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Jewish Allentown

Are you a Billy Joel fan? Even if you aren’t, you’ll be happy to know that “we’re livin’ here in Allentown*,” and this warm, vibrant Jewish community is anything but about to close down!

Warm Jewish Environment Close to Commutable Hubs

The third largest city in Pennsylvania, Allentown is located in the heart of the beautiful Lehigh Valley, a common vacation destination. Centrally located, we’re within commuting distance to Philadelphia (1 hour), New York City (90 minutes) and Teaneck (75 minutes). The city houses many great places to work, from top-rated hospitals to the local Jewish Day School to manufacturing giants. It’s also home to a plethora of institutions of higher education, like Muhlenberg College (now with a kosher cafeteria!) and Lehigh University.

A Scenic, Affordable Neighborhood

In any weather, the walk to shul is undoubtedly beautiful – people here in Allentown pride themselves on their well-kept yards and gardens. Housing is affordable here too, making it easier to support a family: around $250,000 for a home of your own or approximately $1,000-$1,500 for a rental. You’ll also feel comfortable knowing you’re in a wonderful family-friendly environment.

There’s So Much to Do Year-round

              

If you’re here in the fall, you might find many community members at the waterfall-studded hikes in the Pocono Mountain range, only a 45-minute ride away. If it’s the winter, we could be warming up indoors at Allentown’s many cultural attractions, such as the Allentown Art Museum or the Allentown Symphony Hall, or entertaining the kids at the Crayola Museum or the Da Vinci Science Center. In the spring, you might find us walking around one of Allentown’s many parks, many of which are within walking distance of the shul. If your visit is in the summer, it’s all about Dorney Park, an amusement park that’s home to one of the world’s top-rated steel coasters and a full waterpark.

Come and See for Yourself

Come explore Allentown – we would love to have you! If you are interested in joining the community, contact the Sons of Israel office at 610.433.6089 for home hospitality information.

“Allentown,” 1982 song by Billy Joel, is really about the decline of Bethlehem’s steel industry, but Allentown was chosen as the song’s title because it was easier to rhyme. Nonetheless, after the song became a hit record, Billy Joel was awarded a key to the city by Allentown’s mayor. Click to listen to the song.

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784