HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY 40th ANNIVERSARY
The Voice of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community
SEPTEMBER 2016 | AV/ELUL 5776
HAKOL
upon 40th anniversary By Michelle Cohen HAKOL editor
$2,278,119 RAISED IN 2016! Because of you, we are there. See pages 12-15.
Pinemere camper deepens Jewish connection in Israel. See page 9.
Don’t miss our special High Holidays section.
No. 390 com.UNITY with Mark Goldstein 2 Women’s Division
4
LVJF Tributes
8
Jewish Family Service
18
Jewish Day School
19
Jewish Community Center
20-21
Community Calendar
30-31
“It’s new; it’s news … and invites your views” greeted readers of the first issue of HAKOL in September/October 1976. Initially published by the Jewish Federation of Allentown before the merger of the three Lehigh Valley Federations, HAKOL served as a newsletter for Allentown that quickly expanded to include news from both Easton and Bethlehem. Driving this project were two incredibly bright women whose contributions to the paper live on today: Marlene Finkelstein and Maxine Tannenbaum Klein. Marlene invited me to her home for an interview with both founders, and together we began to delve into HAKOL’s rich history. In fact, HAKOL didn’t even begin as a newspaper – in 1976, Finkelstein and Klein started the project as part of a “Speakers’ Bureau,” and in this program, the two women formed a group of volunteers who would attend board meetings of Jewish organizations in town and deliver three-to-five minute speeches about Jewish topics of interest. But this wasn’t enough for the ambitious duo. “We also wanted something for the community,” explained Klein. “At that time, it was very provincial. Allentown did what Allentown did, Bethlehem did what Bethlehem did, and Easton as well. They all had their own Jewish communities, and we felt it was such a shame” that news from one Jewish community had no standardized way to reach the other communities. It was Leslie Gottlieb, the executive director of the Jewish Federation of Allentown, who offered the opportunity to Klein and Finkelstein. “You’re putting in all this time, you’ve got people who can write and so on,” Finkelstein recalled him saying.
Above top, Marlene Finkelstein and Maxine Tannenbaum Klein in the December 1977 issue of HAKOL. Above, Klein and Finkelstein at Finkelstein’s home in Allentown.
its own page, and culminated in September 1992 when the three cities’ Federations combined to form the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. HAKOL Founders Continues on page 4
Looking for more information about HAKOL’s past? Check out the center spread, which highlights major milestones. Then, stay tuned for more of HAKOL’s background in the October issue as we delve into the various changes implemented by editors over time.
Harold Grinspoon Foundation selects Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley as a LIFE & LEGACY program partner The Lehigh Valley has been selected to participate in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY program as one of only 37 Jewish communities from across North America. “The Harold Grinspoon Foundation is very excited to be partnering with the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley to establish a Non-Profit Organization
702 North 22nd Street Allentown, PA 18104
“How would you like to start a newspaper that would be Federation-sponsored?” They soon accepted his offer, and along with Max “Maggie” Levine, who brought valuable marketing experience from his role as the advertising director at Hess’s, a large department store in Allentown, and handled some of the more practical aspects of production such as getting the paper printed, the three began to form the paper. Each issue required a “very labor-intensive process” beginning with Finkelstein and Klein each reading around 30 periodicals a month to get an idea of good news to include in HAKOL. At their editorial meeting once a month, Finkelstein and Klein would present these ideas and brainstorm, along with several volunteers, who would write the stories. After they received the stories, the two would edit them and then send them to the printer. Unlike with modern digital printing, the printer would create the mockups of the articles and Finkelstein and Klein would do a “literal cut and paste” and lay out each article to create the pages. Pictures would be added at this stage, and then the completed pages would be returned to the printer. After reviewing a proof, the paper was then ready to get printed and sent to homes across the Lehigh Valley. Once the paper was off and running, it was time to develop a vision for the paper’s future. Klein, who grew up in Allentown, and New York-born Finkelstein, both shared an idea of a community transcending one’s immediate geographical area. Finkelstein and Klein dreamed of a newspaper that would encompass not only happenings in the world, but would serve as “a vehicle for people to know what’s going on in the community, thereby uniting the community.” Their greater vision involved bringing in Bethlehem and Easton, which began with giving each city
U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lehigh Valley, PA Permit No. 64
culture of legacy giving in the Lehigh Valley said Arlene D. Schiff, national director of the LIFE & LEGACY program. “The time is right. This legacy program will make the most of the generational transfer of wealth, change the language and landscape of giving and provide generous and forward-thinking members of the Lehigh Valley Jewish community with the opportunity to express their passion, purpose and commitment to their most valued Jewish organizations.” LIFE & LEGACY is a fouryear program that assists communities, through partnerships with Jewish Federations and Foundations to promote after-lifetime giving to benefit local Jewish day schools, synagogues, social service organizations and other Jewish entities. LIFE & LEGACY’s goals are to: • Educate, train, motivate and empower Jewish organi-
zations to engage their loyal stakeholders in conversations to establish legacy gifts; • Increase community awareness of the power of bequests, other legacy vehicles and endowments; • Integrate legacy giving into the philanthropic culture of the Lehigh Valley Jewish community. The program will grant the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley with matching funds of approximately $80,000 per year to provide participating local organizations the opportunity to receive unrestricted incentive grants based on meeting legacy commitment benchmarks. “We are thrilled to be selected for this program and to be able to bring these benefits to our local Jewish institutions,” said Jim Mueth, director of planned giving and endowments for the Federation, who was instrumen-
tal in bringing the program to the Lehigh Valley. Information sessions for Jewish organization representatives will begin on Nov. 29. The Federation will be providing incentives, training and marketing to strengthen the planned giving efforts at each institution. LIFE & LEGACY is the newest initiative of the Grinspoon Foundation, which is investing $30 million dollars over a 10-year period to engage communities in legacy building efforts that will secure the future of vibrant Jewish communities. The Grinspoon Foundation also funds the PJ Library program, which the Lehigh Valley has participated in since 2011. For more information about the LIFE & LEGACY program, contact Jim Mueth, Federation director of planned giving and endowments, at 610-821-5500 or jim@jflv.org.
com.UNITY
FROM THE DESK OF MARK L. GOLDSTEIN
Executive Director | Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley markg@jflv.org
Generalizations are of no benefit Racism affects us all. Injustice affects us all. Jewish values underscore our responsibility to seek justice and fight against prejudice. Within that framework, I am extremely troubled by the fissures in American society that have resulted in violence – sometimes in response to violence – driving further divides in our country. I remain deeply committed to addressing the structural and institutional racism that exists in the United States and believe that the best and most powerful path is to do so in partnership with like-minded activists in other communities of color, communities of faith, communities of sexual orientation and communities of national origin. The Jewish community has long been a staunch ally in the fight for racial justice in our country. At the same time, the Jewish community has a strong, extensive and profound relationship with the State, land and people of Israel. These two positions have not been and need not be in conflict with one another. In early August, about 50 organizations associated with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement released a list of six platform demands and 40 policy priorities. The document adroitly outlines deep-rooted social, political, economic and educational injustices that
deserve discussion – whether or not you agree with every proposed strategy – to create forward progress on many of these ills. But the document also includes – almost out of nowhere – the call for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. The authors of the text describe the United States as complicit in a “genocide” taking place against the Palestinian people and characterize Israel as an “apartheid state.” These incendiary terms are not only inaccurate, but serve to incite and divide, rather than to unite, around our shared priorities. As ADL noted, the section on Israel is far from a principal focal point in the more than 40,000-word document; but it remains a divisive, irresponsible and gross mischaracterization of Israel and the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Of course, the authors of this section, who some report have ties to antiIsrael/pro-Palestinian/proBDS organizations, completely ignore incitement and violence perpetrated against Israelis by some Palestinians, including terror inside the country and rocket attacks lobbed from Gaza. But, we should resist the temptation to generalize. BLM is a complex social phenomenon; it is not a single, unified organization with a street address, bylaws and defined
leadership. The platform was published by the Movement for Black Lives, an amalgamation of 60+ organizations, some of which did not sign on to the platform. As one briefing paper noted: “… there is no unanimity about the direction of BLM. And, because BLM is a decentralized movement, it is impossible – and inaccurate – to make sweeping claims such as ‘Black Lives Matter supports BDS’…” Members of our local clergy, notably Cantor Kevin Wartell, the immediate past chairperson of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Clergy Group, have devoted time and energy to bring Jewish and African-American community leadership together. I have participated in some of the opportunities to sit around the same table and discuss our collective opportunity to heal the breaks in our American society. From subsequent conversations with a few leaders of our local AfricanAmerican community, I more fully understand the wisdom of the briefing paper cautioning against generalizations. There are organizations that align themselves with the BDS movement, deny Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish nation and attempt to isolate Israel among the family of nations. Clearly, we denounce such positions. But, as we have learned from dealing with certain main-
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers, This issue of HAKOL mirrors Rosh Hashanah in many ways. We celebrate the old, including our feature on HAKOL’s 40th anniversary, and we look forward to the new. With features about travel and Jewish connections, I’d like to encourage our readers to
seek new ways to enjoy life in the new year. As the new editor of HAKOL, I look forward to spending my first year with the Lehigh Valley Jewish community. L’Shanah Tovah from me to you, and here’s to the next 40 years of HAKOL!
mobilize the Jewish community in efforts to ensure equal opportunities and treatment for all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, country of origin or any other classification used to unlawfully and immorally divide or demean people. Our faith demands it, and our world requires it.
HAKOL STAFF Stephanie Smartschan
JFLV Director of Marketing
LEHIGH VALLEY
Michelle Cohen
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.
Graphic Designer
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.
Phone: (610) 821-5500 Fax: (610) 821-8946 E-mail: hakol@jflv.org
Editor
Allison Meyers Diane McKee
Advertising Representative TEL: 610-515-1391 hakolads@jflv.org
JFLV EXECUTIVE STAFF Mark L. Goldstein Executive Director
Jeri Zimmerman
Assistant Executive Director
Temple Coldren
Director of Finance & Administration
Jim Mueth
Director of Planned Giving & Endowments
Aaron Gorodzinsky
Director of Outreach & Community Relations
Mark H. Scoblionko JFLV President
EDITORIAL BOARD
Monica Friess, Acting Chair Barbara Reisner Judith Rodwin Sara Vigneri
Member American Jewish Press Association
JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship by requesting that trees be planted in the Yoav--Lehigh Valley Partnership Park. ALYSSA AND ABRAM PURE Birth of their son, Evan Jared Pure SHALOM BABY IN MEMORY LORRAINE BERKOWITZ (Mother of Neal Berkowitz) Lisa and Barnet Frankel and Family MARTHA CHERNOFF (Mother of Linda Selby and Neal Chernoff) (Sister of Helen Russ) Rose and Alex Jakoby ELINOR FREINBERG (Mother of Judi Silverberg) Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel DORIS GOELD (Mother of Roberta Epstein) Don and Robie Barga Roberto and Eileen Fischmann Arlene and Richard Stein JAY SCHERLINE (Husband of Lorrie Scherline) Meininger, Valdes, and Freedman Families
TO ORDER TREES, call the JFLV at 610-821-5500 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org. 2 SEPTEMBER 2016 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
HAKOL
Mail, fax, or e-mail to: JFLV ATTN: HAKOL 702 N. 22nd St. Allentown, PA 18104
Shalom, Michelle Cohen
IN HONOR LYNN AND MICHAEL ALTERMAN Birth of their daughter, Chana Rose Alterman SHALOM BABY ROBERTO AND EILEEN FISCHMANN Birth of their granddaughter, Charlotte Eve Steven Aronsky Judy and Marc Diamondstein Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel Vicki Wax SALLY AND BARRY KAHAN Birth of their son, Mason Edward Kahan SHALOM BABY LAUREN AND JEFF KIM Birth of their son, Jonah Young Soo Kim SHALOM BABY CAREN AND KEITH LOWREY Birth of their daughter, Brynn PirraLee Lowrey SHALOM BABY DIANA AND NOAH ORENSTEIN Birth of their daughter, Charlotte Eve Steven Aronsky
line Protestant conventions, such pronouncements are far from being accepted by every member congregation or every congregation member. Applying sweeping generalizations would lend nothing to our cause for Israel or other causes in common. We remain steadfast in our support for Israel and our rejection of any alignment with the BDS movement. But, we should not allow the distressing, anti-Israel terminology in the Movement for Black Lives platform to detract us from our commitment to social justice. We should remain committed to working to overcome the issues of inequality and racial injustice impacting any lives in America today, just as we are committed to working for equality for all people in all places. We should continue to
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
Muhlenberg College Hillel and Federation host program for college-bound students and their families
Above left, Rabbi Melissa B. Simon leads an exercise with college-bound students to prepare them for anti-Israel rhetoric. Above right, Stephanie Hausner begins her talk for the parents about how to discuss anti-Semitism and anti-Israel rhetoric with their children. On Aug. 16, a group of parents and college-bound students gathered at Muhlenberg College Hillel for “Fighting BDS,” a program about Jewish life on college campuses including the growing presence of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic rhetoric. Organized by Aaron Gorodzinsky, director of outreach and community relations for the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, and sponsored by the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation, the evening was an opportunity for parents and students to reconnect after the summer and brainstorm about life on campus. The evening separated the 20 parents from the 15 students in order to focus the learning and to provide
spaces where each population would feel comfortable being honest and open. The student-focused program, "What to Expect as a Jewish Freshman in College: An Opportunity to Ask Everything You Want to Know" was run by Muhlenberg College Hillel Director and Jewish Chaplain Rabbi Melissa B. Simon. The students explored their relationship to the Jewish community and what kind of Jewish life they want in college, vocabulary about campus life including Jewish campus life and antiIsrael campus life and real-life scenarios about difficult situations around Israel or Jewish identity on college campuses. The parent program, "Understanding the Situation on College Campuses in Ameri-
ca: What Can I Do to Support My Children?" was led by Stephanie Hausner, director of community strategy for the Israel Action Network. The Israel Action Network (IAN) is a strategic initiative of The Jewish Federations of North America, in partnership with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, created to counter assaults made on Israel’s legitimacy and its right to exist as a sovereign democratic Jewish state. Hausner utilized a PowerPoint to share with parents about national trends and handed out resources. Parents remarked that the most powerful part was Hausner’s encouragement to parents to direct their children to resources on campus like Hillel to empower their children and step out of the
role of major problem solver as the kids grow up. Both pieces of the evening focused on empowering the young people to take the lead in their Jewish experiences at
college and to know about the resources available for them if they should be faced with anti-Israel rhetoric including Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS).
JOIN US
to celebratethe launch of the October/November issue of
featuring
at the Hamilton Kitchen & Bar 645 Hamilton St, Allentown, PA 18101
Thursday, September 29, 2016 5:30-7:30pm
Complimentary appetizers Cash Bar
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by Friday, September 16 rsvp@mcall.com
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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2016 3
WOMEN’S DIVISION OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY
Muhlenberg researchers return to discuss local ‘Women of Valor’
LUNCH & LEARN
By Stephanie Bolmer Special to HAKOL
THE WIVES & MOTHERS BEHIND THE LOCAL TEXTILE INDUSTRY
with Gail Eisenberg & Susan Clemens
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
12:00 p.m., Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley Muhlenberg College Professors Gail Eisenberg and Susan Clemens, who presented at a 2013 Lunch & Learn on their research into Allentown’s garment industry, will return to share the stories of 16 women who made an impact on their families, their businesses and the community. Program is $12, including lunch. Men and women welcome. RSVP to 610.821.5500 or mailbox@jflv.org. Sponsored by the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
Join Gail Eisenberg and Sue Clemens for a return engagement at the Women’s Division Lunch & Learn podium as they present “Women of Valor” at the JCC on Thursday, Sept. 22, at 12 p.m. They will be presenting their continued research on the Jewish families who led the textile industry in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas during much of the 20th century. This time, however, they will be focusing primarily on the women in those families in their various roles as wives and mothers, community leaders, career women and entrepreneurs. You will recognize many of their names: Roz Mishkin, Shirley Berman, Tama Fogelman, Bea Kuller, Beverly Block, Claire Salitsky, Ronnie Sheftel, Marilyn Braunstein, Ellen Schneider, Marlene Finkelstein, Bunny Filler, Maxine Klein, Judy Miller, Delores Delin, Goldie Hartzell and Esther Halpern. Eisenberg and Clemens are colleagues at Muhlenberg College, Eisenberg in the Accounting, Business and Economics Department and Clemens in History and American Studies. Together, they embarked on a journey starting in 2011 and continuing over six summers to record oral histories from about 30 different families. They’ve spoken to almost 50 people who were involved with the textile factories which, combined, were once second only
to steel in employing workers, especially women, in this region. These companies were mostly small start-ups by immigrants and the children of immigrants which became successful enterprises and powerful employers who supported economic growth in the Lehigh Valley and specifically in the Jewish community here. Many Jewish institutions were built and expanded in the area at the peak of these businesses. The market has shifted, and now the memories of this era of local Jewish history are being salvaged by Eisenberg and Clemens. It is their goal to collect, preserve and disseminate the stories of an important time gone by. “From the beginning, we knew we were racing a clock,” Eisenberg said, in reference to the people she’s spoken to who have already passed on. “We’ve been told there were many more people we should’ve interviewed who we never got to approach.” For the ladies she has met, however, Eisenberg has nothing but praise. “They’re all very impressive, progressive and articulate, with a lot of wonderful things to say. It’s fascinating to hear women in their own voices.” Come and listen for yourself as each of the 16 women listed above is featured for her own contribution to the Jewish community. The program is $12 per person, including lunch, and men and women are welcome. To RSVP, call 610-821-5500 or email mailbox@jflv.org.
