תשע ו. Lehigh Valley. Jewish Community Calendar CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY

ב ה 2015-2016 Lehigh Valley Jewish Community Calendar 5776 תשע ו CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY 4457 CRACKERSPORT RD ALLENTOWN, PA. 18104 610.351.6511 WWW.CHABADLEHIGHVALLEY.COM

v B H Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Road, Allentown PA 18104 610.351.6511 www.chabadlehighvalley.com www.ganisraelpa.com all websites chabadlehigh.com u In Tribute to the Rebbe Rabbi Mennachem M. Schneerson of Righteous Memory v The Rebbe s Passionate and uncompromising love for every Jew is legendary. His insistence that all Jews are equal, regardless of background, affiliation, or level of observance; his love and devotion to the Land of Israel, and his love for G-d and the Torah are the beacons of truth and love that continue to inspire and motivate our center. v Dear Friend, It is with great pleasure that we present to you our annual Jewish Calendar for the year 5776 (2015-2016). It is our hope that this calendar will continue to enrich your Jewish experience. The success of Chabad is based on the fact that it is not a particular branch of Judaism, it is an outlook. At Chabad, we welcome you and yours in a non-judgemental fashion, as we recognize the importance of each individual regardless of affiliation or background. Every good deed, no matter how big or small, is significant and meaningful. Together with our supporters, we at Chabad take special pride in our unique educational outreach activities and social services. We invite you to join us as we forge ahead with new and innovative programs and services. With traditional Jewish ideals and values we will be able to strengthen Jewish pride and secure Jewish continuity. As we approach Rosh Hashanah, we wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year, and may you be inscribed in the Book of Life with prosperity and peace. Thank You, Rabbi Yaacov Halperin On behalf of the staff at Chabad Jewish Center P.S Please take a moment to send your tax deductible contribution in the enclosed envelope to help us continue our vital work of social services and educational programs.

Some of our Community Programs and Services Adult Education Bar/Bat Mitzvah Crisis Intervention The Friendship Circle Senior Programming Smile on Seniors Holiday Programs Hospital Visitation Jewish Learning Institute Life Cycle Events Mommy & Me Torah Studies Camp Gan Israel Gan Yeladim Jewish Preschool Hebrew School Women s Inner Circle Youth & Family Counseling Social Services J Card Youth Clubs Community is important to us, and we re proud to be a part of yours. CountryMeadows.com Our residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, social hours and fitness classes all week, Jewish study sessions on Fridays, Shabbat services each month and life every day. 410 Krocks Road, Allentown (minutes from Route 22 & I-78) 610-395-7160 Independent Living Personal Care Memory Care Restorative Care In-Home Services

Elul-Tishrei Shofar Workshop at Chabad Hebrew School ROSH HASHANAH: Sept. 14-15 Rosh Hashanah celebrates the beginning of creation. On this day, G-d charged Adam with the responsibility of helping the world reach perfection. Rosh Hashanah, therefore, is a time for us to reflect on the purpose of creation and resolve to make our lives more meaningful by contributing to all of creation. The Shofar: On Rosh Hashanah we hear the sounding of the shofar, the ram s horn. Its blasts both signify that we proclaim G-d as King of the universe and awaken us to repent and return to G-d. Tashlich: On the first afternoon of Rosh Hashanah it is customary to visit a natural body of water that contains fish, casting our past sins down the river of time. Apple & Honey: Dipping a piece of apple into honey at the first meal of Rosh Hashanah symbolizes the hope that our new year be blessed with sweetness and goodness. FAST OF GEDALIA: Sept. 16 After the Babylonians destroyed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and exiled many Jews in 3338 (423 BCE), they appointed Gedaliah ben Achikam as governor of the Holy Land. Prior to Rosh Hashanah 3339, Gedaliah received word that a certain Ishmael ben Netaniah, was planning to kill him and usurp the leadership for himself. While they were eating together, Ishmael and his men got up and killed Gedaliah, as well as all the other Jewish men and Babylonian soldiers who were present. In memory of Gedaliah s tragic death and its disastrous aftermath, we fast every year on the 3rd of Tishrei, the day after Rosh Hashanah. YOM KIPPUR: Sept. 23 Yom Kippur is a 25-hour fast beginning at sunset on September 22nd, and continuing through nightfall the following night. Although it is a solemn day, it is not a sad day. In fact, in a subtle way, it is one of the happiest days of the year, for we receive one of G-d s most precious gifts forgiveness.

