Hakol - March 2026

As Jewish Family Service prepares to honor Debbie and Leon Zoller, Debbie looks back at

Beauty and Bravery

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

Miss Israel is how most people knew Noa Cochva. The Miss Universe Pageant crowned her with that title in 2021. She spent the next couple of years traveling the world, seeing exotic places, making friends, and building a promising modeling career.

Then Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. We found out that there’s more to Miss Israel than meets the eye. She was a veteran medic commander with the Israel Defense Forces before the pageant. She also battled a serious blood disease in childhood. That’s just two of many challenges she faced.

Some of the toughness evidenced there was inherited— she’s the granddaughter of

concentration camp survivors and daughter of an Israeli Air Force squadron commander. Much of it is her own doing.

In late 2023, with her country suddenly at war, Cochva got called up from the reserve to head to the Gaza border as a combat medic.

Cochva is bringing her personal story of “Beauty and Bravery” to the Lehigh Valley as the special guest of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Women’s Philanthropy on Thursday, April 30. Having turned her unique background (did we mention trained pastry chef too?) into a global platform advocating for Israel, she’ll talk to the Dollar-a-Day Spring Event audience about standing up for the homeland, highlighting the humanitarian values she’s witnessed in the

IDF ranks and empowering women of all backgrounds.

For five months since October 7, Cochva served on the Gaza border. One day a rocket-propelled grenade exploded near her ambulance, and her team narrowly

escaped death. That moment changed her relationship with Judaism for good, deepening her spiritual connection.

Since completing her wartime service in 2024, she’s been focused on developing her global platform for advocacy.

City,

1st Maimonides Society in America celebrates 40th year

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

Dr. Larry Levitt is one of the people you think of when you think of the Jewish Federation’s Maimonides Society of healthcare professionals. He was there at the very start— which happens to be 40 years ago this year.

“I’m proud to have been involved in the beginning of the Maimonides Society in the Lehigh Valley, which was held in my friend and colleague’s basement,” said Levitt, found-

er of the neurology department at what is now Lehigh Valley Health Network. That basement owner was Mickey Ufberg z”l, a founder of Gastroenterology Associates in Allentown. “We used to take walks around the block and try to solve all the problems of the world,” Levitt said.

Of course, they didn’t quite accomplish that, but they did help found the Maimonides Society, which today counts over 100 doctors, psychologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists,

nurses, and other healthcare professionals among its members. This May 7 the society will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of that watershed moment with ripples across the continent and through the years: this was first Jewish Federation society of healthcare professionals. Today dozens of Federations across North America have their own Maimonides Societies patterned on this one.

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley recognizes and appreciates our local women leaders, including HAKOL advertisers. Please patronize them and say thank you for their support of our nonprofit. In this March HAKOL

COLD

LODGE Rayne Reitnauer

Sarah Trimmer

LEHIGH VALLEY CENTER

SIGHT Irena Cherfas,

Kelsey Paciotti, OD Magi Labib, OD Amanda Hadeed, OD

The women who carry us

In every generation, Jewish women have been the quiet architects of continuity. They have shaped homes, built institutions, sustained traditions, and reimagined what leadership looks like. Here in the Lehigh Valley, that legacy is not abstract history; it is living, breathing, and evolving before our eyes.

From boardrooms to synagogue sanctuaries, classrooms to kitchens, Jewish women in our community are carrying forward both memory and energy. Jewish history tells powerful stories about women’s courage. Their stories are not sidenotes to Jewish history; they are central chapters in its survival, renewal, and imagination. Jewish women have always stood at the center of communal survival and renewal. Across centuries, Jewish women have shown spiritual audacity, political courage, resistance under fire, and cultural and intellectual leadership.

Heroism lives in the woman who organizes a meal train when someone is ill, in the educator who prepares lessons long after the classroom lights dim, in the volunteer who ensures that no holiday passes without beauty and warmth for those who might otherwise be alone.

Resilience is not loud. It is steady.

Today, Jewish women

in the Lehigh Valley lead in ways that previous generations could hardly have imagined. They serve as physicians, attorneys, entrepreneurs, clergy, nonprofit executives, philanthropists, and elected officials. They mentor young professionals, advocate for social justice, and strengthen connections with Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

Across the broader American Jewish landscape, initiatives such as Women’s Philanthropy at the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley demonstrate the power of women’s giving to shape communal priorities, respond to urgent needs, and invest in the Jewish future locally and globally. Through collective philanthropy, leadership development, and direct engagement, women in our Jewish community are not only supporting institutions, but helping to define what those institutions will become.

Leadership, at its core, is an act of responsibility. Jewish women have long understood that when something must be sustained, someone must step up. One of the most remarkable strengths Jewish women embody is the ability to hold tradition and transformation at once.

In our community, women are preserving cherished customs lighting Shabbat

candles, hosting seders, teaching Hebrew songs while also redefining how those rituals resonate in modern life. They are creating inclusive spaces, supporting interfaith families, and ensuring that every Jewish child sees themself reflected in communal life.

They ask thoughtful questions: How do we make Judaism accessible? How do we honor elders while empowering youth? How do we build institutions that are financially sustainable and spiritually vibrant? These questions are not challenges to tradition. They are commitments to its survival.

The Lehigh Valley is not the largest Jewish community in America and that is precisely our strength. Relationships here are personal. When a woman takes on a leadership role, she is not serving strangers; she is serving neighbors, friends, family.

Women’s philanthropy, sisterhoods, social groups, Torah study sessions, and volunteer initiatives create networks and connections that support more than programs; they sustain people. They offer mentorship to young mothers, companionship to retirees, and inspiration to teens considering what Jewish adulthood might look like.

When women gather, something powerful takes shape. Ideas happen. Sup-

port deepens. Community strengthens. The next chapter of Jewish life in our community will depend, as it always has, on women willing to lead with both heart and vision. It will depend on young women who see Jewish identity not as an inheritance alone, but as a project they are invited to shape. It will depend on women teaching resilience not only through words but through example. It will depend on professionals who bring Jewish values into their work and volunteers who give their time even when their schedules are full.

The future of our community is not something that will simply happen to us. It is something being built, meeting by meeting, conversation by conversation, and

shaped by those willing to step forward now. The future is not automatic; it is cultivated through leadership that is intentional. That leadership might look like serving on a board, leading a committee, chairing an event, mentoring a teen, launching a giving circle, or teaching a class. These are not small acts, but they are within reach of every woman who is willing to say yes.

In this women’s issue of Hakol, we celebrate not only accomplishments, but commitments. The women of our Jewish community do not merely participate in Jewish life; they enrich it. And because they do, it grows!

HAKOL STAFF

CARL ZEBROWSKI Editor

CHARLENE RIEGGER Director of Marketing

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. Quotes may be edited for grammar and clarity. 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.

MAIL, FAX, OR E-MAIL TO: JFLV ATTN: HAKOL 702 N. 22nd St. Allentown, PA 18104

Phone: (610) 821-5500 Fax: (610) 821-8946 E-mail: hakol@jflv.org

BILLY THOMPSON Digital Marketing and Graphic Design Associate GENE TSEYTLIN Account Representative gene@jflv.org

JFLV EXECUTIVE STAFF

JERI ZIMMERMAN Executive Director

AARON GORODZINSKY Director of Development

DENISE AHNER Director of Finance & Administration

LEE KESTECHER SOLOMON Director of Community Engagement

DR. WILLIAM MARKSON JFLV President

WENDY EDWARDS Office Manager GINGER HORSFORD Donor Services Associate

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

Beauty and Bravery

an anti-Zionist attacked her at knifepoint.

Not all was negative for her in America. She’s had a video go viral of her sitting, Miss Israel crown atop her head and pageant sash over her shoulder, at a pop-up table in Manhattan. A sign hangs in front of her read, “Free date with a Miss Universe model.”

The brilliant marketing effort grabs attention from men and women, breaking the ice for Cochva to ask the curious what they know about Israel and the Gaza war—and to correct misunderstandings and offer additional background information as needed.

One young woman politely tells her, “See, I’m uneducated. The main thing that I get from news is about women and children in Palestine. It makes Israelis seem to

be bad people.”

Answers like that give Cochva the chance to elaborate on her subject matter. She gets to engage in a polite conversation that educates and changes minds. Only one person responds negatively on finding out Cochva’s Israeli: “I’m going to stop this video now.”

Cochva tells one young man, “Hamas has been the ruling authority in Gaza. They haven’t been taking care of their own civilians. I was a combat medic. I spent five months near Gaza, and I saved Palestinians’ lives. I treated everyone.”

Despite the dangers that accompany her decision to publicly engage, Cochva continues her mission to expose the truth about Hamas’s brutality, highlight the IDF’s commitment to protecting and preserving human life, and empower women.

The “Beauty and Bravery” event, co-chaired by Marilyn Claire, Gia Jones, Amy Sams, and Ellen Sosis, begins on April 30 with a light dinner at 6:30 p.m. Couvert is $36. Register at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/dollar-a-dayspring-event-2026 by April 16. A minimum pledge of $365 to the Jewish Federation 2026 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs is required to attend.

By Gia Jones Unity in the Community 2.0 Committee Member

The Lehigh Valley is home to a vibrant youth theater community, and Stagemakers Youth Theater at the JCC stands out. Students from kindergarten through eighth grade get the opportunity to sing, dance, act, and explore various facets of the theatrical arts. But sharing the stage with a Broadway icon isn’t typically part of the curriculum—until now.

On May 28, as part of “Unity in the Community 2.0: A Broadway Tribute to the Lehigh Valley” in Muhlenberg College’s Empie Theatre, a group of Stagemakers performers will take the stage for a special musical moment with Broadway legend Andrea McArdle, who originated the title role in “Annie.” They’ll join for a chorus performance of the beloved anthem “Tomorrow.” The collaboration offers these young performers a rare opportunity to share the spotlight with a theater star while participating in a show that’s a celebration of hope, resilience, and togetherness.

“We are excited and grateful for the opportunity to perform outside the JCC,” said Heather Lavin, JCC program

director and Stagemakers producer. “What an experience for our young performers to be on a new stage, for a new audience, and alongside a Broadway legend.”