SPONSORED BY THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY’S WOMEN’S DIVISION
WELCOMING NEW BABIES
to the Lehigh Valley BRYNN LOWREY
daughter of Caren and Keith Lowrey
CHANA ROSE ALTERMAN daughter of Lynn and Michael Alterman
JONAH YOUNG SOO KIM son of Lauren and Jeff Kim
MASON EDWARD KAHAN son of Sally and Barry Kahan
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 SEPTEMBER 2016 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Two ‘Women of Valor,’ HAKOL’s founders, reflect on past Continues from page 1 Although Klein and Finkelstein, both volunteers, took the leading role in creating HAKOL and setting goals for the future, their involvement on the editorial board was short-lived. Klein left after three years and Finkelstein after four, and both went back to school, earned further degrees, and embarked on other careers before starting families. Even though they transferred their “initiative, energy, and imagination” to other projects, including founding Am Haskalah and staying involved with the Reconstructionist movement, both Klein and Finkelstein are avid readers of HAKOL, and are quite proud of how their idea has developed over the years. “It’s more than we envisioned,”
Klein said proudly. “It’s become, in its scope, a community-focused paper.” Finkelstein agreed, noting that “it was always our intention” to feature personal stories from Lehigh Valley residents. “It’s become, in recent years, much more personalized,” which she cited as a strength. Finkelstein and Klein look forward to HAKOL’s future, just as they did when the paper reached its 100th issue. “This newspaper is a beginning, for its potential is limitless,” the pair wrote in 1988 in an article for HAKOL’s 100th issue, and echo this statement now. After “giving birth” to the publication, they, like any proud parents, beam with
Above, the notebook that Marlene Finkelstein used to write her HAKOL assignments in the 1970s.
pride at HAKOL’s accomplishments and eagerly wait for the paper to continue to grow and flourish.
Handmade Afghans BY EVA LEVITT
All proceeds benefit projects in Israel:
Food Banks in Israel Neve Michael Youth Village
For prices or to place an order, call Eva 610-398-1376.
All payments are made payable to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
Yoav teens reflect on their summer in Allentown
Summer shlicha Inbar Wechsler and Yoav teens Nitzan Bamani, Ron Barkai, Uri Eshel and Morr Cahana get ready for Shabbat at Camp JCC. By Ivy Bernstein Special to HAKOL On a warm day at the end of June, a group of families met to welcome four teens from Israel’s Yoav region who arrived in Allentown to work as counselors at Camp JCC. Several families had agreed to open their homes to host the teens, and the evening was spent getting to know each other. Fast forward seven weeks later to a sickeningly hot and humid evening in August when the group reconvened to say goodbye; the teens were more at ease having spent so much time in and out of the homes of their host families, sharing meals, vacations trips and, of course, multiple trips to the mall. As the teens faced the daunting task of fitting all their new possessions into their suitcases and heading home, they took a few moments to reflect on the experience. “I came here with a lot of expectations,” said Ron Barkai. “We started with not a lot of friends, there was a lot of time just me and the group and I didn't know all the counselors, but after the first week our spirits were lifted and our expectations became high again. I can say now that I really made good new friends here and I really connect to a group of friends and I love to be with them.” The teens said the hardest part about heading home is saying goodbye to the campers. “On the second to last day of camp, a Pioneer boy realized that this was one of my last days at camp,” said Nitzan Bamani. “So he came to me and he said that he's afraid to forget me and I said that I'd promise that I'd never forget him and that he'd always be in my heart. In this moment
I realized that my purpose here is extremely special, and that not that many people have that opportunity to make connections with people in this wonderful community who will stay forever in my heart.” Morr Cahana had a similar experience when a camper expressed how sad he was to say goodbye. “It shows how we connect with kids here and that the language doesn't impede on this because the kids love us for who we are,” said Cahana. Spending time with the families and the campers allowed the teens to see the significance of sharing their Israeli heritage with Jews here in the Valley. “They host us because they want to share their community culture and life in the U.S. with us,” said Uri Eshel.
“It's nice to see different types of Jewish lives that are so different but still you feel connected to them. My appreciation for Israel is now greater and I'm more proud to be Israeli and to share my culture with the world, it's really amazing.” “I'm so thankful that the relationship between the Lehigh Valley and Yoav region opened the door to allow me to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Bamani. “Before I went to the U.S., I never really realized that every day Jews here have to wake up and actively try to be Jewish. In Israel I just wake up and am Jewish, and being able to share my Israeli culture and Judaism and to be perceived and accepted by people in Allentown allowed me to become more proud of this aspect of myself.”
Two opportunities to prepare for the upcoming elections with Dr. Chris Borick, Director of the Institute of Public Opinion at Muhlenberg College
CERTAINTY VS. UNCERTAINTY WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2
7:30 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom Get insight into the upcoming elections from Dr. Borick, along with Dr. Gordon Goldberg, professor emeritus of history at Kutztown University. Sponsored by the Adult Education Committee at Congregation Brith Sholom.
HISTORY IN THE OFFING: THE 2016 ELECTION BY THE NUMBERS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3
7:00 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel Dr. Borick will provide more insight into politics and polling. Sponsored by the Adult Education Committee of Congregation Keneseth Israel.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2016 5
Conservative Shabbaton brings three local synagogues together
Last year’s participants in a multi-synagogue Shabbaton enjoyed a weekend of relaxation, prayer and friendship as they joined together to celebrate Shabbat. By Michelle Cohen HAKOL Editor Bnai Abraham Synagogue, Congregation Brith Sholom and Temple Beth El, all conservative synagogues in the Lehigh Valley, have planned a Shabbaton to help members of their congregations relax, have fun and make new friends.
The retreat will take place on Sept. 16-18 at Camp Zeke in the Poconos, a Jewish camp with luxurious accommodations and delicious kosher food. The camp offers a variety of activities for the free time portions of the Shabbaton, ranging from a full gym and outdoor exercise opportunities to air-conditioned game rooms set up indoors.
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Upon arrival at the camp on Friday night, the group will light Shabbat candles and begin their weekend with a bountiful dinner and plenty of time spent together. Saturday morning will begin with exercise options such as yoga and calisthenics before Shabbat services led by children and young adults from all three congregations. This
will be followed by lunch and optional programs like a hike, krav maga (Israeli martial arts) and a Talmudic learning session for adults while children have the option of going on programs led by hired camp staff. Shabbat evening provides another bonding opportunity; after seudah shlishit (dinner), Havdalah will be held
outside followed by a bonfire with s’mores and campfire songs. On Sunday morning, another brief service follows exercise opportunities, and then the participants will head home. Rabbi Michael Singer of Congregation Brith Sholom expressed his excitement at gathering all three synagogues this year, because the Shabbaton is designed to be a “relaxing and fun way to build relationships and build bridges in the community,” especially between synagogues with similar prayer practices. Throughout the event, Singer and the other rabbis will encourage people to sit with people they don’t know and engage in a variety of group activities. “When you’re out at camp for Shabbat,” Singer said, “you disconnect from all the things that get in the way of enjoying Shabbat. You really have time to relax and enjoy and have fun.” If you’re interested in attending the Shabbaton, contact one of the synagogues listed above.
GENETIC SCREENINGS
with Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid, MS, LCGC, CCRC
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. JCC of Lehigh Valley
Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid is the senior director of JScreen and an instructor at the Emory University School of Medicine. Free for Maimonides members and spouses, $10 for community members. RSVP to 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org. Visit jewishlehighvalley.org to learn more.
Share the warmth of the High Holidays and celebrate a sweet new year by donating new or gently used children’s coats (infant-age 16) and hot chocolate mix to the Jewish Family Service Community Food Pantry. Items may be dropped off at JFS, JCC or JDS in October.
6 SEPTEMBER 2016 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Bob Wilson President Karen Dacey Vice President
IJCU to honor Rabbi Allen Juda
By Jennifer Lader Special to HAKOL There is a sure way to prove that one person can make a difference, and that is to try. Try to help others; to feed, clothe and comfort those in need; to shield them from harm. That is what Raoul Wallenberg did. A Swedish diplomat, Wallenberg saved tens of thousands of Budapest Jews from the Nazis during the last year of World War II. Each year since 1984, Muhlenberg College and the Institute for Jewish Christian Understanding (IJCU) have paid tribute to his courageous moral action. Their Raoul Wallenberg Tribute recognizes individuals who have helped others in a big way. On Sunday, Sept. 18, that honor will go to Rabbi Allen Juda. As the son, son-in-law, grandson, great nephew and
cousin of Holocaust survivors and victims, Juda had long been aware of Wallenberg’s effort to rescue Jews during World War II. The thought of what European Jewry and his own family endured lit a spark in Juda that has helped him continually and vocally oppose genocides, prejudice and stereotyping. Juda builds bridges of understanding, participating in and later chairing the IJCU’s Day of Dialogue. This is an annual workshop on a topic of concern in the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities. He gave Youth and Prejudice presentations, sharing his family’s story with hundreds of middle school and high school students. For the past two years, he has hosted the IJCU’s First Fridays. Juda is active on the board of Jewish Family Service and on issues of elder care. “He has also been a strong ad-
vocate for feeding the poor and hungry,” said Ed Levy, president of Congregation Brith Sholom, where Juda served as rabbi for 39 years. “He organized food drives for soup kitchens and arranged for volunteers from Brith Sholom to prepare and serve meals at New Bethany Ministries. Congregation Brith Sholom is extremely proud of the Valley-wide impact that Rabbi Juda has had in these important areas.” Through it all, Juda recalled Wallenberg. After the liberation of Budapest at the end of WWII, Wallenberg disappeared into Soviet custody. “For many years during my rabbinate,” Juda said, “I was among those who hoped that he was still alive, [even if] languishing in a Soviet prison, as was from time to time reported. We all hoped that when the Soviet Union collapsed, Wallenberg would be found alive and could receive the recognition, appreciation and honor he so richly deserved. It was tragic to discover that he had died decades before. To have my name linked in any small way to his is a great honor for me.” The 2016 Raoul Wallenberg Tribute will include a lecture by Kati Marton, best-selling author and human rights advocate, at 3:30 p.m. in Seegers Union at Muhlenberg College to be followed by a reception and dinner honoring Rabbi Allen Juda. For tickets and information, contact IJCU at 484-664-3100 by Sept. 5.
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Federation opens fund drive for Louisiana flood victims
In East Baton Rouge, a deputy carries the child of a fellow deputy to safety during heavy flooding on August 12, 2016. The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is accepting donations to assist the Jewish Federation of Greater Baton Rouge in providing relief to victims of flooding that has devastated southern Louisiana. Relentless rains and high waters have claimed more than a dozen lives so far; more than 30,000 people have been rescued. At least 40,000 homes have been damaged and 20 parishes have been declared federal disaster areas, according to Nola.com. Staff members from the Baton Rouge federation
and many from the local Jewish community were among those forced to flee, according to the Jewish Federations of North America, which established the Baton Rouge Flood Relief Fund. Baton Rouge’s newly opened Chabad House also launched an emergency fundraising campaign for those affected by the massive floods. To learn more or make a donation, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/batonrougeflood. One hundred percent of the money donated goes directly to relief efforts. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2016 7
IN MEMORY GRANDMOTHER (of Josh and Lisa Kirschbaum) Carol and Stewart Furmansky ROSALIND BROWN (Mother of Patty Carlis) Ross and Wendy Born Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Iris, Jonathan, Harry and Charlie Epstein Roberta and Jeff Epstein Taffi Ney Donald and Randi Senderowitz STEPHEN BROZOST (Brother of Michael Brozost) Audrey and Arthur Sosis Vicki Wax BARBARA DAVISON (Wife of Maxwell Davison) Bill and Ruth Gross Lynda and Richard Somach HOWARD EPSTEIN (Husband of Linda Epstein) Lynda and Richard Somach EDITH FERSHTMAN (Wife of Herman Fersthman) Barbara and Danny Reider (Mother of Terrie Goren) Lillian Deutsch Judy Karofsky GERALD FOGELMAN (Husband of Raie Fogelman) Betty Greenberg Louise Weinstein DORIS GOELD (Mother of Roberta Epstein) Bill and Peggy Berger Susan and Larry Berman Ross and Wendy Born
Joan Brody Kira and Richard Bub Sam and Sylvia Bub and Family Elaine Deutch and Larry Lang Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Joan Epstein Ann and Gene Ginsberg Karl and Sara Glassman Harold and Sandra Goldfarb Ellen and Michael Gordon Betty Greenberg Barry and Carol Halper Joan and Ron Harrison Sue and Ken Kirshner Iris Klein Debra and Seth Kozak Roberta and Richard London Natalie Millrod Jean Morgan Terry Noel Bob and Lota Post Shaoli Rosenberg Abe and Nancy Ross Cindy and Scott Schneider Donald and Randi Senderowitz Melanie and Peter Senderowitz Judy and Larrie Sheftel Lynda and Richard Somach Joanne Sora Audrey and Arthur Sosis Vicki Wax (Grandmother of Jonathan Epstein) Ross and Wendy Born Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Barry and Carol Halper Audrey and Arthur Sosis RUTH BUSCH HELLER (Mother of Michael Busch)
8 SEPTEMBER 2016 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Robert and Beverly Kistler GOLDIE KURTZ (Mother of Susan Futerfas) Lynda and Richard Somach MYRA OUTWATER Lynda and Richard Somach FRANKLIN VAN ANTWERPEN (Father of Ginny Cohen) Iris and Jonathan Epstein STANLEY WAX (Father of Robby Wax) Beth Lincow Cole DAVID WEINER (Stepson of Jean Weiner) Ross and Wendy Born RUTH WILF (Mother of Eileen Ufberg) Lynda and Richard Somach IN HONOR HOUMAN AND LORI AHDIEH Graduation of their daughter, Alyssa Vicki Wax JOAN AND RICHARD BASS Graduation of Dylan Vicki Wax MIKE AND RITA BLOOM Birth of granddaughter, Brynn Birth of grandson, Saul Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Elaine and Leon Papir KAREN AND PETER COOPER Birth of their granddaughter, Juliette Ross and Wendy Born Donald and Randi Senderowitz Vicki Wax ROBERTO AND EILEEN
FISCHMANN Birth of their granddaughter, Charlotte Eve Orenstein Ross and Wendy Born Iris, Jonathan, Harry and Charlie Epstein Carol and Stewart Furmansky Harold and Sandra Goldfarb Jay and Evelyn Lipschutz Elaine and Leon Papir Donald and Randi Senderowitz LISA AND BARNET FRAENKEL Happy 25th Wedding Anniversary Suzanne Lapiduss and Family Birth of their grandson Lynda and Richard Somach HENRY AND MONICA FRIESS Graduation of their daughter Ji-In from Parkland High School Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald PHYLLIS AND JAY KAUFMAN Graduation of their daughter, Mia Vicki Wax SUE AND KEN KIRSHNER Birth of their grandson, Eli Matan Oz Iris, Jonathan, Harry and Charlie Epstein SUZANNE LAPIDUSS Birth of her grandson, Micah Charles Billig Elaine and Leon Papir EVA LEVITT In honor of the wonderful work she does for the Jewish people Flossie and Jerry Zales KEITH AND CAREN LOWREY Birth of their daughter, Brynn Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald MIKE AND LINDA MILLER Speedy Recovery Vicki Wax JOSEPH AND ANN PENN Birth of their granddaughter Jill and Hank Narrow RABBI RACHEL AND JEFF REMBRANDT Marriage of their son Wendy and Ross Born NAOMI SCHACHTER AND DAVID DAHAN
Bar Mitzvah of their son, Benjamin Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald Sandra and Harold Goldfarb DONALD SENDEROWITZ Best wishes for good health Suzanne Lapiduss and Family Jill and Hank Narrow Marc Nissenbaum Elaine and Leon Papir Lynda and Richard Somach Richard and Cherie Zettlemoyer SHARI SPARK In honor of the wonderful work she does for the Jewish people Flossie and Jerry Zales PHIL AND DIANE STEIN Graduation of their son Matthew from Wesleyan University Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald FRANK AND TAMA TAMARKIN Gabe’s Bar Mitzvah Lisa and Moshe Markowitz EILEEN AND MICKEY UFBERG Marriage of their son Lynda and Richard Somach HELEN & SOL KRAWITZ HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND IN HONOR PETER AND KAREN COOPER Birth of their granddaughter Lynda and Stuart Krawitz ELOISE ENGELSON Engagement of her granddaughter Samantha to Jason Algaze Lynda and Stuart Krawitz SUSAN FREIFELD Engagement of her daughter Samantha to Jason Algaze 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.
