From the Desk of Jeri Zimmerman

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

Restored, revived, renewed

We are now in the month of Elul, the weeks immediately preceding the High Holidays, ushering in the new year. Traditionally, the shofar is sounded each day at morning prayers (except Shabbat) in order to awaken us to prepare ourselves for the year ahead. This is the time of introspection, of…

Looking ahead

Editor’s Note: Jeri delivered a version of the following remarks at the Federation Annual Meeting on June 11. They have been updated and edited to fit this format.

It was Thomas Paine who said: “These are the times that try men’s souls ...” While trying, this year has also been grat…

Repair the world

“Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!” – Dr. Seuss, ‘Oh the Places You’ll Go’
 
I am sure that nobody who has read this Dr. Seuss classic, often quoted around now as graduations and end-of-year transitions are celebrated, cou…

You are connected

Judaism teaches, “al tifrosh min hatzibur”— do not separate yourself from the community. This idea of communal connection, expressed in Hillel’s saying, is foundational to Judaism. Fortunately, today we can maintain that feeling of connectedness without compromising one another physi…

Embrace the opportunities this Passover presents

Why is this Passover different from all other Passovers? In the age of coronavirus, social distancing and “flattening the curve,” the celebration of Pesach 5780/Passover 2020 is shaping up to be MUCH different than many of us have ever experienced previously. While families and friends n…