Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley

Programs / / Tikvah House Mitzvah

Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley is taking part in helping to encourage and support the Jewish identity of the young adult residents of Tikvah (Hope) House, in Allentown. To that end, JFS has elected to coordinate once-a-month Shabbat meals, involving families from synagogues throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Tikvah House, founded over seventeen years ago, is the only supervised community residence in this area with a Jewish mission for developmentally challenged adults. It is devoted to the goal of helping each individual to live a fulfilled and satisfying life as a valued and integrated member of the local community. The residents are encouraged to participate in local Jewish activities. Shabbat dinner with area families has been a highlight for them.

The three residents of Tikvah House all have local ties. They have full-time jobs and an active social life that includes bowling, movies, dances, activities with Muhlenberg Hillel, Best Buddies and Special Olympics.

For a Shabbat dinner, the Tikvah House residents will be transported by Tikvah House staff and a staff person may be included at the dinner, if the host family wishes. Although Tikvah House cuisine is Kosher, it is not necessary for the Shabbat dinner to be Kosher. Shellfish and pork products should be avoided.

The contact person for Jewish Family Service is board member Barbara Hoffman. She can be reached at 610-434-7276 or barbart249@aol.com.