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Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Westchester Jewish Council

The 48th Westchester Jewish Music & Arts Festival Brought Community Together in Both Rain and Shine

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The 48th Annual Westchester Jewish Music & Arts Festival was held on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, New York. The festival was presented by The Westchester Jewish Council and in cooperation with Westchester County Parks as part of their 2024 Cultural Heritage Festivals.

Although the day began with torrential downpours, this did not stop the performers and vendors from performing and setting up, nor did it stop the crowds from visiting. By mid-afternoon, the rain had stopped and the attendees were able to sing, dance and shop. This year’s performers included The Levins, Ohh-Lam Collective, SIX13, Elijah and the Not-For-Prophets and Kol Hazzanim Kumsitz – Cantors of Westchester. There were over 50 vendors, a WonderSparks Puppet Show, Israeli Dancing with Leng, Juggler Ned Gelfars and more.

In addition this year, we had a special presentation by Executive Board Member Stu Seltzer to musician John Ondrasik who received the Alfred and Constance Weissman COURAGE award. “John Ondrasik is not a silent bystander and the Jewish world is better off because of that. Alfred and Connie Weissman were never silent bystanders and were always strong supporters of Jewish causes and American causes. Alfred was a decorated US Army veteran who served in World War 2 and remained supportive and involved in the US Army 10th Mountain Division. Alfred and Connie were also strong supporters of many Jewish organizations including AIPAC, Friends of the IDF, UJA Federation and many others.

The Westchester community was blessed to have their leadership and we are blessed to have their family members carry on the tradition of “not being silent bystanders” and being strong supporters and leaders of Jewish and Israeli causes. We are honored to present the Alfred and Constance Weissman COURAGE award to John Ondrasik.” This free event is always a community favorite and it did not disappoint this year.

News courtesy of the Westchester Jewish Council

 

Countywide Yom HaShoah Commemoration to be Held May 6th at Garden of Remembrance in White Plains

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The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC), Westchester Jewish Council (WJC), and UJA-Federation of New York will host the annual Countywide Yom HaShoah Commemoration Keeping the Memory Alive on Monday, May 6 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the Garden of Remembrance on 148 Martine Avenue in White Plains, New York.

The program will feature a keynote presentation by Holocaust Survivor Annie Kleinhaus and a procession of Westchester’s rescued Holocaust Torahs, remarks from County Executive George Latimer. and a lighting of candles by college students who are members of Hillels of Westchester.

The event is held to remember the 6 million innocent Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust, and to reflect on the powerful lessons of this genocide that will hopefully resonate today, as reporting of antisemitic incidences are at an all-time high.

In addition to this annual event on Monday, HHREC has a number of other major developments coming up in the weeks ahead, including a dedication ceremony for the planting of a sapling grown from a tree referenced in Anne Frank’s Diary on June 11th at the Garden of Remembrance. This tree is one of six in the U.S. awarded by the Anne Frank Center USA in 2024 in recognition of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center’s commitment to education and sharing Anne Frank’s message of hope.

The HHREC has also received a significant increase in requests for Holocaust Survivors and Second-Generation Survivors from the HHREC Speakers Bureau to appear at area schools throughout the Hudson Valley and around the tri-state area, and 34 schools from the Hudson Valley participated in our Annual HHREC High School Institute this spring.

This event will be held rain or shine, and admission is free and open to all. For more information contact Millie Jasper mjasper@hhrency.org or Pam Goldstein pam@wjcouncil.org.  

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

Facts and Figures www.hhrecny.org

  • HHREC works with over 35 Hudson Valley area teachers and students to help schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights abuses be included in their curriculum.
  • Since 1994, HHREC has brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide, and human rights crimes to more than 3,000 teachers, and through them to thousands of middle and high school students in the Hudson Valley.
  • The HHREC Speakers Bureau offers a unique resource for educators. Speakers include Holocaust Survivors and GenerationsForward second and third generation speakers. In the past academic year 29 speakers appeared at area schools (approximately 13,000 students).
  • The HHREC Anna & Nicholas Elefant Library in White Plains offers a unique education resource about the Holocaust and human rights for area teachers and includes over 4,400 volumes of books curated by HHREC.
  • The HHREC, Westchester Jewish Council, and UJA-Federation of New York present the Annual Westchester Countywide Yom Hashoah Holocaust Commemoration each year at the Garden of Remembrance at 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains. In 2023, a crowd estimated at close to 350 people attended the event that featured a keynote presentation by Holocaust Survivor Dr. Aliza Erber.
  • In 2023, over 1,000 people from around the world attended HHREC Memory Keepers Story Hours on Zoom that featured HHREC GenerationsForward Speakers.

