Congregation Bnai Shalom is a long-time supporter of Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley (JFS). Our congregants generously donate requested items for their food pantry and attend their fundraiser events. Many of our members served and continue to serve on the JFS Board of Directors while others helped in a professional capacity. Many more volunteer to help with their food pantry, deliver mazel meals, and help with Jewish programs in the community. At times, our members use impactful services provided by JFS.
Last month, Chelsea Karp, the new executive director of JFS, visited Bnai Shalom for a pre-Shabbat meal and Shabbat services as our special guest. Almost thirty of our members attended the dinner and services, making Chelsea feel warm and welcome. She stated, "being here tonight was the highlight of my week." During the evening, she addressed the congregation, talking about her personal journey, her role at JFS, and its impact to the Jewish community and others in the region. You may not be familiar with the impact JFS has in our community which according to Chelsea, "you may not see the work we do and that is by design. … At Jewish Family Service, we are here to help quietly, respectfully, and without judgement."
If you were unable to attend that evening, you can view Chelsea's remarks on our Bnai Shalom Easton PA YouTube channel website, in the Friday Evening Service – 05-01-2026 video, starting at the 45:00 mark. We encourage you to listen to her remarks. She did a masterful job telling her journey to JFS and how impactful the agency is on our community. JFS provides critical services in our area, and our Bnai Shalom continues to be a major supporter of JFS.
You can find out more about JFS at their website: https://jfslv.org/. You can find our YouTube website at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfZItTXHDeWVl4t0XQtMRkg/streams
Vickie Semmel and Howard Nathanson
Bnai Shalom Co-Presidents
SERVING THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF EASTON SINCE 1839