Jewish Hartford. Our Community. Our Stories.
Think You Know Jewish Hartford? Think Again.
Diverse. Dynamic. Defying Expectations.
Jewish Hartford. Our Community. Our Stories.
WEST HARTFORD, CT — 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, 330 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT. The opening reception, from 12:30–5:30 pm, 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 community. Through nearly 100 striking portraits and tableaus, Laschever captures an extraordinary range of subjects, from university presidents, judges, and entertainers to Holocaust survivors, nonagenarians/centurions, twins, people of color, and even gravediggers. 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 initiative will allow us to reach a broad audience and reinforce the invaluable role individuals play in building our Jewish community, bringing people together, fostering understanding, and appreciating our diverse narratives,” says David Jacobs, CEO of the Mandell JCC.
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.
About 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.
About the Mandell JCC
The Mandell Jewish Community Center is a vibrant hub welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. On its West Hartford campus, it offers fitness, cultural, educational, and recreational facilities including a fitness center, aquatics center, preschool, theater, art gallery, and more. With four additional satellite locations—including Camp Shalom in Windsor—the JCC is committed to fostering inclusion, connection, and cultural understanding.
For more information on Jewish Hartford. Our Community. Our Stories., visit Mandell JCC.
Event Details:
What: Jewish Hartford. Our Community. Our Stories. Photography Exhibit
When: Opening Reception – December 7, 2025| 12:30–5:30 pm
Where: Chase Family Gallery, Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT
Exhibit Runs: December 7, 2025 – January 23, 2026