The Beth David Sisterhood will hold its annual donor meeting on Wednesday May 8, at 7 pm. The featured speaker will be Benny Kellman, who will discuss how the terror attacks on Israel by Hamas on October 7 and the resultant war in Gaza has affected the lives of Jewish and Israeli students on the Binghamton University campus.
A donation of $25 or more is requested from those who attend the fund-raising meeting, which will be held at the home of Alan and Julie Piaker. To receive their address or make a reservation, e-mail Beth David Synagogue at Bethdavid@stny.rr.com or call 607-722-1793 and leave a message. An RSVP by Thursday, May 2, is appreciated so that organizers can be certain to provide an appropriate amount of desserts. Those who have not made reservations are still invited to attend.
Kellman has been the mashgiach at the Kosher Korner at Binghamton University for five years. During that time, he has earned a masters degree and begun working on his Ph.D. in American history and modern Jewish history. He plans to write his dissertation as a comparative study of small-city Jewish communities in the 20th century United States. “These two positions, both on the Binghamton University’s campus, have given Benny a rounded perspective on students’ feelings and situations,” said organizers of the event. “His wife, Rivka, worked for the Hillel at Binghamton office on campus where she has counseled Jewish students who have had difficulty handling the stress of campus life during this past year.
“Members and friends of Beth David’s Sisterhood are invited to show their support for the organization by attending the annual donor meeting,” organizers added. “Both Jewish and Israeli students and their Palestinian and Arab counterparts have at times felt threatened and traumatized, and have often found it difficult to have meaningful communication. We anticipate a lively discussion after Benny’s speech. Please do not hesitate to attend the meeting even if you neglected to notify us in advance. We always plan a little extra food just in case!”