September 2015 Elul/Tishrei 5775 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Rosh Hashannah Community Dinner RSVP www.chabadlehighvalley.com 1 2 3 4 17 Elul 18 Elul 19 Elul Ki Tavo 5 20 Elul Light Candles at: 7:12 pm Shabbat Ends at: 8:10 pm Labor Mega Challah Nitzavim Day Bake 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 22 Elul 23 Elul 24 Elul 25 Elul 26 Elul 27 Elul 28 Elul 21 Elul Erev Rosh Hashanah 13 Light Candles at: 7:00 pm Shabbat Ends at: 7:57 pm Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah Fast of Vayelech 1st Day 2nd Day Gedalia Vov Tishrei 14 15 16 17 18 19 29 Elul 1 Tishrei 2 Tishrei 3 Tishrei 4 Tishrei 5 Tishrei 6 Tishrei Rosh Hashannah Community Dinner Light Candles after: 6:57 pm First Day of Hebrew School Light Candles after: 7:54 pm 20 21 7 Tishrei Holiday Ends: 7:52 pm Fast Begins 5:22 am Fast Ends: 7:38 pm Erev Yom Kippur Yom Kippur Yizkor 22 23 8 Tishrei 9 Tishrei Light Candles at: 6:48 pm 24 25 10 Tishrei 11 Tishrei Shabbat Ends at: 7:45 pm Ha Azinu 26 12 Tishrei 13 Tishrei Trip to Ohel Erev Sukkot Hebrew School Sukkot Event Light Candles at: 6:42 pm Holiday Ends: 7:38 pm Sukkot Sukkot Sukkot 1st 27 1st Day 28 2nd Day 29 Intermediate Day 30 14 Tishrei 15 Tishrei 16 Tishrei 17 Tishrei Light Candles at: 6:37 pm Shabbat Ends at: 7:33 pm Join Jewish women from across the Lehigh Valley for an evening of unity and inspiration. www.lvmegachallah.com Light Candles at: 6:33 pm Light Candles after: 7:30 pm Holiday Ends: 7:28 pm Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd Allentown, Pa. 18104 chabadlehighvalley.com ganisraelpa.com friendshipcirclelv.com soslv.org

Tishrei-Cheshvan SUKKOT: Sept. 28 Oct. 4 The Festival of Sukkot is observed through the performance of three mitzvot: Sukkah: For the duration of the holiday it is a mitzvah to eat in a Sukkah, a temporary hut covered by loose tree branches. Lulav & Etrog: Each day of the festival (except on Shabbat) we take the four (plant) species and shake them together. Joy: The overarching mitzvah of Sukkot is joy. When our Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, men and women, young and old would join in music, dancing and juggling for all seven days of the festival! SHEMINI ATZERET/SIM- CHAT TORAH: Sept. 5-6 On the evening of Simchat Torah (in some communities, on the eve of Shemini Atzeret as well) great celebrations take place in the synagogue, focusing on the Jew s connection to the holy Torah. Children play a central role in the festivities, waving flags and riding on their parents shoulders. On Simchat Torah day the yearly cycle of Torah reading is completed and the cycle begins anew. We express this joy with ongoing singing and dancing with the Torah scrolls. Chabad at Lehigh Sukkot Event

October 2015 Tishrei/ Cheshvan 5776 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sukkot 2nd Sukkot 3rd Sukkot 4th Intermediate Day Intermediate Day Intermediate Day 1 2 3 18 Tishrei 19 Tishrei 20 Tishrei Join Us for an Unforgettable Hakafot Under the Stars Monday October 5th Sukkot 5th Shmini Atzeret Simchat Torah Intermediate Day 4 5 6 21 Tishrei 22 Tishrei Light Candles at: 6:25 pm 7 8 9 23 Tishrei 24 Tishrei 25 Tishrei Shabbat Ends at: 7:22 pm Bereishit 10 26 Tishrei 27 Tishrei Hoshana Rabbah Hakafot Under the Stars Light Candles at: 6:22 pm Light Candles after: 7:19 pm Holiday Ends at: 7:17 pm Light Candles at: 6:14 pm Shabbat Ends at: 7:11 pm Columbus Day Cheshvan Cheshvan 11 12 13 14 28 Tishrei 29 Tishrei 30 Tishrei 15 16 1 Cheshvan 2 Cheshvan Noach 17 3 Cheshvan 4 Cheshvan 18 4 Cheshvan Light Candles at: 6:03 pm 19 20 21 22 23 6 Cheshvan 7 Cheshvan 8 Cheshvan 9 Cheshvan Shabbat Ends at: 7:00 pm Lech lecha 24 10 Cheshvan 11 Cheshvan Light Candles at: 5:53 pm 25 26 27 28 29 30 12 Cheshvan 13 Cheshvan 14 Cheshvan 15 Cheshvan 16 Cheshvan Shabbat Ends at: 6:51 pm Vayera 31 17 Cheshvan 18 Cheshvan Light Candles at: 5:43 pm Shabbat Ends at: 6:42 pm Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd Allentown, Pa. 18104 chabadlehighvalley.com ganisraelpa.com friendshipcirclelv.com soslv.org

Cheshvan-Kislev CHABAD HEBREW SCHOOL At Chabad Hebrew School of the Lehigh Valley we see each child as a unique individual with different learning styles and abilities. Each lesson in Hebrew School is multi-sensory and hands on. The lessons incorporate different ways of learning, so that each individual child is reached and is able to benefit. The students truly experience that which they are being taught. Drama, song, interactive workbooks, Aleph Champ and of course the teachers, bring Hebrew School lessons to life. Our hands-on learning style encourages children to be active, rather than passive learners. Some of our students at Hebrew School Graduation day!

