Hakol - April 2026 by Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

HaZikaron event to highlight heroes who fell saving lives

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

This year’s community commemoration of Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, will have a special focus: honoring those who lost their lives while saving the lives of others. Israeli singer-songwriter and documentarian Gilad Segev of Project Heroes will visit to perform his music and present a powerful, immersive experience in tribute to Israel’s fallen heroes.

Organized by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley in partnership with the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, the commemoration of fallen IDF soldiers and Israeli victims of terrorism will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20, in the JCC Kline Auditorium. The evening will transition into the Project Heroes pro-

By Gia Jones

Unity

the Community 2.0

Committee Member

Judy Gold has never been shy about who she is—or where she comes from. A proud Jewish comedian with a razor-sharp wit, she has spent decades turning family and faith into her brand of fearless comedy.

Gold has a long list of credits that include stand-up specials on HBO and Comedy Central, writing and starring in “25 Questions for a Jewish Mother” and another off-Broadway hit, and

gram after about half an hour, with Segev’s music giving voice to memory, resilience, and the enduring human spirit as his multimedia stage experience blends video and on-screen artwork, effects, and lighting.

“I’m very moved to arrive in the Allentown community to share the stories of our heroes, especially on the special day of Yom HaZikaron,” Segev told Hakol. “I look forward to reflecting together on the light of heroism. By doing so, we hope to be part of a much bigger change: shifting our people’s narrative from victimhood to heroism.”

Segev founded the nonprofit Project Heroes, also known as Jewish Heroism Experience for Humanity, after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel to foster a greater sense of Jewish pride. The initiative’s website ex-

two Emmy awards for her writing and producing for “The Rosie O’Donnell Show.”

On Thursday evening, May 28, Gold will kick off the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Unity in the Community 2.0: A Broadway Celebration of Hope, Resilience, and Togetherness at the Muhlenberg College Empie Theatre. She’s also instrumental in how this event came to be. She talked with Hakol about all that not long before this issue went to press.

After the June 2025 attack in Boulder, Colorado, target-

plains that its mission is “to construct a narrative of heroism, emphasizing the accounts of individuals who played pivotal roles throughout our history. From the days of Abraham, to our contemporary heroes, sacrificing their lives to save others on October 7th.”

Since its launch, Project Heroes has spread farther outward from Israel. Its October 7th Heroes Commemoration program has drawn media attention everywhere it’s gone. Audiences in Israel and across North America have experienced its powerful stories of heroes, moving stage performances, and educational programs.

As the face of Project Heroes, Segev came to the initiative with millions of fans in

ing a peaceful rally to raise awareness for hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, you spoke with your friend and agent Wayne Gmitter. That exchange ultimately led to Unity in the Community 2.0. Can you walk us through that conversation and tell us what you remember most about it?

I was stuck in Israel during the last Iran war and had to escape. The boulder attack had happened, and he called me and he said, “I don’t know what to do. I want to do something,” and he was very emotional. He was expressing this deep, deep sadness and despair for the Jewish community. A lot of us in the Jewish community who are dealing with this unbelievable uptick in antisemitism and ignorance don’t allow ourselves to have those feelings because we have to protect ourselves. And he was so raw and sort of expressing all his sorrow, and I was really moved by it.

I said, “Reach out to someone in your community who is a Jewish person. And

Israel and around the world, boasting chart-topping hits, including 10 No. 1s in Israel, and having toured extensively to promote his Passerby travel, music, and lifestyle brand. He was in the middle of a global tour on October 7, 2023, and returned home, launching Project Heroes. His inspiration includes his mother, a Holocaust survivor, and brother, a fallen

IDF soldier who inspired his song “Achshav Tov.” This hit song has reemerged as an anthem of unity and resilience in response to Israel’s current challenges. It will likely be on his playlist for April 20. Registration is required to attend this Yom HaZikaron commemoration. Sign up at jewishlehighvalley.regfox. com/yom-hazikaron-2026.

at this time, there were still hostages, so people were meeting on Sundays (Run for Their Lives). I said, “Go to one of those meetups. Call a Jewish friend. See how they are doing.” And he did. And the other thing I said was, “You need to get your DNA done because there’s a Jew in there! But Wayne is an anomaly. To have someone emote these feelings and not even—he

hasn’t lived as a Jew. He hasn’t experienced antisemitism. And for him to be able to express himself like that, it was overwhelming in a good way. I thought, people ask you “What can I do?” But he got off the phone and did it, and he went to one of the meetups, and he took action.

thanks to Wayne Gmitter for his unwavering support. Co-chairs: Aliette and Marc Abo

| Vickie Semmel

With sincere appreciation to our generous sponsors.

Audrey and Art Sosis | Beth and Scott Delin | Cheryl and Marty Zawarski | Ellen Sosis and Scott Anderson

Anonymous | Julius Cohen Memorial Endowment | Karen and Peter Cooper | Scherline Family Fund Wayne J. Gmitter and James Barnish Jr.

Aliette and Marc Abo

Lisa Scheller

Passover 2026

As spring returns and we gather around our seder tables, Passover 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect not only on our timeless story of liberation, but also on the enduring meaning of freedom in our own time.

As we know, Pesach commemorates the Exodus from Egypt, when the Israelites journeyed from slavery to freedom. Each year, we retell this story through the Haggadah, not as ancient history, but as a living narrative. “In every generation, each person must see themselves as though they personally left Egypt.” This call to personal connection is what has sustained Jewish identity for generations.

In today’s world, that message resonates deeply. Freedom is not just a historical milestone; it is an ongoing responsibility. It calls on us to remember those who are still oppressed, to stand up against injustice, and to cultivate compassion in our daily lives. Passover encourages us to seek growth and renewal not

only as individuals, but as a people bound together by shared history and purpose. This year, many people feel the weight of ongoing conflict in Israel and war in Iran. For many of us, these realities feel close to home, touching a deep sense of connection to the global Jewish community. As we tell the story of liberation, we are reminded that the yearning for safety, dignity, and peace is universal. May this Passover be a time not only to remember our own journey from oppression to freedom, but also to hold space in our hearts for all those living with fear and uncertainty. In the spirit of Pesach, we can renew our commitment to compassion, to caring for one another, and to hope for a future defined by peace and understanding. This year especially, the theme of community feels both urgent and inspiring. In a world that can often feel fragmented and fast-moving, Passover calls us back to the power of gathering together, sharing stories, and truly

seeing one another. The seder is more than a ritual meal; it is one of the oldest and most enduring models of community building that we have. It reminds us that belonging is created intentionally through invitation, participation, and care.

Many families and congregations are making a conscious effort to open their doors to those who might otherwise be alone: newcomers, neighbors, interfaith families, and individuals seeking connection. The simple act of saying “there is a place for you at this table” can be transformative. At a time when loneliness and isolation are challenges, the seder offers a message of inclusion and warmth.

The Four Questions remind us that curiosity is welcomed, and that the next generation is not just included, but essential. Passover invites us to think about community as an ongoing commitment. Just as the Israelites did not leave Egypt alone, but as a collective, we are

We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship by requesting that trees be planted in the Mark L. Goldstein Friendship Park, a

IN HONOR

ERICA AND NAT HYMAN

In celebration of your daughter Julia’s marriage to Chase

Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel

MARTHA AND RON KAHAN

In celebration of the birth of your granddaughter

Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel

JAN AND BOB KAPLAN

In celebration of the B’nai Mitzvah of your grandchildren Teddy and Ruby Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel

JILL AND MARK STUTZ

In celebration of the birth of your

grandson Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel

IN MEMORY

LEWIS LEVY

(Grandfather of Brooke Bernstein)

Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel

DONNA JEAN SPARKS

(Daughter of June Althouse)

Nils Dubin

SAMUEL THIER

(Brother of Roberta London)

Sara and Karl Glassman

Arlene and Richard Stein

reminded that our journeys are interconnected. Supporting one another through acts of kindness, shared responsibility, and celebration builds resilience that extends beyond the holiday itself.

The symbols on the seder plate reinforce this idea. The bitterness of the maror is easier to bear when shared; the sweetness of the charoset is more meaningful when experienced together. Our story has always held both hardship and hope, and it is through community that we find the strength to move from one to the other.

Passover is also a time when tradition and modern life meet in meaningful ways. Whether families are gathering in person, connecting across distances, or participat-

ing in community seders, the essence remains the same: storytelling, questioning, and togetherness. Each generation adds its own voice, ensuring that our tradition remains vibrant and relevant.

In 2026, as we sit with family and friends, let us keep in mind the lessons of Passover: that freedom is precious, that community is essential, and that hope can endure even in the most difficult circumstances. By strengthening our connections with one another, we honor our past while embracing our responsibility to build a more compassionate and united future.

Wishing you and your family a Zissen Pesach and a Chag Aviv Sameach!

HAKOL STAFF

CARL ZEBROWSKI Editor

CHARLENE RIEGGER Director of Marketing

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

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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

Israeli diplomat updates community on Israel and Iran

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

Tsach Saar, Israel’s deputy consul general in New York, met with the Lehigh Valley community via Zoom on March 10 to give an update on Israel.

Saar was originally scheduled to talk in person at a Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley event on February 24, but that engagement had to be postponed as tensions escalated with Iran and Israeli diplomats received threats. On February 28, those tensions erupted into Israel and United States bombing Iranian nuclear, missile, and other military targets.

On March 10, Saar appeared virtually screens to address the new situation with Iran and what it means for Israel, its neighbors, the Diaspora, the United States, and the world. “The military achievements so far are great, and they’re going to shape a new Middle East even this regime stays,” he said as the conflict was about to enter week number three.