Israel trip changes perspective for Pinemere camper
Above top, Ben Wax hikes in Ein Ovdat near Eilat. Above bottom, Wax is joined by Ethan Lewis of Woodcliff Lake, N.J., and an Israeli guard at the Knesset. By Ben Wax Special to HAKOL EDITOR'S NOTE: Pinemere Camp is a regional Jewish overnight camp affiliated with the Jewish Community Centers of America (JCCA) and the Lehigh Valley JCC. The camp, which has been located in Bartonsville, Pennsylvania, for nearly 75 years, sends its 16-year-old counselorsin-training to Israel for a four week summer trip through a program created by the JCCA, together with other JCCA overnight camps. More than 20 Pinemere teenagers travelled this summer with Camp Livingston, a JCC camp in southeastern Indiana. The Pinemere group also combined with other JCCA camps for different Shabbat and Havdallah services and events and for community service programs while in Israel. The following is an essay from Ben Wax, a local teenager who attended the program and recently returned from Israel. Growing up, I was completely surrounded by Judaism. I
attended our JCC preschool and day camp. I attended the Jewish Day School and Beth El religious school. I became a Bar Mitzvah and joined local Jewish youth groups. I attended the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington. I am the incoming president of the Jewish Heritage Club at Moravian Academy. There were many parts of my religion that I enjoyed. Despite my involvement, I have to admit that I didn't really understand my commitment. I was always asking myself – and later my parents and grandparents – why I needed to be associated with Israel or the Jewish people. I was content with my ignorance. I began planning my life and dreaming about my future without religion as a strong component. The place that has always connected me to Judaism is Pinemere Camp. I just completed my ninth summer at Pinemere. It is a peaceful place where I can truly enjoy the
simple things in life. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to bond with Israeli counselors, participate in Shabbat services and complete Jewish programming. However, entering this summer, I had mixed feelings. I was actually disappointed that for more than half of my summer experience, I was going to be away from the camp and instead traveling to Israel. It was a wet Thursday morning when our group boarded the bus in the Poconos and headed to Newark Airport. Although we had discussed the upcoming trip at length, I was filled with questions. What makes this place so great? Why do I have to be involved? After watching the news with a newfound interest over the prior few months, I was concerned about being in the Middle East and being so far away from my family. After a lengthy flight, I finally arrived in the place that I had been hearing about my whole life. When I stepped off the plane, my entire perspective changed. As I took in my first breath of Israeli air, I could feel the presence of my fellow Jewish people. We began our travels, and, over the next 30 days, we went from Eilat to the Golan and the Galilee, visited Haifa, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Netanya and many cities in between, and joined with other American and Israeli teens to assist with community projects and enjoy Israeli cultural events. I met young soldiers – some only two years older than me – who fight to preserve this magical land. As the strength and power of this place captivated me, I felt so connected. Every step I took, every place I visited, I thought about my ancestors and my history. I felt at home. Whether walking through busy Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem, hiking the deserts of Eilat, climbing the mountains of Haifa, or sleeping in Bedouin tents, we were bombarded with lectures and participated in debates, and I became deeply involved in each and every experience. As we discussed the geopolitical landscape, I found myself frustrated with Israel's heroic attempts for
peace with its bloodthirsty neighbors. I discussed with our guides the extent to which my Israeli brothers and sisters work to keep the country and their families safe, and I felt disgusted. At one point, as we visited the security fence near Jerusalem, we heard from both proponents and opponents of the security precautions enacted by the Israelis. We walked slowly back to our bus, and I asked the young Israeli solider traveling with us, Sraya, for his thoughts. He told me he supported the security fence. When I asked him why, he answered, "I am alive because of it." Our trip ended with a talk from a “Stand With Us” representative, who explained what we could do to help at home. It was at this point that it all came together for me: my Jewish youth, my formal Jewish education and the culmination of my Pinemere experience with the trip
to Israel. There are always, ALWAYS, people trying to destroy us – the Romans, the Greeks, the Nazis and, now, Islamic terrorists. But where is the Roman Empire now? Gone. The Greeks? Diminished. What about the Nazis? Eliminated. What about the Jews? We are still here, and we aren't going anywhere. No matter the odds, no matter the enemy, we will survive. And, after visiting Israel, I see that we don't only survive, but we are thriving! This trip has had such a positive impact on me. Although I had heard about Israel for my entire life, visiting Israel is the only way you can fully understand it and feel its power. So, if you are contemplating a trip to Israel, GO. GO NOW. I promise that it will change your life. It will make you a better Jew. It will make you a better person. You will not regret it. Am Yisrael Chai!
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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2016 9 PMS 118
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Muhlenberg College Hillel welcomes second year-long Israel fellow to campus By Nikki Gum Muhlenberg College Muhlenberg College Hillel has welcomed Liron Daniel to campus as its second full-time, year-long Jewish Agency for Israel and Hillel International Israel fellow. Daniel will work through Muhlenberg College Hillel to shape, expand and enrich its Israel engagement, Israel education and Israel experience programming. She will travel to Israel as a staff member on two Birthright-Israel trips and connect students to study abroad and summer Israel opportunities. Daniel will serve as a core member of the Hillel team, working closely with faculty, staff and students as well as the local Jewish community. “We are thrilled to welcome Liron Daniel to Muhlenberg College Hillel,” said Hillel Director and Jewish Chaplain Rabbi Melissa B. Simon. “She will bring her knowledge and skills to further develop our Israel programs and build more student relationships across campus. In a time where anti-Israel sentiments are on the rise on college campuses throughout North America, at Muhlenberg College we remain vigilant in our work to fulfill our vision that each and every Jewish student will make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel.” Originally from Jerusalem, Daniel served in the Israeli Military Police Corps for two years as a social worker helping care for the social and emotional needs of her unit. She has also worked as a journalism and communication monitor at The Office of the Prime Minister, monitoring and analyzing Israeli media trends and preparing reports for the Prime Minister and the National Information Array’s staff. “I want to connect Jews of different backgrounds
to Israel and its people. I believe personal connections are the most powerful and important tool we have for achieving this goal. This is the best way to make a true and deep connection between different people and communities,” Daniel said. Her past experiences mean that Daniel brings with her a strong knowledge of Israeli history, geography and current events. She is earning a bachelor of arts in international relations, communication and journalism at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Outside of work, Daniel enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, reading novels and watching movies. In the fall of 2014, in the aftermath of Operation Protective Edge, Muhlenberg College Hillel welcomed a short-term Israel fellow, Yael Gertel, to campus to provide extra support and unique and innovative strategy for Israel engagement and education. Through the work of this experienced veteran Israel fellow, Hillel was able to benefit from a taste of another medium through which students are able to connect with, understand and support Israel on campus. Due to the overwhelming success of Gertel’s work and thanks to the generosity of an alumni donor, Muhlenberg College Hillel welcomed Or Adi as its first full-time, year-long Israel fellow for the 2015-16 school year. The first year of the Israel fellow program at Muhlenberg College Hillel was supported, in part, by a Community Impact Grant from the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. Since 2003, Hillel International has partnered with The Jewish Agency for Israel, placing Israel fellows on campuses throughout North America to engage Jewish college students. Jewish Agency Israel fellows are charismatic young professionals who have served in the Israel Defense Forces. In their roles on campus, they share personal
Liron Daniel
experiences of modern Israel through the lens of its socially-progressive values and its accomplishments in technology, life sciences and the arts. Working hand-in-hand with Hillel professionals on campus, the fellows support students and help them to grapple with complex issues that are often emotional and may seem contradictory. Israel fellows often become the face of Israel for the North American students they work with, offering them a unique and authentic relationship with Israel and Israelis. Muhlenberg College Hillel serves the most active Jewish campus population in the Lehigh Valley. Nearly 30 percent of the 2,200 member student body at Muhlenberg College identifies as Jewish. Over two-thirds of the Jewish students on campus are active in Hillel, making it the largest student organization of any kind on campus. Muhlenberg College was recently recognized as having the seventh largest Jewish population per capita of any college in the nation.
Sept. 30-Oct. 2 & Oct. 7-9, 2016 SteelStacks™ | Bethlehem, PA
Dachshund Races
Sundays, Oct. 2 & 9 The annual running of the wiener dogs is back in this fun, spectacleto-end-all-spectacles. Watch in awe as we release the dachshunds!
For more info, tickets and dachshund registration:
steelstacks.org/oktoberfest
10 SEPTEMBER 2016 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
At the Brewers’ Village, guests can sample an array of Oktoberfests, limited-edition and seasonal offerings by some of the state’s finest craft brewers. Multiple sessions available. See steelstacks.org/oktoberfest for details.
MAH TOVU: A guiding prayer for the New Year Ma tovu ohalekha Ya'akov, mishk'notekha Yisra'el. Va'ani b'rov chas'd'cha, avo veiytekha, eshtachaveh el heikhal kodsh'kha b'yir'atekha. How fair are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel! As for me, through Your abundant grace, I enter your house to worship with awe in Your sacred place.
RABBI MELODY DAVIS Temple Covenant of Peace Like many of our prayers, the essence of the Mah Tovu prayer has become rote and formulaic. It’s part of the morning service. Often, it is rushed or droned. Yet it is a prayer of transformation. We are leaving "normal" space and entering a place of holiness. We are opening a door to a public, private place imbued with both history and hope. What is prayer if not a focused wish for transformation? The prayer begins with Numbers 24:5, where the powerful sorcerer Balaam is sent to curse the Israelites.
Instead, he is overcome with awe at God and the Israelites' beautiful encampment. In the Rabbinic interpretation of this verse, the "tents" of the Israelites represent the synagogues and study halls of the Jewish people (see Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 105b). Mah tovu’s first line is a quote of Balaam's blessing and is the only prayer in Jewish services that was written by a non-Jew. The remainder of the text is derived from passages in psalms relating to entering the house of worship and preparation for further prayer. The different kinds of sanctuaries in the prayer take us on an historical prayer journey from the Tent of Meeting to the chambers within the Temple leading us to the Divine Presence. We don't know when this prayer was first
composed. It probably evolved gradually over time. Seder Rav Amram Gaon, the earliest compilation of the prayer book (Babylonia, 9th century), instructs: "When entering a synagogue say: 'Mah tovu ohalecha. . . Va'ani, b'rov chas'd'cha; I, through your abundant love, enter your house; I bow down reverently at Your holy temple.'" Machzor Vitry, the authoritative early French prayer book (France, 11th century), adds another beautiful verse from Psalm 69:14: "As for me, may my prayer come to You, Adonai, at a favorable time. O God, in your abundant faithfulness, answer me with Your sure deliverance." This is truly the zenith of the prayer. Although the plain meaning of the Hebrew is clearly, "As for me, may my prayer [come] to You," it has long been read
poetically as "I am my prayer to You." This is how I love to understand this passage. I yearn for the ‘I-Thou’ of prayer: the connection with God and that which I aspire to be. The next three words speak of prayer being at “an opportune time" which our sages understood as the time of public worship (see Babylonian Talmud, B'rachot 8a). One could surmise that our prayers are best conveyed when the community gathers together. Our Sages were not suggesting that God exists more in certain places than others but perhaps that we are more aware of God's Presence in a kehilla k’dosha – a holy community where mitzvot are a part of the common ethos. Maybe it is this reminder of community and mitzvot is why so many of us flock to temple on the
High Holy Days. The new year should be about opening doors: intellectual doors as school starts, community doors as we make new friends and renew bonds with old ones and spiritual doors as we come together in prayer. Chazal (chachameinu zichronam livrachah - "our teachers of blessed memory") said that when 10 individuals study together, the Divine Presence dwells among them (Pirkei Avot 3:7). Study is a type of prayer and thus the Divine Presence surely dwells among the community that prays together. Balaam is not the only one to bless mishk'notecha Yisrael, "the dwelling places of Israel." We bless our dwelling places, and thus our God, by participating in community. May we return and be renewed this holiday season.
Join us for a brunch to honor role models, 80 years and over, who have dedicated their time, talents and hearts to our Jewish community.
Sunday, November 13, 2016 | 10:30am Temple Beth El
Sponsorship opportunities available. Proceeds benefit our Older Adult Services.
Visit www.jfslv.org/8ishover80 or call 610-821-8722 to learn more.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2016 11
THANK YOU
for your support
Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley 2016 Campaign for Jewish Needs
BECAUSE OF YOU, WE ARE THERE.
$2,278,119 raised as of 6.30.16 Because of your support of the 2016 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.
