The Westchester Jewish Council's

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May 20, 2026 4 Sivan 5786

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Greetings!

We have arrived at the holiday weekend a bit early and are looking forward to a meaningful few days ahead. Thursday night marks the start of the observance of Shavuot, celebrating the giving of the Torah and the commemoration of the spring harvest. And of course Monday is Memorial Day, when we honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Following the horrific anti-Muslim attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego earlier this week, we sent messages of concern, empathy and support to our Muslim organizational partners in Westchester. We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community during this time of grief and sorrow and remain committed to working together against hatred, intolerance, and violence in all its forms.

Please join us next Tuesday, May 26th, via Zoom for the Westchester Jewish Council Interfaith Roundtable as we welcome JTC Executive Director Abbe Marcus and Board Member April Hampton. Together, we will learn about “The Telling: A Gathering of Remembrance,” a moving exploration of African American history inspired by the Jewish Passover Seder.

Speaking of Roundtables, our recent Security Roundtable, chaired by Jeff Kapelus, had a record attendance of participants and representatives from Council member organizations. Thank you to Mitch Silber and Bill Hayes of CSI for presenting to the many representatives of law enforcement and of course, our Jewish leadership.

As we approach the Celebrate Israel Parade, we look forward to marching together with participants from across Westchester in a strong display of community, pride, and solidarity with Israel. The Council is proud to coordinate the Westchester delegation with

T-shirts supplied by our friends at UJA.

The Council was honored to attend the memorial service for Congressman Eliot Engel and to pay tribute to his many years of dedicated public service and steadfast support of the Jewish community and Israel.

Chag Sameach, Shabbat Shalom, and best wishes for a meaningful Memorial Day weekend. We look forward to seeing you next week.

Michael Mittelman, President

Elliot Forchheimer, CEO

Lori Kurlander, Communications Manager

WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL

HERE WHEN YOU NEED US - YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW:

Since 1975, the Council has connected our Jewish community to:

Each other, to Israel, to our elected officials and

to our brothers and sisters from other faiths and ethnic groups

Please support the work of the Westchester Jewish Council. Your donation makes a difference each and every day. Click here to donate.

(The Council is financially supported by donations from individuals,

dues from 120 member organizations and generous financial support from UJA-Federation.)

COUNCIL EVENTS

Join us on Zoom as we welcome JTC Executive Director Abbe Marcus and Board Member April Hampton and learn about “The Telling: A Gathering of Remembrance”, a history of African Americans inspired by the Jewish Passover Seder.

There’s more!

Join us on Sunday, June 14th at

Star of Bethlehem Church, Ossining, NY for “The Telling”

More details can be found below in the "Odds and Ends" section of this newsletter.

JEWISH HERITAGE MONTH EVENTS & NEWS

Senator Pete Harckham hosted a Jewish American Heritage Month award ceremony at New Castle Town Hall to recognize three individuals whose leadership, service, and accomplishments have made a lasting impact on our communities.

Michele Gregson, Westchester Jewish Council Board member, was one of the honorees. She has dedicated her career and volunteer work to strengthening connections within the Jewish community and advancing arts and culture in Westchester. Through her leadership with the Westchester Jewish Council, UJA-Federation of New York, Friends of the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, and numerous local initiatives, she has helped bring people together and enrich community life.

Mazal Tov Michele!

This June, come together with the community and the Westchester Jewish Council for a special Jewish Heritage Night with the Westchester Soccer Club. On Wednesday, June 10th at 7:00 PM, join us at Memorial Field in Mt. Vernon as Westchester SC faces NYCFC II in an evening that combines the excitement of soccer with a celebration of Jewish culture and community.

This family-friendly event features kosher food options and a vibrant atmosphere for all to enjoy. Tickets are just $15, making it an accessible and meaningful night out for everyone.

Event Details:

Wednesday, June 10th

Gates open at 5:30 PM | Kickoff at 7:00 PM

Memorial Field, 431 Garden Ave, Mt. Vernon

We hope you’ll join us for this memorable evening of community pride and celebration.