Saar started with what motivated Israel’s attacks on Iran. “It’s existential,” he said. “The Iranians had a very clear plan how to destroy Israel, the Jewish state. It was public and it was supposed to be a combination of ballistic missiles and ground invasion and having the military nuclear capabilities of ‘the bomb’ as an umbrella to make sure that they can do it and nobody would mess with them.”

While not specific about the goals of Israel’s operations

in Iran, Saar offered what he felt comfortable with. “The job, in an Israeli perspective, is not necessarily changing the regime in Iran,” he said, “and no, the son of Khamenei is not a different regime in that sense. We will end the job and we will reach the goals that we have set for this operation.”

As the United States was figuring out what it might do after its early actions, Iran expanded the war. “The Iranians so far attacked Kuwait, UAE (United Arab Emirates), Qatar, Turkey, Cyprus, Azerbaijan, of course, Israel, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia. They’re shooting all over.”

Since Turkey is a NATO member, how might NATO react? “There are some very clear clauses in the NATO treaty,” Saar said, referring to the responsibility of a NATO member to aid a fellow member that comes under attack and requests aid. “They didn’t choose to use (those clauses) in order to get some help or assistance.”

The Iranian attacks on neighboring territories have piqued attention in the Persian Gulf and may be changing minds. “Today,” Saar said, “you see all of the gulf countries joining together to realize that perhaps Iran was the big bad wolf that Israel was talking about and are talking about being much more aggressive to it.”

Meanwhile, Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy militia in Lebanon, joined the fight between Israel and the United States by launching missiles into Tel Aviv and northern Israel. Saar

compared the current situation with Hezbollah to the situation after the war began with the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Back then, Israel responded to Hezbollah attacks in northern Israel by evacuating the region, but that created problems of its own. “It did give Hezbollah some kind of a strategic advantage,” he said.

The situation is different now, with the Israel Defense Forces holding multiple locations along the Lebanon border. “But it doesn’t mean, unfortunately, that these Israeli communities around the border with Lebanon are not being bombarded, as we speak, with different kinds of missiles,” Saar said.

“It’s still dangerous, but the process of rebuilding these communities has already started. And we understand that we are in a war, but evacuation is not on the agenda.”

A member of the Zoom audience asked Saar what sort of consensus he may have been hearing from international diplomats in private. “There’s, on one hand, a lot of concern of what’s going to happen with energy prices, with regional stability, how this thing is going to end,” he said.

On the other hand, he continued, “everybody understands the problem that is called the Iranian regime or the Islamic Republic of Iran, the danger that it poses, I would say, even to global stability. It’s clear for everyone that this regime shouldn’t be there.

“But everybody is a little bit more cautious especially

publicly.” Saar highlighted that the Israel and its people have remained resilient through their struggles of the past few years. It’s comes down to a matter of short-term costs being the price of long-term goals.

Support is strong throughout the Jewish world, Saar said, presenting the example of a progressive synagogue in New York State. “Around 16 families, from right and left, have decided to leave the congregation,” he explained, “and I was very sad to hear it. But 400 other households or families have joined.”

Israel is grateful for the growing solidarity. “We don’t take for granted the support that we get from Jewish communities, from our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora,” he said.

In closing the virtual event, Aaron Gorodzinsky, Jewish Federation director of development, encouraged the Lehigh Valley community to contact their national representatives and the administration in Washington to thank them for the U.S. support of Israel in Iran. “Our Jewish voices matter significantly to our elected officials,” he said. “We might not always agree with all the actions of the administration. We can still love the country despite how we feel. But when something is done right, you have to call them.”

He also urged community members to donate as they’re able. “I would like to point out how important it is for us to support Israel financially at this moment where the economy is sort of opening and closing and communities in the north are suffering and communities in Tel Aviv are suffering,” he said. “Our emergency campaign is open. We have raised so far close to $40,000 in the last week, which we feel very proud about.”

To make a contribution to help the people of Israel and rebuilding efforts, visit the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Israel Emergency Campaign webpage at jewishlehighvalley.org/ ways-to-give/emergencycampaigns/emergency-campaign-operation-rising-lion or contact Gorodzinsky at aaron@jflv.org or 610-8215500.

Sacred survivors

Yom

HaShoah commemoration to spotlight Torah scrolls that survived the Nazis

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

The Lehigh Valley’s commemoration of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, on Monday, April 13, will feature a unique story of survival—the survival of Torah scrolls in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. Lois Roman of the Memorial Scrolls Trust will tell the story of those scrolls in the presentation “History, Journeys, and Now” at the JCC. Several of the 1,564

scrolls currently reside in the Lehigh Valley, and they will be Roman’s focus.

“As the survivors of the Shoah are passing on, how are we going to continue to make Holocaust relevant to future generations without eyewitness accounts?” Roman told Hakol. “Pivoting to the use of silent witnesses, items of Judaica saved by the Jewish community during the war under the noses of the Nazi officers, can bring to life the gut-wrenching story of collec-

tion, storage, and—for these objects, unlike the people— survival.”

The scrolls were brought together at the Jewish Museum in Prague in 1942 by order of the Nazi Jewish Central Office. Museum staff catalogued them and put them in storage on site. Soon afterward, Nazis took those workers to concentration camps. The scrolls remained in place. The museum escaped significant damage during the war, and the scrolls survived intact.

The Soviet Union took control of Czechoslovakia in 1945 and had no interest in religious objects. One of the Jewish Museum’s curators returned home from a concentration camp and convinced Communist officials to let the scrolls be moved to an abandoned synagogue outside Prague.

There the scrolls sat for two decades until a wealthy collector in London bought the collection in its entirety and had it sent to Westmin-

ster Synagogue. Soon the Memorial Scrolls Trust was set up to restore and preserve the scrolls in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.

Over time, the trust has sent 1,400 of the scrolls on permanent loan to caring Jewish communities all over the world, including the Lehigh Valley. They serve as powerful symbols of the Holocaust and its horrors, but also, as Roman will highlight during her talk, of the hope that remains strong among the Jewish people.

Roman got involved with the Memorial Scrolls Trust several years ago, after a long career on Wall Street. Now, while working toward a master’s degree on Holocaust and genocide studies at Yeshiva University, she serves as the trust’s U.S. representative based on the East Coast, traveling around to Jewish communities and other locations to make presentations

on the surviving scrolls.

To register to attend this Yom HaShoah commemoration, organized by Shari Spark, coordinator of the Jewish Federation of the Leigh Valley’s Holocaust Resource Center, visit jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/yom-hashoah-2026. The reading of the names of locally connected Holocaust victims will begin at 6 p.m. The Torah scrolls program will begin at 7.

MONDAY, APRIL 13

7:00 p.m. | Temple Beth El

jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/ yom-hashoah-2026

MONDAY, APRIL 20

6:30 p.m. | JCC Kline Auditorium

jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/ yom-hazikaron-2026

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22

5:00-6:00 p.m. | JCC gym

To register, scan the QR code(s) or visit jewishlehighvalley.org/yoms

jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/ yom-haatzmaut-2026 of the Lehigh Valley

Lois Roman

DA urges incident reporting, up-to-date security cameras

By Aaron Gorodzinsky Jewish Federation Director of Development

The Lehigh Valley Security Committee, made up of representatives from our agencies and synagogues, met with Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan on March 18 to discuss the role of his office and provide guidance on reporting incidents to help ensure strong criminal cases.

Holihan explained the challenges of prosecuting ethnic intimidation charges, which include antisemitic attacks. Under current law, these charges must be tied to an underlying offense, such as trespassing or terroristic threats, and cannot be brought on their own.

He recommended that we have the most-up-todate cameras with audio and sufficient video stor-

age so that, if a crime occurs, his office has the evidence needed to prosecute. He also shared best practices and expressed his willingness to continue working with our community to ensure that justice is pursued when needed.

As antisemitism rises and incidents continue to occur in our commu nity that may not meet the threshold for criminal charges, Holihan emphasized the importance of reporting every incident to law enforcement. Even if an incident is not criminal, patterns can be established over time to support stronger charges in the future.

Security committee meetings like this one remain important, bringing together community institutions and security providers to share best practices and help keep our community safe.

SECURITY SQUARE WITH TIM BROOKS

2026 TRAINING SCHEDULE

COUNTERING ACTIVE THREAT TRAINING

Training Dates (choose one):

Monday, Jul. 6, 2026 6:30 PM

Monday, Dec. 7, 2026 6:30 PM

STOP THE BLEED TRAINING

Training Dates (choose one):

Monday, Mar. 2, 2026 6:30 PM

Monday, Aug. 3, 2026 6:30 PM

GUARDIAN TRAINING

Training Dates (choose one):

Monday, Apr. 6, 2026 6:30 PM

Monday, Sept. 14, 2026 6:30 PM

DE-ESCALATION TRAINING

Training Dates (choose one):

Monday, May 4, 2026 6:30 PM

Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 6:30 PM

BE AWARE TRAINING

Training Dates (choose one):

Monday, Jun. 1, 2026 6:30 PM

Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 6:30 PM

All training sessions are located at the Jewish Community Center. Registration is required. To register, scan the QR code or visit jewishlehighvalley.org/ security-training-schedule or call 610.821.5500.

Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P Holihan (lehighcounty.org photo)

Judy Gold

Continued from page 1

The events of October 7, 2023, and the rise in antisemitic incidents since then have affected Jewish people around the world. What has it been like for you personally as a Jewish entertainer and public figure?

Oh, my gosh. Do you have five hours? It’s run the gamut. As an entertainer, I will tell you the first time I went on stage after October 7, I mentioned something Jewish, something benignly Jewish, like a Jewish joke that is neither here nor there when it comes to politics, and the audience didn’t respond the way they normally do. They were pushing back, and I haven’t experienced that since I came out of the closet in the 90s. But this was different because it was more severe and it made no sense to me. And I said, “We still can laugh.” It’s our coping mechanism as Jews and it’s also our weapon. But I was really shocked.

