Page 1 - The Jewsish Voice - August '20
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VOL. 10 NO. 8 www.seabreezepublications.com AUGUST 2020
New Chair, Board Members Appointed
at Federation’s Annual Meeting
During its annual meeting, Jewish Federation of Palm Beach
County welcomed Hope Silverman as its new Board Chair, and
the following individuals to its 2020-2021 Board of Directors:
Sandra Bornstein, Jonathan Chane, Pam Comiter, Alan Haspel,
Rabbi Yaron Kapitulnik, Karen List, Robert Naftaly, Warren
Spector, Beth Wayne, and Penni Weinberg. Held virtually via
Zoom, more than 400 guests came together to hear about the state
of the Jewish community, congratulate incoming and outgoing
Board members, and celebrate distinguished community
volunteers and dedicated staff. Susan and Ron Pertnoy served
as event chairs.
Additional key appointments at Federation include: Brian
Seymour as Campaign Chair; Sydelle Sonkin as Women’s Carly Jacobson Ilan Kaufer Jason Rogers Hope Silverman
Philanthropy Board Chair; Ronda Starr as Women’s Philanthropy
Campaign Chair; Joel Yudenfreund as Chair of Jewish award recognizes the outstanding achievement of a Federation highlights. For example, Federation this past year launched Israel
Community Foundation; Jim Baldinger as Chair of Friedman professional who exemplifies Roshfeld’s legacy of professional Fellowship, a collaboration between its Jewish Teen Initiative and
Commission for Jewish Education; and Pam Comiter, Chair of leadership, excellence, and commitment to enhancing Jewish Israel Program Center. Project Tikvah expanded internationally
the Emerging Leadership Program (ELP), the first female chair community. and brought together service-minded teens from the Palm
in ELP’s 11-year history. During the meeting, Federation expressed gratitude to Beaches with Jewish teens in Guatemala. Federation also
The following awards were also presented: Community outgoing Board Chair Ira M. Gerstein for his exemplary celebrated 25 years of partnership with Israel’s TZAHAR region,
leaders Ilan Kaufer and Jason Rogers received the Robert S. dedication during his three-year term, as the nonprofit welcomed which serves as a living bridge between the local community
& Ceil N. Levy Young Leadership Award for their dedication Hope Silverman as Board Chair. and the communities of Tzfat, Hatzor HaGlilit, and Rosh Pina,
to the Jewish community. The award is given annually to two Silverman shared, “What’s happening in our world has Israel. Another cause for celebration was the completion of the
exceptional community members under the age of 45 who changed our lives forever, but my goals and vision for the Palm Beaches’ third year of the LIFE & LEGACY initiative —
have demonstrated continued service to Jewish Federation of Federation remain steadfast. I know I speak for the entire a collaborative endowment building effort that provides for the
Palm Beach County, as well as growth and potential for future board when I say that we are committed to the continued work future financial stability of the local Jewish community.
leadership. Kaufer serves as Chair of the Ben Gurion Society and ability to deliver critical programs to our local and global Hoffman shared, “I have an aspiration and confidence that
and on the boards of the Mandel JCC and Federation’s Jewish partners.” Silverman is past-president of Women’s Philanthropy, we have the capacity to pivot as a Jewish community to meet
Community Relations Council. Rogers is completing his term as past chair of Federation’s Annual Campaign, has served as a the needs of those who are vulnerable and those who we need to
chair of the Emerging Leadership Program (ELP) and recently trustee of the Jewish Women’s Foundation, and her past board inspire. I have confidence and appreciation in the extraordinary
chaired its first-ever mission to Israel. memberships include National Women’s Philanthropy and group of lay and professional leaders guiding our Federation,
Carly Jacobson, who manages Federation’s Jewish Teen National Council for Jewish Women. our beneficiary agencies, our synagogues, and other partner
Initiative engagement program, received the prestigious Michael Hoffman, president and CEO, also provided an Jewish organizations. They are addressing community needs
Debbi Roshfeld Professional Leadership Award. The annual update on the Jewish community, including a few exciting with creativity and innovation not seen before.”
Alpert JFS, Levine JRFS: “We Are Here”
This year’s annual meeting for Ferd & Gladys Alpert Zelda Mason delivered her inaugural address; two clinical much we care, are able to listen, and give help and hope. Tears
Jewish Family Service (Alpert JFS) and Melvin J. & Claire professionals who have been with the agency more than 25 of joy that come from deep gratitude are beautiful to behold,
Levine Jewish Residential & Family Service (Levine JRFS), years shared reminiscences about its important impact on the should be remembered, and compel us to take action.
attended by 160 people, was different from previous years, community; the graduating teen participants of the Alpert A new agency video, “We Are Here,” made a debut,
as it was an entertaining virtual gathering, complete with a JFS Relationships & Decisions for Teens program were showing the strength and resilience of Alpert JFS and Levine
musical performance. A full program recapped 2019-2020, recognized; awards were presented to outstanding volunteers;
and ushered in 2020-2021, with Scott Greenberg, owner of and Marc D. Hopin gave his first message as Alpert JFS and Alpert JFS, Levine JRFS: “We Are Here” on page 2
ComForCare Home Care, as master of ceremonies. Levine JRFS CEO.
Greenberg welcomed attendees, discharged the 2019- Hopin referenced the tears
2020 Board of Directors, and installed the 2020-2021 Board. that have flowed during the
Rabbi Moshe Scheiner of Palm Beach Synagogue delivered pandemic, and how the tears
a meaningful d’var Torah (a talk relating to the weekly of frustration and sorrow
Torah portion); outgoing President Michael A. Lampert, turned to tears of happiness as
Esq., delivered his farewell address; incoming President clients became aware of how