From the Desk of Jeri Zimmerman

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

Bring on 2022!

A New Year filled with the promise of fresh starts and new beginnings. It’s also a time when many people take an opportunity to reflect inward and recommit to improving their circumstances both personally and communally.

In an article by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, of blessed memory, he shared …

Much appreciated

With Thanksgiving and Chanukah just behind us and year-end quickly approaching, I am reminded of the expression “an attitude of gratitude.” This is the notion of making it a habit to express thankfulness and appreciation in all parts of your life, on a regular basis.  For both the big t…

Let there be light!

Chanukah is the Jewish Festival of Lights, and lighting the menorah is an especially delightful celebration that brings light into our homes and into our community. The miracle of Chanukah celebrates one night’s worth of oil giving light for eight nights—as well as an ancient victory by …

Something magical can happen

As we get ready to celebrate 10 years of PJ Library in our community (Oct. 24), we should all be excited that we are providing a gateway opportunity for our youngest community members to connect within our Jewish community. This dynamic project, created by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, an…

Here for Good

The holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are our individual and communal opportunities to mark the transition from the past year to a new year. As I think about beginning a new Jewish year, it is an opportunity to reflect on the past year(s) and a beautiful time to renew our commitment t…