HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY The Voice of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community
MAY 2014 | IYYAR/SIVAN 5774
In Kansas City, a community’s heart continues to beat
Holocaust education advocate to receive Schiff Award
WITH APPRECIATION The Jewish community thanks outgoing president Barry Halper. See page 3.
By JFLV Staff JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES
A police car is seen at the entrance of the Jewish Community Campus in Overland Park, Kansas, after deadly shootings there and at a nearby assisted-living facility on April 13. By Victor Wishna Jewish Telegraphic Agency
RABBI JUDA reflects on 39 years at Brith Sholom. See page 10.
Every Friday at noon, my 2-year-old daughter and I rush through the doors of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City to meet my father for lunch. We are usually late, and the JCC’s Heritage
Center, catering to active seniors (and their preschool-aged guests), is only our first stop. Vivien refuses to leave until she and zayde have had a run of the entire building. At the White Theater, she chatters on about the time
Kansas City Continues on page 29
JWV Commander up to the challenge By Jennifer Lader Editor, HAKOL
GATHER ROUND! Young adults ‘mead’ and greet . See page 16.
No. 367 com.UNITY with Mark Goldstein 2 Women’s Division
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LVJF Tributes
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Jewish Community Center
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Jewish Day School
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Jewish Family Service
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Community Calendar
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The Jewish War Veterans have a dynamic new Commander, retired senior master sergeant Sheila Berg. Originally from Westbury, Long Island, Berg joined the United States Air Force reserves because she wanted to serve our country and sought a challenge. She found it. It would have been easy for Berg to enlist in the army, because her father had spent his career in the army and had found a position for her. But Berg, who at the time already had a college
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degree and a master’s degree in social work, sat for the military entrance exam and chose the Air Force. The exam gauges candidates’ abilities in four areas and Berg made it her personal challenge to pursue the one in which her score had been lowest – mechanical. This wasn’t her only mission: “I was older than everybody else at basic training but still had to keep up with everyone else,” but she easily outran some of the 18-year-olds. To become a mechanic, one of the requirements was to
be able, in one motion, to lift 60 pounds over her head and carry her own 40- to 50-pound toolbox. Did we mention that she was the only female in the post-basic training Jet Engine Mechanic Class. “I didn’t fit the mold,” Berg said. However, she enjoyed both the classroom and shop technical training and eventually won over her classmates. “By the end, we were all friends,” she said. “We helped one another so everyone in our class Sheila Berg
Continues on page 7
Marylou Lordi’s efforts at prejudice reduction started small – literally. She knew she wanted to help her children and others develop empathy. At the same time Lordi, a Catholic, was learning about the Holocaust while waiting in the library of her children’s nursery school at Bnai Abraham Synagogue. At East Stroudsburg University, she became the first student in the education department to write a curriculum on teaching the Holocaust. That project grew into the Legacy Exhibit after Lordi teamed up with Shari Spark of the Holocaust Resource Center of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. The touring exhibit to educate students about the Holocaust has appeared in more than a dozen schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and held a month-long residency at the Sigal Museum in Easton. On June 9, Lordi will accept the Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction at the Jewish Federation’s Mortimer S. Schiff Memorial Golf Tournament at Lehigh Country Club. Established in 1999 by Vera Schiff to honor her husband Mortimer’s memory, the Schiff award is given to members of the Lehigh Valley community who are committed to spreading and teaching tolerance by both word and action. Past recipients have included the Rev. Dr. Peter Pettit, Jeanette Eichenwald, Julius Jacobs, and Barnet Fraenkel. Although there are museums dedicated to remembering the Holocaust, Lordi realized that many American children never have the opportunity to visit them. So she, Spark and a number of Holocaust survivors as well as a camp liberator who lives locally, take the exhibit and a related program into the schools. “Students see the pictures and read the verses,” Lordi said. “That’s when they get it.” The presentation of the Schiff Award is a highlight of the annual golf tournament, which, like the award, carries the theme of prejudice reduction. Other highlights of the day include a decadent dairy brunch, a putting contest, hours on the green and a grand reverse raffle prize of $5,000. To register by May 16 for the Mortimer S. Schiff Memorial Golf Tournament, or to attend the dinner where the award will be presented, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org or call 610-821-5500.
com.UNITY
FROM THE DESK OF MARK L. GOLDSTEIN
Executive Director | Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley markg@jflv.org
A more powerful story the media missed The news media sometimes (!) distorts reality, ignores reality, or can’t see reality because of the flash appeal of a related or tangential story. Many of us were shocked and disgusted by reports of masked militia standing outside of synagogues in eastern Ukraine distributing leaflets demanding that Jews register with the proRussia separatists who had recently taken control of their city. The leaflets also demanded a $50 head tax on Jews at the time of the registration. This was a spurious use of the region’s anti-Semitic history harkening back to the era of Nazi Germany and its control over the Ukraine, as well as the Ukraine’s centuries-old history of anti-Semitism. In this instance, it is believed that Ukrainian nationalists staged the incident to besmirch any sympathies toward the pro-Russia separatists. This is not unlike Putin’s earlier attempt to turn public support for the Ukrainian nationalists toward proRussia separatists. You will recall that Putin announced that one reason for “rescuing” the Crimea was because Ukraine was unable to control the anti-Semitism that was overt and rampant in the Crimea and in Kiev. The only thing: Putin’s assertions were not grounded in fact. There are abundant articles on the irony that the region with a dubious history of anti-Semitism is fabricating stories to make one side appear to be anti-Semitic so as to sway public opinion to the other side. Would that they all really cared? Recently WMFZ came to my office to record comments on the situation in Ukraine and my views on the “outbreak” of anti-Semitism. The interview
was perfunctory and brief. I did not really like their spin on the story, and they did not appreciate mine. To be fair, the reporter, a respected journalist who has skillfully covered other stories related to the Middle East peace process and Jewish life in the Lehigh Valley, was just mirroring the larger regional and national news outlets. It is true that the major story is the geo-political battle between the East and the West, manifesting itself in Ukraine. And the tangential stories, like anti-Semitism, help keep the news cycle fresh. But for me a more powerful tangential story is how the Jewish world, largely through the efforts of Jewish federation campaigns, supports a social service and educational network in Ukraine. With the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis it became clear that immediate additional attention and support was required to assist our fellow Jews as they are weathering the emotional, physical and mental effects of the emergency. Despite the difficulties of working in Ukraine during this period, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) continues to provide essential humanitarian assistance to thousands of impoverished Jewish elderly and at-risk children and their families. JDC was able to immediately utilize its existing infrastructure in place throughout the region to respond to the needs on the ground over the past few months. For years, JDC has been our service provider in Ukraine, as well is in 50-plus other countries throughout the world. JDC operates 32 Hesed relief centers across Ukraine, through which destitute Jewish elderly
and at-risk children and their families receive essential care. Hesed centers were functioning prior to the crisis—serving over 60,000 elderly and close to 9,000 children and their families with food, medicine, homecare, winter relief and other essential services. Since the onset of the crisis, which has brought with it increasing economic hardships as well as intensified anxiety and uncertainty, the Heseds have increased services and Hesed workers are operating at above full capacity to reach and provide the needed support to those Jews who require the most assistance. Economic hardships are growing in the region. Over the past two months gas has risen by 20 percent, certain medicine prices have risen 7 to 71 percent, chickens are 43 percent costlier, sugar and cream have risen 12 percent, sour cream is up 25 percent and cabbage prices have risen 55 percent. Layoffs are growing throughout Ukraine. In the Crimea, banks and ATMs are closed while the economy is switching to Russian rubles. Pharmacies are bare as Western medicine is being replaced by Russian supplies, many with different names and different formularies. JDC has placed nearly 30,000 of its most vulnerable clients in a special category to receive additional benefits, including pension check cashing services, supplemental food assistance and additional services for homebound elderly. Since JDC operates in Russia and other eastern European countries, they are able to bring Russian rubles into the Crimea and other hard currency into Ukraine to immediately benefit its Jewish clientele.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers, When bad things happen, who do you call? It’s tempting to wish for the equivalent of Ghostbusters when we read, as we do in this month’s HAKOL, about white supremacists or the disintegration of tradition or returning soldiers who haven’t yet discovered the value of their veterans’ organizations. The good news is you don’t need to call because help is already here. There are groups of people working on your behalf. They are called networks and they, too, crop up in this month’s stories.
These networks range from close and insular, as in a family, to loose and widespread as in Facebook. This month, Ethan Weg tells us how Conservative Judaism recently mobilized part of its network by bringing together institutional and youth leaders. We find Central American Judaism looking to kickstart their network. And where you have layer upon layer of network, you have community; you have Federation working for you. Human beings have always sought safety in numbers, but what you have in networks, in
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY HAKOL is published 11 times per year for the Jewish communities of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and vicinity by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.
COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS Submissions to HAKOL must be of interest to the entire Jewish community. HAKOL reserves all editorial rights including, but not limited to, the decision to print any submitted materials, the editing of submissions to conform to style and length requirements, and the placement of any printed material. Articles should be submitted by e-mail or presented as typed copy; “Community Calendar” listings must be submitted by e-mail to hakol@jflv.org or online at www. jewishlehighvalley.org. Please include your name and a daytime telephone number where you can be contacted in the event questions arise. We cannot guarantee publication or placement of submissions.
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crisis began. That holds true in Israel, in 50plus countries around the world, and in the Lehigh Valley. Our annual campaign funds services meeting Jewish needs 365 days a year. And because we have an effective infrastructure, we can provide an immediate response to emergencies caused by economic catastrophes, hurricanes, floods, fires and geo-political unrest. And, we can do that because of the generous support of the Federation’s annual campaign. To me, that’s a powerful story.
HAKOL STAFF Jennifer Lader Editor
Allison Meyers
Graphic Designer
Diane McKee
Advertising Representative TEL: 610-515-1391 hakolads@jflv.org
JFLV EXECUTIVE STAFF Mark L. Goldstein Executive Director
Judy Diamondstein
Assistant Executive Director
Temple Coldren
Director of Finance & Administration
Stephanie Smartschan Director of Marketing
Jim Mueth
Director of Planned Giving & Endowments
Aaron Gorodzinsky
Director of Outreach & Community Relations
Taffi Ney
Donor Development Officer
Barry J. Halper President, JFLV
EDITORIAL BOARD
Monica Friess, Acting Chair Barbara Reisner Judith Rodwin Sara Vigneri
Member American Jewish Press Association
organized numbers, is strength, and that’s what we really need. Shalom, Jennifer Lader
JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship by requesting that trees be planted in the Yoav--Lehigh Valley Partnership Park. IN HONOR RACHEL AND AKIVA BOONSWANG Birth of son, Phil SHALOM BABY
IN MEMORY CHERYL (Aunt of Lainie’s granddaughter Chloe) Lainie Schonberger
LAUREN AND JEFF KIM Birth of daughter, Avery Young Kim SHALOM BABY
MARLENE LEVIT (Mother of Tracy Sussman & Kim Valuntas) Marcy Staiman, Steve, Danielle & Madison
JESSICA AND NICK VOLCHKO Birth of son, Zander Reich Volchko SHALOM BABY
MAX STETTNER (Husband of Shelley Stettner) Marcy Staiman, Danielle & Madison LORRAINE LESAVOY WEISBERGER (Mother of Lynda Krawitz) Marcy Staiman, Danielle & Madison
TO ORDER TREES, call the JFLV at 610-821-5500 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org. 2 MAY 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Our worldwide Jewish system is able to provide immediate responses. We can do so because ongoing funding from our annual Jewish federation campaign provides these services 365 days a year, not just during emergencies. I am often asked about the value of our Federation’s annual campaign. I usually jump to talk about our Jewish Day School, the Jewish Community Center and our Jewish Family Service. I can for talk hours about the value of these agencies and how critical our annual campaign is to the vitality of these – and other – agencies. But the immediate response of agencies like the JDC in Ukraine makes the value of our annual campaign all the more real. To paraphrase my colleague in New York, John Ruskay, we (the JDC) were able to ratchet up our services in Ukraine the day after the emergency situation began because we were there, on the ground, providing services to needy Jews, the day before the
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
Jewish Federation thanks Outgoing President Barry Halper
Barry Halper, right, meets with Rep. Charlie Dent and Yaron Sideman, consul general of Israel to the Mid-Atlantic Region. By Annabel Williams JFLV Marketing Intern The spirit of spring fills the air as blossoms sprout from their branches. It is fitting that this month ends Barry Halper’s service as Federation President, and we reflect on what has blossomed under his leadership of the sturdy branch of Lehigh Valley’s Jewish community. Two years ago, as Halper began his presidency of Federation, he told HAKOL that his goal was to “promote collaboration between and among local organizations as well as between the Lehigh Valley and communities beyond it.” Halper did just that
as he began to work with the community to implement elements of the Strategic Plan and managed the difficult task of getting everyone to merge ideas on the future of the Jewish community. The committee “branched” out to support senior services in the Valley and find new ways of fundraising. Halper also enhanced communication between the Federation and the Israeli Consul General’s office in Philadelphia. Working closely with Consul General Yaron Sideman, Halper and the Federation staff began developing economic, cultural and academic interactions between Lehigh Valley government and business leaders, cultural institutions, local colleges and universities
and their counterparts in Israel. Working with local law enforcement and the Jewish Federations’ Secure Community Network, Halper helped create a greater sense of security and safety of the Jewish institutions. “Barry is ‘Mr. C’ with the ‘C’ standing for collaboration,” said Mark L. Goldstein, executive director of the Federation. “He has helped us create great collaboration with the Israeli Consulate in Philadelphia, with regional economic development organizations, regional cultural arts groups and with local business – all with the goal of strengthening the Israel-Lehigh Valley connection. He has devoted substantial energy to promoting collaboration among our Jewish organizations, helping us all realize that we work better and we work stronger when we work together.” “A living legacy to his presidency will be our coordinated and enhanced services to Jewish elderly,” Goldstein added. There is no surprise that Halper has been the branch behind the blossoms during his two-year tenure. Retiring from Air Products prior to his presidency, Halper spent most of his 34-year career at the Lehigh Valley-based corporation, helping secure federal funding for company-developed research projects. Actively involved in both Jewish and secular organizations, he used his experiences to deepen his knowledge of Judaism and to bridge the culture and traditions of his faith with the rich heritage of the Lehigh Valley. Just before entering the Federation presidency, Halper finished his presidency at the Allentown School District Foundation, a non-profit organization he helped to create.
Federation launches new website The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley unveiled a redesigned website last month that highlights its mission of helping Jews around the world and enhancing the local Jewish community. The site design was created by awardwinning web designer Eric Miller, who was commissioned by the Jewish Federations of North America to reimagine the FedWeb system, to which many Jewish Federations subscribe. “The new site is cleaner, it’s easier to navigate and it better showcases the many things we do here at home and around the world,” said Stephanie Smartschan, director of marketing for the Federation, who built the local site. An enhanced community directory and career center are two notable features of the new site. Additionally, the community calendar hosted by the Federation will continue to be a great way to find out all that is happening in the Jewish community. The url for the website has not changed;
The ASDF helps to bring funds to student programming and projects of the Allentown School District. Halper is still actively involved with the ASDF, and will send his focus back there as well as to his government contracting consulting service as his term winds down at the Federation. In reflection, Halper said this: “As president, I gained a greater appreciation for the broad array of areas that Federation is involved with; helping people and institutions in a quiet, yet very effective manner. I thank the excellent professional staff, led by Mark Goldstein, in carrying out the mission of Federation. The professional staff and lay leadership have worked tirelessly and effectively in raising the funds that are so needed by our local institutions in supporting Jews and Jewish organizations worldwide.” Halper looks forward to supporting incoming president Mark Scoblionko and sees a bright future for the Federation. “I see the Federation and other Jewish institutions having a greater focus on the interests and desires of the individual,” he said. He knows the Federation will continue its work in the Valley and said, “Federation truly acts as an umbrella organization for the Jewish community; where there is a need in the Jewish community, the Federation is there with funds, support and guidance.” Halper’s last branching out as president has yet to take place, but will bring his goal of promoting collaboration with the community into full swing. This project is the exciting Jewish Heritage Night at the IronPigs on May 22. A night of Jewish culture with the entire community of the Lehigh Valley will be the perfect celebration for Halper’s presidency. With new seasons come new blooms, and as his term ends, the Federation thanks Barry Halper’s nurturing and productive leadership and recognizes the beautiful flowering that he has brought to the Lehigh Valley Jewish community. Join the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley in honoring Barry Halper and welcoming incoming president Mark Scoblionko at its annual meeting on Thursday, June 12, at the JCC of Allentown.
Yom Hazikaron Ceremony ISRAEL MEMORIAL DAY
you can visit the new and improved website at www.jewishlehighvalley.org. The Shalom Lehigh Valley website is
also in the process of a redesign. The new www.shalomlehighvalley.org is expected to launch this summer.
OBSERVANCE
at a community picnic on the grounds of the JCC MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. | JCC of Allentown Bring your own kosher-style dinner. Limited Israel-themed food available for purchase.
MOON BOUNCE GAGA ISRAELI DANCING SONG LEADING WITH NOAH DIAMONDSTEIN FESTIVE PARVE CUPCAKES FREE AND OPEN TO EVERYONE (Rain location: JCC Kline Auditorium) Contact the Jewish Federation at 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org for information. Sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Clergy Group, the Jewish Community Center of Allentown, the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley in partnership with congregations throughout the Lehigh Valley
iurfzv ouh MAY 4, 2014
7 p.m. | JCC of Allentown Commemorate as a community in solidarity with Israel HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2014 3
WOMEN’S DIVISION OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY
Lions of Judah to be honored By Annabel Williams JFLV Marketing Intern Three Lions of Judah will be honored at the spring recognition event on June 11 for the generous endowment of their gifts. Roberta Epstein, Iris Epstein and Tama Fogelman add to their Lion pins the flame, known in Hebrew as or l’atid, to recognize the perpetuation of their donation to the Lehigh Valley Jewish community. Roberta, whose Epstein family runs five generations deep in the community, knew it was time to endow her Lion after realizing her grandchildren would be growing up in the same Jewish community as her husband and her children. She was reminded of this at her Passover seder this year when her oldest grandson, Harry, asked the four questions. With his younger brother, Charlie, peeking over his shoulder, Roberta knew she
wanted to establish her legacy by endowing her Lion. “For me, the time [to endow] is seeing my grandchildren being so a part of this community and embracing their Judaism, of course with the guidance of their parents,” Roberta said. Her daughter-in-law, mother to Harry and Charlie, is another Lion of Judah, Iris Epstein. Iris endowed her Lion this year for many of the same reasons as her mother-in-law. “By endowing,” said Iris at a recent major donor event, “I am ensuring a Jewish future for our communities, for our children and our grandchildren, and for future generations.” Tama Fogelman said that in deciding to endow her Lion, she recognized the global work that the Federation does and knew she wanted to help her own community in any way she could. Fogelman said any age is a
good age to make your endowment. “Whatever is in your heart, that’s what you should do.” The Lion of Judah is a symbol of Jewish women’s strength in today’s world. In fact, more than 16,000 women worldwide are Lions of Judah. Lions are women of all ages in the Jewish community who fulfill a much needed role in creating social justice, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, preserving human dignity and building Jewish Identity. Since 2007, more than 2,800 women in North America who are dedicated to ensuring the legacy of themselves, their families and their communities have endowed their Lions. Join the Federation in thanking these three women for their generous spirits, their love of Judaism and their passion for helping all those around them in the past, the present and future.