November 2015 Cheshvan/Kislev 5776 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Chayei Sarah 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 19 Cheshvan 20 Cheshvan 21 Cheshvan 22 Cheshvan 23 Cheshvan 24 Cheshvan 25 Cheshvan Daylight Saving Time Ends Society Kickoff Class! 8 9 10 26 Cheshvan 27 Cheshvan Light Candles at: 4:35 pm Shabbat Ends at: 5:34 pm Veterans Toldot Day Kislev Kislev 11 12 13 14 28 Cheshvan 29 Cheshvan 30 Cheshvan 1 Kislev 2 Kislev Light Candles at: 4:28 pm 15 16 17 18 19 20 3 Kislev 4 Kislev 5 Kislev 6 Kislev 7 Kislev Shabbat Ends at: 5:28 pm Vayeitzei 21 8 Kislev 9 Kislev 22 23 24 25 10 Kislev 11 Kislev 12 Kislev Thanksgiving 26 13 Kislev Light Candles at: 4:23 pm 14 Kislev 27 Shabbat Ends at: 5:24 pm Vayishlach 28 15 Kislev 16 Kislev 29 30 17 Kislev 18 Kislev Light Candles at: 4:19 pm Shabbat Ends at: 5:21 pm Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd Allentown, Pa. 18104 chabadlehighvalley.com ganisraelpa.com friendshipcirclelv.com soslv.org

Kislev-Tevet CHANUKAH: Dec.7 14 Chanukah celebrates the miraculous victory of the Jewish Maccabees over the Syrian- Greek armies in the 2nd century, BCE. When the Jewish nation recaptured the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, they found a little jug with just enough oil to light the menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days until more arrived. To commemorate this miracle, we light the menorah (preferably with olive oil) for the eight days of Chanukah, and we savor traditional foods, such as potato latkes, fried in oil. The Menorah: We light the menorah at night when it shines brightest (except on Friday, when it is lit before sunset). On the eve of the first day of Chanukah we light one candle on the menorah, adding one more each night until eight are lit on the 8th night. A shamash is used to light the candles and is then placed in its designated holder on the menorah. After the candles are lit, the Haneiros Halalu prayer is recited and the family often gathers together to eat latkes and play dreidel. The Dreidel: The Jews were forbidden to study the Torah. But this did not stop them from teaching their children the sacred teachings. When inspectors arrived to make sure the law was being upheld, the children would quickly hide their books and begin playing with their tops. Public Ice Menorah Lighting with Lehigh Valley Phantoms Bowling Pin Menorah with Chabad Hebrew School

December 2015 Kislev/Tevet 5776 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Yud Tes Kislev Vayeshev 1 2 3 4 5 19 Kislev 20 Kislev 21 Kislev 22 Kislev Join Us at One of our A.B.E. Grand Menorah Lightings www.chabadlehighvalley.com Light Candles at: 4:17 pm 23 Kislev Shabbat Ends at: 5:20 pm Chanukah Chanukah Chanukah Chanukah Chanukah Miketz Chanukah 1st Day 2nd Day 3rd Day 4th Day 5th Day 6 7 8 9 10 11 6th Day 12 24 Kislev 25 Kislev 26 Kislev 27 Kislev 28 Kislev 29 Kislev 30 Kislev 19 Chanukah Shabbat Tevet Light 1st Chanukah Candle at Night Light 2nd Chanukah Candle at Night Light 3rd Chanukah Candle at Night Light 4th Chanukah Candle at Night Light 5th Chanukah Candle at Night Light Candles at: 4:17 pm Shabbat Ends at: 5:20 pm Chanukah Chanukah Vayigash 7th Day 8th Day 13 14 15 16 17 18 1 Tevet 2 Tevet 3 Tevet 4 Tevet 5 Tevet 6 Tevet 7 Tevet Light 8th Chanukah Candle at Night Light Candles at: 4:19 pm 20 21 22 23 24 25 8 Tevet 9 Tevet 10 Tevet 11 Tevet 12 Tevet Shabbat Ends at: 5:23 pm Vayechi 26 13 Tevet 14 Tevet 27 28 29 30 31 15 Tevet 16 Tevet 17 Tevet 18 Tevet 19 Tevet Light Candles at: 4:22 pm Shabbat Ends at: 5:26 pm Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd Allentown, Pa. 18104 chabadlehighvalley.com ganisraelpa.com friendshipcirclelv.com soslv.org