Stagemakers performers are no strangers to Broadway favorites. They’re currently in rehearsals for their spring production, “Raise Your Voice,” a brand-new revue showcasing kid-versions of popular songs. Following the show’s threeperformance run in April, a group of performers will transition into rehearsing for Unity in the Community 2.0, continuing an exciting performance-filled season.

Besides McArdle and the Stagemakers, the Unity in the Community event, presented by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley with co-

Aliette and Marc

will feature Tony Awardwinning John Lloyd Young of Jersey Boys and acclaimed comedian Judy Gold. The theatre doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the performance beginning at 7.

Tickets are $100 for the general public and $50 for the Jewish Federation’s NextGen affinity group (ages 30-45). Tickets are limited and will be available only in advance. Buy them at jewishlehighvalley. ticketspice.com/unity-in-thecommunity-20.

You can also help make this inspiring celebration happen by joining the Federation’s other event sponsors at one of five sponsorship levels at jewishlehighvalley. givingfuel.com/unity-in-thecommunity-2-sponsorship.

Q&A with Debbie Zoller

Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley as executive director in December 2012. The JFS Community Food Pantry at the time has been famously described as two shelves and a cabinet. Today it serves 253 people.

That’s quite a growth spurt in one decade for a nonprofit organization. Now that her role at the agency and in the community has moved into a new phase, the food pantry transformation during her tenure stands as a symbol of all that she’s done over her time in the Valley—so far.

This May 31, JFS is celebrating Debbie and her husband Leon at its annual fundraising event. The brunch and celebration will start at 10 a.m. at Temple Beth El. With that Sunday morning getting closer on the calendar, Debbie agreed to do a Q&A with us to look back at her time with JFS and at what she sees for the agency in the future.

When you started out here as JFS executive director, what was the agency able to do for the community and its clients at that time, and what can it do now that it couldn’t do then?

When I arrived at JFS 13 years ago, it was a solid agency. Unfortunately, the previous executive director, Dr. Phyllis Ringel z” l, had passed away, and the staff, which was a third smaller then, felt her loss. The building was also very grey and gloomy. JFS needed greater visibility across the Lehigh Valley and to build its capacity.

The JFS food pantry was basically some shelves, and people came by randomly on an as-needed basis. Today, the Community Food Pantry serves over 253 individuals per month versus about 20 to 25 individuals when I started

department. Today JFS has over 80 volunteers, and when I started there were less than 20 volunteers.

Were there specific unmet needs you saw in the community that most shaped the direction JFS took under your leadership?

As the Allentown Jewish community has aged along with me, I am more sensitive to the needs of older adults. Before I came to the Lehigh Valley, a lot of my social work career was dedicated to those adults and their families with special needs. Both of these populations are underserved and have high needs. The need to be more visible in our community has been boosted by our corporate sponsorship program as well as partnerships with other agencies and all the Jewish organizations across the Valley.

individuals were served last year, with 82,000 pounds distributed. JFS has an amazing food pantry coordinator and partners with Second Harvest (Food Bank).

JFS offered transportation to a very small population— under 10—through volunteer drivers. Partnering with Share Care Faith in Action, a volunteer driver service, and providing rides from GoGoGrandparents expanded our capacity to provide this service, now providing rides to programs and medical appointments. The ride program has quadrupled during the past 13 years.

JFS partnered on a Super Sunday to deliver about 15 Mazel Meals. Today, the monthly Mazel Meal program provides two special meals a month to over 40 older adults who like delicious food, which frequently has a Jewish theme.

Older adults suffering from isolation and lack of socialization now have programs such as Creative Connections, a partnership program with Cedar Crest College Art Therapy Department; Musical Memories; Schmooze and Schmear; and Let’s Play, a games program, which all take place at Temple Beth El and are facilitated by a master’s-level older adult social worker. Usually 30 men attend Schmooze and Schmear, a peer-to-peer learning experience once a month.

During our second strategic planning process, JFS decided to focus on providing services to adults with disabilities, including a partnership with Tikvah House. This is a population that has been underserved, and JFS is now offering a variety of support groups.

I am super proud of the growth of the JFS volunteer

our community who respect our desire to make the world a better place by providing experiences to those persons who need our support and connecting with us through JFS to demonstrate integrity and respect.

What did your work at JFS teach you about leadership and community that you didn’t know when you began?

staff, our board, and the community. I am looking forward to sharing what has been so special to Leon and me with our family. This is a thankyou to Leon and me while also it is a thank-you to our JFS and extended community.

What was the hardest challenge you faced during your tenure, and how did it change the way JFS operates today?

Probably the most challenging part of my tenure was during Covid. JFS had to adapt to the changes needed. We were serving our clients six weeks after making some changes. Probably the best innovation from Covid was Zoom and telehealth, which JFS uses today as we provide mental health services to persons who live at a distance and don’t have transporta tion.

Can you think of and share one story that captures what your work here has meant to you and to the people JFS serves?

This is such a hard ques tion. There are so many stories I could tell, but I think the JFS staff is truly the big gest story. During my tenure I have been so fortunate to attract such high-quality professional staff who are so dedicated to service the needs of our clients. I am so happy that Chelsea Karp is the new executive director because I have observed first-hand her dedication and commitment to every aspect of the agency, and she values our JFS staff like I do. The most impor tant part of being a leader is knowing that I left something special that will continue un der Chelsea and her JFS team.

Our community has wonderful leaders who were very generous with their time, expertise, and financial support. While I have worked in other communities, there is something special about the Lehigh Valley. I felt a sense of home at JFS with my colleagues, and this gave me newfound confidence. I also learned that I could inspire respect by being persistent, creative, and trustworthy. The best part of the leadership was to be able to contribute to making an impact on the lives of individuals and families.

What do you hope people take from the celebration event in May?

I am hoping that JFS can

What are your thoughts for the future of JFS, about how it might continue to grow and adapt, under Chelsea and beyond, to better serve the community and its clients?

Chelsea will know exactly what to do and how to do it because she is a great listener and she has so much heart. She knows how to adapt and she knows how to respect her colleagues. Times are challenging now in multiple ways. Chelsea will develop her own vision, just like I did, with a focus on maximizing the potential of every individual when possible. JFS cannot solve everyone’s problems, but under Chelsea’s leadership, the JFS mantra of treating everyone with dignity and respect will continue.

Keep the morning of Sunday, May 31, open for the JFS annual

Looking at JFS today, is there a part of it that feels most like your legacy?

Serving clients with dignity and respect is the legacy. JFS is a welcoming, nonjudgemental environment that demonstrates caring and compassion. My husband Leon and I have benefitted from meeting so many wonderful individuals and families in

Maimonides 40th

Continued from page 1

Dr. Dorit Nitzan, director of the emergency medicine program at the School of Public Health at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, will speak at the celebration event on “The Future of Medicine as Seen by Ben-Gurion University.” She’ll bring her years of expertise as professor and administrator at Ben-Gurion and, for 17 years before that,

at the World Health Organization.

For four decades, members of the society named Maimonides for the medieval Jewish philosopher, theologian, and physician come together regularly to do volunteer work in the community, raise funds for the Jewish Federation Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs,

and hold educational and social programs.

In 2025, the Maimonides Perpetuity Fund was set up to keep our Jewish community thriving into the future. A member can set up one of these funds, and every year, a predetermined amount is given from it to the Jewish Federation to meet Jewish needs locally, in Israel, and elsewhere. The member’s annual society dues are then paid from that amount, keeping their name on the roll as an active, contributing

member. It’s no coincidence that Drs. Levitt, Gene Ginsberg, and Bob Kricun—all among the 1986 founders of the society—were the first three members to sign up for the new fund.

In upcoming issues of Hakol, we’ll be covering the past, present, and future of the Maimonides Society and its members as we get ready for the anniversary celebration event in May. Make sure to page through each edition to find the latest—including a generous selection of current

members’ fondest memories of the society and what it means to them. Also keep an eye on Jewish Federation emails for more information on the event and for the soon-to-be-posted registration page to attend. If you’re a healthcare professional and you’d like to become part of the Maimonides Society’s 40-year legacy of philanthropy and leadership in our community, contact Aaron Gorodzinsky at aaron@ jflv.org or 610-821-5500.

World premiere: Holocaust, Hiroshima violins at Lafayette

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

For the first time ever, two violins that survived the two most unthinkable horrors of World War II will be played on stage together before a live audience—right here at Lafayette College in Easton.

“Strings of Hope” will take the stage at Williams Center for the Arts at Lafayette College at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 19. This historic world premiere in our own neighborhood will feature a violin that survived the Holocaust and one that survived the

atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

Through live music with an instrumental ensemble, spoken word, and film, “Strings of Hope” tells the story of the two instruments and musicians who once played them, tracing their journeys to and from places like Vienna and Warsaw and Shanghai and Hiroshima.

“We carry the stories of courage exhibited by prominent violinists who survived the horrors on different sides of the conflict with the message of bridging peace,” said Udi Bar-David, organizer and producer of this must-attend event and cellist with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Bar-David personally knew the musicians featured in the “Strings of Hope” story. “This has been an especially emotional journey for me as I became familiar with Sergei Palchikoff’s music career in Hiroshima and his family’s survival; my former Philadelphia Orchestra colleague David Arben, who survived the Holocaust because he played the violin; and the prominent Viennese violinist Ferdinand

Adler, who thrived in Shanghai as a Jewish refugee,” he said. “Getting to know American Israeli violin virtuoso Niv Ashkenazi and the Violin of Hope he plays on has enhanced this initiative with so much meaning and significance.”

The musical selections will highlight the two cultures that the program represents.

“Our ensemble will tell a musical story while introducing both violins as we travel from klezmer music to traditional Japanese songs,” Bar-David said. “It should be

soulful and entertaining as a reflection on music that used to be played on these violins in earlier times.”

Tickets to this program presented by the Judith and Stanley Walker Family Foundation with support from the Jewish Federation from the Lehigh Valley and other organizations are $10 for adults, $6 for most students, and free for Lafayette students. Buy them at williamscenter.lafayette.edu/event/ strings-of-hope/.

SECURITY SQUARE WITH TIM BROOKS

Ensuring local Jewish cemeteries are permanent

By Mike Miller Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation Chair

The Lehigh Valley Jewish cemeteries are more than burial grounds; they’re places of remembrance, history, and reflection. Maintaining them with dignity over generations requires stable, long-term funding. Cemetery endowment funds, also known as perpetual care or permanent maintenance funds, exist to meet this need. These funds play a critical role in ensuring that cemeteries remain respectful, safe, and well-kept long after individual plots are sold and families have moved on. They also remain in place, even if the synagogue associated with them is no longer operational.