Above, Iris Epstein (second from left) and Roberta Epstein (front) Right, Tama Fogelman (left) The three women will be honored for endowing their Lion of Judah pins.
Pomegranates & Lions of Judah to savor Chocolate Luncheon Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Women’s Division
Lion of Judah & Pomegranate Women chocolate luncheon
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
11:30 am at the home of roberta epstein 955 North 38th Street | allentown, pa 18104
Special Guest Speaker
Rabbi Deborah R. Prinz Author of “on the chocolate trail”
Please RSVP by Tuesday, June 3, 2014 610-821-5500, mailbox@jflv.org
By Annabel Williams JFLV Marketing Intern On Wednesday, June 11, dive into the rich, luxurious world of decadent chocolate at the Pomegranate & Lion of Judah Luncheon with “the chocolate rabbi,” Deborah R. Prinz. Rabbi Prinz is the author of “On the Chocolate Trail: A Delicious Adventure Connecting Jews, Religions, History, Travel, Rituals and Recipes to the Magic of Cacao.” She is a popular speaker on the subject of chocolate, Judaism and other religions. A writer and educator, Prinz has published essays about chocolate in popular and professionals journals. She is the creator of Jews on the Chocolate Trail, a blog about the connections between Jews and chocolate. “What exactly do Jews have
to do with chocolate?” you might ask. According to Prinz’s studies, many believe that Jews brought chocolate-making to France, and the chocolate snack “Noshie” was named by its Christian creator after the Yiddish word for “snack.” Let’s not forget about our favorite, chocolate Chanukah gelt, which may have developed, interestingly enough, from St. Nicholas customs. Who knew chocolate has such a sweet past? Prinz’s presentation at the luncheon will include delicious research on chocolate from around the world and the Jewish connections that she has found through her travels. The women of the Pomegranate & Lion of Judah Chocolate Luncheon will have the opportunity to purchase Rabbi Prinz’s book and, of course, to engage every taste bud with scrumptious chocolate
delicacies. Don’t forget to bring your sweet tooth. To RSVP, call 610-821-5500 or e-mail mailbox@jflv.org. The luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. at a private residence, open to women who have made a minimum commitment of $1,800 to the 2014 Campaign for Jewish Needs.
YOU ARE CORD IALLY I N VITED TO OUR ANN UAL WOM EN’S D I VISI O N SPRI NG EVENT
FEATURI NG
Shira Kohn
SPONSORED BY THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY’S WOMEN’S DIVISION
WELCOMING NEW BABIES
to the Lehigh Valley
AN D TH E J EWIS H SORORITY EXPERI ENCE
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
6:30 P M
| VAULT
634
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634 H AM I LTO N ST, ALLENTOWN
$40 per person for dinner and program Dietary laws observed
AVERY YOUNG
daughter of Lauren and Jeff Kim
ZANDER REICH son of Jessica and Nick Volchko
If you’re expecting, know someone who is, or have a new baby, PLEASE LET US KNOW! Contact Abby Trachtman, 610-821-5500 | abbyt@jflv.org
4 MAY 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Non-perishable food items for the JFS food pantry are appreciated Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 23, 2014 or register online at www.jewishlehighvalley.org Minimum gift of $365 to the 2014 Campaign for Jewish Needs required to attend
Save the Date
Join the JFLV at the 2014 INTERNATIONAL LION OF JUDAH CONFERENCE September 7-10 in New York City Join the most powerful, dedicated and generous Jewish women in the world for a world-class conference. For information, contact Judy Diamondstein at 610-821-5500 or judy@jflv.org. WWW.LIONCONFERENCE.ORG
Men’s Night Out a real nosh By Art Weinrach Special to Hakol On April 10, the Jewish Federation celebrated its 3rd annual Men’s Night Out. The evening’s theme was the delicatessen with a traditional deli meal and a presentation by professor, writer and journalist Ted Merwin. After a warm welcome from
ADL offers strategies for confronting anti-Semitism By Jennifer Lader Editor, HAKOL On certain mornings before going to high school in Mexico City, Aaron Gorodzinsky had a job to do. “I had to make sure there were no swastikas on the outside of the elementary school,” he said. Gorodzinsky is now the director of outreach and community relations for the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. He shared this experience to open the “Confronting Anti-Semitism” workshop facilitated by the Anti-Defamation League in March for 75 Lehigh Valley Jewish teens and parents. Although the antiSemitism they experience tends to be less overt and easier to ignore if it’s a “one-time thing,” ADL facilitators emphasized such behaviors can escalate if left unchecked and that it’s important to deal with even apparently “minor” occurrences. But how? The ADL offers six strategies for dealing with antiSemitism and the workshop gave kids and their parents the opportunity to role play and consider options: 1. Assume good intent and
explain the impact of the antiSemitic behavior; 2. Ask a question like, ‘What do you mean by that?’ 3. Interrupt and redirect – ‘Let’s not go there.’ 4. Broaden to universal human behavior: ‘I think lots of different people have that quality.’ 5. Make it individual: ‘Are you speaking about someone in particular?’ 6. Say ‘ouch!’ Depending on the situation, let the person know the remark was hurtful. Most of these strategies center on raising awareness and set the stage for more appropriate behavior in the future. Rob Cohen, who is a director on the Parkland
District School Board, was there to observe. He said the range of behaviors that the workshop covered was realistic in terms of some of the behavior he has seen in the schools – whether against Jews or other groups -- and, for him, the workshop offered a positive overarching message: “It is critical for our children to communicate to trusted adults any uncomfortable scenarios that they find themselves drawn into,” Cohen said. The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley sponsored the workshop and is available to help when problems arise and can contact the ADL when reinforcements are needed.
SHALOM BABY: The Reunion
COME SEE HOW WE’VE GROWN !
MOMS, DADS, BABIES
Join us for our 5th annual Shalom Baby play date event!
SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2014
10 to Noon @ the JCC Playground Meet other Shalom Baby families Make new friends for you AND the kiddos Snacks & Drinks on us! Pictures, too. Please respond by June 4 to Abby Trachtman abbyt@jflv.org | 610-821-5500
Campaign Chair Bob Wilson, Larry Levitt spoke about his visit to Ukraine where there are 240,000 elderly Jews on starvation pensions. The Joint Distribution Committee, a beneficiary of the Federation, has funds to help only 160,000. Levitt showed a small box of groceries containing lentils, dried peas, flour, sugar, oil, tuna, pasta and soap that is distributed only once a month. This alone is a reason to increase one’s pledge. After the nearly 100 guests enjoyed a deli meal, Men’s Night Out Chair Richard Bub introduced Merwin, who spoke on “Rediscovering the Jewish Delicatessen.” Merwin, a professor of religion and Judaic studies at Dickenson College, is a sought-after lecturer on the history of Jewish food. Merwin first spoke about Katz’s Delicatessen, which opened in 1888. Delis became a gathering place for Jewish immigrants, like the pubs for the Irish, social clubs for the Italians and barber and beauty shops for African Americans. Another example of gathering places was the bar “Cheers” of TV fame, the theme song for which was written by Brooklynite Gary Portnoy. In addition to the delis, which catered to middle class Jews, less expensive
yet very popular were the “candy stores” where people gathered at their soda fountains. Delis became more significant after 1899, when the children of immigrants expressed a secular Jewish identity through “Jewish” foods. In New York City, there were 1,500 kosher delis in the ‘30s -- now down to 15. Non-kosher delis became part of the culture of the Lower East Side of Manhattan and of Broadway, with names such as Katz’s, Stage, Carnegie, Lindy’s and Reuben’s. Meat and glitz became symbolic of immigrants’ economic progress and importance in American society. Eventually, the general American culture embraced the deli cuisine, with the result that bagels and pastrami no longer have a particularly Jewish connotation or identity. Merwin illustrated his points with clips from “On the Road with Charles Kuralt,” “Saturday Night Live” and “When Harry Met Sally.” As the evening ended, Federation President Barry J. Halper thanked the staff and volunteers, reinforcing for us where our dollars go and how important our contributions are. He thanked everyone for coming to this fun now-annual event.
phoebe.org/allentown
PHOEBE The Leader in Senior Care for Over a Century. Phoebe Allentown, located in Allentown’s residential west end, provides a rich legacy of caring for older adults. As a not-for-profit community that is open to all, we truly put people before profits. This is why older adults and their family members put their faith in us.
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The event is open to families whose babies were welcomed through the Shalom Baby project. This event is FREE for the entire family. Shalom Baby is a project of the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
Phoebe Allentown is Proud to Partner with the Jewish Community Center to Provide Programming and Services to Senior Adults
610-794-5300 | phoebe.org/allentown HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2014 5
Maimonides leaves ‘practical legacy’ on modern medical practice By Jeffrey F. Barken JNS.org Doctors around the world hold in high regard the writings and manner of care of medieval philosopher-physician Moses Maimonides (“Rambam”), whose teachings have left a significant mark on modern medical practice. Famously dubbed the “Prince of Physicians,” Maimonides’ 10 influential medical texts find their basis in Jewish law and advance a philosophy with significant implications for modern doctors, nurses and hospitals. The story of Maimonides’ life is one of endless intrigue. Born in Cordova, Spain, in 1135, he ultimately served as personal physician to the Sultan in Cairo. Renowned for his skill, Maimonides even was possibly offered a similar position serving King Richard the Lionheart of England, whose army was campaigning in the Holy Land during the Third Crusade. “Historians can argue about dates and facts, but what is really important is the practical legacy of Rambam’s ideas,” said Dr. Beni Gesundheit, pediatric hematologist-oncologist and stem cell researcher in Israel. “Maimonides said a physician should treat his patients with optimism, joy and utmost kindness. This is an extraordinarily strong message at the time that he was writing.” Indeed, Maimonides lived in a stifling era of constant war and oppressive church edicts. “What people knew in the 12th century was all derived from classical sources,” said Gesundheit, a PhD in Bioethics who runs a website on that topic. “At this time, new insights and new research were not encouraged by the church. People didn’t ask questions.” Despite medieval restrictions on free thought, Maimonides invoked the scientific method in his medical practice, insisting on personally observing his patients, providing bedside care and relentlessly pursuing knowledge that improved
treatments. Rambam’s extraordinary commitment to his profession is well documented in a famous letter to his friend and colleague, Rabbi Samuel Ibn Tibbon, written in 1199 C.E.: “…every day, early in the morning I go to Cairo and, even if nothing happens there, I do not return to Fostat [his home, approximately 1.5 miles distant] until the afternoon. Then I am famished but I find the antechambers filled with people, Jews and Gentiles, nobles and common people, judges and policemen, friends and enemies -- a mixed multitude who await the time of my return.” Confronted with these crowds, the exhausted physician would dismount, invite his patients to join him for a brief refreshment, and then set to work “writing prescriptions and directions for their ailments,” the text continues. Maimonides’ sensitivity and devotion to the sick, providing treatment fairly and equally, regardless of their background, politics, religion or social station, exemplifies the essence of the Hippocratic oath that new doctors today still take upon graduation from medical school. “You have a standard of care and the Rambam text helps establish guidelines to strive toward,” Deborah Hemstreet, international relations writer at the Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa, Israel, explained regarding her institution’s relationship to Maimonides. Hemstreet assists in the publication of the Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal, an open access, peer-reviewed online source that regularly publishes scientific articles by doctors, rabbis, and other professionals whose work relates to Rambam’s ideas and legacy. Beyond providing an example for how doctors should attend their patients in the exam room, much of the actual medicine that Maimonides practiced is still relevant. “Maimonides makes very wise assessments about what
foods were unhealthy, and what people should eat in different seasons. He understood that eating too much and too fast was problematic,” Dr. Fred Rosner, teaching attending physician at Mount Sinai Services at Elmhurst Medical Center in New York, told JNS.org. Rosner then quoted the fourth chapter of Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah: “In order to be healthy and serve the Lord, one must do everything one can to stay healthy.” “Preparedness is essential, and Maimonides had many insights into preventative medicine,” Gesundheit said. Maimonides’ comments on the medical issues of his time foreshadowed the modern era of public health measures. Gesundheit noted, “Rambam makes several interesting statements about snake bites, a common affliction in Egypt. He suggests that there should be a bank with stocks of the antibodies for all the known types of venomous snakes. He also argues for better neighborhoods, away from bad smells.” Likewise, Maimonides’ Glossary of Drug Names presages the complex and meticulous prescribing practices of the modern physician. “Let’s put everything on the table, let’s have a list, and let’s make sure we understand the preparation and uses of these medicines,” Gesundheit said, explaining Maimonides’ rationale for compiling his pharmacopeia. The project required the use of seven languages and Maimonides painstakingly sought out experts from all over the known world to accurately record their well-honed methods and novel remedies. Undoubtedly, modern sanitation standards, hospital resource distribution and planning and today’s medical research methodology all stem, at least in part, from this forwardthinking, 12th-century physician. Most influential of all, however, were Maimonides’ teachings on the special nature of the patientphysician relationship, according to Gesundheit. Maimonides preferred to treat patients in their homes. That way he could note all factors affecting their condition and make a complete assessment of their health. This may be one place where the modern world diverts from Maimonides’ teaching. “It’s really a matter of communication,” Gesundheit said. While the comforting and relational qualities of medical care may be vanishing, Gesundheit is optimistic that doctors can reclaim their significance in the lives of their patients. “Even though we have the Internet and progress in our communications,” he said, “that doesn’t mean we can’t invest more human energy in our patients’ care.” Maimonides would concur. Inspired by Maimonides, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley offers a Maimonides Society for medical professionals that provides opportunities for education, chesed and tzedakah.
6 MAY 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Sheila Berg Continues from page 1
graduated.” Of the planes she worked on as a mechanic, Berg said, “My favorite is the C-5. It’s the largest cargo plane and can hold eight buses. My next favorite is the C-130 because it backs up. You have to be a mechanic to understand.” She also got to know a lot of people she ordinarily would never even have gotten to meet. Keep in mind, all of this was Berg’s job one weekend per month as well as two weeks per year. The rest of the time, she continued in her career as a clinical social worker. After 14 years as a jet engine mechanic, Berg became 1st NonCommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of Family Readiness for the Reserves at Dover Air Force Base. This meant that after working a full week, Berg would make the drive on Friday to Dover, Delaware. The position was created in response to cases of family problems or of children of single parents
U.S. soldiers getting first new siddur since World War II
being left alone. At first, the Wing Commander did not see the benefit of the program, although Berg and her colleagues helped to overcome that obstacle and the program is now wellsupported. Berg followed that up with two years as 1st Sergeant in the Personnel Administration Squadron, an “additional duty job” to which she was appointed and in which she represented the enlisted people to the commander and held disciplinary duties. Berg became the superintendent of the nonflying personnel in a flying squadron. One day, she walked into her office on the base and found everyone looking stunned. “There’s been a crash,” someone explained. One of the planes had crashed at Dover. “Thank God, everyone survived,” Berg said. However, the crew in the front of the plane were injured and had to be taken to the nearby trauma center. Berg and her team jumped into action, engaging in triage and supporting those injured and their families. During the weeks that followed, she found it helped to be a licensed clinical social worker. In another first, Berg was assigned as the first reserve 1st Sergeant to the mortuary at Dover Air Force Base, to which the remains of soldiers of all branches of service are
flown from overseas for burial preparation. Those who work in the morgue, she said, “do have the greatest respect. I tried to make them aware of Jewish concerns when there were Jewish kids [fallen soldiers] coming through, to have somebody with the body and to contact a rabbi.” The respect for religious freedom and the other freedoms we hold dear in our country continued to motivate Berg throughout her 29 ½ years of military service. “In this country, Jews can celebrate and not have to worry about persecution,” she said. For Berg, serving in the military made it at times challenging to keep kosher, especially when she was required to attend official functions. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Berg was called up to active duty and for three and a half years was required to live by Dover Air Force Base. She attends Congregation Sons of Israel in Allentown and is active in the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, so she joined a synagogue near the base and volunteered through the course of her residency. Berg’s son, Jordan, was in college at the time of the Iraq War call up. However, while he was still a student at the Jewish Day School, he had to endure an 18-month separation when Berg was called up during the Gulf War.
Berg retired from the Air Force in 2009 yet remains very active. In addition to her new position with the JWV, she is president of the United War Veterans of Wars of Lehigh County, the umbrella organization for the various veteran units and host to the annual Memorial Day ceremony held in Allentown and a board member of the Lehigh County Meals on Wheels. This year, the veterans are inviting the junior ROTC of
Allen High as color guard. “I think it’s important to mentor young people,” she said. “Maybe they’ll see the benefit of serving our country.” Such outreach is only the beginning. “Veterans from all campaigns share a common bond that should be supported and [their] benefits protected,” Berg said. The challenge in the coming year is to engage new members with different perspectives, and Sheila Berg loves a challenge.
Jewish Telegraphic Agency A prayer book developed for use by Jews in the U.S. military was released in late March. Reform, Orthodox and Conservative rabbis cooperated in creating the prayer book, which was commissioned by the JWB Jewish Chaplains Council. The prayer book is the first of its type published since World War II. The chaplains council, a program of the Jewish Community Centers Association of North America received permission to reprint Hebrew and English texts from other prayer books in the new siddur. “We had the ability to move freely through their prayer books, allowing us to create a book that each rabbi can use differently,” said retired Rear Adm. Rabbi Harold Robinson, director of the council. “Yet for each soldier, sailor or Marine, it will be the same, no matter where he or she is stationed.” In recent years, Jewish chaplains and lay leaders leading services have used a variety of books, according to their personal preference, which meant that service personnel had to adapt to a new prayer book when moving to a different base. The book includes a foreword by President Obama. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2014 7
Shalom from your Yoav shlichim
LEHIGH VALLEY JEWISH FOUNDATION
kinds of sports, especially basketball, which he plays on a local team
THE JEWISH COMMUNITY’S ENDOWMENT FUND Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
AVIV KOTLER
Yoav teens Roy, Noa, Aviv and Amir – all 16 years old or nearly so -- look forward to meeting the Lehigh Valley kids at camp this summer. Editor’s note: These four Yoav teens will travel to the Lehigh Valley on an exchange program that has been in operation for a dozen years.
ROY BARKAI
Roy lives with his parents, Galia and Noam, and with his older sister and younger brother in Kfar HaRif. He is a sophomore at Zafit High School and takes part in the “Mosad” (a threenights-per-week boarding school program). Roy is a youth leader in the “Ihud Ha Haklai” youth movement. He loves sports, music and the performing arts. Roy plays basketball on a local team; he plays the piano and is part of a band that plays at the Yoav Music Center. One of his majors
is theater.
AMIR GORDON
Amir lives in Kibbutz Gal’on with his parents, his brother and two sisters. He is a sophomore at Zafit High School in Yoav and takes part in the “Mosad.” He loves living in a small close-knit community near nature. Jewish holidays and traditions are central to Amir’s family. Amir participates in the local youth movement as a young youth leader and in “Matnas Gefen” (Gefen Community Center), an after school program for elementary school kids. He also volunteers at the Sdot Yoav elementary school petting zoo. Amir loves all
Aviv was born in Jerusalem and has lived since second grade in Kibbutz Gat with her two parents, her brother Hadar and sisters Zohar and Gili. She is a student at Zafit High School and takes part in the “Mosad.” Her family loves hiking and nature walks. Aviv is a youth group leader in the “Hashomer Hazair” youth movement in Gat working with sixth and seventh graders. She volunteers as a helper in preschool on holidays. Aviv loves scouting activities, sculpting and working with her hands. Environmental issues are very important to her, as is healthy living.
