Hakol - Chanukah 2025

DECEMBER 2025 | CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5786

The day a hostage returned home to my son’s neighborhood

By Cantor Ellen Sussman Temple Shirat Shalom

I wrote this article when I returned from my recent trip to Israel. I wanted to share my experience with everyone. How fitting that this is appearing at Chanukah time. Just like the Maccabees, these last two years show the bravery and resilience of the Jewish people.

I try to visit my family living in Israel twice a year, even though we missed visiting last year when the bombs were raining on Haifa. We like to go when the grandchildren are out of day care for the holidays. That way we can spend a lot of time with them and help my son and daughter-in-law with child care.

We visited last Passover, and during a barbecue my son was hosting, we had to rush to his bomb shelter as Houthi missiles were aimed at the city. All guests, which included small children and a pregnant woman, had to cram into a small bedroom bomb shelter in my son’s apartment.

We visited this Sukkot and things seemed a little calmer. We were there only a few days when the United States announced there were negotiations for a ceasefire in the war and a return of the hostages. All Israel was holding their breath. I have three grandchildren in the country—a 5-year-old girl,

Released hostage Captain Maxim Herkin returns to Tirat Carmel after over 2 years.

Sol, and identical 2½-yearold twin boys, Ron and Gal. They, of course, do not understand what is going on in Israel, but they know that when the siren goes off, they go to the bomb shelter.

When the boys are napping, we take Sol out for cheese bourekas and to the park across the street. The day the hostages were to be released, we took Sol to a new park, next to which there was a huge screen broadcasting the news and showing the progress of the release.

People gathered wrapped in Israeli flags, waving and screaming. We were there watching as the hostages were released. There was jubilation in the streets.

We rushed back to the apartment, and my son said that for the first time in two years, he could breathe.

After the initial euphoria, the Israelis came back to earth.

My daughter-in-law said we must remember that this is a ceasefire, not a peace agreement. But for the moment we are ecstatic that the poor souls languishing in the clutches of Hamas have at

HAPPY CHANUKAH!

2 DECEMBER 2025 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | CHANUKAH 5786

Friends, neighbors, and patriotic Israelis line the streets to welcome Captain Maxim Herkin home.

last been united with their families.

Israel is a small country and ultimately everyone is family, for there is always someone who knows someone. They also feel the same shared purpose of saving the Jewish people. We witnessed firsthand the miracle of Israel’s sense of community.

Maxim Herkin, one of the hostages who was released with the last 20, is a neighbor of my son and his family.

Maxim lives in Tirat Carmel, a community just outside Haifa. Captain Maxim Herkin was abducted from the Nova Music Festival and lived for

two years in unspeakable conditions. When asked how he survived, he said it was his deep faith in the Jewish people and his desire to see his beautiful 5-year-old daughter, Monica.

We were out and about the day Maxim was to come home. Jeremy called us and told us to come over as the celebration was right in front of his house. We rushed to his apartment and were greeted by a band from the local yeshiva. There were dozens of people singing and dancing, wrapped in Israeli flags.

We waited and then the car arrived with Maxim. We saw

him exit the car with much assistance. He looked painfully thin and weak, but he was smiling. His eyes looked like the eyes of all victims of heinous crimes, the eyes of someone who has endured horrible trauma and seen firsthand the worst of human behavior.

We are all praying that the peace process moves forward and there is actually peace in Israel. For now, things are quiet and life goes on. I left Israel this time not petrified for the safety of my children but with hope in my heart.

From the Board & Staff of the

Howard Nathanson and JFS bring Chanukah to older adults

By Chelsea Karp Jewish Family Service Executive Director

Jewish Family Service volunteer Howard Nathanson is having another busy Chanukah season. He’s bringing Chanukah joy to older adults in long-term care residences across the Lehigh Valley, including Phoebe, Luther Crest, Country Meadows Bethlehem, Country Mead-

ows Allentown, Kirkland Village, and Tikvah House.

His visits support Jewish community life, gathering Jewish residents and their non-Jewish peers together to share in the holiday rituals and learn about traditions— and enjoy some yummy snacks.

Says one resident, “I always look forward to Howard visiting. There are only three Jewish people where

I live, and it makes me feel good that other residents want to learn more about my traditions. Now, when I put my menorah and Chanukah gelt on the shelf outside my door, everyone knows what it is.”

To learn more about volunteering to lead JFS programs, contact Jennifer Oxfeld at volunteers@jfslv. org.

Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley BILL MARKSON President

JERI ZIMMERMAN

Executive Director Women’s

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Jewish Day School shines bright

By Ariel Solomon Jewish Day School Hebrew and Judaics Director

Banu choshech legaresh, beyadeinu or va’esh. Kol echad hu or katan, vechulanu or eitan. (We came to drive away the darkness; in our hands are light and fire.

Everyone’s a small light, and together we are a mighty light.)

These beloved lyrics by Israeli songwriter Sara Levi-Tanai remind us each year that even the smallest light can chase away the deepest darkness.

During Chanukah, we celebrate two miracles: the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks, which restored our freedom to practice Judaism in our land, and the miracle of the tiny jar of oil that burned for not just one night, but for eight. Both remind us of courage, hope, and faith—the light that endures even when the world feels uncertain.

As times change, we as Jewish people continue to face new challenges. Darkness comes in many forms— fear, division, loss—but we have learned that it cannot be fought with more darkness.

Only light can push it away.

Sometimes that light begins small—a single spark of kindness, a caring word, an act of giving—but one small light can inspire another, until the world shines brighter for it.

Here at the JDS, I see those sparks every day. A student helping a classmate with schoolwork. A friend offering comfort to someone feeling down. The joyful sound of morning tefillah (prayer) echoing through our hallways. Acts of tzedakah (charity) that reach far beyond our walls.

Our school is filled with warmth as Chanukah approaches, no matter how cold it is outside. Holiday songs are belted out, sparkling crafts that celebrate the Chanukah miracles are made, and engaging stories of the historical period of the Maccabees, as well as modern stories of bravery and celebration, fill our thoughts. We learn the candle lighting protocols and the beautiful blessings. Our kids are ready and eager for the first night!

This Chanukah, our students will also have the special honor of spreading light in our wider community. On Wednesday, December 17, JDS students will take part in the Lehigh Valley Phantoms’ Chanukah celebration, performing beloved Chanukah songs before the game.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students to share the spirit and joy of the holiday with the broader Lehigh Valley community, uniting tradition, music, and pride in a moment that shines brightly

for all.

Our student council raises funds throughout the year, and at year’s end, they carefully choose a cause to support, an act of giving that spreads our collective light to new places. This Chanukah, our middle school students will write letters to Israeli soldiers, sending words of warmth and gratitude across the miles, reminding them that they are not alone.

Each of these actions reflects the core Jewish values we teach at JDS—tzedakah, derech eretz (respect), tikkun olam (repairing the world), and gratitude and kindness to all. These values are the flame that sustains a strong Jewish identity.

When we live by them, we shine brightly, not just within our community, but out into the world. Together, we become the bright light that drives away the darkness.

Wishing you all a Chanukah filled with light, warmth, and peace.

‘Chanukah Movies’ Across 1. Jordan’s capital 6. Acts like a chicken 11. Library sounds 14. ___ HaMikra (Hebrew cantillation) 15. “Go this way” sign 16. Condo grp.

17. Bothers 18. Sebastian’s twin, in “Twelfth Night” 19. “Enchanted” actress Adams 20. What might be seen on two chanukiyot on the seventh night of Chanukah?

(1984) 23. Bread box, for short?

24. Irish boy 25. Margarine, by a less common name 26. Bodega owner, e.g.

28. Assassin who provides a need for oil lamps? (2014) 32. Tough item to get upstairs, often enough 33. Where the floor is always wet?

34. One igniting the first flame of Chanukah? (1984, 2022) 39. Stanley of “The Devil Wears Prada” 40. AKA Rabbi Moshe Isserles 43. Time when a chanukiyah might be set up? (2008) 46. Evil Nasrallah 48. Loveable cartoon bear 49. The Raptors, on the scoreboard 50. Use a crowbar 51. It’s figuratively heard

while singing Maoz Tzur?

(2023) 57. Salute in stanzas 58. “Burn” singer Goulding 59. Doughnuts and latkes, to dieters 61. “The Legend of Zelda” console, for short 62. Cook’s strainer 63. Build up, as a collection 64. Vietnam War protest gp.

65. What the devout might fall on 66. Oscar winner Spacek Down 1. Beach buggy, briefly 2. Baton waver 3. Last name of Marvel witch Wanda 4. “Don’t leave home without it” card, briefly 5. Toll House cookie dough maker 6. Covered with concrete 7. Sportscaster Andrews 8. Nile creature, for short 9. Coke nut 10. Graceful avian swimmer 11. “Need me to do that?”