What are cemetery endowment funds?

A cemetery endowment fund is a dedicated pool of money set aside to provide ongoing income for the care and maintenance of a cemetery. The principal is invested, and only the earnings are used to cover expenses such as landscaping, headstone upkeep, road repairs, fencing, and general grounds maintenance.

The defining feature of an endowment fund is perma-

nence. Unlike operating funds that are spent as received, endowment funds are designed to last indefinitely, supporting cemetery operations far into the future.

The Lehigh Jewish cemetery endowment funds are supported through a combination of sources including:

A portion of plot sales

Pennsylvania requires each cemetery to deposit at least 15% of each burial or interment sale into their endowment fund.

Investment growth—Over time, reinvested earnings can significantly increase the fund’s value.

Donations—Members of the synagogue or others can donate directly to the cemetery endowment fund.

Pennsylvania law also requires:

• Restrictions on how funds may be invested

• Limits on how the funds can be used

• Regular financial reporting and audits

Prudent investment is essential to the success of an endowment fund. Each synagogue has its own fund. The funds are co-invested with the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation and follow a conservative, diversified investment strategy focused on long-term growth and income stability,

including:

• A trustee oversight struc ture for LVJF and each syna gogue

• Written investment and spending policies

• Quarterly performance reviews

• Professional financial man agement

LVJF recently reported 13.04% and 9.55% returns for the last five and 10 years, respec tively.

Beyond maintenance, the Lehigh Valley Jewish cem etery endowment funds help preserve local history, cultural heritage, and green space. En dowment funds are a corner stone of responsible cemetery stewardship. By providing permanent, reliable funding for care and maintenance, they protect families’ expecta tions, preserve community heritage, and ensure that the cemeteries remain places of respect and remembrance. The endowment funds are lasting commitments to honor the past while safeguarding the future.

If you have any questions, or would like to make a donation to one of the cemetery endowment funds, contact Aaron Gorodzinsky, Jewish Federation director of development, at 610-821-5500 or aaron@jflv.org.

you are

or

2026 TRAINING SCHEDULE

COUNTERING ACTIVE THREAT TRAINING

Training Dates (choose one):

Monday, Jul. 6, 2026 6:30 PM

Monday, Dec. 7, 2026 6:30 PM

STOP THE BLEED TRAINING

Training Dates (choose one):

Monday, Mar. 2, 2026 6:30 PM

Monday, Aug. 3, 2026 6:30 PM

GUARDIAN TRAINING

Training Dates (choose one):

Monday, Apr. 6, 2026 6:30 PM

Monday, Sept. 14, 2026 6:30 PM

DE-ESCALATION TRAINING

Training Dates (choose one):

Monday, May 4, 2026 6:30 PM

Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 6:30 PM

BE AWARE TRAINING

Training Dates (choose one):

Monday, Jun. 1, 2026 6:30 PM

Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 6:30 PM

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

THE FEDERATION 5

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

Monday, April 13, 2026, 6:00 PM at Temple Beth El

Monday, April 20, 2026, 6:30 PM at the JCC

IN HONOR

JOAN AND RICH BASS

In celebration of your grandson

Dylan’s marriage to Sydney

Jeanette and Eduardo

Eichenwald

Beth Kozinn

JANE AND BILLY MARKSON

In celebration of the birth of your granddaughter, Audrey Rose Markson

Beth Kozinn

JEAN AND MARK MISHKIN

In celebration of your granddaughter Naomi Mishkin’s Bat Mitzvah

Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz

AMY AND RICH MORSE

In celebration of the birth of your grandson Franklin “Frankie” Maxwell

Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie Schechner

NAOMI SCHACHTER

Thank you for keeping the plight of the hostages in the forefront of our thoughts

Carol and Barry Halper

ARLENE AND RICHARD STEIN

In celebration of the birth of your great-grandson, Ethan Ellen Blumberg

Roberta and Jeff Epstein

TAMA TAMARKIN

Roberta Penn

Lota and Bob Post

Nancy and Abe Ross

Randi and Donald Senderowitz

Judy and Larrie Sheftel

Aimee and Ozzie Stewart

Vicki Wax

ROBERT KRITZER

(Husband of Roberta Kritzer)

Ellen Blumberg

Lota and Bob Post

BERNHARD METZGER

(Son of Ralph and Sylvia Metzger z”l, father of Elise Metzger)

Randi and Donald Senderowitz

NORMAN SARACHEK

(Husband of Jett Sarachek)

Evelyn Brown and Family

Lota and Bob Post

Randi and Donald Senderowitz

LOLLY SIEGEL

(Wife of Sheldon Siegel)

Wendy and Ross Born

SAMUEL THIER

(Brother of Roberta London)

Marilyn Claire

Lota and Bob Post

FLOSSIE ZALES

(Wife of Jerry Zales)

Margie Glou

SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, May 7, 2026

Registration link to come

Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Doors Open at 5:30 PM Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 5:00 PM at the JCC

Thank you for keeping the plight of the hostages in the forefront of our thoughts

Carol and Barry Halper

JULIA UMANSKY AND JON

MARKSON

In celebration of the birth of your daughter, Audrey Rose Markson

Beth Kozinn

SUSAN AND MARC VENGROVE

In celebration of your grandson

Caleb Soffer’s Bar Mitzvah Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz

VICKI WAX

In celebration of your grandson Alex’s engagement to Nikki Idelson

Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald

NORMAN WRUBLE

In celebration of your 90th Birthday Lora Geftic

MIRIAM ZAGER

Thank you for keeping the plight of the hostages in the forefront of our thoughts

Carol and Barry Halper

JERI AND LEN ZIMMERMAN

In celebration of your son Gadi’s engagement to Mollie

Carol and Barry Halper

Beth Kozinn

IN MEMORY

FRANCINE BARDASCH

IRIS KLEIN

(Partner of Joan Epstein)

Lenny Abrams and Family

Ellen Blumberg

Sylvia and Sam Bub

Beth Kozinn

HELEN AND SOL KRAWITZ

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND

IN HONOR

JANE AND BILLY MARKSON

In celebration of the birth of your granddaughter, Audrey Rose Markson

Lynda and Richard Somach

LYNNE AND MARK SHAMPAIN In celebration of your 50th wedding anniversary

Lynda and Richard Somach

SUSAN AND STUART

SHMOOKLER

In celebration of your wedding anniversary

Lynda and Richard Somach

LORA AND SHARONE VAKNIN

In celebration of your daughter

Ariel’s engagement to David

Lynda and Richard Somach

IN MEMORY

ROSALYN HOLTZ

(Aunt of Janet Hayashi and Laura Mann)

Lynda and Richard Somach

IRIS KLEIN

(Partner of Joan Epstein)

Lynda and Richard Somach

ELAINE LERNER

(Mother of Rich Lerner)

Lynda and Richard Somach

DICK LUTZKO

(Husband of Dolores Lutzko)

Lynda and Stuart Krawitz

NORMAN SARACHEK

(Husband of Jett Sarachek)

Lynda and Richard Somach

We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship through recent gifts to the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation. The minimum contribution for an Endowment Card is $10. Call 610-821-5500 or visit jewishlehighvalley.org to place your card requests. Thank you!

Song fest winner brings Sephardic heritage to life at JCC

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

Gene Tseytlin was walking through a town with his wife during a trip to Yugoslavia when he saw a menorah in a building window. Curious, the new advertising account rep for Hakol knocked on the door.

The man who answered asked him in. He ran the place: a synagogue and JCC wrapped up in one. After some conversation, the man invited him to return later for a Jewish service and concert.

Tseytlin took him up on the invite, and the evening at the synagogue/JCC began with the service. “It was three or four minutes,” Tseytlin said, short but moving.

Then came the concert.

“To say I was stunned is to say nothing,” he continued.

“Here in this little, tiny JCC and little, tiny synagogue was an international star giving a concert.”

That star was Nani Vazana, a Jewish singersongwriter living in Amsterdam who brought her act performing songs with lyrics in the rare Ladino language to the Allentown JCC on February 12. She offered a night of Sephardic music and tales, frequently bringing the crowd to their feet to dance.

“Ladino is for Sephardic Jews what Yiddish is for Ashkenazi,” Tseytlin said, comparing the Spanish and Portuguese-rooted Jewish language with the betterknown Central and Eastern European one. Vazana plays and sings traditional tunes as well as songs she’s written herself, often in a traditional style. She’s won the international singing competition known as “Eurovision for Minority Languages” as part of her effort to keep alive the heritage represented by the disappearing language that she learned from her grandmother.

One of the songs she performed has Jewish, Christian, and Muslim verses, offering three different viewpoints on the Abraham of the Torah. The tale being told begins in Cordoba, with the patriarch of those three religions imagined as born in 12th-century Spain. Vazana described the song’s setup as this: “Three wisemen walking toward a light where a savior was born: Abraham.”

Vazana offered a mix of traditional-sounding Jewish songs, some ballad-like and some upbeat and danceable. She sang to various accompaniments, most often her own playing on the JCC’s Steinway grand piano (freshly tuned for the night). She also brought out

a trombone, introducing a couple of songs on it before transitioning into a cappella singing and later returning to the brass for an instrumental break.

She told a story of her grandmother instructing her about marriage when she was 6 years old. “She thought marriage was the most important thing in life,” Vazana said. Of course, marriage, as her grandmother viewed it, was arranged by a matchmaker. “You meet a guy twice and you get married,” Vazana continued.

This led her into a song about a young woman growing more anxious by day as her wedding approached. Her thoughts drifted to the sailor she loved who was out to sea. She dreamed of him coming home just in time to sweep her away from making dreaded vows. “This is the most beautiful song I think ever written in the Sephardic tradition,” Vazana said.

The Sephardic Jewish tradition. We don’t hear enough from that tradition here in the United States, where more than two-thirds of the Jewish population identifies as Ashkenazi. That tradition is a big part of what this uplifting night was all about—that and a beautiful voice keeping the Ladino language alive.

There can only be one #1.

