The Westchester Jewish Council's

WE-stchester

Comm-UNITY

Connection

February 12, 2026 25 Shevat 5786

ABOUT US   COUNCIL EVENTS  CALENDAR CONNECT-ORY  MEMBERS & PARTNERS  NEWS

Greetings!

Good morning.

We are proud to share the extraordinary success of our 50th Anniversary GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY Gala—a true milestone moment for the Westchester Jewish Council. Over 550 community members joined us, including 63 elected officials, in a powerful show of unity and support. Together, we honored Pam Goldstein, Stu Seltzer and David Malchman, (representing Run for Their Lives) —leaders and an organization whose dedication and impact embody the very best of our community. The evening was inspiring and joyful, filled with heartfelt tributes, meaningful connections, exceptional food, and unforgettable entertainment. Most importantly, thanks to the remarkable generosity of our supporters, we not only met but exceeded our fundraising goal. We thank you all for your generosity of donations and time, as it filled the Gala with warmth on the coldest night of the year.

As we celebrate 50 years of service, advocacy, and connection, this achievement ensures we can continue strengthening our community through impactful programs, convenings, and initiatives in the year ahead.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this golden celebration so special. We invite you to relive the evening by viewing the journal and photos in the special Gala section of this newsletter. Look for more links in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned—there’s so much to look forward to as winter continues with meaningful programs and community gatherings that continue to bring us together.

Shabbat Shalom and enjoy the long weekend thanks to Presidents' Day.

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.)

ANNIVERSARY GALA

On behalf of the entire Westchester Jewish Council Board of Directors and staff, we want to extend a warm thank you for attending and/or supporting our 50th Anniversary Golden Gala. We were truly delighted to see over 550 people enjoying the entertainment and socializing with friends, neighbors, and 63 elected officials, a record number!

We appreciate the positive energy brought to the event by the incredible attendance and the record financial support that funds our mission day in and out.

We would also like to thank the following people/groups for contributing their time and effort, including (in no special order):

• The full team of our host Congregation Kol Ami
• Jeff Becker and the team at Foremost Caterers 
• Chris Fuentes, The Westchester Balloon Company
• Judy Sarch for her decorating expertise
• Gary Wartells and Columbus Wines & Spirits
• Roger Denhoff of Beehive Press
• Photographer Lisa Wohl
• Evan J. Schapiro of Schapin C. Media & Marketing for creating the Council video included in this newsletter
• Daniel Henkin and all of the Westchester Jewish Council Community Choir singers
• Michal Kellner, Darren Peister and Jacob Seltzer for the honoree videos
• The Subourbons for headlining our best AfterParty ever
• Our Shlichim/Shinshinim for bringing Israel spirit to the event
• Daniel Rothner of Areyvut for donating the calendar giveaway

The Gala does not happen by itself and we are immensely thankful to our honorees Pam Goldstein, Stu Seltzer and David Malchman/Run for Their Lives for allowing us to celebrate them at our community event. The Council Gala is truly a team effort, and we want to thank our Program Director, Donna Bartell, Gala chair, Michele Gregson, Gala Fundraising Committee, including Debra Abrahams Weiner, Ron Burton, Arlene Kleinberg, Lisa Roberts, William H. Schrag, Richard Spitz, and Adrienne Tanner; and the Programming Committee, David Eppinger and Gigi Zeller.

🎬 🌟 SCENES FROM A GOLDEN NIGHT

Council Gala Video

Photo Album

(Photo credits: Lisa Wohl)

The Westchester Jewish Council Community Choir Performance

Conducted by Daniel Henkind

ISRAEL CORNER

WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL -

JEWISH LITERACY INTIATIVE

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"

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)

Synagogue Presidents - Wednesday, May 6

Israel Roundtable - Coming soon

UJA-FEDERATION OF NY

UJA-FEDERATION- DONATE NOW

We stand at a historic moment. As global antisemitism surges and more New Yorkers grapple with deep cuts to food and medical benefits, the needs have never been greater. When you give to UJA, you’re confronting antisemitism while also amplifying Jewish life. You’re supporting vulnerable New Yorkers. And you’re helping Israel recover and rebuild.

 We don’t wait for better days. We create them. And your generosity sets everything in motion. 

 Give today: https://www.ujafedny.org/donate

A SMALL SAMPLE OF WHAT'S HAPPENING...

Community Calendar of Learning, Engagement &

Connecting Opportunities

Supporting Reservists’ Families Facing Financial Hardship Due to the War

Since 10/7 and following the war, thousands of reservist families who were once independent and stable are now experiencing severe financial strain.

At Latet, Israel’s largest NGO fighting poverty and food insecurity, we’re here for them. We created a dedicated Relief Fund for Families of Reservists, providing monthly food and hygiene assistance to approximately 1,000 families for six months.

Now it’s our turn to stand with those who stood for us. Please consider supporting a family. 

ODDS AND ENDS

You are invited to join St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church on

Tuesday, February 24th as they commemorate 4 years of war in Ukraine.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY EMPlOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Temple Beth Shalom Mahopac is hiring a part-time Program Director/Jewish Educator, who will oversee our Religious School and also teach one class, and

a Religious School teaching position. Full details can be found below.

SOME QUICK MEDIA/COMMUNITY LINKS

Watch JBS-Jewish Broadcasting Service on Optimum 138, Fios 798,

Spectrum 219 and 830, DirecTV 388,

Roku under “educational”, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and streamed on www.jbstv.org  

For a complete and timely schedule and other television providers, go to www.jbstv.org 

Check out Westchester Jewish Life - www.westchesterjewishlife.com

Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) provides programs and services throughout Westchester County

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 February 19, 2026