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.