Purchase Tickets Here

CONNECTING GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY

Rabbi Dina Rosenberg, Congregation Sons of Israel, and 70 other Jewish leaders participated in a wonderful county-wide workshop (Machloket Matters) to learn more about civil discourse for leaders and policy makers during difficult times. This workshop was brought to the Jewish community by Pardes, funded by UJA and in coordination with the Westchester Jewish Council.

Pictured from L to R: Tali Strom, UJA-Federation NY, Director, Community Mobilizers; Rika Levin, Mayor of Ossining & Westchester Jewish Council Government Relations Manager; Rabbi Dina Rosenberg, CSI; Elliot Forchheimer, Westchester Jewish Council CEO

ISRAEL CORNER

Visit Council Member Israel Resources

ISRAEL

UPDATES & UPCOMING PROGRAMS

FROM COMMUNITY SHLICHA & SHINSHINIM

ARE YOU READY TO HOST A YOUNG ISRAELI EMISSARY STARTING IN LATE AUGUST? It is an incredible opportunity for any family that has an extra bedroom to bring some Israeli culture into their home for 3-5 months. You will gain an extended family in Israel and a friendship that will last a lifetime.

Please reach out to Karen Avneri for more information.

SAVE THE DATE TO CELEBRATE

THE ISRAEL DAY PARADE

Please find JCRC Israel Day on Fifth Press Release Here

WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL'S

SECURITY AND SAFETY UPDATE

“Repetition Reinforces Retention and Recall”

For more information about the Westchester Jewish Council's Security Roundtable initiative, contact security@wjcouncil.org. Working together we are all safer.

WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL ROUNDTABLES

Westchester Jewish Council

Upcoming Community Roundtables

(The Council thanks the hundreds of people who dedicate time to attend our Roundtables - a signature initiative of the Council, often sponsored with wonderful partners from among our member organizations)

Interfaith - Tuesday, May 26th at noon via Zoom (Details can be found above in the "Council Events" section)

Synagogue Executive Directors - Wednesday June 3

UJA-FEDERATION OF NY

FROM YOUTUBE TO YOUR LIVING ROOM: JEWISH PARENTING WITH MS. SARA

Thursday, June 4, Doors open at 7:15 pm

Join UJA White Plains for a joyful and meaningful evening with Ms. Sara, a beloved children’s educator known for bringing Jewish values and celebration to life for young families.Sara will be in conversation with Rebecca Solomon, Emmy Award-winning journalist, sharing insights and practical guidance for finding ways to bring Jewish joy into your home through songs, stories, and everyday rituals.

A SMALL SAMPLE OF WHAT'S HAPPENING...

Community Calendar of Learning, Engagement &

Connecting Opportunities

RSVP Here by May 21st

BUSINESS PARTNER PROGRAMS

Email Glenn Frisbie Here for More Information

ODDS AND ENDS

New Rochelle Public Library has been selected as one of 40 libraries nationwide to participate in the Yiddish Book Center’s Public Libraries Program. Join us for a series of engaging discussions of exploring Jewish culture and religion through Yiddish Literature and special programs. View all programs and register at bit.ly/Yiddish_June2026

All programs are presented as part of the Yiddish Book Center’s Public Libraries Program, in partnership with the ALA and funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

Learn More Here

THE TELLING: A Gathering of Remembrance A Juneteenth Commemoration in Ossining

Sunday, June 14, 2026 • The Telling Service: 6:00 PM • Dinner: 7:00 PM Admission: $20 per person (Registration required)

In honor of Juneteenth, the Briarcliff Ossining Ministerial Association (BOMA), Star of Bethlehem Church, NAACP Ossining, the Ossining Village Juneteenth Council, CSI Briarcliff, and JTC Experiences invite the community to a powerful evening of reflection, history, and shared experience: “The Telling: A Gathering of Remembrance.”

Kosher and Halal meal options available upon request