People

Stella Blen, daughter of Alison and Scott Blen is a senior at St. Mary’s Episcopal School. Memphis Jewish Federation’s Lemsky Endowment Fund provided her with a Teen Israel Experience grant to help offset the cost of her BBYO ISIL (International Leadership Seminar in Israel) Israel trip last summer. All rising high school juniors and seniors in the Memphis Jewish community are eligible for grants up to $3,000 to attend a recognized teen summer or semester program in Israel. Applications for Summer 2023 are now available online. Click here to learn more and apply.

By Stella Blen

Traveling to Israel this summer was one of the most magical experiences I have ever had. I had the opportunity to visit sites that I had been educated on for my entire life, and to see these historical and cultural landmarks in person was truly special.

We started off our journey in a kibbutz near the Kineret, and I did not know anybody on the trip at this point. The scenery was beautiful, the culture was thriving, and this stop was where I connected with so many other Jewish teens. We stayed there for around five days before traveling to Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv was rich with beautiful architecture and food, and we went on cool tours of the city. We would continue this cycle of staying in one city for two or three nights, then traveling to the next and repeating the cycle. 

My favorite place we traveled to was probably the Negev. We stayed in this cool Kibbutz right in the desert and had the opportunity to listen to interesting speakers. I loved hiking in the desert canyons. We went on a night hike when the stars were out and the moon was full, and it was absolutely beautiful.

Something I especially loved about my trip, BBYO ILSI (International Leadership Seminar in Israel) was that rather than being only with teens from the United States, I met people from all over the world. Sixteen different countries were represented on our trip, and I now have friends from Argentina, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Canada, and many more countries. We all shared the common thread of Judaism, and it was a special feeling.

Not only did we get to experience important Jewish landmarks, but we all engaged in discussions surrounding issues with Israel itself. I remember when we all traveled to the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip (under the control of Hamas), and we sat in a circle discussing the conflicts between the two very divided nations. This conversation was extremely moving and definitely changed my perspective on the serious issue.

We also talked about anti-Jewish sentiment in the United States and the issues we face in our everyday lives as Jews. Having the opportunity to bond in our shared problems was really compelling and made me realize that I wasn’t alone. This discussion took place at Yad Vashem, one of the largest existing Holocaust museums and made me emotional to see all the evidence of the Holocaust. It was difficult but it is important to see these parts of Israel because it helps us understand who we are as Jews.

The last few days of the trip were some of my favorites. We climbed Masada, which was difficult, and I really did not think I could get to the top, but I did. We ended our journey at the Kotel. I loved going to the Kotel because I got to pray at the holiest site in Judaism. Overall, Israel was a phenomenal experience and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Memphis Jewish Federation’s Lemsky Endowment Fund for helping to make my BBYO ISIL Israel trip possible.

Caption: Stella and other BBYO ISIL (International Leadership Seminar in Israel) participants from around the world enjoyed visiting historical landmarks throughout the country. Her trip was made possible in part with support from Teen Israel Experience Grant from Memphis Jewish Federation.

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A sold-out crowd of 256 Memphis Jewish women (and a few men) gathered on Tuesday, January 10 to support Memphis Jewish Federation’s annual campaign and celebrate Women of Strength Ricki Krupp and Alla Olswanger Lubin. 

The event was a showcase of Women of Strength through a Federation lens, featuring second-generation jeweler, third-generation Holocaust survivor, mother of four, and Brooklyn-based entrepreneur Freida Rothman as keynote speaker, and a touching spotlight on local Women of Strength Ricki Krupp and Alla Olswanger-Lubin. It was a celebration of Jewish philanthropy with women of every age represented and every segment of our Jewish community present, followed by an exclusive shopping opportunity with sales of Freida’s jewelry a portion of which will support Federation’s Annual Community Campaign.

“With the new year just beginning, we think about gratitude, about lessons we’ve learned. Personally, I have reflected on this amazing community I moved to five years ago, the friends and relationships I’ve built, and the great experiences my children and family have been lucky to have in this community,” said Jaclyn Marshall, who along with Debbie Rosenthal, Jody Shutzberg, and Jessica Sukholdolsky served as a co-chair of the event. 

“Look around this room,” she continued. “It’s because of women like you and your support of Federation that our community continues to thrive, and that we’re able to meet every need in our community.”

