|
The Westchester Jewish Council's
WE-stchester
Comm-UNITY
Connection
March 5, 2026 16 Adar 5786
| | |
Greetings!
Good morning.
We have just concluded the holiday of Purim—a celebration that, this year, felt particularly poignant. As we marked the ancient victory of the Jewish people over those who sought our destruction, much of our attention has remained fixed on modern-day Persia with developments in the ongoing U.S. and Israeli-led war against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Westchester Jewish Council continues to stand in unwavering solidarity with the people of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces, and the American armed services. We pray for their safety, for the swift and successful completion of their objectives, and for a future defined by lasting peace rather than terror. We also recognize and hold in our prayers the people of Iran who yearn for their own freedom from an evil regime that has long oppressed them.
In times of global conflict, the strength of our local Westchester community is our greatest anchor. As this war continues and new challenges and needs emerge, please remember that the Council is here as a resource and a force multiplier for our 120 member organizations. By providing a centralized platform for security coordination, advocacy, and information sharing, we enable our synagogues and institutions to have an even greater impact than they could achieve on their own.
Events over the past week—including the mass shooting in Austin, Texas and the targeted shooting of a synagogue in Toronto—serve as a sobering reminder that we are not immune to the global reach of this conflict. We are deeply grateful to our State, County, and local police departments who are keenly aware of the unique security challenges facing our community. We will continue to work in lockstep with them to maintain the constant vigilance this moment demands.
As we navigate these uncertain times together, the Council will continue to monitor the global situation and its local implications. We are dedicated to ensuring our community remains informed, secure, and united as long as the war continues and beyond.
May the spirit of courage we celebrated this week sustain us in the days ahead.
Michael Mittelman, President
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This newsletter includes important information regarding various programs related to Israel, and a message from Hila, our Community Shlicha. Additionally, you'll find information on local Jewish day camps in a special section and information on celebrating Women's History Month. We encourage you to read on to stay informed!
Shabbat Shalom and don't forget to move your clocks ahead this Sunday.
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
| | |
(The Council is financially supported by donations from individuals,
dues from 120 member organizations and generous financial support from UJA-Federation.)
| | |
Reflections on Israel at This Moment
By: Hila Madar Itzkovitz, Westchester Shlicha
This week, I spoke with a friend in Israel who recently had a baby. She shared, in that well-known Israeli sarcastic way, that her six-year-old proudly said about his newborn little brother: “For him, it’s only his first war. For me, it’s already my third”.
That story reflects the reality of many in Israel, living once again under the shadow of war, while the effects of previous rounds are still felt: communities that were displaced have not fully returned, parts of the north are nearly empty, many families carry loss with them, thousands of reservists continue to serve, and small business owners struggle to survive month after month.
Purim arrives this year against a complex backdrop, and in many ways, the story of the Book of Esther brings to light many of the feelings I have about what is happening in Israel right now. The central motif of the Book of Esther is concealment (“hastara” in Hebrew) -something hidden, unrevealed. The name Esther comes from the word hester, meaning concealment, reflecting how she hid her Jewish identity and acted with strategy and subtlety within the palace. Just as she operated in hidden ways, the Megillah itself contains no mention of God’s name and no open miracles, with everything appearing political and natural. This is a story in which things are not always what they seem, and the meaning of events becomes clear only in hindsight. Purim also places us in a world of royal decrees, dramatic gestures, and political maneuvering.
| | |
BRING ISRAEL INTO YOUR HOME!
Watch this video to learn more about the incredible shinshinim program.
| | UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND HELPING ISRAEL | | |
JCRC-NY Briefing | Israel & Iran:
A Briefing with Israel's Deputy Consul General
Thursday, March 5 at 10am | Zoom Webinar
Understanding Operation Lion's Roar: An Urgent Briefing on Israel and Iran.
Join us for a briefing with Tsach Saar, Deputy Consul General of Israel in New York, who will provide an on-the-ground assessment of Operation Lion's Roar, the current state of the Israel-Iran conflict, and what it means for Israel, the region, and Jewish communities worldwide.
This is an opportunity to get accurate, direct information from a senior Israeli official at a critical moment.
| | | | |
As Israel enters extremely tense days, Latet has launched an emergency operation to support displaced families, homebound elderly, Holocaust survivors, and civilians forced into prolonged shelter stays.
