. “It truly was a collective effort.” In September, an enhanced, stand-alone version of Shalom Lehigh Valley will be released and be mailed to all HAKOL subscribers. In total, nearly 200 people in the community joined in the process of bringing Shalom Lehigh Valley to fruition. From planners to writers, photographers to individuals who share their passion for Jewish Lehigh Valley through the stories they tell and the places they go, both publications showcase the community in beautiful ways. “Shalom Lehigh Valley highlights so many aspects of Jewish communal life here,” said Jennifer Lader, Shalom Lehigh Valley editor. “Even those who are deeply involved will be amazed at the array. Style and Shalom Lehigh Valley readers are in for a treat.” Look for Lehigh Valley Style’s August edition, hitting newsstands July 29. If you do not yet receive HAKOL and would like to receive Shalom Lehigh Valley, visit www. jewishlehighvalley.org to join the Jewish Federation’s mailing list. If you know someone new to town or looking to relocate, let us know and we’ll send them a free copy!
The story behind the cover By Jennifer Lader Editor, HAKOL Finding the perfect image to depict Jewish life in the Lehigh Valley was no easy task. So the Jewish Federation enlisted the help of professional photographer Heather Gogal, who volunteered her time and talents to make our vision for the Shalom Lehigh Valley cover a reality. The first step was finding the perfect models. Luckily, our own Dr. Hartley Lachter and his bubbly daughter, Mollie, were up to the task. Finally, the location. The Allentown Rose Garden proved an excellent backdrop -- beautiful, familiar. And from there, it was in Gogal’s hands. Gogal, a friend to the Jewish community, said she “loves working with people.” She knew growing up here that she was interested in portraiture and fashion but had to venture to Ohio University and even plan her own curriculum to nurture her skills. On coming home, she found it was hard to get a start in the world of photography, so she opened her own portrait business in 1985 and began a stronger, public emphasis in the last 15 years. Although Gogal loves digital photography -- “it gives you so many chances!” -- digital also presents challenges to the professional: “With digital, it makes it easy for people to pirate [work] and has made it a real challenge to make
a livelihood,” she said. She has been pleased with the number of bar and bat mitzvahs in addition to weddings and other events that she has been able to photograph, saying that she loves the everpresent element of fun that goes along with them. Gogal also photographed the recent golf tournament (see page 19) pro bono for the Jewish Federation and can be seen, along with her camera, at numerous Lehigh Valley venues.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2014 7
LEHIGH VALLEY JEWISH FOUNDATION THE JEWISH COMMUNITY’S ENDOWMENT FUND Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley IN MEMORY LYNNE CHASIS (Sister of Joan Brody) Wendy and Ross Born Sandra and Harold Goldfarb Michael and Joyce Ordun Stan and Vicki Wax ARNOLD COOK Sandra and Harold Goldfarb SHIRLEY GROSSMAN (Aunt of Ben Grossman) JFLV Staff MORTY HERMAN (Father of Scott Herman) Lynn and Samuel Feldman CHARLES R. KAPLAN (Stepfather of Suzanne Lapiduss) Sam and Sylvia Bub Lynda and Richard Somach JEFF KLEIN (Son of Mark and Patty Klein) Sandra and Harold Goldfarb Sybil and Barry Baiman Fred and Barbara Sussman MIRIAM MARIN (Mother of Eydie Glickstein) Rita and Michael Bloom Sam and Sylvia Bub Marilyn Claire Barbara Cohen Ron and Linda Glickman Mark Goldstein and Shari Spark Diana and Joseph Hoffman Susan and David Hyman Michele and Gilfrid Levy Eileen and Richard Lewbart Elaine and Leon Papir Roberta and Alan Penn Sue and Vic Rothbardt GRETA MILLER (Mother of Bob Miller) Sandra and Harold Goldfarb AUDREY “SKIPPY” SCHOFF (Mother of Paul Schoff) Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel Randi and Donald Senderowitz GERALDINE SCHONFELD (Mother of Ivan Schonfeld) Wendy and Ross Born Sandra and Harold Goldfarb Barry and Carol Halper Fred and Barbara Sussman Stan and Vicki Wax RALPHA SENDEROWITZ (Mother of Peter Senderowitz) Jeff and Roberta Epstein Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel Sandra and Harold Goldfarb Randi and Donald Senderowitz (Aunt of Ruth Meislin) Elaine Lerner ABRAM SHNAPER (Father of Sara Schonbach) Wendy and Ross Born
Ron and Linda Glickman Mark Goldstein and Shari Spark Susan and David Hyman DAVID SINBERG (Husband of Harriet Sinberg) Leonard Abrams Barnet and Lisa Fraenkel (Father of Peggy Rau) Leonard Abrams Sam and Sylvia Bub Elaine Lerner Cathy Sacher ELIZABETH SZILAGYI (Mother of Stephen Szilagyi) Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel Jan and Bob Kaplan RAE TUSSIASH (Wife of Bill Tussiash) Wendy and Ross Born JEAN AND MILTON YUDIS (Parents of Barbara Yudis) Amy and Jack Silverman IN HONOR ARTHUR AND PHOEBE ALTMAN Happy Birthdays & Anniversary Gwen Jacobs DAVID AND CHERYL BACHARACH 50th Wedding Anniversary Jay Haltzman ANDREW BERSON Graduation from Medical School Jeff and Jill Blinder MARC AND LAURIE BERSON Andrew’s Graduation from Medical School Judy and Marc Diamondstein Ronnie’s Graduation from College Judy and Marc Diamondstein SHERYL BLOCK Retirement as JCC Early Childhood Director Wendy and Ross Born MICHAEL AND RITA BLOOM Birth of granddaughter Scarlet Stuart and Susan Shmookler Engagement of daughter Michele to Eric Stuart and Susan Shmookler AMY BORN AND ALEX PASCAL Birth of son, Benjamin Born Pascal Sally Mandler and Gene Beasley WENDY AND ROSS BORN Birth of grandson, Benjamin Born Pascal Suzanne Lapiduss Stan and Vicki Wax KIRA AND RICHARD BUB Birth of daughter, Ariana Leah Bub Judy and Marc Diamondstein Randi and Donald Senderowitz SAM AND SYLVIA BUB Birth of granddaughter, Ariana Leah Bub Judy and Marc Diamondstein Suzanne Lapiduss SAM AND SYLVIA BUB Happy Anniversary Bill and Peggy Berger
Francine and Anthony Godfrey SYLVIA BUB Special Birthday Roberta and Jeff Epstein PATTY CARLIS Becoming President of Congregation Keneseth Israel Wendy and Ross Born HANNAH COOPER Graduation from Barrack Hebrew Academy Randi, Donald, Rissa & Marlee Senderowitz JUDY DIAMONDSTEIN Mazel Tov on a Successful Federation Year Marilyn Claire JUDY AND MARC DIAMONDSTEIN Molly’s High School Graduation Wendy and Ross Born MOLLY DIAMONDSTEIN Graduation from Parkland High School Beth and Wes Kozinn Randi, Donald, Rissa & Marlee Senderowitz IRIS EPSTEIN Lion of Judah Endowment Nancy and Abe Ross JONATHAN EPSTEIN Happy Birthday Judy and Marc Diamondstein ROBERTA EPSTEIN Happy Birthday Shaoli Rosenberg Lion of Judah Endowment Nancy and Abe Ross BUNNY FILLER Bat Mitzvah Wendy and Ross Born ALLISON FINE Graduation from Penn State University Randi, Donald, Rissa & Marlee Senderowitz SANDI AND HARRIS FINE Allison’s graduation from Penn State University Amy and Jack Silverman EILEEN FISCHMANN LOJ Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award Jeff and Jill Blinder BARNET AND LISA FRAENKEL Daughter Julie’s graduation from Bucknell University Wendy and Ross Born Carol and Stewart Furmansky Jay and Evelyn Lipschutz Amy and Jack Silverman Lynda and Richard Somach JULIE FRAENKEL Graduation from Bucknell University Jeff and Jill Blinder Carol and Gary Fromer Randi, Donald, Rissa & Marlee Senderowitz RACHEL GEVIRTZ
Graduation from Parkland High School Randi, Donald, Rissa & Marlee Senderowitz JEFFREY GLASER Graduation from medical school Jeff and Jill Blinder Carol and Gary Fromer VICKI GLASER Pomerantz Award for Campaign Excellence Jeff and Jill Blinder Wendy and Ross Born Monica and Martin Lemelman JEFF AND ELIZABETH GREENBERG Jonah’s Graduation Carol and Stewart Furmansky BARRY HALPER Successful Term as JFLV President Wendy and Ross Born Linda and Mike Miller RABBI YAACOV AND DEVORAH HALPERIN Birth of daughter Stan and Vicki Wax BOBBY AND BONNIE HAMMEL Birth of grandson, Jackson Henry Hammel Mark Goldstein and Shari Spark ELLEN AND PHIL HOF Marriage of son, Isaac Wendy and Ross Born MICHAEL AND STACY HORTNER B’nai Mitzvot of their daughters Lynn and Samuel Feldman RABBI ALLEN JUDA Lifetime Achievement Award Wendy and Ross Born Beth and Wes Kozinn Linda and Mike Miller JAN AND BOB KAPLAN Lisa’s graduation from Penn State University Amy and Jack Silverman LISA KAPLAN Graduation from Penn State University Randi, Donald, Rissa & Marlee Senderowitz LISA AND COREY KIRSHNER Noah’s Graduation Teri and Josh Krassen STUART KRAWITZ Speedy Recovery Mark Goldstein and Shari Spark HARTLEY LACHTER AND JESSICA COOPERMAN Congratulations on new positions Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Arnan and Marlene Finkelstein BUDDY AND LAURIE LESAVOY Engagement of daughter Hayley Arnan and Marlene Finkelstein LARRY AND EVA LEVITT Sam’s High School Graduation Judy and Marc Diamondstein JAY AND EVELYN LIPSCHUTZ 40th Wedding Anniversary Wendy and Ross Born Birth of grandson, Adam Isaac Leisawitz Jeff and Jill Blinder Wendy and Ross Born Lynda and Richard Somach MARYLOU LORDI Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction Stan and Vicki Wax MELANIE AND RICK MAY Sam’s College Graduation Teri and Josh Krassen MICHAEL AND COOKY NOTIS Marriage of granddaughter Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald ALISON POST
Confirmation of daughter Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald ADAM ROTH Happy Birthday Audrey and Jerome Cylinder Happy Father’s Day Selma Roth ADAM AND PENNY ROTH Happy Anniversary Audrey and Jerome Cylinder Selma Roth JUDD ROTH Happy Father’s Day Selma Roth KYLE ROTH Happy Father’s Day Selma Roth LYNN ROTHMAN Successful Term as Temple Beth El President Barry Halper JACK SCHONBERGER Special Birthday Debi and David Wiener JILL AND IVAN SCHONFELD Birth of grandson, Logan Reid Schonfeld Wendy and Ross Born MARK SCOBLIONKO Congratulations on becoming JFLV President Wendy and Ross Born Marilyn Claire Barbara Cohen Arnan and Marlene Finkelstein Carol and Gary Fromer Linda and Mike Miller Stan and Vicki Wax REBA SCOBLIONKO Congratulations on son Mark becoming JFLV President Marilyn Claire DONALD AND RANDI SENDEROWITZ Daughter Rissa’s Graduation from University of Pittsburgh Wendy and Ross Born Carol and Stewart Furmansky Amy and Jack Silverman Lynda and Richard Somach Daughter Marlee’s Graduation from Moravian Academy Wendy and Ross Born Amy and Jack Silverman LARRIE AND JUDY SHEFTEL Jordan’s Graduation Carol and Stewart Furmansky DANA SHUSTIK Graduation from Moravian Academy Randi, Donald, Rissa & Marlee Senderowitz JESSICA SILVERMAN Graduation from West Virginia University Randi, Donald, Rissa & Marlee Senderowitz STANLEY SNYDER Happy 90th Birthday Shirley and Lou Furmansky Judy and Mort Miller FRED AND BARBARA SUSSMAN Grandson’s marriage Arnan and Marlene Finkelstein ANDREA AND THOMAS SZARVAS Birth of daughter, Malena Lynda and Stuart Krawitz JILLIAN SZILAGYI Graduation from Syracuse Randi, Donald, Rissa & Marlee Senderowitz STEPHEN AND STEPHANIE SZILAGYI
Graduation of daughter Jillian from Syracuse University Leon and Elaine Papir Amy and Jack Silverman FRANK TAMARKIN George Feldman Achievement Award for Young Leadership Bill and Peggy Berger Jeff and Jill Blinder Wendy and Ross Born Kira and Richard Bub Sam Bub and Family Marilyn Claire Arnan and Marlene Finkelstein Carol and Gary Fromer Riva Ginsburg Carole and Sy Klionsky Beth and Wes Kozinn Vicki and Stan Wax TAMA TAMARKIN Congratulations on becoming JDS President Wendy and Ross Born Marilyn Claire Stan and Vicki Wax PAUL AND MICHELLE TAUSTER His father’s 90th Birthday Lynn and Samuel Feldman MICKEY AND EILEEN UFBERG Bat Mitzvah of granddaughter Alexa Carol and Gary Fromer MARC AND SUSAN VENGROVE Daughter Sara’s graduation Jay and Evelyn Lipschutz RABBI ALAN AND ABBY WIENER Engagement of granddaughter Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald BOB WILSON Kobrovsky Chairman’s Award for Campaign Leadership Jeff and Jill Blinder Wendy and Ross Born Carol and Gary Fromer CAROL WILSON Speedy Recovery Sam and Sylvia Bub MICHAEL AND MIRIAM ZAGER Son Matthew’s Bar Mitzvah Nancy and Abe Ross HELEN & SOL KRAWITZ HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY JEFF KLEIN (Son of Mark and Patty Klein) Joani Lesavoy and Sid Greenberg ABRAM SHNAPER (Father of Sara Schonbach) Ron and Linda Glickman Roberta and Alan Penn LORRAINE LESAVOY WEISBERGER (Mother of Lynda Krawitz) Lynda and Richard Somach IN HONOR MARY BETH AND DAVID WEINSTEIN Mazel Tov on your new home 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.
AUGUST 1-10, 2014 BETHLEHEM, PA
Sands Steel Stage on PNC Plaza
VIP Experiences
Mini of Allentown Steel Terrace
ZZ Top August 1 sponsored by ServiceMaster by Round the Clock Cleaning, IndependenceIT and WZZO
The Jason Derulo August 3 All-American sponsored by Rejects Coordinated Health, August 2
sponsored by B104 and 100.7 WLEV
Digital First Media, Mix 106.1, Q102 and B104
Sheryl Crow August 4 sponsored by CAT Country 96 and 100.7 WLEV
The Moody Blues August 5 sponsored by Edwards Business Systems and 99.9 The Hawk
• Buffet including appetizers, dinner and dessert • Open bar • Private, air-conditioned restrooms • Covered seating only feet from the main stage! • Includes ticket to concert
Party Decks • Intimate, covered and elevated decks at the top of the grandstands • Access to full-service bar featuring beer, wine and spirits • Air-conditioned restrooms • Includes ticket to concert
Coordinated Health Oasis
Steely Dan August 6
sponsored by Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, Digital First Media, 69-WFMZ-TV and 99.9 the Hawk
The Avett Brothers
Opener: Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds
August 7 sponsored by WXPN
Alan Jackson August 8
sponsored by PenTeleData, The Morning Call, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and CAT Country 96
Weezer
Keith Urban
sponsored by Integrity Mechanical, Digital First Media and Radio 104.5
sponsored by B. Braun/Aesculap, The Express-Times, CAT Country 96 and 69-WFMZ-TV
August 9
August 10
($20 upgrade to concert ticket) • Access to full-service bar featuring beer, wine and spirits • Air-conditioned restrooms • Sands Steel Stage parking pass for every two Oasis tickets purchased
Tickets & VIP Experiences available at: musikfest.org | 610-332-3378
8 JULY/AUGUST 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Compromise ushers in PA Holocaust education bill to become law By Stephanie Bolmer Special to HAKOL To those impacted, it seems unthinkable that anyone could deny that the evils of the Holocaust took place. But, without proper education, it will become easier for proponents of anti-Semitism to do just that. As more and more of the last survivors of the Holocaust pass away, education about their plight is all the more needed to carry on their legacy. Here in Pennsylvania, that just became much more likely, as Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill into law on June 26 which strongly recommends the state’s 500 school districts implement programs teaching about the Holocaust and other instances of genocide in world history. The original bill attempted to mandate the desired programs, but as the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Director of Outreach and Community Relations Aaron Gorodzinsky said, “It would have been extremely difficult to pass a mandate because the teachers were not comfortable with that.” Opponents cited many other requirements already in writing for the schools which, with increased cuts to funding, are never carried out. So, a compromise was made. After mounting
tensions, a new version of the bill passed unanimously in both the State House and Senate. Schools will have two years to voluntarily implement Holocaust education. After that time, a survey will be conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. If less than 90 percent of schools are following the recommendations of the new law, such lesson plans could then become required material in classrooms throughout the state. The law “encourages schools to teach their students about the Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations by having the state develop strong curriculum options to teach these subjects, distribute these curriculum options to all school districts, train teachers to teach this subject effectively, assess schools’ use of these resources and assure that every school district is offering these subjects to their students,” according to a statement from the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition. The chairman of the coalition, Matt Handel, said, “Educating our students about our world’s historic atrocities creates an understanding of the need for tolerance and an understanding of the consequences of bigotry and hate. We must never forget the horrors of what has happened so that we do not allow these tragic chapters of history to be repeated.”