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

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

their roles as young ambassadors representing Israel. By summer’s

embodying the hope and joy that

Pikris. Continuing our tradition of cultural exchange, they arrive with enthusiasm and a wealth of Israeli music, dance, and stories to share.

By Kaitlyn Stefanowicz Marketing Coordinator

Welcoming Back Maya Katzab

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

Spring has sprung at the JCC, and with it comes a full slate of new programs designed to engage, educate, and energize community members of all ages. Early childhood class additions feature Mini Martial Arts and Literary Art. Kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade can participate in Intro to 3D Printing and Jewelry Making. If basketball is your thing, teens interested in improving their skills on the court can benefit from private basketball lessons this spring. Open play squash times have also been added Monday and Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday mornings and adult archery is back by popular demand with a class on Sunday, April 26.

Along with these new offerings, the JCC has a full schedule of other exciting programming this season. Pickleball aficionados are invited to join us for the Eve Peterson Memorial Pickleball Clinic on April 12. The DiveIn Movie is back for another feature Saturday, March 21. Parents, drop off the kids for a Zootopia movie night at the pool and get the evening

to yourself. In addition, the JCC will offer educational opportunities for adults including a free talk with Alzheimer’s Association

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

Community Educator, Lee Ann Kriner on Tuesday, March 10. For community members who would like to improve their skills behind the wheel, the JCC will be hosting another AARP Smart Driver Course, as well as a refresher course. If you’re looking to have some fun, there will be games galore this spring. The next Learn to Play Mah Jongg class will be held Tuesday, March 10 and Wednesday, March 11 and Mah Jongg Madness is back for another event on Sunday, April 26. For performing arts fans, Stagemakers Youth Theater will be presenting songs from classic musicals and beloved Disney shows during their Broadway Junior Revue on Thursday, April 16 and Sunday, April 19.

From sports and fitness to arts and educational classes, the JCC is buzzing with offerings to bring people together and strengthen connections across the community this spring.

Visit lvjcc.org for a full list of upcoming programs and events at the JCC this spring.

exchange, teaching campers about Israeli holidays, food, and daily life, fostering bonds that will last for years to come. Their interactions will enrich

Please join us in welcoming these two remarkable young women to the Lehigh Valley this year. Summer is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to see

From 3D Printing to Pickleball: Spring Programs Bloom at the JCC

Chai Society

Donors who have pledged at least $1,800

JoAnne Kushner Abrams

Keystone Society

Donors who have pledged at least $750

Air Products Foundation

Susanne and Marty Katz

KRE Security

Beverly and Ronald Wasserman

Additional Friends of the JCC Donors

ABE Laboratories

Elaine Atlas

Evelyn Brown

Cherry Bekaert

Marilyn Claire

Francine and Scott Delin

Brenda and Edward Finberg

Sandi and Harris Fine

Monica and Henry Friess

GC Electric Company, Inc.

Elizabeth and Jeff Greenberg

Beth and Cory Hiken

Amy and Douglas Jaffe

Susan Jarrett

Toby and Allen Juda

Binae Karpo

Judy and Martin Krasnov

Teri and Joshua Krassen

The Loomis Company

Lisa Yanolko-Moatz

Barbara and Thomas Mulligan

Maria Pursel

Brenna and Michael Schlossberg

Rachel and Andrew Shurman

Carah and Ryan Tenzer

Cristina and Jason Toff

Vanguard Cleaning

Barbara and Arthur Weinrach

Carol Zirkel

The JCC would like to thank these additional donors who participated in the annual Friends of the J Campaign Lists as of 2/16/26 | For a full list of donors, please visit lvjcc.org/OurDonors

Martin Westman

A menagerie of marvelous mitzvot at the JDS

By Joanna Powers Head of School

Chag Purim Sameach!

Happy Purim! At the JDS, Purim and the Spirit Week that precedes it is one of the most anticipated times of the year. We started with Switcheroo Day in honor of the Purim theme of V’nahafoch Hu, which is the concept of the engaging plot twists in Megilat Esther. Students wore unexpected combinations and dressed like chosen teachers as they enjoyed packing community Mishloach Manot bags. We followed that up with Color War Day and exciting minuteto-win-it games. The first part of Spirit Week ended with our annual talent show and pizza party with our families. JDS really has talent!

After a wonderful Community Purim Carnival at the JCC, the week of Purim started with a cozy PJ Day and then, before we knew it, Purim was here! Our own famous JDS Purim Carnival transformed our second floor into a world of games, activities, and prizes. The students were treated to a Megila reading by Rabbi Michael Singer and showed off their costumes on stage. A lot of exhilaration for a favorite holiday brought to us by the tireless Mr. Ariel and his fabulous Hebrew and Judaics staff. This was the perfect way to celebrate weeks of learning about Megilat Esther, the history of the Purim story, and the holiday traditions and mitzvot. Haman is no match for our young scholars!

Our Purim spirit is strong as multiple new opportunities to do mitzvot

fill our days. We combined two special events: World Kindness Day and the huge milestone of the 100th day of school. The two came together seamlessly as the JDS students dedicated themselves to accomplishing 100 acts of kindness. The kids were so proud to share their supplies, let friends go ahead of them in line, and help teachers set up activities, among other highlights. Shortly thereafter, we welcomed Hannah Coleman on Joyful Giving Day. The kids packed essential items that feel like gifts into Joy Maker Bags for people in need.

The month of March started while the month of Adar was well into its second week, just in time for Purim. Just like we include many tasty treats and beautiful gifts into our Mishloach Manot, we include as much jubilation and happy memories into this special time centered around Purim as we possibly can. It is a mitzvah in the Talmud to embrace joy in the Hebrew month of Adar—Mishenichnas Adar Marbim Bi’Simcha—when Adar begins, we increase our joy and happiness. This year, that began back in February. What a great distraction from the cold and snow!

In more good news, it’s enrollment time at the JDS for the 2026-27 school year! We are excited to meet families and children who are looking for a warm, caring environment with customized, individualized instruction and incredible learning results. We are a school where the older students greet the younger students by name, and the teachers know every child who walks our halls. Parents and caregivers are integral team members, and classes are like families. If you or someone you know would like to take a no-obligation tour and see the magic at work, please contact me at jpowers@jdslv.org. Spaces are limited, and we don’t want you to miss out on a school experience like no other. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley is proud to celebrate the launch of the second year of its annual corporate sponsorship program, an initiative that is making a meaningful difference in the lives of JFS clients.

The purpose of the corporate sponsorship program is to strengthen JFS’s ability to serve the community year-round by building lasting partnerships with local businesses that support our mission.

Thanks to our annual corporate sponsors, JFS continues to meet the growing needs of the Lehigh Valley community and has been able to expand its reach. Corporate sponsorship directly contributes to our ability to provide mental

health counseling, older adult case management, access to food, and support groups for individuals with disabilities and their families.

In return, corporate sponsors receive a comprehensive marketing package that includes social media recognition, monthly e-blast mentions, lobby e-bulletin board advertising, and prominent visibility in annual fundraiser promotions.

Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to grow this program. Corporate sponsorship is more than a marketing opportunity, it is a powerful way for your business to invest in the health, stability, and dignity of our community.

JFS Scholarships Are Available!

Annual Corporate Sponsors

Annual Corporate Sponsors

Thank you for your support!

For more information on sponsorship packages and how your business can make a lasting impact, email info@jfslv.org or contact Rachel Shurman at 610.821.8722.

JFS is accepting applications from Class of 2026 Jewish high school seniors. Applications are due by May 1.

610.821.8722 or info@jfslv.org

For application details visit jfslv.org/scholarships

IN HONOR

CLARA BERGSTEIN

Carol and Gary Fromer

ARLENE DABROW (Happy birthday)

Salvatore Rizzo

JUANA DEL SOLAR

Linda and Harold Kreithen

STANLEY GEFTIC

(Happy 80th birthday)

Casey Goldblat and Irving Kaplan

Rabbi Allen and Toby Juda

Manuel Marin

Rosalyn and Bob Metzger

Ruthie and Harry Shleifer

Betsi Stasser

AMY AND RICH MORSE

(Birth of grandson, Franklin Maxwell Morse)

Chelsea and Eric Karp

Jane and Bill Markson

Susan and Jeffrey Zimskind

JAMES WIMMER (Happy 85th birthday)

Bill Bergstein

Rabbi Allen and Toby Juda

Maxine and Donald Klein

NORMAN WRUBLE

(Happy 90th birthday)

Stephanie Berman

Tibey Falk and family

Casey Goldblat and Irving Kaplan

Rabbi Allen and Toby Juda

Ursla Levy Kaufmann and Michael Kaufmann

IN MEMORY

IRIS KLEIN

(Partner of Joan Epstein; Mother of Jason Klein and Ali Weitzman)

Ellen Sosis & Scott Anderson

Audrey & Art Sosis

NATALIE KRAVITZ

(Mother of Sharon Schubach)

Laura and Todd Garber

ROBERT KRITZER

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

Laura and Todd Garber

Chelsea and Eric Karp

SIMA PELEG

(Loving mother of Gil and Talia)

Beena Ahmad

Kiran Chapman

Jozsef and Olga Anna Duhl

Sonia Goldstein

Lynn Lu

Jeannie and Holmes Miller

Ilan Peleg

Chase, Shelley, and James Singh

NORMAN SARACHEK

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

Bill Bergstein

Chelsea and Eric Karp

Audrey and Arthur Sosis

Abby and Mark Trachtman

SAMUEL THIER

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

Audrey and Arthur Sosis

Spending time at Tikvah House

Lyla Golding will be called to the Torah at Temple Beth El in Allentown on March 14, 2026. A seventh-grade student at Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, Lyla loves to dance and takes singing lessons. Over the past year, she and her mom, Amy Golding, have been visiting Tikvah House nearly every Friday.

Tikvah House is a Jewish residence for adults with special needs located in the West End of Allentown. Established by the parents of the residents, it has been their home for more than 30 years.

Currently, there are three adults living in the house with a supervisor. Amy Golding said, “Lyla began baking challah during Covid and already knew Adam, Becky, and Ally from Tikvah House through visits with Mrs. Levitt z”l and the Kinderlights after-school program. As we thought about taking on more mitzvot during her bat mitzvah year, combining her love of challah baking with helping others naturally led us to Tikvah House.”

