Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre in East Rockaway became the center of Beverly Wachtel’s decades-long dedication to the Jewish community after she and her husband, Jerry Wachtel, moved to Hewlett from Brooklyn in 1988. Looking to become part of a Jewish community as they began a new chapter, the move would mark the start of an unparalleled journey of service for the Westchester native.
Wachtel’s involvement at the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre began in 1992, when she took on a leadership role as president of the Nursery School Parents Association. From there, her involvement in the East Rockaway congregation continued to grow.
Since then, Wachtel has served in numerous roles, including 13 nonconsecutive years as president of HERJC Sisterhood, a women’s group within the synagogue that organizes community-building social events. Additionally, she served as Sisterhood vice president for 20 years and spent time as a member of the board of directors and the religious school parents association.
Wachtel credits her volunteerism to her late parents, Stanley and Theda Okun.
“My mother was President of Hadassah and President of B’nai B’rith, and my father was on the religious school board of education at Congregation Kneses Tifereth Israel, so I did all those things,” Wachtel said. “I didn’t really think about it, I just kept doing more. I wanted to be a part of it”
Throughout her years of service to HERJC, Wachtel helped create programs. In 2004 and 2005, Wachtel organized and ran a 3-kilometer walk for Israel through the Sisterhood and the congregation to help victims of terrorism in Israel. She established the annual joint Sisterhood event, which brings together local synagogue sisterhoods for programs, and started fundraisers for the congregation.
Wachtel grew up skiing and playing volleyball in Westchester and was part of the third full graduating class at Blind Brook High School, a public school in Rye Brook. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lafayette College in Easton, Pa. She has two children, Jonathan Wachtel (Ninette Shikley) and Lisa Wachtel (Dave Krieg) and two grandchildren, Alex Krieg and Zachary Krieg.
Wachtel was one of 18 women at Assemblywoman Judy Griffin’s sixth annual Women of Distinction Ceremony on July 29. The event honors women for their leadership and service to their communities.
“These women remind us that leadership isn’t measured by titles or recognition. It is found in showing up for others, lifting people up during difficult times, building vibrant communities, and inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps to make a difference,” Griffin wrote in a news release. “I believe that our communities are shaped by people who choose to give back, and I am grateful for your presence in Assembly District 21. Your generosity, engagement and service make our communities more welcoming, kinder, and more connected.”
