Our Honorees
Guests of Honor
Talya Laufer and Chesky Kopel have been proud Mekor members and leaders since 2015. Talya has served on the shul's Welcoming Committee, spearheaded the Shabbat Across the City and Cookbook Club programs, and volunteered to check the community eruv. Chesky has coordinated Torah reading and served as a volunteer mashgiach for the IKC. They are a key reason that Mekor is a loving community, a venue for tefillah, Torah, and spiritual engagement, and a focal point of Jewish identity in Center City. They have a great appreciation for the shul, its leadership, and its membership. They look forward to more years of serving and being served by the community.
Their children, Lev and Shai, are also proud, involved members of Mekor. They provide liveliness and smiles to davening and Shabbat club, support at the bimah, and consumption of many lollipops and cookies.
Alumni of the Year
Courtney and Harry Schley were Mekor members for nearly ten years and continue to be inspired by Rabbi Hirsch’s leadership in building a vibrant and welcoming Jewish community in Center City. Harry was proud to serve as a member of Mekor’s board for two years and as a volunteer checker and director of the Center City Eruv Corp. At shul, their four children (Basya, Rosie, Yossel, and Ber) were active members of the mini minyan and junior kiddush committee. Harry and Courtney are honored to share a meaningful evening at the Mekor gala and to support Mekor’s vital work building Jewish life in Center City Philadelphia and beyond.
Young Leadership Award
Allie Belfer joined Mekor Habracha in 2020 with her move to Philadelphia as she began her Optometry career in the area. Settling in Center City, she was drawn to the warm and welcoming environment of Mekor, as well as the kindness and generosity of the shul’s leadership under Rabbi Hirsch.
Allie soon became an active member of Mekor, creating interest and excitement for new programs and events. As chairperson of the Hospitality Committee, Allie has been instrumental in organizing Shabbat Across the City, planning and executing various community events, and always welcoming new members to our community. Allie can also be seen checking the Eruv around town before Shabbat as well as assisting the Rabbi in ensuring kashrut standards are maintained at the various vegan restaurants under IKC. Always eager to lend a hand to benefit Mekor, Allie feels privileged to be selected as this year’s Gala honoree and is excited to continue building the Mekor community.
Mazel tov to Talya Laufer, Chesky Kopel, Courtney Schley, Harry Schley, and Allie Belfer!