Tevet-Shevat TU B SHEVAT: January 25 Jewish tradition regards the 15th day of Shvat as the New Year of the Trees, the season when trees begin to bud in the Holy Land of Israel. Just as Rosh Hashanah, the New Year for Creation, is viewed as the day on which man is judged, Tu B Shvat is a day of judgment for earth s vegetation. To commemorate this special day, Jews throughout the world eat foods that are distinctive to and characteristic of the Holy Land, including the seven types of fruits and grain mentioned in the Torah: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. A new seasonal fruit is customarily eaten on this day for the first time. The blessings Shecheyanu and Ha eitz are said over the fruit. The Torah states: For man is the tree of the field. There are many lessons to be learned from this metaphor. One lesson, particularly relevant on Tu B Shvat when we celebrate through eating fruits is: Just as a healthy tree bears fruits, so should one strive to produce fruits in his life. These fruits are the good deeds and mitzvot that we do to bring spiritual nourishment to those around us. Furthermore, not every tree bears the same fruit. In addition to our common mitzvot and responsibilities, we each have a special role to play in making the world a beautiful garden.

January 2016 Tevet/Shevat 5776 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Join Chabad of the Lehigh Valley On Our Second Trip to Israel! March 27th - April 5th 2016 www.landandspirit.org New Years Day 1 20 Tevet Light Candles at:4:27 pm 3 4 5 6 7 8 22 Tevet 23 Tevet 24 Tevet 25 Tevet 26 Tevet Shemot 2 21 Tevet Shabbat Ends at: 5:31 pm Va eira 9 27 Tevet 28 Tevet Community Shabbat Dinner Light Candles at: 4:34 pm Shabbat Ends at: 5:38 pm Bo Shevat 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 29 Tevet 1 Shevat 2 Shevat 3 Shevat 4 Shevat 5 Shevat 6 Shevat Light Candles at: 4:41 pm Shabbat Ends at: 5:45 pm Martin Beshalach Luther King 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Day 7 Shevat 8 Shevat 9 Shevat 10 Shevat 11 Shevat 12 Shevat 13 Shevat 24 14 Shevat 31 21 Shevat Tu B Shevat 25 26 15 Shevat 27 28 29 16 Shevat 17 Shevat 18 Shevat Light Candles at: 4:49 pm Shabbat Ends at: 5:52 pm Yitro 30 19 Shevat 20 Shevat Light Candles at: 4:58 pm Shabbat Ends at: 6:00 pm Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd Allentown, Pa. 18104 chabadlehighvalley.com ganisraelpa.com friendshipcirclelv.com soslv.org

Shevat-Adar I At the heart of all of the Friendship Circle s programming is the belief that each and every individual can be a productive member of the community and benefit from the social support offered by one s peers. Friendship, acceptance, and a chance to participate in socially accepted bonding opportunities are critical to achieving this type of inclusive society. have to suffer the social isolation that has often been so prevalent in society. The Friendship Circle aims to provide children, teenagers, and adults with autism and other special needs and their families with many of the social and recreational opportunities that are currently available to the general community. These experiences are essential building blocks for an individual to acquire confidence and self esteem and to ultimately lead a productive, normative adult lifestyle. Sunday Circle with the Friendship Circle We envision a world in which people with special needs and their families experience acceptance, inclusion and friendship as contributing members of society. We foresee a future where they never again

February 2016 Shevat/Adar I 5776 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday If you wait until you find the meaning of life, will there be enough life left to live meaningfully? - Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson 7 8 28 Shevat 1 2 3 4 5 22 Shevat 23 Shevat 24 Shevat 25 Shevat Mishpatim 6 26 Shevat Light Candles at: 5:06 pm 27 Shevat Shabbat Ends at: 6:08 pm Terumah Adar I 9 Adar I 10 11 12 13 29 Shevat 30 Shevat 1 Adar I 2 Adar I 3 Adar I 4 Adar I Light Candles at: 5:15 pm Shabbat Ends at: 6:16 pm President s Tetzaveh 14 Day 15 16 17 18 19 20 5 Adar I 6 Adar I 7 Adar I 8 Adar I 9 Adar I 10 Adar I 11 Adar I 21 22 12 Adar I Light Candles at: 5:23 pm Shabbat Ends a: 6:24 pm Purim Katan Ki Tisa 23 24 25 26 27 13 Adar I 14 Adar I 15 Adar I 16 Adar I 17 Adar I 18 Adar I 28 29 19 Adar I 20 Adar I Light Candles at: 5:32 pm Shabbat Ends at: 6:31 pm Bringing joy to the lives of seniors across the valley... 610. 351.6511 www.soslv.org Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd Allentown, Pa. 18104 chabadlehighvalley.com ganisraelpa.com friendshipcirclelv.com soslv.org