Coming soon, Shalom Lehigh Valley, a full-color magazine produced by the Jewish Federation, will focus on what's new, noteworthy and right next door in the Jewish Lehigh Valley. In the mean time, see if you recognize this photo. Think you know the answer? Send an e-mail including your full name with the correct location to stephanie@jflv.org for a chance to win a fabulous prize!
Cantor’s loss leaves Jewish Republicans bereft Eric Cantor’s June 10 defeat in one constituency, Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, triggered mourning among another: Republican Jews. Since 2009, Cantor has been the only Jewish Republican in Congress. After the 2010 GOP takeover of the House, he became the majority leader. He is the highest-ranking Jewish lawmaker in congressional history. But the meteoric rise of Cantor, 51, came to a screeching halt when he was trounced in a major Republican primary upset in his Richmond-area district by a poorly financed Tea Party challenger, Dave Brat, an economics professor. Cantor was elected to Congress in 2000, at the age of 37, after having served nine years in the Virginia legislature. From the start he made clear that he had three bedrocks: his faith, his state and his conservatism. His first floor speech, on Jan. 31 2001, was in favor of making the Capitol Rotunda available for Holocaust commemoration, and in two minutes Cantor wove together the importance of Holocaust education — a nod to two Virginia founding fathers — and an embrace of the foreign policy interventionism that would guide the George W. Bush administration. Cantor’s popularity in his district, his ability to garner supporters in the Republican caucus and his fundraising prowess soon caught the eye of Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), who in 2003 was set to become House majority whip. Blunt named Cantor his chief deputy, a stunning rise for a congressional sophomore who had not yet reached 40. Cantor was a natural ally for socially conservative Orthodox Jews who at times have been at odds with the Obama administration on religion-state issues, and his own personal Jewish involvement deepened as his days grew busier. For Jewish leaders, Cantor was a critical address
CHRIS MADDALONI/GETTY IMAGES
By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) at a news conference in the Capitol , Oct. 5, 2013. within the Republican Party for the Jewish community’s domestic agenda, said William Daroff, the Washington director of the Jewish Federations of North America. Cantor at first seemed to be riding the Tea Party wave, but, heeding a Republican establishment that believed the Tea Party had gotten out of hand, he more recently tilted toward the center, championing job creation programs, criticizing foreign policy isolationists within the GOP and expressing a willingness to consider elements of the 2013 Senate immigration reform bill, although until now he has resisted bringing it to the House floor. Steve Rabinowitz, a publicist who represents Jewish groups as well as liberal and Democratic causes, said he was conflicted about Cantor’s departure. “Wearing my mainstream Jewish skullcap, it’s clear the community needs people like Eric Cantor,” Rabinowitz said. “This is a loss for the Jewish community. I have my disagreements with him, but he’s been there for the community.”
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2014 9
NEARLY NEW donations needed Do a mitzvah for yourself and the Jewish Community Center of Allentown. Donate slightly used items to the annual Nearly New sale. Gently used clothes, toys, furniture and household goods are all welcome. The money we make at our sales goes to give scholarships to children who otherwise would not be able to afford day care or preschool at the Jewish Community Center of Allentown. We also provide money for playground equipment.
JCC welcomes interim executive director President of the Jewish Community Center Bobby Hammel and the entire board of directors welcome Amy Holtz as interim executive director of the JCC. “Amy is well known due to her service to many institutions in the Jewish Community,” Hammel said in a recent statement. “We are thrilled with the opportunity to work with her and are looking forward to her leadership as we continue to grow and serve as the home of the Jewish Community.” During the upcoming year, Holtz will continue strengthening the JCC’s foundation so that it can grow and prosper. From the laughter of the children in early childhood and children’s classes to Stagemakers performing “The Wizard of Oz,” from
fitness and group exercise options – classes, swim team, basketball – to adult jDines programs, art exhibits, Friendship Circle, and special events, Holtz looks forward to marketing our wonderful programs and giving the community even more reason to engage in the plethora of programs, service and activities at the J. “We have a talented and dedicated staff that makes coming to work fun and they teach me something new every day,” Holtz said. In her initial weeks as interim executive director, Holtz has already shown the board, staff and community that she looks forward to fostering a strong presence in our Jewish community. Holtz succeeds Carol Kranitz, who resigned in June.
Gallery at the JCC announces two new exhibits
For more information, call or email Syril Weinberg at 610.965.5045 or weinberg3438@ptd.net.
This work by Wendy Steed reflects her unique way of capturing familiar emotions, events and environments and rendering them in a variety of media. "A Creative Quest" runs at The Gallery at the JCC through September 12.
Douglas Ihlenfeld works primarily with non-ferrous metals, creating beautifully abstract pieces in the contemporary style. His work will be on display at The Gallery at the JCC until September 12.
scenes and objects that express her vision of the world around her. She works primarily in oil paints and watercolors. The Gallery at the Jewish Community Ihlenfeld is a sculptor who works Center is pleased to present its latest exprimarily in bronze, brass and copper. hibit, “A Creative Quest.” The ongoing His abstract work is contemporary and exhibition, which runs July 31 through diversified, exploring the boundaries of September 12, introduces the unique these non-ferrous metals. creations of artists Wendy Steed and Individual works by Steed and by Douglas Ihlenfeld. Ihlenfeld are available for sale in the Steed is talented in a variety of media Gallery at the JCC through September BA14107 JBHAon Grad adbeauty Hakoi_Layout 1 5/29/14 11:50 Page 1 who focuses the of common 12.AM The exhibition is open to the public By Sydney Krassen JCC Gallery Intern
and a portion of the proceeds supports the JCC. The Gallery at the JCC’s next exhibit runs September 18 through October 31. It features the creations of glass artists Susan Ward and Charles Sorrels as well as painter Janet Dean. The entire community is invited to the opening reception at the JCC on Thursday, September 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. to meet the artists and get a first look at the exhibition.
CONGRATULATES THE CLASS OF 2014 Nora Abel Elijah Ackerman Benjamin Bernstein Jesse Bernstein Jessica Berson Alexander Bierig Adam Black David Brem Michael Cahana Benjamin Chevlin Michala Collis
Hannah Cooper Miranda Davis Dara Engel David Feinberg Jonathan Feld Ephraim Feldblum Daniel Fradkin Michael Foster Klielle Glanzberg-Krainin Avi Gordon Gracie Gottlieb
Benjamin Jaron Maya Kassutto Jonathan Kolansky Jonathan Kolman Emily Krulik Marnie Landau Rebecca Lipstein Rachel Lipton Avi J. Lurie Naama Malomet Shawn Martin
Albright College Allegheny College American University Arcadia University Arizona State University Bard College Binghamton University Boston University Brandeis University Brown University Bryn Mawr College Carnegie Mellon University College of Charleston Clark University
Colorado College Columbia University Columbia University/JTS Cornell University Dickinson College Drexel University Franklin & Marshall College George Mason University George Washington University Goucher College Hampshire College Haverford College Hofstra University IDC Herzliya
Indiana University at Bloomington Indiana University of Pennsylvania Ithaca College Johns Hopkins University Kenyon College Lafayette College Lehigh University Long Island University-Post Muhlenberg College New York University Northwestern University Pace University
Adina Marx Marc Meltzer Jade Nadav Ashira Naftali Greer Ishiyah Naftali Greer Limor Naim Jonathan Neff Haley Newman Aden Ohayon Joshua Perloff Anne Prusky
Joshua Radack Jared Raikin Jacob Reich Avi Romanoff Jake Rosen Robert Rosen Aaron Schapira Avigail Gerber Schneiman Marisa Seidman Sophia Shoulson Gavriella Stein
Hannah Wischnia Sarah Wolfson Wendy Woods David Yasgur Ariel Yosef Elan Zebrowitz Ezekiel Zeff Lev Ziskind David Zuckerman
Trinity College Tufts University Tulane University University of Chicago University of Colorado at Boulder University of Connecticut University of Delaware University of Hartford University of Maryland University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Miami University of New Haven
University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of Rhode Island University of Rochester University of the Sciences University of Vermont Vassar College Wagner College Wesleyan University West Chester University of Pennsylvania Yeshiva University
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
10 JULY/AUGUST 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Pennsylvania State University Pennsylvania State UniversityAbington Philadelphia University Princeton University Rochester Institute of Technology Rutgers University Skidmore College Stern College for Women Swarthmore College Syracuse University Temple University Towson University
WRITINGS FROM THE
CLERGY
RABBI YITZCHOK YAGOD Congregation Beth Avraham Eleven years! This month marks 11 years since my family and I arrived in Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. They have been 11 beautiful years in which our family grew up, children got married and started nice Jewish homes of their own and the reasons I came here are still very much relevant. I came for kashruth work and for shul work. The kashruth is busier than it was then and the shul that I came for is still alive despite the long odds and the many challenges and is actually growing now. So, yes, we are still here, thanks to G-d and at this juncture I’d like to say a word or two about a story in the weekly reading that motivated me and may resonate
Take action
with you. Recently, we read Parshat Pinchas, which is one of the longest readings and which is the Hebrew name of my youngest son. It tells the story of Pinchas, who was given the appellation “zealot” because of his actions. Most people don’t like the stereotypical zealot. A zealot connotes someone who is selfrighteous and knows better than everyone and is quick to anger, but I don’t think that this is the intrinsic message of Pinchas. Why would that be an eternal message? The less obvious but more sublime message here is that of “take action, don’t be complacent.” Pinchas could have relaxed in the shade of his tent and said “Not my worry, let someone get up and do it.” He did not sit back complacently; he got involved and took action and did what he had been taught. Our communities were built by people who did not leave it to others, but took action. When we see a need, whether big or small, or even micro, let’s get up and do something. Much has been done here in the Jewish communities of the Lehigh Valley and much more can be done if we each take action and eschew complacency. May G-d grant all of us many, many sweet years to enjoy our heavenly blessings!
Yoav teens in action
YOAV - LEHIGH VALLEY
From left to right, Roy, Amir, Aviv and Noa, our Yoav teens, working at the JCC Camp Kochavim.
Aviv helping one of the campers at the pool.
Noa instructing a group of teens before a swim lesson.
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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2014 11
Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley 2014 Campaign for Jewish Needs
TOGETHER WE RAISED $2,250,000
TO SUPPORT THE LEHIGH VALLEY AND WORLDWIDE JEWISH COMMUNITY
THANK YOU. Because of your support of the 2014 campaign, we are able to help when help is needed, provide a safety net for those who must rely upon it, and nurture the core institutions that are the fabric of a rich and dynamic Jewish community.
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 Edward Kesten KING DAVID SOCIETY $25,000 - $49,999 Leonard Abrams Tama* Fogelman and Family Fischmann Family Fund* Roberto and Eileen* Fischmann The Fraenkel Family Dr. Harold and Sandra* Goldfarb Robert J. and Susan* Grey Master Family Richard and Susan* Master MCS Industries Harry Louis Yanoff & Jeanette Master Yanoff Charitable Fund Sylvia Perkin Perpetual Charitable Trust* Joseph B. and Rita* Scheller
TREE OF LIFE SOCIETY $18,000 - $24,999 Peter and Karen* Cooper The Deanne and Arnold Kaplan Foundation* Lisa Scheller* and Wayne Woodman KING SOLOMON CIRCLE $10,000 - $17,999 The Philip and Muriel Berman Foundation Nathan and Marilyn* Braunstein Charles Cohen and Rebecca Binder* Dr. Jeffrey and Jill* Blinder The Martin Cohen Family Foundation Seidel Cohen Hof and Reid Daniel and Nancy* Cohen Phillip and Ellen* Hof Chris and Tara Reid Norman Seidel Firstrust Bank Gary Fromer and Dr. Carol Bub Fromer* Richard Green Family and Firstrust Bank Robert J. and Susan* Grey Robert and Judith Auritt Klein Family Fund* Kobrovsky Family Fund Elaine Lerner* Orgler Family Fund Nan Ronis* Mortimer S. and Vera M.* Schiff Foundation Jean Weiner* BUILDERS OF ISRAEL $5,000 - $9,999 Dr. Arthur and Phoebe* Altman Sadie Berman Lion of Judah Endowment Fund* Hon. Alan and Donna* Black Ellis and Lisa* Block 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 Nat and Erica* Hyman Drs. Stephen and Barbara* Katz Mark and Patty Klein Bernard and Florence Kobrovsky Special Fund Dr. Wesley and Beth* Kozinn Dr. Lawrence and Eva* Levitt Stanley R. Liebman Estate Michael and Linda* Miller Dr. Alan and Judith* Morrison Daniel Poresky Dr. Richard and Barbara* Reisner Dr. Alex and Robin* Rosenau Drs. Jarrod and Nicole* Rosenthal Shaoli Rosenberg* Paul Sacher Lorrie Scherline* Irwin and Ellen* Schneider Mark and Deena* Scoblionko Elizabeth Scofield* Larrie and Judy* Sheftel Edith Simon* Shelley Stettner* Dr. Frank and Tama* Tamarkin Dr. William and Pauline* Trachtenberg Dr. Michael and Eileen* Ufberg Dr. Robert and Carol* Wilson Ilene Wood* Dr. Israel and Valeska* Zighelboim Anonymous (3) SABRA CIRCLE $2,500 - $4,999 Dr. Marc and Aliette* Abo Alan and Marsha* Abraham Dr. Houman and Lori* Ahdieh Leonard & Beverly* Bloch Foundation Dr. David and Sara-Jane* Bub Dr. Ian and Patricia* Carlis Scott and Beth* Delin
Some Spring Event Steering Committee members toast to another successful Dollar-A-Day event to benefit the Jewish Federation's Annual Campaign.
