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,
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
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.
HAPPY CHANUKAH!
Released hostage Captain Maxim Herkin returns to Tirat Carmel after over 2 years.
Friends, neighbors, and patriotic Israelis line the streets to welcome Captain Maxim Herkin home.
By Chelsea Karp Jewish Family Service Executive Director
Jewish Family Service volun
teer Howard Nathanson is having another busy Cha nukah season. He’s bringing Chanukah joy to older adults in long-term care residences across the Lehigh Valley, including Phoebe, Luther Crest, Country Meadows
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
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,
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
‘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
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
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
56. Half of a Friday night standard
60. Bean option
Stumped? Find the answers at jewishlehighvalley.org/ hakol/crossword
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.
bright winter landscapes— while enjoying meaningful time together outdoors.
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
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,
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.
A kids’ introduction to Jewish traditions old and new BOOK REVIEW
“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
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.
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.
Happy Chanukah
from the Maimonides Society of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
Zach Goldsmith, MD, PhD President
Happy Hanukkah