IN MEMORY
CHARLES R. KAPLAN (Stepfather of Suzanne Lapiduss) Ross and Wendy Born Laurie, Robby, Ben & Danny Wax MARLENE LEVIT (Mother of Tracy Sussman) Wendy and Ross Born Roberta and Jeff Epstein Stan and Vicki Wax HILLEL SILBERG (Husband of Haralyn Silberg) Selma Roth LORRAINE LESAVOY WEISBERGER (Mother of Lynda Krawitz) Jodi Stoudt
IN HONOR
MICHAEL AND RITA BLOOM Birth of granddaughter Scarlett Roberta and Jeff Epstein Carol and Stewart Furmansky Engagement of daughter Michele to Eric Carol and Stewart Furmansky NEIL DICKER Speedy recovery Roberta and Robert Kritzer Stan and Vicki Wax BOBBIE FRIEDENHEIM Birth of granddaughter Selma Roth RICHARD AND CHAR FRIEDENHEIM Birth of daughter Selma Roth ANTHONY AND FRANCINE GODFREY Marriage of son Nick to Amanda Stan and Vicki Wax BOBBY AND BONNIE HAMMEL Birth of grandson Jackson Henry Hammel Carol and Stewart Furmansky
NOA PELEG
Noa lives in Kibbutz Kfar Menachem with her parents and two brothers, Ishai and Neta. She is a sophomore at Zafit High School. Noa is a youth leader for the “Hashomer Hazair” youth movement in Kfar Menachem and she works with fourth graders. She is also very involved in other aspects of the movement. Noa is a dancer with a local dance group and loves choreographing. She also loves drawing and painting; art is one of her majors. From the summer 2011 to the summer 2013, Noa lived in Rockville, Maryland, while her family was there as part of an Israeli delegation.
STUART KRAWITZ Speedy recovery Stan and Vicki Wax ROBERT AND ROBERTA KRITZER Bar Mitzvah of grandson Stan and Vicki Wax KAREN KUHN Birth of grandson Stan and Vicki Wax EVA AND LARRY LEVITT Bat Mitzvah of granddaughter Danielle Joan and Izzy Brody Judy and Marc Diamondstein Sandra and Harold Goldfarb BOB MALENOVSKY Speedy Recovery Betty Greenberg Selma Roth CARL AND JUDY OLESH Engagement of son Evan to Stacey Stan and Vicki Wax SARA AND BERNARD SCHONBACH Birth of grandson Phoenix Roberta and Robert Kritzer
HELEN & SOL KRAWITZ HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY LORRAINE LESAVOY WEISBERGER (Mother of Lynda Krawitz) Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel
We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship through recent gifts to the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation. The minimum contribution for an Endowment Card is $10. Call 610-821-5500 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org to place your card requests. Thank you for your continued support.
Did you know that your company can receive a substantial tax break
directly help low-income students in the Lehigh Valley for just pennies on the dollar? Participate in the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit program through the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and your money will fund scholarship programs at the JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER and the JEWISH DAY SCHOOL. DON'T MISS OUT ON THE CHANCE TO RECEIVE UP TO A 90% TAX CREDIT Apply on July 1, 2014, spaces fill up fast. To learn more, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/eitc
8 MAY 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
BUSINESSES SUBJECT TO ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING TAXES ARE ELIGIBLE:
Corporate Net Income Tax Capital Stock Franchise Tax Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax Title Insurance Companies Shares Tax Insurance Premiums Tax Mutual Thrift Institute Tax Personal Income Tax of S-Corporation Shareholders or Partners in a General or Limited Partnership
Scholarship opportunity for college students Applications are currently being accepted for the Frank and Ada Segel Family Student Scholarship Program. The scholarship program was established through a philanthropic bequest by Frank and Ada Segel’s daughter, Helen Segel, who recognized the importance of higher education and the need for financial assistance to students in the Jewish community. Frank and Ada Segel were members and friends of Congregation Sons of Israel and their daughter wanted to honor her parents with this wonderful act of tzedakah. Applications will be accepted from Jewish individuals who (i) have been accepted or are enrolled in a post secondary educational institution, (ii) submit proof of financial need, (iii) meet additional specific criteria established by the Frank and Ada Segel Family Student Scholarship Program Committee and (iv) have been residents of the Lehigh Valley for at least one year prior to the filing of application. Decisions for awarding scholarships will be at the discretion of the committee. Scholarships may be awarded to individuals on an annual basis for an amount up to $5,000. Students are eligible to apply on an annual basis. Applications will not be considered if all required items are not completed. Call 610-433-6089 to obtain application materials and information on additional requirements. All completed applications with all required papers shall be received no later than May 30, 2014 for consideration for the 2014-15 academic year. Applications are to be filed at Congregation Sons of Israel – Attention: Frank and Ada Segel Scholarship Committee, 2715 Tilghman St., Allentown, PA 18104. Information provided in this application is kept strictly confidential. A recipient’s name will become known only with his or her express permission.
JTS hosts young Conservative leaders from campuses across nation By Ethan Weg Special to HAKOL Muhlenberg College’s Conservative community was once again represented by a group of devoted Jewish students on the national level. In February, Muhlenberg students Adam Karp, Ethan Weg, Josh Ull, Ilana Bulmsohn and Ilana Sandberg traveled to the Jewish Theological Seminary on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Their purpose was to take part in first such gathering for college students and alumni who identify with Traditional-Egalitarian Judaism since the folding of Koach – the discontinued branch of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) for college age Jews. More than 60 students representing at least 30 campuses spent Shabbat at JTS for the first ever Masorit on Campus Shabbaton. The Shabbaton project was a combined effort between JTS and Masorti on Campus. Masorti on Campus is an up-and-coming grassroots organization started entirely by Conservative, Masorti, Traditional-Egalitarian college students that is in its early stages of development. Masorti is the term used for Conservative Jews worldwide, including those within Israel. The Masorti on Campus
Shabbaton offered an all-star lineup of Jewish leaders from all over the globe, including: Arnold Eisen, chancellor of JTS; Mitchell Cohen, director of the Ramah Camping Movement; Avigail ben Aryeh, director of MAROM Olami, the branch for young adults affiliated with Masorti Judaism worldwide; Rabbi Joel Levy, the director of the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem; and many others, ranging from JTS academics to representatives from the Seminario Rabinico Latinamericano, PresenTense, the Rabbinical Assembly (The RA), Queens College Hillel and United Synagogue Youth (USY). The Shabbaton brought together some of the nation’s most passionate and determined Jewish young adults from across the country, including USY regional and international board alumni and staff, Ramah alumni and staff, alumni of Nativ: the College Leadership Program in Israel and many Jewish leaders from Hillels across the nation. Muhlenberg College proudly brought the second-highest number of participants to the Shabbaton, following close behind Maryland University’s seven attendees. The weekend itself was filled with learning opportunities, leadership training and a wonderful Shabbat experience. For many participants, the most
Muhlenberg College students Ilana Blumsohn, Ilana Sandberg and Josh Ull outside of JTS. They were among 60 young Conservative Jews who attended a Shabbaton aimed at networking among leaders from college campuses and from Conservative Jewish institutions. significant part of the weekend was the time spent talking to others. “Being able to problem-solve for ourselves and other students was a valuable experience,” said Josh Ull. “The opportunity to interact with other Jewish leaders on college campuses allowed me to get an insight into what Jewish life was like on other campuses,” said Ilana Blumsohn. Masorit on Campus is still
young, and the organization hopes to greatly increase its impact on campuses across the country. By picking up where Koach left off, the hope is that Conservative, collegeage individuals will continue to build toward a better Conservative Jewry for the future. Masorti on Campus is working hard to provide a space for the leaders of tomorrow to build their skills and network with each other. Only time will tell what the future holds for young adult Conservative Jews.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2014 9
Bethlehem’s Rabbi Juda to retire, but no bench in sight By Jennifer Lader Editor, HAKOL The house in Fall River, Massachusetts, in which Rabbi Allen Juda grew up and which still belongs to the family may not be what it once was to him, but the life he had there and the synagogue in which he grew up exerted a profound influence on him. Juda and wife Toby made a home of their own, raised three children and built community in Bethlehem. Now, after nearly 39 years as rabbi of Congregation Brith Sholom, he is set to retire at the end of June. One of the most influential events in Juda’s life happened years before he came into the world: “My father was born in Kirch Goens, Germany,” Juda said in a recent interview. “His parents were taken in September 1942 to Theresienstadt where they somehow survived the war. My mother was born in Vienna, Austria, and left in September 1939.” However, all the men on that ship, including Juda’s grandfather, were taken off by a French submarine looking for spies and it was some time before the family was reunited. “A great many uncles and aunts and their children were murdered at Auschwitz,” Juda said. Yet his parents and grandparents were helped by others while still in Europe and at the mercy of the Nazis. He said that at the age of 19, his father on the night of Kristallnacht was taken by a neighbor to Frankfurt to
save him from being murdered. Growing up, Juda was close to all of these survivors; they all lived in or near that Fall River house. He processed the criticism that America did not bomb the rail lines to Auschwitz as a personal and community ethic that he explains this way: “We can’t condemn people for not doing more for Jews if we don’t do something.” But more than Jews, too; he expands the reach of this ethic to any population of the world, Jewish or non-Jewish, that is the target of genocide. He has long engaged in consciousness-raising on the subjects of Rwanda, Darfur and remote Jewish populations. When the American Association for Ethiopian Jewry announced it would be possible to “buy out” the life of a Jew in Ethiopia for $3,000, Juda said to his congregation, “Let’s see if we can get 100 families to each put up 30 bucks;” they did. He admires people who are “doers” and found the Bethlehem community to have many such who were willing to be engaged, when it seemed in general so few were, in helping ”the stranger, the orphan, the widow, the poor.” He looked beyond Bethlehem to Jewish Family Service and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, as well as the group of Jewish clergy that meets monthly. Current chair of the group Cantor Kevin Wartell cites Juda’s love of Jewish life and seeing the world through the prism of Jewish values, but said, “Most of all, it is his friendship that I cherish.” Asked about his own accomplishments, Juda consistently spoke not of himself individually but of his community. He sees as a major accomplishment what the community did to help three teenage Iranian Jewish girls who were “dropped off on our doorstep.” Brith Sholomers put together “a ton of help” to get the girls through high school and into college. The same was true for a young Russian Jewish man name Boris who somehow arrived in the area; the congregation
10 MAY 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
“helped him get him into Lehigh and testified so he could get asylum; everyone helped him create a whole new life.” Brith Sholom President Judith Rodwin gives Juda more credit than he gives himself: "In the 15 years I've been a member of Brith Sholom,” she said, “I've observed the subtle ways Rabbi Juda has shepherded our community. He's well-known for his sometimes biting quips and rabid baseball fervor but all that just deflects attention from the generous and timely wisdom and aid he has brought to so many." Juda compares the match between a rabbi and a synagogue to a marriage and in that sense something resonated between his upbringing and the people he found in Bethlehem. His highest praise is reserved for people who are “for community.” The community in which he grew up included Rabbi Samuel Ruderman and Rabbi George Pollock, both of whom he said showed him the best of what a rabbi could be. They also presented him with opportunities to gain knowledge and channeled him into Camp Ramah, where he started as a camper and eventually became an assistant division head as he was entering his senior year of college and, later, a division head and assistant to the director. In 1971, Juda earned a bachelor’s degree in Hebrew literature at the Jewish Theological Seminary and, in a joint program, a bachelor of arts at Columbia University. Along the way, he spent one year at Hebrew University learning Hebrew language and Judaic subjects. Even before Juda was ordained in 1975, he had his initial interview with Bruce Smackey and another representative of Brith Sholom while riding in the back seat of Smackey’s car as he drove to Long Island to visit a relative. Two weeks after Juda became rabbi at Brith Sholom, he married his wife Toby. They had a three-day honeymoon and came back for Rosh Hashanah, which that year coincided with Labor Day weekend.
Rabbi Juda reflects on 39 years of service. He shepherded the move to Congregation Brith Sholom’s current location at Jacksonville and Macada Roads in Bethlehem.
SUNDAY, JUNE 22
Dinner to honor Rabbi Allen and Toby Juda 5 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom Call the synagogue office at 610-866-8009 for more information or to make a reservation.
“I was inexperienced in every respect,” Juda recalled. However, he was also muchneeded in Bethlehem, where he had come to “a rather amazing building that was old; four stories, a Synagogue-Center in the Kaplanian model. It was a United Way agency, primarily of interest for the pool and gymnasium, with some integration with the general community” and close to the campus of Lehigh University. He claims only to have “provided what a community always needs: guidance, direction, an honest appraisal.” The problem, Juda found, was mainly that the building was in the wrong place. It was also aging and expensive to run. Yet the people who grew up in Bethlehem were “superattached” to the building, which had “not one parking space” at a time when Lehigh University was filling the streets with cars. Bethlehem native Jerry Hausman recalled that the rabbi said,
“Jerry, if we don’t do something, we could die here.” Instead, Jerry made a phone call to a connection at Lehigh and Juda got up and gave a Yom Kippur sermon that opened the eyes of many to the need to move to the north side of town. There, in addition, to the new synagogue, Juda got involved with Beth Tikvah, working with a team of dedicated people to develop a Jewish wing there. He credits his grandmother’s involvement in the Golden Age Club with instilling in him the importance of a vibrant life for older adults. Under the influence of congregant Betty Lehrich, he and other members of the Brith Sholom community regularly visited Jewish residents of the state hospital. Juda also finds it important to engage with non-Jews and participates in the Institute for Rabbi Juda Continues on page 22
WRITINGS FROM THE
CLERGY
STUDENT RABBI TAMARA COHEN Congregation Am Haskalah The period between Passover and Shavuot which especially this year, corresponds to the awakening of nature around us to spring and our deep appreciation for it, provides each of us with the opportunity to engage in the simple yet profound practice of Counting the Omer. I have found myself increasingly drawn to this practice which is more accessible than ever due to a range of new Omer companions available in a variety of media including, my favorite, Omer phone apps. The Omer is the period between Passover and Shavuot. It represents the period of the early desert wandering of the Israelites after the Exodus from Egypt and before the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Given the many rabbinic, mystical and later philosophical Jewish interpretations of Sinai as ongoing Revelation, it is not hard to view this period as a yearly
Omer as ‘harvests’ of the year opportunity for each of us to prepare ourselves for this year’s revelation, this year’s acceptance of Torah. As I write this, I have in mind both the understanding of Torah as our sacred ancient wisdom as collected in the Pentateuch and the more expansive understanding of Torah as the ongoing collection of Jewish wisdom which can also include our own contemporary interpretations and Jewish meaning making. The word Omer literally mean a bundle of sheaves of barley that were gathered and brought to the Temple during this period. Thus the Omer can further represent our own “harvests” of the year -- the fruits of our labor, the things we have been working on and are ready to share with others or at least to reflect on ourselves. During the Rabbinic period, the Omer also came to be seen as a time of semi-mourning due to a plague that caused a significant death toll among the students of Rabbi Akiva. Thus, this period has acquired a seriousness and somber tone which we can bring to our self reflection. The major practice of Omer Counting to which I am drawn takes its lead from the Jewish mystical tradition. According to this tradition, each of the seven weeks of the Omer and in turn, each day within each week, can be understood as corresponding to one of the Kabbalistic sephirot. The sephirot are clusters of interconnected symbols which simultaneously represent aspects of the Divine and aspects of human reality and character. Thus each of the 49 days comes with its own combination of these qualities -- and with it, an invitation and a pathway for reflection, focused awareness, and opportunities for seeping one’s spiritual practice and relationships with self, others, and (if it speaks to you) God.
So why does all of this lend itself so well to a phone app? One of the hardest things about counting the Omer is remembering to do it. Traditionally, you can only say the blessing that accompanies the counting if you are consistent. (Though if you are using this as a mindfulness or spiritual practice, I’d suggest continuing even if you do skip a night or two, even if you do so without the blessing, just using the counting formula.) The apps are helpful because you can set a daily alarm that reminds you to count, keeps track of the day and offers some reflections and exercises (depending on the app) for each day. The apps also help me recognize that my phone, which I often relate to as the epitome of hol, the mundane, can also be a tool for the sacred if I so chose. Curious? Here are a few of my favorite Omer online resources: Rabbi Yael Levy’s daily email, Susan Windle’s Opening the Gates on Facebook, neohasid’s free Omercount app, and the app Sefiros (the paid version has daily exercises and teachings). Two years ago I had the opportunity to teach an Omer writing class. The community that gathered each week quickly got to know each other’s stories and struggles and we were able to support each other in the daily work of being present to the blessings and opportunities for sanctity in our lives. Perhaps you, too, will be inspired to try out the deceptively simple practice of counting the Omer or if you already do, to deepen that practice with use of any of these tools or ideas. In any case, it is my sincere wish that Jewish practices such as Omer counting can become increasingly accessible spiritual tools that add meaning, mindfulness and connection to our lives.
Coming in the fall of 2014, Shalom Lehigh Valley, a full-color magazine produced by the Jewish Federation, will focus on what's new, noteworthy and right next door in the Jewish Lehigh Valley. In the mean time, see if you recognize this photo. Think you know the answer? Send an e-mail including your full name with the correct location to stephanie@jflv.org for a chance to win a fabulous prize!
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Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley 2014 Campaign for Jewish Needs
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT $1,570,074 (as of 4/11/14): Together, we do extraordinary things
Because of your support of the 2014 campaign, we are able to help when help is needed, provide a safety net for those who must rely upon it, and nurture the core institutions that are the fabric of a rich and dynamic Jewish community.
