AUGUST 31 • 2023 | 23
and the rest of us would do the acting,” she
says.
Every five years, the Levin Family Club
would also host a major anniversary cele-
bration, paying tribute to the family’s mon-
umental effort in keeping the tradition
going strong.
Nodler’s late husband, Alvin Nodler, also
created an extensive genealogy book with
more than 550 entries, including pictures
and history of the Levin family. This book
tracks births, deaths, milestones and all
branches of the extensive family.
A FAMILY EFFORT
Now, as decades have passed, the Levins
are worldwide.
There are branches in Europe, Argentina
and Israel, in addition to numerous
branches throughout the United States.
A member of the Argentina branch,
Nodler says, even started the first Spanish-
speaking kibbutz in Israel.
While the international Levins haven’t
attended any Levin Family Club events
in-person, Nodler says that a silver lin-
ing of the COVID-19 pandemic was the
increased use of Zoom.
Since the pandemic, the Levin Family
Club has held their annual Chanukah and
Purim parties on Zoom, allowing Levins
all over the world to dial in.
Over the past 25 years, Adele and Alvin
Nodler led efforts in maintaining the
Levin Family Club, with Adele taking on
her husband’s responsibilities after his
passing.
Their children, Harold and Michael
Nodler, are also extensively involved in the
club.
Still, the Levin Family Club is a group
effort that Adele Nodler says spans many
generations and branches. The current
eldest member is 97, while the youngest is
just 6 months old.
Events are also chaired by committees,
lending structure and format to the club.
Nodler says the Levins and their descen-
dants are always “anxious to volunteer”
and, like herself, find great meaning and
connection in the long-running family
club.
Members also span a variety of Jewish
affiliations that include Orthodox,
Conservative and more. Nodler personally
belongs to Congregation Beth Shalom and
volunteers with Jewish Family Service,
Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network
and the Friendship Circle.
The celebration was a grand success.
The family had a candle lighting ceremony
there followed by races and games. Prizes
were given to all.
As for what keeps the Levin Family Club
going strong after 75 years, Nodler has a
simple answer: The families enjoy seeing
one another.
“We’re hoping that the kids will continue
the legacy,” she says.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE LEVIN FAMILY
Alvin and Adele
Nodler.
Celebrants
participating in the
three-legged race.
The Levins who
gathered to
celebrate.
Family
members join
a running race.