I also noticed Jewish comedians not doing their Jewish material and silencing themselves. I have been an outspoken, proud Jew for my entire career. I can go back 3540 years: “You’re too Jewish,” of course said by Jews in the industry. But I’ve always been an out and proud Jew, and I am a Zionist, and I never shied away from anything, and I wasn’t going to shy away from that.

I would literally post a picture (on social media) of me eating a bagel and it’s “genocide Judy.” Anytime I would post anything Jewish, I would lose tons of followers, but it didn’t deter me. One of the saddest parts is that I was a regular on a lot of radio,

podcast, and TV shows as a sort of funny talking head, and a lot of them have not only not had me back since October 7 but haven’t even contacted me, even when I was stuck in Israel. They never said, “I hope you get home safe.”

The people who have disappointed me the most are the LGBT community, and these very liberal friends of mine who are smart and critical thinkers. There is nuance to this situation, and you just decided you’re never going to contact me again or book me again? I feel like all these communities which Jews have marched for and stood up for—and even on the legal side, if you think of the NAACP, gay marriage, public education system—and yet you can’t stand against antisemitism?

You’re known for your honesty and boldness. Has that ever felt more challenging or more necessary than it does now?

Definitely more necessary than ever before. I don’t find it challenging. The only way I find it challenging is, how do you craft a joke or satire that will weaken propaganda? That’s why dictators hate comedians. But how do you craft a joke about being stuck in bomb shelters and escaping through Jordan to get home to your family in a war? But I did it. The only way I can cope, my entire life, is I find the funny. Even the people I was in the (bomb) shelter with in (Israel) in June said, “Thank goodness you were there to make us laugh.” In doing so, I am teaching people what it’s like to live through it (with laughter).

You traveled to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in 2025 as part of an Israeli Pride peacebuilding mission. What was that experience like for you?

It was my second time on an LGBT mission. This particular mission was through the Israeli consulate, the United States, and Canada. Five comedians were asked to go. We were thought leaders. I’m a thought leader! (Laughs.) The delegation was chosen and was being led by Sarah Milgrim, who was the girl who was murdered outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. It was her first delegation that she had chosen the people because she was the LGBTIQ liaison for Israeli consulate. After she was murdered, I was like, I have to go. I have to honor her memory and the fact that she picked me to go. She actually emailed me hours before her murder.

It was my second pride mission. It was really incredible. We met with Nova (Music Festival) survivors. We met with the gay Nova survivor whose husband-to-be was murdered. It gave me the perspective. It was my first time in Israel after October 7. I felt I needed to go because I felt like it was like visiting a sick friend. I needed to see it was OK. Even though we started getting bombed or attacked, it ended up being a difficult situation, but I felt the community more, and the resilience of the Israeli people, and also the fact that they just want peace and they want people to leave them alone. That’s it: they want peace. You know, (you saw) yellow chairs and yellow ribbons and “Bring Them Home,” and it wasn’t about I hate you. It was about live and let live.

There were people from all over. There were Muslims,

Black, white, gay, straight. Everyone was there. The survivor I spoke to and I interviewed a little, she said she had lost her friend and everyone she was with on October 7. She had been beaten with a rifle, and she was lying on the ground, and she opened her eyes and saw a young boy, a young Palestinian boy with his eyes closed because he didn’t want to see what he was shooting. And she said, “I wish they would not teach them this.”

What are your hopes for Unity in the Community 2.0 on May 28? And is preparing for a show like this different from when you’re planning a typical tour?

I’ve done a lot of shows like this for this cause. It’s very meaningful to me, and I felt like I can really lean in, and that’s what I love. I have so many people who write to me or say something to me: “I was depressed and there you were being a loud, proud Jew,” “Thank you for wearing your star,” “Thank you for talking about Israel.” As much as I get the “You Zionist pig”—there’s been protests at shows—as much I get that, it’s the people who say, “Thank you for speaking up. You give me hope.”

You’ve built a career making others laugh, but who or what makes Judy Gold laugh the hardest?

My partner Elysa is definitely up there, and my kids. Elysa and I laugh so much and so hard, probably as much as we fight—she’s in the car with me right now. My son plays professional basketball in Israel. He lives there now. I really think a world without laughter is not living. But I laugh at dark humor, and really silly, juvenile humor. I love it when people take themselves so serious. It’s so funny. Dark humor, silly, smart, and Jewish!

Don’t miss the chance to see Judy Gold live alongside Tony Award winner John Lloyd Young (Jersey Boys) and Andrea McArdle (the original Annie) at Unity in the Community 2.0 on May 28 at Muhlenberg College Empie Theatre.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event begins at 7:00 p.m. General admission is $100, with special pricing of $50 for the NextGen Jewish Federation affinity group (ages 30-45).

Reserve your spot today at jewishlehighvalley.ticketspice. com/unity-in-the-community-20.

Federal scholarship tax credit will benefit Jewish education

By Aaron Gorodzinsky Jewish Federation Director of Development

Part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act enacted in July 2025 introduces the first major federal tax incentive for qualified K-12 educational scholarships and related expenses.

Effective January 1, 2027, taxpayers will be able to claim a nonrefundable federal income tax credit of up to

NextGen

$1,700 for cash contributions to qualified nonprofit Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) in states that opt into the program.

This initiative presents a significant opportunity for our Jewish community to continue supporting day school education by helping offset the high cost of tuition through scholarship programs. Our school and our JCC early childhood educa-

tion already benefit from a similar program in Pennsylvania; however, this new federal initiative will open the door for non-Pennsylvania residents who care about our school to support scholarship funds without being restricted by state boundaries.

While the law requires states to opt in, and Pennsylvania has not yet done so, this federal tax credit is, at its core, designed to support

children and families by expanding access to educational resources that help students thrive.

What comes next?

We are currently awaiting guidance from the Treasury Department to ensure everything is in place by January 1, 2027.

We are advocating for our state to opt into the program by working with the gover-

nor and state leaders.

We are also exploring whether it’s feasible to create our own SGO or to partner with Jewish Federations of North America as part of a nationwide organization.

This is a new and exciting opportunity for our community, and we look forward to sharing more information as the Treasury Department provides further clarification.

Book Club discusses the legacies we leave behind

By Bill Miner NextGen Co-Chair

The Next Gen Book club met on Sunday, March 8, to discuss “People of the Book” by Geraldine Brooks. Once again, the meeting was virtual. We discussed the novel’s themes, exploring Jewish communities around the world, what we leave behind as our legacy, how we remember things, and the story of Jewish perseverance throughout history.

“People of the Book” tells the story of the Sarajevo Haggadah, created by in the 14th century in Spain by an unknown author. There’s a fictionalized account of the book being written, traveling to Spain before and during the Spanish Inquisition, being moved to Italy as Jews fled the Inquisition, and eventually making its way to Bosnia. It’s a moving book about the ways people and our cultural touchstones survive persecution.

In these trying and modern times, it’s good to take a moment to reflect on our history and what we leave behind. What memories are we creating for our loved ones? What would someone think about us 100 years from now? These are the questions this book brings to our attention and inspires us to ask ourselves.

With Passover upon us, this story is especially relevant. Our ancestors fled persecution for a new world. What does that mean for

us, and what stories will we continue to tell in that new world?

The next meeting of the NextGen Book Club will be Sunday, June 7, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Everyone ages 30-45 is invited to attend. Visit jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/ nextgen-book-club-3 to vote for one of the three books in the running for discussion and to register for the virtual meeting.

THE FEDERATION 5

Registration to events is required. Register to events by scanning the QR code(s).

Thursday, April 30

6:30 p.m.

Temple Beth El

Thursday, May 7

7:00 p.m.

Temple Beth El

Thurday, May 28

6:30 p.m.

Temple Beth El

Tuesday, June 2

Doors Open at 5:30 p.m.

Coca Cola Park

IN HONOR

OWEN DELIN

In celebration of your First Birthday!

Scott and Beth Delin and Bruno

JEANETTE AND EDUARDO

EICHENWALD

In celebration of your granddaughter Lyla’s Bat Mitzvah

Carol and Gary Fromer

AMY GOLDING

In celebration of your daughter

Lyla’s Bat Mitzvah

Carol and Gary Fromer

LAURIE AND ROBBY WAX

In celebration of your son Ben’s engagement to Jillian Krim

Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie Schechner

Suzanne Lapiduss

Jane and Billy Markson

VICKI WAX

In celebration of your grandson

Ben’s engagement to Jillian

Krim

Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie Schechner

Suzanne Lapiduss

IN MEMORY

LYNNE CANTER

(Mother of Linda Weiss)

Lenny Abrams and Family

PETER PERRY

(Father of John Perry)

Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie Schechner

LOLLY SIEGEL

(Wife of Sheldon Siegel) Arny Kaplan

VICKI WAX JEWISH STUDENT

CAMPUS LEADERSHIP AWARD FUND

IN HONOR

LAURIE AND ROBBY WAX

In celebration of your son Ben’s engagement to Jillian Krim

Sara and Karl Glassman

VICKI WAX

In celebration of your grandson Ben’s engagement to Jillian Krim

Sara and Karl Glassman

IN MEMORY

ROSALYN HOLTZ

(Aunt of Janet Hayashi and Laura Mann)

Lynda and Richard Somach

IRIS KLEIN

(Partner of Joan Epstein)

Lynda and Richard Somach

ELAINE LERNER

(Mother of Rich Lerner)

Lynda and Richard Somach

DICK LUTZKO

(Husband of Dolores Lutzko)

Lynda and Stuart Krawitz

NORMAN SARACHEK

(Husband of Jett Sarachek)

Lynda and Richard Somach

HELEN AND SOL KRAWITZ

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND

IN MEMORY

JANE GOODMAN

(Mother of David Goodman)

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 jewishlehighvalley.org to place your card requests. Thank you!