THANK YOU. PRIME MINISTERS CIRCLE $100,000+ Ross Born° Wendy Born*° Charles and Figa* Kline Foundation° Robert and Bonnie* Hammel° Just Born Inc° Anonymous (1) THEODORE HERZL SOCIETY $50,000 - $99,999 Master Family° Richard and Susan* Master MCS Industries Harry Louis Yanoff &
Jeanette Master Yanoff Charitable Fund The Wax-Goldman Family Funds Stan (z"l) and Vicki* Wax° Robby and Laurie* Wax Steven and Nancy* Wax Goldman KING DAVID SOCIETY $25,000 - $49,999 Leonard Abrams° Fischmann Family Fund° Roberto and Eileen* Fischmann Tama Fogelman* and Family° The Fraenkel Family° Dr. Harold and Sandra* Goldfarb° The Mortimer S. Schiff Memorial Golf Tournament Robert J. and Susan* Grey Maimonides Society 30th Anniversary Joseph B. and Rita* Scheller° Lisa Scheller* and Wayne Woodman TREE OF LIFE SOCIETY $18,000 - $24,999 The Deanne* and Arnold Kaplan Foundation Seidel, Cohen, Hof & Reid LLC°
Daniel and Nancy* Cohen Phillip and Ellen* Hof Chris and Tara Reid Shelley Stettner*° KING SOLOMON CIRCLE $10,000 - $17,999 The Philip and Muriel Berman Foundation Hon. Alan and Donna* Black° Dr. Jeffrey and Jill* Blinder° Charles Cohen and Rebecca Binder* The Martin Cohen Family Foundation° Jonathan and Iris* Epstein Gary Fromer and Dr. Carol Bub Fromer* Mark L. Goldstein and Shari Spark*° Richard Green Family and Firstrust Bank Robert and Judy* Auritt Klein Family Fund° Kobrovsky Family Fund° Elaine Lerner*° Orgler Family Fund° Dr. Richard and Barbara* Reisner° Mortimer S. and Vera M.* Schiff Foundation° Dr. Stuart A. and Janice* Schwartz
Jean Weiner*° BUILDERS OF ISRAEL $5,000 - $9,999 Dr. Marc and Aliette* Abo Sadie Berman Lion of Judah Endowment Fund* Nathan and Marilyn Braunstein° Dr. Sam and Sylvia* Bub° Peter and Karen* Cooper° Andrew and Dr. Lisa* Ellis Arnan and Marlene* Finkelstein Louis and Shirley* Furmansky° Susan Gadomski *° Dr. Jeffrey Gevirtz° Allen and Patricia* Gribben° Shirley F. Gross*° Nat and Erica* Hyman Dr. Arthur and Jane* Kaplan° Bernard and Florence Kobrovsky Special Fund Dr. Wesley and Beth* Kozinn° Dr. Jeffrey and Kim Kramer Dr. Lawrence and Eva* Levitt° Stanley R. Liebman Estate Dr. William and Jane* Markson° Michael and Linda* Miller° Dr. Alan and Judith* Morrison° Sylvia Perkin Perpetual Charitable Trust Daniel Poresky° Sylvia and Herb Rosen Foundation Dr. Alex and Robin* Rosenau° Shaoli Rosenberg* Drs. Jarrod and Nicole* Rosenthal Lorrie Scherline*° Irwin and Ellen* Schneider° Mark and Deena* Scoblionko° Elizabeth Scofield* Larrie and Judy* Sheftel Edith Simon*° Spira Family Foundation Dr. Frank and Tama* Tamarkin Dr. Michael and Eileen* Ufberg° Dr. Robert and Carol* Wilson Ilene Wood* Dr. Israel and Valeska* Zighelboim Jeri Zimmerman* Anonymous (3) SABRA CIRCLE $2,500 - $4,999 Alan and Marsha* Abraham Dr. Houman and Lori* Ahdieh Leonard and Beverly* Bloch Foundation° Lisa Block* Dr. David and Sara-Jane* Bub Dr. Ian and Patricia* Carlis° Dr. Mitchell Cooper and Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper* Scott and Beth* Delin Glenn and Jan* Ehrich Henriette Engelson*° Veronica Fischmann* Dr. Jay and Fran* Fisher Dr. Peter Fisher and Kathy Zimmerman* Stewart and Carol* Furmansky° Dr. Gene and Ann* Ginsberg° Dr. Mark and Carmyn Gittleman° Dr. Lawrence and Vicki* Glaser° Dr. Ronald J. and Linda* Glickman° Barry and Carol R.* Halper° Dr. Steve and Audrey* Kanoff Martin and Judy* Krasnov° 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 Ryan and Claudia* Mattison Dr. Jay and Marla* Melman° Dr. Holmes and Jeannie* Miller Dr. Michael and Cary* Moritz Dr. Richard J. and Amy* Morse Dr. Michael and Ruth* Notis° Drs. Steven and Nancy* Oberlender Dr. Noah Orenstein and Diana Fischmann Orenstein* Dr. Robert and Joanne* Palumbo Dr. Robert and Lota* Post°
12 SEPTEMBER 2016 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Rhoda Prager*° Judith Rodwin* Cathy Sacher*° Frances and Abraham Schwab Memorial Fund Ronald and Martha* Segel° Dr. Darryn and Lorey* Shaff Dr. Elliot Shear Jack and Amy* Silverman° Dr. Arthur and Audrey* Sosis° Dr. Jay E. and Margery* Strauss° Dr. David and Barbara* Sussman° Dr. Kenneth and Alla* Toff Arthur and Barbara* Weinrach° James and Linda* Wimmer° Dr. Michael and Miriam* Zager and Family Larry and Carolyn Zelson Anonymous (2) GATES OF JAFFA $1,500 - $2,499 Alan and Sandy* Abeshaus Dr. Howard Altman Richard J. Mongilutz and Kelly Banach* Dr. Alan Berger° William M. and Peggy* Berger° Dr. Marc and Lauren* Berson° Dr. John and Ingelise* Brown Dr. Michael Busch Lawrence Center Marilyn Claire*° Dr. William Combs Helen Cook*° Dr. Karen Dacey* Hon. Maxwell and Barbara Davison (z”l)° Dr. Bruce Feldman° Dr. Eric J. and Amy* Fels Dr. Hal and Kimberly Folander Jerome and Sally Frank Dr. Ronald and Emily* Freudenberger Dr. Henry and Monica* Friess and Family Neil and Edyth* Glickstein° Dr. Gordon and Rose Lee* Goldberg° Mitzi Goldenberg* Dr. Marsha Gordon* Dr. Robert M. Gordon° Morris and Dyna Gorfinkel Memorial Fund Dr. David Greenberg Dr. Robert and Tracy Grob Dr. Paul Gross° Bennett Grossman Drs. Harvey and Melissa* Hakim Esther Halperin*° Hausman Family Dr. Howard Horne Dr. Howard Israel° Dr. John Jaffe° Dr. Jeffrey and Nancy Jahre Roland and Dorothy Joseph Rabbi Allen and Toby* Juda° Dr. Robert and Janice* Kaplan Dr. Barbara Katz* Drs. Andrew and Deborah* Kimmel Mark and Patty Klein° Dr. Joshua and Teri* Krassen Dr. Robert and Stephanie* Kricun° Dr. Michael and Fay* Kun Ferne Rodale Kushner*° Merry Landis*° Dr. Michael and Carole* Langsam Dr. Brian LeFrock Dr. Paul and Diane* Lemberg and Family Mort and Myra Levy Philanthropic Fund Dr. Jay and Evelyn* Lipschutz° Dr. Richard and Roberta* London° Dr. Eiran Mandelker Dr. Gerald and Ethel* Melamut° Robert and Betty* Mendelson Dr. Michael and Cary* Moritz Dr. Robert and Amy* Morrison Taffi Ney*° Dr. Mark and Alice* Notis° Frank Penn Family Fund Drs. Andrew and Flora* Pestcoe Rabbi Seth Phillips and Marge Kramer* The Ringold Family* Dr. Edward Rosenfeld Dr. Abraham and Nancy* Ross
and Family Selma Roth* Dr. Michael and Lynn F.* Rothman Dr. Wayne Saunders Milton and Ronnie* Sheftel° Ruth Sheftel* Howard and Susan* Sherer Marshall and Nina* Silverstein° Dr. Raymond and Bonnie* Singer Lynda Somach*° Dr. Ronald and Melissa Stein and Family Dr. Frederic A. and Gilda Stelzer° Fred and Barbara* Sussman Fred and Barbara K.* Sussman° Dr. Adam and Elysse* Teichman Dr. Ryan and Carah* Tenzer Marsha Timmerman*° Dr. Edward Tomkin and Sandra Wadsworth Dr. Darren and Stefanie* Traub Dr. Marc and Susan* Vengrove° Dr. Andrew Wakstein Dr. Benjamin and Ellen Weinberger° Steven and Margo* Wiener° Susan Wild* Gail Wolson*° Dr. Eric and Helaine* Young Dr. Larry and Debra Zohn° Anonymous (5) CHAVERIM $500 - $1,499 Richard and Karen* Albert° Steven Aronsky Dr. Richard and Judith* Aronson° Marietta Banach* Tama Lee Barsky* Richard and Joan* Bass Dr. Sherri Bassner* Sanford and Patricia* Beldon Dr. Harry and Donna Berger 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° Michael and Rita* Bloom° Akiva and Rachel* Boonswang Dr. Stuart and Joan* Boreen Dr. Jeffrey and Nan* Bratspies° Harry and Edna* Brill° Evelyn H. Brown*° Richard and Kira* Bub Gordon Campbell Harvey and Elizabeth* Cartine Robert Cohen and Michelle Hindin Richard and Ruth* Derby° Eduardo and Jeanette* Eichenwald° Dr. Mark and Ellyn* Elstein° Dr. Thomas and Roni* Englert and Family° Joan Epstein*° Dr. Neil and Ellen* Feldman Finkelstein Family Fund Charles Fletcher Memorial Fund Jules and Tama Fogelman Family Fund Dr. Ari and Margee* Forgosh Neil and Marjorie* Forgosh Hon. Robert and Ronnie Freedberg° Ronald and Olga* Gelber Brian and Alyssa* Goldberg Dr. Gordon and Rose Lee* Goldberg° Barry Goldin and Cheri Sterman* Dr. Eric Goldman Drs. Zach and Andrea* Goldsmith 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° Roslyn Holtz* Dr. David and Susan Hyman° Gwen Jacobs* Dr. Joseph Jacobs Selma Jacowitz* Carol Jaspan* Andrew and Nancy Kahn Seth and Kathi* Katzman° Dr. Jay and Phyllis* Kaufman° Dr. Corey and Lisa* Kirshner Drs. William and Susan* Kitei° Maxine S. Klein*° Dr. Elwood and Marilyn* Kolb° Paul and Dore Kottler Judy Krasnov*° Linda Kreithen*° Karen Kuhn*° David and Jordan Kurlansik Dr. Hartley Lachter and Dr. Jessica Cooperman* Lawrence M. Lang and Elaine N. Deutch* Dr. Paul H. and Elaine* Langer° Gerson Lazar Family Fund Martha B. Lebovitz*° Dr. Henry and Susan* Lehrich Bernard and Laurie Lesavoy--
Lesavoy Butz & Seitz LLC The Eva Levitt Knitting Project Dr. Edward Levy Dr. Lisa* and Rivki Lindauer Dr. Sheldon and Paula* Linn Scott and Allison* Lipson Eric Luftig Jean Mandel*° Ryan Mattison Dr. David and Robyn Meir-Levi David and Judy* Mickenberg Edith Miller*° Dr. Gary and Debbie* Miller° Morton and Judy* Miller Michael Molovinsky° James and Shelah Mueth Dr. Jonathan Munves Jay and Bobbi* Needle Marc Nissenbaum° Dr. William and Marjorie Ofrichter° Dr. David and Carole* Ostfeld° Dr. David and Ann* Packman Leon and Elaine* Papir° Alan and Roberta* Penn° Henry and Phyllis* Perkin Allen and Sandra* Perlman Edward and Beth* Posner° Alison Post* Michael and Ilene* Prokup° Dr. Mitchell and Carol Rabinowitz° Elaine Rappaport-Bass*° Drs. Jason Rudolph and Stacey* Resnick Dr. Max L. and Helen Robbins Dr. Howard and Lisa* Rosenberg° Joseph Rosenfeld and Jonathan Rosenfeld Adam and Penny* Roth and Family Dr. Charles and Sheila* Saunders° Marcia Schechter*° Nathan and Rusty* Schiff Dr. Michael and Heidi* Schiffman° Michael and Brenna Schlossberg John Schneider Bernard and Sara* Schonbach Lillian Schwab Memorial Fund Dr. Andrew and Jacqueline Schwartz Renee Schwartz*° Schwartz Family Fund Dr. Howard and Tamara Selden Randi and Donald Senderowitz Fund Dr. Edward and Sally* Shapiro° Elliot and Linda Sheftel° H. Sheftel Memorial Fund Helaine Sigal* Dr. Bruce and Donna Silverberg Dr. Howard and Diane* Silverman° Rabbi Melissa B. Simon* and Rena Fraade* Rabbi Michael Singer and Alexis Vega-Singer* Dr. Bruce and Ardeth* Smackey Richard and Allison Staiman Marcy Staiman* Lenore Stecher* Dr. Phil and Diane* Stein Dr. Richard and Arlene* Stein° Dr. Stanley and Manya Stein Hon. Robert L. Steinberg Kevin Stempel Aimee Stewart* Dr. David and Laurie Strassman Dr. Michael F. Stroock° Fred and Barbara K.* Sussman Fund Ron Ticho and Pam Lott* Dr. Mark and Abby* Trachtman Janet Ulman* 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* David and Deborah* Wiener Jerry and Flossie* Zales° Richard and Cherie* Zettlemoyer Debbie Zoller* Anonymous (24) SHORASHIM $250 - $499 Herma Abramson* Vivian Appel* Dr. Mark Auerbach Joan Balkwill*° Miriam Bandler*° Dr. Peter and Barbara Barbour Randy and Jodi* Barson R. Bill Bergstein° Andrew and Dr. Christy* Block and Family Dr. Neil and Christy Boderman° Samuel and Ann Born Foundation Sally Brau*° Dr. Scott Brenner Allen and Marjorie* Carroll Marcia K. Cohen*° Temple and Ann Coldren Coleman Family Fund Howard and Catherine* Coleman Natalie Coleman*° Roger and Sharon* Collins Donald Denburg°
Albert and Eva* Derby Dr. George and Roberta* Diamond° Marc and Judy* Diamondstein Richard Director Fred and Gail* Eisenberg Jack and Shirley* Engelson° Melissa Falk* Dr. Alex Feig° Marcia Felkay*° Dr. Ellen Field* Harry and Amy* Fisher Brian and Emily* Ford Phyllis Ford* Dr. Allan and Sandra* Futernick Renee Gittler*° Dr. Barry and Sharon* Glassman Rhoda Glazier*° Glazier Furniture° Ann Goldberg* Amy Golding* Libby Golomb*° Allan and Mary Goodman° Ellen Gordon* Dr. H. William and Ruth* Gross° Lothar and Wendy Gumberich Mark and Alice Gutman Etta Heller* Lisa Jeffery* James and Andrea* Jesberger Irving Kaplan° Dr. Binae Karpo* Carolyn Katwan* Iris Klein*° Mark Klein Family Fund Lillian Kobrovsky*° Joshua and Danielle Kroo Suzanne Lapiduss* Dr. Judith Lasker*° Olivier and Alice* Level Gilfrid and Michele* Levy Eileen Lewbart Dr. Irwin and Linda Lewis Herbert Litvin Robert and Shirley* Malenovsky° Marvi Family Fund Katherine Molinaro* Sandy Newman* Dr. Michael and Martina Obenski° Stephen Phillips Daniel Pomerantz Fund Seymour (z”l) and Sandra* Preis° Raab Fund Julian Rappaport and Toby Brandt° Jeffrey Rembrandt Harry and Carole* Rose° Rosenau Family Fund Michael and Linda Rosenfeld° Gerald and Selma Roth Family Fund Cary Rothstein* Alexandra Sacher Philanthropic Fund Dr. Matthew and Keren* Saltz Joel and Linda Scheer Terry Schettini and Barbara Yudis* Henry and Isabel Schiff° Jane Schiff* Leon Schneider James and Sandra* Schonberger° Dr. Gregg Schubach Stuart and Susan* Shmookler Reba Scoblionko* Laurie Shenkman* Dr. Laurence and Mimi* Silberstein° Dr. Roger and Marna* Simon° Beth El Sisterhood° Keneseth Israel Sisterhood° Sons of Israel Sisterhood° Adam and Stephanie* Smartschan Michael and Jane* Spitzer Dr. Mark Stein and Sharon Albert* Stephanie Szilagyi*° Dr. Jonathan Tenzer Family Fund Judy Toubin* Robert and Marcia* Weill Martin and Frances* Weinberg Joseph and Kristina* Weiner Michael Weinstein Rabbi David and Dr. Rachel* Wilensky Bernard and Adele* Wolensky° Bruce and Alicia* Zahn Zelickson Family Fund Dr. Robert and Susanna* Zemble Debby Ziev* Anonymous (22)
Twenty foursomes hit the links on June 20 for the 5th Annual Mortimer S. Schiff Memorial Golf Tournament, a Lexus of Lehigh Valley Champions for Charity tournament.
Dr. Mickey Ufberg, Taffi Ney and Roberta Kritzer take the 60 Day Challenge! New gifts and increases were matched dollar for dollar over the 60 days.
Emily and Brian Ford, Super Sunday co-chairs, make the call to community members to secure their support for the 2016 Campaign for Jewish Needs.
KEHILLAH $100 - $249 Linda Adler* Richard and Maria* Ain Isabella Alkasov* Florence Applebaum* Elaine Atlas*°
The donors noted above represent gifts to the JFLV 2016 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 2016 Campaign for Jewish Needs ° Indicates Silver Circle member
Nat and Erica Hyman with Dr. Ronen Hoffman, a former member of the Knesset and the speaker for last year's major donor reception. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2016 13
Pnina Avitzur* Dr. Marsha Baar*° Karen Bader*° Karen Bardawil* Don and Robie* Barga Michael and Barbara* Bassano Belman Family Fund Dr. Neil Belman Millie Berg Memorial Fund Elaine Berk* Neal Berkowitz Scott Berman Dr. Jason and Roslyn* Birnbaum Dr. Joan Bischoff* Randi Blauth* Glenn and Melisa Block° Stephen and Ellen* Blumberg Amy Born Fund Ilya Borshansky John Botzum and Miriam Harris* Botzum Joan Brody*° Victor and Leslie* Bunick Robert and Gail* Burger Betty Burian* Sara Camuti* Muriel Charon* Audrey Cherney*° Arnold Cohen Zachary and Ginny* Cohen Jerome and Audrey* Cylinder° Arianna Delin* Ben Delin Noah Delin Leah Devine* Brooke Dietrick* David and Cindy* Drill David and Vikki* Dunn Dr. Abbott and Judy* D’ver° Barbara Einhorn* Lisa Ellis Fund Eleanor Extract* Samuel and Lynn* Feldman° Brad and Robyn* Finberg Harris and Sandi* Fine Michael Finley and Audrey Ettinger* Vivian Fishbone* Lance and Marian* Flax Atty. Jeffrey Fleischaker and Dr. Ophira Silbert* Andrea Denny Foucek* Julie Fraenkel Fund Jerry and Bette* Friedenheim Dr. Michael and Traci Gabriel Murray and Linda* Garber°
Dr. Eric Gertner Jerome and Gloria* Ginsburg° Gary and Pat* Glascom Lauren Glick* Julia Goldberg* Becky Goldenberg* Alex, Samantha, and Zach Goldman Brian and Judith* Goldman Mark Kennedy and Arlene Gorchov* Aaron Gorodzinsky Donald Greenberg Arlene Griffin*° Merle Grollman* Shirley F. Gross*° Tom and Rita* Guthrie° Marion Halperin*° William and Sharon* Hamilton Suzanne Harris* Alvin and Arlene* Herling° Marjorie Hertz* Syman and Anita* Hirsch Rima Hirsch* Stuart and Hope* Horowitz° Dr. Michael Hortner Michael and Tina* Imerman Charles and Dale Inlander° Baron Jasper Chelsea Karp* Katz Family Dr. Lewis and Joan* Katz Daniel and Anne* Kaye Ludmila Khodorkovsky* Kimmel Family Fund Renee B. Kleaveland* Jerry Knafo Jeffrey Koch Alyssa Komarow* Dr. Arnold and Barbara* Kritz Ruth Kugelman*° Gary and Jennifer* Lader Dr. Samuel and Sharon* Land Peter and Madeline* Langman Gilbert and Judy* Lappen Mary Laronge* Frederick and Sherry Lesavoy° Leonard and Janice Levy Paul Levy and Helen Mack-Levy Joan Lichtenstein*° Boris and Ellen Lifschutz Elizabeth Lischner* Dr. Zalman Liss° Morton Litwak Dr. Henry and Pat Luftman Anne Lyons* Reba Marblestone
Steven Markowitz° Susan Mellan Memorial Fund Eugene Meyer and Dr. Lisa Jean Todes* Janis Mikofsky* Gary and Diane* Miller° Judy Miller* Norman and Maxine* Miller° Natalie Millrod* Rabbi Alan and Patricia* Mittleman° Steven and Judy Molder Gladys Morgenstein*° Amy Morrison* Joyce Morse* Judith Murman* Hank and Jill* Narrow Dr. Douglas and Ruth* Nathanson Howard and Jill Nathanson Jerome and Norma* Neff° Richard and Paula* Nelson Audrey Nolte* Robert Orenstein Debbie Ovitz*° Papir Family Fund Dr. Ilan and Sima Peleg Joseph and Eve* Peterson Dr. Peter Pettit Linda Piesner* Mark and Nina* Pinsley Dr. Matthew and Denise* Pollack Adina Poresky Family Fund Patti Price* Abram and Alyssa Pure Martin Rapoport Eric Rappaport and Choty Andres* Rabbi Moshe and Adina Re’em Bruce and Enid* Reich David Reiff Ruth Reiter* Charles Richter and Lynda Pollack* Ira and Erica* Robbins Dr. Joel Rosenfeld Myra Rosenhaus* Debra Ross* Wendy Rothstein* Ryan Sacher Philanthropic Fund Alan and Mary* Salinger° Gerald and Etta* Salman° Dr. Norman and Jett* Sarachek° Helene Rae Scarcia* Seith Schentzel Elana Schettini Fund Noah Schettini Fund Mike and Ellyn* Schindler Leon Schneider Ivan and Jill* Schonfeld
Lewis Schor° Sally Schraden* Dr. Arthur Levine and Dr. Janet Schwartz* Brian Segel Lynne Shampain*° Adrian Shanker and Brandon Pariser Ezra Shapiro Dr. Stephen Shore Stanley Shrager Dr. Andrew Shurman Barry Siegel° Sheldon and Lolly* Siegel Serita Silberg* Linda Silowka*° Abigail Silverman* Jessica Silverman* Shelly Silverman* Micki Sinclair* Ruth Skoglund* Dr.Yehuda and Victoria* Smooha° Anne Snyder-Lyons* Susan Sosnow* Michael and Sybil* Stershic Rabbi Danielle Stillman David Vaida and Cantor Ellen Sussman* Matthew and Tracy* Sussman Kenneth Szydlow Norman Tahler Julie Thomases* Selma Tomkin* Alan and Enid* Tope° Sharon Trinker* Dr. William and Rae Tuffiash° Dr. Mark and Gayle* Unger° Sharone and Lora* Vaknin Dr. Steven Vale and Dr. Jennifer Gell* Volk Family Fund Dr. Arkady and Ilana* Voloshin Lynn Waite* Debbie Walther* Ben and Danny Wax David Weiner Martin and Frances* Weinberg Marjorie Weiss* Dr. Brian and Joy* Wernick Alfred Wiener Family Fund Norman and Sandra* Wruble Anonymous (30) GENESIS $1 - $99 Bonnie Abrams* Marvin and Sylvia* Adler Aaron Alkasov
Gregory and Seli* Allen David and Randi* Anderson Scott Appleman Dr. Mark Auerbach Max Averbach Zoey Averbach* David and Carmit* Bach Terrence Baker Jayson and Nurit* Baron Dr. Susan Basow* Marla Beck* Delores Bednar* Michael Benioff Jan Bensimhon* Lillian Benton* Arthur and Phyllis Berg Stephanie Berman* David Bernfeld Jeffrey and Lisa* Bernfeld Marc and Sara* Bernstein Nancy Bernstein* Jerome Block Dr. Neil Blumenthal Igor and Alla* Bolotovsky Dr. Edward and Lila* Borshansky Gerald and Audrey Brandis Mark Breitbart Aydele Brenner Tzedakah Fund Benjamin Brenner Fund Anita Brody* Ziona Brotleit* Neil and Diane Brown Jerry and Wilma Brucker Victor Bunick Joyce Camm* Dena Cedor* Fran Chizeck* Linda Chmielewski*° Elena Cohen Charity Fund Andrew Cook Dr. Karen G. Cook* and Caity Kanengiser Eric and Joanne* Daniels Edwin and Rabbi Melody* Davis Arianna Delin Fund Noah Ryan Delin Fund David Deneberg Betty Diamond* Marilyn Doluisio*° Sandra Dror* Vicki Duerr* Helen Ebert* Wendy Edwards* David Eiskowitz Joseph Epstein and Sheryl Feinstein
Dr. Sam Bub, Dr. Carol Bub Fromer and Dr. David Bub try out the ambucycle that the Maimonides Society purchased for Ma’alot, Israel in honor of the society’s 30th anniversary.