THANK YOU. PRIME MINISTERS CIRCLE $100,000+ Ross Born Wendy Born* Robert and Bonnie* Hammel Just Born Inc Anonymous (1) THEODORE HERZL SOCIETY $50,000 -$99,999 Anonymous (1) KING DAVID SOCIETY $25,000 - $49,999 Leonard Abrams Tama* Fogelman and Family Fischmann Family Fund* Roberto and Eileen* Fischmann The Fraenkel Family Dr. Harold and Sandra* Goldfarb TREE OF LIFE SOCIETY $18,000 - $24,999 Peter and Karen* Cooper Lisa Scheller* and Wayne Woodman KING SOLOMON CIRCLE $10,000 - $17,999 The Philip and Muriel Berman Foundation Nathan and Marilyn* Braunstein Charles Cohen and Rebecca Binder* Dr. Jeffrey and Jill* Blinder Seidel Cohen Hof and Reid Daniel and Nancy* Cohen Phillip and Ellen* Hof Chris and Tara Reid Norman Seidel Gary Fromer and Dr. Carol Bub Fromer* Robert J. and Susan* Grey Robert and Judith Auritt Klein Family Fund* Kobrovsky Family Fund Elaine Lerner* Orgler Family Fund Nan Ronis* Mortimer S. and Vera M.* Schiff Foundation BUILDERS OF ISRAEL $5,000 - $9,999 Dr. Arthur and Phoebe* Altman Sadie Berman Lion of Judah Endowment Fund* Hon. Alan and Donna* Black Ellis and Lisa* Block Pearl Brooks* Dr. Sam and Sylvia* Bub Marc and Judy* Diamondstein Jonathan and Iris* Epstein Arnan and Marlene* Finkelstein Susan Gadomski * Dr. Jeffrey Gevirtz Mark L. Goldstein and Shari Spark* Allen and Patricia* Gribben Nat and Erica* Hyman Drs. Stephen and Barbara* Katz Mark and Patty Klein Bernard and Florence Kobrovsky Special Fund Dr. Wesley and Beth* Kozinn Dr. Lawrence and Eva* Levitt Stanley R. Liebman Estate Michael and Linda* Miller Daniel Poresky Dr. Richard and Barbara* Reisner Dr. Alex and Robin* Rosenau Shaoli Rosenberg* Paul Sacher Lorrie Scherline* Irwin and Ellen* Schneider Mark and Deena* Scoblionko Elizabeth Scofield* Larrie and Judy* Sheftel Edith Simon* Dr. Frank and Tama* Tamarkin
Dr. William and Pauline* Trachtenberg Dr. Michael and Eileen* Ufberg Dr. Robert and Carol* Wilson Dr. Israel and Valeska* Zighelboim Anonymous (2) SABRA CIRCLE $2,500 - $4,999 Dr. Marc and Aliette* Abo Alan and Marsha* Abraham Dr. Houman and Lori Ahdieh Dr. David and Sara-Jane* Bub Dr. Ian and Patricia* Carlis Scott and Beth* Delin Andrew and Dr. Lisa* Ellis Henriette Engelson* Dr. Peter Fisher and Kathy Zimmerman* Louis and Shirley* Furmansky Stewart and Carol* Furmansky Dr. Mark and Carmyn Gittleman Dr. Lawrence and Vicki* Glaser Barry and Carol R.* Halper Dr. Arthur and Jane* Kaplan Drs. Andrew and Deborah* Kimmel Jeffrey and Carol* Kranitz Stuart and Lynda* Krawitz Dr. Harold and Linda* Kreithen Robert and Roberta* Kritzer Dr. Richard and Roberta* London Dr. Moshe and Lisa* Markowitz Dr. William Markson Marla Melman* Dr. Richard J. and Amy* Morse Taffi Ney* Dr. Noah Orenstein and Diana* Fischmann Orenstein Dr. Robert and Lota* Post Rhoda Prager* Sylvia and Herb Rosen Foundation Cathy Sacher* Frances & Abraham Schwab Memorial Fund Dr. Stuart A. and Janice Schwartz Ronald and Martha* Segel Jack and Amy* Silverman Dr. Arthur and Audrey* Sosis Arthur and Barbara* Weinrach Dr. Michael and Leslie* Weinstock James and Linda* Wimmer Dr. Michael and Miriam* Zager and Family Anonymous (3)
GATES OF JAFFA $1,500 - $2,499 Dr. Howard Altman Richard J. Mongilutz and Kelly Banach* Dr. Alan Berger Dr. Marc and Lauren* Berson Michael and Rita* Bloom Dr. Scott Brenner and Cheryl Figlin-Brenner* Dr. John and Ingelise* Brown Lawrence Center Marilyn Claire* Dr. William and Gail* Combs Dr. Arnold R. Cook Helen Cook* Glenn and Jan* Ehrich Norman Falk Dr. Bruce Feldman Claudia Fischmann* Veronica Fischmann* Dr. Jay and Fran* Fisher Jerome and Sally Frank Dr. Ronald and Emily Freudenberger Dr. Henry and Monica* Friess and Family Dr. Gene Ginsberg Dr. Ronald J. and Linda Glickman Neil and Edyth* Glickstein Dr. Gordon and Rose Lee* Goldberg Mitzi Goldenberg* Dr. Robert M. Gordon Morris & Dyna Gorfinkel Memorial Fund Dr. David Greenberg Kenneth and Ellen* Greene Dr. Robert and Tracy Grob Dr. Paul Gross Drs. Harvey and Melissa Hakim Esther Halperin* Hausman Family Dr. Howard and Susan* Israel Dr. John Jaffe Dr. Jeffrey and Nancy Jahre Roland and Dorothy Joseph Dr. Robert and Janice Kaplan Muriel Kosen* Martin and Judy* Krasnov
12 MAY 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Dr. Joshua and Teri* Krassen Dr. Robert and Stephanie* Kricun Jack(z�l) and Ferne Rodale* Kushner Dr. Michael and Carole* Langsam Dr. Brian LeFrock Dr. Paul Lemberg Martin and Monica* Lemelman Mort & Myra Levy Philanthropic Fund Dr. Jay and Evelyn* Lipschutz Dr. Gerald and Ethel* Melamut Robert and Betty* Mendelson Dr. Holmes and Jeannie* Miller Dr. Michael and Cary* Moritz Dr. Mark and Alice* Notis Dr. Michael and Ruth* Notis Dr. William and Marjorie Ofrichter Dr. Robert and Joanne* Palumbo Dr. Edward Rosenfeld Dr. Marvin and Janet Rosenthal Dr. Abraham and Nancy Ross and Family Selma Roth* Dr. Michael and Lynn F.* Rothman Dr. Wayne Saunders Dr. Darryn Shaff Marshall and Nina* Silverstein Dr. Raymond and Bonnie Singer Lynda Somach* Richard and Allison Staiman Dr. Ronald and Melissa Stein and Family Dr. Frederic A. and Gilda Stelzer Dr. Jay E. and Margery* Strauss Fred and Barbara K.* Sussman Dr. David and Barbara* Sussman Dr. Adam Teichman Dr. Kenneth and Alla* Toff Dr. Edward Tomkin and Sandra Wadsworth Dr. Darren and Stefanie* Traub Dr. Marc Vengrove Dr. Andrew Wakstein Gordon and Kathy* Weil Dr. Benjamin and Ellen Weinberger Steven and Margo* Wiener Susan Wild* Anonymous (4)
CHAVERIM $500 - $1,499 Richard and Karen* Albert Steven Aronsky Judith Aronson* Tama Lee Barsky* Sanford and Patricia* Beldon Steven Bergstein and Nanci Goldman Bergstein Larry and Susan W.* Berman Joseph and Sharon* Bernstein Dr. Robert and Linda Bloch Rance and Sheryl* Block Regina Brenner* Dr. Charles and Ellie* Brooks Richard and Kira* Bub Harvey and Elizabeth* Cartine Dr. Robert Cohn and The Harold and Matilda Cohn Family Fund Dr. Karen Dacey* Hon. Maxwell Davison Deborah Degani* Richard and Ruth* Derby Dr. George and Roberta* Diamond Gerald Weisberger and Gail Ehrens* Eduardo and Jeanette* Eichenwald Dr. Mark and Ellyn* Elstein Dr. Thomas and Roni* Englert and Family Dr. Neil and Ellen* Feldman Jules and Tama Fogelman Family Fund* Frank Penn Family Fund Hon. Robert and Ronnie Freedberg Alfred T. Gifford Family Fund Goldfarb Family Fund Barry Goldin and Cheri Sterman* Prof. Gary Gordon and Elizabeth McMahon Irwin and Diane Greenberg Alan Greenberger Ralph and Anna Mae* Grossman Jay Haltzman Ronald and Joan* Harrison Aron and Julie* Hochhauser Arthur and Susan* Hochhauser Les and Ricky* Hochhauser Dr. Arthur and Barbara* Hoffman Roslyn Holtz* Dr. David and Susan Hyman Gwen Jacobs* Dr. Joseph Jacobs Rabbi Allen Juda Audrey Kanoff*
Seth and Kathi* Katzman Dr. Corey and Lisa* Kirshner Dr. Mark and Iris Koshar Paul and Dore Kottler Jeffrey Kramer Beth Kushnick* Dr. Hartley Lachter and Dr. Jessica Cooperman* Lawrence M. Lang and Elaine N. Deutch* Dr. Paul H. and Elaine* Langer Gerson Lazar Family Fund Martha B. Lebovitz* The Eva Levitt Knitting Project Dr. Irwin and Linda Lewis Dr. Sheldon and Paula* Linn Lois Lipson* Dr. Norman Maron Edith Miller* Michael Molovinsky Dr. Jonathan Munves Dexter and Sally Neadle Bobbi Needle* Gerald and Bernice* Nepon Sandy Newman* Dr. David and Carole* Ostfeld Myra Outwater * Leon and Elaine* Papir Alan and Roberta* Penn Allen and Sandra* Perlman Drs. Andrew and Flora* Pestcoe Rabbi Seth Phillips and Marge Kramer* Michael and Ilene* Prokup Dr. Mitchell and Carol Rabinowitz Elaine Rappaport-Bass* Rabbi Moshe and Adina Re'em Dr. Max L. and Helen Robbins Joseph Rosenfeld and Jonathan Rosenfeld Dr. Norman and Jett* Sarachek Sheila Saunders* Dr. Murray and Marcia* Schechter Dr. Michael and Heidi* Schiffman Lillian Schwab Memorial Fund Schwartz Family Fund Dr. Howard and Tamara Selden Sally Shapiro* Howard and Susan* Sherer Dr. Andrew and Rachel* Shurman Helaine Sigal* Mark and Maryellis Sigmon Dr. Bruce and Donna Silverberg Dr. Howard and Diane* Silverman Edward Spitzer and Yvonne Payne Dr. Sidney and Lenore* Stecher Dr. Phil and Diane* Stein Hon. Robert L. Steinberg Kevin Stempel Dr. David and Laurie Strassman Dr. Michael F. Stroock Frank and Zenora Surnamer Fred and Barbara K.* Sussman Fund Ron Ticho and Pam Lott* Marsha Timmerman* Dr. Stephen and Beverly* Volk Dr. Stanley and Judith* Walker Dr. Ronald and Beverly* Wasserman Robert and Sandy* Weiner Louise Weinstein* Gerald Weisberger and Gail Ehrens* Deborah Weiss* Jerry and Flossie* Zales Richard and Cherie* Zettlemoyer Debbie Zoller* Anonymous (20)
SHORASHIM $250 - $499 Dr. Mark Stein and Sharon Albert* Gregory and Seli Allen Vivian Appel* Dr. Mark Auerbach Miriam Bandler* Randy and Jodi* Barson Dr. Sherri Bassner* Patricia Beldon* Judy Belmont* David and Clara* Bergstein Richard Bergstein Amy Born Fund* Sally Brau* Allen and Marjorie Carroll Arnold and Judy* Cohen Marcia K. Cohen* Robert Cohen and Michelle Hindin Martin Cohen Family Foundation Roger and Sharon* Collins Donald Denburg Fred and Gail* Eisenberg Jack and Shirley* Engelson
Matt and Melissa* Falk Dr. Alex Feig Samuel and Lynn* Feldman Marcia Felkay* Finkelstein Family Fund Harry Fisher Charles Fletcher Memorial Fund Brian and Emily* Ford Dr. Ari Forgosh Rabbi Jonathan Gerard and Dr. Pearl Rosenberg Dr. Eric and Debbie* Gertner and Family Renee Gittler* Rhoda Glazier* Glazier Furniture Ann Goldberg* Libby Golomb* Allan and Mary Goodman Dr. H. William and Ruth* Gross Lothar and Wendy Gumberich Ronald and Joan* Harrison Ms. Carol Jaspan* James and Andrea* Jesberger Irving Kaplan Dr. Jay and Phyllis* Kaufman Bernard and Laurie Lesavoy-Lesavoy Butz & Seitz LLC Dr. Edward Levy Gilfrid and Michele* Levy Dr. Lisa Lindauer* Robert and Shirley* Malenovsky Dr. Norman and Roberta* Marcus Paul and Natalie Millrod Dr. Douglas and Ruth* Nathanson Marc Nissenbaum Dr. Michael and Martina* Obenski Henry and Phyllis* Perkin Stephen and Marianne Phillips Daniel Pomerantz Fund Edward and Beth* Posner Julian Rappaport and Toby Brandt David Reiff Harry and Carole* Rose Rosenau Family Fund Dr. Matthew and Keren* Saltz Joel and Linda Scheer Terry Schettini and Barbara Yudis* Henry and Isabel Schiff Dr. Arthur Levine and Dr. Janet Schwartz* Lynne Shampain* H. Sheftel Memorial Fund Stuart and Susan* Shmookler Dr. Roger and Marna* Simon Sons of Israel Sisterhood Dr. Bruce and Ardeth* Smackey Anne Snyder-Lyons Peter and Sheila* Sokalsky Michael and Jane* Spitzer Cindy Stein* Dr. David Stein Dr. Mark Stein and Sharon Albert* Dr. Jonathan Tenzer Family Fund Selma Tomkin* Sharon Trinker* Robert and Marcia* Weill Martin and Frances* Weinberg Joel and Susan Weiner Alicia Zahn* Debby Ziev* Anonymous (11) KEHILLAH $100 - $249 Linda Adler* Richard and Maria* Ain Isabella Alkasov* Florence Applebaum* Elaine Atlas* Pnina Avitzur* David and Carmit* Bach Karen Bader* Joan Balkwill* Karen Bardawil* Michael and Barbara* Bassano Belman Family Fund Dr. Harry and Donna Berger Elaine Berk* Scott Berman Dr. Joan Bischoff* Randi Blauth* Andrew and Dr. Christy* Block and Family Glenn and Melisa Block Dr. Neil and Christy Boderman Ilya Borshansky John and Miriam Harris* Botzum Kareem Brown Jerry and Wilma Brucker Victor and Leslie* Bunick
Robert and Gail* Burger Betty Burian* Sara Camuti* Allen and Marjorie Carroll Audrey Cherney* Dr. Robert Cohen Coleman Family Fund Jerome and Audrey* Cylinder Arianna Delin Fund Noah Ryan Delin Fund Benjamin Delin Mitzvah Fund Leah Devine* Dr. George and Roberta* Diamond David and Cindy* Drill Dr. Wayne and Heather Dubov David and Vikki* Dunn Dr. Abbott and Judy* D'ver Edward Eidelman Barbara Einhorn* Lisa Ellis Fund* Michael Finley and Audrey Ettinger* Eleanor Extract* Howard and Shirley Falk Jerome and Judith* Fields Brad and Robyn* Finberg Harris and Sandi* Fine Vivian Fishbone* Jeff and Jackie* Flashnick Phyllis Ford* Paul S. and Melissa Frank Jerry and Bette* Friedenheim Dr. Allan and Sandra* Futernick Jerome and Gloria* Ginsburg Gary and Pat* Glascom Betsy Glazier* Lauren Glick* Becky Goldenberg* Brian and Judith* Goldman Susan Goldman* Nathaniel and Joanna Golub Arlene Gorchov* and Mark Kennedy Alvin and Sharon Goren Donald Greenberg Jeff and Elizabeth* Greenberg Arlene Griffin* Simon and Elaine Hammel John and Miriam Harris* Botzum Alvin and Arlene* Herling Marjorie Hertz* Anita Hirsch* Dr. Neil and Janet* Hogan Dr. Michael and Stacy* Hortner Charles and Dale Inlander Lisa Jeffery* Lorraine Karess* Dr. Lewis and Joan* Katz Daniel and Anne* Kaye Renee B. Kleaveland* Mark Klein Family Fund Rabbi Melissa Klein* and Neysa Nevins Lillian Kobrovsky* Ruth Kugelman* Dr. Michael and Fay* Kun Gary and Jennifer* Lader Dr. Samuel and Sharon* Land Gilbert and Judy* Lappen Mary Laronge* Frederick and Sherry Lesavoy Robert and Cindy* Levine Paul Levy and Helen Mack-Levy* Joan Lichtenstein* Scott Lipson Maya Liss* Dr. Zalman and Maya* Liss Dr. Henry and Pat Luftman Bruce and Carina* Magida Marvi Family Fund Susan Mellan Memorial Fund* Eugene Meyer and Dr. Lisa Jean Todes* Donald and Julia* Miles Gary and Diane* Miller Norman and Maxine* Miller Sharon Minick* Gladys Morgenstein* Dr. Robert and Amy* Morrison Tom and Sarah* Morse Judith Murman* Jill Stewart Narrow* Howard and Jill Nathanson Jerome and Norma* Neff Richard and Paula* Nelson Richard and Audrey* Nolte Robert Orenstein Debbie Ovitz* Papir Family Fund Dr. Ilan and Sima Peleg Dr. Peter Pettit Rabbi Jonathan and Joanna* Powers Patti Price* Raab Fund Bruce and Enid* Reich Ruth Reiter* Dr. Joel Rosenfeld Myra Rosenhaus* Debra Ross* Monro and Mimi Roth Herman Rovner Alan and Mary* Salinger Gerald and Etta* Salman Michele Salomon* Richard and Amy* Sams Leonard and Arlene* Samuelson Helene Rae Scarcia* Seith Schentzel Noah Schettini Fund
Ellyn Schindler Mike Schindler Leon Schneider Sol and Dolly* Schocker James and Sandra* Schonberger Robert and Annette* Shaw Stanley Shrager Barry Siegel Serita Silberg* Mimi Silberstein* Abigail Silverman* Jessica Silverman* Dr. Roger and Marna* Simon Adam and Stephanie* Smartschan Dr.Yehuda and Victoria* Smooha Rabbi Aryeh and Beth Spera Michael and Sybil* Stershic David Vaida and Cantor Ellen Sussman* Kenneth Szydlow Julie Thomases* Alan and Enid* Tope Gary and Sharon Trinker Philmore and Rose* Tucker Dr. William and Rae Tuffiash Drs. David and Leslie Ufberg Dr. Mark and Gayle* Unger Volk Family Fund Dr. Arkady and Ilana* Voloshin Dr. Andrea Waxman* Lynn Waite* David Weiner Dr. Steven Weintraub Alfred Wiener Family Fund Norman and Sandra* Wruble Zelickson Family Fund Dr. Robert and Susanna* Zemble Anonymous (34) GENESIS $1 - $99 Linda Adler* Marvin and Sylvia* Adler Alyssa Ahdieh* Howard and Nancy Amols Choty Andres Scott Appleman Judith Aronson* Don and Robie* Barga Leon(z"l) and Jewel* Baringoldz Dr. Harold Basseches Thomas Basseches Donald and Andrea* Bastian Marla Beck* Michael Benioff Judith Bennis* Lillian Benton* Aaron Berger and Nissa Gossom* Phyllis Berkowitz* David Bernfeld Jeffrey and Lisa* Bernfeld Caryn Bernstein* Edith Blinderman* Jerome and Loretta Block Stephen and Ellen* Blumberg Alla Bolotovsky* Sidney and Esther* Bratt Benjamin Brenner Fund Rose Breuer* Loretta Brickman* Neil and Diane Brown Kate Burdick* Ivan Buyum Joyce Camm* Allen and Marjorie Carroll Dena Cedor* Dr. Barry and Robbie Cohen Dr. Laurie Cohen* Elena Cohen Charity Fund Edwin and Rabbi Melody* Davis Eileen Denitz* Betty Diamond* Marilyn Doluisio* Sandra Dror* Shelley Drozd* Niles Dubin Vicki Duerr* Helen Ebert* Nancy and Brion Ebert Seth Edwards Wendy Edwards* Emily Eider* David Eiskowitz Joseph Epstein and Sheryl Feinstein Christine Eubanks* Anita Evelyn* Stuart and Susan* Fause Sharon Feldman* Dr. Ellen Field* Anna Figlin* Brenda Finberg* Millie Fingerman* Michael Finley and Audrey Ettinger* Fredda Fischman* Claudia Fischmann Fund* Diana Fischmann Fund* Veronica Fischmann Fund* Julie Fraenkel Fund* Marla Freedman* Joyce Freeman* Michael and Sandra Freeman Barbara Friedenheim* Jenna Fromer* Rachel Fromer* Fran Gaines* Lewis and Roberta* Gaines Steve Gallin Murray and Linda* Garber
Dr. Todd and Laura* Garber Dr. Debra Garlin* Arnon and Hagit* Gavish Hagit Gavish* Gail Gelb* Eugene Genkin Nancy Gevirtz Memorial Fund Samuel Gevirtz Mitzvah Fund Pearl Glatt* Jeff and Carrie Glazier Bernice Glickman* Anita Goldman* Laura Ruth Goldman Dr. Malvin and Lillian* Goldner David Goldstein Martin Goldstein David and Tova* Goldstein Dr. Richard Gordon Dr. Stephanie Goren-Garcia Aaron Gorodzinsky Betty Greenberg* Hildi Greenberg* Rosaly Greenberger* Harry and Paula* Grines Jonah Grob Merle Grollman* Ervin Gross Lila Gross* Shirley F. Gross* Henry and Ruth* Grossbard Gayanne Grossman* Marcel and Sharon Guindine Samuel Guncler Max Hakim Marion Halperin* Bernice Harris* Samuel Harris Fund Gloria Hartglass* Dolores Heller* Etta Heller* Ted Herstein Philip Heyman Rima Hirsch* Syman and Anita* Hirsch Carolyn Hoffman* Dorothy Hoffman* Robert and Arlene* Hurwitz Michael and Donna* Iorio Vladimir and Dr. Lubov* Iskold Nina Jackson* Dr. Donald and Carol Jaffe Douglas and Amy* Jaffe Baron and Marjorie* Jasper Sidney and Helene* Kaplan Harriet Karess* Katz Family Stephanie Katz* Stanley and Marilyn* Kaufman Chaim and Carol Kaufmann Steven Kaunitz Glenn and Svetlana* Kaye Lionel and Ellen* Kier Nathan Kline Rosine Knafo* Deborah Kohler* Fred and Alyssa* Komarow James and Kathleen Koones Barbara Kowitz* Sondra Krem* Diane LaBelle* Jacob Lader Andrea Lass* Maur and Doe* Levan Gustav and Zelda Levin Bob and Ilene* Levin-Dando Michael and Barbara Levinson