And Pharaoh’s heart was hardened

By Joanna Powers Head of School

Throughout my years of teaching early childhood classes at the JDS, I found that Pesach was both the most difficult and most engaging holiday to teach young children. The storyline does not come with a G rating: murder, slavery, plagues, drowning, anger, fear…not what you find on PBS Kids. It is possible to share these portions of the Torah in a softer way, but it’s not easy.

At the same time, Pesach can be a very childcentered holiday. JDS students craft seder plates and their own haggadot, search for chametz, try charoset, crunch matzah, sing songs, ask questions, and, if they’re still awake (no bedtimes!), welcome in Eliyahu. Even the plagues get a fun spin with the right props. The JDS Model Seder is one of my favorite events of the year. Kids show off their haggadah skills, multiple grades dine together, and the Echad Mi Yodeya singalong at the end is life-affirming. It’s been a while since I’ve gotten to lead this event, but I’m grateful to Mr. Ariel for doing so expertly, and for allowing me to continue to wake up my Four Questions puppets for their annual performance. They still reside in the same starcovered cloth bag as they have for decades. They just might be counting down the days to the big day. I know I am!

The world around us can be seen through a similar lens. The frightening and saddening events that occur can be overwhelming. Many of us, at the JDS and at home, try to shield

the younger children from the stark reality of current events that can cause so much stress and anxiety. We try to protect ourselves, too. This can lead to the condition displayed by Pharaoh: a hardened heart. Building armor to drive away the pain is a coping mechanism that sacrifices so much. If we convince ourselves that we are indestructible and try to teach our children to let heartache roll off their backs, we also ward off the best things in life: true joy, deeply felt hope, and vulnerability that opens us up to both risks and rewards.

Moshe took many risks in an effort to free the Jewish people from slavery. He literally walked into a rolling sea with only his faith in G-d to fuel his progress into the waves. Pharaoh’s hardened heart was no match for Moshe’s loving determination. We may never see an actual body of water split apart, but miracles happen every day. The sun rises, children laugh, and somehow the house is cleaned and meals are cooked by the time Pesach begins. Our hearts and bodies might be tired, but they are ready for the blessings that can only be felt when our defenses come down.

Our kids look to their families and teachers for guidance. If we model nonchalance or a lack of empathy, they will behave the same. Our world needs fewer hardened hearts. This Pesach, at the JDS and around the seder table, we strive to learn and grow with the opposite of hard hearts: light hearts. Lightheartedness can find a place to shine no matter what is happening around us. That’s the only way little plastic frogs will be thrown around the room, and ping pong balls bounce off the table as a stand-in for hail. That’s not just at a Powers seder, right?

The JDS family wishes you and your family a Pesach filled with open hearts, open minds, and open haggadot that are almost up to the meal. Chag Sameach!

Welcome Jen Moyer, Early Childhood Education Assistant Director

Early Childhood Program Celebrates the Joy of Reading

By Lisa Yoskowitz ECE Director

By Jen Moyer Early Childhood Education Director

The phrase, “It takes a village” could not be truer than when applied to the field of Early Childhood Education. During my 5.5 years here at the JCC, I have worked alongside many in my community to create and continue to build a successful program. So, I am excited to introduce Jen Moyer, our new Assistant Director in Early Childhood Education. With a passion for fostering young minds and a wealth of experience in early childhood development, Jen brings a

Each year, the National Education Association holds “Read Across America” week in connection with Dr. Seuss’s birthday. From March 2nd to March 6th, students across America focus on the joy of reading. Here at the JCC, we spent the week celebrating our love of books and reading with art activities, games, and even a visit from the Cat in the Hat!

Literacy skills are often an area where parents feel some trepidation as their children move from early childhood to primary school. Do they know their letters? Can they sound out small words? What sight words should they already know?

These questions can bring up feelings of fear and anxiety about whether or not they have done enough to prepare their children for this next step.

At the JCC, we prioritize developmentally appropriate experiences that instill a lifelong love of reading. Books are always a positive choice for children and never something that they are forced to use. We use books as tools to learn about our world, we share stories with each other, and in many classrooms, we make our own books to share with our friends!

fresh perspective to our team. She holds a degree in English Language and Literature and is currently working towards a Masters in Early Childhood Education (with a focus in administration, management and leadership). Jen has worked in various early childhood settings, demonstrating a deep commitment to creating nurturing, inclusive environments that support both children and educators. As Assistant Director, Jen will work closely with staff and families to ensure the continued success and growth of our programs, with a focus on enhancing

A great at-home activity to boost your child’s interest in reading is to help them create a book of their own. This can be as simple as encouraging your children to take pictures of their favorite landmarks along

curriculum, professional development, and family engagement. We look forward to the positive impact she will make in our community!

a familiar route. Once those pictures are printed out, have your child write something about each picture (or you can write their observations for them if they are too young to write on their own). Finally, laminate each sheet and bind together with string. With book in hand, your child can share this homemade book with friends and family!

ECE registration for the 20252026 school year will open on February 1, 2025. And with that, we are excited to announce the opening of a new preschool classroom this upcoming fall! As with all our classrooms, this classroom will provide a nurturing and enriching environment where young learners can grow, explore, and develop essential skills. Our goal is to foster a love for learning from an early age,

If you are looking for a childcare program that prioritizes developmentally appropriate exploration and play-based learning, the JCC’s Star 4 program is currently accepting registrations for the 2026-2027 school year. Please reach out to Jen Moyer, our Early Childhood Director, or visit lehighvalleypreschool.org for more information!

offering a curriculum designed to engage children through

Another Slam Dunk Season for JHoops Basketball

By Danielle Brown Sports and Fitness Director

Another exciting season of JHoops basketball has come to a close, and we are proud to celebrate a great year for both of our teams!

Our 1st & 2nd grade team spent the season learning and developing the fundamentals of basketball. Players focused on building skills like dribbling,

passing, shooting, and defense while also learning how to play together as a team. For many of the athletes, this was their first experience being introduced to basketball games, and it was amazing to watch their confidence grow week after week. Their energy, effort, and excitement for the game made the season a huge success.

Our 3rd & 4th grade team had an exciting and competitive

season. The team worked hard all year, continuing to strengthen their skills and teamwork while competing in games throughout the season. Their efforts led them to an impressive playoff run that ended in a thrilling game decided by just one point. While the result wasn’t the one they hoped for, the players showed incredible determination and sportsmanship and should be

proud of how far they made it.

To celebrate the season, both teams came together for a funfilled end-of-year celebration. Players, coaches, and families gathered to recognize the hard work, improvement, and friendships built throughout the season. It was a great way to reflect on all the memorable moments and accomplishments from this year.

Congratulations to all of our JHoops players and their Rising Stars Basketball League on a fantastic season! We are so proud of the growth, effort, and teamwork displayed by everyone involved. We look forward to seeing everyone back on the court again soon.

Camp JCC: A Special Place to Work, Grow, and Play

Camp JCC Welcomes Maya and Moran, Israeli Emissaries

Early Childhood Program Celebrates the Joy of Reading

By Alaina Schaeffer Youth and Camp Director

By Heather Lavin Program Director

By Jen Moyer Early Childhood Education Director

We are thrilled to announce that this summer, Camp JCC will have two Israeli shlichot this summer. We welcome back Maya Katzab and introduce a new member from Israel, Moran Pikris. Continuing our tradition of cultural exchange, they arrive with enthusiasm and a wealth of Israeli music, dance, and stories to share.

Welcoming Back Maya Katzab

For many families, Camp JCC is known as a place where children spend their summers swimming, creating art, playing sports, and making lifelong friends. But ask the staff what makes Camp JCC truly special, and you’ll hear a story that goes beyond activities and schedules. Camp JCC is not only a meaningful place for campers, but also a place where staff grow, connect, and build a community that keeps them coming back year after year.

We are delighted to welcome back Maya Katzab from Yoav, Israel as the Israeli Adventure Specialist. Maya previously spent a summer with us, sharing her vibrant Israeli culture through music, dance, and storytelling. Her infectious

Behind every great summer is a team of dedicated staff who spend months preparing for the camp season. Before campers even arrive, staff participate in more than 30 hours of training covering essential topics such as first aid and safety procedures, child development, proper supervision, leadership, inclusion, and more. Alongside these important skills, counselors also learn the traditions that make camp so memorable: songs, games, and the art of creating intentional moments of connection with campers.

Camp JCC’s commitment to excellence in training and

These questions can bring up feelings of fear and anxiety about whether or not they have done enough to prepare their children for this next step.

enthusiasm and genuine love for her heritage made her a favorite among our campers. We are thrilled to have her back, as she continues to foster cultural exchange and lasting bonds within our community and through her Isreali Adventure camp programming.

Meet Moran Pikris

program quality is also reflected in its national recognition. The camp holds accreditation status from the American Camp Association (ACA), making it the only day camp in the Greater Lehigh Valley to hold this distinction. ACA accreditation requires camps to meet hundreds of standards across safety, staff training, emergency management, facility maintenance, and program quality—ensuring that families can trust their children are in a well-prepared and professionally run environment.

A Summer of Cultural Exchange

Moran is a 20-year-old from Rishon Leziyyon, Israel and will be Camp JCC’s Music Specialist. She is an experienced song leader who can play guitar and loves to rock climb. Moran volunteered as a scout leader for two years and also at “Tzaad Kadima” for adults with special needs. She has been playing electric and acoustic guitar for 7 years and studied music at a conservatory.