Iris Epstein, campaign chair, Beth Kozinn, event chair and Eva Levitt, Women’s Division president, with Women’s Division Spring Event speaker Julie Orringer.
Dr. Bob Wilson receives the Pomerantz Award for Campaign Excellence at the Federation’s Annual Meeting.
Four generations of the Block family enjoy Jewish Heritage Night at the IronPigs, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.
14 SEPTEMBER 2016 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Anita Evelyn* Inna Eyzerovich* E.G. Jerry Farris* Sharon Feldman* Brenda Finberg* Fredda Fischman* Claudia Fischmann Fund Diana Fischmann Fund Veronica Fischmann Fund Adele Fisher* Diane Fisher*° Terry Fisher Jennifer Fracas* Keith and Randi* Fraley Mark and Lauri* Franko Marla Freedman* Michael and Sandra Freeman Ann Friedenheim* Fran Gaines* Renee Galgano* Steve Gallin Laura Garber* Dr. Debra Garlin* Barbara Garrison* Arnon Gavish Gail Gelb* Nancy Gevirtz Memorial Fund Samuel Gevirtz Mitzvah Fund Cathy Gilbert* Libby Glass* Barry Glassman Shelley Goldberg* and Family Caroline Goldblat* Dr. David Goldner Dr. Malvin and Lillian* Goldner David and Tova* Goldstein Martin Goldstein° Nathaniel and Joanna Golub Nissa Gossom* Betty Greenberg*° Elizabeth Greenberg* Judith Greenberg* Rosaly Greenberger* Harry and Paula* Grines Herman and Maryalice Gross Lila Gross* Marcel and Sharon* Guindine Rabbi Yaacov and Devorah Halperin* Bernice Harris* Dolores Heller* Greg Heller-LaBelle Ted Herstein Philip Heyman Carolyn Hoffman* Dorothy Hoffman*° Robert and Arlene* Hurwitz Michael and Donna* Iorio Dr. Lubov Iskold* Nina Jackson* Sondra Jacobs*° Douglas and Amy* Jaffe Harry and Grace Kagan Dr. Susan Kahlenberg* Honey Kandel* Sidney and Helene* Kaplan Harriet Karess* Lorraine Karess* Gary Kaskowitz Jeremy Katz Chaim and Carol Kaufmann Ilena Key* Lisa Kitterman* Paula Klein* Herbert Klivan Rosine Knafo*° Deborah Kohler*° Barry Konigsberg James and Kathleen Koones Lucy Korsky* Paul and Dore Kottler Barbara Kowitz* Brett and Hilary Kricun Dr. Ronald Krisch Diane LaBelle* Jill Lang* Daniel and Daniella Leisawitz Maur and Doe* Levan° Bob and Ilene* Levin-Dando Cindy Levine* Lee and Mary Jane* Levine Rebecca Levine* Barbara Levinson* Nancy Levy* Eileen Lewbart* Julian Lewis Liron Libovitsh* Howard Lieberman Doris Lifland* Dr. David Lischner Raymond and Emilia* Livezey Marylou Lordi* David and Marilyn* Louick° Jodi Lovenwirth* Rebecca Lovingood* Rochelle Lower* Caren Lowrey* Gloria Lowy* Daniel Lubczanski Art Lukoff Leonard Lutsky° Karla Lyle* Michael and Pam Magnan Ronald and Patricia Malvin Itzik and Elvira* Mana
David and Susan* Manela Louise Mapstone* Herman Albert Margolis Beth Marquardt* Aliza Martin* Chahine Marvi* Robert Mayer and Jan Muzycka* Debrosha McCants* Ruth Meislin*° Betty Mikofsky* (z”l) Julia Miles* Murray Milkman° Dr. Robert and Ellen Miller* and Family Stanley Miller Susan Mohr* Daniel and Larisa Morgenbesser Anne Morris* Patricia Morris* Joseph Mozes Memorial Fund David and Jane* Much William and Sharon* Mullin Jeffrey and Sharon* Murdoch Michael Mylnarsky Dr. Scott and Barbara* Naftulin Scott and Phyllis Naiden Mattathias Needle Myra Needle* Olivia Nolt* Richard Nolte Gary Nussbaum Maurice and Sandy* Ojalvo Cantor Jill Pakman* Dr. Alan Parker Cantor Jennifer Duretz Peled* The Pitkoff Family Jay and Marlene* Plotnick Mildred Poliner*° Aron and Adina* Preis Robert Prichard and Ellen Osher* The Purple Fund Alex and Nava Raban Loren Rabbat* Alan Raisman Linda Rich* Robert Rockmaker Dan and Mary* Rockman Theresa Romain* Phyllis Rothkopf* Steven and Ilene* Rubel Barbara Rudolph* Michele Salomon* Richard and Amy* Sams Deborah Sarachek* Mary Lou Scarf* Andrew Schaeffer Jennifer Schechner* Rachel Schmeidberg* Melvin and Pearl* Schmier Nolie Schneider* Donald Schwartz Dr. David Scoblionko Joy Scott* Lorraine Secouler* Marlee Senderowitz Fund Rissa Senderowitz Philanthropic Fund Richard and Dr. Cheryl* Shadick Robert and Maryanne Appleby-Shaffer Alan Shapiro Ezra Shapiro Shay and Allison* Shimon Greg and Pamela* Silverberg Silverman Family Fund Abigail Silverman Fund Jessica Silverman Philanthropic Fund Richard Silverman Debra Skinner* Monica Slutsky* Hillary Smith* Michael Smith Danielle Staiman Mitzvah Fund Alan and Lori Starr Lois Steinberg* Dr. Rima Strassman* Ronald Susser Norman and Cindy* Sussman° Carrie Tamutus* Sandi Teplitz*° David Teumim Donald Thaler Harriet Theodore* Earl and Sondra* Toland Saul and Sheila* Topolsky Nancy Trabin* Robert Trotner Ufberg Family Fund Inna Vishnevetsky* Nicholas and Jessica* Volchko Dori Wallace* Eugene and Alice Ward Cantor Kevin Wartell° Micki Wechsler* Marcia Weingartner* Les and Anita* Weintraub Stuart Winnick Jon and Francine* Wolfe Barbara Wolfgang* Gladys Yass* Herman and Jessica* Ytkin Krista Ytkin* Douglas and Marcia* Zakin Dr. Jeffrey and Susan Zlotnick Anonymous (19)
LION OF JUDAH DONORS Aliette Abo Sadie Berman Lion of Judah Endowment Rebecca Binder Donna Black Jill Blinder Nancy Bloch Wendy Born Carol Bub Fromer Nancy Cohen Karen Cooper Lisa Ellis
Iris Epstein Roberta Epstein Eileen Fischmann Tama Fogelman Lisa Fraenkel Jane Kay Friedberg Susan Gadomski Sandra Goldfarb Susan Grey Shirley Gross Bonnie Hammel Ellen Hof
Erica Hyman Deanne Kaplan Judy Auritt Klein Beth Kozinn Elaine Lerner Eva Levitt Barbara Reisner Shaoli Rosenberg Nicole Rosenthal Lisa Scheller Rita Scheller Lorrie Scherline
Vera Schiff Janice Schwartz Elizabeth Scofield Edith Simon Shari Spark Shelley Stettner Vicki Wax Jean Weiner Carol Wilson Ilene Wood Jeri Zimmerman
POMEGRANATE DONORS Sandy Abeshaus Marsha Abraham Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper Kelly Banach Sheila Berg Beverly Bloch Lisa Block Sylvia Bub Patricia Carlis Marilyn Claire Helen Cook Karen Dacey Beth Delin Tamar Earnest Marlene Finkelstein Veronica Fischmann Shirley Furmansky
Ann Ginsberg Linda Glickman Edyth Glickstein Norma Goldenberg Nancy Goldman Marsha Gordon Patricia Gribben Carol Halper Esther Halperin Jane Kaplan Barbara Katz Deborah Kimmel Lynda Krawitz Roberta Kritzer Ferne Kushner Merry Landis Lois Lipson
Lisa Markowitz Jane Markson Claudia Mattison Jeannie Miller Linda Miller Judith Morrison Amy Morse Taffi Ney Nancy Oberlender Diana Orenstein Lota Post Rhoda Prager Judith Rodwin Robin Rosenau Selma Roth Cathy Sacher Deena Scoblionko
Martha Segel Judy Sheftel Ronnie Sheftel Ruth Sheftel Amy Silverman Audrey Sosis Margery Strauss Tama Tamarkin Eileen Ufberg Laurie Wax Barbara Weinrach Susan Wild Gail Wolson Valeska Zighelboim
MAIMONIDES SOCIETY DONORS Marc Abo Houman Ahdieh Howard Altman Marcus Averbach Alan Berger Marc Berson Jeffrey Blinder John Brown David Bub Sam Bub Carol Bub Fromer Michael Busch Ian Carlis William Combs Mitchell Cooper Karen Dacey Beth Delin Tamar Earnest Lisa Ellis Bruce Feldman Eric Fels Jay Fisher Peter Fisher Hal Folander Ronald Freudenberger Henry Friess Jeffrey Gevirtz Gene Ginsberg Mark Gittleman
Lawrence Glaser Ronald Glickman Harold Goldfarb Zach Goldsmith Marsha Gordon Robert Gordon David Greenberg Robert Grob Harvey Hakim Eric Holender Howard Horne David Hyman Howard Israel John Jaffe Jeffrey Jahre Steve Kanoff Arthur Kaplan Robert Kaplan Barbara Katz Deborah Kimmel Wesley Kozinn Jeffrey Kramer Joshua Krassen Harold Kreithen Robert Kricun Michael Kun Howard Kushnick Brian LeFrock Paul Lemberg
Lawrence Levitt Richard London Eiran Mandelker Moshe Markowitz William Markson Gerald Melamut Jay Melman Michael Moritz Alan Morrison Robert Morrison Richard Morse Mark Notis Nancy Oberlender Steven Oberlender Gary Oxfeld Robert Palumbo Robert Post Richard Reisner Michael Ringold Alex Rosenau Edward Rosenfeld Jarrod Rosenthal Marvin Rosenthal Nicole Rosenthal Michael Rothman Wayne Saunders Andrew Schwartz 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 Darren Traub Michael Ufberg Marc Vengrove Stephen Volk Andrew Wakstein Robert Wax Benjamin Weinberger Robert Wilson Eric Young Michael Zager Israel Zighelboim Larry Zohn
2016 CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS Aliette Abo Isabella Alkasov Sheila Berg Larry Berman Susan Berman Lauren Berson Lawrence Bitterman Jeffrey Blinder Jill Blinder Andrew Block Rance Block Ross Born Wendy Born Carol Bub Fromer David Caine Lawrence Center Daniel Cohen Karen Cooper Jessica Cooperman Erin Corsa Justin Corsa Melody Davis Glenn Ehrich Eduardo Eichenwald Iris Epstein Amy Fels Eric Fels Eileen Fischmann Roberto Fischmann Peter Fisher
Brian Ford Emily Ford Barnet Fraenkel Gene Ginsberg Pat Glascom Lawrence Glaser Vicki Glaser Sandra Goldfarb Mark Gutman Harvey Hakim Barry Halper Rabbi Yaacov Halperin Robert Hammel Ronald Harrison Hillel Students at Muhlenberg, Lehigh, Lafayette, and Moravian Ellen Hof John Jaffe Rabbi Allen Juda Andrew Kahn Irving Kaplan Seth Katzman Beth Kozinn Roberta Kritzer Beth Kushnick Hartley Lachter Gary Lader Merry Landis Daniel Leisawitz
Diane Lemberg Paul Lemberg Eva Levitt Lawrence Levitt Henry Luftman Moshe Markowitz William Markson Betty Mendelson Jeannie Miller Linda Miller Michael Miller Taffi Ney Mark Notis Rabbi Seth Phillips Nina Pinsley Mark Pitkoff Alison Post Lota Post Alan Raisman Elaine Rappaport-Bass Bruce Reich Jeffrey Rembrandt Judith Rodwin Nan Ronis Carole Rose Jarrod Rosenthal Nicole Rosenthal Lynn Rothman Mark Scoblionko Martha Segel
Ronald Segel Barry Siegel Amy Silverman Rabbi Michael Singer Mark Stein Frank Tamarkin Tama Tamarkin Carah Tenzer Eileen Ufberg Michael Ufberg Kimberly Valuntas Robert Wax Vicki Wax Arthur Weinrach Barbara Weinrach Gerald Weisberger Carol Wilson Robert Wilson Ilene Wood Alicia Zahn Israel Zighelboim Valeska Zighelboim Kathy Zimmerman
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2016 15
By Michelle Cohen HAKOL Editor
To celebrate HAKOL’s 40th anniversary, we’re taking a look back at the history of the Lehigh Valley’s only Jewish newspaper. How did HAKOL change from the black and white, eight-page newspaper to the paper of today? Thanks to the efforts of editors, writers, and volunteers, HAKOL is looking stronger than ever. Just as we reflect on our actions from the past year during Rosh Hashanah, join the HAKOL staff as we present the main features that have changed over time.
AGENCIES
Over the years, HAKOL has worked with Jewish Family Service, the Jewish Day School and the JCC to distribute community news. Our involvement with JFS began in November 1976 with the first JFS page; JDS was first featured in an article in December 1976, followed by HAKOL’s first double-page photo spread in March 1980. The JCC picked up on this with a double-page center spread in April 1980.
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
Many HAKOL readers enjoy reading entire sections about particular interests. This feature began late in HAKOL’s history, with the first pullout section coming in November 1984 about a Federation-sponsored high school in Ma’alot, Israel. November 2006 featured a full-size extra paper, “Money Matters,” that prefaced some of our current special sections. The first modern special section, Senior Living, was featured in August 2007, followed by the first Homes and Gardens in February 2008. Today, HAKOL features six special sections a year!