Dr. Ken and Kathy Levitt Janice Levy* Eileen Lewbart Stacy Lewis* Doris Lifland* Steven Lipson David and Marilyn* Louick Rebecca Lovingood* Rochelle Lower* Howard and Edith Lustig Leonard Lutsky Ronald and Patricia Malvin Sylvia Mandel* Jorge Mandler David and Susan* Manela Mindy Manhoff* Louise Mapstone* Joe and Rebecca* Marchese Pamela Marth* Aliza Martin* Ryan Mattison Robert Mayer and Jan Muzycka* Peter and Gail McIntyre Ruth Meislin* David Melman Betty Mikofsky* Dr. Robert and Ellen Miller* and Family Robert and Joy* Miller Stanley Miller Susan Mohr* Anne Morris* Philip and Carol* Moskowitz David and Jane* Much William and Sharon* Mullin Mark Nadler Richard Neulight Rochelle Nisberg* Sandy Ojalvo* Ellen Osher* and Robert Prichard Lena Packer* Cantor Jill Pakman* Ben Palumbo Barbara Pass-Glazier* Mark and Nina* Pinsley Rachael Pinsley* Scott Pinsley The Pitkoff Family Howard and A. Jane* Pitkoff Jay and Marlene* Plotnick Mildred Poliner* Adina Preis The Purple Fund Alan Raisman Martin Rapoport Eric Rappaport Lillian Ratarsky* Anna Ratmansky Jonathan and Catherine Rau Mitzvah Tzedakah Fund Linda Rich* Robert Rockmaker Dan and Mary Rockman Fran Rodriguez* Michael Rose Cary Rothstein* Wendy Rothstein* Barbara Rudolph* Eileen Rugh* Allison Rusgo* Peter and Melanie* Salzarulo Julia Sams* Natalie Sams* Deborah Sarachek* David and Myra Saturen Helene Rae Scarcia*
Mary Lou Scarf* Jon Schaeffer Audrey Schaefer* Elana Schettini Fund Rachel Schmeidberg* Melvin and Pearl* Schmier Lewis Schor Marlee Senderowitz Fund Rissa Senderowitz Philanthropic Fund Ruth Setton* Carolyn Shapir* Silverman Family Fund Abigail Silverman Fund Jessica Silverman Philanthropic Fund Marc and Carrie* Silverstein Micki Sinclair* Debra Skinner* Danielle Staiman Mitzvah Fund* Alan and Lori Starr Arieh Sternberg Honey Sussman* Norman and Cindy* Sussman Matthew and Tracy* Sussman Jesse Szvetecz Norman Tahler Hannah Tamarkin* Sandi Teplitz* David Teumim Donald Thaler Glenn Theodore Harriet Theodore* Earl and Sondra* Toland Doris Tomback* Ufberg Family Fund Inna Vishnevetsky* Nicholas and Jessica* Volchko Lauren Waldman* Rachel Waldman* Ann Berman Waldorf Dori Wallace* Alice Ward* Anne M. Warschauer* Cantor Kevin Wartell Gershen and Faith Weiner Isadore and Dorothy* Weiner Kristina Weiner* Gary and Marsha* Weingartner Les and Anita* Weintraub Corinne Wernick* Marjorie Weiss* Brian Wernick and Joy Rothman Neil and Judith Wetcher Barbara Wolfgang* Gladys Yass* Evelyn Yevelson* Helaine Young* Herman and Jessica* Ytkin Krista Ytkin* Daniel Zahn Sam Zahn Anonymous (30)
The donors noted above represent gifts to the JFLV 2014 Campaign for Jewish Needs. Every effort is made to correctly recognize all of our generous donors and honor their listing requests. If there are any inaccuracies or omissions, please call the Federation office at 610-821-5500. * Indicates an individual woman’s gift to the 2014 Campaign for Jewish Needs
JOIN US, JULY 14-20, FOR THE FIRST EVER FEDERATION CAMPAIGNERS' MISSION. Campaigners will see how our dollars are being used overseas in Israel, learn about Israel today and become more able as Federation advocates. HIGHLIGHTS • Learn how to make your donor conversations work from some of the most successful Federation solicitors • Practice your fundraising prowess with colleagues from across North America • Learn about the programs supported by the Annual Campaign by experiencing them firsthand and meeting service providers • Meet the founders of TAKDIM, the first Israeli Federation • Meet religious, political and military leaders and gain a fuller understanding of the issues Israelis face on a daily basis • Experience Israeli culture by attending a circus performance, a tasting at a winery and a presentation by the America-Israel Cultural Foundation. • Explore Israel on a jeep adventure • Travel and network with peers who are deeply committed to the work of the Annual Campaign Contact Judy Diamondstein at 610-821-5500 or judy@jflv.org to learn more.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2014 13
WHY MEXICO? A Cinco do Mayo special feature
Entrance to Sinagoga Histórica Justo Sierra 71, Mexico City. Built 1939-41. By Aaron Gorodzinsky JFLV Director of Outreach & Community Relations I have been fortunate enough to have lived all over North America, and had an opportunity to meet people from all over the world. During these encounters, I have always enjoyed the surprised expressions that I get when people find out that I was born in Mexico City and how that expression turns into confusion when I tell them than I am Jewish. So, to avoid more confusion and taking
advantage of the Cinco de Mayo celebrations, I would like to share what it was like to grow up in Mexico. The Jewish Mexican community is composed of a mixture of Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Halebi (Aleppo) and Shami (Damascus) Jews. All of these communities have a strong presence in Mexico City, with synagogues, Jewish day schools and beneficiary agencies that are run by the members of the different ethnicities. Although there is a central committee that represents the community as a whole while speaking to government officials, the
Jewish community in Mexico is not part of the Federation system. Jews in Mexico live in three major cities: 90 percent of the community resides in the Greater Mexico City area. Most of the rest are located in Monterrey, a large industrial city in the north, and Guadalajara, which is very near Puerto Vallarta, a city that large numbers of Americans visit every year. Growing up in Mexico City was a unique experience in itself. With over 20 million people in the greater metropolitan area, I grew up in what we call a “colony” that has grown from very few people when I was a child to over 3 million people today and where they would be blessed to only have the traffic that we have to deal with on Route 22. I, like 99 percent of Jewish kids in Mexico, attended Jewish day school. My school -- Nuevo Colegio Israelita, I. L. Peretz -- was the smallest of these with 500 kids in total. Like the rest of Jewish schools, we had to follow the educational curriculum that was approved by the Mexican government with the addition of Judaic studies. While in school, I learned how to speak in Hebrew and Yiddish and during middle and high school, we had English classes as well. My school was very Zionistic and we learned about Israel and our special connection to the land and its people from a very young age. A lot of people who have had an opportunity to visit Mexico talk about El Centro Deportivo Israelita, our JCC. My school was actually two minutes away from the JCC and I grew in the JCC. Our school bus would drop me and some of my friends there, we would eat lunch at about 2:30 and then each of us would go practice our favorite sport, do our homework and sometimes have dinner there. Our JCC is one of the biggest ones I have ever been to with a semiprofessional pool, soccer field, baseball field, basketball courts and a massive gym. I was very fortunate to practice karate there for 13 years and trained there four times a week. Every year, the JCC holds a Jewish spring dancing festival (Festival AVIV) where at that time my school was known for having the loudest crowd. Although, I don’t
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Why Mexico?
Continues on page 15
By famed waterfalls, brainstorming a future for Latin America’s smaller Jewish communities By Natalie Schachar Jewish Telegraphic Agency The youthful group of 60 drew their chairs around tables strewn with jars of markers and the occasional Rubik’s Cube, nearby chalkboards at the ready for jotting down big ideas. The conference hall was suffused with a cando vibe that wouldn’t have seemed out of place in Silicon Valley. But high-tech was not on the agenda. Instead, the crowd of social entrepreneurs and activists had come to a resort near the famous Iguazu Falls on the Argentina-Brazil border to brainstorm a future for Jewish life in small communities across Latin America. “The decline of communities in smaller cities is our biggest problem,” said the event’s co-chair, Ariela Lijavetzky, director of informal education at Maccabi, a Jewish sports club in Buenos Aires. The recent four-day Lazos gathering — Spanish for “ties” — was sponsored by the U.S.-based Schusterman Philanthropic Network as part of its Connection Points initiative. Across the region, Jewish population is becoming increasingly centralized, leaving onceflourishing communities in smaller towns and cities struggling. The trend toward centralization is pronounced in Argentina, where about 90 percent of the country’s Jewish population lives in the capital of Buenos Aires. In the Argentine city of General Roca, located in Patagonia, the Jewish community once numbered about 400 families. These days, an egalitarian minyan still convenes for Friday night services at a synagogue in the center of town. But the few active community members, which hover around 25, illustrates how times have changed. “Our principal income is from the cemetery,” said Pablo Indelman, the synagogue president, community director and Hebrew teacher. Jewish population movements parallel larger trends in Latin America, where people are flocking to the main urban areas of their countries. Young Jews often do not return to their hometowns after studying or working in the big city. Others leave for Israel or destinations abroad. “There’s almost no youth, they’re all
grandparents,” said Moshe Sefchovich, a resident of Guadalajara, a city of more than 1 million in the Mexican state of Jalisco. He describes a mass movement of community members to Mexico City. While aware of the difficulty of reversing migration trends, Lazos participants were determined to find ways to reinvigorate Jewish life. Participants proposed ventures such as the establishment of a new synagogue in the Argentine city of Corrientes and a network for Jewish travelers journeying to Brazil during the World Cup. Technology was offered up as a means of changing the status quo. “Everyone is asking where young adults have disappeared to,” said Victor Rottenstein, the head of search engine optimization operations at Mercado Libre, the Latin American version of eBay. “I’ll tell you where they are. They’re on Facebook.” Participants discussed how to capitalize on the potential contributions of community members who had left and to improve the way resources are shared among communities. “Communities are widely distributed across a broad area,” said Diego Goldman, a psychologist from Buenos Aires who co-chaired the Lazos event with Lijavetzky. “There is a big necessity for Latin America to work as a network.” Even communities with storied histories are struggling. Moises Ville, a town in the Argentine province of Sante Fe, famed for its Jewish gauchos, or cowboys, once was a shining symbol of Jewish community life on the plains of Argentina. With the financial patronage of the German-Jewish philanthropist Baron Maurice de Hirsch, Jews fleeing czarist Russia and Central Europe had taken advantage of Argentina’s opendoor immigration policy and established the colony in 1889. The city is still called the Argentine Jerusalem for its history and culture, and it is currently celebrating its 125th anniversary. Today, however, only about 250 of its 2,000 inhabitants are Jews. “One of our main concerns is the lack of young people,” lamented Claudia Baer, secretary of the community synagogue, before adding that she, too, would like to go to Israel, if it weren’t for her job.
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bAUM sCHOOL aRT aUCTION
Why Mexico? Continues from page 14
look like a dancer today, I participated in the festival twice after making a deal with my mom for driving privileges (we won second and third place!). So, why Mexico? In the case of my family (and I can only speak from my mother’s side) my grandpa arrived in Mexico as an infant after the Bolsheviks walked inside his house and killed his mother while he was hiding in a closet. He was only just a baby when the incident took place and my great-grandpa had to marry my great-grandma’s sister as it was customary to do at that time to help raise my zeide. After the wedding, the three of them left everything behind in Russia and took a ship to Cuba in search of the American dream. My grandma also traveled when she was very young and I remember her telling me that she has no memories of the boat ride because she was very sick at sea and fortunate that she even made it. My grandparents, like most families who eventually moved to Mexico, always wanted to immigrate to the United States, but quotas were filled at that time and like many others, they decided to leave Cuba for Mexico and wait for the next year’s quotas to open. Upon arriving in Mexico and enjoying a strong Ashkenazi presence in the country at that time, most families gave up the American dream in favor of making Mexico their new home. My grandparents had a very similar experience to that of most Ashkenazi Jews; their parents arrived in Mexico not knowing any Spanish and with no money in their pockets. Their parents worked really hard to provide for their families and eventually the majority of the community achieved financial success. My grandparents still attended public schools but built Jewish day schools for their children and today, the community is still very strong. Although anti-Semitism is always a concern in the community, Mexico has always been very welcoming to the Jews. With strong religious institutions and an economy that, even with its ups and downs, has been able to remain stable, I think Jews will remain in Mexico for a long time to come. Happy Cinco de Mayo! HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2014 15
Young Adult Division enjoys private meadery tour The Young Adult Division of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley got a special treat on April 3 when Greg Hellar-LaBelle, a member of the local Jewish community, opened up his meadery for a private tour and tasting. Attendees were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at how this beverage -- like wine but with fermented honey instead of grapes -- is made. After the tour, Hellar-LaBelle got behind the bar to offer samples of his various meads, full of exotic flavors and unique combinations. Before the tastings, Rabbi Daniel Stein of Bnai Abraham Synagogue in Easton gave a fascinating presentation on when alcohol is considered kosher. The Young Adult Division sponsors frequent events geared toward members of the community ages 22-45. Join YAD for its next event at Jewish Heritage Night at the IronPigs on May 22 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/yad to learn more.
Members of the Young Adult Division gather for a mead tasting at The Colony Meadery in Allentown.
YAD co-chairs Justin and Erin Corsa with The Colony Meadery CEO and co-founder Greg Hellar-LaBelle.
Brian Ford tastes the Mar-guh-me-duh.
Nurit Golenberg and Aaron Alkasov.
Amanda and Tom Edge with Hildi Greenberg.
CEO Greg Hellar-LaBelle gives Robyn Finberg a pour in the tasting room.
TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE FOR SENIORS AGES 65+ WANT TO GO TO THIS SPECIAL EVENT? You get the ticket, we’ll get you there!
$4 PER PASSENGER
JOIN THE JEWISH COMMUNITY AT THE IRONPIGS KOSHER FOOD | JEWISH-THEMED GAMES BETWEEN INNINGS | SHOW YOUR PRIDE! GROUP TICKETS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS: Bnai Abraham Synagogue | 610-258-5343 Congregation Brith Sholom | 610-866-8009 Congregation Keneseth Israel | 610-435-9074 Congregation Sons of Israel | 610-433-6089 Jewish Community Center of Allentown | 610-435-3571 Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley | 610-437-0721 Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley | 610-821-8722 Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Young Adult Division | 610-821-5500 Temple Shirat Shalom | 610-730-6272 TO PURCHASE INDIVIDUAL SEATS, visit the IronPigs website at www.ironpigsbaseball.com or call 610-841-PIGS
16 MAY 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Central pickup points in Allentown and Easton
To reserve your seat by May 7, call Jewish Family Service at 610-821-8722. Tickets to the game may be purchased by calling 610-841-PIGS or by connecting with one of the many Jewish institutions offering group tickets.
Birthright continues after trips and NEXT can provide resources and some funds to cover the cost of groceries or take-out.
Keep your eye on our programs.
NEXT offers programs to all Birthright Israel alumni, regardless of when the trip occurred or where you live. Many programs are based around Jewish holidays, when NEXT can help you host your own celebrations for your friends—like Passover seders and Rosh Hashanah dinners—and give you everything you need to make it happen. NEXT regularly announces programs on their website, but to get first dibs, join them on Facebook, where you’ll hear it before everyone else.
A division of Birthright Israel Foundation connects Birthright Israel trip alumni and their peers with meaningful Jewish living and learning opportunities nationally, locally and in Israel. It’s called Birthright NEXT. NEXT also works to create a Jewish community that is ready to receive alumni who possess diverse needs, interests and inclinations. By investing in and convening those who work with young Jewish adults, as well as offering resources and thoughtleadership, NEXT catalyzes growth and stimulate opportunities for engagement.
A Birthright trip to Israel is an incredible experience – note the recent expansion of eligibility -- but what happens after the return? There are plenty of ways to continue living out the best parts of that Birthright Israel trip right here in the States.
Start at home.
emember celebrating ShabR bat in Israel with all of your tripmates? The NEXT Shabbat program will helps bring that experience to friends here at home. It’s easy: Invite at least four friends over for a Friday night dinner or Saturday lunch,
Hakol 4x4_May_BeautyAndBeast_color_Layout 1 4/9/2014 4:57 PM Page 1
Find out what’s happening near you.
Search for your city in NEXT’s new directory to find great events, opportunities, and more in your local area.
Take advantage of opportunities.
On their Facebook page, NEXT lists tons of great programs, festivals, long-term trips to Israel, and more run by awesome organizations across the country. Check them out!
Tue., June 3 & Wed., June 4 - 7 PM - $55/$50 Sponsored by Brown-Daub Dealerships and 100.7 WLEV; Family series sponsored by Capital BlueCross
Source: The Birthright Israel website. For more information, visit www. birthrightisrael.com/AfterTheTrip/ Pages/About.aspx.
