JSeals swim team makes a splash with local kids

By Stephanie Bolmer
HAKOL Editor

At the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, there is a dedicated group of young athletes splashing in and out of the pool all winter long. The JSeals swim team is an opportunity for children ages 6 through 16 (divided into a junior and a senior team…

THE IMPACT ONE MAKES: Taffi Ney

By Stephanie Bolmer
HAKOL Editor

Editor’s note: We are starting a new series on individuals who have laid the foundations for the future of the Lehigh Valley Jewish community through their generosity. We could think of no one better to begin with than Taffi Ney.

There are many ways to le…

A Chanukah miracle gives a second chance at life

By Stephanie Bolmer
HAKOL Editor

Five years ago, a miracle happened in Philadelphia on the last night of Chanukah. Brian Zionts-Bernstein still carries a dreidel in his pocket every day to remind him of the gift that he has received—a double lung transplant which saved his life.

“My mi…

The Holiday of the Holidays Festival

By Rotem Bar
Community Shlicha

The Northern city of Haifa is a center of co-existence between religions, cultures and people. Haifa is a beautiful northern port city that extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the north slope of Mount Carmel. It is also the third largest city in Israel and i…

As a gunman loomed outside their synagogue, Jews in Halle kept praying

By Rebecca Spies and Toby Axelrod
Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Just two days after a deadly anti-Semitic attack here, this city in eastern Germany slowly stirs to life.
On this morning, a woman walks a small dog along the sidewalk, crossing the street to avoid the police tape and masses of can…