Women's Division Welcomes Jewish Newcomers for Purim

Where in the world do newcomers get invited to make goodies that go into gift baskets for other people? 

Just before Purim, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley held a hands-on, holiday event that is one of many hosted by its Shalom Lehigh Valley Committee to welcome Jewish newcomers to the area. 

“Women like to work together and especially with the holiday coming up,” said Beth Kushnick, who chaired the event. “We thought this would be a great idea to have women together baking and schmoozing and sharing stories and have something to take home.”

"When I moved here 14 years ago, I knew nobody," said Fay Kun as she kneaded dough for the cookies. "Life would have been so much easier, nicer and better if I had found the friends right away that I have today." She wants Jewish newcomers to know that there are other Jewish people wanting to network and bond. Although Kun joined the JCC to meet people, today it isn't necessary to join anything to tap into this network.