At Camp JCC, we prioritize fun for our campers and staff while embracing the responsibility of educating our community about Israel. Moran and Maya are excited to engage in this cultural exchange, teaching campers about Israeli holidays, food, and daily life, fostering bonds that will last for years to come. Their interactions will enrich our campers’ understanding of a

different culture and strengthen their roles as young ambassadors representing Israel. By summer’s end, Moran and Maya will have left lasting memories and a legacy of cultural appreciation that will resonate beyond camp, embodying the hope and joy that cultural sharing brings. Please join us in welcoming these two remarkable young women to the Lehigh Valley this year. Summer is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to see them!

Recently, camp leadership attended the ACA Tri-State Camp Conference, the largest camp conference in the world. The event brings camp professionals together to share ideas, learn the latest best practices, and strengthen the camp experience for children and staff alike. Bringing those insights back to Camp JCC helps ensure the program continues to evolve while staying true to the traditions that families love.

For many staff members, the experience becomes something much deeper than a summer job.

During interviews with returning counselors this year,

one question stood out: Why do you want to come back to Camp JCC? The answer was almost always the same.

“The people.”

that lasts far beyond the summer months.

Another Slam Dunk Season for JHoops Basketball

Staff spoke about the relationships they’ve built with both campers and staff as they watch them grow year after year, asking how their school year went, remembering their favorite hobbies, and picking up right where they left off the summer before.

While many people initially apply to work at camp because it sounds like fun, the reason they return is much more meaningful. The friendships, the shared memories, and the sense of belonging create a community

More Than Just a Swim Team: The JSeals Family

By Danielle Brown Sports and Fitness Director

By Jodi Lovenwirth Aquatics Director

Another exciting season of JHoops basketball has come to a close, and we are proud to celebrate a great year for both of our teams!

Our 1st & 2nd grade team spent the season learning and developing the fundamentals of basketball. Players focused

The JSeals Swim Team has had an extraordinary season, full of growth, camaraderie, and achievement while competing against other JCC teams. From the very first practice to the last meet, the swimmers demonstrated not only remarkable skill development but also an inspiring sense of team spirit.

Over the season, swimmers made impressive strides in their technique, endurance, and speed. Each practice focused on both skill and fun, helping every swimmer improve while fostering a love for the sport. What makes this possible is the team of dedicated coaches, including Coach Miriam and Coach Naomi, who work closely together, combining their

on building skills like dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense while also learning how to play together as a team. For many of the athletes, this was their first experience being introduced to basketball games, and it was amazing to watch their confidence grow week after week. Their energy, effort, and excitement for the game made the season a huge success.

expertise and support to bring out the best in every swimmer. Their collaboration ensures that all swimmers receive the guidance, encouragement, and attention they need to reach their full potential.

What really stands out is the heart behind this team. The way swimmers supported and encouraged each other, shared laughs, and celebrated each other’s progress is what makes the JSeals so special. I’ve loved seeing the friendships that have grown throughout the season — from bonding at practice to simply enjoying time together in and out of the pool. Those connections are what make this team more than just a swim team.

We will offer swim clinics on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:00–6:00 PM, and for swimmers who want a more competitive

Our 3rd & 4th grade team had an exciting and competitive season. The team worked hard all year, continuing to strengthen their skills and teamwork while competing in games throughout the season. Their efforts led them to an impressive playoff run that ended in a thrilling game decided by just one point. While the result wasn’t the one they

focus, I’d like to offer a Wednesday evening training clinic. This session will focus on more competitive swimming to keep the momentum going for JR Maccabi, scheduled for May 3, or to keep training for summer swim leagues.

At its core, the JSeals Swim Team is about more than competition — it’s about community, friendship, skill growth, and joy in the sport of swimming. Every cheer, every stroke, and every connection

Campers feel that same sense of connection from the moment they arrive at Camp JCC. They are welcomed by counselors who are not only trained and prepared, but who genuinely care about getting to know them. Through shared activities, laughter, and everyday moments, camp becomes more than just a summer program—it becomes a community. Year after year, the reason so many return remains the same: the people who make Camp JCC feel like home.

hoped for, the players showed incredible determination and sportsmanship and should be proud of how far they made it.

Congratulations to all of our JHoops players on a fantastic season! We are so proud of the growth, effort, and teamwork displayed by everyone involved. We look forward to seeing everyone back on the court again soon.

made this season memorable, and the team looks forward to building on this strong foundation in the seasons to come.

Maya Katzab, Israeli Adventure Specialist Moran Pikris, Music Specialist

By Dr. Gene Ginsberg

Dr. Gene Ginsberg, a retired geriatric medicine specialist, wrote this recollection of the Maimonides Society’s beginnings for Hakol a few years after the 1986 founding. In this little space, he captures how the society of healthcare professionals came to be and what it accomplished in its early days

In 1985, Stuart Mellan, the former assistant director of the Allentown Jewish Federation (later folded into the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley), asked me to have lunch. I was skeptical, as my nature can sometimes be. What was I getting myself into?

How it all began, 1986-2026 Maimonides Society Anniversary

We had a pleasant enough hour or so, and really all he was asking me to do was to help organize a “little something” to get the doctors and other healthcare people “more involved.” There’s that code word, I thought. “More involved” really means more time, more work, and, of course, more money!

A group of “interested” healthcare folks at the center, then at private homes ardently trying to organize some dinner, some dance, some brunch, some anything! Just as long as it involved doctors!

Well, here it is, more than three years later, and I have realized that we never really did organize that certain “event.” My cohorts, Doug Blake, Ian Carlis, Mickey Ufberg, Robert Lubert, and Mark Mishkin, literally did not know what they were getting themselves into either. Stuart Mellan has left us now, yet somehow I suspect that all along he had wanted us to do something bigger, something better. And we did it.

Thus the Maimonides Society has evolved. A small

group of doctors and dentists, scribbling on yellow tablets, sipping coffee, and yes, even, one, smoking a foul-smelling cigar.

The society has grown to 70 members, and still counting. The members are committed to offering resources to the local community and to Israel. After promising to pledge a generous minimum, the members agree to participate in fundraising activities and to commit “to the betterment of Jews everywhere.”

Every member receives an attractive certificate, which, by the way, is copyrighted and has been adopted by other Maimonides Societies in the country.

Let me give you some examples of what we’re about. Locally, educational brunches are

have written articles of Jewish and medical interest for Hakol. The society has taken its show “on the road” to other Federations, such as the Reading chapter.

An exciting program has developed between the Maimonides Society and our sister Israeli communities of Ma’alot and Nahariya. Members have contributed significantly to the libraries of Nahariya Hospital and to the Kupat Cholim (outpatient clinic) at Ma’alot. We have donated used and new equipment. Sollie Mizrahi, a general surgeon at Nahariya, has trained at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Center and participated in the microsurgery

Founders

to the Lehigh Valley. In addition, the microsurgery technician will be visiting Israel this fall to train four additional physicians in this vital skill.

Ron Rasheff, a gastroenterologist, will be visiting in September, to learn special procedures not easily available in Israel. Our society will be hosting his visit.

Judy Manelis, a neurologist, in fact the only neurologist in the Northern Galilee, will be visiting in October. She will observe magnetic resonance imaging and general neurology.

held at private homes four to six times per year (now called Brunch and Learns and held at the JCC or a synagogue). Many members have offered their services without charge to needy Jewish families in concert with Jewish Family Service. Several members

Maimonides Society

program.

With the help of donations from the Reading Federation, he is now able to use the techniques he has learned at his own hospital. He was exhilarated by his visit here

We hope for some of our physicians to visit and work in Israel someday for extended periods of one or two months. In fact, we are now organizing a medical mission to Israel March 1989. Our group will visit sites of medical interest and work with physicians and dentists in various specialties. The sense of camaraderie and family that has been fostered between members and the Israeli physicians has been incredible. I made fast friends when I visited Israel and we still keep in touch. What began as a vague idea has grown into something that cannot be stopped. As with any new organization, we had growing pains. We need members and we need ideas….

January 1986 HAKOL article about the first Maimonides monides president Dr. Douglas Blake.

* Dr. Douglas Blake was the first Maimonides Society president.

Maimonides Society Anniversary

Celebrate 2026!

40

Dozens of Jewish Federations across North America have their own Maimonides Societies of healthcare professionals. Their members gather regularly to brief one another on medical developments, provide services for the needy in their neighborhoods and beyond, sponsor educational and social events for their communities, and to raise money for the Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs.

It all started right here in the Lehigh Valley in 1986 with a group of doctors meeting to set up a

group of peers that would promote Jewish values, aid Israel and Jews around the world, and ensure that our own local community continued to thrive into the future. As Dr. Bob Wilson told the audience at the 30th anniversary celebration event, when he was society president, “We share a vision of dedication to strengthen our people, to tikkun olam, repairing the world, and to the pursuit of knowledge.”

On Thursday evening, May 7, the community will gather at Temple Beth El to celebrate and pay tribute to this group of dedicated professionals and all it has

done for Jewish needs over 40 years—here and across the continent.

Dr. Dorit Nitzan, director of the emergency medicine program at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and former head of the World Health Organization’s emergency response services in the European region (including Israel), will visit from Israel as our special guest to give us insight into an

important topic: “The Future of Healthcare: Strengthening Emergency Preparedness and System Resilience.” She’ll speak to the May 7 audience at 7 p.m.

A gift to the Jewish Federation 2026 Annual Campaign is required to attend this special fun and though-provoking event. If you haven’t made your gift yet, visit jewishlehighvalley.org/campaign. Register at jewishlehighvalley. regfox.com/maimonides-community-widepresentation to attend the event.