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Tribefest offers clues about millenials
www.statetheatre.org
By Rabbi Daniel Stein Bnai Abraham Synagogue As a (relatively) young rabbi, people often hope that I know the secret formula to engaging my peer group, the elusive millennials. I wish I knew all the answers, but sometimes I am just as confused by my peer group -- what motivates a group of young Jews to be active, or even become leaders in the Jewish community? In March, my wife, Dena, was asked to represent her organization at TribeFest -- the Jewish Federation of North America’s national Young Leadership conference. I was eager to tag along and see firsthand one model of successful engagement of young Jews. Through the generosity of our local Jewish Federation, I was able to attend. I approached the conference as a kind of “secret shopper;” professionally, I wanted to learn what would work locally. Three aspects of TribeFest stood out to me as being particularly in tune with the mindset of millennials. I’d call these the “3 S’s”. First, as a conference, TribeFest is a particularly social event, with each evening culminating in a cocktail party. These parties, I think, had a meaning that transcended the pleasures of hors d’oeuvres and a mixed drink. Americans in their 20s and 30s might be described as a particularly lonely group of people. So many of our interactions, whether personal or professional, are mediated through technology. We e-mail. We text. Occasionally, we make a phone call. Sometimes, if we are very lucky, we can meet a friend for a drink. We so long for human contact and validation that we tweet out our emotions, update our
Rabbi Stein with wife Dena and daughter Miri Facebook statuses constantly, and share Instagram photos of our dinners and our toes at the beach in hopes that someone else will try to cross over the void and contact us as humans. TribeFest’s organizers understand that the ability to sit and enjoy the company of a friend is a rare pleasure for us in today’s world. Millenials, though, are not so hedonistic as to enjoy just anyone’s company. We need to know that we are surrounded by compassionate, empathetic people. We have been raised to believe that we can change the world, and we want to be around those who share that idealism. This is TribeFest’s second “S:” Service. The attendees at TribeFest shared a common commitment to the Jewish value of tikkun olam. The organizer provided both the opportunity to learn about community engagement and practical
opportunities for improving the host community. They understood that, for young Jews, the best way to forge community and build connections is by working together toward common goals. Finally, the sessions at TribeFest had the feeling of Ted Talks; they were succinct. Millenials want rich, meaningful content that packs a punch. And they want it developed in short doses. We live in information worlds, and we value those who can help us see the forest from the trees. We crave intellectual engagement delivered professionally and cleanly. If our local community takes these ideas to heart, we will have no trouble in engaging the next generation of Jewish leaders. The 1,500 young Jews who descended on New Orleans left there inspired and ready to build a Jewish future. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2014 17
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Mayfair Festival to feature art of Israel Amos Amit, Erez Epshtein and Hanan Ingle will be among more than 100 spectacular artists showing and selling their work at the 2014 Mayfair Festival of the Arts to be held May 23 to 26 in and around Ag Hall at Allentown’s Fairgrounds.
Amos Amit – Batiks by Amit Amos Amit was born in Israel in 1945 and was raised on a moshav in the Galilee. He received his bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, and his master’s degree in landscape architecture at California Polytechnic Institute, Pomona, California. Spending his childhood and young adulthood in Israel profoundly influenced both the subject matter and approach to his artwork. The modern and colorful feel emanates from growing up in a young, vibrant and multi-ethnic country. The warm, primitive feel comes from a childhood spent farming. The Torah-related themes and blessings come from the influence of school studies as a regular part of the curriculum. Amit has established himself as one of the leading batik artists in this country. Art critics and collectors alike have praised Amit’s unique style and highly refined technique. He has received numerous prestigious national and international awards and his works are part of many prominent collections. A resident of California, Amit is a member of the Beverly Hills and Los Angeles Art Associations, and the American Crafts Council.
history of ancient coins. Most of their coins have origins from Jewish, Byzantine, Greek or Roman periods. Each coin is unique and has survived hundreds or thousands of years from the time it was minted. The coins are authentic and come with a certificate of authenticity, having been acquired from reputable coin dealers, mostly from Israel and the Middle East.
Erez Ancient Coin Jewelry
The Festival’s new Executive Director Arlene Daily, a past member of Congregation Keneseth Israel, has been reestablishing Mayfair’s relationships with top-caliber artists. The recent move to the Festival’s new home in the Allentown Fairgrounds sealed the deal, according to Daily, who said, “Top-level artists who once said they would never participate in Mayfair Festival of the Arts have told us they are applying to the show because we now offer indoor space. Being exposed to wind, rain, humidity and heat can be damaging to artwork. High-quality visual arts was once the hallmark of Mayfair Festival of the Arts and our goal is to bring that back, while continuing to profile great performing arts. We are the only event which truly offers all major art forms in one place at one time.” Mayfair would like to thank the following partners to date for supporting the 2014 Festival: Ford Motor Company, The Children’s Hospital at Lehigh Valley Hospital, People First Federal Credit Union, PPL Corporation, Service Electric Cable TV & Communications, The Harry C. Trexler Trust, The Century Fund, The Rider Pool Foundation and The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Lehigh County.
The mission of Hanan Ingle and Erez Epshtein of Erez Ancient Coin Jewelry is to help inspire and share the beauty and
For festival hours or more information about these and other artists and about musical performances, visit www.MayfairFestival.org.
Rabbi Juda with wife Toby and their granddaughter Kayla.
Rabbi Juda Continues from page 10
Jewish-Christian Understanding. He became chair of the Day of Dialogue Committee and looks to continue this work during retirement. Perhaps not unlike his Jewish and non-Jewish counterparts, Juda is troubled by what he sees as a deterioration of religious life; as seen in this case in fewer people attending services on the lesser known holidays, the struggle to make a daily minyan – “that we are down to two days a week is a loss,” he said – and many more discouraging indicators that he has described in sermons at Brith Sholom. Yet there is continuity, too. “I started as a young man [and am] now becoming a senior,” he said. And he speaks admiringly of his wife, who has been at his side through these many years. “I can still picture her on the High
Holidays,” he said of Toby as she and the congregation sat listening to his final Yom Kippur sermon, “a young woman in her early 20s, sitting in the first row, the first seat in the east balcony on the south side. That was the so-called ‘Rebbetzin’s seat.’ Everyone had to know where to find her. Toby handled that and much, much more with grace and class. She filled the gaps of time and presence with our children -- Adam, Aaron and Tamar -- that this profession required of me.” In addition, she taught in the religious school, functioned as the “kiddush lady” for over a decade, “meaning everything,” and taught various programs. The two plan to continue living in Bethlehem, which they like and find is in close proximity to their children – and grandchildren. “To hear Kayla doing part of the Ma Nishtana at [the age of] 2 ½ ,” Juda said, “it’s thrilling, really. To hear her doing the Sh’ma is extremely meaningful.” And, thus, there is a future.
Los Lobos June 8 | 7:30 pm
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies May 22 | 7:30
Upcoming Shows Livingston Taylor
Colin Jost
May 2 | 7:30 pm
RiverJazz
June 13 | 9 pm
Vanessa Carlton
presented by Concannon Miller May 8-30
sponsored by 100.7 WLEV June 20 | 8 pm
Firefall with special guest Al Stewart
xpn welcomes
June 5| 8 pm
Delta Rae
June 23 | 7:30 pm
Reverend Horton Heat
Howie Day
sponsored by 100.7 WLEV June 11 | 7:30 pm
Lisa Marie Presley
June 27 | 7:30 pm
Toad the Wet Sprocket June 29 | 7:30 pm
June 12 | 8 pm
Musikfest Café™ at SteelStacks™ 101 Founders Way | Bethlehem, PA 18015
Tickets available at: artsquest.org | 610-332-3378
RiverJazz is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Art Works.
22 MAY 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
pm
Preservation Hall Jazz Band May 8 | 7:30 pm
Pat Martino May 15 | 7:30 pm
Jane Monheit May 29 | 8 pm
Terence Blanchard May 30 | 8 pm
Plus, Jazz on film series, art exhibit, artist talk with Terence Blanchard and free performances by local artists! SteelStacks™ | Bethlehem, PA
Tickets available at artsquest.org | 610-332-3378
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2014 23
New Hillel director named at Muhlenberg College Rabbi Melissa B. Simon has been named the new Jewish Chaplain/Hillel director at Muhlenberg College. Currently the director of lifelong learning at Congregation Shir Tikvah in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she will begin her duties at Muhlenberg on July 14, 2014. In her new role, Simon will serve as part of the College’s interfaith ministry team, providing religious and community-building opportunities to Jewish students through Hillel. She will be the head of the Hillel staff, implementing their mission of building and sustaining a vibrant, meaningful and pluralistic Jewish campus community. Working closely with students, faculty and staff, the college chaplain and other religious life colleagues and with the local Jewish community, Simon will provide strategic vision, leadership and managerial oversight for Hillel, ensuring that the organization is
an energetic enterprise and a focal point for Jewish life on campus. "Rabbi Simon will bring tremendous energy to the role of Jewish chaplain/Hillel director at Muhlenberg. She is eager to serve our diverse Jewish community and she will be a strong addition to our interfaith religious life team,” said the Rev. Callista Isabelle, college chaplain. “She quickly impressed those who met her during the search process with her passion for Judaism and her desire to work with young adults and others in the community." During her tenure at Shir Tikvah, Simon was engaged in rabbinic duties, including counseling, pastoral care, conversions, sermons and leading religious services. She helped to transform the congregation’s adult and youth education programs and developed a more coherent social justice program. Simon earned her bachelor’s degree in women’s
“Finally we realized that while change is hard, not changing is even harder.”
studies from Mount Holyoke College in 2004. She was ordained in 2010 at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, where she also earned a master’s in religious education in 2008 and a master’s in Hebrew literature. While at HUC-JIR, she was named a Mandel Fellow, studying visionary leadership and Jewish education. In 2013, Simon was one of 20 rabbis selected in North America for the prestigious Rabbis Without Borders fellowship with The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership (CLAL). The fellowship is awarded to nurture those rabbis that CLAL believe will be the next generation of spiritual innovators. She has served as a rabbin-
Jewish Day School third and fourth grade students will expand their horizons this year as they begin a new School Twinning Project with Sdot Yoav, an elementary school in the Lehigh Valley’s Partnership2Gether community in the Yoav Regional Council in Israel. The day school’s Head of School Al Goren and Sdot Yoav Vice Principal Lili Rein spoke April 23 and matched the two grades. The goal is to create a living bridge between the children in the two communities and thereby plant seeds that will blossom into long-term friendships. This project will continue into the subsequent school year and will be an ongoing program. In May, Carolyn Katwan, the Day School’s director of marketing and admissions, will visit Sdot Yoav and meet the students and teachers. She’ll present the children with the first part of the initial project, SHALOM - Getting to Know You. Each of the participating
So Matt asked us for advice. We gave him tips on how to approach the subject of change and then worked out a plan for an easier transition than any of them had imagined. Now their disagreements are what they should be, like if the Pirates™ or Phillies™ will make the playoffs this year. From independent living and personal care to rehabilitation services and specialized memory care, we have many solutions to help your loved ones—all on a vibrant campus with activities, social events and individualized services. Call us to find out how we can help, or learn more at CountryMeadows.com.
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Independent Living | Personal Care | Memory Care | Restorative Care Skilled Nursing* | In-Home Services *Skilled nursing is available at our Bethlehem campus only. Country Meadows offers services and housing without regard to race, color, religion, disability, marital status, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation or gender.
24 MAY 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY 1/14/14 11:50 AM
PMS 118
PMS 119
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on Liberty Street until 2000, when it moved to its current location at 2238 Chew Street. In 2011, the house underwent major renovations, including a major addition that tripled the size of the house. The new site includes a 300-seat space for Shabbat Dinners, prayer space, classroom space, offices and student lounge areas.
JDS ‘twinning’ with Yoav students
For years, Matt could see his parents struggling to get up the steps and do simple maintenance on their home, but couldn’t seem to convince them that there was a better way to live.
Hakol_Change is Hard_4x10.indd 1
ic leader for Jewish Community Action, a board member for the Minnesota Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, and a faith organizer for Minnesotans United for All Families. Jewish life at Muhlenberg is active and vibrant. The College’s Hillel program was the first small liberal arts college in the country to achieve Hillel Foundation status. Currently, Muhlenberg has more than 700 Jewish students – 31.8 percent of the student body – and is one of the most active Hillel affiliates in the country. Muhlenberg also has been nationally recognized for its kosher dining program, which is fully integrated with the college’s meal plan. The Hillel House was
day school students will prepare a profile to introduce themselves to the students at Sdot Yoav. The Israeli children will then be able to put a face together with a name, “meet” the day school students and get to know a little bit about them. It’s the beginning of a dialogue. The Jewish Day School looks forward to keeping the community posted as the project progresses and the relationship grows.
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GIVE A MITZVAH, DO A MITZVAH
Bat mitzvah walks, collects food for the hungry This past September, Leigha Evans and her family participated in the CROP Hunger Walk with Congregation Keneseth Israel. CROP Hunger Walks are community-wide events sponsored by religious groups, businesses, schools and others to raise funds to end hunger in the U.S. and around the world. CROP Hunger Walk’s motto is “Ending Hunger, One Step at a Time.” The September 2013 CROP Hunger Walk was a great success. Lehigh Valley churches and synagogues provided a record 35 teams, totaling 428 walkers. September is considered “Feed the Hungry” month. Leigha’s mom, Lori, explained, “Leigha has always been aware that September is ‘feed the hungry’ or ‘hunger action month’ because of her birthday being that month and she mentioned to me she wanted to help feed people less fortunate, especially children who are hungry in the United States, for her mitzvah project. Coincidentally KI was involved in the CROP walk that same month and we both thought it would be a great way to start her mitzvah project.” It was no surprise when the seventh grade East Hills Middle School Student chose to collect food for the kosher food pantry at Jewish Family Service as her mitzvah project. Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley’s Community Food Pantry provides emergency assistance to individuals and families in the Lehigh Valley regardless of religion. Stocked with food and personal items, the pantry is supported through generous contributions from our community and maintained by dedicated volunteers. Leigha, whose bat mitzvah will take place on Sept. 20 at
PJ kids enjoys pasta before Passover On April 13, PJ Library families gathered for the last chametz before Passover. They enjoyed crafts and activities, a full pasta dinner and a flashlight-lit hunt for bread products in the JCC auditorium. In the spirit of the holiday and dressed as Moses, Rabbi Seth Phillips of Congregation Keneseth Israel delighted the kids with a PJ story.
Congregation Keneseth Israel, will be including a card in her invitations asking friends and family members to support her efforts in collecting food for the hungry. She will ask attendees to bring a nonperishable food item to her bat mitzvah to donate. Leigha has made posters and hung them at Keneseth Israel, telling the congregation about her project. She already has a food collection box in the synagogue lobby and will be checking it regularly. Monetary donations are also welcome. “If you donate money, the food pantry staff can buy what they need for families who are struggling,” Leigha said. “Her father and I are so proud of Leigha,” Lori added. “She has always wanted to find a way to help and the mitzvah project was the perfect opportunity for her to do so.” To make a donation, please bring a nonperishable food item to Congregation Keneseth Israel and place it in the box. Checks can be mailed to Jewish Family Service at 2004 Allen Street, Allentown, PA 18104. Donations can also be made at the Hunger Action Month website http://feedingamerica.org/get-involved/hungeraction-month.aspx/. In addition to her mitzvah project, Leigh has made her first adult gift of tzedakah to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs. For help developing your mitzvah project, contact Abby Trachtman, program coordinator, at abbyt@ jflv.org or call her at the Federation office at 610-821-5500.
THE JEWISH COMMUNITY HAS STYLE
PJ LIBRARY Family of the Month: THE RINGOLDS We LOVE PJ Library because, first of all, who does not love to get a package to open up in the mail? How fun! It is so exciting to see the look on Matty’s face when he sees the PJ book arrive, and gets to open it! They are bright, fun, and often filled with a great teaching lesson! And, at times the older boys (Sammy and Andy) will read to Matty, and that is the BEST! Listening to them all read together the newest PJ book while I’m in the kitchen making dinner is music to the ears and a beautiful feeling!
To learn more about PJ Library and register to receive free Jewish-themed books for children from 6 months through 8 years, visit www.pjlibrary.org.
PJ LIBRARY Celebrates Shavuot JOIN US FOR A FREE PROGRAM (JUST PAY FOR YOUR OWN FROZEN YOGURT). Our special guest reader will teach us about Shavuot as we eat our dairy treats. Crafts, some surprises and, of course, a PJ Library story. All yogurt products at Menchies are LVKC-supervised.
DATE: SUNDAY, JUNE 1, 2014 TIME: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. LOCATION: Menchies Frozen Yogurt 353 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown Pre-register at the JCC Welcome Center by May 29, 2014, 610-435-3571. For more information, contact Brenda Finberg at bfinberg@lvjcc.org. HOSTED BY THE IMERMAN AND GOLDBERG FAMILIES.
Look for a special Shalom Lehigh Valley supplement in the August issue of Lehigh Valley STYLE. www.shalomlehighvalley.org
PJ Library is brought to you by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, the Jewish Community Center of Allentown and the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley, in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2014 25
WORLD NEWS Israel asks Bangkok police to ramp up security for Israeli tourists
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Ukrainian synagogue firebombed
The Israeli Embassy in Bangkok asked local police to provide more security for tourists following a thwarted terrorist attack. The request reported April 20 in the Bangkok Post noted that the embassy made special mention of Israeli backpackers on popular routes. Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau Chief Kamronwit Thoopkrachang said his force would follow through and increase security for Israeli tourists in the Thai capital. Earlier in April in Thailand, two Lebanon-born men with ties to Hezbollah were arrested. They were believed to be planning attacks on Israeli tourists on Bangkok’s Khao San Road during Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year’s Day, celebrated in festivals from April 13 to 15 and coinciding this year with Passover. Israel and the United States list Hezbollah as an international terrorist group. Thoopkrachang told the Bangkok Post that the embassy’s Office of the Police Attache had provided police with “useful information,” including that Hezbollah terrorists were planning to carry out attacks at six locations in Bangkok during Passover.
CNAAN LIPHSHIZ
The main synagogue in the Ukrainian city of Nikolayev was firebombed. The synagogue was empty of worshippers when it was firebombed early Saturday, April 19, according to the Chabad-affiliated Shturem.org website. Two Molotov cocktails were thrown at the door and window, the report said, citing Yisroel Gotlieb, son of the city’s chief rabbi, Sholom Gotlieb. A passer-by put out the fires with a fire extinguisher, according to the report. The attack was recorded by the synagogue’s closed circuit television security camera and uploaded to YouTube. Nikolayev, a Black Sea port city of approximately 500,000, is located in southeastern Ukraine about 70 miles from Odessa. The Giymat Rosa Synagogue in Zaporizhia, located 250 miles southeast of Kiev, in eastern Ukraine, was firebombed in late February. The previous week in eastern Ukraine, fliers calling on Jews to register with pro-Russian separatists and pay special taxes were distributed in Donetsk.
Protesters light memorial candles at a rally in Budapest against a government plan to erect a statue presenting Hungary as an innocent victim of Nazi occupation, March 23.
