By Billy Thompson 
Digital Marketing Associate

You could call it a pool party. That was the original plan, anyway. By the time the officially dubbed NextGen Pool Party began, however, you might more accurately have called it a puddle party. A storm in the hours before the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s NextGen affinity group event had forced a venue change from the JCC’s outdoor pool. Fortunately, our friends at Jay’s Local eatery in Allentown opened their doors to provide a place to gather, eat, and celebrate together.

The change of plans for this first event of the Federation’s 2027 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs hardly diminished the celebration. The NextGen members and friends enjoyed a relaxed evening of conversation and community. The potluck was a particular success, with plenty of delicious homemade dishes and opportunities to try something new or to go back for seconds.

The group was grateful to the Scherlines, frequent attendees at Jewish Federation events and an important part of NextGen. Lyell Scherline, who serves as a NextGen co-chair, helped bring people together for the evening at his family’s eatery. 

Although the pool party didn’t go quite as planned, the evening captured what NextGen is all about: bringing people together in a casual environment where new friendships can form and existing ones can grow. Sometimes, all you really need is good food, good company, and a place to gather.

NextGen is for adults ages 30-45 who are looking to connect with their peers in the Jewish community through social events, programs, and shared experiences. We hope you’ll join us at an upcoming event!