Maimonides Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment Members MPACE

Maimonides Society

Maimonides Society Brunch 'n Learn at the home of then Mai-

CYBERCRIME BOOT CAMP

Registration Required.

To register, scan the QR code, or visit the link below or call 610.821.5500

• Become impervious to 3rd party breaches

• Learn how social engineering can target financial assets and how to protect them

• Make sure no one else can use your social security number

• Understand criminal behavior to avoid victim behavior

• Special focus on antisemitic targeting

There can only be one #1.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has ranked St. Luke’s ahead of nationally renowned Mayo Clinic and Houston Methodist as one of the three highest‑performing health systems in the nation for quality, safety and patient experience – affirming St. Luke’s leadership among the country’s largest and best‑known health care providers.

Excellence isn’t claimed. It’s earned. St. Luke’s, leading the way.

of the Lehigh Valley of the Lehigh Valley of the Lehigh Valley of the Lehigh Valley

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, a time to recognize JFS volunteers of all ages and life stages who unselfishly give their time, energy, and heart to support the mission of JFS.

“Volunteers enable JFS to provide services that address food insecurity, promote the social and emotional well-being of clients, and foster connections to the Jewish community. I am eternally grateful to work alongside this dynamic group of individuals,” says Jennifer Oxfeld, JFS Volunteer Coordinator.

Starting at a young age, community members get involved through our partnership with the Jewish Day School. Every fall, Morah Alicia Zahn’s

kindergartners collect tzedakah to donate to the food pantry. “I love visiting the classroom to read a book about food insecurity and teach students that everyone needs help at some point in their lives. JFS is always here to help,” says Jennifer.

Students who are preparing for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah create personalized mitzvah projects to benefit families served by the Community Food Pantry. Mitzvah projects have included toiletry drives, Birthday in a Bag projects, and pet food drives.

JFS partners with local colleges to support the agency through curated projects. Under the leadership of Rabbi Steven Nathan, Lehigh University

Hillel students bake cookies and hamantaschen to be delivered with Mazel Meals. Lafayette College Hillel supports the Senda-Card program. The students at Muhlenberg Hillel assembled holiday packages for distribution to older adults and Muhlenberg’s students from the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils collectively donate thousands of cans each year through the Greek Week Canstruction project.

Many JFS volunteers are retirees who are vibrant and dedicated to giving back to the Jewish community. Their impact is felt across the agency, whether they are unloading deliveries and assisting clients in the Community Food Pantry or ensuring that Jewish life continues for older

adults in long-term care residences through Shabbat and holiday programs. For those who serve as drivers through the ShareCare Faith in Action partnership, the work is about more than logistics. “I’ve seen firsthand how much it means to someone just to get out of the house and spend time with their peers,” says volunteer driver Abby Trachtman. “It’s more than a ride; it’s a connection that really changes their day.”

Thank you to all the volunteers who help extend the scope and reach of our services and programs.

For more information about volunteering, please contact Jennifer Oxfeld, at volunteer@jfslv.org.

JFS to Receive a Food Pantry Refresh Thanks to Alvin H. Butz, Inc.

The Volunteer Center of Lehigh Valley’s annual Volunteer Challenge is known for bridging the gap between corporate teams and nonprofits to complete long-lasting and high impact projects. For the third consecutive year, Lehigh Valley’s Alvin H. Butz, Inc. has selected Jewish

IN HONOR

ROSS AND WENDY BORN

Howard and Susan Sherer

LEORA EDEN (Granddaughter)

Audrey and Rick Nolte

CHELSEA KARP, MARCIA SCHECHTER, AND LAURA GARBER

(Sons of Israel presentation)

Barry and Carol Halper

KI ADULT B. MITZVAH CLASS (Congratulations)

Julia Urich

HAROLD KREITHEN

(Happy 90th birthday)

Henry Lehrich and Paige Bluth

Family Service as its project partner, continuing a multiphase transformation of the JFS building. Since the partnership began, the Alvin H. Butz team has been systematically updating the JFS building. The Community Food Pantry is one of the most high-traffic areas in the building,

MISHLOACH MANOT

Rachel Cubellis

FLORY SILVERMAN AND NICK PACI

(Granddaughter’s engagement)

Barbara Sussman

VALENTINE’S DAY

Jeannie and Holmes Miller

VICKIE SEMMEL (Happy birthday)

Audrey Schlaepfer

NORMAN WRUBLE (Happy 90th birthday)

Lee Gromer

Barbara Homick

serving 50 clients per week. Despite its heavy use, the room has not seen a fresh coat of paint since 2019. This April, a team of Alvin H. Butz employees will transition the pantry from its tired yellow to the building’s updated color scheme that is calming and professional. The JFS Community

NORMAN SARACHEK

IN MEMORY

PHYLLIS GOODFRIEND

(Mother of Lisa and David; Sister of Daniel Poresky and Paul Poresky)

Maxine and Donald Klein

BERNARD KOBROVSKY (Yahrzeit of father)

Barbara Sussman

STUART KOBROVSKY (Brother)

Barbara Sussman

ROBERT KRITZER

(Husband of Roberta Kritzer; Father of Erik, Leslie, and Lauren Kritzer, Lori Margolis, Lara Moretti, and Edward Schwartz)

Peggy and Bill Berger

Food Pantry is a vital resource for our community, and we look forward to welcoming our clients to a space that feels updated and refreshed.

JFS is incredibly grateful for the continued partnership of Alvin H. Butz, Inc.

(Husband of Jett Sarachek; Father of Elizabeth, Becky, and Serena)

Peggy and Bill Berger

Audrey and Richard Nolte

Phyllis and Henry Perkin

MAX SCHULTZ

(Uncle of David Schultz, Jonathan Schultz, and Joshua Schultz. Relative of Jim Edmonds)

Judith Miller

BERNARD SHENKMAN

(Husband of Wendy Shenkman; Father of Brett, Caleb, Eve; Stepfather of Justin, Jeremy, Jason, and Jordan)

Barbara Sussman

DOLORES “LOLLY” SIEGEL (Wife of Sheldon Siegel; Mother of H.B. and Harris; Grandmother of Alexander)

Maxine and Donald Klein

Henry Lehrich and Paige Bluth

Judith Miller

Alice and Mark Notis

SAMUEL THIER

(Husband of Paula Thier; Father of Audrey, Stephanie, and Sara; Brother of Roberta London and Lenore)

Peggy and Bill Berger

Muhlenberg Hillel students donated personal care items to the food pantry, such as toilet paper, tissues, and paper towels. Thank you Hillel!

Volunteer Howard Nathanson leads educational and engaging holiday programs to older adults in long term care residences throughout the Lehigh Valley. (Purim 2026 photo courtesy of Phoebe)

Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer Oxfeld stocks pantry shelves with Ari Bair, who chose to do his mitzvah project with the agency.

Tasty treats provided by Lehigh Hillel that are enjoyed by Jewish older adults through JFS’s Mazel Meal program.

300 dress up, play games, win prizes at Purim carnival

The JCC hosted the 2026 edition of its Community Purim Carnival at the start of March. More than 300 attended the festive event filled with fun and fantastic costumes. Children and their families enjoyed carnival games, an inflatable obstacle course, prizes, a costume parade, and hamantaschen.

Am Haskalah class views Judaism through lens of disability

By Liz Fear

Congregation Am Haskalah Director

Am Haskalah, the Lehigh Valley’s Reconstructionist congregation, hosted the continuing education class “Seeing Judaism through the Lens of Disability” in Febru-

ary as part of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month.

Rabbi Steve Nathan, Am Haskalah director Liz Fear, and congregation member Susan Schaffer facilitated a vibrant discussion among participants from across the country, with personal expe-

riences at the intersection of disability and Judaism being shared.

The class began by exploring the core Jewish values of respect and communal responsibility, anchored in the concept of b’Tzelem Elohim—that we are all made in God’s image. Since religious institutions are not legally bound by the Americans with Disabilities Act, we have a moral obligation to prioritize inclusion ourselves. Creating a welcoming community must go beyond physical renovations; it demands that we transform the very way

we interact with every member of our congregation.

Rabbi Nathan presented examples of disabilities and accommodations in the Torah, and the group discussed pieces of “disability wisdom” from Rabbi Julia Watts Belser’s book “Loving Our Own Bones.” A long-time advocate for disability and gender justice, Rabbi Belser provides a unique framing for disabled experiences, which resonated with many of the participants and their own experiences with disabilities.

Am Haskalah routinely opens its monthly continu-

ing education classes to the broader public, both in person and online. This has sparked dynamic discussions and welcomed diverse new perspectives and friends to our community. While Zoom began as a pandemic necessity, it has become a permanent bridge of access for every ritual, class, and celebration. By intentionally removing geographical, physical, and sensory barriers, Am Haskalah allows everyone to participate in the way that best fits their needs.

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

Maybe you can’t make cheesecake. Or maybe you just can’t make one as good as your bubbe. Maybe you just need some help. The Lehigh Valley-Yoav, Israel, Partnership2Gether is here for you.

A week before Shavuot and its tradition of dairybased dishes, the P2G presents former restaurant owner and CBS cooking segment host Scott Anderson demonstrating how to bake a cheesecake for the holiday—the cheesecake that won him the Pentagon Holiday Baking Championship. “So it’s been tested under pressure!” he told Hakol.

The demonstration will begin on Zoom at noon on May 17. Community members of the Lehigh Valley and its P2G partner Yoav, Israel, who

cook at the advanced-beginner level can register to learn a valuable, crowd-pleasing skill from this award-winning baker.

“I’ll be making a vanilla cheesecake wrapped in ladyfingers, finished with a white chocolate ganache and topped with fresh raspberries,” Anderson said. “I chose cheesecake to tie in with Shavuot and the tradition of dairy-based dishes, while giving it a slightly elevated, modern twist.”