HHREC also works with community partners throughout the Hudson Valley area schools, synagogues, colleges, churches and civic centers in Westchester and the greater Hudson Valley area to fulfill their mission: to “enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. “ Their community partners include among others the Clark Center at Manhattanville College, Community of Holocaust Education Centers (USHMM), Emil A. and Jenny Fish Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies Center at Yeshiva University, Iona University, Purchase College, SUNY, Westchester Business Council, Westchester Jewish Community Services, and the Westchester Jewish Council.

HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper has been an invited guest speaker of Governor Hochul, County Executive Latimer, and many others, and chaired a session in Washington D.C. at the Association of Holocaust Organizations Conference in 2023.

 

Strong Show of Support to Westchester Jewish Council Honorees & to the Larger Community

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Michele Gregson with William Schrag, WJC President, Arlene Kleinberg (to left of Michele), Executive Board member, and Karen Everett, Gala Chair
PHOTOS BY DARREN PEISTER

On Saturday, January 27, the Westchester Jewish Council held their 48th Gala at Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains. The theme was ‘Standing Strong, Standing Together.’ The honorees for the evening were Board members Michele Gregson, Sarene Shanus and Harold Treiber, and Jeremy A. Abramson of the Premier Collection. The Council connects, convenes and safeguards Westchester’s Jewish communities and strengthens relationships among Jews, the over 130+ member organizations, Westchester to Israel, our elected officials and other ethnic and faith-based individuals and organizations, and the community at large.

The evening, attended by over 500 people, included a wide-range of politicians, including Chris Burdick, Vedat Gashi, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Mike Lawler and George Latimer. Several spoke including Latimer who made a point of reminding attendees: “You are not alone.” Entertainment was provided by Ben Nemzer, magician and mentalist, who astounded everyone with his performance.

WJC Honorees Michele Gregson, Sarene Shanus and Harold Treiber, and Jeremy A. Abramson (right) of the Premier Collection.
PHOTOS BY DARREN PEISTER

Among the honorees, Chappaqua’s Michele Gregson was recognized for her activities informing, gathering, leading and speaking out about issues of importance to both the Jewish community and her hometown. Gregson has served as Chair of UJA’s Westchester Women’s campaign, created and still chairs UJA’s Women’s Symposium. She is also the founder of Jewish Women of Westchester on Facebook, and the Chair of Friends of Chappaqua Performing Arts Center (ChappPAC).

“The Gala felt different this year because of recent events in Israel since October 7th and the rise in antisemitism in both our county and our country,” said Gregson. “But, the coming together as a community by both those who attended and the speeches given by our politicians, made everyone feel supported and united.”

HHREC and Westchester Jewish Council Countywide Yom Hashoah Commemoration Draws Crowd at Anne Frank Garden of Remembrance in White Plains

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The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) and Westchester Jewish Council (WJC) hosted the annual Countywide Yom Hashoah Commemoration Keeping the Memory Alive on April 28th at the Anne Frank Garden of Remembrance in White Plains, NY.

PHOTOS by Julie Rothschild

HHREC Chairman Michael Gyory greeted attendees and spoke about the importance of the Westchester community in coming together to commemorate Yom Hashoah, a “Day of Remembrance” amid global developments. An invocation was delivered by Bishop Mary Glasspool, Episcopal Diocese of New York, and the program included remarks by Westchester County Executive George Latimer, who spoke about the need to avoid blaming a single person for the Holocaust or the war in Ukraine, and the importance of being an “upstander” to safeguard against dictators, today and in the future.

A keynote speech was delivered by Rabbinic Pastor Dr. Aliza Erber, a daughter of a Holocaust Survivor and member of the HHREC Speakers Bureau, who shared a story of how her mother had to give her away as a young child to live in an underground bunker and how she survived to ultimately reunite with her after the end of WWII.

Following her speech, the program continued with a candle lighting by a group of Somers High School Holocaust Commission Student Winners, including Jaiden Donovan, Eowyn Keenan, Sarah Cassidy, Olivia Sherman, Sebastian Wissa, Tori Suare and Taylor Luks. The program concluded with remarks by William Schrag, President of the Westchester Jewish Council.

