Abigail Hakas
Marion Ein Lewin shares her memories as a Holocaust survivor, with a childhood photo of her and her twin brother, dressed in traditional clothing by their nanny Marretje, as well as a clipping of a column by Steve Lopez (Photo by Abigail Hakas)
September 12, 2025, 1:31 pm
From Bergen-Belsen to America, a twin’s unforgettable Holocaust story
“They say never forget, and we have to remember because people have forgotten."
By Abigail Hakas
Rabbi Yossi Friedman speaks at the Aleph Institute’s annual Second Chance Symposium at Chabad of Squirrel Hill on May 11. (Photo by Abigail Hakas)
May 16, 2025, 10:29 am
Aleph Institute’s symposium shines a light on Jewish life, worship and struggle in prison
With 85,000 Jewish people incarcerated nationwide, the Aleph Institute addresses spiritual and social needs through compassion and advocacy.
By Abigail Hakas
JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry (Photo courtesy of Allie Reefer)
April 4, 2025, 2:47 pm
Federal funding cuts could hurt JFCS food pantry
The pantry relies on a supply of shelf-stable milk, produce and other food from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, which estimates a 13% loss of its annual distribution,
By Abigail Hakas
Musicians Tino Cardenes (left) and Aaron Birnbaum perform at Temple Ohav Shalom. (Photo by Abigail Hakas)
February 3, 2025, 5:24 pm
Sensory-friendly concert series celebrates Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month
Azure holds concerts in parks, libraries and synagogues like Temple Ohav Shalom, which recently formed an accessibility committee.
By Abigail Hakas
The JCC Choir performs at The New Riverview in July. Earl Parker is second from left. (Photo courtesy of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh)
January 24, 2025, 11:15 am
A costumed chorist: The unofficial organizer of the JCC choir
Earl Parker, 94, still has a song in his heart
By Abigail Hakas
Joshua Andy and Anna Hájková at the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh’s annual commemorative Kristallnacht event (Photo by Abigail Hakas)
November 11, 2024, 1:16 pm
Holocaust Center’s Kristallnacht commemoration examines last ghetto’s music
Within the struggles of the ghetto blossomed a rich cultural practice of musical performances.
By Abigail Hakas
2024 American Honey Queen Kaelyn Sumner, an educator for the American Beekeeping Federation, poses with Pittsburgh Honey in the Squirrel Hill Market (Photo by Abigail Hakas)
September 22, 2024, 12:29 pm
From local hives to exotic flavors: Where to find the best honey for Rosh Hashanah
Western Pennsylvania is flush with local honey brands that offer a wide selection of honeys and honey-flavored treats. Here are a few to try.
By Abigail Hakas
Solange Lebovitz shares her story at the Holocaust Center’s Sept. 12 event at Chatham University (Photo by Abigail Hakas)
September 16, 2024, 10:16 am
Solange Lebovitz recounts her experiences at Holocaust Center event
As a child, Lebovitz was hidden in France with a Catholic couple.
By Abigail Hakas
Davis Morgenstern playing Chopin (Photo by Abigail Hakas)
August 26, 2024, 11:40 am
Local musicians dedicate concert to Israeli hostages abducted on Oct. 7
A chorus for Alon Ohel
By Abigail Hakas
Emily Loeb, Rebecca Jacobson, Alain Tamonoche, Adelaide Madiesse Nguela, and Debbie Stueber (Photo by Abigail Hakas)
August 8, 2024, 12:07 pm
Jewish and Bamileke communities connect over shared history
“Most of us are here seeking the truth, seeking recognition, wanting a name to be said for the first time without fear."
By Abigail Hakas
Trey Schachter (Photo courtesy of Josh Schachter)
July 12, 2024, 1:08 pm
Maccabi USA connects young athletes with Judaism, Israel
"Obviously, a win would be really good... but I kind of just want to feel the Jewish community."
By Abigail Hakas
David Falk and Josh Falk (Photo by Abigail Hakas)
July 1, 2024, 4:46 pm
A childhood home reimagined: The Branch opens new culturally Jewish living community
Josh Falk's journey comes full circle
By Abigail Hakas
Gisele Fetterman was the keynote speaker at the Jewish Women’s Foundation’s annual meeting. (Photo by Abigail Hakas)
June 7, 2024, 2:02 pm
Gisele Fetterman talks philanthropy at Jewish Women’s Foundation’s annual meeting
"I think remaining tender in a world that rewards the strong is a radical act of rebellion." — Gisele Fetterman
By Abigail Hakas
Community members view the recently installed mosaic mural at the Frick Environmental Center (Photo by Abigail Hakas)
June 4, 2024, 10:55 am
Community members, survivors and families of 10/27 victims create mosaic with tiles from Tree of Life
It’s a constellation of sentimentality: a key, letters spelling names and words like “love,” a bottle cap, a pattern of four-leaf clovers — objects that mean something to someone.
By Abigail Hakas
Julie Arnheim poses with her portrait at The Branch’s “Breaking Down the Walls” event on May 16. (Photo by Abigail Hakas)
May 20, 2024, 1:28 pm
The Branch’s photo exhibit aims to destigmatize mental health struggles
The exhibit was featured in the “Breaking Down the Walls” event on Thursday, May 16, at the Energy Innovation Center in the Hill District.
By Abigail Hakas
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