York County Jewish History

08/22/2026

Does anyone have a connection to Nancy Levinbook? (YSH 1976)

07/31/2026

The JCC's Adriel Resh will talk about her research into York countians who participated in the liberation of concentration camps in Europe in World War II at the Sept. 3 meeting of York County Writers Roundtable. The gathering is set at 7 p.m., at the York County History Center, 121 N. Pershing Ave., York. Her topic a this free, public event: "Finding liberators and why it's Important to the York Jewish Community." https://www.yorkhistorycenter.org/event/writers-roundtable-june/ Lou Lavetan

Writers' Roundtable

07/25/2026

Installation of Rabbi Freidman at Ohev Sholom- do you recognize anyone? Please share!

07/16/2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Chaplain Washington!

CH (1LT) John P. Washington
Denomination: Roman Catholic
Date and Place of Birth: 16 July 1908, Newark, New Jersey
Education: Seton Hall, A.B., 1931 and Immaculate Conception Seminary, 1935
Date of Appointment: 24 April 1942
Date to Active Duty: 9 May 1942
Entered Service From: Arlington, New Jersey
Army Assignments: 76th Infantry Division, Casual, overseas
Decorations: Purple Heart, Distinguished Service Cross and Medal of Valor (posthumous)

07/16/2026

Temple Beth Israel of York, PA via Megan was contacted by the niece of Alfredo Halegua. Who is he you may ask? In 1966 under the leadership of Bob Chock (TBI President 1963 to 1967) Mr. Halegua was commissioned to create the bronze doors that contain our Torahs. Mr. Halegua is alive & well at 96 today and his work is being celebrated in Argentina this year.

The first Bar Mitzvah at TBI in the new sanctuary was David Epstein (Mazel Tov!) (The doors are behind him)

Additionally the bronze ingots used for the sculpting were donated by long time supporters of TBI - Bernie Zuckerman (RIP) and David Serls (RIP) via Colonial Metals.

Can anyone add more to the story?

07/12/2026

USCGC Charles W. David JR. is named after Charles Walter David, Jr. who along with his ship mates are credited with life saving of 93 survivors of the USAT Dorchester. He died from his efforts 6 weeks later. G-d bless his memory!

07/12/2026

Temple Beth Israel of York, PA Shabbat services at https://www.ycp.edu/offices-departments/student-development-campus-life/spiritual-life/center-jewish-student-life
Can you identify these ladies?

06/30/2026

John Bailey recently shared his father's story during a talk at the Rotary Club York East. Fred J. Bailey, Jr. served with the 66th Infantry Division, 872nd Field Artillery Battalion, Battery B, during World War 2. Among the items he brought home are his dog tags, his helmet, a German Luger pistol, and insignia taken from German soldiers, along with a 1945 calendar where he recorded notes from his time overseas.

John later retraced his father's journey across Europe, visiting the places his father had been to see and experience it for himself.

06/24/2026

Lou Lavetan was honored to be invited to speak at the Chapel of the Four Chaplains at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. For him, it was meaningful to stand in a place of worship that has continued to carry forward the legacy of Rabbi Alexander Goode and three fellow chaplains, who gave up their own lives, and their life jackets, for others aboard the USAT Dorchester in 1943.

06/14/2026