2026 Dare to Understand® Awards Ceremony

May 31st, 2026

Time: 7:00pm, doors open at 6:30pm

Location: Congregation Beth Am Israel, 1301 Hagys Ford Rd, Penn Valley, PA 19072

Reserve Tickets
Full Invitation
Sponsorship Opportunities

Celebrating:

Abby Stamelman Hocky

Founder · Visionary · Leader

Celebrating 22 years of extraordinary leadership and service to Interfaith Philadelphia

Abby Stamelman Hocky leads with integrity, imagination, and energy. Anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting Abby has been moved by her soft, welcoming aura, and forever changed by her empathy and deep value of the importance of understanding one another. Abby’s passion for interfaith work, which began before she created Interfaith Philadelphia, has left an irreversible mark on our region.

 As Abby steps into her next chapter, join us to celebrate her remarkable contributions and honor her legacy – one of curiosity, openness, and a commitment to a just and compassionate society. 

Abby once said, “We will not let the fire stop until the light shines on everyone.” On May 31st, we shine the light on her.

Featuring:

Musical performance by singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer

About the Dare to Understand® Award

Interfaith Philadelphia’s Dare to Understand® Award honors individuals, communities, and businesses of distinction that have championed the work of interfaith engagement and understanding across lines of difference.

Awardees lead their communities by example, demonstrating humility, curiosity, and respect, qualities imperative in interfaith work.

Thank you to artist Krista Bard for the generous donation of the Dare Understand® Award, a print entitled, "Understanding." Artist Krista Bard's series, "Sacred Words," has garnered acclaim through exhibitions in Paris, Palm Beach, Miami, and Washington, DC. Bard created the piece "Understanding" as a gift to Interfaith Philadelphia. In it, she meticulously translated the word into numerous languages. Bard believes "Understanding" embodies Interfaith Philadelphia's mission and is one of the most powerful word in the world. According to Bard, “It raises the human spirit and calls forth that which is best in each of us. It is precisely what the world needs at this moment.”

Dare to Understand Award Past Recipients

2025 Recipients
2024 Recipients
2023 Recipients
2022 Recipients
2021 Recipients
2020 Recipients
2019 Recipients
2018 Recipients
2017 Recipients
2016 Recipients
2015 Recipients
2014 Recipients
2013 Recipients
2012 Recipients

Sponsors: Thank you for your support!

Your support honors the work of our awardees, furthers the work of Interfaith Philadelphia, and demonstrates your commitment to dare to understand!

Trailblazer

$25,000+

Change-Maker

$15,000

Innovator

$10,000

Bridge-Builder

$5,000

Friend

$2,500

Sustainer

$1,000

Questions? Need Additional Information?

For more information about this event, please contact Sara Zebovitz using the contact details found here.

Sara Zebovitz

Sara Zebovitz

Associate Director