The Branch

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

Shana Tova from The Branch!

Members of the Pittsburgh Jewish Outreach Initiative (JOY) celebrated Rosh Hashanah together to mark the New Year. JOY is a collaboration between The Branch and The Friendship Circle that brings Jewish programming to residents of group homes and other supported settings. It is wonderful to see this partnership provide opportunities for people who might otherwise have limited access to Jewish celebrations!

Together, we welcomed the Jewish New Year with an afternoon filled with friendship, sweetness, and new beginnings! Participants explored the meaning of Rosh Hashanah through conversation and enjoyed a delicious apple-tasting activity featuring sweet pairings like honey, cheese, and challah. The celebration was the perfect opportunity to build community while reflecting on the year ahead!

From The Branch family to yours, we wish you a sweet and joyful New Year. Shana Tova!

09/10/2026

Nominations for the 2027 Shore Whitehill Award are open! This award honors a Jewish or non-Jewish individual whose dedication and advocacy have helped create greater opportunities and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Our 2022 recipient, Jillian Zacks, is one example of the impact a champion can make. As an attorney, advocate, and parent of two adult children on the autism spectrum, Jillian has dedicated her career and community leadership to supporting people with disabilities and their families. Her work with organizations including JFCS, Achieva, Friendship Circle, and The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh reflects her commitment to access, equity, and long-term support.

Know someone whose advocacy and dedication are making a difference? Nominate them for the 2027 Shore Whitehill Award!

Nominations are due September 24, 2026. Learn more and submit a nomination at shorewhitehill.org.

09/03/2026

Do you know a champion of disability inclusion in your community? Nominate them for the Shore Whitehill Award!

Each year, The Branch honors an individual who has made a lasting impact in the Jewish community through their commitment to disability inclusion.

Help us recognize someone whose dedication and efforts are making a difference today and submit your nomination here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Gz6L0zPsDs

Nominations are being accepted until September 24, 2026.

09/01/2026

There’s still time to nominate a champion of disability inclusion for the 2027 Shore Whitehill Award!

As a past recipient, Kate Louik has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to creating a more inclusive community for people with disabilities. Through her dedication and advocacy, Kate has helped advance opportunities for people of all abilities to participate, contribute, and feel a valued part of their community.

Do you know someone who is making a difference through their commitment to disability inclusion? Nominate them for the Shore Whitehill Award!

Learn more about the award, explore past recipients, and submit a nomination on our website: https://thebranchpgh.org/programs/shore-whitehill-award/

08/27/2026

Nominations for the Shore Whitehill Award are now open!

The Shore Whitehill Award honors an individual in the Jewish community whose commitment to disability inclusion has made a meaningful and lasting impact.

We invite you to nominate someone whose work, leadership, or advocacy has helped create greater opportunities for people with disabilities to participate fully in community life.

Submit your nomination and help us recognize a champion of inclusion today: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Gz6L0zPsDs

Nominations are being accepted until September 24, 2026.

08/20/2026

The Branch community had a great time celebrating Jewish Heritage Night at the Pirates game!

We’re grateful for the chance to share experiences like these and create meaningful memories together.