The Lehigh Valley Jewish community will gather on Nov. 5 to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of a new group of 13 remarkable people over the age of 80 who have donated their time, talents and hearts to enriching our community.

An elegant champagne brunch in their honor will be hosted by Jewish Family Service at Temple Beth El. The proceeds from the brunch will benefit JFS’s older adult services.

“This event brings our community together to honor special individuals who have made a difference in the lives of others,” said Debbie Zoller, JFS executive director. “As we age and begin the phase of retirement, many older adults look at their time as a gift they can give their community by volunteering.”

Rabbi Allen Juda, JFS board president, added, “8ish Over 80 gives us collectively a wonderful opportunity to tell a group of extraordinary Jewish community members from across the Lehigh Valley that we have not forgotten their past efforts nor are we unaware of their current contributions to communal life. We value and appreciate what they have done and what they do and the example they have set for all of us.”

Each of the honorees is a community volunteer chosen by a synagogue or Jewish agency in the Lehigh Valley. As part of the process, the organizations were instructed to choose individuals with dedication of time, talent and mensch-like qualities in the Lehigh Valley. The 13 honorees, comprised of 11 individuals and one couple, have volunteered extensively across the Lehigh Valley, each lending his or her time and dedication to the community.

The event, which will feature a brief presentation from JFS as well as a video featuring the honorees in their own words, is intended not only to celebrate the efforts of these remarkable people, but also to inspire the whole community to improve the lives of older adults in the Lehigh Valley. “The stories of our honorees are treasures to be enjoyed and preserved,” Zoller said.

Carah Tenzer, co-chair of the event, called several of the honorees to let them know they’d been selected. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the various honorees say, ‘I don’t know what I’m being honored for … this is just what I’ve always done,’” she said. “What I love so much about hearing from this year’s honorees is how much they feel they’ve gained from active participation in the community.” Tenzer and Audrey Nolte also co-chaired last year’s event.

“The lifelong commitment of our honorees’ gifts of Tikkun Olam is like ripples on the water, touching lives near and far, now and in the future,” Nolte said.

The 8ish Over 80 brunch will take place on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m. at Temple Beth El. To meet our honorees and learn about admission and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jfslv.org/8ishOver80.