Transitions
Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Community Relations Council Director Laura Cherner discusses leaving Pittsburgh and lessons of community. (Photo by Adam Reinherz)
December 8, 2025, 3:11 pm
The exit interview: Laura Cherner
'Regardless of where you are politically, religiously or where you're from, we're all connected, and connection has built so many beautiful things and wonderful people,' says Laura Cherner. 'Community is everything, and we wouldn't be able to do anything without the people who make it what it is'
By Adam Reinherz
Rabbi Lawrence Freedman is retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel Chaplain from the 171st Air Refueling Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard on Dec. 31. (Photo courtesy of Rabbi Lawrence Freedman)
December 1, 2025, 5:10 pm
The exit interview: Rabbi Lawrence Freedman
'Lots of people can serve in lots of ways,' says Lt. Col. (Chaplain) Rabbi Lawrence Freedman. 'Go serve your community. Find somewhere, whether it's in a uniform or not, but go serve your community'
By Adam Reinherz
Rabbi Barbara Symons will be seeking new sukkahs to sit under as she readies to leave Temple David after 18 years. (Photo provided by Barbara Symons)
May 14, 2024, 11:55 am
Rabbi Barbara Symons leaves a legacy of relationships at Temple David
Rabbi has been the spiritual leader of suburban synagogue for nearly two decades
By David Rullo
Jesse Sharrard (Photo courtesy of JFCS)
April 1, 2024, 3:24 pm
Jesse Sharrard named new director of Squirrel Hill Food Pantry
“I think I’ve got a lot of compassion for people and their circumstances, their need to eat and their need to feed their families.”
By Justin Vellucci
Photograph of groundbreaking of Temple B’nai Israel’s synagogue on Shaw Ave., 1922. (Photo courtesy of Rauh Jewish Archives at Heinz History Center)
January 2, 2024, 2:10 pm
Temple B’nai Israel to close in May 2025: decision made with ‘dignity’
'The idea here was to give ourselves enough time to do this in some orderly fashion'
By Adam Reinherz
Parkway Jewish Center sold its longtime building and moved to a new location. (Photo by David Rullo)
December 21, 2023, 10:36 am
Retirement prompts new chapters for Cantor Henry Shapiro and Parkway Jewish Center
Eastern suburban synagogue names Cantor Laura Berman new spiritual head
By Adam Reinherz
Jill Machen (Photo by Lauren Renee Photography)
October 11, 2023, 10:56 am
Jill Machen takes a bow after more than 30 years of JCC high school musicals
"She really helped to elevate and professionalize theater here, while at the same time finding a place for every teen."
By Justin Vellucci
Attendees join hands while saying the Shehecheyanu blessing. Photo by Adam Reinherz
September 1, 2023, 11:22 am
JCC annual meeting features leadership transition and vast Jewish wisdom
Before stepping aside, longtime leader Brian Schreiber says thank you and touts new CEO Jason Kunzman
By Adam Reinherz
Jennifer Primack (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Primack)
August 30, 2023, 2:40 pm
JCBA welcomes new staff member
Jennifer Primack is the JCBA's new operations manager.
By Toby Tabachnick
Jennifer Bails, left, is shadowed by Community Day School student Lucy Brown. Photo courtesy of Community Day School
June 19, 2023, 12:48 pm
The Exit Interview: Jennifer Bails
Strategic thinker and voice for substantive Jewish education reflects on years at Community Day School
By Adam Reinherz
Leslie Hoffman receives the Manny Award, Temple Emanuel's highest honor. Photo courtesy of Leslie Hoffman
June 18, 2023, 11:23 am
The Exit Interview: Leslie Hoffman
Dedicated executive director reflects on years at Temple Emanuel of South Hills
By Adam Reinherz
Kelly Schwimer (Photo courtesy of the JCBA)
June 15, 2023, 3:39 pm
JCBA announces leadership transition
Kelly Schwimer, will succeed Barry Rudel as the organization’s executive director upon Rudel’s retirement in December.
By Toby Tabachnick
Lauren Bairnsfather joins artist Luigi Toscano at the opening of “Lest We Forget,” an exhibit at the University of Pittsburgh, on Oct. 17, 2019. Photo by Hector Corante, courtesy of Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh
February 17, 2023, 2:13 pm
Holocaust Center executive director departs; organization continues under Tree of Life
Announcement from Lauren Bairnsfather generates moment of gratitude for outgoing Jewish professional
By Adam Reinherz
View of Rodef Shalom Congregation from Morewood Avenue. (Photo courtesy of Rodef Shalom Congregation)
July 1, 2022, 2:38 pm
Rabbi Aaron Bisno assumes new role at Rodef Shalom
Bisno will become the Frances F. and David R. Levin Rabbinic Scholar, available for life cycle events, and focusing on teaching and writing.
By Toby Tabachnick
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