Page 44 - Indulge October/November 2016

C munityand why it mattersByJenniferLader
Careers, schools and charitable organizations all thrive on YOUNG FAMILY EASILY ADAPTS TO LEHIGH VALLEY LIVING
community and relationships. Many experts agree that
communities are actually necessary to every individual in
order to live a fulfilling life.
That’s because being part of a community provides
an individual with resources they would not have access
to by themselves, said Debbie Zoller, executive director
of Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley. And,
she pointed out, there’s also the possibility of being a
resource to others.
“This can happen through community members
volunteering to feed, clothe, move, house, or heal
someone,” Zoller explained. This kind of involvement can
lead to friendships, longer life and greater enjoyment
of life. “Every person needs a way to feel a connection
to something meaningful beyond the self. It may be
connection to a higher power or to someone who is
experiencing the same illness or challenge in life.”
1190 W. Macada Road, Bethlehem, PA 18017 | www.brithsholom.net
6 Shalom Lehigh Valley | October/November 2016
While staying connected online has become an important
part of life, the National Jewish Center for Learning and
Leadership’s David Kraemer writes that online community
is not enough: “Check out the Times Square webcam. Then
walk the sidewalk pictured on the webcam. Nothing can
compare to the experience of noise, color and hustle-bustle
that the real thing o ers.”
When Josh and Danielle Kroo moved to Allentown from New
York, they were looking for a strong, inclusive Jewish community with
young families similar to their own. The Kroos have been amazed
with the community they have found.
An easy first step was to get Lily enrolled in the JCC daycare.
Samson entered the pre-K at the Jewish Day School. And, all the
while, the welcoming floodgates were opening. “We received more
Shabbat meal invitations in the [first] two months than we ever did in
Riverdale,” Danielle said.
They appreciate the cooperation of the community, and the
great variety of shuls available. The couple is actually having trouble
deciding which synagogue to join because each one has exceeded
their expectations. “It’s a great problem to have,” Danielle said.
COMMUNITY ‘EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS’ FOR RETIREES
Ron and Ann Gould were looking to relocate from Pittsburgh in order
to be near their daughter and her family, who live in New Jersey. “We
researched it!” Ann says. They discovered Bethlehem and Brith Sholom,
both of which have been even better than they imagined.
LIVE, LEARN,
& CELEBRATE
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Congregation Brith Sholom
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hear the shofar • enjoy a Shabbat meal
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610-866-8009 | rabbisinger@brithsholom.net