The community enjoyed a sold out comedy night with Rabbi Bob Alper who provided plenty of humor, all in support of the Jewish Federation's efforts. 12 JULY/AUGUST 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Andrew and Dr. Lisa* Ellis Dr. Peter Fisher and Kathy Zimmerman* Louis and Shirley* Furmansky Stewart and Carol* Furmansky Dr. Gene and Ann* Ginsberg Dr. Mark and Carmyn Gittleman Dr. Lawrence and Vicki* Glaser Steven and Nancy Wax Goldman* Barry and Carol R.* Halper Dr. Arthur and Jane* Kaplan Drs. Andrew and Deborah* Kimmel Jeffrey and Carol* Kranitz Stuart and Lynda* Krawitz Dr. Harold and Linda* Kreithen Robert and Roberta* Kritzer Dr. Howard and Beth* Kushnick Donald and Lois* Lipson 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 Taffi Ney* Dr. Noah Orenstein and Diana* Fischmann Orenstein Dr. Robert and Lota* Post Rhoda Prager* Judith Rodwin* Sylvia and Herb Rosen Foundation Cathy Sacher* Frances & Abraham Schwab Memorial Fund Dr. Stuart A. and Janice Schwartz Ronald and Martha* Segel Jack and Amy* Silverman Dr. Arthur and Audrey* Sosis Arthur and Barbara* Weinrach Dr. Michael and Leslie* Weinstock Alan J. and Abby* Wiener James and Linda* Wimmer Gail Wolson* Dr. Michael and Miriam* Zager and Family Anonymous (5)
GATES OF JAFFA $1,500 - $2,499 Dr. Howard Altman Richard J. Mongilutz and Kelly Banach* Dr. Alan Berger William M. and Peggy* Berger Dr. Marc and Lauren* Berson Michael and Rita* Bloom Dr. Scott Brenner and Cheryl Figlin-Brenner* Dr. John and Ingelise* Brown Lawrence Center Marilyn Claire* Dr. William and Gail* Combs Dr. Arnold R. Cook (z�l) Helen Cook* Glenn and Jan* Ehrich Norman Falk Dr. Bruce Feldman Claudia Fischmann* Veronica Fischmann* Dr. Jay and Fran* Fisher Dr. Hal and Kimberly Folander Jerome and Sally Frank Dr. Ronald and Emily Freudenberger Dr. Henry and Monica* Friess and Family Dr. Ronald J. and Linda Glickman Neil and Edyth* Glickstein Dr. Gordon and Rose Lee* Goldberg Mitzi Goldenberg* Dr. Marsha Gordon* Dr. Robert M. Gordon Morris & Dyna Gorfinkel Memorial Fund Dr. David Greenberg Kenneth and Ellen* Greene Dr. Robert and Tracy Grob Dr. Paul Gross Bennett Grossman Drs. Harvey and Melissa Hakim Esther Halperin* Hausman Family Dr. Howard and Susan* Israel Dr. John Jaffe Dr. Jeffrey and Nancy Jahre Roland and Dorothy Joseph Dr. Robert and Janice Kaplan Muriel Kosen* Martin and Judy* Krasnov Dr. Joshua and Teri* Krassen Dr. Robert and Stephanie* Kricun Jack(z�l) and Ferne Rodale* Kushner Dr. Michael and Carole* Langsam Dr. Brian LeFrock Dr. Paul and Diane* Lemberg and Family
Martin and Monica* Lemelman Mort & Myra Levy Philanthropic Fund Dr. Jay and Evelyn* Lipschutz Dr. Eiran Mandelker Dr. Gerald and Ethel* Melamut Robert and Betty* Mendelson Dr. Holmes and Jeannie* Miller Dr. Michael and Cary* Moritz Dr. Mark and Alice* Notis Dr. Michael and Ruth* Notis Drs. Steven and Nancy Oberlender Dr. William and Marjorie Ofrichter Dr. Robert and Joanne* Palumbo The Ringold Family* Dr. Edward and Wendy* Rosenfeld Dr. Marvin and Janet Rosenthal Dr. Abraham and Nancy Ross and Family Selma Roth* Dr. Michael and Lynn F.* Rothman Dr. Wayne Saunders Dr. Darryn and Lorey* Shaff Dr. Elliot Shear Milton and Ronnie* Sheftel Ruth Sheftel* Marshall and Nina* Silverstein Dr. Raymond and Bonnie Singer Lynda Somach* Spira Family Foundation Richard and Allison Staiman Dr. Ronald and Melissa Stein and Family Dr. Frederic A. and Gilda Stelzer Dr. Jay E. and Margery* Strauss Fred and Barbara K.* Sussman Dr. David and Barbara* Sussman Dr. Adam Teichman Dr. Ryan and Carah* Tenzer Dr. Kenneth and Alla* Toff Dr. Edward Tomkin and Sandra Wadsworth Dr. Darren and Stefanie* Traub Dr. Marc and Susan* Vengrove Dr. Andrew Wakstein Gordon and Kathy* Weil Dr. Benjamin and Ellen Weinberger Steven and Margo* Wiener Susan Wild* Dr. Eric and Helaine* Young Larry and Carolyn Zelson Martin Zippel and Elly Singer Dr. Larry and Debra Zohn Anonymous (4)
CHAVERIM $500 - $1,499 Alan and Sandy Abeshaus Richard and Karen* Albert Steven Aronsky Dr. Richard and Judith* Aronson Marietta Banach* Tama Lee Barsky* Sanford and Patricia* Beldon Steven Bergstein and Nanci Goldman Bergstein Larry and Susan W.* Berman Joseph and Sharon* Bernstein Ronald and Linda* Black Dr. Robert and Linda Bloch Rance and Sheryl* Block Akiva and Rachel* Boonswang Dr. Stuart and Joan* Boreen Dr. Jeffrey and Nan* Bratspies Regina Brenner* Edna Brill* Dr. Charles and Ellie* Brooks Evelyn H. Brown* Drs. Sylvan and Sharon Brown Richard and Kira* Bub Harvey and Elizabeth* Cartine Dr. Robert Cohn and The Harold and Matilda Cohn Family Fund Dr. Jessica Cooperman* Dr. Karen Dacey* Hon. Maxwell Davison Deborah Degani* Richard and Ruth* Derby Dr. George and Roberta* Diamond Gerald Weisberger and Gail Ehrens* Eduardo and Jeanette* Eichenwald Dr. Mark and Ellyn* Elstein Henriette Engelson* Dr. Thomas and Roni* Englert and Family Joan Epstein* Dr. Michael Feldman Dr. Neil and Ellen* Feldman Jules and Tama Fogelman Family Fund* Frank Penn Family Fund Hon. Robert and Ronnie Freedberg Alfred T. Gifford Family Fund Goldfarb Family Fund Barry Goldin and Cheri Sterman*
Prof. Gary Gordon and Elizabeth McMahon Lance and Ellen* Gordon Irwin and Diane Greenberg Alan Greenberger Ralph and Anna Mae* Grossman Jay Haltzman Ronald and Joan* Harrison Aron and Julie* Hochhauser Arthur and Susan* Hochhauser Les and Ricky* Hochhauser Dr. Arthur and Barbara* Hoffman Carol Hoffman* Mark and Amy* Holtz Roslyn Holtz* Alex Hornstein Dr. David and Susan Hyman Gwen Jacobs* Dr. Joseph Jacobs Selma Jacowitz* Rabbi Allen and Toby* Juda Audrey Kanoff* Seth and Kathi* Katzman Dr. Corey and Lisa* Kirshner Drs. William and Susan* Kitei Maxine S. Klein* Dr. Mark and Iris Koshar Paul and Dore Kottler Karen Kuhn* Jeffrey Kramer Dr. Hartley Lachter and Dr. Jessica Cooperman* Merry Landis* Lawrence M. Lang and Elaine N. Deutch* Dr. Paul H. and Elaine* Langer Gerson Lazar Family Fund Martha B. Lebovitz* The Eva Levitt Knitting Project Dr. Irwin and Linda Lewis Dr. Sheldon and Paula* Linn Scott and Allison* Lipson Eric Luftig Jean Mandel* Dr. Norman Maron Dr. David and Robyn Meir-Levi Edith Miller* Dr. Gary and Debbie* Miller Morton and Judy* Miller Michael Molovinsky James and Shelah Mueth Dr. Jonathan Munves Dexter and Sally Neadle Jay and Bobbi* Needle Gerald and Bernice* Nepon Sandy Newman* Dr. David and Carole* Ostfeld Myra Outwater * Dr. David and Ann* Packman Leon and Elaine* Papir Honorable Edward Pawlowski Alan and Roberta* Penn Allen and Sandra* Perlman Drs. Andrew and Flora* Pestcoe Rabbi Seth Phillips and Marge Kramer* Alison Post* Michael and Ilene* Prokup Dr. Mitchell and Carol Rabinowitz Elaine Rappaport-Bass* Rabbi Moshe and Adina Re'em Dr. Max L. and Helen Robbins Dr. Howard and Lisa* Rosenberg Joseph Rosenfeld and Jonathan Rosenfeld Adam and Penny Roth and Family Judd Roth Dr. Norman and Jett* Sarachek Sheila Saunders* Dr. Murray and Marcia* Schechter Nathan and Rusty* Schiff Dr. Michael and Heidi* Schiffman John Schneider Bernard and Sara* Schonbach Lillian Schwab Memorial Fund Schwartz Family Fund Dr. Howard and Tamara Selden Dr. Edward and Sally* Shapiro Elliot and Linda Sheftel Howard and Susan* Sherer Dr. Andrew and Rachel* Shurman Helaine Sigal* Mark and Maryellis Sigmon Dr. Bruce and Donna Silverberg Dr. Howard and Diane* Silverman Edward Spitzer and Yvonne Payne Marcy Staiman* Dr. Sidney and Lenore* Stecher Dr. Phil and Diane* Stein Dr. Richard and Arlene* Stein Dr. Stanley and Manya Stein Hon. Robert L. Steinberg Kevin Stempel Dr. David and Laurie Strassman Dr. Michael F. Stroock Frank and Zenora Surnamer Fred and Barbara K.* Sussman Fund Ron Ticho and Pam Lott* Marsha Timmerman* Dr. Mark and Abby* Trachtman Dr. Darren and Stephanie* Traub Dr. Stephen and Beverly* Volk Dr. Stanley and Judith* Walker Dr. Ronald and Beverly* Wasserman Robert and Sandy* Weiner Louise Weinstein* Gerald Weisberger and Gail Ehrens* Deborah Weiss*
Jerry and Flossie* Zales Richard and Cherie* Zettlemoyer Debbie Zoller* Anonymous (26)
SHORASHIM $250 - $499 Dr. Mark Stein and Sharon Albert* Gregory and Seli Allen Vivian Appel* Dr. Mark Auerbach Miriam Bandler* Randy and Jodi* Barson Fran Bassett* Dr. Sherri Bassner* Patricia Beldon* Judy Belmont* David and Clara* Bergstein Richard Bergstein Amy Born Fund* Sally Brau* Izzy and Joan* Brody Allen and Marjorie Carroll Arnold and Judy* Cohen Marcia K. Cohen* Robert Cohen and Michelle Hindin Martin Cohen Family Foundation Howard and Catherine* Coleman Roger and Sharon* Collins Justin and Erin Corsa Donald Denburg Richard Director Fred and Gail* Eisenberg Jack and Shirley* Engelson Matt and Melissa* Falk Susan Fegley* Dr. Alex Feig Samuel and Lynn* Feldman Marcia Felkay* Dr. Eric J. and Amy Fels Finkelstein Family Fund Harry and Amy* Fisher Charles Fletcher Memorial Fund Brian and Emily* Ford Dr. Ari and Mia Forgosh Neil and Marjorie* Forgosh Rabbi Jonathan Gerard and Dr. Pearl Rosenberg Dr. Eric and Debbie* Gertner and Family Renee Gittler* Rhoda Glazier* Glazier Furniture Ann Goldberg* Libby Golomb* Allan and Mary Goodman Dr. H. William and Ruth* Gross Lothar and Wendy Gumberich Ronald and Joan* Harrison Dr. Leo and Marilyn* Heitlinger Ms. Carol Jaspan* James and Andrea* Jesberger Andrew and Nancy Kahn Irving Kaplan Dr. Binae Karpo* Frances Kaufmann* Dr. Jay and Phyllis* Kaufman Iris Klein* Dr. Neal Kramer Suzanne Lapiduss* Dr. Judith Lasker* Bernard and Laurie Lesavoy -Lesavoy Butz & Seitz LLC Olivier and Alice* Level Dr. Edward Levy Gilfrid and Michele* Levy Dr. Lisa Lindauer* Herbert Litvin Dr. Robert and Elizabeth* Malacoff Robert and Shirley* Malenovsky Dr. Norman and Roberta* Marcus Paul and Natalie Millrod David and Catherine Nahmias Dr. Douglas and Ruth* Nathanson Marc Nissenbaum Dr. Michael and Martina* Obenski Henry and Phyllis* Perkin Stephen and Marianne Phillips Daniel Pomerantz Fund Edward and Beth* Posner Julian Rappaport and Toby Brandt David Reiff Harry and Carole* Rose Rosenau Family Fund Michael and Linda Rosenfeld Cary Rothstein Dr. Matthew and Keren* Saltz Joel and Linda Scheer Terry Schettini and Barbara Yudis* Henry and Isabel Schiff Michael and Brenna Schlossberg Dr. Arthur Levine and Dr. Janet Schwartz* Dr. Michael Schwartz Renee Schwartz* Lynne Shampain* H. Sheftel Memorial Fund Stuart and Susan* Shmookler Dr. Laurence and Mimi* Silberstein Pamela Silverberg* Dr. Roger and Marna* Simon Beth El Sisterhood Keneseth Israel Sisterhood Sons of Israel Sisterhood Dr. Bruce and Ardeth* Smackey Anne Snyder-Lyons Peter and Sheila* Sokalsky
Michael and Jane* Spitzer Cindy Stein* Dr. David Stein Dr. Mark Stein and Sharon Albert* Stephanie Szilagyi* Dr. Jonathan Tenzer Family Fund Selma Tomkin* Sharon Trinker* Robert and Marcia* Weill Martin and Frances* Weinberg Joel and Susan Weiner Michael Weinstein David and Deborah* Wiener Linda Wiener* Rabbi David and Dr. Rachel* Wilensky Bernard and Adele* Wolensky Alicia Zahn* Dr. Jason Zicherman Debby Ziev* Dr. Zeev and Narda Zimerman Anonymous (15) KEHILLAH $100 - $249 Linda Adler* Richard and Maria* Ain Isabella Alkasov* Florence Applebaum* Elaine Atlas* Pnina Avitzur* David and Carmit* Bach Karen Bader* Joan Balkwill* Karen Bardawil* Dr. Marsha Baar* Richard and Joan* Bass Michael and Barbara* Bassano Belman Family Fund Dr. Harry and Donna Berger Elaine Berk* Scott Berman Dr. Joan Bischoff* Randi Blauth* Andrew and Dr. Christy* Block and Family Glenn and Melisa Block Dr. Neil and Christy Boderman Ilya Borshansky John and Miriam Harris* Botzum Kareem Brown Jerry and Wilma Brucker Victor and Leslie* Bunick Robert and Gail* Burger Betty Burian* Sara Camuti* Allen and Marjorie Carroll Audrey Cherney* Dr. Robert Cohen Robert and Jane* Cohen Temple and Ann Coldren Coleman Family Fund Jerome and Audrey* Cylinder Arianna Delin Fund Noah Ryan Delin Fund Benjamin Delin Mitzvah Fund Leah Devine* Dr. George and Roberta* Diamond David and Cindy* Drill Dr. Wayne and Heather Dubov David and Vikki* Dunn Dr. Abbott and Judy* D'ver Edward Eidelman Barbara Einhorn* Lisa Ellis Fund* Michael Finley and Audrey Ettinger* Eleanor Extract* Howard and Shirley Falk Jerome and Judith* Fields Brad and Robyn* Finberg Harris and Sandi* Fine Vivian Fishbone* Jeff and Jackie* Flashnick Atty. Jeffrey Fleischaker Phyllis Ford* Andrea Denny Foucek* Paul S. and Melissa Frank Jerry and Bette* Friedenheim Dr. Allan and Sandra* Futernick Jerome and Gloria* Ginsburg Gary and Pat* Glascom Betsy Glazier* Lauren Glick* Julia Goldberg* Becky Goldenberg* Brian and Judith* Goldman Susan Goldman* Nathaniel and Joanna Golub Arlene Gorchov* and Mark Kennedy Alvin and Sharon Goren Donald Greenberg Jeff and Elizabeth* Greenberg Sidney Greenberg and Joan Lesavoy Arlene Griffin* Tom and Rita* Guthrie Sharon Hamilton* Simon and Elaine Hammel John and Miriam Harris* Botzum Alvin and Arlene* Herling Marjorie Hertz* Anita Hirsch* Dr. Neil and Janet* Hogan Stuart and Hope* Horowitz Dr. Michael and Stacy* Hortner Charles and Dale Inlander Baron and Marjorie* Jasper Lisa Jeffery* Jennifer Kaplan*
Lorraine Karess* Carolyn Katwan* Dr. Lewis and Joan* Katz Daniel and Anne* Kaye Ludmila Khodorkovsky* Renee B. Kleaveland* Mark Klein Family Fund Rabbi Melissa Klein* and Neysa Nevins Lillian Kobrovsky* Dr. Arnold and Barbara* Kritz Ruth Kugelman* Dr. Michael and Fay* Kun Gary and Jennifer* Lader Dr. Samuel and Sharon* Land Gilbert and Judy* Lappen Mary Laronge* Frederick and Sherry Lesavoy Robert and Cindy* Levine Paul Levy and Helen Mack-Levy* Joan Lichtenstein* Boris and Ellen Lifschutz Maya Liss* Dr. Zalman and Maya* Liss Dr. Henry and Pat Luftman Bruce and Carina* Magida Marvi Family Fund Susan Mellan Memorial Fund* Eugene Meyer and Dr. Lisa Jean Todes* Donald and Julia* Miles Gary and Diane* Miller Norman and Maxine* Miller Sharon Minick* Steven and Judy Molder Gladys Morgenstein* Dr. Robert and Amy* Morrison Tom and Sarah* Morse Judith Murman* Jill Stewart Narrow* Howard and Jill Nathanson Jerome and Norma* Neff Richard and Paula* Nelson Richard and Audrey* Nolte Robert Orenstein Debbie Ovitz* Dr. Matthew and Denise* Pollack Papir Family Fund Dr. Ilan and Sima Peleg Dr. Peter Pettit Rabbi Jonathan and Joanna* Powers Patti Price* Raab Fund Dr. Jason Radine Bruce and Enid* Reich Ruth Reiter* Dr. Joel Rosenfeld Myra Rosenhaus* Debra Ross*
Monro and Mimi Roth Herman Rovner Lance and Pamela* Rozsa Alan and Mary* Salinger Gerald and Etta* Salman Michele Salomon* Richard and Amy* Sams Leonard and Arlene* Samuelson Helene Rae Scarcia* Seith Schentzel Noah Schettini Fund Ellyn Schindler Mike Schindler Leon Schneider Sol and Dolly* Schocker James and Sandra* Schonberger Ivan and Jill* Schonfeld Brian Segel Adrian Shanker and Brandon Pariser Robert and Annette* Shaw Dr. Elliot and Alexandra Shoemaker Stanley Shrager Barry Siegel Sheldon and Lolly* Siegel Serita Silberg* Abigail Silverman* Jessica Silverman* Robert Simon Dr. Roger and Marna* Simon Ruth Skoglund* Adam and Stephanie* Smartschan Dr.Yehuda and Victoria* Smooha Rabbi Aryeh and Beth Spera Michael and Sybil* Stershic David Vaida and Cantor Ellen Sussman* Kenneth Szydlow Julie Thomases* Alan and Enid* Tope Gary and Sharon Trinker Philmore and Rose* Tucker Dr. William and Rae Tuffiash Drs. David and Leslie Ufberg Dr. Mark and Gayle* Unger Sharone and Lora* Vaknin Volk Family Fund Dr. Arkady and Ilana* Voloshin Dr. Andrea Waxman* Lynn Waite* Danny and Ben Wax David Weiner Joseph Weiner Dr. Steven Weintraub Alfred Wiener Family Fund Tamar Wiener* Norman and Sandra* Wruble Zelickson Family Fund Dr. Robert and Susanna* Zemble Anonymous (36)
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS:
Get inspired!