Latet is distributing 3,000 emergency kits (food, hygiene, and essential supplies), and might expand as needed. Any support at this critical time will make a real difference. Thank you for standing with us.
| |
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. | | |
CAMP SEASON IS ALMOST HERE
Jewish Day Camp Overview
| | |
With warm weather on the way and Daylight Saving Time starting this Sunday, summer camp is just around the corner. In this edition, we have a special section dedicated to member organizations that are or sponsor summer day camps. Jewish day camp is a great way to further Jewish pride and engagement. It is not too late for those looking for options for this year or to start thinking about visiting for next year. Thank you to the day camps that are part of the Westchester Jewish Council's Day Camp Roundtable.
| | |
At Beth El Day Camp in New Rochelle, 2-8 year old Day Campers and 9-12 year old Creativity Campers enjoy the best summer days ever—in the sun, on the courts, in the pool, at the art studio, on yoga mats, and behind drums and microphones. With top safety, a nurturing vibe, and high staff-to-camper ratios, it’s the perfect place to shine. Delicious lunches, towel service, and expert staff ensure everything begins with love and ends in fun. Extended care 7:30am–6:00pm; Creativity Camp offers weekly registration.
| | |
Summer Days at the J, our signature summer camp that won Best of Westchester 2024, cultivates a community united by curiosity, discovery, and creativity. As part of our nurturing family, campers embrace the key Jewish values of responsibility, respect, and care for others. Our Explorers program, designed for toddlers through kindergarteners, offers a range of outdoor and indoor activities to spark new interests, friendships, and fun in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Rising first to sixth graders will participate in our Adventurers program, which allows them the opportunity to choose their morning focus—Aquatics, Dance & Performing Arts, Gymnastics, or STEAM—and explore all of our other indoor and outdoor activities in the afternoons. We offer flexible scheduling for all ages, plus early care for all ages and after care for all campers staying a full day.
Contact Information: Brian Symons (Director) Email: symonsb@jccmw.org
| | |
J Sports Academy is THE summer day camp for kids who love sports. Children going into 2nd-10th grade have a blast making new friends and learning from Westchester’s best coaches, all at the beautiful facilities of the Masters School in Dobbs Ferry. Campers also enjoy classic day camp activities such as camp-wide field days, electives, and swimming. Whether your child wants to focus on one sport or learn to excel in a variety of them, J Sports provides the perfect environment to develop their skills, teamwork, and a passion for sports. Each week, campers can choose from a multisport track and explore various sports (basketball, flag football, soccer, tennis, lacrosse, and volleyball), play recreational games, and swim, or a high performance track, where athletes serious about mastering their favorite sport (basketball, soccer, swim, and tennis) hone their skills with Westchester’s best coaches.
J Sports Academy is run by the Shames JCC on the Hudson in Partnership with JCC Mid-Westchester
Dates: June 29th - August 14th. Early Drop-Off and Late-Stay stay options available. Registration is week by week. Centralized bussing available from the Shames JCC on the Hudson in Tarrytown and JCC Mid-Westchester in Scarsdale. Hot lunch daily included with tuition.
For more information, email info@jsportsacademy.org to reach the Directors Jason Scheff and Tammy Burgus or visit their website: https://www.jsportsacademy.org/.
| | |
River Friends Day Camp
River Friends at the Shames JCC on the Hudson is all of the adventure and excitement of big-kid camp with a focus on the needs of young campers (ages 2-6). We offer a variety of engaging, developmentally appropriate activities, including swim lessons, sports and games, an eco-friendly playground, cooking and gardening projects, water play, yoga, dance, music, arts and crafts, and more!
Contact riverfriends@shamesjcc.org or 914-366-7898 for more info. Enrollment is now open at www.riverfriendsdaycamp.org
| | |
Camp Twelve Trails offers children entering kindergarten through 10th grade the best of both specialty and traditional day camp experiences. Our program is organized into five “Neighborhoods” (elective tracks): Play, Create, Explore, Discover, and Grow, allowing campers to strengthen skills in their favorite areas while trying new activities. Rooted in universally shared values central to Jewish life, our camp weaves these principles into everything we do, inspiring staff and campers to be their best selves.
| |
| |  | Westchester Summer Day (WSD) offers a balanced variety of traditional and unique daily activities complimented by a superior aquatics program featuring daily American Red Cross swim instruction in our three in-ground heated pools. Our beachfront property on the Long Island Sound provides a beautiful backdrop for an array of waterfront activities. WSD provides a unique experience infused with Jewish culture and Tefilla as part of the daily activities. WSD ruach (spirit) is a part of every program. Our athletic program features soccer, tennis, hockey, baseball, softball, kickball, gaga, basketball, volleyball, yoga, and more! Creative arts such as arts and crafts, jewelry making, drama, dance and music allow children of all ages to express themselves and develop important life skills and unique personalities. Separate scaled down facilities for our preschool division allows our youngest children to enjoy many of the same experiences as their older siblings and friends while preparing them for the adventures awaiting them as they grow up at Westchester Summer Day!
