Community News

HAKOL Surpasses Founders' Goals Upon 40th Anniversary

By Michelle Cohen
HAKOL Editor

“It’s new; it’s news …  and invites your views” greeted readers of the first issue of HAKOL in September/October 1976. 

Initially published by the Jewish Federation of Allentown before the merger of the three Lehigh Valley Federations, HAKOL serve…

Grinspoon Foundation selects Jewish Federation as a LIFE & LEGACY partner

The Lehigh Valley has been selected to participate in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY program as one of only 37 Jewish communities from across North America.

“The Harold Grinspoon Foundation is very excited to be partnering with the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley…

Strawberry Acres and PJ Library Prepare for a Sweet New Year Celebration

By Stephanie Bolmer

As the new year approaches, you may be looking forward to the sweet taste of apples and honey. Strawberry Acres in Coplay has you covered, and for extra fun, you get to pick the apples yourself. Families across the Lehigh Valley enjoy this fall tradition each year, choos…

Yoav Teens Reflect on Their Summer in Allentown

By Ivy Bernstein

On a warm day at the end of June, a group of families met to welcome four teens from Israel’s Yoav region who arrived in Allentown to work as counselors at Camp JCC. Several families had agreed to open their homes to host the teens, and the evening was spent getting to kn…

College-Bound Students and Their Families Learn About BDS

On Aug. 16, a group of parents and college-bound students gathered at Muhlenberg College Hillel for “Fighting BDS,” a program about Jewish life on college campuses including the growing presence of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic rhetoric. 

Organized by Aaron Gorodzinsky, director of outr…