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The Westchester Jewish Council's
WE-stchester
Comm-UNITY
Connection
February 26, 2026 9 Adar 5786
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Greetings!
Good morning.
The Jewish holiday of Purim begins Monday evening. It is one of the most joyous celebrations in the Jewish calendar, marked by many amazing traditions that vary by region. In Italy, it was customary to throw nuts during the festivities. In Bukhara, people would create snow figures representing the evil Haman, which they would later burn using lit wood and rags. We share some Purim events in the community below and you can view more on our Community Calendar. We hope you enjoy the holiday, however you choose to celebrate!
Although our wonderful 50th Anniversary (record setting) Gala has concluded, some of the fun remains available on our website. Special thanks to Michele Gregson, our Gala Chair, for putting together a collection of videos that showcase the Council and events from various decades. Take a look!
A delegation of Synagogue Executive Directors from Westchester and Long Island visited Israel last week on a trip dedicated to volunteerism generously sponsored by UJA-Federation NY, coordinated by the Westchester Jewish Council and chaired by Jane Sable-Friedman of Larchmont Temple. Read on for some images and more information.
If you are missing the feel-good spirit of the Olympics, you can soon cheer on Team USA and Team Israel in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic beginning in early March.
Chag Purim Sameach and Shabbat Shalom.
Michael Mittelman, President
Elliot Forchheimer, CEO
Lori Kurlander, Communications Manager
WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL
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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
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(The Council is financially supported by donations from individuals,
dues from 120 member organizations and generous financial support from UJA-Federation.)
| | WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL REWIND | | |
Last week, a group of Synagogue Executive Directors from both Westchester and Long Island traveled to Israel on a trip sponsored by the UJA Federation-NY and coordinated by the Westchester Jewish Council. The participants were overcome with emotion and gratitude for the experience, stating that it was "a trip of a lifetime with incredible camaraderie and the chance to volunteer and make a hands on difference". Stay tuned for some reflections from the trip in the coming weeks.
WJC travel partner, Ayelet Tours coordinated this Israel experience. We remain most grateful for their ongoing expertise, seamless program implementation, and service to the Westchester Jewish Council and so many of our member organizations. For more information, contact Jeff@ayelet.com.
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On Tuesday evening, St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church
commemorated 4 years of war in Ukraine with a candelight vigil. We were honored to attend this important gathering.
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WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL -
JEWISH LITERACY INTIATIVE
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Please join us for the next installment of our Jewish Literacy Initiative with Purchase College - a talk with Prof. Rebecca Kobrin on Thursday, March 5th:
"A Credit to the Nation:
European Jewish Immigrant Bankers and American Finance"
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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)
Mosaic LGBTQ+ - Wednesday, March 18 via Zoom
Synagogue Presidents - Wednesday, May 6
Israel Roundtable - Coming soon
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UJA-FEDERATION: TELLING OUR STORIES THROUGH FOOD
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Doors open at 7:00 pm Program Begins at 7:30 pm Westchester, New York
Join UJA Northern Westchester and Shaaray Tefila Talks to hear from author and Jewish Food Society founder Naama Shefi. Naama will share how a passion for saving family recipes grew into a global effort to document Jewish culture through food. She’ll explore the origins of the Jewish Food Society, the stories behind its acclaimed cookbook, The Jewish Holiday Table, and how food connects generations and strengthens community.
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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
UJA ACTION
There’s a new bill in Albany right now that would protect people from harassment and obstruction when entering houses of worship. At its core, this legislation is about ensuring the Jewish community and all New Yorkers can practice their faith without facing hostility or danger.
It only takes a minute to show your support—click here: https://www.ujafedny.org/uja-action/protect-community-spaces
| | A SMALL SAMPLE OF WHAT'S HAPPENING... | | | | |
Bet Am Shalom Synagogue
Shorashim: Purim
BAS member and Non-member families: please join us with your young children.
Theme this Month: Purim
Shorashim is a free, monthly, Sunday morning program for young children ages 0-5, and their parents, grandparents and caregivers. The program brings to life a different Jewish holiday or theme with age-appropriate cooking projects, arts & crafts, stories, songs and other activities. Feel free to invite your extended family, friends, neighbors, your friends’ neighbors, etc…
Contact Lisa Jacobs, Director of Family Education & Engagement with any questions.
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Join us this Purim to distribute Mishloach Manot for Holocaust survivors in need in Israel, helping them to celebrate Purim with joy and dignity.
Latet, Israel’s largest NGO fighting poverty and food insecurity, is distributing Purim baskets filled with essential food, household basics, and festive treats to Holocaust survivors across the country!
Join us today and make someone’s holiday brighter.
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The Power of One: The Story of Sir Nicholas Winton and the Kindertransport
Thursday, March 19, 7:00 pm at Temple Sholom, 300 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT
What makes an ordinary person step up and change history? Guest speaker Nick Winton, the son of Sir Nicholas Winton MBE, will share his father's remarkable story as the organizer of the Kindertransport from Czechoslovakia before World War II, and his act of courage that saved 669 children. Through personal insights, rare photographs, and archive footage - including the unforgettable TV moment when Sir Nicholas met some of those he saved - this talk will bring history to life. The cost to attend is $18 per person with all proceeds supporting WJCS Holocaust Survivor Support Services.
| | WESTCHESTER COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | | MemGlobal is hiring for two positions. Details can be found below. | | |
Mazel Tov to:
WJC Board Member Stephanie Risa Balkin and her family on the upcoming B'nai Mitzvah of her twins Zachary & Jonah at Shaarei Tikvah in Scarsdale on March 7th.
| | SOME QUICK MEDIA/COMMUNITY LINKS | | |
Westchester Jewish Council
925 Westchester Avenue, Suite 200, White Plains, NY 10604
914-328-7001 | info@wjcouncil.org | www.wjcouncil.org
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For information regarding submissions, please contact Lori Kurlander
The next Community Connection will be published on or about March 5, 2026
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