Ann Lebowitz Monsky was born and raised in the Hill Section, nourished by a close-knit Jewish community amidst a multi-cultural, accepting neighborhood. Her mother’s volunteerism so inspired Ann that she felt destined for a similar life of service.

The presence of Judaism within the community was stronger then than it is now. Nonetheless, Ann’s lifetime of work within the organizations central to the Jewish community – she now serves as President of the Board at the Jewish Community Center – has persisted and has been a source of personal growth, alongside her career as a speech and language pathologist.

In particular, she treasures the uniqueness of her lifelong Scranton friendships. She notes how events such as the Tree of Life shootings illustrate the extent to which antisemitism permeates our society, and remarks about a police car now being parked outside of Temple Israel every Saturday.

Nonetheless, the outpouring of love and support from across the city gives Ann hope that with education, fortitude, and a good collective attitude, we can overcome hate.