Campaign training and dessert reception with David Saginaw of the Jewish Federations of North America WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 7:00 p.m., JCC of Allentown
See what we have in store as we launch the 2015 Campaign for Jewish Needs. New and returning volunteers welcome! RSVP to Judy Diamondstein at 610-821-5500 or judy@jflv.org.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2014 13
GENESIS $1 - $99 Linda Adler* Marvin and Sylvia* Adler Alyssa Ahdieh* Howard and Nancy Amols Choty Andres Scott Appleman Judith Aronson* Don and Robie* Barga Leon(z'l) and Jewel* Baringoldz Dr. Harold Basseches Thomas Basseches Donald and Andrea* Bastian Marla Beck* Delores Bednar* Michael Benioff Judith Bennis* Lillian Benton* Aaron Berger and Nissa Gossom* Phyllis Berkowitz* David Bernfeld Jeffrey and Lisa* Bernfeld Caryn Bernstein* Marc Bernstein Nancy Bernstein* Edith Blinderman* Jerome and Loretta Block Stephen and Ellen* Blumberg Alla Bolotovsky* Gerald and Audrey Brandis Sidney and Esther* Bratt Benjamin Brenner Fund Rose Breuer* Loretta Brickman* Neil and Diane Brown Kate Burdick* Ivan Buyum Joyce Camm* Annette Carpien* Allen and Marjorie Carroll Dena Cedor* Linda Chmielewski* Dr. Barry and Robbie Cohen Dr. Laurie Cohen* Elena Cohen Charity Fund Zachary Cohen Eric and Heidi* Coolidge Edwin and Rabbi Melody* Davis Eileen Denitz* Betty Diamond* Marilyn Doluisio* Sandra Dror* Shelley Drozd* Niles Dubin Vicki Duerr* Helen Ebert* Nancy and Brion Ebert Seth Edwards Wendy Edwards* Emily Eider* David Eiskowitz Alyssa Emswiler* Joseph Epstein and Sheryl Feinstein Christine Eubanks* Anita Evelyn* Jerry Farris Stuart and Susan* Fause Sharon Feldman* Dr. Ellen Field*
Anna Figlin* Brenda Finberg* Millie Fingerman* Michael Finley and Audrey Ettinger* Fredda Fischman* Claudia Fischmann Fund* Diana Fischmann Fund* Veronica Fischmann Fund* Diane Fisher* Julie Fraenkel Fund* Marla Freedman* Joyce Freeman* Michael and Sandra Freeman Barbara Friedenheim* Jenna Fromer* Rachel Fromer* Fran Gaines* Lewis and Roberta* Gaines Steve Gallin Murray and Linda* Garber Dr. Todd and Laura* Garber Dr. Debra Garlin* Arnon and Hagit* Gavish Hagit Gavish* Gail Gelb* Eugene Genkin Nancy Gevirtz Memorial Fund Samuel Gevirtz Mitzvah Fund Sally Glascom* Pearl Glatt* Jeff and Carrie Glazier Bernice Glickman* Lolly Glickman* Anita Goldman* Laura Ruth Goldman Dr. Malvin and Lillian* Goldner David Goldstein Martin Goldstein David and Tova* Goldstein Dr. Richard Gordon Dr. Stephanie Goren-Garcia Aaron Gorodzinsky Betty Greenberg* Hildi Greenberg* Rabbi Zalman and Yehudit* Greenberg Rosaly Greenberger* Harry and Paula* Grines Jonah Grob Merle Grollman* Ervin Gross Lila Gross* Shirley F. Gross* Henry and Ruth* Grossbard Gayanne Grossman* Marcel and Sharon Guindine Samuel Guncler Max Hakim Marion Halperin* Bernice Harris* Samuel Harris Fund Gloria Hartglass* Dolores Heller* Etta Heller* Greg Heller-Labelle Ted Herstein Dr. Richard W. and Linda W.* Hertzberg Philip Heyman Rima Hirsch* Syman and Anita* Hirsch
14 JULY/AUGUST 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Carolyn Hoffman* Dorothy Hoffman* Robert and Arlene* Hurwitz Michael and Donna* Iorio Vladimir and Dr. Lubov* Iskold Nina Jackson* Dr. Donald and Carol Jaffe Douglas and Amy* Jaffe Baron and Marjorie* Jasper Sidney and Helene* Kaplan Harriet Karess* Katz Family Stephanie Katz* Francine Katzman* Stanley and Marilyn* Kaufman Chaim and Carol Kaufmann Steven Kaunitz Glenn and Svetlana* Kaye Lionel and Ellen* Kier Nathan Kline Jerry and Heidi Knafo Rosine Knafo* Deborah Kohler* Fred and Alyssa* Komarow Edward Komito James and Kathleen Koones Paul and Dore Kottler Barbara Kowitz* Sondra Krem* Diane LaBelle* Jacob Lader Andrea Lass* Maur and Doe* Levan Gustav and Zelda Levin Bob and Ilene* Levin-Dando Michael and Barbara Levinson Dr. Ken and Kathy Levitt Janice Levy* Nancy Levy* Eileen Lewbart Stacy Lewis* Howard and Alice* Lieberman Doris Lifland* Steven Lipson David and Marilyn* Louick Rebecca Lovingood* Rochelle Lower* Howard and Edith Lustig Leonard Lutsky Ronald and Patricia Malvin Sylvia Mandel* Jorge Mandler David and Susan* Manela Mindy Manhoff* Louise Mapstone* Joe and Rebecca* Marchese Pamela Marth* Aliza Martin* Dr. Davoud and Chahine* Marvi Ryan Mattison Robert Mayer and Jan Muzycka* Peter and Gail McIntyre Ruth Meislin* David Melman David and Judy* Mickenberg Betty Mikofsky* Murray Milkman Dr. Robert and Ellen Miller* and Family Robert and Joy* Miller
Stanley Miller Rabbi Alan and Patricia* Mittleman Susan Mohr* Daniel Morgenbesser Anne Morris* Philip and Carol* Moskowitz David and Jane* Much William and Sharon* Mullin Mark Nadler Mattathias Needle Terry David and Shirley* Neff Richard Neulight Rochelle Nisberg* Sandy Ojalvo* Ellen Osher* and Robert Prichard Lena Packer* Cantor Jill Pakman* Ben Palumbo Barbara Pass-Glazier* Mark and Nina* Pinsley Rachael Pinsley* Scott Pinsley The Pitkoff Family Howard and A. Jane* Pitkoff Jay and Marlene* Plotnick Mildred Poliner* Igor and Anna* Polonsky Adina Preis The Purple Fund Alan Raisman Martin Rapoport Eric Rappaport Lillian Ratarsky* Anna Ratmansky Jonathan and Catherine Rau Mitzvah Tzedakah Fund Linda Rich* Robert Rockmaker Dan and Mary Rockman Fran Rodriguez* Theresa Romain* Michael Rose Cary Rothstein* Wendy Rothstein* Barbara Rudolph* Eileen Rugh* Allison Rusgo* Peter and Melanie* Salzarulo Julia Sams* Natalie Sams* Deborah Sarachek* David and Myra Saturen Helene Rae Scarcia* Mary Lou Scarf* Jon Schaeffer Audrey Schaefer* Elana Schettini Fund Rachel Schmeidberg* Melvin and Pearl* Schmier Helaine Schonberger* Lewis Schor Dr. David Scoblionko Marlee Senderowitz Fund Rissa Senderowitz Philanthropic Fund Ruth Setton* Richard and Dr. Cheryl* Shadick Carolyn Shapir* Shay and Allison* Shimon Dr. Stephen Shore Silverman Family Fund
Abigail Silverman Fund Diane Silverman* Jessica Silverman Philanthropic Fund Marc and Carrie* Silverstein Micki Sinclair* Debra Skinner* Susan Sosnow* Danielle Staiman Mitzvah Fund* Alan and Lori Starr Arieh Sternberg Honey Sussman* Norman and Cindy* Sussman Matthew and Tracy* Sussman Robert Sussman Jesse Szvetecz Norman Tahler Hannah Tamarkin* Carrie Tamutus* Sandi Teplitz* David Teumim Donald Thaler Glenn Theodore Harriet Theodore* Earl and Sondra* Toland Doris Tomback* Saul and Sheila* Topolsky Ufberg Family Fund Inna Vishnevetsky* Nicholas and Jessica* Volchko Kenn and Sarah Wagenheim Lauren Waldman* Rachel Waldman* Ann Berman Waldorf Dori Wallace* Alice Ward* Anne M. Warschauer* Cantor Kevin Wartell Gershen and Faith Weiner Isadore and Dorothy* Weiner Kristina Weiner* Gary and Marsha* Weingartner Les and Anita* Weintraub Corinne Wernick* Marjorie Weiss* Brian Wernick and Joy Rothman Neil and Judith Wetcher Clifford and Marlene* Wolf Barbara Wolfgang* Rabbi Yitzchok and Frima Yagod Gladys Yass* Evelyn Yevelson* Helaine Young* Herman and Jessica* Ytkin Krista Ytkin* Daniel Zahn Sam Zahn Anonymous (31)
The donors noted above represent gifts to the JFLV 2014 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 2014 Campaign for Jewish Needs
LION OF JUDAH DONORS Phoebe Altman* Sadie Berman Lion of Judah Endowment* Rebecca Binder Donna Black Jill Blinder Nancy Bloch Wendy Born* Marilyn Braunstein* Pearl Brooks Carol Bub Fromer Nancy Cohen
Karen Cooper* Judy Diamondstein Iris Epstein* Roberta Epstein* Eileen Fischmann* Tama Fogelman* Lisa Fraenkel Susan Gadomski Sandra Goldfarb* Susan Grey Bonnie Hammel* Erica Hyman
Deanne Kaplan* Judith Auritt Klein Beth Kozinn Elaine Lerner* Eva Levitt* Susan Master Nan Ronis Shaoli Rosenberg Nicole Rosenthal Lisa Scheller* Rita Scheller Lorrie Scherline
Vera Schiff Elizabeth Scofield Edith Simon Shelley Stettner Eileen Ufberg Vicki Wax* Jean Weiner Carol Wilson Ilene Wood* *Endowed Lion of Judah
POMEGRANATE DONORS Marsha Abraham Sheila Berg Beverly Bloch Lisa Block Sylvia Bub Marilyn Claire Helen Cook Beth Delin Lisa Ellis Marlene Finkelstein Claudia Fischmann Veronica Fischmann Ann Ginsberg Edyth Glickstein Norma Goldenberg Nancy Goldman
Marsha Gordon Patricia Gribben Esther Halperin Ellen Hof Jane Kaplan Barbara Katz Deborah Kimmel Carol Kranitz Lynda Krawitz Linda Kreithen Roberta Kritzer Ferne Kushner Monica Lemelman Lisa Markowitz Jeannie Miller Linda Miller
Judith Morrison Amy Morse Taffi Ney* Diana Orenstein Lota Post Rhoda Prager Barbara Reisner Judith Rodwin Robin Rosenau Selma Roth Cathy Sacher Deena Scoblionko Martha Segel Judy Sheftel Ronnie Sheftel Ruth Sheftel
Amy Silverman Lynda Somach Audrey Sosis Shari Spark Dena Stein Tama Tamarkin Pauline Trachtenberg Laurie Wax Barbara Weinrach Leslie Weinstock Abby Wiener Susan Wild Gail Wolson Valeska Zighelboim *Endowed Pomegranate
Rabbi Seth Phillips tells a PJ Library story to children who attended Super Sunday.