12. Class for cooking, sewing, etc.

13. Gives approval 21. Piece of corn 22. They’re a drag 23. Merrick Garland and Edward Levi, for short 27. Major (first) name in women’s sports 28. ___ down (take notes) 29. Edible South American

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tuber 30. Every other hurricane 31. Met or Phillie rival 35. Laker Hachimura 36. Heart chart, for short 37. MIT or MTA, e.g.

38. Answers 41. Burrowers found at the Grand Tetons 42. Some quantity of 43. Cicely and Mike

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44. Full of 49-Down 45. “Yeah, maybe” 46. Weed-removing tool 47. Big acts play them 49. Plains generally lack them 52. Anchorman’s spot 53. Lena who has played both a Holocaust survivor and a nazi 54. Get out of Dodge 55. Total sons of Esau

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56. Half of a Friday night standard 60. Bean option Stumped?

Find the answers at jewishlehighvalley.org/ hakol/crossword

JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY

WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY

Chanukah

HoeDown Wednesday, December 10, 2025 6:30 p.m. | JCC LIGHT UP THE NIGHT & THE DANCE FLOOR! Join us for light refreshments and country line dancing with Alan Raisman!

Also, light up the nights for JFS Mazel Meals recipients by ordering a battery operated mini menorah from the JFS Amazon wish list.

A pledge to the 2026 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs is required.

Registration required.

To register, scan the QR code or visit jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/ wp-chanukah-2025 of the Lehigh Valley

Women’s Philanthropy

Co-Chaired by Amy Oselkin, Tracy Sussman, & Kimberly ValuntasWomen’s of the Lehigh Valley

Philanthropy

CHANUKAH 5786 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | DECEMBER 2025 5

of the Lehigh Valley

Women’s Philanthropy

Community to gather with JCC at Lights in the Parkway

By Simon Katz JCC Event and Membership Coordinator

It’s time to celebrate Chanukah with the JCC again at Allentown’s Lights in the Parkway.

On December 15, the JCC will be stationed at the turnaround point at the end of the illuminated parkway route from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a special Move It Monday celebration. The evening will bring families, friends, and community members together for a festive, active, and joyful night in one of the region’s most cherished seasonal traditions.

During Move It Monday, the roadway is closed to vehicles, giving attendees the chance to experience the dazzling light displays on foot or by bike. Come and enjoy a walk, run, or ride through the mile-long trail of sparkling tunnels, animated scenes, and glowing holiday vignettes. The relaxed pace allows everyone to fully take in the details—twinkling trees, whimsical characters, and

bright winter landscapes— while enjoying meaningful time together outdoors.

The event promises to blend the warmth of community building with the spirit of the season. Parents will push strollers, children will eagerly point out their favorite displays, and groups will pause for photos under shimmering arches of light.

The JCC’s participation will highlight togetherness, wellness, and celebration—values that align closely with the organization’s mission of fostering strong community connections.

In addition to the lights, attendees can look forward to the festive atmosphere typical of Move It Mondays,

HAPPY CHANUKAH

Comprehensive Pediatric Care since 1959 Oscar A. Morffi, M.D., F.A.A.P Richard J. Morse, M.D., F.A.A.P Raj S. Totlani, M.D., F.A.A.P

which often includes music, seasonal treats, and the welcoming presence of other local families and organizations. The evening will offer a chance not only to appreciate the beauty of the Lehigh Parkway but also to take part in a shared regional tradition that honors the diversity and unity of the Lehigh Valley.

The JCC outing is set to become more than a holiday

event—it will be a glowing communal experience filled with anticipation, connection, and joy.

The JCC will be in its location along the walkway from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., but Lights in the Parkway remains open until 10. For more information, visit allentownpa.gov/ litp.

Alfred M. Morrobel, M.D., F.A.A.P. Dawn Stang, B.S., IBCLC

1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd, Ste 109, Allentown 612 Elm St., Bethlehem

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OPEN 365 DAYS | SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS

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10:42 AM

COMMITMENT IS

THE LIGHT BEHIND EVERY TRADITION Wishing you a Happy Hanukkah filled with warmth, joy, and lasting meaning.

Provident.Bank | 800.448.7768

Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 3:30p.m. at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley

&

Chanukah

Mitzvah Party Please join PJ Library and the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley for a Chanukah Mitzvah Party!

Join us for some Chanukah fun, mitzvah projects, crafts, snacks and of course, a PJ Library story!

Please bring a canned or boxed food of the Lehigh Valley item to donate to JFS Food Pantry.

Registration is required. Please register by scanning the QR code, or by visiting the link below.

