Elaine Berson becomes a bat mitzvah at 92

By Laurie Berson
Special to Hakol

Although I’ve known my mother-in-law for 40-plus years, she still found a way to surprise me. Elaine Berson is the devoted matriarch of our family, a fashionista, extraordinary cook, math whiz, and loving wife of Bernie (for over 70 years!). She’s also …

Community reps visit DC to lobby for Jewish causes

By Aaron Gorodzinsky
Director of Development

Since October 7, our community has spent significant time engaging with elected officials at every level: locally in our cities, in Harrisburg, and at the federal level in Washington, D.C. These efforts are incredibly important, as they give our …

Federation announces annual award winners

By Carl Zebrowski
Editor

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley has announced the winners of its 2024-25 annual awards. 

The three honorees will receive their awards at the Federation’s Community Celebration and Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 12. This end-of-year event to celebrat…

Laurie Wax sees bright future for Women’s Philanthropy

By Carl Zebrowski
Editor

A solid foundation and strong support help in any leadership position. “The Women’s Philanthropy president probably has the easiest job,” says Laurie Wax, whose tenure as head of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley division is ending soon. “You’re m…

Maimonides Society doctor offers clarity on vaccines

By Carl Zebrowski
Editor

“This is a very timely topic, obviously,” Dr. Michael Greenberg told the Maimonides Society audience assembled in the JCC on May 4 for his presentation “A Conversation on Vaccines.” Consider that the anti-vaccine movement has been growing in recent years, an…