Ancestors of Binae Karpo were among the 200,000-plus Eastern European Jews who arrived in the United States in the 1800s, passing through the immigrant processing center at Ellis Island. They moved to and lived in various towns and cities throughout America, settling in Philadelphia, which eventually led Karpo to settle in the Lehigh Valley.

As a young girl, Karpo became aware that her grandfather was buying Israeli bonds, always emphasizing the significance of Jewish philanthropy and giving to Israel. This established within her the sense that Judaism revolves around community and support and the love we offer to those important to us.

Karpo was involved in a young Jewish professionals group early on and met a lot of wonderful friends who continue to be in her life today. They would celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays together. They also would celebrate their children’s milestones together, from bat mitzvahs (no boys, sorry) to weddings. 

As a community, they were there for one another, to comfort one another at the passing of their loved ones. Karpo’s daughters saw how strong the community was when her brother died suddenly seven years ago. The outpouring of support in the community showed her daughters how important it is to have people to lean on until you can stand alone. It shows that we as Jews need to be there for each other.