U.S. calls for Hungarian dialogue over Holocaust memorial The U.S. Embassy in Budapest called on the Hungarian government to resume dialogue with Jewish, national and international groups over plans for its Holocaust memorial year. In a statement issued April 22 directed at the newly re-elected government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the embassy wrote, “As a fellow democracy, we continue to urge the government to seek an honest, open and factual assessment of the Holocaust in Hungary. This
Allentown • Bethlehem • Coaldale • Easton • Phillipsburg • Quakertown www.sluhn.org • 1-866-STLUKES 26 MAY 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
includes soliciting and considering the opinions of all segments of Hungarian society, and especially those who are rightly most sensitive to the government’s plans during this 70th anniversary year.” Such a dialogue, the embassy said, “is a hallmark of good democratic governance.” Orban in February postponed a ceremony commemorating the country’s victims of World War II following protests by Jewish groups that said it obfuscated Hungary’s Holocaust-era role. World news Continues on page 28
Federation stands ready to aid By JFLV Staff A series of disturbing events have occurred over the past month. The Bangkok Post reported that two members of Hezbollah arrested in Thailand admitted that they were planning to launch a terror attack against Israeli tourists in Bangkok. An antiSemitic document circulated in Ukraine calling for Jews to register or lose their citizenship and face deportation. Three people were shot and killed outside of the Jewish Community Center and Village Shalom senior living community in Kansas City. “The shooting at the Kansas Jewish community centers is a sad and tragic event which reminds us where the spread of anti-Semitism and racism can lead,” said Abraham H. Foxman, national director of the ADL. After the shooting, staff of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley participated in a briefing with senior officials from Homeland Security and the FBI to discuss protective measures and other security concerns. The call was initiated by the Secure Community Network (SCN), a national homeland security initiative of the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations that works closely with government officials to keep the community safe and informed. The Jewish Federation maintains strong relationships with law enforcement agencies, locally and nationally, who assist and advise us on potential targets. National agencies such as the ADL have programs that monitor extremists and inform us of potential dates where we
should be more aware of our surroundings. We in turn educate our local community organizations and congregations to review their security protocols. Every year, we gather law enforcement agencies and Jewish organizations to look at all of our procedures and discuss best practices. “The Jewish community of the Lehigh Valley is constantly vigilant regarding the safety of our community, and we strive to be proactive in enhancing the protection of our people and local institutions,” said Barry J. Halper, president of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. “In addition, we can be comforted by the knowledge that today, we have a strong Jewish Federation system that stands ready to aid, assist and rescue beleaguered Jews anywhere in the world, and our support is critical in helping to maintain a strong homeland in the state of Israel.” As we watched these events around the world, we also honored on Yom HaShoah the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust. On April 27 at the Jewish Community Center of Allentown, we heard the story of Col. Jose Arturo Castellanos, who helped save tens of thousands of Jews in the Holocaust by providing them papers of El Salvadoran nationality. May there continue to be people who stand up, not only for Jews, but for all of the oppressed. The Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is closely monitoring situations nationally and abroad and will keep you informed as news develops. To stay up to date, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org for community news and to join our mailing list, “like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @JFedLV.
Israel formally suspends talks with Palestinians over Hamas ties
DREW ANGERER/GETTY IMAGES
Secretary of State John Kerry testifies during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on April 8. Jewish Telegraphic Agency Israel formally suspended peace talks with the Palestinian Authority over the P.A.’s national unity accord signed with the Hamas authority in the Gaza Strip. “The Cabinet today unanimously decided that Israel will not negotiate with a Palestinian government backed by Hamas, a terrorist organization that calls for Israel’s destruction,” said a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released on April 24.
“In addition, Israel will respond to unilateral Palestinian action with a series of measures,” it said, without outlining the measures. In the past, responses have included accelerated settlement building and suspending tax transfers to the Palestinian Authority. The Fatah party, led by P.A. President Mahmoud Abbas, on April 23 signed an agreement with Hamas that would lead to a unity government within five weeks. Previous Hamas-Fatah
accords have collapsed – in 2007, into a civil war. The Obama administration warned that the accord with Hamas, designated as a terrorist group by Israel, the United States and the European Union, could scuttle attempts to revive the peace talks. The Israeli-Palestinian talks collapsed earlier in April after Israel failed to meet a March 29 deadline to release the final 26 of 104 Palestinian prisoners it had pledged to release when U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry reconvened talks last July. Abbas in turn applied to join 15 international conventions in violation of his agreement not to do so as long as talks were underway. Netanyahu said in his statement that Israel, at the behest of Kerry, was attempting to restart the talks when Hamas and Fatah signed the accord. “Abu Mazen has formed an alliance with an organization whose covenant calls for Muslims to fight and kill Jews,” Netanyahu said of Abbas. “Hamas has fired more than 10,000 missiles and rockets at Israeli territory and has not halted terrorist actions against Israel even for a minute.”
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‘Agitated and angry’: White supremacists still a danger, experts say By Anthony Weiss Jewish Telegraphic Agency The April 13 shootings at a pair of Kansas Cityarea Jewish facilities illustrate the persistent threat of white supremacist violence, even as broad measures of anti-Semitism continue to decline. Suspected gunman Frazier Glenn Miller, Jr. had a long history in the white supremacist movement, dating back to the 1970s, before the recent rampage that killed three people outside the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City and the nearby Village Shalom assisted living facility. Though police believe that Miller acted alone, analysts who track white supremacist groups say that the movement has become more active in recent years, which they attribute to factors such as economic woes and the backlash against Barack Obama’s election in 2008. “They did get much more agitated and angry, and we did see an increase in criminal activity, in violent hate crimes, acts of terrorism, plots coming out of the white supremacist movement,” said Mark Pitcavage, the Anti-Defamation League’s director of investigative research. However, Pitcavage said, the white supremacist movement has not seen significant growth in its ranks. Behavioral patterns among hate groups are notoriously difficult to track, as members tend to be secretive and deeply suspicious of outsiders. Most adherents to extremist causes don’t affiliate with any group at all. The landscape has become even more complex as many established white supremacist groups have collapsed into a myriad of splinter groups. Miller’s own career illustrates the fluid world of white supremacist groups. A former U.S. Army Green Beret, Miller joined a neo-Nazi group in the late 1970s, then founded the Carolina Knights of the Ku Klux Klan in 1980, later renamed the White Patriot Party. He became a pariah in white supremacist circles after testifying against fellow movement leaders as part of a plea bargain in a 1988 federal sedition trial but then reemerged as a prominent voice around 2000, making various media appearances, including on Howard Stern’s
radio show. While far-right anti-government groups in general have experienced explosive growth over the past few years, white supremacist groups do not appear to have had a similar surge in their ranks. But that doesn’t mean the threat they pose has diminished, experts say. “The members nowadays tend to be more dangerous -- they’re more likely to commit very serious hate crimes against Jews and other groups,” said Jack Levin, a professor of sociology and criminology at Northeastern University. “The peripheral members have gotten out. The hardcore survivors are the ones who commit the really serious crimes, and they’re the ones who are left in the groups.” At the same time, anti-Semitism has become increasingly central to the ideologies of hate groups over the decades. “We have a radical right underworld that is very much animated by anti-Semitism,” said Mark Potok, a senior fellow at the Southern Poverty Law Center. “It’s essentially been Nazified in the last 30 years. They no longer see blacks as the ultimate enemy. Jews are now considered the ultimate enemy.” That worldview, in which white supremacists see Jews as the manipulators behind blacks, Hispanics and other perceived enemies, was reflected in Miller’s own thinking. “Blacks, they have little power except what the Jews allow them to have,” Miller said to the liberal blog Talking Points Memo in a 2012 interview. “Jews call the shots. But white people, we have no power at all.” That increased suspicion has not necessarily translated into more anti-Semitic activity. The Anti-Defamation League found that reported antiSemitic incidents were down in 2013, continuing a decade-long trend. White supremacists can sometimes find it difficult to identify Jews, even when they seek them out. “Look at this case outside of Kansas City,” said Levin, referring to the recent shootings. “The perpetrator tried to kill Jews and mistakenly killed three Christians.”
World news Continues from page 26
SENIOR LIFE SPECIAL SECTION July/August 2014 HAKOL For advertising, CONTACT DIANE McKEE 610-821-5500 hakolads@jflv.org 28 MAY 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Soccer player in Britain fined for quenelle support Britain’s governing soccer body fined a player more than $25,000 for posting a message of support on social media for Nicolas Anelka’s quenelle gesture on the playing field. The Football Association on April 22 fined Yannick Sagbo of the Hull City team for the action following an Independent Regulatory Commission Hearing. Sagbo, who comes from the Ivory Coast, also was ordered to attend a “compulsory education course.” Once a written decision is issued, Sagbo or his team can appeal the decision. Sagbo posted a photo of Anelka’s quenelle celebration with the word “legend” on his
CHRISTOPHER LEE/GETTY IMAGES
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The ceremony, which had been planned for March 19, was organized around the inauguration of a monument that the government has described as “dedicated to the memory of the German occupation.” The planned monument depicts Hungary as an angel being attacked by a German eagle, which critics say absolves Hungarians of their active role in sending some 450,000 Jews to their deaths. Hungary’s Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities, or Mazsihisz, said after the announcement that it would boycott the ceremony. Earlier in April, government employees began constructing the contested monument, which is now scheduled to be unveiled on May 31. Several Jewish, civil and political groups are holding daily demonstrations at the construction site, The Wall Street Journal reported.
French soccer star Nicolas Anelka performing the quenelle after scoring a goal at a match in London, Dec. 28, 2013. Twitter feed. He also called Anelka, who is from France, a role model for French urban youth. At his hearing, Sagbo acknowledged a breach of the league rule prohibiting players from making comments that are “abusive and/or indecent and/or insulting and/or improper.” An aggravated breach of the rule includes comments that include “a reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or religion or belief.” Anelka, who played with Britain’s West Bromwich Albion team, in late February was fined and given a five-match suspension for performing the gesture during a December game. He was later fired by the team. The gesture is widely considered antiSemitic and reminiscent of the Nazi salute. It was invented by Dieudonne M’bala M’bala, a French comedian who has multiple convictions for inciting hatred against Jews. Dieudonne has said the gesture is anti-establishment.
Kansas City Continues on page 29
she saw “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins.” She reads books about Purim and Passover in the library, points out the most colorful paintings hung in the atrium and chases soccer balls around the gym until it is time to go. Only when I promise we can always return does she let us carry her back through those large glass doors, the ones now shattered by shotgun blasts. It’s a surreal image, those scarred doors, no easier to believe for having seen it on TV than the fact that two lives were taken in the parking lot outside. After all, I grew up here, too. This is the place my parents first left me to fend for myself as a day camper, where I made an awkward preteen stage debut, worked summer after summer as a counselor, later helped produce a film festival, ran my first meeting and now continue to volunteer, work, work out (occasionally) and build some of the strongest relationships I’ve known. My experience differs only in the details from those of thousands of other Kansas Citians. Following the shooting, friends -- some who moved away years ago, leaving few ties behind -- have written, called, posted on Facebook. One commented that it felt like an attack “inside my childhood home.” Much has been made of the JCC as a safe place, but this is not our haven, it’s our habitat, a campus full of organizations serving those in all stages and walks of life. There is a preschool, a K-12 day school and the offices of Jewish Federation and multiple other philanthropic, vocational, educational and familyservice agencies, as well as the respected theater and popular
fitness and sports facilities. Nearly anyone involved with the Jewish community, even tangentially, has a regular reason to stop by -- for a meeting, a preschool pick-up, a rehearsal, a lecture, a volunteer assignment, a swim lesson, a Zumba class -- or knows someone who does. A mile away, Village Shalom, the second site targeted by 73-year-old white supremacist Frazier Glenn Cross, is another community hub. It is an assisted-living facility for seniors but also houses a kosher cafe, an art gallery, a social hall for community lectures and events, and a chapel where our family’s synagogue holds weekday minyanim (and where we celebrated our son’s brit milah two months ago). These campuses are the physical manifestation of a remarkably cohesive Jewish community. Perhaps more so than in larger communities, Kansas City Jews hold tight across political and denominational lines. But neither is the community an island. The Jewish Community Campus serves visitors of all religions and backgrounds; in the perfect phrasing of my friend Josh Stein, who works there, it is “the living room of our community, open and welcoming to everyone.” In the moments before the shooter struck, an audience was gathering for a performance of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” a stage adaptation of Harper Lee’s call to tolerance. Across the hall, auditions were underway for KC SuperStar, an “American Idol”-style competition open to students from high schools across the region. The two victims from the JCC parking lot were Dr. William Lewis Corporon and his grandson, 14-year-old Reat Griffin Underwood, who was there to audition. Both were
members of United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. Many in the Jewish community count its members among our neighbors and friends. Pastor Adam Hamilton has built close relationships with local Jewish leaders, including some who participated in a church trip to Israel. The third victim, Terri LaManno, a Catholic mother of two, was killed in the parking lot of Village Shalom, where she had come to visit her mother, a resident at the home. The victims may not have been Jews -- as the murderer likely intended -- but they were members of our community all the same. At a vigil only hours later, Mindy Corporon, Dr. Corporan’s daughter and Underwood’s mother, rose to deliver an impossibly articulate appeal. “I want you all to know that we’re going to have more life,” she said. “And I want you all to have more life.” All year, the JCC has been celebrating its centennial -- a time for looking back and retelling, something Jews know how to do. But throughout the building, the black-and-white and faded-color photos from the first 100 years are dwarfed by the banners bearing the center’s slogan: “100 More.” We must deal with the necessary reactions: profound sadness, anger, some fear, heightened security and insecurity. But in the hours after the lockdown was lifted, people rushed in, not away -- clergy, counselors, off-duty JCC staff -- arriving to see how they could help. This may now be the moment that separates the center’s last century from its next, “l’dor v’dor.” Let all who are hungry come and eat. There will be more life, and the doors to the community will only open wider.
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VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED Formal training Insurance coverage Mileage reimbursement Drive who you want, when you want. Call Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper at Jewish Family Service, 610-821-8722 In partnership with ShareCare Faith in Action Jewish Senior Life Connection is a collaborative program and planning initiative of:
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Community Calendar To list an event in the Community Calendar, submit your information on our website, www.jewishlehighvalley.org, under the “Upcoming Events” menu. All events listed in the Community Calendar are open to the public and free of charge, unless otherwise noted. Programs listed in HAKOL are provided as a service to the community. They do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. The JFLV reserves the right to accept, reject or modify listings.
THURSDAY, MAY 1 J Nights: Themed Thursday 7 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Join other adults at the JCC, sit back, relax and chat about similar interests such as travel, investing, crafts, movies and more. Share your experiences with others and take away some new ideas. Cost: $10; JCC member value price FREE. Spring Series Sponsored by Kathy Zimmerman and Peter Fisher. Register by Wednesday, April 30, at the JCC Welcome Center or by calling 610-435-3571. Contact Amy Sams at asams@lvjcc.org with any suggested themes for future programs.
SUNDAY, MAY 4 Cabaret Flamenco Show & Dinner 6 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace. Join us for a Flamenco frenzy night, where you can live enchanting moments of fury, passion and romance. Cost: $25 per adult, $10 for children (6-13 years.) Cost per family not to exceed $60, whether you have just one kid or a dozen! Space is limited. Sponsored by Temple Covenant of Peace and Boris & Ellen Lifschutz. Contact Temple Covenant of Peace, 610-253-2031. SUNDAY, MAY 4 Yom Hazikaron Memorial Service 7 p.m., JCC of Allentown. A ceremony will be held to observe Israel’s Memorial Day and remember the IDF’s Fallen Soldiers and those who have died in terror attacks. The public is welcome to attend. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley and the Jewish Community Center of Allentown. Dana and Nati Kind, co-chairs.
THURSDAY, MAY 1 Temple Beth el Healing Service 7 p.m., Temple Beth El. We will be creating a safe space to bring our pain, our questions and our yearning. The service will include music, silent meditation, traditional prayers and Torah study. The entire community is invited to participate.
MONDAY, MAY 5 Israel’s 66th Birthday Community Picnic 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Celebrate Israel’s 66th Birthday! Bring your own kosher-style dinner. Limited Israeli-themed food available for purchase. Moon bounce • Gaga • Israel dancing and music • festive parve cupcakes for everyone! Sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Clergy Group, the Jewish Community Center of Allentown, the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley in partnership with congregations throughout the Lehigh Valley. Free and open to everyone. Rain location JCC Kline Auditorium.
Honorable MENSCHens
MONDAY, MAY 5 Temple Beth El Sisterhood Mah Jongg 6:30 p.m., Temple Beth El. We will begin to play promptly at 6:45 p.m. Please be there by 6:30 p.m. to register. We play for about three hours. If you are a Mah Jongg player, please come and join us for sisterhood, laughter and a great bunch of fun! $10 per player donation to TBE Sisterhood. New faces are always welcome to play. Looking forward to playing Mah Jongg with you. Contact Ilene Rubel at 610-776-1577 or irubel@aol.com to RSVP or with questions.
Raphael Ettinger-Finley
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7 Women’s Division Dollar-A-Day Spring Event: Sisterhood as Good Citizenship: The Jewish Sorority Experience in America 6:30 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Shira Kohn, the assistant dean of the Graduate School at the Jewish Theological Seminary, will bring her research on Jewish sororities to the Women’s Division Dollar-A-Day Spring Event. Shira received her doctorate from New York University’s joint program in history and Hebrew and Judaic studies. Her dissertation examined Jewish college sororities and their encounters with social and political movements in postwar America. She is editor - along with Hasia Diner and Rachel Kranson - of “A Jewish Feminine Mystique?: Jewish Women in Postwar America.”An educational consultant in the fields of American Jewish and Jewish women’s history, she has previously worked with the Center for Online Jewish Studies and Re/Presenting the Jewish Past. A native of Chicago, she received her bachelor’s degree in Jewish studies, with distinction, from Ohio State University. $40 per person including dinner and program. Attendees must pledge a minimum of $365 to the 2014 Campaign for Jewish Needs.
Raphael Ettinger-Finley, a local middle school student, was selected by audition to perform in a Student Honors Recital at Carnegie Hall in New York City on April 19. Raphael performed Hungarian Dance No. 5 by Johannes Brahms. The event was sponsored by the Northeast PA Chapter of the PA Music Teachers Association. Raphael, age 11 and son of Dr. Audrey Ettinger and Michael Finley, has studied violin with teacher Mary Ann Saylor for seven years. At Springhouse Middle School, where he is a sixth grade student, Raphael is a member of both the Honors Orchestra and the Sixth Grade Orchestra. For the past five summers, Raphael has studied at the Ithaca College Suzuki Institute; locally, he has participated in the Allentown Symphony Young Musicians String Festival. Raphael and his family are members of Temple Beth El. He will attend Camp Pinemere for the second time this summer.