Adar I-AdarII Basketball games at our Purim bash with Blenda Rodriguez FAST OF ESTHER: March 23 Haman s Final Solution was scheduled for the 13th of Adar. Instead, Haman was hanged, and by royal decree the Jews mobilized in selfdefense and successfully defended themselves against all attacks. On the next day, the 14th of Adar, the Jews rested, savored their miraculous salvation, and established the holiday of Purim. Whenever in peril, we are commanded to institute a fast day to repent, pray, and ask for Divine mercy. Thus the 13th of Adar, the day of battle, was a day of fasting. PURIM EVE: March 23 Purim, a very exciting holiday, celebrates the liberation of the Jewish people from an annihilation plot instigated by the evil Haman, a descendant of the Jew-hating tribe of Amalek and an advisor to the Persian King Achashverosh. We begin the festivities after Shabbat by listening to the reading of the megillah. PURIM: March 24 The Purim salvation came as a result of the unified effort of the entire Jewish nation. For this reason, we listen to the megillah again during the day, when we tend to perform mitzvot that help the needy and foster relationships between friends. Afterward, we send a gift of at least two different kinds of food to a friend and give charity to at least two people. As on all festivals, we celebrate Purim with a special meal during the daytime. Family and friends gather to rejoice in the Purim spirit. Masks and Costumes: The miracle of Purim is unique in that it occurred through natural causes. The sea didn t split. The earth didn t shatter. There were no plagues. Had it not been for the daring intervention of Achashverosh s Jewish queen, Esther, Haman s plot would have wiped out the entire Jewish population of Persia in one day. Queen Esther was in the right place at the right time. The hand of G-d was masked beneath the costume of natural events. To symbolize this, children and even many adults, wear facemasks or costumes on Purim.

March 2016 Adar I/Adar II 5776 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Join us for our annual Purim Bash! www.chabadlehighvalley.com 1 2 3 21 Adar I 22 Adar I 23 Adar I 6 7 8 9 26 Adar I 27 Adar I 28 Adar I Vayakhel Shekalim 4 5 24 Adar I Light Candles at: 539 pm 25 Adar I Shabbat Ends at: 6:39 pm Pekudei Adar II 10 Adar II 11 12 29 Adar I 30 Adar I 1 Adar II 2 Adar II Daylight Saving Time Begins Light Candles at: 5:47 pm 13 14 15 16 17 18 3 Adar II 4 Adar II 5 Adar II 6 Adar II 7 Adar II Shabbat Ends at: 6:47 pm Vayikra Zachor 19 8 Adar II 9 Adar II 20 21 22 10 Adar II 11 Adar II Light Candles at: 6:55 pm Shabbat Ends a: 7:54 pm Fast of Esther Purim Tzav Shushan Purim 23 24 25 26 12 Adar II 13 Adar II 14 Adar II 15 Adar II 16 Adar II Fast Begins: 5:37 am Fast Ends: 7:45 pm 27 28 29 30 31 17 Adar II 18 Adar II 19 Adar II 20 Adar II 21 Adar II Light Candles at: 7:02 pm Shabbat Ends at: 8:02 pm Land and Spirit Mission to Israel Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd Allentown, Pa. 18104 chabadlehighvalley.com ganisraelpa.com friendshipcirclelv.com soslv.org

Adar II -Nissan Baking Matzah with Chabad Hebrew School Students PESACH (PASSOVER): April 23-30 The eight-day Pesach holiday celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery and the birth of the Jewish nation more than 3,300 years ago. Pesach is rich with traditions that help us achieve freedom in our own lives. Chametz: Food and drink made of leavened wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt or their derivatives is called Chametz and is forbidden during Pesach. Seder Nights: The celebration of Pesach begins with the seder on the evening of the 14th of Nissan (April 22). The Seder: On the first two nights of Pesach we conduct a seder: a festive, yet serious event. Around a table set with the finest crystal and silver and the best kosher wine, we reenact the ancient exodus from Egypt. We think of ourselves as also being in bondage in Egypt. Matzah: One of the main mitzvot of Pesach is eating matzah. There is a custom to eat hand-baked shmurah matzah, that closely resembles the bread baked by the Jews at the hurried moment of their exodus. The Four Cups of Wine: The Torah uses four expressions of freedom in connection with our liberation from Egypt (see Exodus 6:6-7). This is one of the reasons we celebrate the liberation with the four cups at the Seder. The Last Day of Pesach: As we conclude the festival, we look toward the time when, as we are promised in the Torah, Jews will merit a final redemption from all our oppressors. The eighth and last day of Pesach is traditionally associated with this fervent hope for the imminent coming of Moshiach, a time when we will be able to commit ourselves to our spiritual development. COUNTING OF THE OMER It took 49 days for the people of Israel to reach Mount Sinai and receive the Torah from G-d. The Kabbalists explain that the 49 days correspond to the 49 traits of the human heart. On each day of their original journey from Egypt, the Children of Israel refined one of these traits. Each year, we retrace this inner journey by Counting the Omer beginning on the second night of Pesach and ending before Shavuot.