In addition to her mitzvah

project, Lyla has made her first adult gift of tzedakah to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs. In addition, she is sponsoring a Shabbat dinner for hundreds of Lone Soldiers on the weekend of her bat mitzvah through Friends of the Lone Soldier.

For help developing a mitzvah project, contact Abby Trachtman, program coordinator, at abbyt@jflv.org or call her at the Federation office at 610-821-5500.

Congregation Brith Sholom

Mar. 6, 2026 Purim PJ Library Shabbat

Apr. 10, 2026 Pajamas Shabbat

To register, scan the QR code or visit: brithsholom.net/form/ totshabbat-form.html

9 being called to Torah at KI adult b’nai mitzvah service

Nine adults will be called to the Torah as b’nai mitzvah at Congregation Keneseth Israel on Saturday, March 14, at 10 a.m.

The service is the culmination of an 18-month educational process conducted by Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg and including Torah study, Hebrew, and service preparation. The class mitzvah project will be providing donations to the Family Promise program, which assists homeless families.

The nine participants are Charles Hochstedler, Nancy Silver,

Julia Urich, Mary Salinger, Kyle Mayer, Ray Livezey, Lillian Haas, Mara Silverman, and Melisa Klausner.

The service’s Torah portion, Vayakhel, inspired the event’s symbolic design theme, the kohen’s (priest’s) breastplate, drawn by KI congregant Jonathan Epstein. The community is invited to attend and should RSVP to the KI office at 610-435-9074.

Faith meets America’s 250th anniversary

Faith250 is an opportunity for multifaith communities to come together in fellowship, meaningful conversation, and local rituals that celebrate Americans’ shared civic story as the United States celebrates its 250th year. The project, with a local group in the Lehigh Valley, aims to seed clusters of congregations around the country that:

• Engage members of various faiths to think about our shared values as Americans

• Enable clergy leaders to take on the role of caretakers of our civic health

• Give citizens the experience of spiritual and moral thinking and civic (vs. political) commitment

• Make the 250th a time of general civic renewal (vs. partisan division and animosity)

• Form the basis of longterm collaborations between local institutions and leaders dedicated to our national future with pride, patriotism, empathy, and a desire for unity

The project is unique in being clergy-led and locally based. Rabbi Moshe Kurtz of Congregation Sons of Israel

and Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg of Keneseth Israel have been active in the Lehigh Valley cohort’s leadership team for many months.

The project uses four key American texts as the basis of engaged discussion and will culminate with a public celebration of America’s 250th around July 4.

The four texts

• The Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson

• “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?,” Frederick Douglass

• “The New Colossus,” Emma Lazarus

• “America the Beautiful,” Katharine Lee Bates

Three main components

Relationship. Clergy-only conversations (JanuaryMarch sessions) focused around the four texts, exploring what this country means in our souls. Conversations will help clergy groups collectively rediscover America’s big ideas and narratives while inspiring patriotism through their beauty, ideas, and para-

doxes. Through text study, we deepen trust in each other, talk honestly about our beliefs, and establish the holiness of our covenantal relationship.

Fellowship. Clergy-led, multifaith congregational gatherings (March-June sessions) to break bread, discuss the texts, and build fellowship, illustrating how an array of local institutions can form the basis of America’s positive civic health. These engagement experiences will emphasize the moral priority of healthy democracy. This is not a history course or a policy debate, but rather an opportunity to:

• Share fellowship with our local houses of worship

• Explore the big ideas that define what America means to each of us

• Discuss the values that underlie our democracy

The Lehigh Valley cohort of Faith250 will host sessions about once a month on Sunday afternoons from March to June, beginning on March 8. The group will rotate its meetings to different host congregations. Use the QR code in this article to register.

Ritual. The group will plan and host a public celebration around July 4. Each cluster of congregations will create something unique, a mix of music, words, and activities that best communi-

cate the vision of that group of people. The eventual July 4 celebrations will be public, affirming our shared belief in America.

For more information,

visit faith250. org. For questions, email LVFaith250@ gmail.com.

Brith Sholom relaunches Life and Legacy program

By Judith Lasker Life & Legacy Program Co-chair at Congregation Brith Sholom

When the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley coordinated the Life and Legacy program, thanks to a grant from the Grinspoon Foundation, Congregation Brith Sholom in Bethlehem was one of the local Jewish organizations that became actively involved. Dozens of people donated to the Brith Sholom Endowment Fund at the time

or pledged a future bequest.

The endowment fund is of course critical to the current and future well-being of the synagogue community.

Brith Sholom is relaunching the program now, as are the Federation and other Jewish organizations in the Lehigh Valley. On Sunday, March 8, from 3 to 5 p.m., we’ll be honoring the people who signed up for it, while also looking to inform others about the benefits of joining.

The program of wine and

cheese, live music, and socializing is open to all without any obligation. Coordinated by Judith Rodwin, there will be brief talks by Aaron Gorodzinsky of the Federation, Ron Ticho, and David Ellowitch about Life and Legacy and specific options for legacy planning and future bequests.

If you plan to attend, please register in advance with Tammy Watts in the synagogue office at tammy@brithsholom. net or 610-866-8009.

Life & Legacy

Who should attend?

The generous people who signed up for the program in 2017-21, for updates and gratitude.

Everyone who is interested in learning how to suppor t our community in the most convenient and enduring way

Please register with Tammy Watts at 610-866-8009 or e-mail tammy@brithsholom net

There is no charge for this event Questions? Contact Judith Rodwin at 484-767-3242 or Judy Lasker at 610-597-0550

Purim and the courage to be Jewish

By Rabbi Yaacov Halperin Chabad of the Lehigh Valley

Purim is known as a holiday of costumes, noise, and joy. But beneath the surface, it is one of the most serious moments in Jewish history, and one of the most relevant to the world we are living in right now.

The Purim story introduces us to Haman, an early architect of genocidal hatred, whose plan to destroy the Jewish people was not sparked by anything the Jews did, but by who they were. The threat was existential, ideological, and absolute. Sound familiar?

Today, as we watch the troubling rhetoric and actions emerging from Iran, as we process the long and painful years of war, and as antisemitism rises across college campuses, cities, and online spaces around the world, Purim no longer feels like ancient history. It feels like a mirror.

And yet, Purim’s message is not one of fear; it is one of resolve.

What makes the Purim story so striking is that G-d’s name is never mentioned explicitly. There are no open miracles. Salvation unfolds quietly, through human courage, moral clarity, and Jewish unity. Esther steps forward not because she feels safe, but because she understands that Jewish survival, and Jewish dignity, require action.

That lesson matters now.

We are living in a moment when it would be easy to define our Jewishness defensively: to be Jewish because of antisemitism, to cling to identity only when it is threatened. But Purim invites us to something deeper and far more powerful.

Don’t be Jewish because of antisemitism. Be pro-Judaism. Be pro-Semitism. Be Jewish because Judaism teaches moral courage in a confused world.

Be Jewish because it insists that light is not passive; it must be created.

Be Jewish because joy itself can be an act of resistance.

The Jewish response to evil has never been to shrink, hide, or apologize for existing. It has been to live more Jewishly, more openly, and more unapologetically. To gather in community. To care for one another. To sing, celebrate, and build Jewish life with confidence and pride.

Even as wars end and new threats emerge, the Jewish story has never been about

reacting to our enemies. It has always been about remaining loyal to our values—faith, justice, kindness, and hope— no matter the era. And more than that, Judaism charges us with responsibility, not only to survive history, but to improve it.

This is the deeper meaning of tikkun olam, repairing the world. Not as a slogan, but as a way of life. Through acts of goodness, learning, generosity, and compassion, we work to make the world a more beautiful and more pleasant place. Judaism does not ask us to retreat from the world when it is broken; it asks us to engage it, elevate it, and heal it.

Purim reminds us that darkness is not defeated by outrage alone, but by light that is intentional and sustained. By choosing values over fear. By responding to hatred with meaning, to chaos with purpose.

There is also a quiet calendar truth that deepens Purim’s message: Purim and Passover are only 30 days apart. Purim tells the story of survival in exile; Passover tells the story of redemption and freedom. One is about standing firm where we are; the other is about moving forward together.

As we move on from Purim and look toward Passover, we carry a shared hope that the Jewish people will continue to move, together, from all corners of the world,

A Pre-Pesach Bus Trip to Lakewood, NJ, with Congregation Bnai Shalom! Join us for an exciting day filled with laughter, learning and good company!

Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026

Time: Bus leaves from Congregation Bnai Shalom in Easton at 9:00 AM & returns at 7:00 PM

Destinations:

 Guided tour of the Lakewood Shmura Matzoh Bakery located within Excel Park

 Delicious group lunch at Southside (Smokehouse)

 Explore the Lakewood Historical Society Museum

 Free time for shopping at Gourmet Glatt North Supermarket and Lakewood Plaza

Cost: $50 per person (Lunch is at your own expense.)

RSVP by: March 19, 2026. Call Congregat ion Bnai Shalom at 610-258-5343. Please make checks payable to Congregation Bnai Shalom, 1545 Bushkill St., Easton, PA 18042.

Don’t miss this fun-filled trip — seats are limited! With gratitude to and in partnership with the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.

from exile toward freedom. That we will walk with unity and pride, rooted in our identity, toward a future of dignity and peace. A future where we stand openly as Jews, connected to Jerusalem, to our people, and to our timeless mission.

Purim reminds us that the Jewish people do not survive by accident. We survive because we choose life, meaning, and responsibility

again and again. Not despite the darkness, but often in response to it.

This Purim, let us celebrate not just our survival, but our strength. Let us teach our children that being Jewish is not a burden; it is a gift. And let us move forward, joyfully and unapologetically, committed to repairing the world and living Jewish lives filled with courage, purpose, and hope.

Turning students into a force for peace at StandWithUs

By Alitza Hochhauser

StandWithUs Southeast Campus Regional Manager

For 843 days, the Jewish community witnessed an excruciatingly slow release of the Israeli hostages from Gaza, starved, abused, isolated and beaten. And with every video of the release and family reunion, we grew accustomed to hearing Hebrew expressions of deepseated heartache.

Each tearful hug and repetition of shechecheyanu, the shema, kapparah, imaleh, further solidified the presence of an unrecognizable human being, once a missing persons poster and yellow ribbon. But among the phrases exclaimed in reunion, “chaim sheli” was most prevalent. The Hebrew clause directly translates to “my life,” an expression of endearment used to signify love towards a partner, child, friend, or, often, stranger.

