Groundbreaking photography exhibit ‘Jewish Hartford. Our Community. Our Stories.’ opens in December

A Light All Her Own – Photographed in her West Hartford home, this portrait by Steven Laschever celebrates the beauty and diversity of Jewish identity. Holding the Etz Hayim, or Tree of Life, she stands before a portrait of her mentor, Rabbi Philip Lazowski-a reminder that Jewish life is woven from many stories and shared traditions.

Jewish Hartford. Our Community. Our Stories., a groundbreaking photography exhibit by acclaimed photographer Steven Laschever, opens December 7, 2025, at the Chase Family Gallery at the Mandell Jewish Community Center, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT. The opening reception, from 12:30–5:30pm, will feature continuous live music from around the world along with light refreshments. The exhibit runs through January 23, 2026.

A community you didn’t expect—and a story you will never forget—this visionary project illuminates the many faces of Greater Hartford’s Jewish heritage. Through nearly 50 striking black-and-white portraits and tableaus, Laschever captures a community that is rich in history, character, and heart. His subjects include university presidents and judges, artists and athletes, Holocaust survivors and centenarians, educators, first responders, grave diggers and families of every background. Each image tells a story, weaving together a living tapestry of resilience, contribution, and cultural evolution.

Complementing the gallery experience are a commemorative coffee table book, stunning prints, and dynamic digital presentations, offering audiences a multi-dimensional journey into the heart of Jewish Hartford.

“This project began with a simple idea: to hold up a mirror to our community and see who we are today,” said David Jacobs, CEO of the Mandell JCC. “What emerged is a portrait of Jewish Hartford that is proud, complex, and deeply connected—people of every generation and background whose stories remind us why community matters. At a time when antisemitism seeks to divide and diminish, this work shines a light on our shared humanity and enduring strength.”

Inspired by the profound documentary style of photographer Frederic Brenner, Laschever’s portraits invite viewers to embark on their own odyssey, seeking their place within this shared narrative. The result is not just an exhibit—it’s a bridge between present and future, a testament to the stories that bind us together.

See the Message Center below for Connecticut’s top November events — from Hartford Wolf Pack games to events at Fairfield Theatre Company — and don’t miss our links for Connecticut merch by town!

Steven Laschever

For over 40 years, Steven Laschever has documented Greater Hartford’s Jewish community with sensitivity, artistry, and insight. Known for capturing the true essence of his subjects—whether in a studio, classroom, concert hall, or boardroom—Laschever builds trust with those he photographs, allowing their authentic selves to shine through his lens. His work has graced the pages of magazines and the walls of Connecticut galleries, preserving moments that resonate far beyond the frame.

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Don’t miss

• New England Brewing Co. to launch first-ever 12-pack cans featuring Sea Hag and Fuzzy Baby Ducks
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• Connecticut Virtuosi to present Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci in three-state performances this November

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November events at Fairfield Theatre Company

November at Fairfield Theatre Company is packed with a diverse lineup of events, from live music and tribute shows to film and community gatherings. Highlights include Kelsey Waldon on November 1, Color Me Obsessed: A Film about The Replacements and The Monet plays Jamiroquai on the 2nd, Heather Maloney & Dan Rodriguez on the 4th, Brian Dolzani as the Loner: The Music of Neil Young on the 6th, and the FTC Encore Gala on the 8th. The month also features performances by Zoso, Paul Bogaev, Mike Farris, Tropidelic, Black Flag, Mary Fahl, Shemekia Copeland, Marshall Crenshaw, The Jayhawks, and more, including multi-night appearances from Reid Genauer Soloand festive events like Funksgiving. With something for every taste, November at FTC offers music, film, and seasonal celebrations for the whole community.

November 2025 calendar of events
11/1 – Kelsey Waldon – Click here to purchase tickets
11/2 – 5.5 Color Me Obsessed: A Film about The Replacements
11/2 – The Monet plays Jamiroquai
11/4 – Heather Maloney & Dan Rodriguez
11/5 – End of the Line
11/6 – Brian Dolzani as the Loner: The Music of Neil Young
11/8 – FTC Encore Gala
11/9 – Zoso
11/10 – An Evening with Paul Bogaev
11/12 – Randye Kaye
11/12 – Mike Farris
11/13 – FTC Short Film Festival
11/13 – Tropidelic
11/14 – Black Flag
11/14 -Mary Fahl
11/15 – A Night of Music
11/15 -Shemekia Copeland
11/16 – 399 Forever
11/16 – The Strange Dark
11/19 – Marshall Crenshaw
11/20 – The Arcadian Wild
11/21 – The Jayhawks
11/21 – Reid Genauer Solo
11/22 – Reid Genauer Solo
11/23 – Reid Genauer Solo
11/24 -Funksgiving
11/28 – Jake Swamp & The Pine
11/28 – Mullett
11/29 – Faster Things

Click here for more information & order tickets.

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November events at PeoplesBank Arena

10/26 – UCONN Women’s Basketball vs Southern Connecticut State
10/28 -UCONN Men Basketball vs Michigan State
10/29 – Charlotte Checkers vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
10/31 – Lehigh Valley Phantoms vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
11/1 – Lehigh Valley Phantoms vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
11/7 – UMass Lowell vs UConn Men’s Basketball, click here to purchase tickets
11/8 – Playboi Carti, click here to purchase tickets
11/13 – Bert Kreischer, click here to purchase tickets
11/14 – Rochester Americans vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
11/15 – Laval Rocket vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
11/16 – Ohio State vs UConn Women’s Basketball, click here to purchase tickets
11/18 – Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
11/21 – Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
11/22 – Lehigh Valley Phantoms vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
11/23 – Bryan vs UConn Mens Basketball, click here to purchase tickets
11/25 – Stonehill College vs UConn Ice Hockey, click here to purchase tickets
11/26 – Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets

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Groundbreaking photography exhibit ‘Jewish Hartford. Our Community. Our Stories.’ opens in December