UNITING THE COMMUNITY
HAKOL began as a publication from the Jewish Federation of Allentown, but it didn’t take long to begin including news from around the Lehigh Valley. One page per month was dedicated to Easton news starting in September 1977, along with an increase in pages from 8-12 to make more room for community matters. Bethlehem news got its first page in November 1977, and for the following three years, each city got a separate page. This was changed in November 1980; reflecting a greater unity in the two areas, the two pages were called Lehigh Valley News and featured news from around the Valley as a whole. Although Bethlehem and Easton residents began paying a $6 annual rate for HAKOL in October 1983, this division was short-lived as the three Federations banded together to form the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley in September 1992. Since 1992, HAKOL has been considered a publication of all three major Lehigh Valley cities, and the news is no longer separated out into different pages. We are all one!
HAKOL’S FIRST DECADE IN AWARDS HAKOL began winning awards nearly as soon as it was formed. After its first year of publication, it was cited as a “superior publication” by the Council of Jewish Federations Public Relations Awards Committee. Just one year later, in November 1978, HAKOL was the only “small Jewish community” newspaper winning a “Best Newspaper” award, alongside major cities like Chicago, Baltimore and San Diego. The following year, HAKOL received another accolade from the CJF, this time the “Public Relations Award” for the best
16 SEPTEMBER 2016 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
non-advertising newspaper. 1980 was another proud year for HAKOL, as it was selected as an “outstanding Anglo-Jewish newspaper” by the CJF. In 1984, HAKOL received the “Best Newspaper” award once more, giving the paper a round five awards in its first seven years. Flash forward to modern times and HAKOL is still an award-winning newspaper today. In 2015, the paper took home its first Rockower Award from the American Jewish Press Association. It also took first place for “niche publications” in the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association’s Keystone Press Awards.
ADVERTISING IN HAKOL
Although advertising is a key feature of HAKOL today, surprisingly, HAKOL started out as a non-advertising paper. Initially, only Federation events were featured, such as the paper’s first full-page ad in November 1979, which advertised “Significant Sunday.” October 1984 was the first sponsored issue, which was sponsored by 1st National Bank. It wasn’t until March 1996 that ads for non-Federation events began to run, and the ads quickly began to take over the paper – in May 1996, ads filled the entire front page! HAKOL finally waded into paid advertising at the end of 2002, which helped pave the way for longer issues, special sections and a full color newspaper in 2012.
HAKOL IN HISTORICAL MOMENTS
HAKOL has always endeavored to keep the Lehigh Valley Jewish community informed about Jewishrelated issues all over the globe. One major way this was implemented through the decades was in special issues, which arrived either as supplements to or in lieu of the regular HAKOL that month. The first special issue, which was published by the Anti-Defamation League, was a fullsize paper about the history and issues surrounding Jewry in Russia. In July 1982, Operation Peace for Galilee, an Israeli military operation in southern Lebanon, got its own special issue, which included basic information about the operation as well as justifications, objections, myths and truths, as well as how Federation funds were helping Israeli citizens. A special issue at Pesach in 1989 encouraged action in a rally for Soviet Jews, continuing a prominent theme of HAKOL’s international news for the 1980s. Although there has not been a special edition since June 1991, which featured information and ways to help in Operation Solomon, which brought Ethiopian Jews to Israel, HAKOL has continued to feature a variety of ways to stay informed about and involved with the international Jewish community.
BANNERS OVER THE YEARS The many changes to HAKOL have been accompanied by new banners. Take a look at all the different ways HAKOL’s front page has looked over the years!
1976
1978 1992
HAKOL’S JOURNEY TO FULL COLOR
HAKOL’s full-color modern pages are a far cry from the original, black-and-white newsprint of the 1970s. The first splash of color appeared in the center spread in December 1980, featuring a blue that later became a signature color for the paper. Although the Pesach 1981 campaign report featured red throughout, it took until 1985 for one color to run throughout the paper. This reverted, however, and it took until 2001 for color to run through the paper in the headlines and some ads. Initially, this color would change with every issue, but the color quickly changed to a standard blue. Full color was hinted at in the Yom Ha’atzmaut mission supplement in June 2006, with full color pictures and headlines, and it recurred in the November 2006 “Money Matters” extra paper. March 2008 marked the first full color center photo spread in HAKOL, and although the December 2008 full paper feature on an Israel mission trip was in full color, readers had to wait until September 2012 for all HAKOLs to be in full color.
We will continue to dip into our archives throughout the year. Keep an eye out for more HAKOL history in upcoming issues.
2001
2008
2012 HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2016 17
Share the warmth of the High Holidays and celebrate a sweet new year by donating new or gently used children’s coats (infant-age 16) and hot chocolate mix to the Jewish Family Service Community Food Pantry. Items may be dropped off at JFS, JCC or JDS in October.
18 SEPTEMBER 2016 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
“I feel a sense of reward when I attend programs at the JDS, where I get to see young minds blossoming.” – Dr. Eric Fels
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2016 19
20 SEPTEMBER 2016 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
SCHOOL OF VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS
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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2016 21
Lehigh Valley Pride brings Jewish community together By Rena Fraade Special to HAKOL
Adrian Shanker, executive director of the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, welcomes participants to the center before a Shabbat service. He reflected on the fittingness of the community reaching the milestone of its inaugural Pride Shabbat service.
22 SEPTEMBER 2016 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
The weekend of Aug. 1921 marked the Lehigh Valley’s 22nd Pride Weekend. After the Stonewall Riots in New York City in 1969, the gay community began marking the anniversary with a march which has grown in many communities into “Pride”
festivals. Pride is an opportunity for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community, as well as their allies, to come together to celebrate and remember. On Friday night, six congregations gathered at the new BradburySullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown to welcome Shabbat together. Clergy representatives from Muhlenberg College Hillel, Congregation Keneseth Israel, Temple Beth El, Temple Israel of Lehighton and Temple Shirat Shalom led the Shabbat service from the non-denominational siddur created by Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in New York City. Lay leaders from congregations also led prayers and readings from the siddur. The keynote was presented by Steven Goldstein, formerly of Garden State Equality and currently of the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect. He focused on the importance of sharing your stories with others so they can better understand who you are, as well as the importance of
taking immediate action when witnessing injustice. The evening concluded with an oneg sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. This was the first time a community Shabbat service has been held for Pride in the Lehigh Valley and participants have already expressed their excitement for next year. A highlight of the Pride weekend in the Lehigh Valley is the Sunday afternoon Festival in the Park at Cedar Creek Beach in Allentown. This year, three Lehigh Valley congregations, Am Haskalah, Keneseth Israel and Temple Covenant of Peace, all of whom had previously had separate tents, shared tents at the Pride Festival to represent a unified Jewish community that stands with and wants to support the LGBT community. Festival-goers appreciated the watermelon and stickers that were distributed. Representatives from the synagogues were able to talk to passersby about Jewish life in the represented congregations as well as catch up with friends.
Finding hope for my country during D.C. internship
Ben Notis with Rep. Charlie Dent. Ben worked as an intern in Rep. Dent’s office this summer.
By Ben Notis Special to HAKOL During the second half of the summer, I interned with Rep. Charlie Dent’s office in Washington, D.C. A large part of my responsibilities included answering phone calls from constituents. I entered my internship with a pervading sense of a fear regarding the nation’s future. As I continued my work, however, I was able to orient my conversations and thoughts around the perspective of hope, a way of creating future-oriented practical solutions. Hope transcends party lines. During the last legislative season, Rep. Dent sponsored an appropriations bill (HR-4974), which passed the House with bipartisan support. If the Senate reaches a majority vote, this bill will fund $1.1 billion in the fight against Zika. Hope is present during contentious partisan debates. During my first week, I was privileged to watch a debate on HR-5631, the Iran Accountability Act of 2016. A non-binding resolution, this act would advise against the sanctions relief offered by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the Iran Deal). What awed me was that both debating parties explicitly expressed their support for Israel. After over 12 years of living and breathing my Jewish-American version of Zionism, I was honored to see that the most powerful country in the world recognizes and supports the state of the Jewish people. Hope emerges when Jon Huntsman, U.S. ambassador to China, tells a group of interns that despite his loyalty to the Republican Party, he accepted his current appoint-
ment from President Obama. Although Huntsman had launched a brief campaign to run against the incumbent president in 2012, he chose to transcend politics to serve his country. Even though “we’ve become a national shooting gallery where the guns are iPhones and the words are bullets,” he said at the event, citizens should use faith to focus on the future and achieve concrete goals. Hope is practical. At another event, I spoke with Col. Richard J. Bew, a Marine and current legislative director for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He shied away from my philosophical description of hope and instead described it as a useful tool to propel oneself through difficult situations – which, ironically, confirmed my own ideas. In writing a narrative, though, I intentionally
exclude parts of the story – my exploration of the Capitol and the Library of Congress, thoughts about American civic culture, my inordinate consumption of Hershey’s chocolate, and of course, the office staff, who were exceptionally supportive in guiding me toward developing professional skills. It was an honor to work for the congressman who, in serving my district and community, also represents a balanced view of the diverse opinions and viewpoints of his constituency. Rep. Dent’s work in such a district embodies the values of bipartisanship, educated governance and the necessity of compromise that stems from a realist perspective. As my internship continued I saw that America’s civic culture is richly unique precisely because public servants such as Rep. Dent are committed to the virtue of hope. Ben Notis is a graduate of the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley.
The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley hosted its annual security training seminar for representatives from all of the Valley’s Jewish organizations. The seminar, conducted by U.S. Security Care, Inc., a firm that specializes in security training, focused on how to prevent and deal with unwanted intruders.
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Finding hope in the presence of Judaism in Poland By Eric J. Fels Special to HAKOL The first question I get about my recent trip to Poland is: why did we go? This is a difficult question to answer. Growing up in the post-Holocaust era, the mention of Poland immediately brought to mind images of death and destruction. The suffering in the ghettos and the indescribable horrors of the Nazi concentration and extermination camps filled my mind and the thought of going there filled me with fear. On the other hand, Poland was the center of Jewish life for almost 1,000 years. In fact, by the 16th century, 75 percent of the world's Jews lived in Poland. While anti-Semitism ebbed and flowed in the country during that time, overall, as a people, we thrived and Jewish culture achieved new heights during our time in Poland. As we prepared to leave for Poland, I remained torn. I feared confronting the center of pure evil I knew I would see in the camps, but I also felt a need to witness it myself. With few remaining Holocaust survivors, it is more important than ever that we educate ourselves about the Holocaust. I also wanted to learn more about the highlights of the 1,000-year history of our people, which is often lost due to the tragic end to our history in Poland during the Shoah. Poland remains a country which is struggling to understand its history. After World War II, Poland was Communist-
controlled behind the Iron Curtain. As a result, Polish society never dealt with its own issues of anti-Semitism which led to complicity in the Holocaust. At times, I felt their resistance to dealing with their complicity in the Shoah was driven by their own sense of victimhood and fear that acknowledgement of complicity in the Holocaust would somehow diminish their own suffering. It is important to remember three million Poles were killed during WWII and the general public suffered significant hardship during their occupation by Germany. While Poles fear a loss of recognition of their suffering, their suffering does not erase the anti-Semitism which existed in Poland. During the 1930s, there were boycotts of Jewish businesses. Quotas were placed to limit the number of Jews in the Universities and Jews were required to sit segregated on “ghetto benches” during lectures. During the war, Poles not only assisted the Germans, but committed crimes against Jews on their own. During the Jedwabne pogrom in 1941, Poles rounded up over 300 Jews, locked them in a barn, and burned them alive. Conversely, there were many Poles who risked their lives to save Jews. Poland was the only country in occupied Europe where giving any assistance to a Jew resulted in immediate death to the helper and their entire family. It is estimated that up to 50,000 Poles were killed purely for assisting Jews. Poles also represent the largest group amongst the Righteous of the Na-
tions at Yad Vashem. Poland continues with this dichotomy today. Since liberation from Communism in 1983, there has been considerable advancement in Polish study of their relationship with the Jews and Polish status during the war. A testament to this is the Polin Museum of the History of the Polish Jews in Warsaw, which opened in 2014. This museum, which won the 2016 European Museum of the Year, masterfully traces Jewish history in Poland from our initial immigration to post-Holocaust Poland. On the other hand, the commemoration of the Jedwabne pogrom took place while I was in Poland. The president of Poland spoke but the mayor of Jedwabne refused to attend, saying it never happened. Likewise, the minister of education made a statement denying Polish involvement. Traveling through Poland and studying Jewish history moved me between emotional highs and lows. Jewish migration to Poland peaked when we were expelled from Spain. The Polish king, hoping to develop his relatively poor country, welcomed the Jews and granted them full protection and rights under his crown. We were permitted to own land and granted freedom of worship. I reveled at the thought of what life was like at one time in the thriving Jewish quarter in Krakow, complete with shops, synagogues and yeshivas. After visiting the Historical Society in Warsaw, I was able to locate my grandfather's grandfather’s grave
An IDF unit, led by a Holocaust survivor, marches into Auschwitz-Birkenau. in the Jewish Cemetery cementing my personal connection to Poland. Other times were more difficult. I trembled in the crematorium at Majdanek, where the German officer in charge would bathe while watching the bodies being loaded into the ovens. The most powerful moment for me was when an IDF unit, with the Israeli flag held high, marched into Auschwitz-Birkenau. The column was led by a Holocaust survivor and followed by a soldier carrying a Torah. I could not hold back the tears. I could only think how things might have been different if that IDF unit had existed 70 years ago. I was surprised to learn that there is an active Jewish community in Poland. While I was there, the Chief Rabbi of Poland proclaimed Poland to be the best country in Europe for Jews. Warsaw has active synagogues, a JCC
and a Jewish day school. Even the Yiddish theater is well attended. Likewise in Krakow, the synagogues are active. We met the director of the Krakow JCC and learned about the incredible work they are doing. Every day someone comes to the JCC having learned from an aging parent or grandparent, often on their deathbed, that they are in fact Jewish and were hidden during the war. Their first question is usually “what does this mean?” The JCC is there to assist them during this incredible awakening and helps them learn about their heritage and introduce them to living as a Jew today. Despite the enormity of all I experienced in Poland, I was able to leave a bit uplifted by the light of the growing Jewish community in Poland today. While I still struggle to understand the meaning of all that I saw, I am clearly richer for the experience.
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New ‘twinning’ opportunities explored on visit to Sdot Yoav
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Amy Golding, along with her children Jackson and Lyla and her parents Eduardo and Jeanette Eichenwald, visits Yoav for the first time. Yoav is the Lehigh Valley’s sister region in Israel.
By Amy Golding Jewish Day School Interim Head of School There are, at times, journeys in life that provide us with new perspectives, opportunities and joys. I spent two weeks this summer in Israel with my parents and children, Jackson, age five, and Lyla, age three. We walked the streets of Tel Aviv. We swam in the Mediterranean Sea. We watched a sunset from the hills of Jaffa. We traveled underground to find new tunnels leading to the Kotel (Western Wall). We went shopping in a former German Templar Colony that now houses the hippest boutiques. And we hopped on a train to Kiryat Gat, a 15-minute car ride from the Yoav region. It was in Yoav that we discovered the quiet of Israel, the warmth of her people, the creativity of education, the dedication of a team of teachers, the exuberance of the youth movement, and the unification of a region made up of kibbutzim and moshavim. We were invited by the Yoav Regional Council because of the strong and enduring relationship between our two communities. The relationship between the Lehigh Valley and Yoav region is not the traditional one of supporting a town with financial assistance. Our relationship is also importantly about people to people and that is exactly what I experienced first-hand. Yonit Waldner Peleg, the passionate coordinator of Partnership2Gether in Yoav, planned an incredible day for us. Our major stop was at Sdot Yoav School, our Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley’s twinning school. Sdot Yoav enrolls 600
students from first to sixth grades and represents a large focus of the JDS and our community relationship with Yoav. We were greeted with Israeli hospitality par excellence and over food; we instantly connected on our commitment to continue to strengthen this wonderful twinning program. In addition to touring, the reason for the visit was to talk about our plans for the coming year. I met with Lea Ginzburg, the dedicated principal, Lili Rain, the warm vice principal, and Yifat Koren and Dafi Batat, the committed teachers that bring our twinning program to life. The ideas were abundant – how can Yoav students experience JDS’s modern science laboratory, what tikkun olam (social action) program we can collaborate on, how do we involve our younger students. We spent time discussing the four Yoav teens that were at the Camp JCC in the Lehigh Valley this summer and how much that experience impacts their lives and began percolating the idea of sending JDS graduates to Yoav for them to experience the same partnership and life-changing experience. We are thrilled to be able to start brainstorming how to bring these ideas to life with Elvira Mana, JDS’s new Hebrew teacher and Yoav coordinator. Morah Elvira will be collaborating with Ziv Menachem, a basketball coach and educator in Yoav, about how to expand off the successful model in place and bring these new ideas to fruition. The major and lasting memories of our day in Yoav are the graciousness, warmth and kindness of its people. We have been told time and
time again that we are one people and this experience cements that adage. We have so much to learn from one another. For my parents, it was their second visit to Yoav and each visit brings with it enhanced closeness to the land and to its people. Jackson and Lyla were lovingly embraced by our new friends. As for me, I look forward to the coming JDS school year enriched by the experiences that will guide and envelop our students in this partnership with the Yoav region.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2016 25
Israel’s judo Olympic medalists return home to hero’s welcome
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ELSA/GETTY IMAGES
Aly Raisman wins silver medal in Olympic gymnastics all-around
Aly Raisman posing for photographs after winning a silver medal in the all-around competition at the 2016 Rio Olympics at Rio Olympic Arena, Aug. 11, 2016.
