A painting of an olive tree – a symbol of peace and unity – welcomes visitors to the Everett Jewish Life Center. At this newest of Chautauqua’s denominational houses - inspired by Edith Everett and her family - Jewish Chautauquans already call this place “home.” Funding for the center was made possible by a generous gift of Edith Everett and her family in memory of her husband Henry. Edith and Henry had, as a couple, come to Chautauqua for over 30 years. The Center features a large community room for programs and gatherings, a library, dining room and a kitchen. It is a place that welcomes all in the Jewish and Chautauqua community to gather and share in the joy of learning and life. The Center also benefits from generous gifts of many supporters who have contributed to the Center’s operation and maintenance with their time and resources.
“This is a place where Jewish Chautauquans can come together and celebrate their common, shared participation in the Jewish faith and all its rich expressions.”
Thomas M. Becker
President, Chautauqua Institution
EJLCC Dedication, July 5, 2009
Since the beginning of the 2009 summer season, the Everett Jewish Life Center has been a hub of activity, programs and lectures. There are more events at the Everett Center than days in the summer season, and hundreds of Jews, non-Jews and Chautauquans benefit from this remarkable new home.
A diversity of programs has the broadest appeal. Films, lecturers, book reviews, meals, receptions, and information gatherings - the Everett Center has witnessed it all. The original intentions of the founders, funders and planners of the center have been met.
Edith Everett is co-founder and president of the Everett Family Foundation, whose priorities are education and young people. For over 40 years she was senior vice president of investments at a New York Stock Exchange member firm. She currently serves on a number of philanthropic boards including The Jewish Book Council, Joint Distribution Committee, American Friends of Israel Sci-Tech Schools (chair), Blaustein Institute for Human Rights, International Hillel and for 23 years she had been a board member of the City University of New York.