From surviving to thriving: Small town Jewish life in America

Congregation Beth Israel will host a special panel discussion – From Surviving to Thriving: Small Town Jewish Life in America – in celebration of the congregation’s 175th anniversary on Sunday, August 25 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Founded in 1849, this Honesdale congregation is emblematic of the vitality and creativity found in small Jewish communities throughout the country. What drove those early settlers to build strong Jewish communities? What are the hallmarks of communities that continue to thrive after eight or nine generations? What makes small and isolated communities flourish and engage new generations?

Join neighbors and friends to learn from experts in their fields — Rabbi Dr. David Freidenreich, Pulver family professor of Jewish Studies, chair of the Department of Jewish Studies, and associate director of the Center for Small Town Jewish Life, Colby College; Macy B. Hart, founder, Trustee Emeritus of Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life; and Carol Dunn, executive director of the Wayne County Historical Society. The entire conversation will be moderated by Skip Vichness, PhD., having served as a director, investor and partner in the summer camp industry for 45 years and a past chair of Hillel International and the Foundation for Jewish Camp.

The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served following the program (kosher available).

Congregation Beth Israel is located at 615 Court Street, Honesdale.