MAIMONIDES SOCIETY DONORS Marc Abo Houman Ahdieh Arthur Altman Howard Altman Marcus Averbach Alan Berger Marc Berson Jeffrey Blinder Scott Brenner John Brown David Bub Sam Bub Carol Bub Fromer Ian Carlis Mitchell Cooper Karen Dacey Beth Delin Lisa Ellis Bruce Feldman Jay Fisher Peter Fisher Hal Folander Henry Friess Jeffrey Gevirtz Gene Ginsberg Mark Gittleman
Lawrence Glaser Ronald Glickman Harold Goldfarb Marsha Gordon Robert Gordon David Greenberg Robert Grob Harvey Hakim Eric Holender David Hyman Howard Israel John Jaffe Jeffrey Jahre Arthur Kaplan Robert Kaplan Barbara Katz Stephen Katz Deborah Kimmel Wesley Kozinn Joshua Krassen Harold Kreithen Robert Kricun Howard Kushnick Brian LeFrock Paul Lemberg Lawrence Levitt
Richard London Eiran Mandelker Moshe Markowitz William Markson Norman Maron Gerald Melamut Jay Melman Michael Moritz Alan Morrison Richard Morse Mark Notis Steven Oberlender Robert Palumbo Robert Post Richard Reisner Michael Ringold Alex Rosenau Jarrod Rosenthal Marvin Rosenthal Nicole Rosenthal Michael Rothman Wayne Saunders Stuart Schwartz Howard Selden Darryn Shaff Elliot Shear
Amy Silverman Ray Singer Arthur Sosis Ronald Stein Frederic Stelzer Jay Strauss David Sussman Frank Tamarkin Adam Teichman Ryan Tenzer Kenneth Toff Edward Tomkin William Trachtenberg Darren Traub Michael Ufberg Marc Vengrove Stephen Volk Andrew Wakstein Robert Wax Benjamin Weinberger Michael Weinstock Robert Wilson Eric Young Michael Zager Israel Zighelboim Larry Zohn
2014 CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS Leonard Abrams Lori Ahdieh Tama Lee Barsky Sheila Berg Lauren Berson Marc Berson Mira Biller Jeffrey Blinder Andrew Block Ellis Block Lisa Block Rance Block Michael Bloom Rita Bloom Ross Born Wendy Born John Botzum Regina Brenner Scott Brenner Kira Bub Sylvia Bub Lawrence Center Marilyn Claire Daniel Cohen Gail Combs Karen Cooper Justin Corsa Karen Dacey Marc Diamondstein Niles Dubin Glenn Ehrich Jan Ehrich Andrew Ellis Lisa Ellis Iris Epstein Jonathan Epstein Roberta Epstein Cheryl Figlin-Brenner Robyn Finberg Ellen Fischer Eileen Fischmann Roberto Fischmann Amy Fisher
Harry Fisher Brian Ford Barnet Fraenkel Pat Glascom Lawrence Glaser Vicki Glaser Nathaniel Golub Alvin Goren Bennett Grossman Harvey Hakim Barry Halper Yaacov Halperin Robert Hammel Ronald Harrison Hillel students from Muhlenberg, Lafayette, Lehigh & Moravian Anita Hirsch Susan Hochhauser Ellen Hof Allen Juda Seth Katzman Beth Kozinn Carol Kranitz Roberta Kritzer Hartley Lachter Merry Landis Diane Lemberg Paul Lemberg Eva Levitt Lawrence Levitt Pam Lott Henry Luftman Lisa Markowitz William Markson Betty Mendelson Robert Mendelson Jeannie Miller Linda Miller Michael Miller Sarah Morse Jennifer Peled Alan Penn Seth Phillips
Nina Pinsley Mark Pitkoff Alison Post Lota Post Alan Raisman Elaine Rappaport-Bass Moshe Re’em Judith Rodwin Nan Ronis Carole Rose Harry Rose Nicole Rosenthal Selma Roth Lynn Rothman Michele Salomon Michael Schlossberg Leon Schneider Mark Scoblionko Martha Segel Ronald Segel Amy Silverman Jerry Silverman Mark Stein Frank Tamarkin Tama Tamarkin Stefanie Traub Eileen Ufberg Michael Ufberg Robert Wax Stanley Wax Vicki Wax Arthur Weinrach Barbara Weinrach Gerald Weisberger Susan Wild David Wilensky Carol Wilson Robert Wilson Ilene Wood Miriam Zager Israel Zighelboim Valeska Zighelboim
Ben Grossman and Brad Finberg taste mead at a Young Adult Division event.
Maimonides Society President Dr. Frank Tamarkin and 2014 Campaign Chairman Dr. Bob Wilson at a campaign volunteer training event. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2014 15
Israel takes pains to avoid civilian casualties According to many critics, Israel is slaughtering civilians in Gaza. It’s “purposefully wiping out entire families,” says an Arab member of Israel’s parliament. It’s committing “genocide— the murder of entire families,” says Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority. Iran says Israel has committed “massacres against the defenseless Palestinians.” The charges are false. By the standards of war, Israel’s efforts to spare civilians have been exemplary. Israel didn’t choose this fight. Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the terrorist organizations that dominate Gaza, claim that Israel provoked the conflict by arresting Hamas members in the West Bank. But arrests in one territory don’t justify aerial bombardment from another. Israel didn’t hit Gaza until terrorists had fired more than 150 rockets into Israel and had rejected a cease-fire. Some of the pictures that purport to show devastation from the Israeli strikes are fakes borrowed from other wars. [At this writing], the death count ranged from 30 to 50 or more, depending on where you mark the onset of the conflict. Every death is tragic, and the longer the assault goes on, the higher the toll will go. Still, given that [by that time] Israel [had] launched more than 500 airstrikes, you’d have to conclude that either Israel is failing miserably to kill people or, more plausibly, it’s largely trying not to kill them. Israel’s defense minister admits his forces have targeted “terrorists’ houses” as well as “arms, terror infrastructures, command systems, Hamas institutions, [and] regime buildings.” The houses belong to Hamas military leaders. An Israeli official boasts that “there’s not a single Hamas brigade commander that has a home to go back to.” Israel’s legal rationale for targeting these homes is that they were “terror command centers”
LEE AVIV DADON
By William Saletan Reprinted with permission from Slate
involved in rocket fire or other “terror activity.” But while Israel has tried to kill commanders in their cars (and has succeeded), it has avoided unannounced strikes on their homes. The last time Israel targeted buildings in Gaza, a year and a half ago, it used leaflets and phone calls to warn residents to get out beforehand. It also fired flares or low-impact mortars (known as a “knock on the roof”) to signal impending strikes.
Human rights groups didn’t accept these measures as protection from legal responsibility, but they did hail them as progress. Israel claims to be applying the same measures today. Hamas and other Palestinian sources confirm that the Israeli military has issued phone warnings to families in the targeted homes. The worst civilian death toll [at this writing]—seven, at the latest count— occurred in a strike on the Khan Yunis
home of a terrorist commander. Hamas calls it a “massacre against women and children.” But residents say the family got both a warning call and a knock on the roof. An Israeli security official says Israeli forces didn’t fire their missile until the family had left the house. The official didn’t understand why some members of the family, and apparently their neighbors, went back inside. The residents say they were trying to “form a human shield.” Human shields are a difficult problem. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Hamas is responsible for civilian deaths in Gaza, because it deliberately sets up rocket launchers and military infrastructure in civilian areas. That excuse is too broad. The low death rate in [the early] airstrikes—and the explanations from Israeli officials as to how the casualty rate has been minimized—show that it’s possible to degrade Hamas’ military assets without killing hundreds of people. The Khan Yunis scenario is different. There, the human shield was voluntary. According to Ha’aretz, an Israeli officer insisted on Wednesday morning that if other civilians followed this example— responding to prestrike warnings by going onto the roofs to form human shields—Israel wouldn’t be deterred. Maybe the officer was bluffing. But what if this scenario happens again? And what if the would-be martyrs appear on the roof while Israel still has time to avert the strike, which wasn’t the case in Khan Yunis? Would their deaths be homicide? Would they be suicide? That’s a tough call. But anyone concerned about the deliberate targeting of civilians in this conflict should first look at Hamas. The rocket fire from Gaza into Israel began well before the Israeli assault on Gaza. Initially, the rockets were Islamic Jihad’s idea. But[in the days that followed] Hamas has joined in with gusto, claiming credit for missiles fired at several Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
Palestinians continue to receive medical care in Israel Jewish News Service
Even as Gaza-based terrorists continue to fire rockets at Israel, Palestinian children are receiving medical care at the Edith Wolfson Medical Center in the central Israeli city of Holon. On Tuesday, July 15, as on every Tuesday for the past 18 years, children from Gaza and the West Bank arrived at the hospital for routine medical checks as part of the Israeli-based international humanitarian project Save a Child’s Heart, which provides lifesaving medical care for children born with heart defects. “In our experience, there has never been a situation where the children did not come
here,” Dr. Alona Raucher, a senior cardiologist at the hospital, told Israel Hayom. “We know how to separate outside circumstances from medicine and saving lives.” That same day, newborn Abdul Rahman Wahdan and his grandmother, Maliha Khateb, left Wolfson to return to their home in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun. Abdul came to the hospital less than a month ago, when he was only 11 days old. He was suffering from a severe heart defect and was operated on in Israel. “I appreciate and respect the treatment we received here,” Khateb said. “We did not face any discrimination. I don't care what they will say in Gaza, I saw the reality here.”
While seeing first-hand the work of our extraordinary partners, The Jewish Agency for Israel, JDC, World ORT and the Israel Trauma Coalition, leadership on a Jewish Federations of North America Solidarity Mission had no time to find shelter when the sirens sounded.
Lehigh Valley Jewish Community Israel Emergency Campaign
DONATE NOW www.jewishlehighvalley.org 16 JULY/AUGUST 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
WHEN THE SIRENS SOUND: Federation leaders visit Yoav Left, Partnership2Gether coordinator Yonit Waldner Peleg, chair Cynthia Wroclawski, Iris Epstein, Judy Diamondstein and Vicki Glaser. Below, Shrapnel retrieved from a rocket intercepted in Yoav. Can you imagine the devastation that would result if the Iron Dome did not exist?
By Iris Epstein Special to HAKOL Editor’s Note: Rocket fire from Gaza and an escalation of Israel’s response only strengthened the commitment of three Lehigh Valley Jewish women who set off for Israel on July 11. They connected with friends new and old in our partner region of Yoav, which has come under rocket fire and whose residents must be on constant alert to head to shelters. Even though the area is defended by the Iron Dome, some rockets have gotten through. Taveler Iris Epstein offers her reflections after Day 1. It was a bit surreal hearing the sirens the first time. It helped me remain calm seeing how calm everyone else was. It
really is a way of life here. The major problem is the frequency. As some mentioned, the main thing keeping panic at bay is the existence of shelters. Homes built after the early 1990s are required to have one ... I have seen three: two at private homes (one used as an office and the other as storage) and another a shared shelter for a social space used at a kibbutz and surrounding homes without their own shelters. Larger shelters double as space to care for young preschool children while camp has been canceled. One great need is mobilizing those who do not have shelters nearby, or simply building more shelters. A couple of the teens I spoke with seemed a bit shocked, saying
they have taken a few days to visit relatives in the north but all remain positive and try hard to live life as usual. I can see how being with loved ones can provide strength but also how little noises that go bump in the night when you are alone in a room can startle you and keep you awake. The worst are the planes that fly overhead and the distant booms you hear. It really does mean a great deal to our friends and partners here in Yoav that we are here, with many driving over half an hour and others interrupting summer camp programs to see us and show their appreciation. I worry about our friends here and keep praying for a peaceful solution.
ISRAEL UNDER FIRE
Israeli college students wage a social media battle over Jewish state’s image
By Alina Dain Sharon Jewish News Service Australia’s Sydney Harbor is up in flames. Large letters superimposed on the scene ask, “How would they react?” That image and many others like it have been distributed by an Israeli student initiative called
“Israel Under Fire,” which now boasts more than 57,000 followers on its Facebook page. More than 400 student volunteers are working together from a computer room at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya (IDC) college and graduate school to present the world with Israel’s position on the ongoing conflict with Hamas. “We really believe that today the real war takes place on the Internet,” Israel Zari, the student union spokesman at IDC, told JNS.org. Despite their initiative being a private one, Israel Under Fire’s students work in conjunction with guidelines and rules from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit. The students work around the clock in groups. Each group is dedicated to a different skill, such as graphic design and research. There are also many international students who translate the content into various languages. Given the current situation, the students are currently focusing on promoting the message that Israel “would welcome a ceasefire” and would like “to finish the military operation,” Zari said. On the other side of the media war, Palestinian groups and activists are promoting the opposite perspective. At IDC, some of the students are specifically responsible for monitoring and exposing false information distributed by pro-Palestinian activists.
What you can do: Talk to your friends about the situation Here are some talking points: • We support Israel’s right to defend itself as a sovereign country from relentless rocket fire targeted at innocent civilians, and support Israeli efforts to prevent further escalation and minimize casualties on both sides. • We are deeply troubled that these rockets are now reaching as far as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and are greatly relieved that the Iron Dome has thus far been successful at intercepting many of them. • Our thoughts are with the people of Israel, and we hope they can return to their normal, peaceful lives soon. • We remain committed to peace and a two-state solution, in which the Israeli and Palestinian people live securely within mutually recognized and sovereign borders.
Make a contribution to the Israel emergency campaign The emergency relief efforts of North American Jewish communities are already doing so much good in Israel. In the first week of the conflict alone, $5 million was committed to provide respite to a safer place for 20,000 children – including 540 from Yoav – help for Israel’s most vulnerable citizens, trauma support for 12,000 Israelis and assistance for the 10 communities hit hardest by the conflict. In the Lehigh Valley, the Jewish Federation has teamed up with all local synagogues to raise money for the Israel Emergency Campaign. 100 percent of proceeds from emergency fundraising go directly to relief efforts. To make a donation to the Israel Emergency Campaign, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org, call 610-821-5500 or mail a check to: Israel Emergency Campaign Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley 702 N. 22nd St. Allentown, PA 18104 Thank you for your support of Israel. We are stronger together.
Thank your elected officials for their continued support of Israel The United States Senate and House of Representatives have remained steadfast in their support for Israel during this difficult time, both unanimously passing Resolutions supporting Israel and condemning Hamas. A key committee in the Senate recently approved a $620 million missile defense package for Israel, which includes $350 million for the Iron Dome, a short-range missile interceptor that is being credited with keeping Israelis safe during the current Israel-Gaza conflict. Thank our local representatives: THE HONORABLE CHARLES W. DENT 3900 Hamilton Blvd., Ste. 207 Allentown, PA 18103 Phone: (610) 770-3490 DC Phone: (202) 225-6411 THE HONORABLE MATTHEW CARTWRIGHT 1 South 3rd St. 9th Floor Easton, PA 18042 Phone: (484) 546-0776 DC Phone: (202) 225-5546
THE HONORABLE PATRICK TOOMEY 1150 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Ste. 101 Allentown, PA 18103 Phone: (610) 434-1444 DC Phone: (202) 224-4254 THE HONORABLE ROBERT P. CASEY, JR. 840 Hamilton St. Allentown, PA 18101 Phone: (610) 782-9470 DC Phone: (202) 224-6324
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2014 17
SAVE THE DATE June 15,2015
To see more photos from this year’s tournament, “like” Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.
A special thanks to the 2014 Golf Tournament Committee: Honorary Co-Chairmen Leonard Abrams Mark Klein
PRIZE DONATIONS 99.9 The Hawk Dan’s Camera City
Chairmen Barnet Fraenkel Richard Schiff
Committee Houman Ahdieh Howard Epstein Stewart Furmansky
Dutch Springs Giant Food Stores Golf Galaxy Lehigh Valley Grand Prix
Erica Hyman Richard Lerner Herb Levy Peter Pettit Rita Scheller
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs Lehigh Valley Mall Mt. Airy Casino Resort Putt U Miniature Golf
Donald Senderowitz Larrie Sheftel Scott Waldman Jean B. Weiner
Sands Casino in Bethlehem Wegmans Young Medical Spa
A Lexus of Lehigh Valley Champions for Charity Event to benefit the Annual Campaign of the JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY
thank you to our sponsors
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3rd annual golf tournament a winner JFLV Staff
Good food, great prizes, the camaraderie of close friends and a comfortable day on the golf course highlighted the 3rd Annual Mortimer S. Schiff Memorial Golf Tournament at Lehigh Country Club on June 9. Golfers from across the Lehigh Valley – men and women – joined the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley for its annual tournament to support the 2014 Campaign for Jewish Needs. Over $35,000 was raised to help Jews here at home, in Israel and across the world. Lexus of Lehigh Valley, which sponsored the tournament, again provided the opportunity for golfers to win a lease on a Lexus by sinking a hole in one. Nine golfers made it to the semifinal round in the $10,000 putting contest, and one finalist had the opportunity to go for the grand prize. Though he didn’t sink the 50-foot putt, he took home a putter for his efforts. From golf balls to televisions, every player took home a prize in the reverse raffle. But it was Ross Futerfas whose name was picked last, garnering him the $5,000 check. Save the date for next year’s tournament - June 15, 2015. Visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org to learn more. Above, the Rev. Doug Caldwell* and Golf Committee Co-Chairman Barnet Fraenkel head to the next hole. The hallmark of the Mortimer S. Schiff Memorial Golf Tournament is bringing people together of all faiths in the spirit of prejudice reduction. *Just prior to printing Rev. Caldwell suddenly passed away. He will be missed by many, especially his golfing buddies.