Anderson will focus on the fundamentals: how to build the base and how to avoid common issues like cracking. He’ll also share a few simple secrets to take the cake to the next level so it looks and tastes bakery-quality. The session will be interactive, fun, and very approachable for home cooks.

Besides owning a restau-

rant, Anderson served in the U.S. Air Force for nearly 30 years, retiring as a lieutenant colonel—and winning the Pentagon baking championship three years in a row. He has also mentored high school culinary students and hosted “Dining at Dawn” in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

“This isn’t just about making cheesecake,” he said. “It’s about understanding the basics and then having fun taking it to the next level. If you can master a few simple techniques, you can turn something classic into something people will think you bought from a bakery.

“And don’t worry—this is a ‘grab your Manischewitz’ kind of class. I’ll be over here with my bourbon!”

To register for the demonstration, visit jewishlehighvalley.regfox. com/p2g-shavuot-cooking.

Ladyfinger border

20-24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)

Graham cracker crust

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Vanilla cheesecake filling

24 ounces cream cheese, softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

3 large eggs

White chocolate ganache

8 ounces white chocolate, chopped 1/2 cup heavy cream

Topping

2 cups fresh raspberries

Powdered sugar for dusting

1. Prepare the pan and ladyfingers: Preheat oven to 325. Arrange ladyfingers vertically around the inside of a greased 9-inch springform pan.

2. Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the center of the pan, working outward to lock in the ladyfingers. Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool completely.

Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix. Add sour cream, lemon juice, vanilla, and flour. Mix until combined. Add eggs last, one at a time, mixing on low just until incorporated.

4. Bake (moisture method): Place cheesecake on center rack. Place a pan of hot water on the rack below to create steam. Bake 55-70 minutes until edges are set and center slightly jiggles. Turn off oven, crack door, and cool for 1 hour. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

5. Make ganache: Heat cream until simmering. Pour over chocolate, let sit 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth. Assemble: Remove cheesecake from pan. Pour ganache over top. Add raspberries and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

PRO TIPS

• Eggs last prevents overmixing and cracking

• Steam method avoids water bath risks

• Room temp ingredients ensure smooth batter

• Chill overnight for best results

Award-wining baker Scott Anderson with his wife, Ellen Sosis.

JFS Community Food Pantry

Item of the Month

JFS is collecting baby wipes throughout April for families served by the Community Food Pantry. Donations can be dropped off at JFS or in the bins at the JCC, Temple Beth El, Bnai Shalom, and Brith Sholom. The items can also be ordered through the JFS Amazon Wish List

To ensure a staff member is available to accept your donation, please arrange a drop-off time by contacting Doug Trachtman at 610.821.8722 ext. 101 or foodpantry@jfslv.org

2004 W. Allen Street | Allentown, PA 18104

610.821.8722 | foodpantry@jfslv.org | www.jfslv.org

Lehigh Valley and Yoav: We’re in this together!

Members of the Lehigh Valley and Yoav, Israel, Partnership2Gether committees met via Zoom on Sunday, March 15, to get the latest news from

each community. Amid the continuing conflict with Iran and a further rise in antisemitism, the partners were eager to catch up on what was

happening and on how each other were managing. Participants said their goodbyes with optimism and hope.

Pray, Eat, Learn every Shabbat at Brith Sholom

By Judith Lasker Congregation Brith Sholom

Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling memoir “Eat, Pray, Love” is the story of one person’s journey of grief and personal growth. A very different version of her title words can be found every Shabbat at

Congregation Brith Sholom in Bethlehem.

First, Pray. A full sanctuary of congregants and guests participate in a service of prayer, song, and Torah. Many members have learned to read from the Torah or take on different roles in the service. The sanctuary’s beautiful

windows on the outdoors add a special dimension to the spiritual experience.

Then, there’s Eat. The social hall is abuzz with people enjoying a delicious meal and lots of camaraderie. Almost everyone stays for at least an hour or two to enjoy a full spread and the chance to catch up with friends. Kiddush time is very important in this warm and welcoming community.

What makes this day especially different from the experience in most other shuls is what comes next. The third title word, Learn, in this case refers to something pretty unusual in non-Orthodox synagogues: study of Talmud. Talmud, the large body of Jewish law and interpretation and debate codified 1,500 years ago is generally understood to be very serious; after all, it’s complex and challenging even for experienced scholars. Yet at Brith Sholom, up to two dozen people gather around a very large table for an hour of exuberant Talmud study with Rabbi Michael Singer.

When asked about their class, participants almost universally describe it as “fun.” One student said, “Talmud is funny! And it’s

a fascinating opportunity to learn in a chill setting.”

Another said that when he wasn’t able to come to services for two weeks in a row, he really missed not being in the class. Others described how they love entering the Talmudic tradition of debate.

Rabbi Singer explained why he enjoys teaching the class so much: “I have always believed that when we pray, we talk to God, but when we study to-

gether, we can hear God talking to us. Studying Talmud opens the beauty and dynamism of a living and breathing conversation with God and Torah.”

All are welcome to join us in study and celebration.

Elizabeth Gilbert found love and meaning during her stays in Italy, India, and Indonesia. Perhaps she needn’t have gone so far!

Beatles tribute plays packed house at Sons of Israel

The world-renowned Beatles tribute act PreFab 4 delighted a near sellout crowd on March 15 for Congregation Sons of Israel’s Annual Spring Fundraiser. Approximately 120 people—the full spectrum of the Jewish Lehigh Valley alongside Beatles lovers from the broader community—came together to witness a masterclass in rock-and-roll history.

From the first chord, the Sons of Israel social hall was a vibrant concert arena. The group of professional actormusicians with extensive Broadway pedigrees brought

the crowd of young and old to their feet. The band sang harmonies that faithfully honored the original Beatles sound, but also put their own creative spin on the classics.

One standout moment of the night was a surprise, footstomping Johnny Cash-style rendition of “She Loves You” that showcased the band’s musical versatility and wit.

Audience participation was the heartbeat of the evening. This was far from a sit-back-and-watch performance; the ruach (spirit) was palpable as the band encouraged constant interaction.

The room was filled with the sound of synchronized clapping and enthusiastic singalongs to hits like “Hey Jude” and “Yellow Submarine.” In one of the most engaging segments of the show, the band took a break from their scripted set to allow the audience to call the tunes, turning the performance into a personalized experience for the Sons of Israel family.

“We really wanted to bring the whole community together, and the universal appeal of the Beatles was a perfect way to do that,” said

Jordan Goldman of the Sons of Israel Fundraiser Committee.

The evening also featured a unique Classic Rock D’var Torah from Rabbi Moshe Kurtz, who made the whole audience guffaw with puns combining Jewish themes and Beatles song titles. Before the show, attendees enjoyed a taste of New York City catered by Chop Chop Kosher, featuring a sushi bar and desserts that kept the energy high throughout the night.

As the primary spring fundraiser for Congrega-

tion Sons of Israel, the event reached its goals thanks to the generous support of community members and sponsors. The funds ensure that the synagogue continues to serve as a vibrant center for Jewish life, education, and, as evidenced by the concert, unforgettable community celebrations.

The evening concluded with a final standing ovation, leaving everyone in attendance with a Beatlemania glow and a deep sense of pride in our community.

Thrills and chills with wartime buddies Skwerl and Cheese

“Sheepdogs,” by Elliot Ackerman, Knopf, 2025, 305 pages.

By Sandi Teplitz

Special to Hakol

Do you need some rejuvenation for spring and don’t have a specific plan? Take a drive to the closest bookstore (or use your Amazon Prime, if you must) and get instant access to thrills, chills, and other related adrenaline-producing storybook fiction.

In the past, Ackerman has written seven novels and two memoirs, achieving literary fame and popularity along the way. He has also served with the U.S. Marine Corps in Afghanistan and Iraq, earning a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Silver Star for heroic actions during his five tours. He participated in an effort to evacuate America’s Afghan allies from Kabul, dissatisfied with the partial success in securing their release. In “Sheepdogs,” his most recent novel, he uses comedy to

SUMMER SEASON

Chorus Line 6/3 -

highlight the relevance of buddies in wartime and turns out perhaps his best work yet.

The book’s primary characters, Skwerl and Cheese, are a duo who interact with each other and plot against the enemy in a race against time and for a large compensation package, in an apparent attempt to squelch their opponent’s dreams. Accompanied by diverse and unlikely female companions, including a savvy contortionist and a very pregnant, charming four-time-mother, they produce an adventurous tale of spydom intrigue.

The success of this book led to its development into a streaming series by Tom Hanks’ production company. Now Ackerman is working on a sequel.

Ackerman is a skilled writer who uses his own experience to produce a fastreading, complicated, soulful war story—with a surprise ending. Don’t miss it.

SCHOOL SEASON

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.

Local Seder Schedules are located in the Passover section of Hakol

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1

Sons of Israel “Touch-a-Truck” & Chametz Burning

10:30 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel

Everyone is invited to the “Toucha-Truck” (as in Allentown Fire Department firetruck) and Chametz Burning in the Sons of Israel parking lot. Free and open to all.

SUNDAY, APRIL 12

Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra

Hebrew Connections Performance

3 p.m., Congregation Bnai Shalom, Easton

Hear an acclaimed young violinist perform with the Sinfonia professional chamber orchestra. Sinfonia presents high-quality, approachable classical music in the Lehigh Valley and is widely respected for its talented musicians, its imaginative programming, and the warm rapport it promotes between the musicians and audience members. Buy tickets at etix.com or call 610-434-7811.