FRIDAY, MAY 9 FIRST FRIDAY Luncheon Discussion (second Friday) 12 to 1 p.m., Seegers Union, Rooms 111 & 112, Muhlenberg College. What Binds Us: Poems of Love and Family with Mr. Edwin Romond, award-winning poet. Free and open to the public. Bring your lunch or buy lunch at Seegers Union. Be sure to leave ample time to locate onstreet parking as this program begins promptly at noon. SATURDAY, MAY 10 Come Fly With Us JCC’s Annual Fundraiser for Scholarships event 7 p.m., Queen City Airport. Tickets: $150 per person. Live and Silent Auctions, Catering by Karen Hunter, music by Mickey Freeman and Jim Meck, Tethereed Hot Air Balloon Rides, Photo Booth by Dan’s Camera City, Photography by DA Visions, and a few surprises. 610.435.3571
TUESDAY, MAY 13 Temple Beth El Men’s Club Poker 7 p.m., Temple Beth El. Come and “Ante-Up,” Texas Hold-em-style. Come play cards with us, and bring your friends. The TBE Men’s Club is sponsoring an evening filled with laughter, refreshments, a big game on TV and Flush,” “Straight,” “4 of a Kind,” and “Full House” card playing skills - highest totals at the end of the night win prizes! Open to the entire community. Cost: $10 per person. Please RSVP “All-in” to Roy Benasaraf at royben@ ptd.net or call 610-216-0190. WEDNESDAY, MAY 14 J Adults to Go Essence of Nature: Allentown Art Museum 10:30 a.m., Allentown Art Museum, 31 North Fifth St., Allentown. Think spring and join us for a private guided tour of the special exhibit “Essence of Nature,” featuring the work of local artist Paul Harryn. Essence of Nature is a collection of Harryn’s works made over the past decades, most of which have not been seen outside of private collections. Cost: $22 per person; JCC member value price $16; art museum member special price $16. Register in advance at the JCC Welcome Center or by calling 610435-3571. Limited Spaces Available. Contact Amy Sams at asams@lvjcc.org to learn more about Adults at the J. THURSDAY, MAY 22 Jewish Heritage Night at the IronPigs 7:05 p.m., Coca Cola Park, 1050 IronPigs Way, Allentown. Join the Jewish community in celebrating Jewish Heritage Night at the IronPigs. There will be kosher food available that evening and Jewish-themed games between innings. Show your pride! Group tickets are available through many local Jewish organizations (see ad on page 16). Shlock Rock will perform a concert at the park before the game beginning at 6 p.m. Jewish Family Service is offering transportation for seniors. FRIDAY, MAY 30 Temple Beth El Shira Chadasha 7:30 p.m., Temple Beth El. Temple Beth El invites you to share in our Shira Chadasha service. Come celebrate a musical Shabbat service with contemporary American and Israeli music. SUNDAY, JUNE 1 PJ Celebrates Shavuot 10:30 a.m., Menchies Frozen Yogurt, 353 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown. Join us for a free program (just pay for your own frozen yogurt). Our special guest reader will teach us about Shavuot as we eat our dairy treats. Crafts, some surprises and, of course, a PJ Library story. All yogurt products at Menchies are LVKC-supervised. Pre-register at the JCC Welcome Center by May 29, 610-435-3571. For more information, contact Brenda Finberg at bfinberg@ lvjcc.org. Hosted by the Imerman and Goldberg families. THURSDAY, JUNE 5 Family Shabbat Picnic 10:45 a.m., JCC of Allentown Kline Auditorium. This picnic is a time for families and children to enjoy the early onset of Shabbat together. THURSDAY, JUNE 5 J Nights: Themed Thursday 7 p.m., JCC of Allentown. Join other adults at the JCC, sit back, relax and chat about similar interests such as travel, investing, crafts, movies and more. Share your experiences with others and take away some new ideas. Cost: $10; JCC member value price FREE. Spring Series sponsored by Kathy Zimmerman and Peter Fisher. Register by Wednesday, June 4, at the JCC Welcome Center or by calling 610-435-3571. Contact Amy Sams at asams@lvjcc.org with any suggested themes for future programs. SUNDAY, JUNE 8 Shalom Baby Reunion 10 a.m., JCC of Allentown. Shalom Baby families – don’t miss our annual reunion playdate! Make new friends for you and the kiddos! Snacks and drinks on us, and pictures too! RSVP to Abby Trachtman at 610-821-5500 or abbyt@jflv.org. Shalom Baby is a project of the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.
Celebrate the beauty of Shabbat
Robert Miller Robert Miller of Salisbury Township will have an exhibit of pen and ink drawings he did while on a trip to Columbia at Shankara Vegan Restaurant in Bethlehem during the month of May. Miller’s wife, Joy, will also have an opportunity to share her poetry. Want to see your accomplishments in the pages of HAKOL? E-mail them to hakol@jflv.org. 30 MAY 2014 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
FRIDAYS 8 - 9:30 AM WMUH 91.7 Featuring Cantor Wartell muhlenberg.edu/wmuh
Shabbat & Yom Tov Candlelighting Times Friday, May 2
7:41 pm
Friday, May 23
8:01 pm
Friday, May 9
7:48 pm
Friday, May 30
8:07 pm
Friday, May 16
7:55 pm
Friday, June 6
8:12 pm
Community Calendar Ongoing Events SUNDAY to FRIDAY DAF YOMI 7:30 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel Are you intrigued by thought-provoking, stimulating and provocative religious discussion? Are you enamored by the depth and scope of the Jewish legal system? Are you curious about Judaism’s perspective on marriage, tort law, Jewish burial, holiday observance, prayer, blessings and, for that matter, nearly any Jewish topic? Then Sons of Israel’s daily “Daf Yomi” class is for you. Meeting all year long, this class covers the gamut of Talmudic law, studying one page of the talmud each day, and completing the talmud over the course of seven and a half years. Basic Jewish background is recommended. SUNDAYS JEWISH WAR VETERANS POST 239 2nd Sunday of the month, 10 a.m., JCC of Allentown A brunch follows each meeting – bagels, cream cheese, lox, herring, pastry and coffee. The veteran and significant other are invited as the guest of the Ladies Auxiliary. Come and enjoy camaraderie and we will even listen to your “war story.” Questions? Call Commander Sheila Berg at 610-2852729 or sh-berg1@hotmail.com. TEFILLIN CLUB & ADULT HEBREW SCHOOL 9:30 a.m. Tefillin; 10 to 11 a.m. Adult Hebrew, Chabad Tefillin is for Jewish men and boys over the age of Bar Mitzvah, to learn about, and gain appreciation for, the rich and enriching Jewish practice - the mitzvah - of donning Tefillin. Adult Hebrew is an opportunity for you to learn about your heritage and expand your Jewish knowledge so that you can keep up with your child. Contact 610351-6511. TSS HEBREW & ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES 10 a.m., JCC of Allentown Interested in learning Hebrew for the first time or brushing up your skills? Marcia Berkow teaches adult Hebrew beginning at 10 a.m., followed at 11 a.m. by David Vaida, who will you take you through the great moments across all 5,774 years of Jewish history. Free and open to all. RSVP at learnwithus@templeshiratshalom.org or 610-820-7666. TALMUD CLASS FOR BEGINNERS! 10 to 11 a.m., Congregation Beth Avraham of Bethlehem-Easton For information,contact Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod at 610-905-2166. MONDAYS FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., JCC of Allentown Friendship Circle is a place for people to meet, make new friends and enjoy each other’s company. We welcome all adults over 50. Friendship Circle meets weekly for lively and enjoyable programs and a delicious lunch. Annual dues - $25. Regular weekly meetings and lunch - $6. First visit NO CHARGE. THE RHYTHM OF JEWISH LIVING 8 to 9 p.m., Temple Beth El Taught by Rabbi Moshe Re’em. This course will examine the ideas, beliefs and practices that define and shape Jewish life through daily, weekly, annual and life-cycle observances. The is designed as a yearlong course for those wishing to learn more about the religious observances of Judaism, theology of the holidays and ritual practices. The course is organized around the Jewish calendar, but includes other daily Jewish rituals. TUESDAYS YACHAD TORAH STUDY GROUP 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., JCC of Allentown It doesn’t matter how much you know, it matters how much you want to know. Bring your curiosity to thet Yachad Torah study group and discover the wonders, adventures and meaning of the Torah. Each FREE session is taught by one of our dedicated clergy members or a respected Jewish educator. Held in the Teachers’ Learning Center/Holocaust Resource Room (lower level, JCC). Call 610-435-3571 for information about individual sessions.
JFS-LV’S YIDDISH CLUB 1:30 p.m., Jewish Family Service Kibbitz in the mama loshen! You don’t need to be fluent — just come and enjoy! Call 610-821-8722 for more information. 100,000 MILES/YR FOR KOSHER! First Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., Congregation Beth Avraham Open to all. Fascinating vignettes from a mashgiach who drives approximately 100,000 miles/year (yes, per year!) to keep the kosher supply chain intact. From rural Arkansas to frigid Nova Scotia, winter and summer, the demands are always there. Contact Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod, Kashruth Hotline (24/6), 610-905-2166, rabbiyagod1@gmail.com.
ways to improve their marriage. All wives are encouraged to encourage their husbands to attend.
Congregations
TORAH STUDIES: A WEEKLY JOURNEY INTO THE SOUL OF TORAH 7:30 p.m., Chabad Torah Studies by JLI presents: Season Two: A 14-part series. Cost is $36 for the complete 14-week series (textbook included). For more information contact 610-351-6511 or Rabbi@chabadlehighvalley.com.
BNAI ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE 1545 Bushkill St., Easton – 610.258.5343 Rabbi Daniel Stein, Conservative MORNING MINYAN services are Thursday mornings at 7:25 a.m., SHABBAT EVENING services are Fridays at 8 p.m., SHABBAT MORNING services are Saturdays at 9:30 a.m., RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes are Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m..
ORTHODOX JEWISH LIVING: WHAT IS IT AND HOW? 8 p.m. To learn more, contact Rabbi Yizchok I. Yagod, 610-905-2166 or rabbiyagod1@ gmail.com
CHABAD OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY 4457 Crackersport Rd., Allentown – 610.336.6603 Rabbi Yaacov Halperin, Chabad Lubavitch SHABBAT EVENING services are held once a month seasonally, SHABBAT MORNING services are held Saturdays at 10 a.m., RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes are held Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m.
LATTE & LEARN 8 to 9 p.m., Starbucks, Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem Grab your favorite Starbucks quaff and jump right in as we relate the weekly Torah portion to world events, western civilization and even our own relationships. No Hebrew is required, but a spirit of inquiry and a sense of humor might come in handy! Contact Rabbi Mizrachi 207-404-0474; opshiloh@gmail.com; www.torahovereasy. blogspot.com.
THURSDAYS
WEDNESDAYS
MOMMY & ME 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., Chabad Led by Morah Devorah Halperin and Mrs. Alli Lipson, Mommy & Me is an innovative program for babies and toddlers to experience Jewish traditions in a stimulating, fun and creative atmosphere. Cost is $10 per class, $40 for full session. For information and to register, morahdevorah@chabadlehighvalley.com.
CHRONIC CONDITIONS SUPPORT GROUP Second Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m., Jewish Family Service This new support group is meeting monthly through July. Cost is $5 per group, assistance available if needed. If interested, contact Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper at 610-821-8722 to set up a pre-screening appointment. FOOD AROUND THE WORLD: ITS IMPACT ON HISTORY AND CULTURE 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom A new course on the history of food and its connection to culture and belief. The course will be presented through watching Professor Ken Albala (PhD Columbia University) deliver two half-hour lectures each session (via DVD), interrupted by supplementary presentations and discussion. Tuition for the course is $18 (make check payable to Congregation Brith Sholom) which covers 18 class sessions this spring and next fall along with all supplementary donations of food samples and invitations to a variety of lunches following most classes. Register with Tammy at Brith Sholom: 610-866-8009. Questions? Call Rabbi Gerard at 610-2481588. Rabbi Gerard will moderate the course. JEWISH CURRENT EVENTS First Wednesday of the Month, 1:15 p.m., Country Meadows, Bethlehem Rabbi Stein conducts a current events class at Country Meadows. Residents express their opinions and have the opportunity to ask questions. Sponsored by Bnai Abraham Synagogue. For more information, call 610258-5343. HADASSAH STUDY GROUP Every other Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Temple Beth El Allentown Hadassah presents a stimulating series of short story seminars. All are welcome to attend these free sessions in the Temple Beth El library. The group will be reading selections from anthologies available from Amazon.com. For dates and stories, e-mail Lolly Siegel at spscomm@aol. com or call 610-439-1851. BETH AVRAHAM TORAH STUDY 7 p.m., Congregation Beth Avraham Torah: It is the common heritage that binds all Jews together. Explore the ancient healing wisdom of Torah together. All are welcome. Who knows? It might even be fun! RSVP: Rabbi Yitzchok I. Yagod, 610-9052166, rabbiyagod1@gmail.com. IN-DEPTH STUDY OF THE BOOK OF JUDGES 7 p.m., Sons of Israel Abby Wiener teaches an in-depth study of the Prophets. We are currently learning the book of Judges with commentaries and other resources to give us a feel of the time, the people and the lessons in the story. For class location, please call Congregation Sons of Israel at 610-433-6089. HUSBANDS ANONYMOUS First Wednesday of the month, 7:30 p.m., location provided upon signup Join Rabbi David Wilensky from Congregation Sons of Israel for a class for men on
ADULT EDUCATION CLASS 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., Bnai Abraham Synagogue No preparation or prior knowledge is required. Rabbi Daniel Stein leads an eagerto-learn group. We examine the Torah, Judaism, the holidays, Hebrew and Yiddish literature, well-known stories and poetry. Cost: $10 each semester. Contact 610-2585343, office@bnaiabraham.org.
SEALED IN THE BOOK OF LIFE 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel Join Rabbi Seth and a friendly group of seekers who are exploring the proposed new Reform High Holy Day Machzor to discover its ancient wisdom and modern sensibilities. Newcomers always welcome. Knowledge of Hebrew not required. Come with an open heart and do your part to improve your High Holy Day experience. Contact Ms. Sandra Hari, 610-435-9074. Free and open to the community. TORAH ON TILGHMAN 12:15 p.m., Allentown Wegmans Cantor Ellen Sussman of Temple Shirat Shalom leads a lunch and learn on the Torah. Shopping is optional. RSVP to contactus@ templeshiratshalom.com or 610-820-7666. FRIDAYS TCP TOT SHABBAT SERVICE 4th Friday of the month, 5 p.m., Temple Covenant of Peace This wonderful program introduces children to Shabbat ritual and songs with activities designed especially for our youngest congregants and their families. Arts and crafts, stories and prayer round out the children’s activities. SIMCHA SHABBAT 1st Friday of the month, 6:30 p.m., Bnai Abraham Synagogue Please join us for our musical Simcha Shabbat and stay for a special oneg to follow. For more information please call Bnai Abraham Synagogue at 610-258-5343. SHABBAT INTRODUCTION TO TALMUD 8:15 a.m., Sons of Israel On Shabbat mornings, come to an Introduction to Talmud class with Dr. Henry Grossbard. This class is free and open to the public. JAVA AND JEANS 4th Saturday of the month, 10 a.m., Bnai Abraham Synagogue Join us for our monthly Shabbat service to discuss current topics of interest as they relate to Jewish laws and practices. For more detailed information, call 610-258-5343. CHAVURAT TORAH STUDY Each Shabbat following kiddush lunch, Temple Beth El No sign-up needed for this class. Taught by Shari Spark. Enrich your Shabbat experience by studying the parashat hashavua, the weekly Torah portion, with other congregants, each Shabbat in the library at approximately 12:45 p.m. No previous knowledge or long-term commitments are required to participate as we discuss Torah together.
CONGREGATION AM HASKALAH 1190 W. Macada Rd., Bethlehem – 610.435.3775 Student Rabbi Tamara Cohen, Reconstructionist Weekly Shabbat services and a monthly family service with potluck dinner. Religious school meets Sunday mornings. Email am.haskalah.office@gmail.com to learn more. CONGREGATION BETH AVRAHAM 439 South Nulton Ave., Palmer Township – 610.905.2166 | Rabbi Yitzchok Yagod, Orthodox SHABBAT EVENING starts half an hour after candle lighting. SHABBAT MORNING starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by a hot kiddish. CONGREGATION BRITH SHOLOM 1190 W. Macada Rd., Bethlehem – 610.866.8009 Rabbi Allen Juda, Conservative MINYAN is at 7:45 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. on Saturdays and holidays. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes every Tuesday/Thursday at 4:15 p.m. CONGREGATION KENESETH ISRAEL 2227 Chew St., Allentown – 610.435.9074 Rabbi Seth D. Phillips | Cantor Jennifer Duretz Peled, Reform Services begin at 7:30 p.m. every Friday night. The first Friday of the month is a FAMILY SERVICE and celebration of birthdays and anniversaries. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL classes are held Wednesdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. CONGREGATION SONS OF ISRAEL 2715 Tilghman St., Allentown – 610.433.6089 Rabbi David Wilensky, Orthodox SHACHARIT: Sundays at 8:30 a.m., Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:45 a.m. MINCHAH/MAARIV: 20 minutes before sunset. FRIDAY EVENING: 20 minutes before sunset, 7 p.m. in the summer. SHABBAT MORNING: 9 a.m. SHABBAT AFTERNOON: 90 minutes before dark. TEMPLE BETH EL 1305 Springhouse Rd., Allentown – 610.435.3521 Rabbi Moshe Re’em | Cantor Kevin Wartell Conservative Weekday morning minyan services at 7:45 a.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. Shabbat evening services at 7:30 p.m. with the last Friday evening of the month featuring our Shira Chadasha Service . Shabbat morning services at 9 a.m. followed by Kiddush. Religious school classes every Tuesday/ Thursday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. Midrasha school classes Monday at 7 p.m. Shalshelet — Temple Beth El’s new innovative high school program — meets bi-monthly on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. Shalshelet (the chain) is open to ALL 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students in the Lehigh Valley. For more information contact Alicia Zahn, religlious school director, at school at bethelallentown.org. TEMPLE COVENANT OF PEACE 1451 Northampton St., Easton – 610.253.2031 Tcp@rcn.com; tcopeace.org Rabbi Melody Davis | Cantor Jill Pakman Reform TCP holds Shabbat evening services every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and a Renewal Style Shabbat morning service on the 4th Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. A Family Shabbat Service is held on the second Friday night of each month at 6:30 p.m. Our services reflect a diverse culture of traditional, innovative and musical experiences with a Reform Jewish context. Religious School meets on Sunday mornings from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. We have a Family Game / Movie night on the first Saturday of every month at 6 p.m. For more information about our Temple and activities, see our website at www.tcopeace.org or look us up on Facebook. TEMPLE SHIRAT SHALOM Cantor Ellen Sussman Friday night SHABBAT WORSHIP SERVICES held at 7 p.m. at The Swain School, 1100 South 24th St., Allentown. For more information, Contact Us at templeshiratshalom.org or 610-820-7666.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2014 31
Celebrate Community Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
ANNUAL MEET ING
SAVE THE DATE THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014 Free and open to the community | www.jewishlehighvalley.org
Register Now Registration Deadline
MAY 16, 2014
MONDAY, JUNE 9 at Lehigh Country Club
2319 S. Cedar Crest Boulevard | Allentown ALL INCLUSIVE
Decadent dairy brunch, on-course refreshments, cocktails & catered dinner
$10,000 PUTTING PURSE!
Entry into putting contest with speciality package Special prizes for runner up
$5,000 GRAND RAFFLE PRIZE!
Every player takes something home in our reverse raffle
GET A HOLE IN ONE ‌ AND WIN A LEXUS! Two-year lease on a current model
BID ON A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME TRIP!
Play at the Lexus National Championship at Pebble Beach in December 2014, an $8,000 value!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE 610.821.5500 | www.jewishlehighvalley.org