The Rev. Doug Caldwell*, Cantor Kevin Wartell, Rabbi Seth Phillips, the Rev. Dr. Peter Pettit and Rabbi Moshe Re’em conduct the blessing over bread before dinner at Lehigh Country Club.
Ross Futerfas, who walked away with the $5,000 grand reverse raffle prize, shows off his winning ticket.
Above left, Elaine Lerner, Erica Hyman, Linda Levy and Erica’s daughter, Julia. Above, Tournament honorary co-chairman and emcee Lenny Abrams with Larrie Sheftel. PHOTOS BY HEATHER GOGAL
Left, Stuart Schwartz, tournament honorary co-chairman Mark Klein and Fred Sussman.
Bill Martin putts his way into the final round of the $10,000 putting contest, coming up just short for the grand prize.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2014 19
Beneficiary Agency of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
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A search in the Holy Land Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, This past April, I had the pleasure of spending Passover in Israel. Israel is the only place in the world where not only is Passover one day less, but most restaurants stay open throughout the week of the bread-less holiday and offer kosher-for-Passover versions of their regular menus. In addition to celebrating Passover in Israel, this year Passover was different in another way for my family and for me. Passover served as a reunion of sorts for us, as it would be the first time my entire family was back together since last August because of my sister Arielle’s enrollment on the gap year program Nativ: the College Leadership Program in Israel, while I attended Muhlenberg College. Being in Israel was the icing on the kosher-forPassover cake. While there, my father, sister and I decided that we wanted to visit the graves of my father’s great-grandparents (my great-greatgrandparents). My grandfather, Jack Weg, was born in what was then called Palestine and is now known as Israel. He moved to America when he was only 4 years old. All four of his grandparents’ were buried in what is now Jerusalem, and all are reasonably close enough to visit in one day. We had done a little research ahead of time, but locating the 50-year-old plots was not as easy as it may seem because cemeteries are not as organized in Israel as they are in America. Our first stop was the cemetery on Har Hazietim, Mount of Olives, which lies directly to the east of Temple
Mount; anyone who has ever looked out from Temple Mount or the Western and Southern Wall courtyards and has seen graves was looking at the Mount of Olives Cemetery. At Har Hazietim we went to visit the graves of Jack Weg’s maternal grandparents, Chava Ruchel Grinberg and David Greenberg. With the help of the groundskeeper, we located both graves. My family knows very little about Chava Ruchel and David, only that they immigrated to Israel from Europe and that in 1917 Chava Ruchel died. David died the following year. Our second stop was the Sanhedrin Cemetery in Northwest Jerusalem. This is a much smaller and more organized cemetery and we were easily able to find the grave of Baila Veg, Jack Weg’s paternal grandmother. She unfortunately was not buried in the same location as her husband because, at the time of her death in 1948, the land in which they were to be buried was under Arab control. Lastly, we went to Givat Shaul Cemetery on Har Hamenuchot to find the grave of the man after whom my father is named. My great-greatgrandfather, Avraham abba Veg, journeyed from Romania and settled first in Tzvat, then Tiveria and, eventually, Jerusalem, were he died in 1953. Although he intended on moving his wife’s grave to Har Hamenuchot, he never did. Overall, the whole experience was one that I will never forget. I was able to visit my ancestral roots in Israel – my claim to the Holy Land. One day, I hope to go back to those graves with my father and sister and children of my own, so I can show them the graves of their great-great-greatgrandparents.
father of Jewish Renewal, dies Jewish Telegraphic Agency and JFLV Staff Rabbi Zalman SchachterShalomi, the father of the Jewish Renewal movement, has died at age 89. A maverick rabbi from an Orthodox background who spent time in the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, SchachterShalomi transitioned over time toward a New Age, neo-Hasidic approach, gaining a substantial following on his own but also influencing other Jewish denominations. His nontraditional approaches to Jewish spirituality, including services marked by ecstatic prayer, drumming and dancing, eventually morphed into the Jewish Renewal movement. “I have had the honor of sitting at Reb Zalman’s feet on many occasions,” said Lehigh Valley resident Kathy Gohr. “He taught us that all paths to God were valid, the destination was the most important thing. His highly unorthodox methods of worship and spirituality were instrumental in connecting countless souls who would otherwise have remained unaffiliated.” Born in Poland in 1924 and raised in Vienna,
DANIEL SIERADSKI
By Ethan Weg Special to HAKOL
Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi pioneered groundbreaking ritual innovations that went mainstream. Schachter-Shalomi’s family fled the Nazis and eventually landed in Brooklyn in 1941. He lived out his later years in Boulder, Colorado, until his death on July 7. The movement he started had its origins in the 1960s, when SchachterShalomi began instituting meditation and dance during prayer services. He eventually broke with Chabad, founding the P’nai Or Religious Fellowship in 1962 and a havurah — a lay-led congregation with no central leader — in Somerville, Massachusetts, in 1968. He ordained the first Renewal rabbi, Daniel Siegel, in 1974. In 1993, P’nai Or merged with Rabbi Arthur Waskow’s Shalom
Center to become Aleph, the Alliance for Jewish Renewal. The Philadelphiabased institution has ordained some 80 rabbis. Gohr is studying in the Aleph ordination program at this time. “He had been preparing us for his death for years, doing groundbreaking work in the aging, or as he called it, ‘sageing’ process,” Gohr said. “I can honestly say that he approached his own death with grace, courage and peace. [One of my] favorite quotes from him is, “I realize that all religions are masks that the Divine wears to communicate with us. Behind all religions there’s a reality, and this reality wears whatever clothes it needs to speak to a particular people.”
Allentown • Bethlehem • Coaldale • Easton • Phillipsburg • Quakertown www.sluhn.org • 1-866-STLUKES HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2014 23
on a day that would live in infamy, Hank Greenberg led the lineup to enlist.
come learn how he traded blue and orange for red, white, and blue
A Smithsonian Institution Affiliate
Now open Chasingdreams.nmjah.org
corner of 5th & market
Chasing Dreams: Baseball and Becoming American has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor, the Steven A. and Alexandra M. Cohen Foundation, Richard A. and Susan P. Friedman Family Foundation, Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Foundation, Marc and Diane Spilker Foundation, Leesa & Leon Wagner, The Wagner Family Foundation, Harriet and Larry Weiss, Judy and Fred Wilpon, Sam Wisnia. Additional support provided by: Oakland Athletics, John Fisher and Lew Wolff, Clayman Family Foundation, Cozen O’Connor Foundation, Gary Goldring, Steve and Myrna Greenberg, Macy’s, Michael G. Rubin, Susie and Robert Zeff, The Morris, Max and Sarah Altman Memorial Trust; Arronson Foundation; William S. Comanor Charitable Fund; Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia; Edward H. & Evelyn Rosen Philanthropic Fund; David Seltzer, and many other dedicated fans. Media sponsorship provided by: Al Día NewsMedia and Metro US.
Partner region of Yoav feels like home – only better!
By Jeannie Miller Special to Hakol In May, my husband Holmes and I visited Israel and during that time visited the Yoav region, partner of our Lehigh Valley Jewish Federation. We spent Shavuot at Revadim Kibbutz, between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Revadim, which means “terraces,” was founded in 1947 in the Hebron Hills on land purchased by the Jewish National Fund. In May 1948, the village was razed by the Arab Legion and the land became part of Jordon. The kibbutz relocated to its present site in November 1948. Kenny and Buria Garon were our hosts for Erev Shavuot. Kenny, originally from New Orleans, settled on the kibbutz 30 years ago after he was a volunteer and met his Israeli born wife Bruria there. A dairy farmer for many years, Kenny is now a certified Israeli tour guide. He took us on a tour of the kibbutz and showed us Tel Ekron, which is on the kibbutz
grounds. Archeologists believe this is the site of the Biblical city of Ekron. Kibbutz members reconstructed a Philistine street featuring an oil press, a potter’s wheel and a loom. We next saw the dairy farm, where cows are milked three times a day and their yields monitored with high-tech electronic equipment. The kibbutz has several cottage industries -the dairy, a Roman glass jewelry business and tourist accommodations, including a lovely outdoor pool. During our stay, many Israelis visited the kibbutz and celebrated the Shavuot holiday. That first evening, we enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at Kenny and Buria’s home. The next day, after an Israeli breakfast at the Revadim’s dining hall, we visited Kibbutz Kfar Menachem and had a wonderful meal at the home of Orit and Rami Lapidot and spoke with Yonit Waldner Peleg, coordinator of Partnership2Gether YoavLehigh Valley. Orit, a senior teacher and special education
specialist teacher at the Sde Yoav elementary school, serves as the coordinator of “The Same Moon,” a new Partnership2Gether program that was launched this year. “The Same Moon” links families in the Lehigh Valley with Yoav families using pen pal exchanges and Skype. A highlight of our stay was Revadim’s Bikurim Festival. The “first fruits” of every kibbutz department were brought before the kibbutz elders in a festive outdoor music and dance ceremony. The dairy brought milk, people who work the land brought tractors and parents of new babies brought their 18 new arrivals from the past year. The 80-year-old kibbutz baker danced “Zorba the Greek”-style while balancing a four-foot challah on his head! We ended our stay visiting Cynthia and Ariel Wroclawski’s home for another delicious meal. Cynthia is the co-chair of the Yoav side of the YoavLehigh Valley Partnership [and Marc Diamondstein serves as the chair in Lehigh Valley]. Professionally, Cynthia serves as the director of the Shoah Victims’ Names Recovery Project at Yad Vashem and she also spent time with us when we visited the memorial in Jerusalem prior to our trip to Yoav. This was a Shavuot to remember – we will never forget our visit to Yoav and the friends we made there. For more information and to get involved, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/partnership2gether or like “Partnership2Gether Yoav Lehigh Valley” on Facebook.
Shalom, everyone! By Sapir Lev JCC Shlicha My name is Sapir Lev and I'm the summer shlicha at the Jewish Community Center. I'm 22 years old and I live in Haifa, which is a large port city in the north. I finished my military service, in the Air Force a year ago; during my military service I worked on the control room of Ramat David Airbase located in Jezreel Valley. Originally, my family comes from Romania, Poland and Turkey. They came to Israel after the Holocaust and helped build the country of Israel. Therefore, I am very connected to my roots, and my values are absorbed from my history and my family’s heroism. Some of the things that I love to do include traveling the world, books, animals, sports, movies and going to the sea. My family includes my father Pini and my mother Sarah. I have two siblings and they are twins: my brother Adar and my sister Koral. Adar started his military service this March and he is going to be a fitness instructor. Koral is taking a year to volunteer at a boarding school. After her year of community service, she too will join the military as a fitness instructor. Last year, I worked at the JCC of St. Louis and two years ago I worked at the JCC
of Greater Washington (during my military service). These were great experiences that I will never forget. I am hoping for the same this summer. I am really enjoying my time in Allentown, and I'd like to thank everyone for the warm welcome. I wish you all a great summer!
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2014 25
Shalshelet coordinator appointed
By Alicia Zahn Temple Beth El Religious School Director About to begin its fifth year, Shalshelet, meaning "the chain," is the community high school program for Jewish teens in the Lehigh Valley. Instead of having a set curriculum, each year is different, depending on what the teens of that year are interested in discussing and looking at through a Jewish lens. There have been a wide range of topics over the years, including ethical decisionmaking, Israel, accepting differences, body image, sexuality, science and religion, questioning authority, interfaith relationships and many more. Teens meet twice a month for dinner, followed by a guest facilitator who introduces a specific topic for the evening. Arnon Gavish was first introduced to Shalshelet as a guest facilitator and this year he is returning as the new Shalshelet coordinator. With a master’s degree in social work from Haifa University, Gavish has extensive experience working with
KI religious school now includes pre-K By Stacey Delcau Congregation Keneseth Israel Religious School Director
adolescents. He moved to the Lehigh Valley from Israel almost two years ago with his wife and three children. When asked about his time here, Gavish responded, “It is fascinating to see the variety in the Jewish community that exists in the Valley and, moreover, the cooperation and acceptance of each other. As time passes, I feel more [a] part of the community.” Gavish looks forward to working with Lehigh Valley teens from all kinds of backgrounds. “I see Shalshelet as a place that enables teens from the wide Jewish community to grow and evolve through dealing with intellectual and social topics,” he said. “The fact that they choose the topics that interest them and we [then] bring the professional facilitators makes it successful. In addition, I believe that we all need good conditions in order to evolve; that’s why I will put emphasis on the group dynamic in order to create a safe and comfortable environment. Significant learning and internalization occur when we combine head, heart and hands. The learning process will include hands on activities. I’m really excited for next year and happy to lead the Shalshelet program.”
If you have a 4-year-old in pre-K for the coming school year, Congregation Keneseth Israel religious school is the place to be! Our program is expanding to include a pre-K class combined with our kindergarten class for the 2014-15 school year. The curriculum will focus on the five senses and creating memorable Jewish moments for the youngest members of our school in the areas of Jewish literacy, beginnings and blessings, Jewish values, life cycle events, and Israel. The pre-K classroom will have two young and dynamic teachers with much experience with this age range. The curriculum will include opportunities for family participation, Shabbat and holiday
celebrations, and parent classes. Religious school for students in grades pre-K through 10th grade meets on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. until noon. For students in grades three through six, our Hebrew school will have a choice: Attend either Tuesday evening from 4:30 until 6 p.m. or Sundays Hebrew Boot Camp from 8:30 a.m. until 9:15 a.m., plus complete all homework. Join us in helping to create a positive Jewish identity for your child through handson activities, connections with friends, trips to Jewish Philly; Washington, D.C.; New York City and all around Allentown to see the world through a Jewish lens. Online registration begins in early August. For more information contact Keneseth Israel at 610.435.9074 and check out our website at www. kiallentown.org.
PJ families enjoy dairy delights On June 1, PJ Library families enjoyed dairy treats at Menchies Frozen Yogurt on Cedar Crest Boulevard in Allentown. Mark Goldstein, executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, arrived dressed in a cow costume, read to the children and explained the holiday of Shavuot.
Shalshelet is for all high school students in 10th-12th grades. If you know of a teen who would like to try Shalshelet, please contact Arnon Gavish at shalshelet@bethelallentown.org or Alicia Zahn at school@bethelallentown.org, or call 610.435.3521.
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Jewish business owner getting buzz for his brewing By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Marketing Greg Heller-LaBelle is tired. But it’s a good tired. Word is spreading about his start-up business, tucked away inside a non-descript building on Harrison Street in Allentown. Demand is up, and for the last few months he’s been brewing like crazy. “As word’s gotten out, people have been really positive,” Heller-LaBelle said of his venture, The Colony Meadery, which had its first “tap” on Dec. 29, 2013. Heller-LaBelle grew up in Bethlehem and was active in Temple Covenant of Peace, where he was bar mitzvahed and taught Sunday school through high school. Not long after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, he returned to the Valley to pursue his MBA at Lehigh University. It was through his work as a craft beer writer and blogger that he became interested in mead – an alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey. When he met Michael Manning at a beer tasting in August 2012, an idea was born. Manning brought with him an “exceptional” bottle of homemade mead, HellerLaBelle said. It was the basis for what would become their “Mo-Me-Doh,” a semi-sweet honey wine with mint and lime. The business partners used a crowd funding platform called RocketHub to get started, along with a loan from the Enterprise Zone Program, a state initiative administered locally by the Allentown
Economic Development Corporation. Less than a year after that first meeting, they had purchased 2.5 tons of honey and had 15 varieties of mead in bottles, with more exotic combinations materializing every day. In one week alone, coffee, cinnamon-vanilla and pineapple-coconut wafted through their brewing room. The Brew Works in Allentown and Bethlehem have become main accounts, and Heller-LaBelle and Manning are currently working on getting into the New Jersey distribution market. The next stop, hopefully, will be Pennsylvania state stores, Heller-LaBelle said. He is also working with the Lehigh Valley Kashrut Commission to pursue kosher certification on some, if not all, of his products. Looking to get involved again with the Jewish community, he has joined the Jewish Federation for Business & Professional networking events and Young Adult Division outings. As his interest in mead has grown, Heller-LaBelle said he has also amassed a good collection of bee and honeyrelated shirts. Like the one he wore on this day, a worn gray T-shirt with a picture of a bear wearing a crown. It was framed by the words “Mo’ Honey, Mo’ Problems.” Want to try some mead? The Colony Meadery is located at 905 Harrison St., Suite 115, Allentown. The tasting room is open Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.thecolonymeadery.com.
