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On May 22, the JCC Mid-Westchester (JCCMW) celebrated Jewish foods and traditions from around the world at their annual Spring Benefit on Wednesday, May 22. Westchester chef and writer, Danielle Rehfeld  Colen, introduced Beejhy Barhany, owner/chef of Ethiopian-Jewish Tsion Café, Leah Koenig, chef and author of Portico: Cooking and Feasting in Rome’s Jewish Kitchen, and Liz Reuven, founder/editor of Kosher Like Me. The chefs/authors discussed their passion for food and their culinary journeys with the host of the evening, Shannon Sarna, cookbook author and founding editor of The Nosher. Attendees then enjoyed a specially curated dinner comprised of a tasting menu inspired by each of the evening’s guest chefs.

The JCCMW honored three teen leaders—Bailey Goldberg, Ethan Klein, and Lexie Klein— recognizing their hard work and dedication to projects and efforts that helped strengthen the Westchester community and the organization’s mission. “Bailey, Ethan, and Lexie are the light our community needs right now. They are our future, and each has made our community richer,” said Elise Dowell, CEO of JCCMW. “They represent the very best of Westchester and the Jewish community and it gives us great pleasure to celebrate them this year.” 

Bailey Goldberg serves as the volunteer coordinator of the JCCMW Sunday Funday program. Her exceptional leadership skills have helped to ensure that all children have an equal opportunity to develop relationships and social skills. 

Ethan Klein, in addition to volunteering with the Sunday Funday program, developed a new, inclusive program, FUNdamentals of Golf, where he worked with elementary school children of all abilities to improve their coordination, critical thinking, communication, self-control, and confidence—all while learning the foundations of golf. 

Lexie Klein is a JCCMW gymnastics coach and mentor who has positively impacted many young gymnasts. Her love of the JCC is contagious, her passion for the sport has been inspirational, and her dedication has served to strengthen the program on many levels.

The JCCMW Spring Benefit was an evening of community, appreciation, and celebration attended by many friends, partners, government representatives, and organizations who support the JCC’s mission and the important work they do. Visit www.jccmw.org/donate if you were unable to attend but would like to support the work of the JCC, and visit www.jccmw.org to learn more about the JCCMW.

The JCC Mid-Westchester is a nonprofit organization that supports the community by offering outstanding recreational, cultural, educational, and human services programming to all people regardless of age, background, religion, gender identification, or sexual orientation. Programs are grounded in Jewish values and are open to all! The JCCMW enriches families, connects friends, strengthens community, and helps people lead joyful lives.