“Chaim sheli” is familiar jargon, exchanged between people in my community since childhood. Consequently, I never realized the

uniqueness of using a meaningful phrase so casually. I cannot recall ever hearing someone yell from a Wegmans counter, “What can I do for you, my life?” but I most definitely remember it coming from a man selling mango juice in Shuk HaCarmel. While slang, the high frequency of referring to others with such value frames Jewish empathy, a life simply recognizing another as equally significant.

This brings me parallel to the question every college graduate, such as myself, faces in this unfamiliar, liminal era termed the “early 20s”: “What do I want with my life?” or, more precisely, what defines my life as, well, my life? This is answered by semi-conscientious choices, like whether a $7.45 latte is truly necessary with an ever-looming car payment. It’s also answered in larger bounds, such as moving away from physical familiarity and maintaining varied relationships. Yet, with multiple choices adding toward a final sum of my day-today, the undefined nu-

merical value of emotional relevance still stands. And to that, Israeli culture answers with an equalizer: appreciating the lives of others.

In August 2025, I assumed the position of campus manager for the Southeast region at StandWithUs, an international nonpartisan education organization that supports Israel and fights antisemitism. But it didn’t come without 23 years of transformative relationships with incredible people. My parents and grandparents ensured a strong education from the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley and Barrack Hebrew Academy, where I was routinely exposed to teachers with tangible love for Hebrew and Judaics. At Camp Ramah in the Pocono Mountains,

counselors and mishlachat exemplified unwavering pride in a country 5,000 miles away. As president of Chabad at Pitt through October 7, I watched 20 board members and a rabbi define unyielding Jewish joy. On the same campus, I also witnessed my best friends grapple with the aftermath of targeted, violent antisemitism. I can list thousands of people who pieced together the puzzle of what defines my life and how I now use it. My role at StandWithUs focuses on how I can make a lasting impact on students for the better. More specifically, I work with student participants in the StandWithUs Emerson Fellowship across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, training them how to edu-

cate about Israel and combat antisemitism on campus. By replacing hatred with education of an often-misunderstood country, the hope is for students to become a positive force in changing lives for peace. With the last hostage, Ran Gvili, home and laid to rest, I am relieved and hope to never watch another reunion between a captive and their family ever again. But, from the videos which defined the emotional well-being of the Jewish community for over two years, I distinguished what it truly means to say “chaim sheli”: recognizing another life as your own, with the common understanding that we shape each other, whether a loved one or a stranger on the street.

By Janet Bond Brill

Author

of “Little Edna’s War”

Edna Brill was a beloved fixture of Allentown’s Jewish community for almost 60 years. Moving here in 1966 with her husband, Harry, and their two young sons, Sam and Eli, and becoming members of Congregation Sons of Israel and later Congregation Keneseth Israel, the Brills became an integral part of Jewish life in the Lehigh Valley.

Edna was that grandmother—warm, glamorous,

larger than life. Every weekend, she and Harry attended galas and community affairs, Edna stunning in magnificent clothes and jewelry. Her chicken soup was legendary. Her hugs unforgettable. When she died in 2019 and was laid to rest at the KI cemetery, the community mourned a woman they thought they knew.

But there was a story Edna kept close for decades, a story most of us never knew, a story that finally has been told. On January 27, International Holocaust Remem-

FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

brance Day, my book “Little Edna’s War: A Holocaust Memoir” was published. I’m Edna’s daughter-in-law. She asked me, “Who will tell my story when I die?” I became the answer to her question.

The glamorous grandmother who lit up every room had another name once: Stefcia, a diminutive of the Polish Stefania. She kept the full form as her middle name for the rest of her life: Edna Stefania Brill. Because Stefcia wasn’t just a disguise. Stefcia saved her life.

Born at Warsaw’s Mila 18 Edna was born October 2, 1934, in Warsaw, Poland—at 18 Mila Street. That address would become famous as the command headquarters of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Her childhood home became the symbol of Jewish resistance.

But before the uprising, before the ghetto, there was September 1, 1939. Four-yearold Edna was at a birthday

party when the Luftwaffe bombed Warsaw. It took her and her sister Miriam three days to find their way home through the rubble. Edna told me she remembered her eyes burning from the soot 50 years later. That birthday party, she said, was “the last moment of my childhood.”

7-year-old smuggler

By 1941, Edna and her family were trapped in the Warsaw Ghetto—450,000 Jews imprisoned in 1.3 square miles. The Nazis calculated precisely: 184 calories per Jew per day. Systematic starvation. Five thousand people died a month.

So at age 7, Edna became a smuggler. Every morning before dawn, she and her siblings crawled through tiny holes in the ghetto walls to the Aryan side, risking death to bring back food. If caught, children were shot on sight. She told me, “I could fit potatoes in my coat pockets,

carrots tucked into my waistband, but I had to hide it just right.”

These young smugglers— hundreds of them—were the ghetto’s lifeline. They were the first resistance fighters. Not the dramatic armed uprising we remember, but the daily acts of courage that kept families alive.

Stefcia, the hidden identity In 1942, Edna’s mother made a desperate decision. She sent her two daughters to live on the Aryan side with false Catholic identities. Edna’s brother Yakov obtained the names of two dead Catholic girls: Stefcia and Marysia Skolkowska.

For nine years, from age 7 to 16, Edna lived as Catholic. She attended Mass, learned Catholic prayers. By the time the war ended, Hail Marys came more naturally than

Edna Brill continues on page 22

CELEBRATING WOMEN

Hebrew prayers. Even after liberation, she couldn’t reclaim her Jewish identity. The psychological wounds ran too deep.

It took her brother singing their mother’s Yiddish lullaby to unlock her buried memory. But even then, the integration was complex. She kept all her Catholic artifacts—rosaries, prayer books, convent school memorabilia—forever.

Those years were real. That childhood was real.

Yet in her later years, Edna became fiercely Jewish. She chose to be defined as Jewish—over and over again. That choice was its own act of resistance.

The youngest soldier

At age nine, during the August 1944 Warsaw Uprising, Edna fought as a courier for the Polish Home Army. They gave her a pistol—small enough for her hands. She carried military intelligence through burning streets. When a German grenade exploded near her, shrapnel tore into her small body. She kept fighting.

On her 10th birthday—

October 2, 1944—Warsaw surrendered. Before the formal surrender, they held a ceremony in the ruins. Among those decorated: a little girl who had just turned 10. Edna received the Cross of Valor, Poland’s highest award for combat bravery. She was the youngest decorated soldier in the Polish Home Army.

The Pope’s blessing

In November 1946, Pope Pius XII personally honored 15 Polish Catholic resistance fighters, including 12-yearold Stefcia. He blessed her, praised her courage, celebrated her faith defending “Christian Poland against the godless Nazis.” He had no idea she was Jewish.

Even one year after liberation, Edna was still hiding. She wouldn’t reclaim her Jewish identity until 1950—five years after the war ended.

Exodus, kibbutz, and America

Her brother Yakov cofounded Kibbutz Lohamei Hagetaot—the Ghetto Fighters’ Kibbutz—with other

Warsaw Ghetto Uprising survivors. Edna lived there and met Harry Brill, who had survived in the forests and was a passenger on the legendary steamship Exodus 1947. They married, had two sons, and, in 1966, made Allentown their home.

The triumph Here’s what the Nazis never anticipated: Edna didn’t just survive; she thrived. She lived with joy, glamour, social connection, and fierce love. Every weekend at a gala, every embrace of her grandchildren, every magnificent outfit—that was her saying to the Nazis, “You failed. I won. Look at this beautiful life I built.”

That’s the ultimate victory. That’s resistance that lasted a lifetime.

Who will tell your story? Edna spoke publicly about her experiences, including at Lehigh University. She recorded over five hours of testimony with the USC Shoah Foundation. But she knew video testimony reaches limited audiences. She asked me, “Who will tell my story when I die?”

Within five years, there will be no living Holocaust survivor voices left. One

hundred thirty-one WWII veterans die per day. Every survivor’s family faces that question.

“Little Edna’s War” is my answer to Edna’s question. This is my promise kept.

Janet Bond Brill is an internationally recognized author of four books with over 200,000 copies sold. “Little Edna’s War: A Holocaust Memoir” is available at LittleEdnasWar.com.

WOMEN

Advocate inspires LV women to speak out for Israel, Jews

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

Social media influencer and advocate Shai Albrecht offered a challenge to the dozens of women gathered at Temple Beth El on February 3 eager to take their advocacy for Israel and the Jewish community to the next level.

“In this time,” she told the audience for the “Find Your Voice” event, “you cannot not take action.” “This time” is this particularly troubling time of elevated antisemitism and anti-Zionism, on the rise since Hamas attacked Israel and took hostages to provoke a war. She said that America’s Jewish Federations have been at the forefront the Jewish response, as they typically are.

Tama Tamarkin, co-chair along with Naomi Schachter of this Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Women’s Philanthropy empowerment program, set the stage for Albrecht. “Shai has used her voice to stand with and for Israel even when it was difficult,” she said.

Albrecht began by tracing her own Jewish advocacy back to her grandfather, who grew up in pre-WWII Poland and survived the Holocaust

in part by hiding under a neighbor’s outbuilding. A few years later, he fought for Israel in the armed struggle to preserve the newly founded nation. “Because my saba and others took action to defend Israel,” she said, “Israel declared victory.”

The Hamas attacks on Israel and the war that followed have become the latest major turning point in thousands of years of Jewish history. “My memory is now split into life before October 7 and life after October 7,” Albrecht said. “October 7 shook us like an earthquake. An earthquake cracks the foundation.”

Albrecht was in Israel with her husband and three kids that day. It was an important first trip to Israel for the family taken together. “We wanted our kids to know Israel would always be their safe space,” she said.

Then the family woke up on the morning of October 7 to alarms blaring. “My heart was beating so loudly I could hear it,” Albrecht said. She soon found herself in a stairwell, holding her 5-year-old daughter with her 10-year-old son standing next to her. Her middle daughter wasn’t there.

“Paz was nowhere to be

found,” Albrecht said, “and sirens from missiles were continuing nonstop.” Fortunately, they did find her quickly, taken into a safe room by an alert couple when the alarms went off.

