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From the Desk of Jeri Zimmerman

The monthly column of Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

Nov 3, 2022

I Appreciate You

It is at this time of year, with Thanksgiving and the end of the year quickly approaching, that I am always reminded of the expression “an attitude of gratitude.” As I may have noted before, this is the notion of making it a habit to express thankfulness and appreciation in all parts of …

Oct 4, 2022

What kind of community do we want to be?

As we celebrate the High Holiday season, this time of reflection and renewal allows us to think about the kind of community we want to be and what it might take to have the desired impact.

While we anticipate wonderful celebrations with our young families and their children — PJ Library e…

Sep 5, 2022

Hope and Optimism, 5783

“Optimism is the belief that things are going to get better. Hope is the belief that we can make things better. … It takes no courage to be an optimist, but it does need courage to hope.”
— Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, chief rabbi of England (1991-2013)

Coming through challenging times giv…

Jul 18, 2022

Welcome!

Welcoming guests is a Jewish value. It is also a mitzvah, a commandment. This value is modeled by Abraham and Sarah, who warmly welcomed three visitors to their tent only to discover that they were angels, messengers of G-d. The virtue of hospitality is not simply about standing at a door an…

May 25, 2022

Here for Good

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is Here for Good to ensure that our Jewish community thrives from dor l’dor. Good doesn’t just happen on its own. It comes from our collective dedication, to the promise of a flourishing Jewish future. It is also our commitment to intergeneratio…