April 2016 Adar II/Nissan 5776 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Shemini Parah 1 2 22 Adar II There s a place for you at our Community Seder RSVP www.chabadlehighvalley.com 610.351.6511 Light Candles at: 7:09 pm 3 4 5 6 7 8 24 Adar II 25 Adar II 26 Adar II 27 Adar II 28 Adar II 23 Adar II Shabbat Ends at: 8:10 pm Tazria 9 Nissan 29 Adar II Hachodesh 1 Nissan Light Candles at: 7:17 pm 10 11 12 13 14 15 2 Nissan 3 Nissan 4 Nissan 5 Nissan 6 Nissan Shabbat Ends at: 8:17 pm Metzora Shabbat Hagadol16 7 Nissan 8 Nissan Passover Day 2 17 18 9 Nissan Light Candles at: 7:24 pm Rebbe s Birthday Erev Pesach Passover Ta and Bechorot Day 1 19 20 21 22 23 First Seder Night 10 Nissan 11 Nissan 12 Nissan 13 Nissan 14 Nissan 15 Nissan Community Seder Eat Chametz Until: 10:43 am Burn Chametz By: 11:51 am Light Candles at: 7:31 pm Intermediate Day Intermediate Day Intermediate Day Intermediate Day Yizkor Passover Passover Passover Passover Passover Passover 24 Day 3 25 Day 4 26 Day 5 27 Day 6 28 Day 7 29 Day 8 16 Nissan 17 Nissan 18 Nissan 19 Nissan 20 Nissan 21 Nissan Omer 1 Omer 2 Omer 3 Omer 4 Omer 5 Omer 6 Shabbat Ends at: 8:26 pm Shabbat Ends at: 8:34 pm Light Holiday Candles after Shabbat 30 22 Nissan Omer 7 Holiday Ends at: 8:35 pm Light Candles at: 7:37 pm Light Candles at: 7:39 pm Shabbat Ends at: 8:42 pm Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd Allentown, Pa. 18104 chabadlehighvalley.com ganisraelpa.com friendshipcirclelv.com soslv.org

Nissan -Iyyar LAG B OMER: May 26 The 33rd day of this counting period is celebrated as a holiday. On this date in the early second century, the students of Rabbi Akiva stopped dying from an epidemic. On this day, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a Mishnaic sage, mystical thinker, and the author of the Zohar, passed away. Having fulfilled his mission in this world he asked that the anniversary be celebrated as a happy day. Throughout the world, Lag B Omer is celebrated with festivities and bonfires and serves as an occasion for wedding and Bar Mitzvah celebrations. Roasting Marshmallows at Chabad s Lag B Omer Event

May 2016 Nissan/Iyyar 5776 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 23 Nissan Omer 8 2 24 Nissan Omer 9 3 25 Nissan Omer 10 4 26 Nissan Omer 11 Yom HaShoah Holocaust Memorial Day 5 27 Nissan Omer 12 6 28 Nissan Omer 13 Acharei 7 29 Nissan Omer 14 Iyyar 8 30 Nissan Omer 15 Iyyar 9 1 Iyyar Omer 16 10 2 Iyyar Omer 17 Yom HaZikaron 11 3 Iyyar Omer 18 Happy Birthday Israel 12 4 Iyyar Omer 19 Light Candles at: 7:46 pm 13 5 Iyyar Omer 20 Kedoshim Shabbat Ends at: 8:50 pm 14 6 Iyyar Omer 21 Light Candles at: 7:53 pm Shabbat Ends at: 8:58 pm 15 7 Iyyar Omer 22 16 8 Iyyar Omer 23 17 9 Iyyar Omer 24 18 10 Iyyar Omer 25 19 11 Iyyar Omer 26 20 12 Iyyar Omer 27 Emor 21 13 Iyyar Omer 28 Light Candles at: 7:59 pm Shabbat Ends at: 9:06 pm Pesach Sheni 22 14 Iyyar Omer 29 23 15 Iyyar Omer 30 24 16 Iyyar Omer 31 25 17 Iyyar Omer 32 Lag B Omer 26 18 Iyyar Omer 33 27 19 Iyyar Omer 34 Behar 28 20 Iyyar Omer 35 Final Day at Hebrew School Light Candles at: 8:05 pm Shabbat Ends at: 9:13 pm 29 21 Iyyar Omer 36 30 22 Iyyar Omer 37 31 23 Iyyar Omer 38 Get Ready for an Unforgettable Summer at Camp Gan Israel 2016! Give your child a rich and wholesome summer vacation of fun and excitement, friendship and meaningful educational experiences. www.ganisraelpa.com Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd Allentown, Pa. 18104 chabadlehighvalley.com ganisraelpa.com friendshipcirclelv.com soslv.org

Iyyar-Sivan Some of our Camp Gan Izzy Campers at an Iron Pigs Baseball Game SHAVUOT: June 12 13 Shavuot marks the day of the giving of the Torah by G-d to the entire Jewish nation over 3,300 years ago. In Hebrew, the word shavuot means weeks and stands for the seven weeks during which the Jewish people prepared themselves for the giving of the Torah. During this time they rid themselves of the scars of bondage and became a holy nation ready to stand before G-d. The giving of the Torah was a far-reaching event that touched the essence of the Jewish soul, then and for all time. Our sages have compared it to a wedding between G-d and the Jewish people: He became our G-d and we accepted the responsibilities of this unique relationship. The Torah, as a marriage contract, spells out the terms of this relationship. It is customary to decorate one s home with flowers to remind us of the flowers that blossomed on Mount Sinai when the Torah was given. Another very delicious custom is to eat dairy foods during this festival. Shavuot is an appropriate time to rededicate ourselves to our precious heritage. Many make a point of attending the Shavuot Torah reading with all members of the family, young and old even newborn children.

