Community hears story of pianist’s rebirth after stroke silenced right hand

By Carl Zebrowski
Editor

John Bayless was not Liberace (for those who remember Liberace and his scintillating rhinestone suits and polished candelabra atop his grand piano—and his performance prowess). But Bayless was heavily inspired by Liberace, working incessantly to amass showmanship …

Get those costumes ready. It’s time for the Purim carnival

By Simon Katz
JCC Membership and Program Associate

As we flip our calendars to March, one thing on most of our minds is how many more days until we can bid this foul weather adieu and welcome spring back into our lives. Fortunately, before we get to do that, there’s fun to turn our attent…

Community unites to honor hostages after bodies returned

By Carl Zebrowski
Editor

Community members gathered at the JCC on February 20 to honor the Israeli hostages whose bodies Hamas had just returned to Israel and to support one another in their effort to maintain hope through these difficult times. 

In a public spectacle of disrespect and hu…

PSU program to nip antisemitism, other hostility in the bud expands in LV

By Carl Zebrowski
Editor

The Pennsylvania State University is expanding a program already in the Lehigh Valley that helps school students from diverse backgrounds understand one another and get along better. 

The university-wide Hammel Family Human Rights Initiative has been working with …

Are you missing Israel? Israel can come to you!

By Alicia Zahn
Special to Hakol

Do you have Israel on your mind? Are you loving Israel, supporting Israel, thinking about Israel, but can’t actually travel there anytime soon? Then Israel can come to you! 

Each summer, I host Israelis from Yoav in my home through the Jewish Federation o…