SUNDAY, APRIL 19

“Strings of Hope” with Violins from the Holocaust and Hiroshima

3 p.m., Williams Center for the Arts at Lafayette College Violins that survived the Holocaust and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima come together in performance, featuring violin virtuosos Niv Ashkenazi and Mio Imai. This multimedia program created in collaboration with Philadelphia Orchestra cellist Udi Bar-David blends film, spoken word, and live music to share stories of courage, resilience, and hope. Buy tickets at williamscenter. lafayette.edu/event/strings-of-hope.

MONDAY, APRIL 20

Yom HaZikaron Commemoration

6:30 p.m., JCC

The community commemoration of Israel’s Memorial Day will feature a powerful, immersive experience with Israeli artist and singer-songwriter Gilad Segev blending storytelling, videos, and live music. The Project Heroes program will honor those who lost their lives while saving others, in line with the project’s aim of shifting the narrative of the Jewish people from one of victimhood to one of heroism. Ceremony begins at 6:30 and program promptly at 7. Registration required. Bring a photo

ID and arrive early to get through security; we’re expecting a large turnout.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22

Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration 5 p.m., JCC

Celebrate Israel Independence Day at the Yom Ha’Atzmaut Blue and White Youth Basketball Game, a friendly matchup featuring JCC and Jewish Day School kids. And don’t miss the halftime JDS flag dance. Magen David pretzels and blue and white cookies will be available as grab-and-go. Registration required. Bring a photo ID for security.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30

Beauty and Bravery: Women’s Philanthropy Dollar-a-Day Spring Event

6:30 p.m., Temple Beth El Speaking at the annual gathering will be Noa Cochva, Miss Israel in the 2021 Miss Universe Pageant, Israel Defense Forces veteran, and now advocate with a global platform supporting Israel, highlighting humanitarian values within the IDF, and empowering women. A mini-

mum pledge of $365 to the Jewish Federation’s 2026 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs is required to attend. Registration required by April 16.

FRIDAY, MAY 1

TBE Sisterhood Book Club

12:30-2 p.m., Temple Beth El The new club will discuss the John Irving novel “Queen Esther.” You don’t need to be a Sisterhood or TBE member to attend. Bring suggestions for the next book to discuss. RSVP to Helaine at h.young@ rcn.com or text 610-703-6268.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6

Women’s Philanthropy Cemetery Cleanup

10:30 a.m., Mt. Sinai Cemetery

Join the Women’s Philanthropy mitzvah project cleaning up the historic Mt. Sinai Cemetery and preserving Lehigh Valley Jewish history. Learn about the cemetery. Register for the cleanup.

TUESDAY, MAY 12

Parkland High School Jazz Band

Community Concert

6:30-7:45 p.m., JCC

All are invited to attend this performance sponsored by Rance and Sheryl Block. Admission is free, but tickets are required.

THURSDAY, MAY 14

Cybercrime Boot Camp

7 p.m., JCC Kline Auditorium

Rivka Tadjer, CEO and founder of ZeroHack, will teach you how to become impervious to third-party breachers, protect your financial assets from social engineering, make sure no one else can use your Social Security number, and more, with a special focus on antisemitic targeting. All are invited and admission is free. Register at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/ cybercrime-boot-camp.

SUNDAY, MAY 17

P2G Cooking Demo for Shavuot Noon, via Zoom

Scott Anderson will demonstrate to participants from the Lehigh Valley and its Partnership2Gether community of Yoav, Israel, how to make a cheesecake for the holiday--the cheesecake that won him the Pentagon Holiday Baking Championship. Register at jewishlehighvalley.regfox. com/p2g-shavuot-cooking

THURSDAY, MAY 28

Unity in the Community 2.0: Broadway Celebrates the Lehigh Valley 7 p.m., Muhlenberg College Empie Theatre

Join us for Unity in the Community 2.0, starring John Lloyd Young (Jersey Boys), Andrea McArdle (the original Annie), and acclaimed comedian Judy Gold in a Broadway celebration of hope, resilience, and connection. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 for the general public and $50 for the Federation’s NextGen group (ages 30-45). A pledge to the Federation’s 2026 Campaign for Jewish Needs is also required (you can still make your pledge!). Seats are limited and available only by advance purchase; buy tickets at jewishlehighvalley.ticketspice.com/ unity-in-the-community-20. Help make this inspiring celebration possible by joining our other sponsors at one of our five sponsorship levels at jewishlehighvalley.givingfuel. com/unity-in-the-community-2-sponsorship.

ONGOING EVENTS

Community Calendar

WEDNESDAYS

FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Bnai Shalom Cash Bingo

1 p.m., Congregation Bnai Shalom

Join Bnai Shalom for its monthly bingo game fundraiser, the first Sunday of every month (except October, when there’s no game). For more information call 610-258-5343.

MONDAYS

Yiddish Club

2-3:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley via Zoom

Experience the joys of Yiddish via Zoom as part of Adults at the J. The group meets weekly to discuss topics like cooking, humor, music and all kinds of entertainment in the Yiddish language. All are welcome to join this lively, weekly discussion. There is something for everyone no matter if you know a few words or are a fluent speaker. Enjoy fun, fellowship, stories and more. Participants Zoom in from 5 states. No cost. Call 610-435-3571, ext. 501.

MONDAYS

Unpacking the Igros

After Maariv (40 minutes after Mincha), Congregation Sons of Israel

May a couple opt for artificial insemination? Can I use a timer to cook on Shabbos? Is veal kosher? How does Judaism approach abortion? Study responses of the leading rabbi of the 20th century, HaGaon HaRav Moshe Feinstein zt”l, and find out the answers to these questions and much more.

WEDNESDAYS

Sons of Israel “Mysteries of the Midrash”

Noon, Congregation Sons of Israel Rabbi Moshe Kurtz will teach this weekly class. Light lunch will be served. All are welcome.

WEDNESDAYS

Yoga with Miriam Sandler: ChairSupported Yoga

1-2 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom in person and via Zoom

Be seated in a comfortable chair, preferably armless. Some standing poses holding onto the chair are offered, though students may choose to remain seated. Modifications are given. Open to the public in person and live stream available to all via Zoom. *$10 drop-in fee payable to Congregation Brith Sholom. For more information email mbserow@ gmail.com.

Torah Studies: A Weekly Journey into the Soul of Torah 7 p.m., Chabad of the Lehigh Valley

Torah Studies by the Jewish Learning Institute presents Season Two, 5786, a 12-part series. Cost is $54 for the course, including textbook. For more information, call 610-3516511 or email rabbi@chabadlehighvalley.com.

THURSDAYS

Lishma: Learn, Listen, Listen Learn 10:30 a.m.-noon, Congregation Keneseth Israel

Explore of variety of topics through a Jewish lens. Students drive the thematic focus as the group dives deep into traditional sources and queries contemporary challenges. The coffee is hot, and snacks are encouraged. The group does not meet Nov 27, Dec 25, Jan 1. Register at kilv. org/event/learn-listen-listen-learn. html.

THURSDAYS

Basic Yiddish Class

4-5:30 p.m., JCC via Zoom

Learn to read, write, speak and comprehend Yiddish. Textbooks from Yiddish Book Center available for purchase. Contact 610-4353571, ext. 501.

FRIDAYS

Kol HaEmek

9-10 a.m., WMUH 91.7

“The Voice of the Valley” radio show. For information go to muhlenberg. edu/wmuh.

SATURDAYS

KI Torah Study

9:30-11 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel

Join Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg for a study session making sense of the week’s Torah portion. Enter the building through the 23rd Street door. For more information, contact Rabbi Tornberg using the form at kilv.org/form/contact-rabbicall.

SATURDAYS

Wisdom of the Talmud Class

After Shabbat Lunch and Schmooze, Congregation Brith Sholom

Join Rabbi Michael Singer in a discussion about Jewish law, ethics, customs and history as found in the pages of the Talmud. Any necessary books are available in the synagogue office. No previous Talmud study required. For information

email tammy@brithsholom.net or call 610-866-8009.

LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Shabbat Yoga

10:30-11:30 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel

Jett Ulaner Saracheck and Ann Friedenheim lead this experience of Shabbat through movement. Bring a mat, blocks, or anything else that will bring you comfort in the practice. All are welcome. For questions, call Ann at 610-462-2549 or Jett at 610-762-1450. Register at kilv.org/ event/shabbat-yoga1.html.

DAILY

Jewish Broadcasting Service

JBS is a Jewish television channel featuring daily news from Israel; leading Jewish figures, issues and events of Jewish importance; call-in programs; Jewish studies; 92nd Street Y; live Friday and holiday services for those at home; children’s programs; films; music; books; and entertainment. Visit jbstv.org.

DAILY

Congregation Sons of Israel Minyanim

Shacharit on Mondays and Thursdays 6:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 6:45 a.m.; Sundays 8:30 a.m.

Congregation Sons of Israel welcomes all to the daily Shacharis and Mincha/Maariv services, which are conducted in the main sanctuary of the synagogue. Please check the synagogue at sonsofisrael.net for the weekly listing of the starting time for Mincha/Maariv. If you have any questions, call the synagogue office at 610-433-6089.

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY Daily Online Meditation 12:30 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality

One of their master teachers will lead a live daily guided meditation. Join with people from around the world to share 30 minutes of Jewish mindfulness. Open to all, no experience needed. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/get-started.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 7:09 PM

FRIDAY, APRIL 3 7:11 PM

TUESDAY, APRIL 7 7:15 PM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 8:16 PM

FRIDAY, APRIL 10 7:18 PM

FRIDAY, APRIL 17 7:25 PM

FRIDAY, APRIL 24 7:33 PM

FRIDAY, MAY 1 7:40 PM

FRIDAY, MAY 8 7:47 PM

FRIDAY, MAY 15 7:54 PM