GIVE A MITZVAH, DO A MITZVAH
Bar Mitzvah raises funds – and helps aunt William Dacey will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on September 13 at Temple Beth El in Allentown. The Springhouse Middle School seventh grade student didn’t need to look any further than his family when it was time to plan a mitzvah project. William’s aunt, Joan Napiorski, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in the spring of 2012. Her form of MDS was pre-leukemia and required chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. William’s father, Joan’s brother Patrick, was her donor in September 2012. She faced a long recovery after the transplant and did very well. Unfortunately, the leukemia returned in December 2013 and Joan is facing another stem cell transplant. Family and friends wanted to mobilize support for Joan and her wonderful family, holding a spaghetti dinner fundraiser in her honor in her hometown of Colonia, New Jersey, on March 30. William stepped up to raise money to help pay for the expenses incurred as his Aunt Joan fights her relapse. He collected monetary donations
and made a basket to raffle off at the fundraiser. He wanted a basket that would appeal to all attendees of the fundraiser. He bought a Kindle Fire, a Nintendo 3DS and assorted 3DS games for the basket. The basket raised about $650. The fundraiser was a huge success. The outpouring of support for William’s aunt has bolstered her morale as she faces the next round of treatment. “We are very proud of William and his commitment to family,” said William’s mother, Karen. Just as William’s father stepped up to the plate to help Joan, so did William. “He took his mitzvah project very seriously as it was a cause close to our hearts,” Patrick said. “We spent quite a few hours walking around the electronics store trying to figure out what to buy.”
In addition to his mitzvah project, William 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.
BY SANDI TEPLITZ INGREDIENTS: 2 c Quaker oats, old-fashioned style 1 + 1/4 c Nutrition heart-healthy mix (from Planter's) 1/2 c coconut 1/3 c dark brown sugar
1 t allspice 1/2 t nutmeg 1 t cinnamon 1/4 c unsalted butter melted with 2 T honey 1 c Medjool dates, cut up
TECHNIQUE: Mix first seven ingredients together. Add butter mixture. Spread on buttered cookie sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 1/2 hour, stirring occasionally. Add dates. Mix together. Cool and serve over blueberry yogurt or add almond milk and enjoy! Store in airtight container in refrigerator.
PJ LIBRARY
Fly Off to the New Year with Aladdin Enjoy a delicious family-friendly breakfast with Aladdin on his magic carpet. We’ll have Rosh Hashanah crafts, face painting, photos with Aladdin and, of course, a PJ Library story. COME DRESSED AS YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER!
DATE: Sunday, September 21, 2014 TIME: 10 to 11:30 a.m. LOCATION: JCC of Allentown $6 JCC member child/one free adult per child/ $3 additional adults $11 non JCC member child/ $3 non JCC member adult For more information, please contact Brenda at 610-435-3571 ext. 121 or bfinberg@lvjcc.org. To register, contact the JCC Welcome Desk at 610-435-3571.
JCC OF ALLENTOWN 702 N. 22nd St., Allentown, PA 18104
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | JULY/AUGUST 2014 27
Auschwitz revisited By Eva Levitt Special to HAKOL
PHOTOS BY JOYCE KAMEN, KAMEN CREATIVE LLC
When my husband Larry and I and two of our children went to Auschwitz with my parents 30 years ago, it was at my father's insistence. He had miraculously survived and wanted us to see where this had occurred. This time it was different. Recently, our son's friend in Cincinnati was organizing a "March of the Living" trip for adults and asked me to be the Holocaust survivor for the trip. I didn't expect to have such a life-changing experience. We visited Krakow and Warsaw, met people who had just recently discovered their Jewish heritage and saw Jewish life being revitalized due to the efforts of Jewish federations and the Joint Distribution Committee. We visited the concentration camps of Auschwitz, Birkenau and Treblinka and were reminded of the horror
that occurred there. We learned that there was a thriving Jewish life in Poland for 1,000 years before the Holocaust, with three million Jews before the Holocaust started. Only a fraction survived the Nazi’s attempt at reaching their goal of Jewish extermination. We learned that there were more than 40,000 concentration camps in Europe, both large and small. We learned that there are great efforts now being made to revitalize Jewish life in Poland by young Jewish professionals. This was inspiring. Perhaps the most important thing we learned from our trip is that with antiSemitism rising all over Europe, we must stand up to anti-Semites and support Israel and Jewish life everywhere. Top right, Birkenau today. Bottom right, a message across the years, the words of Primo Levi, survivor of Auschwitz.
Far-right parties gain in European elections MILOS BICANSKI /GETTY IMAGES
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Supporters of the Greek ultra-nationalist party Golden Dawn attend a pre-election rally on May 23, 2014 in Athens, Greece.
28 JULY/AUGUST 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Far-right parties across Europe won an increased share of the vote in elections for the European Parliament. Centrist, pro-European Union parties won a majority of the May 25 vote led by the conservative European People’s Party. Far-right parties made significant gains, however, in France, the United Kingdom and Greece, among other nations. In Greece, the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party finished third despite a government crackdown on its leadership and will send three representatives to the European Parliament. The results, taken
together with a solid showing by Golden Dawn in last week’s municipal polls, dashed hopes that the crackdown would dent popular support for the party, which has been blamed for dozens of attacks on immigrants in Greece. Many of the party’s leaders had been jailed, and its 18 members of parliament had been stripped of their parliamentary immunity. In France, the far-right National Front won a plurality of the vote with 26 percent, spurring Socialist President Francois Hollande to seek an urgent meeting of top government ministers. National Front leader Marine Le Pen called for new national elections. Le Pen is the daughter of party founder
Jean-Marie Le Pen, who has been convicted several times for Holocaust denial. The U.K. Independence Party was forecast to win 30 percent of the vote, up from 18 percent in the 2009 elections. The party wants Britain to withdraw from the European Union. Dutch politician Geert Wilders and his right-populist, anti-Islam Party for Freedom suffered a setback, finishing fourth and losing two seats. The party now has three representatives on the European Parliament out of the Netherlands’ 26 total seats. Wilders plans to form a European Freedom Alliance with the National Front and likeminded parties across Europe.
WORLD NEWS Antwerp shop owner won't sell to Jews in 'protest' Jewish Telegraphic Agency A Belgian Jewish woman said an Antwerp shop owner refused to serve her “out of protest.” The woman, identified by the initials B.H., told police and the Jewish monthly Joods Actueel that she was declined service on July 14 when she entered his clothes store in the shopping district of central Antwerp. A spokesman from the Antwerp police department
confirmed to Joods Actueel that the case was being investigated. “When I came to the cash register to pay for a few items I was told, ‘We currently don’t sell to Jews out of protest,' ” the woman, who is Orthodox and identifiable as Jewish, told the weekly. According to the report, which did not name the shop or its owner, the man would not say what he was protesting. The weekly then sent a reporter with a hidden video camera to the store, where the reporter interviewed an employee about the incident. Asked about the incident, the employee told the reporter, “It was my boss and he was protesting.” Asked again
In riot outside synagogue, French Jews were left to protect themselves By Cnaan Liphshiz Jewish Telegraphic Agnecy For the past 14 years, French Jews have grown accustomed to coming under attack during periods of conflict in the Middle East from hostile elements within their country’s large Arab and Muslim communities. One recent incident, however, stood out: the July 13 riot by Palestinian sympathizers outside the Synagogue de la Roquette in central Paris that trapped some 200 terrified people inside the building. The incident sparked a street brawl between the rioters and dozens of Jewish men
400 French immigrants to arrive in Israel Jewish Telegraphic Agnecy Some 400 immigrants from France are coming to Israel amid rocket fire on their new home country. The two chartered flights organized by the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption are set to arrive in July, where the new olim, mostly from Paris and its suburbs, will be welcomed in a special ceremony. The new immigrants include 18 babies and 195 children and teens. Some 60 of the new immigrants will move to the southern Israeli cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon, which have been under regular bombardment by rockets fired from Gaza. More than 100 will reside in Tel Aviv and the center of the country, 130 in Netanya and about 50 in Jerusalem. None of the immigrants scheduled to arrive have canceled due to the current rocket fire on the country, according to the Jewish Agency. “Every immigrant who arrives in Israel strengthens us as a people, and this is all the more so when it comes to the growing aliyah from
whether the shop owner had a policy of not selling to Jews, the employee said, “Yeah, that’s what he says.” But when Joods Actueel contacted the shop owner, he denied his business has such a policy. “On the contrary, we have many Jewish clients and we buy our products from a Jew,” the owner said, adding, “Why would we not sell to Jews? We’d only be hurting ourselves.” Days earlier in central Antwerp, a few dozen men shouted “slaughter the Jews” during a protest against Israel’s operation in Gaza that has killed nearly 200 Palestinians. The operation is aimed at halting rocket fire from Gaza on civilian targets in Israel.
who arrived to defend the synagogue. “In people’s minds, there will be a before and after the Synagogue de la Roquette,” Joel Mergui, president of the Consistoire, French Jewry’s central religious services organization, told the French newsweekly Le Nouvel Observateur. The incident at the synagogue involved proPalestinian protesters who had reportedly just come from a large demonstration against Israel’s airstrikes in Gaza. An additional unauthorized rally of 3,000 demonstrators took place on July 20. The July 13 riot stood out because of the terror of those inside the shul who had assembled for a gathering in solidarity with Israel. But video footage from the violence outside highlights another reason the incident seemed to some like a watershed moment: The ferocious and unusual response to the threat by young Jewish men who pushed back the pro-Palestinian rioters.
France,” Minister of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption Sofa Landver said in a statement. France, notably the Paris region, has seen an elevated level of anti-Semitic attacks in recent months and more dramatically in recent weeks. The Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption and the Jewish Agency recently implemented
a plan to encourage aliyah from France and ease French Jews’ integration into Israeli society. More than 5,000 French Jews are expected to immigrate to Israel by the end of 2014, up from 3,289 in 2013 and 1,917 in 2012. Some 2,600 French Jews arrived in Israel during the first six months of this year.
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Community Calendar To list an event in the Community Calendar, submit your information on our website, www.jewishlehighvalley.org, under the “Upcoming Events” menu. All events listed in the Community Calendar are open to the public and free of charge, unless otherwise noted. Programs listed in HAKOL are provided as a service to the community. They do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. The JFLV reserves the right to accept, reject or modify listings.
FRIDAY, JULY 25 PJ Library Shabbat With a Little Help From My Friends 4:30 to 6 p.m., JCC Camp Kochavim, 5831 Vera Cruz Rd., Center Valley. It’s Friday and you don’t want to make dinner. Let the JCC and PJ Library help you bring in Shabbat with music, friends, dinner and of course a PJ Library story. Dinner is LVKC supervised. Special guest reader Rabbi David Wilensky. Camp music leader Michael Smolin will lead a Shabbatone with a sing-a-long. $18 per family. Please pre-register at the JCC Welcome Desk by July 20 or by calling 610-435-3571. This is a family event. Parents are responsible for supervision of children at JCC campsite. Children who are in camp may stay at camp and will be supervised until parents arrive with registration and permission slip. We know this is early for working parents -- please let us know if you will be joining us a little late. You do not have to be a camper to attend. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6 AIPAC Club Member Briefing 6:30 p.m., location tbd. Join fellow club members in the Lehigh Valley for cocktails and conversation. More details to be announced soon. Contact Kelly Stein at 215-587-4104 for more details. FRIDAY, AUGUST 8 Kabbalat Shabbat and BBQ Dinner 6 p.m., Bnai Abraham Synagogue. Join Bnai Abraham for our third annual BBQ Shabbat Dinner. Musical Kab-
Honorable MENSCHens
balat Shabbat services will be followed by a social hour and then dinner. Enjoy our community, great food and our beautiful patio! Contact Bnai Abraham Synagogue at 610-258-5343 or office@bnaiabraham.org to reserve your spot. SEATING IS LIMITED TO 50. $15 Adults; children under 12 free. FRIDAY, AUGUST 15 TPC/BAS New York City Trip 2:15 p.m., Bnai Abraham Synagogue. We plan to have a kosher deli dinner at Fine and Schapiro, then attend a fantastic musical Kabbalat Shabbat experience together with B’nai Jeshurun Synagogue. Snacks will be provided on the trip and desserts for the trip home. The only expense to you is dinner! We will be leaving BAS parking lot at 2:15 p.m. Please RSVP to Rabbi Melody at 610-253-2031 or tcp@cn.com ASAP. Sponsored by Temple Covenant of Peace and Bnai Abraham Synagogue. THURSDAY, AUGUST 21 Fighting BDS: An Insider’s Perspective 6:30 p.m., JCC of Allentown He was present during the Presbyterian vote to authorize boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel and has been involved in several campaigns to fight the BDS movement. With his insider’s perspective, Noam Gilboord will untangle the web of this complex topic and answer the questions on our minds. Noam is the director of community strategy for the Israel Action Network, a strategic initiative of The Jewish Federations of North America, in partnership with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. He is responsible for strengthening the capacity of local community professionals in combating the assault on Israel’s legitimacy. Noam was formerly the coordinator for Israel and International Affairs at the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, where he was instrumental in successfully defeating the Park Slope Food Coop’s motion to join the BDS movement and in collecting over 107,000 signatures opposing the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state. Sponsored by the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, the event is free and open to the public. RSVPs appreciated to aaron@jflv.org. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 TBE Under the Stars Service 7 p.m., Temple Beth El. *Please notice the time change. You and your family are invited to “Service Under the Stars” to be held on the temple’s patio. Welcoming Shabbat, surrounded by G-d’s creations, trees and plants, clouds and stars enhance understanding to the words of the Kiddush, “Then G-d blessed the seventh day and called it holy because on it He ceased from all his work creation.” SATURDAY, AUGUST 23 PJ Library Tot Shabbat 10 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel. Bring the little ones for a Tot Shabbat service with songs and blessings and of course, a PJ Library story. For more information contact KI at 610-435-9074 or Cantor Jenn at cantor@ kilv.org. SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 Young Adult Division Summer BBQ 3:30 p.m., home of Ben Grossman, Allentown. Join the Federation’s Young Adult Division for an afternoon of hamburgers, hotdogs, games and prizes! KIDS WELCOME! RSVP by Wednesday, August 20, to Aaron Gorodzinsky at 610-821-5500 or aaron@jflv.org. THURSDAY, AUGUST 28 Sangria, Tapas & Tunes 2 6:30 to 9 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Join us for an
‘IS THERE A BLESSING FOR THAT?’ Bob Cohen recently played the rabbi in DeSales University’s critically acclaimed production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Yasher koach, Bob! Want to see your accomplishments in the pages of HAKOL? E-mail them to hakol@jflv.org. 30 JULY/AUGUST 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
FRIDAYS 8 - 9:30 AM WMUH 91.7 Featuring Cantor Wartell muhlenberg.edu/wmuh
outdoor summer social at the JCC. Enjoy a fun evening of refreshing drinks, delicious bites and smooth sounds! Featuring live music from the duo JUST SO. Sponsored by Linda & Mike Miller. Adults 21 years and up are welcome. $32 per person $24 per JCC Member. Stop by or call the JCC Welcome Center at 610-435-3571 to register. Registration deadline August 22. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 TBE Healing Service 7 p.m., Temple Beth El. We will be creating a safe space to bring our pain, our questions, and our yearning. This one-hour service will be held in the Hammel Family Chapel. The service will include music, silent meditation, traditional prayers and Torah study. The entire community is invited to participate. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 TBE Sisterhood Mah Jongg 6:30 p.m,, Temple Beth El. We will begin to play promptly at 6:45 p.m. Please be there by 6:30 p.m. to register. We play for about three hours. If you are a Mah Jongg player, please come and join us for sisterhood, laughter, and a great bunch of fun. $10 per player donation to TBE Sisterhood. New faces always welcome to play. For questions or to RSVP, contact Ilene Rubel, 610-776-1577 or IRUBEL@aol.com. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 TBE Sisterhood Wine Sale 10 a.m., Temple Beth El. The wine sale has various selections of wine to enhances your holidays. Any questions, call the temple office at 610-435-3521. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Campaign Volunteer Inspirational Evening 7 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Campaign training and dessert reception with David Saginaw of the Jewish Federations of North America. See what we have in store as we launch the 2015 Campaign for Jewish Needs. New and returning volunteers welcome! RSVP to Judy Diamondstein at 610-821-5500 or judy@jflv. org. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Selichot Service 9 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Join the community for selichot services and a program open to all. 9 p.m. - lecture by Judge Dan Butler. 10 p.m. - services, followed by coffee and dessert reception. (There will be separate Orthodox services conducted by clergy at the JCC.) SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 PJ Library Fly Off to the New Year with Aladdin 10 a.m., JCC of Allentown. Enjoy a delicious familyfriendly breakfast with Aladdin on his magic carpet. We’ll have Rosh Hashanah crafts, face painting, photos with Aladdin and, of course, a PJ Library story. Come dressed as your favorite character! $6 JCC member child, one free adult per child; $3 additional adults; $11 non-JCC member child, $3 non-JCC member adult. To register, visit the JCC Welcome Desk or call 610-435-3571. For more information please contact Brenda Finberg at 610-435-3571 ext. 121 or bfinberg@lvjcc.org. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Community Patrons Reception 7 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Special Guest Speaker, Alina Spaulding. Celebrating contributing households of at least $1,800 to the Jewish Federation’s 2015 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs.
