Steeped in Stories event graphic

Steeped in Stories: An Exhibit Celebrating Two Decades of History

May 17, 2026

May 17th, 2026 | 3-5:00 PM | Bellevue, WA

In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month and commemorating the leadership and service of longtime Executive Director Lisa Kranseler. 

This page will be updated in the days after the event with all event material, including photos, tributes, and any other additional information. 

Questions? Email info@wsjhs.org

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Name tags for attendees 

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Steeped in Stories event program 

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Display of desserts from Leah's Kosher Catering

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Display of catered food by Leah's Kosher Catering

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Floral arrangements made in teapots, designed by Karen Fusaro

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Introductory exhibit panel 

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Community member viewing the exhibit

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Community members viewing the exhibit

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From left to right: Rabbi Daniel Weiner speaking with Jerry Dunietz and Laurie Minsk

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Community members viewing the exhibit

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Community members viewing the exhibit

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Robin Goldstein and Hannah Peters

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From left to right: Lisa Oratz, Keith Oratz, Lynn Smith and Ilana Cone Kennedy

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From left to right: Lisa Kranseler, Rose Yu (center), and Lynn Wartnik

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From left to right: Jeff Leopold and Larry Slate

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Jon & Bobbe Bridge, Executive Director, Hannah Peters speaking at the event

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Hannah Peters, hugging Lisa Kranseler

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Lisa Kranseler walking off the stage following her speech

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Audience members, including Congressman Adam Smith, watching the speaking portion of the event

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Executive Director Emeritus, Lisa Kranseler giving a speech

Board President

WSJHS Board President Ron Waldbaum as the MC for the event

Solly Kane is the President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, speaking at the event

Solly Kane, the President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, speaking at the event

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Congressman Adam Smith speaking at the event

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Lisa Kranseler, after being presented with a retirement sash by Hannah Peters

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Lisa Kranseler giving a speech

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Lisa Kranseler and Hannah Peters

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Lisa Kranseler and Isabel Mata

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From left to right: Lisa Kranseler, Julie Kranseler, Kenny Kranseler, Andrew Kranseler, and Marissa Kranz

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Lisa Kranseler and husband, Kenny Kranseler

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Hannah Peters (center) with parents Mette and Rick Peters

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Lisa Kranseler and Dee Simon

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From left to right: Sara Mottaz, Lisa Kranseler, Hannah Peters, Sha'Niya Black, and Isabel Mata

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Sara Mottaz, Hannah Peters and Sha'Niya Black

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From left to right: Hannah Peters, Joel Arensberg, Dianne Arensberg and Lisa Kranseler

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Seth Goldstein, Mimi Rosen, and Ron Waldbaum

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From left to right: Hannah Peters, Lisa Kranseler, Seth Goldstein, Mimi Rosen and Ron Waldbaum

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From left to right: Solly Kane, Lisa Kranseler, and Hannah Peters

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From left to right: Hannah Peters, Lisa Kranseler, Bobbe Bridge and Jon Bridge

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Lisa Kranseler and Sonny Gorasht

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From left to right: Gena Gorasht, Lisa Kranseler and Sonny Gorasht

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Bobbie Stern and Lisa Kranseler

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Jean Lorch and Lisa Kranseler

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Congressman Adam Smith with Lisa Kranseler

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Lisa Kranseler and Hannah Peters

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Lisa Kranseler and Tammy Cohen

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From left to right: Tammy Cohen, Lisa Kranseler, Isabel Mata

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Cynthia Reiner Spencer and Lisa Kranseler

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Lisa Kranseler and Karen Fusaro

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From left to right: Cynthia Flash Hemphill, Hannah Peters, Nathan Hemphill, Mette Peters, Rick Peters

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Washington State Representative Janice Zahn with Lisa Kranseler

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From left to right: Geri Capeloto, Representative Janice Zahn, Lisa Kranseler, Jean Lorch, Cynthia Reiner Spencer and Julie Kranseler

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From left to right: Jamie Peha, Tammy Cohen, Lisa Kranseler, Cheryl Long and Julie Kranseler

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From left to right: Geri Capeloto, Sandy Glass, Tammy Cohen, Jacquie Bayley, Lisa Kranseler, Julie Kranseler, Susanne Shavelson, Leigh Ann More, Joanne Edinberg, Amy Slate

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Lisa with flowers from her daughter, Julie Kranseler

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WSJHS staff and contractor

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Lisa Kranseler and Paula Podemski

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Lisa Kranseler holding a signed card

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Lisa Kranseler and Hannah Peters, with gifts of a bonsai tree, sash, and card

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Lisa with her son, Andrew Kranseler 

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Lisa with daughter Julie Kranseler