Israeli judoka Ori Sasson, second from left, arriving at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, Aug. 15, 2016.
Aly Raisman won the Olympic silver medal in the women’s gymnastics all-around in Rio de Janeiro. The Jewish competitor from Needham, Massachusetts, finished second behind her American teammate Simone Biles on Aug. 11. Raisman, 22, is the U.S. squad’s captain and was a key part of its gold medal in the team competition two days earlier. The silver is her fifth Olympic medal overall. In 2012, she took the gold in the team and floor exercise competitions and won a bronze in the balance beam. Raisman and Biles became only the second pair of American women gymnasts to win the top two medals in the all-around competition. Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson won gold and silver, respectively, in 2008.
Hundreds of fans showed up at Ben Gurion Airport to welcome home Israel’s Olympic medal-winning judokas. Entering the arrivals hall at the international airport near Tel Aviv, Yarden Gerbi and Or Sasson were showered with flowers. Supporters waved flags, sang patriotic songs and held up pictures and posters of the athletes. The athletes stopped frequently on their way through the airport for selfies and hugs.
“I didn’t expect so much craziness,” Gerbi said, according to the Israeli news site Ynet, which reported that nearly 1,000 people packed the airport. Gerbi and Sasson both won bronze medals in judo at the Rio Olympics. The medals — which bring Israel’s all-time total to nine, five of them in judo — were a bright spot among disappointing performances and controversy for Israel in Rio.
Gerbi and Sasson have become instant national heroes and helped establish judo as Israel’s unofficial national sport. They were celebrated with headlines in the Israeli press and congratulatory phone calls from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. After beating Egypt’s Islam El Shehaby, who refused to shake his hand afterward, Sasson won two more matches before narrowly losing to undefeated French legend Teddy Riner. He then prevailed over Alex Mendoza of Cuba to earn the bronze in the men’s over 100-kilogram category. Gerbi defeated Miku Tashiru of Japan in the women’s under 63-kilogram category on Aug. 9 to claim her place on the Olympic podium. After refusing to shake Sasson’s hand, Shehaby was sent home and “strongly condemned’ by the Egyptian Olympic Committee, according to the International Olympic Committee. The IOC said the Egyptian’s behavior “was contrary to the rules of fair play and against the spirit of friendship embodied in the Olympic values.”
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15 books
to read with grandparents PJ Library Blog Whether they’re called Bubbe, Zayde, Savta, Saba, Nana, Papa, Grandma or Grandpa, there’s no denying that grandparents are special. Reading a story with a grandparent builds beautiful memories while also helping develop a child’s literacy. The following books highlight the very special relationship that children form with their grandparents: “A Grandma/Grandpa Like Yours” by Andria Warmflash Rosenbaum Recommended for ages 2-3 One book shares two rhyming, humorous stories of grandmas and grandpas, bubbes and zaydes, savtas and sabas – all of whom just happen to be adorable animals. “Grandma Rose’s Magic” by Linda Elovitz Marshall Recommended for ages 4-5 Grandma Rose sews and sews – and gives her projects away to everybody she knows. When she saves up for some nice dishes for herself, she gets a surprise. “Estie the Mensch” by Jane Kohuth Recommended for ages 3-4 Estie does not always know how to be around other people and sometimes when her grandmother reminds her to be a mensch, she’d rather not. She’d prefer to be a turtle or a seagull. Eventually, something happens that shows her grandmother and Estie herself what a mensch the girl can really be. “First Rain” by Charlotte Herman
Recommended for ages 5-6 When Abby moves with her family to Israel, she misses her grandmother and remembers the fun they had with each other. Writing to each other helps, but it doesn’t take the place of spending time together. “Gathering Sparks” by Howard Schwartz Recommended for ages 5-6 “Where did all the stars come from?” A grandfather offers an age-old Jewish explanation to his granddaughter and, in the process, teaches her about tikkun olam (repairing the world). “Like a Maccabee” by Barbara Bietz Recommended for ages 8 and up Only one thing stands between victory for Ben and his soccer team: a school bully who torments Ben. Feeling misunderstood by those who love him most, Ben finds an unexpected friend in his grandfather. My Grandfather’s Coat by Jim Aylesworth Recommended for ages 5-6 Grandfather made himself a coat when he came to America – and now it’s wearing out. What do you think he’ll do? (Hint: He doesn’t throw it out!) “Red, Blue and Yellow Yarn: A Tale of Forgiveness” by Miriam Kosman Recommended for ages 4-5 Danny’s grandmother is very prim and proper –and Danny is neither. He thinks that she doesn’t like him. But when Danny makes a big mistake, Bubbe surprises him – and shows him the love and forgiveness that is
passed down generation after generation. “Tea with Zayde” by Barney Saltzberg Recommended for ages 2-3 Teatime with Zayde is always fun! Lucky for this little one, he’s never far away, either – thanks to the miracle of the digital age. “The Always Prayer Shawl” by Sheldon Oberman Recommended for ages 8 and up In this poignant story of tradition and love passed along from one generation to the next, a prayer shawl makes its way from grandfather to grandson. “The Friday Nights of Nana” by Amy Hest Recommended for ages 3-4 In this intergenerational tale, Jennie and her grandmother find happiness in their joint preparations for the Sabbath.
the hustle and bustle of getting ready for Shabbat – and the peacefulness that settles when it arrives. “When Jessie Came Across the Sea” by Amy Hest Recommended for ages 6 to 7 Jessie lives in an Eastern European shtetl. The rabbi in her town decides to give Jessie his ticket to America, where she works for years to save enough money to send for her beloved
grandmother. “Yuvi’s Candy Tree” by Lesley Simpson Recommended for ages 8 and up Plucky Yuvi, a little Jewish girl living in Ethiopia, dreams of a place where candy grows on trees. Based on a true story, this book tells of Yuvi’s extraordinary journey to Israel with her grandmother -- a passage from famine and fear to oranges and freedom.
“The Shabbat Puppy” by Leslie Kimmelman Recommended for ages 4-5 Every Saturday Noah and his grandfather go for a walk together, looking for “Shabbat Shalom” – Sabbath Peace. For what seems like the longest time to the little boy, Grandpa won’t allow Mazel, Noah’s puppy, to join them. Eventually, though, the dog is permitted to join in, with sweet results. “This is the Challah” by Sue Hepker Recommended for ages 2 to 3 When Bubbe and her grandchild bake challah for Shabbat, they make a big mess -- and have a great time doing it. Told in rhyme, this story illustrates
PJ LIBRARY Family of the Month:
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My father’s family is Jewish and while I was raised Christian, I had very fond memories of experiencing the Jewish holidays and celebrations at my grandmother’s home, and that is why we have enjoyed the PJ Library program very much! Laine absolutely loves to read and to be read to. Her favorite PJ book is “A Kiss on the Keppie.” – ELLIE PASSMAN AL-KHAL To learn more about PJ Library and register to receive free Jewish-themed books for children from 6 months through 8 years, visit www.pjlibrary.org.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2016 27
My bar mitzvah in Israel
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Rabbi Yaacov Halperin of Chabad of Lehigh Valley joins Benjamin Dahan and his mother, Naomi Schachter, in celebrating his bar mitzvah in Israel.
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www.jcehrlich.com 610-433-2231 28 SEPTEMBER 2016 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
My bar mitzvah was the best experience of my life. I have never felt so happy and proud to be Jewish. My bar mitzvah was in Israel, at the Kotel, in Jerusalem. I hope everyone who reads this will consider having their children’s bar or bat mitzvah in Israel like mine. I want everyone to have the experience of reading his or her parshah at the Kotel and feeling connected to our thousands of years of history. When I got to Israel, I was really nervous about what would happen to me. Would there be a terrorist attack? Would I mess up when reading my parsha? Would I sleep in a nice hotel room? The first day of my bar mitzvah was the second day of my trip. It was Shabbos so thankfully my hotel, the David Citadel was close to the Kotel. My family and Rabbi Yaacov Halperin, who generously came to help with my bar mitzvah, went to the Kotel with me that day. Because we did the bar mitzvah in Israel and didn’t want to cause any more confusion, the only thing I was supposed to do that day was have an aliyah, the blessing before the torah reading. As the saying goes, “Man plans, G-d laughs.” When we arrived, Rabbi Halperin had found a fellow American Chabad Rabbi, also in Israel for a bar mitzvah, and had organized an American minyan so I could read Korach, the first parshah I had learned, but which wasn’t the parshah for this day in Israel. We started with Shacharit for about 45 minutes and then came the Torah service. Sam, the other American boy celebrating his bar mitzvah, said his aliyot, the first and second ones. I said the blessings for the third aliyah. Then my brother threw candy at me, but he missed. My mom told me that because she knew I still had it memorized because I had learned it so effortlessly, I should do the maftir for Korach. I was worried because I hadn’t practiced my maftir in over four months. Rabbi Halperin gave me a prayer book to help me practice while the sixth and seventh aliyot were happening. I surprised myself because I still knew the maftir for Korach. As I walked to the bimah and began reading the maftir out of the Torah, standing in front of the Kotel with my father by my side, I realized the power and significance of this moment. Not only was my hard work rewarded because I was able to read the first reading I had learned, but knowing that I too am walking in the footsteps of my
ancestors by traveling to this holy site to have a connection to our people and history and to know that many of our great leaders also stood where I stood, made me feel the strength of our heritage, traditions and beliefs. My bar mitzvah experience was not over. On Sunday, I walked all around Jerusalem, and on Monday my bar mitzvah continued. First, let me tell you one thing about myself: in new situations, I am very shy. This was a new situation. When I got out of the hotel (with my family and Rabbi Halperin) my tour guide, Ami, was waiting for us. We got into his car and he drove us about a quarter of a mile from the Kotel. When I got out of the car, there was a photographer and a woman named Lisa, who, with an American man named Boruch, helped plan the whole trip for us. There were two more people there. My mom decided I should have these two people blowing shofars, beating drums and singing/shouting songs, walking me to the Kotel. They started to blow the shofar loudly. I was, for lack of better words, shy, embarrassed and excited. They put a chuppah over my head and started singing, beating drums and dancing. Everyone there was looking at me, and my dad was trying to dance. I was forced to dance by Rabbi Halperin. Ami and the photographer took pictures. People on the street said “mazel tov” to me, and took pictures themselves. After the processional, I said goodbye and thank you to the drummers. I hate to admit it, but I really loved it. I also know that many people will be sharing pictures of their experiences in Jerusalem and I will be a part of it. Before we went to the Kotel, Rabbi Halperin took us to the tunnels beside/ under the Kotel. We were taken to an area that tourists are not typically allowed to go, where we met a scribe named Rabbi Sam. He then took us to this underground meeting place that had been excavated 15 years earlier where Jews would bring and tie their animals thousands of years ago. He showed us many cool things: teffilin rescued from the Holocaust that was so tiny it could fit into the palm of your hand, a Torah from the Babylonian times that I was able to read from and a very large mezuzah with which he let me become a scribe. (I was able to “write my letter in the Torah.”) After that, it was time to go to the Kotel. My mom’s friend’s mother, Sarah, was there to support me. We got a bimah on Bar Mitzvah Continues on page 29
GIVE A MITZVAH, DO A MITZVAH
13 mitzvahs performed by Bar Mitzvah By Abby Trachtman Project Coordinator Ethan Haykin will become a Bar Mitzvah on Sept. 10 at Temple Covenant of Peace in Easton. A seventh grade student at Easton Area Middle School, Ethan loves playing guitar, performing gymnastics, fishing and art. While many bar mitzvah students plan one big mitzvah project to go along with their bar mitzvah, Ethan decided to plan 13 smaller projects to celebrate becoming a bar mitzvah. Although there are 13 smaller ones, each is a wonderful big mitzvah to those he has helped. “The first mitzvah I performed was creating Chanukah cards for U.S. Jewish Troops. The students in my religious school and I made over 200 cards to give to the Jewish U.S soldiers fighting for our country. I did this to encourage the solders to keep fighting for what they believe in and to thank them for protecting us,” Ethan said. “The second mitzvah I performed was to participate in a PJ Library and Young Adult event at the JCC called ‘You Can Help’ where my mom and I helped pack Thanksgiving food packages for people who can’t afford a Thanksgiving meal,” Haykin continued. “For my third mitzvah, my mom drove me to people’s houses to deliver the food we had helped to pack up. I did this so that people that are poor can have food on a holiday.” “My fourth mitzvah involved donating shoes to people in South America, so the kids in South America could have shoes to wear. I volunteered to babysit younger kids at my brother’s school for the fifth mitzvah. For the sixth mitzvah, I collected items for birthday bags and then donated them to homeless shelters, so kids can who wouldn’t get anything for their birthday now will. My seventh and eighth mitzvahs are ongoing. I take care of my dog when my mom and dad are working. It is
important for me to help them because walking the dog is one less thing that they have to do and get stressed over. I also help my mom around the house. I help her clean and do chores so that she doesn’t have to.” “Other mitzvahs that I have done include donating money to a family of a child at my school who has lymphoma, donating food to a food drive, helping my brother, Ashton, with his school project, donating books to a library and clothes to the Salvation Army. I have also made an effort to attend every Friday night service that I could at synagogue.” “We are so proud of Ethan,” Dana Haykin, Ethan’s mother, said. He worked so hard to find ways to help others. It’s really what the bar mitzvah is all about.” In addition to his mitzvah projects, Ethan 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 call her at the Federation office at 610821-5500.
For Savvy Travelers AIRPORTS • TRAIN STATIONS • PORTS • CITIES TOURS • MULT-DAY TRIPS • PARTIES
Bar Mitzvah Continues from page 28
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the corner of where the wall and the mechitzah intersect. Rabbi Halperin then helped me put on my tallit and my tefillin. As is typical in Jerusalem, we were overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to help us by being a part of the minyan. In addition, a man came up to us who had just had a baby girl and wanted to name her. We were able to be a part of his mitzvah. I then read three aliyot from Balak surrounded by my family, my rabbi and new friends
from Israel. There are no words to describe how meaningful it was, but it was amazing, it felt like home. More dancing than I could ever imagine happened and my mother was given a prayer book to say the blessings over me. I could see and hear her tears. It doesn’t take much for her to cry, but I really understood where the tears were coming from. We stood here together as a family, but we were not alone. We were with the entire Jewish family from generation to generation. Am Yisrael Chai! Then we ate!
AG
Benjamin Dahan visits the tunnels under the Kotel with his parents David Dahan and Naomi Schachter. Ben read from a Torah from Babylonian times and had the opportunity to write a letter in the Torah.