Celebrate the beauty of Shabbat
Shabbat & Yom Tov Candlelighting Times Friday, August 1
8:00 pm
Friday, August 22
7:33 pm
Friday, August 8
7:52 pm
Friday, August 29
7:22 pm
Friday, August 15
7:43 pm
Friday, Sep. 8
7:11 pm
Community Calendar Ongoing Events 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.
100,000 MILES/YR FOR KOSHER! First Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., Congregation Beth Avraham Open to all. Fascinating vignettes from a mashgiach who drives approximately 100,000 miles/year (yes, per year!) to keep the kosher supply chain intact. From rural Arkansas to frigid Nova Scotia, winter and summer, the demands are always there. Contact Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod, Kashruth Hotline (24/6), 610-905-2166, rabbiyagod1@ gmail.com.
THURSDAYS
LATTE & LEARN 8 to 9 p.m., Starbucks, Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem Grab your favorite Starbucks quaff and jump right in as we relate the weekly Torah portion to world events, western civilization and even our own relationships. No Hebrew is required, but a spirit of inquiry and a sense of humor might come in handy! Contact Rabbi Mizrachi 207-404-0474; opshiloh@gmail.com; www.torahovereasy.blogspot.com.
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.
SUNDAYS
WEDNESDAYS
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 Sheila Berg at 610-285-2729 or sh-berg1@hotmail.com.
CHRONIC CONDITIONS SUPPORT GROUP Second Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m., Jewish Family Service This new support group is meeting monthly through July. Cost is $5 per group, assistance available if needed. If interested, contact Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper at 610-821-8722 to set up a pre-screening appointment.
TEFILLIN CLUB & ADULT HEBREW SCHOOL 9:30 a.m. Tefillin; 10 to 11 a.m. Adult Hebrew, Chabad Tefillin is for Jewish men and boys over the age of Bar Mitzvah, to learn about, and gain appreciation for, the rich and enriching Jewish practice - the mitzvah - of donning Tefillin. Adult Hebrew is an opportunity for you to learn about your heritage and expand your Jewish knowledge so that you can keep up with your child. Contact 610-351-6511. TSS HEBREW & ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES 10 a.m., JCC of Allentown Interested in learning Hebrew for the first time or brushing up your skills? Marcia Berkow teaches adult Hebrew beginning at 10 a.m., followed at 11 a.m. by David Vaida, who will you take you through the great moments across all 5,774 years of Jewish history. Free and open to all. RSVP at learnwithus@templeshiratshalom.org or 610-820-7666. TALMUD CLASS FOR BEGINNERS! 10 to 11 a.m., Congregation Beth Avraham of Bethlehem-Easton For information,contact Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod at 610-905-2166. MONDAYS FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., JCC of Allentown Friendship Circle is a place for people to meet, make new friends and enjoy each other’s company. We welcome all adults over 50. Friendship Circle meets weekly for lively and enjoyable programs and a delicious lunch. Annual dues - $25. Regular weekly meetings and lunch - $6. First visit NO CHARGE. THE RHYTHM OF JEWISH LIVING 8 to 9 p.m., Temple Beth El Taught by Rabbi Moshe Re’em. This course will examine the ideas, beliefs and practices that define and shape Jewish life through daily, weekly, annual and life-cycle observances. The is designed as a year-long course for those wishing to learn more about the religious observances of Judaism, theology of the holidays and ritual practices. The course is organized around the Jewish calendar, but includes other daily Jewish rituals. TUESDAYS THE EVOLUTION OF JEWISH PRAYER 10:45 a.m., JCC of Allentown Rabbi Wilensky takes this class through time and space as he traces the development of Tefillah from antiquity to modern times. Sponsored by Congregation Sons of Israel. YACHAD TORAH STUDY GROUP 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., JCC of Allentown It doesn’t matter how much you know, it matters how much you want to know. Bring your curiosity to thet Yachad Torah study group and discover the wonders, adventures and meaning of the Torah. 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 610435-3571 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.
FOOD AROUND THE WORLD: ITS IMPACT ON HISTORY AND CULTURE 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom A new course on the history of food and its connection to culture and belief. The course will be presented through watching Professor Ken Albala (PhD Columbia University) deliver two half-hour lectures each session (via DVD), interrupted by supplementary presentations and discussion. Tuition for the course is $18 (make check payable to Congregation Brith Sholom) which covers 18 class sessions this spring and next fall along with all supplementary donations of food samples and invitations to a variety of lunches following most classes. Register with Tammy at Brith Sholom: 610-866-8009. Questions? Call Rabbi Gerard at 610-248-1588. Rabbi Gerard will moderate the course. JEWISH CURRENT EVENTS First Wednesday of the Month, 1:15 p.m., Country Meadows, Bethlehem Rabbi Stein conducts a current events class at Country Meadows. Residents express their opinions and have the opportunity to ask questions. Sponsored by Bnai Abraham Synagogue. For more information, call 610258-5343. 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. Explore the ancient healing wisdom of Torah together. All are welcome. Who knows? It might even be fun! RSVP: Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod, 610-905-2166, rabbiyagod1@gmail.com. EXPLORATIONS IN SHOFTIM (JUDGES) 7 p.m., Sons of Israel Facilitated by Mrs. Abby Weiner, this is one of the Allentown’s most popular classes and a continuation of last year’s Explorations in Yehoshua. This class provides in-depth study of the text, and provides critical historical context for the events that follow in Jewish history. HUSBANDS ANONYMOUS First Wednesday of the month, 7:30 p.m., location provided upon signup Calling all wives! Send your husbands to this class! Rabbi WIlensky guides us on how to become more attentive, caring, sensitive partners, and how to strengthen and deepen our spousal relationships in the context of Torah. Contact Sons of Israel for exact dates and locations. TORAH STUDIES: A WEEKLY JOURNEY INTO THE SOUL OF TORAH 7:30 p.m., Chabad Torah Studies by JLI presents: Season Three: A 12-part series. Cost is $36 for the complete 12-week series (textbook included). For more information contact 610-351-6511 or Rabbi@chabadlehighvalley.com. ORTHODOX JEWISH LIVING: WHAT IS IT & HOW? 8 p.m. To learn more, contact Rabbi Yizchok I. Yagod, 610-905-2166 or rabbiyagod1@gmail. com
ADULT EDUCATION CLASS 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., Bnai Abraham Synagogue No preparation or prior knowledge is required. Rabbi Daniel Stein leads an eager-to-learn group. We examine the Torah, Judaism, the holidays, Hebrew and Yiddish literature, wellknown stories and poetry. Cost: $10 each semester. Contact 610-258-5343, office@ bnaiabraham.org.
SEALED IN THE BOOK OF LIFE 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel Join Rabbi Seth and a friendly group of seekers who are exploring the proposed new Reform High Holy Day Machzor to discover its ancient wisdom and modern sensibilities. Newcomers always welcome. Knowledge of Hebrew not required. Come with an open heart and do your part to improve your High Holy Day experience. Contact Ms. Sandra Hari, 610-435-9074. Free and open to the community. WHERE CHRISTIANITY & JUDAISM DIFFER 10:45 a.m., JCC of Allentown Have you ever had to explain Judaism to non-Jewish co-workers? With sensitivity and tact, Rabbi Wilensky discusses both the commonalities and divergences between the Jewish and Christian faith systems. Sponsored by Congregation Sons of Israel. 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. SIMCHA SHABBAT 1st Friday of the month, 6:30 p.m., Bnai Abraham Synagogue Please join us for our musical Simcha Shabbat and stay for a special oneg to follow. For more information please call Bnai Abraham Synagogue at 610-258-5343. SHABBAT BEGINNER’S GEMARA 8 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Facilitated by Dr. Henry Grossbard, this is an excellent primer for developing the analytical tools necessary for in-depth study of the Talmud. Dr. Grossbard, a dynamic and erudite scholar in his own right, helps students understand the argument-behind-the-argument, using Rashi, Tosafos and commentaries. JAVA AND JEANS 4th Saturday of the month, 10 a.m., Bnai Abraham Synagogue Join us for our monthly Shabbat service to discuss current topics of interest as they relate to Jewish laws and practices. For more detailed information, call 610-258-5343. 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. ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY HALACHAH 12 p.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Applying the ancient wisdom of Jewish Law to modern challenges is one of the most fascinating aspects of Jewish life. Join Rabbi Wilensky as he takes Halachah from the weekly Torah portion and brings it to bear on some of the most pressing issues of our time. BNEI AKIVA 5:45 p.m., Congregation Sons of Israel An Israel-centered fun program for kids ages eight to 14. This program is free and open to the public. For information and to RSVP, call 610-433-6089.
Congregations BNAI ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE 1545 Bushkill St., Easton – 610.258.5343 Rabbi Daniel Stein, Conservative MORNING MINYAN services are Thursday mornings at 7:25 a.m., SHABBAT EVENING services are Fridays at 8 p.m., SHABBAT MORNING services are Saturdays at 9:30 a.m., RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes are Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m.. CHABAD OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY 4457 Crackersport Rd., Allentown – 610.336.6603 Rabbi Yaacov Halperin, Chabad Lubavitch SHABBAT EVENING services are held once a month seasonally, SHABBAT MORNING services are held Saturdays at 10 a.m., RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes are held Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. CONGREGATION AM HASKALAH 1190 W. Macada Rd., Bethlehem – 610.435.3775 Student Rabbi Tamara Cohen, Reconstructionist Weekly Shabbat services and a monthly family service with potluck dinner. Religious school meets Sunday mornings. Email am.haskalah.office@gmail.com to learn more. CONGREGATION BETH AVRAHAM 439 South Nulton Ave., Palmer Township – 610.905.2166 | Rabbi Yitzchok Yagod, Orthodox SHABBAT EVENING starts half an hour after candle lighting. SHABBAT MORNING starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by a hot kiddish. CONGREGATION BRITH SHOLOM 1190 W. Macada Rd., Bethlehem – 610.866.8009 Rabbi 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. MINCHAH/MAARIV: 20 minutes before sunset. FRIDAY EVENING: 20 minutes before sunset, 7 p.m. in the summer. SHABBAT MORNING: 9 a.m. SHABBAT AFTERNOON: 90 minutes before dark. TEMPLE BETH EL 1305 Springhouse Rd., Allentown – 610.435.3521 Rabbi Moshe Re’em | Cantor Kevin Wartell Conservative Weekday morning minyan services at 7:45 a.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. Shabbat evening services at 7:30 p.m. with the last Friday evening of the month featuring our Shira Chadasha Service . Shabbat morning services at 9 a.m. followed by Kiddush. Religious school classes every Tuesday/ Thursday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. Midrasha school classes Monday at 7 p.m. Shalshelet — Temple Beth El’s new innovative high school program — meets bi-monthly on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. Shalshelet (the chain) is open to ALL 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students in the Lehigh Valley. For more information contact Alicia Zahn, religlious school director, at 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 Style Shabbat morning service on the 4th Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. A Family Shabbat Service is held on the second Friday night of each month at 6:30 p.m. Our services reflect a diverse culture of traditional, innovative and musical experiences with a Reform Jewish context. Religious School meets on Sunday mornings from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. We have a Family Game / Movie night on the first Saturday of every month at 6 p.m. For more information about our Temple and activities, see our website at www.tcopeace.org or look us up on Facebook. TEMPLE SHIRAT SHALOM 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 | JULY/AUGUST 2014 31
Federation annual meeting elects, honors leaders By JFLV Staff
Above, Jewish Federation president Barry J. Halper opens the 2014 Annual Meeting. Far left, Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction honoree, Marylou Lordi, stands with Holocaust Resource Center director Shari Spark. Left, Mark H. Scoblionko assumes the gavel as president of the Jewish Federation.
PHOTOS BY EDWIN A. DAVIS
Although the names of the honorees came as no surprise at the annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, it was their stories that delighted and amazed. It was a full house for the June 12 meeting, accompanied by an appetizing array of Israeli foods. However, that didn’t weigh down the proceedings because the evening had a very full agenda, including a number of special recognitions. In recognition of completing a two-year term as Campaign Chair, Bob Wilson received the Kobrovsky Chairman’s Award for Campaign Excellence established by Bernie Kobrovsky, z”l. And for her extraordinary outreach on behalf of the Jewish Federation, Vicki Glaser received the Pomerantz Award for Campaign Excellence. Then Frank Tamarkin was called forward to receive the George Feldman Achievement Award for Young Leadership. Tamarkin was obviously deeply moved as he spoke of the
primary reasons why he and his wife, Tama, chose to live in the Lehigh Valley, key among them the presence of the Jewish Day School. Likewise, upon receipt of the Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction, Marylou Lordi shared her personal journey into Holocaust education. Finally, Rabbi Allen Juda told of another kind of journey – that of a career spent as rabbi of Congregation Brith Sholom – after he received the Lifetime Achievement Award. As with any meeting, there was business to be completed as well. Nominations for the 2014-15 board of directors were presented and vote upon. In closing, by a vote of those present, saw Barry Halper turn over the reigns as president to Mark Scoblionko who addressed the crowd, speaking of the Jewish community’s strengths and of the need to be forever improving ourselves and the world in which we live. With the work of years to come thus cut out, the meeting adjourned.
Immediate past recipient Iris Epstein presents the George Feldman Achievement Award for Young Leadership to Dr. Frank Tamarkin.
Campaign chairman Dr. Bob Wilson presents the Pomerantz Award for Campaign Excellence to Vicki Glaser.
David Shaffer presents Rabbi Allen Juda with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jewish Federation Executive Director Mark L. Goldstein congratulates Barry J. Halper on a successful presidency.
Introducing
Shalom Lehigh Valley STYLE! ON NEWSSTANDS IN AUGUST LEHIGH VALLEY STYLE
with the first-ever Shalom Supplement These 24 beautiful pages for Jewish and non-Jewish readers showcase all that the Lehigh Valley Jewish community has to offer.
IN MAILBOXES THIS SEPTEMBER SHALOM LEHIGH VALLEY These 48 pages provide Jewish readers with a more in-depth look at the Jewish community. FREE TO HAKOL READERS
If you do not yet receive HAKOL and would like to receive Shalom Lehigh Valley, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org to join the Jewish Federation’s mailing list. If you know someone new to town or looking to relocate, contact mailbox@jflv.org or 610.821.5500 and we’ll send them a free copy!