73rd Gala - Evening of Tribute.

Honorees are Dr. Marc and Mrs. Laurie Berson. 

For their devotion to the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley

and several Lehigh Valley Jewish Agencies

Please join us on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 7:00 P.M.

at Temple Beth El of Allentown to celebrate the Jewish Day School and our honorees!

L’DOR V’DOR…LIGHTING THE PATH BEFORE US.
Our ancestors have walked this path for millennia. Their shared purpose: to be a witness and to carry a torch, to be a light to the nations. 

   

At JDS, this mission is near and dear to all of us: to raise a generation of students who bring wisdom and light into the world, who understand their shared history and culture, who lead with integrity and Jewish values, and continue from l’dor v’dor (generation to generation).

Your support makes this possible. When you give to the JDS, you are not only celebrating our honorees - you are investing in the Jewish leaders of tomorrow. You are ensuring that Jewish children remain G-d’s witnesses (Isaiah 54:10), that they are brought up to be a light to the nations, leading and enlightening the world and their communities with Torah, Avodah (Prayer), and Acts of Kindness.

Together, we honor. Together, we give. Together, we thrive.

Interested in sponsoring the event? Explore the options below or click here to learn more.

The Jewish Day School is thrilled to honor Dr. Marc and Laurie Berson for their many years of service, support, and loyalty to the Jewish Day School, Israel, and the world at large. We are so grateful for all the years they have both devoted their talents, time, and resources to supporting Jewish education in our community. Mazel Tov! 

Dr. Marc and Mrs. Laurie (Goldfarb) Berson married in Philadelphia and moved to Allentown in 1984. Marc grew up in Pomona, NY and Laurie was raised in Dresher, PA (but originally in the Mt. Airy neighborhood of Philly). The newlyweds joined Temple Beth El and later also became associate members at Congregation Sons of Israel and Congregation Keneseth Israel. Marc operated his own optometric practice in Allentown for many years, and Laurie was an Early Intervention Speech and Language Pathologist with the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit. Their two children, Andrew and Ronni, proudly attended the Jewish Day School through middle school.

Laurie and Marc have participated in numerous Federation missions to Israel and volunteered in several roles in the Jewish community. Marc served as President of the Jewish Day School from 2021-2024, as treasurer, and on the Board of Directors since the 1990’s. He remains active on the House Committee and other roles associated with the school. In addition, Marc was on the Board of the JFLV and served as President of the Maimonides Society. Marc has volunteered on many eye care missions across the globe, providing the gift of sight to those in need. Laurie was on the Education Committee at the JDS for many years and volunteered as a substitute teacher and even a COVID tester during those challenging times. At Beth El, Laurie is on the Ritual and Service Committee, a Shabbat Angels delivery person, and participates in the community garden. At Jewish Family Service, she volunteers in the Food Pantry. Both the garden and Food Pantry have been incredibly rewarding pursuits. Both Laurie and Marc have been members of the Chevra Kadisha for over 20 years.

Their hope for the Jewish Day School is for it to thrive, grow, and be enriched by the contributions of the next generation of students and supporters.

Please click here to read the full biography of our wonderful honorees, Dr. Marc and Laurie Berson. 

GALA

FAQS

  • Anyone who purchases a ticket! We welcome the entire community to support the JDS and enjoy an evening of honoring exemplary upstanders in our community.

  • The event will be held at Temple Beth El in Allentown on December 5th, at 7:00pm.

    Temple Beth El is located at 1305 Springhouse Rd, Allentown, PA 18104.

  • Cocktail attire is encouraged for this event. 

  • Our night will be filled with great Kosher food and even better company.

  • Funds raised from the Gala will be used to enhance educational programs, update classroom technology, provide much-needed scholarships, support extracurricular activities, and maintain the school's facilities.

    These contributions enable the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley to provide a high-quality, well-rounded education, ensure small class sizes, and offer financial aid to families in need.

    Additionally, the funds help sustain special initiatives that promote Jewish culture, values, and community engagement.

  • Yes! Kosher wine and beer will be available during cocktail hour followed by a gourmet buffet style Kosher dinner innovatively designed and carefully prepared by Prestige Caterers. 

  • “Ads” can be purchased at an additional cost (donation), in combination with your Gala ticket. Ads will be seen in our online program booklet to be viewed on our website. Your ad can include a personal message or even logo of your business. 

  • Absolutely! Our school is so thankful for all of the love and support to make it possible to continue leaving our legacy seen within our student’s success.

  • Please contact gala@jdslv.org and we’d be happy to answer them for you! 

One Night. One Community. Endless Impact.

Dear Friends of JDS,

We are delighted to invite you to the 73rd Annual Gala, an Evening of Tribute at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley, a night dedicated to celebrating, inspiring, and investing in the future of Jewish education.

This year, we are proud to recognize Dr. Marc Berson and Mrs. Laurie Berson as role models in our Jewish community.  We celebrate their service, dedication, and loyalty to the Jewish Day School and so many other Jewish agencies in the Lehigh Valley Jewish community. 

This year’s Evening of Tribute is a reminder of the power of L’Dor, V’Dor and the importance of Jewish education and faithfully teaching our children diligently in every generation.

Together, we will:
Honor leaders who inspire us all.
Strengthen our school’s mission to educate future generations of Jewish children
Celebrate the bonds of community that sustain us in times of challenge and joy.

Your participation ensures the Jewish Day School continues to provide a rigorous academic program, infused with Jewish culture, Torah, Hebrew language, and values, that strengthens and establishes our children in an ever-changing world.

We hope you will join us for an evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration.

With gratitude and anticipation,
The Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley