By Billy Thompson
Digital Marketing Associate

NextGen, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley group formerly known as Young Leadership, hosted an end-of-the-campaign-year celebration and brewery tour at Bru Daddy’s Brewing Company in downtown Allentown at the end of May. The weather was agreeable that evening, so the group gathered outside under the partly covered pavilion, with its open-air patio framing a sky growing dusky. 

The evening began with a game of cornhole, where players attempt to toss sacks of full of dried corn through a hole in a board some distance away. Two Federation staffers faced off against Ariel Solomon and Dr. Howard Levin. A foosball table was available for play, as well. Drinks came shortly after, and everyone toasted to the successful campaign year. 

A buffet table was replenished with food all evening. It featured delicious options like quesadillas, mini egg rolls, and kosher cookies. There was something for everyone. For an extra-sweet dessert, the Federation brought a customized sheet cake decorated with wishes for a nice summer.

Then came the brewery tour. After everyone was corralled into two groups, they went into the depths of the facility to learn brewing techniques straight from an industry professional. The process used several chrome vats big enough to supply a whole troop with liquid refreshment.

NextGen had a lot to celebrate that night, a year into its relaunch. Its quick success suggests another successful year of programming to come.

If you’re between the ages of 30 and 45 and are interested in joining NextGen to meet and socialize with peers in the community while supporting the Federation’s  of the Lehigh Valley’s Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, contact Lee Kestecher Solomon, director of community engagement for the Federation, at lee@jflv.org.