Contact information: Monica Klein, Director Email:monicaklein@westchesterday.org
| | MARCH IS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH | | |
In honor of March as Women’s History Month, we are excited to share a few resources that highlight the contributions, stories, and diverse experiences of Jewish women. These materials explore Jewish women’s leadership in social justice movements, scholarship and religious life, arts and culture, politics, and community building.
The Westchester Jewish Council and our partner, UJA-Federation of NY, aim to provide you with helpful resources, and we hope the links below are useful as they celebrate the diverse contributions and experiences of women from all over the world.
RESOURCES
Jewish Book Council – books on topic
https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/books/reading-lists/womens-history-month
Jewish Education Project – collection of materials, including lesson plans by subject
https://educator.jewishedproject.org/content/womens-history-month-collection
Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation
Lesson Plans:
Jewish Women in the Partisans
Jewish Women in the Partisans Classroom Activity Sheets
Films:
Everyday the Impossible: Jewish Women in the Partisans
A Partisan Returns: The Legacy of Two Sisters
Thirteen partisan interviews with female Jewish partisans with corresponding biographies.
| | 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
| | |
UJA Westchester Business & Professional Spring Breakfast
Generative AI and Your Future
Thursday, March 26, 2026 • 7:30 am Ardsley, New York
Come together with your UJA Westchester Business & Professional Division community for our annual Spring Breakfast. Special guest Sam Richter — an award‑winning speaker, author, and expert on AI‑powered digital information — will leave you inspired, empowered, and ready to lead in your AI‑powered future.
| | |
UJA Westchester Annual Celebration- SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 • 6:30 pm
Save the date to celebrate our community’s support for UJA and help us honor Karen and Ed Friedman for their deep commitment to the Jewish community, and recognize Kim Goldberg and Lauren Shalem as the recipients of our Young Leadership Award.
| | A SMALL SAMPLE OF WHAT'S HAPPENING... | | |
While Purim is over, the content below can be used before, during and after Purim to meaningfully engage others.
Our thoughts are with the American soldiers, Israeli chayalim and all those proactively partnering with them to dismantle Iran.
| | ONLINE WEBINAR - Intergenerational Connections | | |
Tuesday, March 17th at 2pm via Zoom
This virtual briefing, co-hosted by the Foundation for Social Connection Action Network and DOROT, will explore how fostering intergenerational connections is a powerful and evidence-based strategy to reduce social isolation and loneliness across the lifespan. The session will bring together advocates, experts, and community changemakers to highlight policy opportunities and elevate successful models.
We aim to offer practical takeaways and mobilize cross-sector support to ensure that all Americans—regardless of age—have meaningful social connections.
| | |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, NY has announced Stephen Felton and Joseph Gosler have joined their Holocaust Survivors Speakers Bureau.
| | |
CONDOLENCES:
We are saddened by the loss of Rabbi Nahum Shargel z"l, of the JCC of Harrison, husband of Baila Shargel z"l, father of Rabbi Dina Shargel z"l, Raphael Shargel, Rebecca Shargel, and Jonathan Shargel z"l, father-in-law of David Projansky and Ravi Mirchandani, and grandfather of Yoni Projansky, Ari Projansky, and Leah Mirchandani.
MAZAL TOV TO:
Congregation Bet Torah on their Gala 2026 and honorees Robyn Frank (Council Board member), Linda Dishner and Robin Wald.
| | WESTCHESTER COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | | The Holocaust & Human Rights Educational Center is looking for an Associate Director. Inquiries and resumes should be sent to Millie Jasper at mjasper@hhrecny.org | | 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
| | |
For information regarding submissions, please contact Lori Kurlander
The next Community Connection will be published on or about March 12, 2026
| | | | |