Worldwide Transportation • 610-776-1516 jjtransportation.com team@jjtransportation.com Lehigh Valley
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2016 29
Community Calendar To list an event in the Community Calendar, submit your information on our website, www.jewishlehighvalley.org, under the “Upcoming Events” menu. All events listed in the Community Calendar are open to the public and free of charge, unless otherwise noted. Programs listed in HAKOL are provided as a service to the community. They do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. The JFLV reserves the right to accept, reject or modify listings.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Simcha Club 12 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom. Join us at Congregation Brith Sholom for an entertaining afternoon. The meeting will feature a deli lunch (cost $5). Please make a reservation by calling 610-866-8009. This is a senior program but everyone from 5 - 105 is welcome. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Gallery at the J Opening Reception 6:30 to 8 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley. “Organic Expressions” featuring the works of internationally acclaimed painter Hong Foo and ceramist Robert Jenkinson. Refreshments and live music by the duo “Just So.” Free and open to the community. Exhibit runs through Friday, Nov. 4. For more information, email Monica Friess at mfriess@lvjcc.org. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 PJ Goes to the Farm 2 to 3:30 p.m., Strawberry Acres, 1767 Clearview Rd., Coplay. Join PJ Library as we celebrate Rosh Hashanah. Meet at the Johnny Appleseed schoolhouse for a story walk based on the book “Today is the Birthday of the World” by Linda Heller. Learn about apples and honey – grown and produced at Strawberry Acres – and have the chance to dip. Hear a story and shofar blowing by Rabbi Seth of Congregation Keneseth Israel. Families may opt to visit the apple orchard for pick-your-own apples after the program. Please register at the JCC Welcome Desk, call 610-435-3571 or register online at www.lvjcc.org. Questions? Contact Abby Trachtman at abbyt@jflv.org. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 IJCU Wallenberg Tribute Lecture: Kati Marton 3:30 p.m., IJCU of Muhlenberg College. Bestselling author, Kati Marton, has combined a career as a writer with human rights advocacy. Since 1980, Marton has published eight books and contributed as a reporter to ABC News, Public Broadcasting Services, National Public Radio, The New Yorker, Atlantic Monthly, The Times of London, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Vanity Fair and The New Republic. The lecture is free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and the Berman Center for Jewish Studies at Lehigh University. For more information, contact Christine Bartholomew at bartholo@muhlenberg. edu or 484-664-3470. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Wallenberg Tribute Reception and Dinner Reception 4:30 p.m., dinner 5:30 p.m., Muhlenberg College, Seegers Union. Rabbi Allen Juda, who served Congregation Brith Sholom in Bethlehem for 39 years, will be the recipient of this year’s Wallenberg Tribute. Building on a family heritage that taught communal values and care of the marginalized, he led the congregation in applying the values of Judaism and of interfaith engagement in the civic arena and continues to advance 30 SEPTEMBER 2016 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
those values in his retirement. To learn more, visit www.muhlenberg.edu/cultural/ijcu. 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Jewish Federation Campaign Launch 7 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Calling all volunteers! Get inspired and help us kick off the 2017 Campaign for Jewish Needs. New and seasoned volunteers welcome. RSVP to jeri@jflv.org. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 Women’s Division Lunch & Learn: Women of Valor 12 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Muhlenberg College Professors Gail Eisenberg and Susan Clemens, who presented at a 2013 Lunch & Learn on their research into Allentown’s garment industry, will return to share the stories of 16 women who made an impact on their families, their businesses and the community. The women featured in the talk will be Roz Mishkin, Shirley Berman, Tama Fogelman, Bea Kuller, Beverly Block, Claire Salitsky, Ronnie Sheftel, Marilyn Braunstein, Ellen Schneider, Marlene Finkelstein, Bunny Filler, Maxine Klein, Judy Miller, Delores Delin, Goldie Hartzell and Esther Halpern. Program is $12, including lunch. Men and women welcome. RSVP to SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 From the Trenches to the Temple Mount: WWI and the Middle East Today Brunch 9:30 a.m., lecture 10:15 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel. With featured speaker Dr. Mark Stein, associate professor of history at Muhlenberg College. Brunch provided by KI Brotherhood: $5 in advance, $7.50 at the door. Lecture: Free. RSVP to Congregation Keneseth Israel by Sept. 20, 610-435-9074, vdunn@kilv.org. Co-sponsored by the Keneseth Israel Adult Education Committee and the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Shalom Lehigh Valley Release Party 5:30 p.m., The Hamilton Kitchen & Bar. Join the Jewish Federation and The Morning Call to celebrate the release of Shalom Lehigh Valley in Indulge! The brand new edition of Shalom will be your guide to the dynamic, warm and welcoming Jewish community in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. For more information, contact Stephanie Smartschan at stephanie@ jflv.org or 610-821-5500 x328. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20 KI Sisterhood Paid Up Event 6 p.m. Congregation Keneseth Israel. The Sisterhood of Congregation Keneseth Israel will be holding the 2016-17 annual Paid Up Sisterhood Event under the sukkah. Not a member yet? Pay at the Door! Community members are welcome! Free for KI Sisterhood members; $36 community members. RSVP to tracysuss-
FRIDAYS 8 - 9:30 AM WMUH 91.7 Featuring Cantor Wartell muhlenberg.edu/wmuh
man@gmail.com. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Certainty vs. Uncertainty: 2016 Election Forum 7:30 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom. Congregation Brith Sholom’s Adult Education Committee and the JFLV Community Relations Council are pleased to host a conversation on the upcoming elections with Dr. Chris Borick, director of the Institute of Public Opinion at Muhlenberg College, and Dr. Gordon Goldberg, professor emeritus of history at Kutztown University. Free and open to the community. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3 History in the Offing: The 2016 Election by the Numbers 7 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel. Exciting presentation by Muhlenberg professor Chris Borick about politics and polling. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Asian Buffet Shabbat Dinner 6 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom. Join us at Congregation Brith Sholom for a Shabbat dinner and Friday night services. All are welcome to enjoy a menu filled with a wonderful variety of Asian flavors. Make your reservations by 12 p.m. on Oct. 30. Reservations are required. The price is $15 per adult or become a patron for $20; $5 per child between the ages of 5 - 13; no charge for children under 5 with maximum family charge of $45. Please pay in advance. Make out checks to “CBS - Shabbat Dinners.” Call Tammy at 610-866-8009 for reservations and more information. For those that need transportation, please contact Tammy. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Veterans Day KIddish and KIbbitz and Congregational Choir 6:30 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel. Enjoy socializing before services at KIddish and KIbbitz followed by services featuring the Congregational Choir and musical selections and readings in honor of Veterans Day. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Jewish Family Service Presents 8(ish) Over 80 10:30 a.m., Temple Beth El. Join us for a brunch to honor role models, 80 years and over, who have dedicated their time, talents and hearts to our Jewish community. Sponsorship opportunities available. Proceeds benefit Older Adult Services. To learn more, call 610821-8722 or visit www.jfslv.org/8ishover80. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 TSS Lecture Series 7 to 9 p.m., location TBD. Havdalah and dessert reception. The community is invited to attend to hear Rabbi Beifield discuss important topics of the day.
Celebrate the beauty of Shabbat
Shabbat & Yom Tov Candlelighting Times Friday, Sept. 2
7:12 pm
Friday, Sept. 23
6:37 pm
Friday, Sept. 9
7:01 pm
Friday, Sept. 30
6:26 pm
Friday, Sept. 16
6:49 pm
Friday, Oct. 7
6:14 pm
Ongoing Events SUNDAY to FRIDAY
SUNDAYS
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.
JEWISH WAR VETERANS POST 239 2nd Sunday of the month, 10 a.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley Veterans and their significant others are invited as the guest of the Ladies Auxiliary. Come and enjoy comradeship; we’ll even listen to your “war stories.” A brunch follows each meeting. Questions? Contact Commander Sheila Berg at 610-360-1267 or sh-berg1@ hotmail.com.
I ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT JUDAISM 7 p.m., Temple Beth El Taught by Rabbi Moshe Re’em. The course is designed for those wishing to learn more about the religious observances of Judaism, theology of the Jewish holidays and ritual practices. It serves as an introduction to daily Jewish rituals, including prayer and the Jewish dietary laws.
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. Contact 610-351-6511.
HEBREW LANGUAGE: GETTING BEYOND THE BASICS 8 p.m., Temple Beth El Are you interested in learning more Hebrew or polishing up your Hebrew skills? Facilitated by Rabbi Re’em, take the step beyond basic reading in Hebrew.
DAF YOMI 7:30 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Meeting all year long, this class covers the gamut of Talmudic law, studying one page of the Talmud each day, and completing the Talmud over the course of seven and a half years. Basic Jewish background is recommended.
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 the Lehigh Valley Friendship Circle is a place for people to meet, make new friends and enjoy each other’s company. We welcome all adults over 50. Annual dues $25; paid up members are treated to two major programs with a catered luncheon. Regular weekly meetings and lunch – $6. First visit – NO CHARGE. Weather permitting. Contact Betty at 610395-6282 for reservations. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF! A CODE OF JEWISH ETHICS 7:15 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom Loving your neighbor as yourself seems like a vague, simple, yet profound commandment. In the second volume of Rabbi Joseph Telushkin’s, “A Code of Jewish Ethics,” we will explore the ethics of hospitality, visiting the sick, comforting mourners, and giving tzedakah to name a few. The focus of this class will be on how Judaism understands the dynamics between the individual and the community as well as the how and why of bringing the value of kindness to others. Required book: “A Code of Jewish Ethics Volume 2,” Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. $36 for non members plus fee for materials. RSVP to Tammy@brithsholom.net. TUESDAYS ANCIENT PRAYERS...ANCIENT YEARNINGS...THE ECHO OF YESTERDAY...CAN THEY BE HEARD IN OUR LIVES TODAY? 11 a.m., Temple Beth El Join Cantor Wartell in exploring the historical roots of the prayer service with contemporary application. TORAH STUDY 12 p.m., at the home of Cindy Daniels, 3630 Corriere Rd., Apt. 100, Easton Join Rabbi Melody of TCP to delve into the heart and soul of the Torah and how it applies to your life! No knowledge of Hebrew is necessary, nor is registration. Contact 610253-2031 for information. PIRKEI AVOT (THE ETHICS OF THE FATHERS) 1:15 p.m., at the home of Cindy Daniels, 3630 Corriere Rd., Apt. 100, Easton Join Rabbi Melody of TCP for this wonderful new class. All welcome! Contact 610-2532031 for information. YACHAD TORAH STUDY GROUP 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley Bring your curiosity to the Yachad Torah study group and discover the wonders, adventures and meaning of the Torah. Moderated by Rabbi Yehoshua Mizrachi. Held in the Teachers’ Learning Center/Holocaust Resource Room (lower level, JCC). Call 610-435-3571 for information.
“CHOVOT HALEVAVOT: NURTURING THE INNER FEELINGS OF A JEW” 8:45 p.m., Congregation Sons of Israel For both men and women and no prior knowledge of Jewish texts is necessary. The class will be studying the classic work of Rabbi Bachya Ibn Pekudah of 11th century Spain which will focus on cultivating the thoughts and emotions of self-reflection, trust, belief, humility, devotion and love. 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. Contact Rabbi Mizrachi 207-404-0474; opshiloh@gmail.com; www.torahovereasy. blogspot.com. WEDNESDAYS 101 JUDAISM CLASS 10 a.m., Temple Covenant of Peace Join Rabbi Melody for the 101 Judaism Class. All welcome! Contact 610-253-2031 for information. GAMES FOR ADULTS AT THE J 1 to 3:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley Join other adults for your choice of game such as mahjong, canasta, checkers and more. Gather your friends and make new ones in the TV Lounge. Visit the JCC Welcome Desk or call 610-435-3571 to learn more.
ORTHODOX JEWISH LIVING: WHAT IS IT & HOW? 8 p.m. Contact Rabbi Yizchok I. Yagod, 610905-2166 or rabbiyagod1@gmail.com. THURSDAYS CHRONIC CONDITIONS GROUP 2nd Thursday of the month, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Jewish Family Service The group is open to anyone that is coping with living with a chronic condition and looking for others to share life issues and garner support. Co-led by Susan Sklaroff-VanHook and Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper. Call 610-821-8722 to learn more. There is no charge for the group. CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER: THE MAKING OF A MENSCH 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel Join a welcoming group of KI members and their friends to discuss a variety of topics relevant to the Jewish lives we have – or want to have. No prerequisites except an open mind and a willingness to listen to each other. For more information or to get on the email list, contact shari@kilv.org or call 610-435-9074. TORAH ON TILGHMAN 12:15 p.m., Allentown Wegmans Cantor Ellen Sussman of Temple Shirat Shalom leads a lunch and learn on the Torah. RSVP to contactus@templeshiratshalom.com or 610-820-7666. EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT JUDAISM BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK! 5 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace This class is one which a person may drop in when one can. Available via Skype. If you are interested, please send rabbi a Skype invitation at Rebmelody. CBS CONFIRMATION PROGRAM Twice monthly 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom THIS IS NOT RELIGIOUS SCHOOL! Open only to 8th - 12th Graders. Come and enjoy snacks, dinner, some Jewish learning, discussions, field trips and creative projects with your friends and Rabbi Singer. This year we will explore the theme of “Food Glorious Food.” Study Program: This year we will be cooking and eating together while learning about how food is at the heart of Jewish living, values and culture. To learn more, contact tammy@brithsholom.net. THE SEVEN QUESTIONS YOU WILL BE ASKED IN HEAVEN...HOW TO LIVE A LIFE OF FULFILLMENT TODAY 7 p.m., Temple Beth El A discussion of the new book by the same title by Dr. Ron Wolfson led by Cantor Wartell. The group will explore the thoughts, motivations and behaviors of our lives and consider how to enrich our daily living. FRIDAYS
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 wisdom of Torah together. All are welcome. RSVP: Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod, 610-905-2166, rabbiyagod1@gmail.com. HUSBANDS ANONYMOUS First Wednesday of the month, 7:30 p.m., location upon signup Calling all wives! Send your husbands to this class! Rabbi WIlensky guides us on how to become more attentive, caring, sensitive partners, and how to strengthen and deepen our spousal relationships in the context of Torah. Contact Sons of Israel for exact dates and locations. TORAH STUDIES: A WEEKLY JOURNEY INTO THE SOUL OF TORAH 7:30 p.m., Chabad of the Lehigh Valley Torah Studies by JLI presents: Season Four: A 12-part series. Cost is $36 for the complete series (textbook included). For more information contact 610-351-6511 or Rabbi@ chabadlehighvalley.com.
SIMCHA SHABBAT 1st Friday of the month, 6:30 p.m., Bnai Abraham Synagogue Please join us for our musical Simcha Shabbat and stay for a special oneg. For more information please call Bnai Abraham Synagogue at 610-258-5343. SHABBAT BEGINNER’S GEMARA 8 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Facilitated by Dr. Henry Grossbard, this is an excellent primer for developing the analytical tools necessary for in-depth study of the Talmud. 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 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. ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY HALACHAH 12 p.m., Congregation Sons of Israel 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 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 Janine Jankovitz, Reconstructionist Weekly Shabbat services and a monthly family service with potluck dinner. Religious school meets Sunday mornings. Email am.haskalah.office@gmail.com to learn more. CONGREGATION BETH AVRAHAM 439 South Nulton Ave., Palmer Township – 610.905.2166 | Rabbi Yitzchok Yagod, Orthodox SHABBAT EVENING starts half an hour after candle lighting. SHABBAT MORNING starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by a hot kiddish. CONGREGATION BRITH SHOLOM 1190 W. Macada Rd., Bethlehem – 610.866.8009 Rabbi Michael Singer, Conservative MINYAN is at 7:45 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. on Saturdays and holidays. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at Brith Sholom and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. at Bnai Abraham Synagogue. CONGREGATION KENESETH ISRAEL 2227 Chew St., Allentown – 610.435.9074 Rabbi Seth D. Phillips Cantor Jennifer Duretz Peled, Reform Services begin at 7:30 p.m. every Friday night. The first Friday of the month is a FAMILY SERVICE and celebration of birthdays and anniversaries. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes are held Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. CONGREGATION SONS OF ISRAEL 2715 Tilghman St., Allentown – 610.433.6089 Rabbi David Wilensky, Orthodox SHACHARIT: Sundays at 8:30 a.m., Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:45 a.m. MINCHAH/MAARIV: 20 minutes before sunset. FRIDAY EVENING: 20 minutes before sunset, 7 p.m. in the summer. SHABBAT MORNING: 9 a.m. SHABBAT AFTERNOON: 90 minutes before dark. TEMPLE BETH EL 1305 Springhouse Rd., Allentown – 610.435.3521 Rabbi Moshe Re’em | Cantor Kevin Wartell Conservative Weekday morning minyan services at 7:45 a.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. Shabbat evening services at 7:30 p.m. with the last Friday evening of the month featuring our Shira Chadasha Service. Shabbat morning services at 9 a.m. followed by Kiddush. Religious school classes every Tuesday/ Thursday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. Midrasha school classes Monday at 7 p.m. Shalshelet — Temple Beth El’s new innovative high school program — meets bi-monthly on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. Shalshelet (the chain) is open to ALL 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students in the Lehigh Valley. For more information contact Alicia Zahn, religlious school director, at bethelallentown.org. TEMPLE COVENANT OF PEACE 1451 Northampton St., Easton – 610.253.2031 Tcp@rcn.com; tcopeace.org Rabbi Melody Davis | Cantor Jill Pakman Reform TCP holds Shabbat evening services every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and a Renewal Style Shabbat morning service on the 4th Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. A family Shabbat service is held on the second Friday night of each month at 6:30 p.m. Our services reflect a diverse culture of traditional, innovative and musical experiences with a Reform Jewish context. Religious school meets on Sunday mornings from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. We have a Family Game / Movie night on the first Saturday of every month at 6 p.m. For more information about our Temple and activities, see our website at www.tcopeace.org or look us up on Facebook. TEMPLE SHIRAT SHALOM 610.730.6272 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 | SEPTEMBER 2016 31
weis L’Shana Tova! quality since 1912
Weis Markets extends to you and your family a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
$ 69
2
Fresh Kosher Whole or Cut-up Chicken
U
per pound
$ 99
Whole Frozen Kosher Turkeys
2
15
99
$
U
per pound
per pound
Fresh Beef Brisket
KOSHER PAREVE
U
9 2 $
3
PAS YISRAEL
Round Challah Plain or w/ raisins - each
U
U
Medford Farms Honey Bear - 12 ounce
U
9 9 $ U
2
99
¢
Rokeach Memorial Candles Each
U
$ 49 Golden Blintzes
4
Frozen - 13 ounce
2 $4
Lipton Recipe Mixes 2 ounce
2 $6
Manischewitz Potato Pancake Mix - 6 ounce
U
2 $1
Kedem Tea Biscuits 4.2 ounce
2 $5
Kedem Apple Juice 64 ounce
visit us at www.weismarkets.com or connect with us on Prices Effective September 15, 2016 through October 26, 2016.
We also carry many of your favorite Kosher deli, dairy, frozen and grocery products.
We reserve the right to limit quantities. Not responsible for typographical or pictorial errors.
weis
The Jewish newspaper of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
