Rabbi Shira Koch Epstein, Executive Director

A Response to Pittsburgh from Executive Director, Rabbi Shira Koch Epstein: *Update: Please join me and other members of the 14th Street Y staff tomorrow morning, Monday, October 29 from 8:30 – 9:30 AM. We’ll…

Have you heard about Rosayra Pablo-Cruz? Like the parents of 3,000 other migrant children, Rosayra was detained at the U.S. border and separated from her 15 and five year-old sons,…

Kabbalah teaches that the prayers of the downtrodden open a window in the heavens to allow our prayers to ascend because of the depth of prayer of the broken-hearted. On…

As a mother, a rabbi, and a professional, I have often struggled to decide when to prioritize my work, and when to prioritize my children. This story has served to…

Hello everyone! Last week, as I began celebrating Passover, I announced the launch of the 14th Street Y’s Season of Jewish Culture. I couldn’t be more excited to share more…

As I set tonight’s Seder table, I find myself both grateful for the family and friends who will surround me and wistful as I think of those who will not.…

Hanukkah, the festival of light, comes on the darkest days of the year. Whether due to the waning crescent moon as the winter solstice approaches, or the consistently dark headlines,…