“We didn’t know it then,” Albrecht said, “but the earth was shaking and our foundation was crumbling.” Life in Israel and for Jews all over the world changed in that moment. More than ever in recent years, Jews would need to stand up for their Israel and for one another everywhere.

At this point, Albrecht pointed to three lies that she and so many others had been telling themselves about the Jewish situation in the world. First, Israel had seemed to be a generally safe place, all caveats considered. Worries of the distant past were largely in the distant past. “In our day and age, this could not be real,” she said. “We have our own air force!”

The second was that people the world over would receive the misinformation that soon spread rapidly about the war and Israel as lies. “They will finally see evil for what it is,” she said. Then anti-Israel and antisemitic

protests began popping up everywhere. And continued. And grew. She was forced to conclude, “The world would not see evil for what it is.”

The third lie was that, even after realizing lies No. 1 and 2 were lies, a tendency to think “someone else will deal with it” remained. But someone else will not deal with it. It’s up to you, Albrecht said.

“Faced with this, people like you and me created American Jewish Federations,” she said of the nationwide nonprofit network founded after Israel’s independence to advocate and raise funds for Israel and Jewish people. “Salvation will come through our actions.”

Albrecht emphasized that she had no intention of becoming an advocate when she started out on social media. Back then she was giving people physical fitness guidance. But being stuck in Israel with her family for three weeks after the Hamas attacks and witnessing the global reaction changed everything for her.

“You see these horrendous lies,” she said. “I had a platform on social media and I decided I’m going to tell the truth.” People began to see what she saw and appreciated

her efforts and contributions. “That is how you create a platform.”

That doesn’t mean all went well from then on. Not everyone has warmed to her commentary. “I have received death threats, been banned from Instagram and TikTok,” she said. “And told to shut up. I will not shut up.”

She said there’s no reason other women cannot follow in her footsteps, becoming vocal advocates in ways that take advantage of their own personalities, strengths, and passions. She recommended taking action through Jewish Federations, with their decades of built-up resources, hard-earned first-hand experience, and extensive national and global network.

“I cannot not take action,” Albrecht said. “Salvation will come through our actions.”

Be part of the Women’s Philanthropy effort building and advocating for the Jewish community in the Lehigh Valley, in Israel, and elsewhere by contacting Lee Kestecher Solomon, director of community engagement, at lee@jflv. org or 610-821-5500.

CELEBRATING WOMEN

BOOK REVIEWS

Novel’s daughter finds secrets Yemeni mom took to grave

“Songs for the Brokenhearted,” Ayelet Tsabari, Random House, 2025, 353 pages.

By Sean Boyle Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley Librarian

Ayelet Tsabari’s multipleawards-winning novel “Songs for the Brokenhearted” is set in Israel and details the unbreakable bonds between the Yemeni immigrant Saida and her daughter, Zohara.

Zohara’s escape to Thailand ends when she’s called to come home for her mother’s funeral in Israel. As Zohara cleans and packs up her mother’s home, she reacquaints herself with her family and old friends after being in New York City for many years. She discovers that there was much more to her mother than she previously realized.

As Zohara learns more about her mother and their Mizrahi roots, she begins to evaluate her own life and sees her mother’s interactions with her in a new light. Zohara had always seen her mother as illiterate and unsophisticated compared to the cosmopolitan Israelis, especially the Ashkenazis. Zohara never knew her mother had written and sung several hundred of her own original songs, many about lost love and passionate relationships. This did not align with Zohara’s view of Saida as a very traditional Orthodox Jew born in a small Yemeni country village, an orphaned child bride of an older man through an arranged marriage.

As Zohara has her mother’s songs translated from Judeo-Yemeni Arabic to Hebrew, she learns of the long tradition of Yemeni women’s

songs, made famous by Ofra Haza, who had to become famous in Europe before Israel would play her songs on the radio. Yemeni women were silenced and oppressed, and only through their singing could they find a voice and express themselves openly. It was through this form of oral poetry that illiterate women could learn to express their otherwise silenced feelings and beliefs.

Zohara’s discovery of her family’s secret past and the new relationships she creates coming back to her childhood home allow her to finally address her failed marriage and attempts to earn a doctoral degree in New York City.

The story jumps between the 1950s, when Zohara’s family is being held in the refugee camp in Israel after arriving from Yemen, and the mid-1990s. There are three major narrators: Zo-

hara; Yoni, grandchild of Saida who was mostly raised by her; and the teenage boy Yaqub, who met and fell in love with Saida when they were at the camp together in the fifties.

Tsabari’s story is based on her personal research into the Yemeni immigration experience and her desire to celebrate Yemeni Jews and Mizrahi stories. She weaves in the many struggles the community faced in the fifties, when the largest immigration of Yemeni Jews into Israel occurred, and the lingering issues still present in the nineties. Although Tsabari has lived a life similar to that of the main character, Zohara, Tsabari is actually the grandchild of Yemeni immigrants, and her mother was very much alive when she wrote her book.

Highly recommended for ages 16-120, especially

for anyone wanting to know more about Yemeni Jews and the traditions around Yemeni women singers.

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

Antisemitism unites 2 Vassar girls in Kitty Zeldis novel

“One of Them,” by Kitty Zeldis, Harper, 2025, 352 pages.

By Sandi Teplitz Special to Hakol

Initially intrigued by the enticing front and back covers, I picked up a copy of the novel “One of Them” at the home of someone who mentioned the author’s previous books and their compelling readability. She’d become a fan and encouraged me to see what I thought.

Kitty Zeldis, who writes under a pseudonym, is a mas-

ter storyteller and excels at character delineation. In “One of Them,” she alternates chapters exploring the tale of two students who meet at Vassar after World War II, having led very different lives prior to attending the women’s college. One of these Jewish collegians embraces her Judaism, and the other intentionally ignores it. Eventually, this leads to problems with their relationship and puts a strain on their chances of surviving future life experiences as friends. Through a series of events

that involve prejudice and conflict, the young women reunite and find themselves once again facing challenges, but they’re now better equipped to deal with them. Ironically, antisemitism helps bring them together and understand each other as they navigate the process of healing and building up the strength of a friendship previously established and then lost.

Zeldis, born in Israel and now a resident of Brooklyn, understands the complexity of

college life and its demands. Many of the issues that she highlights are current ones that pepper the news and media. Without taking sides, she invites the reader to discover how our culture and upbringing affect how we perceive ourselves as Jews. She is effective in her role as historian, fashion commentator, and social justice advocate. This makes the book a great choice for book club discussions and family gatherings. It’s highly recommended for engaging entertainment as well.

Thursday, April 30, 2026 6:30 p.m. at

Featuring Noa Cochva, Miss Israel 2021 & IDF Veteran Noa Cochva, IDF combat medic commander and instructor, uses her global platform to advocate for Israel, highlight humanitarian values within the IDF, and to empower women of all backgrounds.

In partnership with

CELEBRATING WOMEN

Mom’s Maple Butter

By Sandi Teplitz Special to Hakol

Some of the delicious treats my mom made for breakfast were waffles, pancakes, and French toast. She served all three

topped with this easy-tomake butter with caramel and toffee notes. It’s also amazing on sweet potatoes, carrot pennies, and butternut squash.

1 stick unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup maple syrup

Scant 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Scant 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Heat the maple syrup in a sauce pan, bring to a simmer, and cook on low for 10 minutes, until thickened—it should coat a dipped spoon. Remove from heat and cool for 1/2 hour. Beat the butter with a mixer for 2 minutes, then add rest of the ingredients, beating for another 2 minutes.

Serve immediately. Refrigerate the leftovers, covering tightly for up to one week.

Proud to Be A LEGACY.

DEADLINE: MARCH 20, 2026

DEADLINE: MARCH 24, 202

DEADLINE: MARCH 20, 2026

TUESDAYS, MAR 3-APR 7

Support Group for Adult Siblings of Individuals with Disabilities

7:30-8:30 p.m., via Zoom

Amanda Thomas, accessibility and inclusion coordinator for Jewish Family Service, will facilitate this six-week program helping participants navigate the sibling journey and plan for the future. Cost is $125; a sliding scale is available. To register, contact Thomas at amthomas@jfslv.org or 610-821-8722, ext. 124.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

Comedy Night with Monique Marvez & Cory Kahaney

7 p.m., Temple Beth El Admission is $36 and includes desserts and beverages; optional bourbon tasting for an additional $36. Doors open at 7 and show begins at 8. Sponsorships available. RSVP at bethelallentown.org/.

SUNDAYS, MARCH 8, 15, 22

Rich to Richer: Purim to Pesach at TBE

3-4 p.m., Temple Beth El Pesach is the opportunity to take the lessons of Purim and build on them. Shari Spark will lead the group these three Sundays in exploring the related themes of Purim and Pesach and studying ways to enrich our appreciation of the Passover holiday. Register at bethelallentown.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8

Life & Legacy: Lighting Our Way to the Future of Congregation Brith Sholom 3-5 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom

Enjoy wine and cheese, music, and

Community Calendar

socializing while learning about the past and future of the Life and Legacy program. This event is for the generous people who signed up for Life and Legacy 2017-21 and for anyone interested in learning how to support our community in the most convenient and enduring way. Admission is free. For more information, call Judith Rodwin at 484-7673242 or Judy Lasker at 610-597-0550. Register to attend by contacting Tammy Watts at 610-866-8009 or tammy@ brithsholom.net.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8

NextGen Book Club

7 p.m., via Zoom Join NextGen for its second every-othermonth book club meeting. The group will discuss the Geraldine Brooks novel “People of the Book,” about the extraordinary journey of the rare illuminated Hebrew manuscript Sarajevo Haggadah through centuries of exile and war. Register at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/ nextgen-book-club.

TUESDAY, MARCH 10

Israel in Focus with Israel’s Deputy Consul General Based in New York 7 p.m., JCC Tsach Saar, who oversees Israel’s diplomatic relations in Pennsylvania, New York, and three other states, will give our community a special update on the most recent developments in Israel. Free and open to the community. Registration required at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/israel-in-focus-withtsach-saar.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11

“12 Hours in October” Film

7 p.m., GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Reading

Witness the first 12 hours that changed everything through this film based on actual incidents during the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. After the screening, join a live Q&A Perry Hiiman, producer of the film. Buy tickets for $10 at goggleworks.org/films/12-hours-inoctober/.

