Page 2 - The Jewish Voice - December '19

Page 2, The Jewish Voice
Renowned Philanthropist, Jewish Communal

Leader Barbara A. Mandel Passes Away at 93

Barbara A. Mandel, life-long volunteer, highly volunteers and leaders. of tapping unknown sources of energy and commitment to
respected philanthropist, social justice advocate, and Her wisdom is just one meet new dangers that may appear. If we see further today,
wife of 70 years to distinguished businessman Morton of her myriad legacies.” and can do more today, it is because we stand on the shoulders
L. Mandel (z”l) died last month at the age of 93. A self- Mandel once of the giants of our history. They remind us of the greatness
proclaimed feminist, Mrs. Mandel was a born leader with remarked at a National of our past, and they give us new strength to meet our future.
a true philanthropic spirit intent on making a difference. Council of Jewish In the face of all the challenges around us, the greatest sin is
A native of Cleveland, Barbara A. Mandel lived in Palm Women event, “In our inaction. We have the strength to meet our task and we
Beach at the time of her death. She attended Radcliffe the midst of all of our have proven repeatedly that we have the will...”
College of Harvard University and Flora Stone Mather current troubles, it Mrs. Mandel is survived by her daughters, Amy Mandel
College of Case Western University, where she received a helps to know that we and Stacy (Keith) Palagye, and her son Thomas (Lisa)
BA. In addition, Mrs. Mandel received honorary degrees have overcome dangers Mandel; her grandchildren, Alicia Mandel, Daniela Mandel,
from Hebrew University and Brandeis University. in our past as serious Wilson Petricig, Jack Petricig, Daniel Mandel, Sherilyn
“Barbara Mandel was a compassionate, dedicated as any we face today. (Phil) Ciccarelli, Lilian Rose Palagye, Olivia Lyn Palagye;
individual who believed in the vitality of cultural arts We are an optimistic and her great-granddaughters, Amora Mandel Carson and
and the importance of the state of Israel to the Jewish people, a people capable Chloe Ciccarelli.
community,” said Michael Hoffman, president and CEO
of Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. “She loved
and cared deeply about the prosperity of the Palm Beaches
and boldly led with her philanthropy. She and Mort, her
husband of 70 years who passed away just weeks ago,
changed the course of our local and global communities
and ensured a bright future for generations to come.”
Mrs. Mandel was active in the Cleveland area,
nationally, and in Israel. She was Vice Chair of the Jack,
Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation, and served as
president of the Cleveland section of the National Council
of Jewish Women and Chair of Leadership Development
for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. She was later
elected president of the National Council of Jewish
Women. Her commitment to education was demonstrated
by her service as trustee, Executive Committee member,
and co-chair of a major fundraising campaign at Brandeis
University. Her commitment to the arts was exemplified by
her many years of service and then as chair of the board Happy
of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New
York. Abroad, she served as honorary chair of Hebrew
University, as deputy chair of the Executive Committee,
and as co-chair of its international fundraising campaign. Holidays
She also served as president of the American Friends of
Hebrew University. from
“Barbara had a warrior spirit and deep compassion
for people. She believed that every person has the
responsibility to make their corner of the world a better
place,” said Caroline Baumann, director of Cooper Hewitt, 561.500.2020
Smithsonian Design Museum. “Forthright and fiercely
intelligent, she always had the ability to rally people to
meet the needs at hand with such emotion, conviction, and www.mittlemaneye.com
inspiration.”
In a speech delivered to hundreds at a national 601 University Blvd., Suite 101 | Jupiter, FL 33458
convention, Mrs. Mandel remarked, “I am confident that 2000 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 400 | WPB, FL 33409
we will use our time, talent, training, and resources, alone
and in coalition, to nudge our society forward so that
when future generations look back at this decade, they
will remember it as another of those great historic eras in
which America flowered, in which the nation’s spirit and
vitality rose to meet the challenge — a decade, in short, Happy
in which the promise of America was met.”
Civic and philanthropic activities were an important
aspect of Mrs. Mandel’s life. She helped fund several
substantial foundations for charitable purposes, including Hanukkah
the Morton and Barbara Mandel Family Foundation and
Morton and Barbara Mandel Supporting Foundation. The
focus of her philanthropy included leadership education
programs, higher education, human services, and the arts.
Mrs. Mandel’s efforts on the civic front did not go
unnoticed. During her lifetime, she received the Annual
Hannah G. Solomon Award from the National Council of
Jewish Women and was elected to Ohio Women’s Hall of
Fame. She was also a life trustee of the Jewish Federation
of Cleveland. Celebrate deliciously!
“Barbara remained an active and respected volunteer
well into her 90s,” said Jehuda Reinharz, president and
CEO of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation
and president emeritus of Brandeis University. “Her For home, office, family and friends, let
insights and wisdom continue to inspire a new generation of
TooJay’s handle your Holiday Feast!

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