Israel Engagement
Israel holds a special place in the heart of our community—a land vibrant with culture, history, and innovation, yet deeply complex and ever evolving. At the JCC, we create opportunities to learn, connect, and engage with Israel in meaningful ways. Through dialogue, education and shared experiences, we seek to strengthen the bonds between our community and the people of Israel. Grounded in Jewish values, our work reflects a commitment to understanding, peace and unity, and to supporting an independent, democratic Jewish state where all can live with dignity and hope.
An Evening of Flavor and Story
Adeena Sussman
Michael Solomonov
Bill Fuller
Adeena Sussman
Acclaimed cookbook author
Michael Solomonov
Award–winning chef and restaurateur
Special guest VIP Reception: Bill Fuller, President of big Burrito Restaurant Group
Monday, June 8
5:30-7 pm: VIP Reception
7-8:30 pm: Interview, Cooking Demo and Book Signing
JCC of Greater Pittsburgh • Squirrel Hill
$54 Admission includes signed copy of Sussman’s newest cookbook, Zariz
$118 VIP intimate meet & greet featuring a special cocktail and light bites created by Adeena Sussman and Bill Fuller
Join us for an unforgettable evening with acclaimed cookbook author Adeena Sussman joined by special guest Michael Solomonov, James Beard Award–winning chef and restaurateur, returning to his hometown of Pittsburgh for this one-of-a-kind conversation. Together, they’ll explore the vibrant world of Israeli-inspired cuisine, sharing stories of life, culture and cooking in Israel, and how food can bring comfort, connection, and joy even in challenging times. Experience it all live as Adeena takes the stage for a cooking demo, bringing the bold, fresh flavors of her newest book, Zariz: 100 Easy, Breezy, Tel Aviv-y Recipes, to life.
NEW Israel Engagement Series: COME CURIOUS. LEAVE WISER.
Featured in the Jewish Chronicle:
New JCCPGH Israel Engagement Series aims for people to ‘come curious, leave wiser’
Introducing Our Community Shaliach
Contact: [email protected]
Check out the JCC's Israel engagement programs for Teens including JCC Maccabi Games and Diller Teen Fellowship
upcoming events
An Evening of Flavor and Story
- June 8
- 5:30pm
- JCC Squirrel Hill: 5738 Forbes Avenue
- Featured, Israel Engagement
Come curious. Leave wiser: Understanding Israeli Politics
- May 18
- 7 PM
- Katz Auditorium, JCC Squirrel Hill
- Adults, Arts & Events, Center for Loving Kindness, Featured, Israel Engagement
JCC Voices
Israel Engagement
Israel Engagement In Action
The Story Behind the Headlines: Israel Right Now
Many individuals joined us for The Story Behind the Headlines: Israel Right Now with @haviv.rettig.gur, on February 2, 2026, with Haviv Gur. Spending the evening with Gur, a veteran Israeli journalist and host of the “Ask Haviv Anything” podcast, in thoughtful analysis, meaningful conversation, and community dialogue was a powerful reminder of how important it is to come together—especially when the headlines feel overwhelming.
It was great to see him connect and engage so deeply with members of our community—listening, responding, and creating space for nuanced conversation. Moments like these remind us how powerful it is to come together to learn, reflect, and engage with one another.
Light the World: Together with Israel
On the first night of Hanukkah, our community gathered for a candle lighting ceremony with survivors of October 7, who shared powerful stories of resilience and strength.
Shufuni
We welcomed an Israeli band that was affected by atrocities of October 7 to Temple Emanuel of the South Hills, where music and storytelling created a moving cultural exchange and connection with our community.
Maccabi Hangtime
Hangtime served as the social and cultural hub of the Maccabi Games, offering athletes a space to connect, relax, make new friends, and engage with Israeli culture, faith, and people.
A Conversation with Mohammad Darawshe
Mohammad Darawshe is the Director of Strategy at the Givat Haviva Center for Shared Society, holds a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Management from Haifa University, and is a Robert Bosch Academy Fellow and faculty member at the Hartman Institute. Mohammad led an inspiring dialogue on building a shared future between Israeli Arabs and Jews.