BETWEEN MAR 12 AND APR 19

TBE Sisterhood Presents High School Musical Theater Series various dates, times, and schools Temple Beth El Sisterhood presents “The Freddy Tour.” Tickets are available for the following performances at local high schools: “Legally Blonde” at Easton 7 p.m. March 12, “Jekyll and Hyde” at Emmaus 7p.m. March 26, “Newsies” at Northampton 1 p.m. March 29, “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying” at Parkland 3 p.m. April 12, “Grease” at Nazareth 7 p.m. April 16, and “Phantom of the Opera” at Bangor 2 p.m. April 19. Buy tickets for any and all for $15 each at bethelallentown.org/form/2026-freddytour1.html.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

TBE Sisterhood Book Club

12:30-2 p.m., Temple Beth El The new TBE Sisterhood Book Club will discuss “The Last Watchman of Old Cairo” by Michael David Lukas. You don’t need to be a member of TBE or the TBE Sisterhood to join the group. For more information and to RSVP, contact Helaine at h.young@rcn.com or via

text at 610-703-6268.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

KI Adult B Mitzvah

10 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel

Kyle Mayer, Nancy Silver, Mary Salinger, Charles Hochstedler, Melisa Klausner, Lillian Haas, Raymond Livezey, Julia Urich, and Mara Silverman will be called to the Torah. Kiddush lunch will follow. RSVP by March 1.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

PreFab 4, the World’s Premier Live Beatles Tribute Act

6 p.m. doors open, Congregation Sons of Israel

Big Night Out at Sons of Israel spring fundraiser features the Beatles tribute band plus a Classic Rock D’var Torah with Rabbi Moshe Kurtz. $60 general admission includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, soft drinks, and desserts; $80 VIP adds beer and wine to the menu. Reservations required by March 10 at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/ csoi-prefab-4-concert. Sponsorships available.

SUNDAY, MARCH 22

Pre-Pesach Bus Trip to Lakewood, NJ

8:45 a.m.-7 p.m., Congregation Bnai Shalom, Easton

Join Bnai Shalom for a day of fun and learning in Lakewood. The visit will have four stops: Lakewood Shmura Matzoh Bakery, Southside for authentic smokehouse cuisine, the Lakewood Historical Society Museum, and the Gourmet Glatt North Supermarket / Lakewood Plaza (with time for Pesach shopping). Cost is $50 for round-trip transporta-

tion, tours of the bakery and museum, and gratuities; lunch is at your own expense. Meet at the synagogue at 8:45 a.m. to board the bus. Save your seat now by contacting the synagogue office at office@bnaishalomeaston.org or 610-258-5343.

FRIDAY, MAR 27, SAT, MAR 28

KI Artist-in-Residence Weekend

Congregation Keneseth Israel

Join KI for a musical weekend with acclaimed singer, songwriter, and educator Neshama Carlebach. Friday at 7:30 p.m. Carlebach will join Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg for a special musical Shabbat service. Saturday at 10 a.m. Carlebach will lead a Shabbat song session for families with children of all ages. Saturday at 8 p.m. will be an evening of music with Carlebach and her band. Get tickets for that for $18 for KI members and $36 for nonmembers; free for children under 18. Visit kilv.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, DEADLINE

TBE Sisterhood Spring Plant Sale

Purchase coupons through Temple Beth El Sisterhood by March 27 to select plants from Lehigh Valley Home and Garden. Hanging baskets (10-inch diameter) are $25 and flats (32 plants, mixed veggies and flowers) are $19. Coupons will be mailed to your home the week of April 20. Make checks payable to Sisterhood Temple Beth El and mail to Temple Beth El Sisterhood, 1305 Springhouse Road, Allentown, PA 18104.

SUNDAY, MARCH 29

PJ Library and JCC Preschool “Sensory Seder”

12:30-2 p.m., JCC

Touch, smell, taste, and see the seder-a playful way to experience Passover. There will be crafts, snacks, and, of course, a PJ Library story. Free and open to the community. Registration required at jewishlehighvalley.regfox. com/pj-library-sensory-seder

THURSDAY, APRIL 2

Bnai Shalom Passover Second Night Seder

6 p.m., Congregation Bnai Shalom, Easton

Bnai Shalom and Rabbi Adrienne Rubin invite everyone to their Passover second night seder. All food will be kosher for Passover. Cost for members is $36 for adults, $18 for children 6-12, and free for children under 5; for nonmembers it’s $45 for adults, $20 for children 6-12; and free for children under 5. Call the synagogue office at 610-258-5343 by March 19 to make a reservation.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3

KI 13th Annual Super Shabbat Seder

5:45 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel

Eat, drink, sing, and learn. Featuring the telling of the old tale of our escape from Egypt, with Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg, great music, and traditional foods by Chef Eric. BYOB to share with your table. $45 for adult members, $54 for adult nonmembers, $30 for members ages 6-12, $36 for nonmembers 6-12,

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 5:41 PM

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 6:49 PM

FRIDAY, MARCH 20 6:56 PM

FRIDAY, MARCH 27 7:04 PM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 7:09 PM

Community Calendar

free for children under 6. RSVP at kilv. org/event/super-shabbat-seder4.html by March 20.

MONDAY, APRIL 13

Yom HaShoah Commemoration

6 p.m., Temple Beth El

Reading of the names is at 6 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m. Lois Roman is a Trustee of the Memorial Scrolls Trust, which oversees the legacy of 1,564 Czech Torah scrolls that survived the Shoah. Our Lehigh Valley Jewish community currently has guardianship of several Czech Torah scrolls. The program will feature their stories. Registration required at jewishlehighvalley.org/yoms.

SUNDAY, APRIL 19

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

3 p.m., Williams Center for the Arts at Lafayette College

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

MONDAY, APRIL 20

Yom HaZikaron Commemoration

6:30 p.m., JCC

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22

Yom HaAtzmaut Celebration

Join us to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day with a friendly youth basketball game featuring kids from the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Day School. The halftime performance will showcase the JDS Flag Dance! Magen David soft pretzels and blue and white cookies will be available as grab ‘n go. Registration required at jewishlehighvalley.org/yoms.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30

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

6:30 p.m., Temple Beth El

Speaking at the annual gathering will be Noa Cochva, Miss Israel in the 2021 Miss Universe Pageant, Israel Defense Forces veteran, and now advocate with a global platform supporting Israel, highlighting humanitarian values within the IDF, and empowering women. A minimum pledge of $365 to the Jewish Federation’s 2026 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs is required to attend. Registration required by April 16 at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/dollar-a-

day-spring-event-2026.

THURSDAY, MAY 28

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

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

ONGOING EVENTS

SUNDAYS

Bnai Shalom Cash Bingo

1 p.m., Congregation Bnai Shalom

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

MONDAYS

Yiddish Club

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

Experience the joys of Yiddish via Zoom as part of Adults at the J. All are welcome. No cost. Call 610-435-3571, ext. 501.

MONDAYS

Unpacking the Igros

After Maariv (40 minutes after Mincha), Congregation Sons of Israel May a couple opt for artificial insemination? Can I use a timer to cook on Shabbos? Is veal kosher? How does Judaism approach abortion? Study responses of the leading rabbi of the 20th century, HaGaon HaRav Moshe Feinstein zt”l, and find out the answers to these questions and much more.

WEDNESDAYS

Sons of Israel “Mysteries of the Midrash”

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

WEDNESDAYS

Yoga with Miriam Sandler: Chair-Supported Yoga

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

Be seated in a comfortable chair, Open to the public in person and live stream available to all via Zoom. *$10 dropin fee payable to Congregation Brith Sholom. For more information email mbserow@gmail.com.

THURSDAYS

Lishma: Learn, Listen, Listen Learn

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

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

THURSDAYS

Basic Yiddish Class

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

Learn to read, write, speak and comprehend Yiddish. Textbooks from Yiddish Book Center available for purchase. Contact 610-435-3571, ext. 501.

FRIDAYS

Kol HaEmek

9-10 a.m., WMUH 91.7

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

SATURDAYS

KI Torah Study

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

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

SATURDAYS

Wisdom of the Talmud Class

After Shabbat Lunch and Schmooze, Congregation Brith Sholom

Join Rabbi Michael Singer in a discussion about Jewish law, ethics, customs and history as found in the pages of the Talmud. For information email tammy@ brithsholom.net or call 610-866-8009.

LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH Shabbat Yoga

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

Jett Ulaner Saracheck and Ann Friedenheim lead this experience of Shabbat through movement. For questions, call Ann at 610-462-2549 or Jett at 610762-1450. Register at kilv.org/event/ shabbat-yoga1.html.

DAILY

Jewish Broadcasting Service

JBS is a Jewish television channel. Visit jbstv.org.

DAILY

Congregation Sons of Israel Minyanim Shacharit on Mondays and Thursdays 6:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 6:45 a.m.; Sundays 8:30 a.m Congregation Sons of Israel welcomes all to the daily Shacharis and Mincha/ Maariv services, which are conducted in the main sanctuary of the synagogue. Please check the synagogue at sonsofisrael.net for the weekly listing of the starting time for Mincha/Maariv. If you have any questions, call the synagogue office at 610-433-6089.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3 7:11 PM

TUESDAY, APRIL 7 7:15 PM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 8:16 PM

FRIDAY, APRIL 10 7:18 PM

FRIDAY, APRIL 17 7:26 PM

WEDNESDAYS

Torah Studies: A Weekly Journey into the Soul of Torah

7 p.m., Chabad of the Lehigh Valley Torah Studies by the Jewish Learning Institute presents Season Two, 5786, a 12-part series. Cost is $54 for the course, including textbook. For more information, call 610-351-6511 or email rabbi@chabadlehighvalley.com.

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY Daily Online Meditation

12:30 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality

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

Tim Teel never expected his day to end with a cardiac emergency –or for his heart to stop. Twice. But sudden heart events can strike without warning, and every second matters.

Thanks to our caring, experienced specialists, Tim’s back in tune with his health. The experts from Lehigh Valley Health Network, now part of Jefferson Health, encourage you to know the warning signs of a heart attack and trust your instincts. Acting quickly can save a life – just like it did for Tim.

Read Tim’s amazing story at LVHN.org/ListenToYourHeart. For an appointment, call 888-402-LVHN.