June 2016 Iyyar/Sivan 5776 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Join us for our Community Shavuot Ice Cream Party! 1 24 Iyyar Omer 39 2 25 Iyyar Omer 40 3 26 Iyyar Omer 41 Bechuktai 4 27 Iyyar Omer 42 Yom Yerushalayim 5 28 Iyyar Omer 43 6 29 Iyyar Omer 44 Sunday June 12th Sivan 7 1 Sivan Omer 45 8 2 Sivan Omer 46 9 3 Sivan Omer 47 Light Candles at: 8:11 pm 10 4 Sivan Omer 48 Shabbat Ends at: 9:19 pm Bamidmar Erev Shavuot 11 5 Sivan Omer 49 Shavuot Light Candles at: 8:15 pm Shabbat Ends at: 9:23 pm Light Holiday Candles after Shabbat Shavuot Naso 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 6 Sivan 7 Sivan 8 Sivan 9 Sivan 10 Sivan 11 Sivan 12 Sivan Community Ice Cream Party Light Candles after: 9:24 pm Father s Day Holiday Ends 9:24 pm Light Candles at: 8:18 pm 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 Sivan 14 Sivan 15 Sivan 16 Sivan 17 Sivan Shabbat Ends a: 9:26 pm Behaalotecha 25 18 Sivan 19 Sivan First Day of Camp 26 27 28 29 30 20 Sivan 21 Sivan 22 Sivan 23 Sivan 24 Sivan Light Candles at: 8:19 pm Shabbat Ends at: 9:27 pm How can you achieve such concentration? By recognizing everything you do is important to G-d, and is one vital piece of the larger picture of your life. - Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd Allentown, Pa. 18104 chabadlehighvalley.com ganisraelpa.com friendshipcirclelv.com soslv.org

Sivan-Tammuz Community Trip to the Ohel The Ohel is where the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, was laid to rest on the 3rd of Tammuz 5754 (June 12, 1994). The term Ohel (lit. tent ) refers to the structure built over the resting place of a Tzaddik, a righteous person. Anyone who had the good fortune to meet the Rebbe during his lifetime can relate the unparalleled attention and love that he offered each individual, regardless of background, situation or degree of religious involvement. Whether they came for blessing, advice, or encouragement, men and women from all walks of life found solace in the Rebbe s kind words and luminous visage. Anyone who stood in his presence - even for a moment - could not leave without being deeply affected, if not changed by their encounter, an extraordinary experience that people carry with them to this day. Our Sages declare that the Righteous are even greater after their passing than during their lifetime, and the constant stream of visitors to the Rebbe s resting place (the Ohel) from every sector of the Jewish nation testifies to the powerful truth of their words. The Ohel has become a center, the place where thousands come and continue to receive inspiration and blessing from the Rebbe.

July 2016 Sivan/Tammuz 5776 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Give Your Child the Best Start Enroll Today! 610.351.6511 contact@chabadlehighvalley.com Shelach 1 2 25 Sivan Light Candles at: 8:19 pm 26 Sivan Shabbat Ends at: 9:27 pm Independence Korach Day Gimmel Tammuz 3 4 5 Tammuz 6 Tammuz 7 8 9 27 Sivan 28 Sivan 29 Sivan 30 Sivan 1 Tammuz 2 Tammuz 3 Tammuz Light Candles at: 8:17 pm 10 11 12 13 14 15 4 Tammuz 5 Tammuz 6 Tammuz 7 Tammuz 8 Tammuz Shabbat Ends at: 9:24 pm Chukat 16 9 Tammuz 10 Tammuz Light Candles at: 8:13 pm Shabbat Ends at: 9:19 pm Yud Beis Balak Tammuz 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 11 Tammuz 12 Tammuz 13 Tammuz 14 Tammuz 15 Tammuz 16 Tammuz 17 Tammuz 24 18 Tammuz 31 25 Tammuz Light Candles at: 8:08 pm 25 26 27 28 29 19 Tammuz 20 Tammuz 21 Tammuz 22 Tammuz Shabbat Ends at: 9:13 pm Pinchas 30 23 Tammuz 24 Tammuz Light Candles at: 8:02 pm Shabbat Ends at: 9:05 pm Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd Allentown, Pa. 18104 chabadlehighvalley.com ganisraelpa.com friendshipcirclelv.com soslv.org

Tammuz-Av MITZVAH SPOTLIGHT: Kosher What is Kosher? Kosher stands for quality, purity, wholesomeness and truth. The word kosher literally means fit for use, and fitness physical and spiritual is a matter of making the right choices. The kosher laws were not made for physical health, but it comes as no surprise that what is good for the soul is good for the body as well. The body and soul are intimately connected. The Kabbalah teaches that whatever happens to the soul is reflected in the body, and the food the body consumes impacts the soul. Judaism encompasses every aspect of life, the spiritual as well as the physical. In a real sense, kosher laws represent the meeting of body and soul.