   PHOTOS BY Julie Rothschild

 

News Courtesy of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center

Editor’s Note: At this event, I was personally thrilled to watch my friend and fellow journalist Stacey Pfeffer of Chappaqua carry one of the rescued Torahs on behalf of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, alongside Temple Beth El’s Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe.  The Torah is number 54 from the Memorial Scrolls Trust. The Torah came from Boskovice and was written in 1853. At that time Boskovice was a part of Germany, but it is now the Czech Republic. —  Grace

Stacey wrote a beautiful essay about her family’s history and her feelings receiving this honor: https://jewishwomenofwords.com.au/my-15-minutes-with-a-rescued-shoah-torah/stacey-pfeffer-and-her-father/

Stacey Pfeffer holding a rescued Torah alongside Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe (right) of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester in Chappaqua. To Stacey’s left is her uncle, Arthur Korzec.  Photo by Grace Bennett

About The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center is a not-for-profit organization based in White Plains New York that serves Westchester, Fairfield and neighboring counties. Their Mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. We encourage students to speak up and act against all forms of bigotry and prejudice. Their work with students and teachers helps schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights abuses be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, they have brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide and human rights crimes to more than 1750 teachers, and through them to thousands of middle and high school students. Through their volunteer Educators Program Committee, the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center gives teachers the unique opportunity to develop programs for themselves and others. These programs not only enrich teachers’ knowledge about the Holocaust and related issues, but they also provide the lens through which to view all other human rights violations. For more information call 914.696.0738 email info@hhrecny.org 

 

 

Nearly 800 Attended Community-Wide Program to Learn About Initiatives to Combat Antisemitism and Hate

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(l-r) Mark Weitzman; Audrey Stein, Regional Director, UJA-Federation; Hindy Poupko, Elliot Forchheimer, CEO, Westchester Jewish Council; Westchester DA, Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr.

WHITE PLAINS, NY (January 10, 2019) Nearly 800 members of the Westchester community attended “Anti-Semitism: What We Face and How We Fight It,” a discussion about the rise of anti-Semitism in the United States and abroad, and Westchester’s efforts to combat hatred. The event, presented by UJA-Federation of New York in Westchester, in collaboration with Westchester Jewish Council, took place on Wednesday, January 8, at Temple Israel Center in White Plains.

(l-r) Mark Weitzman; Lisa Roberts, President (Mahopac), Westchester Jewish Council; Hindy Poupko; Arlene Kleinberg (New Rochelle), Cindy Golub (Mamaroneck), Westchester DA, Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr.

Cindy Golub of Mamaroneck, UJA Regional Chair, welcomed the attendees, and Arlene Kleinberg of New Rochelle, UJA Westchester Annual Campaign Chair, introduced the evening’s guest speakers. The program featured three experts who provided insight into the rise of anti-Semitism and what is being done to address the challenge.

Westchester District Attorney, Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. opened the program and shared insights into the work that his office does to create a safer and more secure community. The Westchester Intelligence Center, a unit of the DA’s office, ensures hate crimes are prosecuted appropriately and justice is served. Mark Weitzman, Director of Government Affairs for the Simon Wiesenthal Center provided historical context about anti-Semitism, reminding the audience that anti-Semitism is not new – we are simply seeing the growth of what has always been present.

(l-r) Laurie Girsky (Mamaroneck), Chair, UJA Women; Tris Berger (Scarsdale), Chair, Westchester Women; Arlene Kleinberg (New Rochelle), Cindy Golub (Mamaroneck)

Hindy Poupko, Deputy Chief Planning Officer at UJA-Federation of New York concluded the formal remarks with an overview of the many initiatives that UJA-Federation is undertaking to combat anti-Semitism including making a major investment in security. “We are embarking on a new, multi-million-dollar effort to engage in a wholesale upgrade of our community security infrastructure”, said Poupko. This includes the hiring of former NYPD director of intelligence analysis, Mitchell Silber, as UJA’s new Community Security Director to lead a team of five locally based security directors. In addition, a new position will support the specific security needs of Jewish day and residential camps.

Beyond enhancing security, UJA is strengthening community relations efforts with non-Jewish groups, advocating for critical government support, helping organizations access government security funding and empowering college students with tools to engage in healthy discourse about Israel on campus.

The program concluded with the speakers responding to questions submitted by the audience.

Nearly 800 people attended “Anti-Semitism: What We Face and How We Fight” presented by UJA-Federation of New York in collaboration with Westchester Jewish Council.

 

About UJA-Federation of New York

For more than 100 years, UJA-Federation has brought New Yorkers together to solve some of the most pressing problems facing our community. Through UJA, more than 50,000 donors impact the issues that matter most to them, pooling their resources to care for Jews everywhere and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, respond to crises close to home and far away, and shape our Jewish future. Working with a network of hundreds of nonprofits, UJA extends its reach from New York to Israel to nearly 70 other countries around the world, touching the lives of 4.5 million people each year. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, please visit our website at www.ujafedny.org.

 

News courtesy of the UJA-Federation of New York