Scholar-in-residence offers insight on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

By Michele Salomon
Special to HAKOL

We all have opinions, about everything, including the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. But not all opinions are equally informed; the weight of fact versus feeling is rarely equal. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a minefield of emotion, with the weight of …

Maimonides brunch aims to break stigma surrounding mental illness

By Stephanie Bolmer
HAKOL Editor

One in five Americans deals with mental illness, and that number is only rising. Unfortunately, there is still stigma surrounding such ailments as depression, anxiety, addiction, and other psychological issues despite their prevalence. State Rep. Mike Schlos…

Federation establishes fund and award in memory of Mark Goldstein

By Stephanie Smartschan
JFLV Director of Marketing

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley will honor long-time Executive Director Mark L. Goldstein, z”l, by supporting the causes he cared most about and the attributes he possessed.

In December, the Federation’s Board of Directors v…

Jewish community raises awareness about disability

By Susan Sklaroff Van-Hook
Jewish Family Service 

What is “disability?” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were nearly 40 million Americans with a disability in 2015, representing 12.6 percent of the population. That estimate is 15-20 percent for the Jewish community. 

While …

Planned kosher winery coming to Lehigh Valley fulfills lifelong dream

By Sandi Teplitz
Special to HAKOL

Editor’s Note: Sandi Teplitz, our regular food correspondent, interviewed Kevin Danna, member of Congregation Sons of Israel and proprietor of Binah Winery.

Sandi: Tell me a little about your background, Kevin.

Kevin: I am native to a region of Southern…