ID REQUIRED TO ATTEND of the Lehigh Valley

jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/chanukah-mitzvah-party 6 DECEMBER 2025 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | CHANUKAH 5786

of the Lehigh Valley

BOOK REVIEW A kids’ introduction to Jewish traditions old and new “The Festival of Lights: 16 Hanukkah Stories,” edited by Henry Herz, Albert Whitman, 2024, 288 pages.

By Sean Boyle Jewish Day School Librarian

“The Festival of Lights: 16 Hanukkah Stories” is a middle grade anthology of bestselling, award-winning authors’ poems, stories, and illustrations filled with history, hope, and humor. They cover both Ashkenazi and Sephardic traditions, introducing the holiday to newcomers and new traditions to all.

In two stories with supernatural elements—R.M. Romero’s “Ewa and the Five Sites,” which includes a house spirit with a message from Ewa’s late grandmother,

and Gini Koch’s “The Luck of the Irish,” with its 6-inchtall leprechaun—non-Jewish characters find out about their true heritage. Given that this is a Jewish anthology, readers won’t be surprised by what that heritage is, but both stories are great journeys of discovery.

The book’s 16 stories explore the universal aspects of middle school, such as fitting in, bullying, friendships, and crushes. By engaging readers, they can build empathy across all religious and cultural differences. Bridget Hodder’s “The Thing about Stars” tells of the misadventures of eighth-grader Coco Hanan and South Korean Shin Kim as they keep experiencing misunderstandings. Coco sees Shin’s six-sided-star necklace

charm and invites him to her family’s Chanukah candle lighting believing him to be Jewish. Shin’s participation brings even more confusion to Coco, but it finally allows her and Shin to become friends.

Several stories deal with the dilemma of whether to sing Christmas carols. “Dancing on Hanukkah” by Nancy Holder tells of a Jewish Girl Scout’s visit to a nursing home to sing carols. After talking to a Jewish resident who encourages her to teach her troop about Chanukah, she learns an important lesson. In “The Most Jewish Christmas Song Ever” by Erica S. Perl, the main character learns to be true to herself when selected to sing solo for religious Christmas songs.

The book includes a glos-

sary for terms in several languages as well as English terms general readers may not be familiar with.

Highly recommended for ages 10-120 and recommended as a great introduction to Chanukah that readers of all experiences will enjoy.

Sean Boyle is librarian of the Jewish Day School and Congregation Keneseth Israel, and president of the Association of Jewish Libraries.

Bok Choy Latkes with Creme Fraiche

By Sandi Teplitz Special to Hakol

Fri., Jan. 9 7:30 PM $ 38.45 - $48.95

All-In Pricing: The displayed price of the ticket includes fees & taxes.

Special thanks to Viamedia

Sun., Feb. 22

3 PM | $31.10 - $41.60

Start by preparing latke batter from your favorite recipe and setting it aside without frying as you make this bok choy and crème fraiche topping.

1 pound bok choy 6 cloves garlic, cut into small pieces 3 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon Diamond kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon sugar 1 tablespoon whole-milk buttermilk 1 cup heavy cream Cut the bok choy into ½-inch pieces, boil for 3 minutes, drain, then dry.

Heat the oil in a pan until hot, then add the garlic for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the bok choy and the sugar and salt, and saute for 3 more minutes.

All-In Pricing: The displayed price of the ticket includes fees & taxes.

Special thanks to B104

Thu., Mar. 12 7:30 PM | $48.95

All-In Pricing: The displayed price of the ticket includes fees & taxes.

Special thanks to Adams Outdoor Advertising

Cool for a few minutes, then add to the latke batter, mix well, and make patties. Fry the patties on both sides until crisp. Chill in the refrigerator overnight.

For the creme fraiche topping, pour the heavy cream and buttermilk into a jar with a lid and shake 1 time. Allow the mix to remain at room temperature for 12 hours, then shake again and chill.

Reheat the latkes and serve with a tablespoon of topping on each. Serve with a dry white wine or sparkling apple cider.

Sat., Mar. 14

7:30 PM | $48.95 - $65.50

All-In Pricing: The displayed price of the ticket includes fees & taxes.

Special thanks to Tiller Private Wealth

Happy Chanukah

from the Maimonides Society of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Zach Goldsmith, MD, PhD President

Visit statetheatre.org for details and schedule of the season!

453 Northampton St., Easton, PA Call 1-800-999-STATE or 610-252-3132 Fees apply. Regardless of age, everyone needs a ticket.

CHANUKAH 5786 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | DECEMBER 2025 7

Happy Hanukkah Let us help your celebration shine.

8 DECEMBER 2025 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | CHANUKAH 5786