August 2016 Tammuz/Av 5776 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Matot-Masei 1 2 3 4 Av 5 26 Tammuz 27 Tammuz 28 Tammuz 29 Tammuz 1 Av 62 Av Light Candles at: 7:54 pm 73 Av 84 Av 95 Av 10 6 Av 11 7 Av 12 Shabbat Ends at: 8:56 pm Devarim 13 8 Av 9 Av Tisha B Av Fast Day Light Candles at: 7:54 pm 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 Av 11 Av 12 Av 13 Av 14 Av Shabbat Ends at: 8:46 pm Va etchanan 20 15 Av 16 Av Fast Begins:?? am Fast Ends:?? pm Light Candles at: 7:35 pm 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 Av 18 Av 19 Av 20 Av 21 Av Shabbat Ends a: 8:35 pm Eikev 27 22 Av 23 Av 28 29 24 Av 25 Av 30 31 26 Av 27 Av ל מ ן ד Light Candles at: 7:25 pm Shabbat Ends at: 8:20 pm Register Now for an Amazing Year @ Chabad Hebrew School (610) 651.3511 Learn it. Live it. LOVE it. Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd Allentown, Pa. 18104 chabadlehighvalley.com ganisraelpa.com friendshipcirclelv.com soslv.org

Av-Elul SHABBAT: An Oasis in Time Imagine how wonderful it would be to completely relax and forget the rush and stress of our daily affairs; to have time for ourselves with no other duties except to reflect on our accomplishments and the direction of our lives. That is Shabbat.The true meaning of Shabbat rest is retirement from the working world to an island of spiritual tranquility within time. We welcome this spiritual day by lighting the Shabbat candles 18 minutes before sunset. Single women and girls light one candle. Married women light two candles (some communities light a candle for each member of the family). The candles glow with the spirituality that nourishes the Jewish home on Shabbat. It is customary to put a few coins into the tzedakah box before lighting the candles. In the evening, a special Shabbat meal is prepared and sanctified by the recitation of the kiddush prayer over a cup of wine. Thus begins the actual experience and connection to this deep refreshing energy we call Shabbat.

September 2016 Av/Elul 5776 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Re eh Engaging and Unique Aleph Champ Program! 1 2 Elul 3 28 Av 29 Av 30 Av Elul Labor Day 4 5 1 Elul www.chabadlehighvalley.com 610.351.6511 hs@chabadlehighvalley.com 6 7 8 9 2 Elul 3 Elul 4 Elul 5 Elul Light Candles at: 7:14 pm Shabbat Ends at: 8:12 pm Shoftim 10 6 Elul 7 Elul Light Candles at: 7:03 pm 11 12 13 14 15 16 8 Elul 9 Elul 10 Elul 11 Elul 12 Elul Shabbat Ends at: 8:00 pm Ki Teitzei 17 13 Elul 14 Elul 18 15 Elul Light Candles at: 6:51 pm 19 20 21 22 23 16 Elul 17 Elul 18 Elul 19 Elul Shabbat Ends at: 7:48 pm Ki Tavo 24 20 Elul 21 Elul Light Candles at: 6:40 pm 25 26 27 28 29 30 22 Elul 23 Elul 24 Elul 25 Elul 26 Elul 27 Elul Shabbat Ends at: 7:36 pm For the unlearned, old age is winter; for the learned it is the season of the harvest. - The Talmud Light Candles at: 6:28 pm Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd Allentown, Pa. 18104 chabadlehighvalley.com ganisraelpa.com friendshipcirclelv.com soslv.org

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Community is important to us, and we re proud to be a part of yours. CountryMeadows.com Our residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, social hours and fitness classes all week, Jewish study sessions on Fridays, Shabbat services each month and life every day. 410 Krocks Road, Allentown (minutes from Route 22 & I-78) 610-395-7160 Independent Living Personal Care Memory Care Restorative Care In-Home Services We are proud to be a part of the community. We are also proud to carry an extensive selection of Kosher foods, including David Elliot fresh Kosher poultry and Meal Mart fresh Kosher Glatt meat. Plus, we have a sparkling in-store fresh Kosher bakery (Pas Yisroel) where you ll find fresh baked Kosher breads, rolls, cakes and more for your enjoyment. The Shoppes at Cedar Point, Allentown Crest Plaza, Allentown

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