Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) worked with the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley on a new edition of Shalom Lehigh Valley to introduce what the thriving region offers for the Jewish community. 
Shalom Lehigh Valley is a 48-page magazine that tells the story of the Lehigh Valley’s exceptional quality of life, and the many personal and professional opportunities the region holds, from jobs to schools to fun things to do. The guide highlights the strengths of the Lehigh Valley’s community of about 8,000 Jews and promotes the programs, services, community, and worship opportunities available.
“LVEDC is working with partners like the Jewish Federation to increase awareness of the Lehigh Valley brand, which is critical for the region’s continued prosperity,” said Nicole Radzievich Mertz, LVEDC’s Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Research.
Lehigh Valley is one of the fastest-growing regions in Pennsylvania and the Northeast U.S., with a population of about 708,000. Lehigh Valley is at all-time highs in economic output (Gross Domestic Product of $55.7 billion), jobs (more than 340,000), and median household income ($81,000, higher than the state and U.S.).
The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley publishes Shalom Lehigh Valley magazine every few years to shine a spotlight on what makes the region and its Jewish community special. Readers looking to relocate from elsewhere may be inspired to consider settling here, and current residents will find out how easy it is to get involved in the community and the good it creates and shares here and around the world.
Lehigh Valley was ranked the No. 3 mid-sized market in the U.S. for economic development in 2024 by Site Selection magazine, an authority in the field. The region frequently collects accolades for its quality of life, including:
Bethlehem Among the Best Places to Live in the U.S. (Livability.com)
Easton One of PA’s Best Downtowns (WorldAtlas)
Lehigh Valley International One of the Best Small Airports (Newsweek)
Macungie Among Hottest Zip Codes (Realtor.com)
“The Jewish Federation is delighted to partner with the LVEDC to produce Shalom Lehigh Valley,” said Jeri Zimmerman, the Federation’s Executive Director. “It represents a wonderful guide to our community and serves as a useful resource. It’s always our pleasure to work with LVEDC.”
As the primary Jewish nonprofit fundraiser and organizer of communal events in the Lehigh Valley, the Federation is the engine for Jewish life in partnership with the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Day School, Jewish Family Service, and the 10 synagogues. In its last fiscal year, the Federation and its foundation allotted $5 million to impact food insecurity, education, older adult services, security and antisemitism, Israel, and more.
The new edition of Shalom Lehigh Valley shares testimonial articles from multigenerational Jewish families about what they love about the Lehigh Valley, including schools, parks, entertainment, volunteer opportunities, and more.
“It’s a good place to raise kids, it has a Jewish community, and I made long-lasting friends,” said Amy Morrison, who moved to the Lehigh Valley 30 years ago.
The magazine also profiles people who grew up in the Lehigh Valley, moved away, and then moved back to raise their families here. Those families graciously shared heirloom recipes for their favorite meals, including Audrey Sosis’s Mandelbrot and Pirry Roth’s Kugel.
Information is shared about religious life; schools, camps, and other activities for children; places to go and things to do; opportunities to meet neighbors and build relationships; and more.
Visit the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley website for information on the organization. Visit the Shalom website for a handpicked selection of the magazine articles, to flip through the full digital issue, and to order free print copies.