The narrative of women-driven impact threaded through the whole event, from the very name of the program all the way down to the signs identifying each guest’s table, which flashed words like ‘dependable’ and ‘tenacious.’  Beth Shalom synagogue’s Rabbi Sarit Horwitz led the group in Hamotzi and spoke about women’s roles at the vanguard of community activism. Through a web-based platform, guests contributed to a colorful word cloud, adding adjectives and nouns to a growing cluster of terms like ‘volunteering’ and ‘tzedakah’ that will become a permanent art piece in the Federation offices.

“Our Federation exists to fulfill two main purposes; to maintain a strong, cohesive local infrastructure which in turn ensures the continuity and wellbeing of the community, and to support Jews in need all over the world,” said Federation Past President Laurie Cooper, who introduced honorees Ricki Krupp and Alla Olswanger-Lubin.

“Ricki Krupp and her fantastic Ricki’s Cookie Corner & Bakery provide a constant presence that we all rely on,” said Laurie. “With her challah, Ricki is helping establish and maintain Jewish rituals and the Torah values of observing Shabbat and holidays at our family tables for all Jewish families, be they Reform, Conservative, or Orthodox. Not only does she enhance Jewish life in Memphis, she has also put us on the Jewish food map by shipping to customers all across the country.”

“When I moved back to Memphis many years ago, I kept hearing about this incredible woman who had moved here in my absence, Alla Olswanger-Lubin,” Laurie continued. “She had to hide her Jewish identity as a child in Ukraine, but today in Memphis, her children and grandchildren walk freely, and proudly say that they are Jewish, which means everything to her. (Because Federation supported her move to Memphis), Alla made a conscious decision to give back to the system that helped her establish a wonderful Jewish life in Memphis.”

After brief remarks touching on Federation’s ability to zoom out for big-picture snapshots of urgent community need and respond with comprehensive strategy, Campaign Director Judy Lansky introduced Elisheva Massel, Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), one of Federation’s key global allies in its work.

“All of you have literally enabled miracles this year and over many, many years,” Elisheva said after a short video documenting JDCs ongoing work in war-torn Ukraine. “For the past 30 years, JDC has been working in this region, together with Federation, focusing on saving Jewish lives and building Jewish life. The infrastructure we’ve built there has allowed us to act quickly and effectively in times of crisis, and this is due in no small part to each and every one of you.”

For the keynote program of the afternoon, Jaclyn Marshall again came to the stage to welcome guest speaker Freida Rothman who she described as “an incredible woman, known internationally as a jewelry designer who channels her passion, strength, and resolve inherited from four Holocaust survivor grandparents into her iconic work.”

Responding to questions, Freida discussed her leap-of-faith in launching her Jewelry brand with inspiration coming from her beloved borough of Brooklyn.  She has used her jewelry brand, now carried in high-end retail stores such as Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, to empower her teenage daughters to find their own professional and philanthropic path, and to preserve her family’s Holocaust stories for the betterment of society.

“When I introduce myself, I almost always feel compelled to include that dark history in my identity,” said Freida. “’Hi. I’m Freida Rothman, jewelry designer and granddaughter of four Holocaust survivors.’ I feel compelled to speak truth to their stories at every opportunity, to do my part to ensure history never repeats itself.”

Wrapping her segment, Freida challenged the women of Jewish Memphis to be conscious and intentional in their acts of tzedakah and community-building. She emphasized the role women have in activating their family’s philanthropy in a way that suits the unique realities of any given family at any given point in time.

To close the program, Laura Linder, President & CEO of Jewish Community Partners, which manages Memphis Jewish Federation, thanked the speakers, award winners, attendees, and those who couldn’t attend but do their part to sustain this community.

“Here today are 256 women who individually and as part of their families contribute more than $1.5 million to Federation’s Annual Community Campaign, each and every year. Your gifts, as you’ve heard this afternoon, do so much for so many,” said Laura. “Together, our impact is astounding. I hope you leave this event having a deeper appreciation for the special community we live in, and a renewed commitment to doing your part to make it even stronger.”

Jaclyn Marshall, Debbie Rosenthal, Jody Shutzberg, and Jessica Sukohldolsky Co-Chaired the event. The Host Committee included Maureen Baum, Suzanne Baum, Marion Bessoff, Ellee Breit, Jill Buring, Hallie Charney, Bari Eiseman, Jackie Evans, Janis Finan, Karen Franklin, Marlene Gerson, Shayna Giles, Myrna Halpern, Elana Kahane, Karen Karmel, Justin Katz, Lisa Kaufman, Karen Koplon, Barb Lansky, Danielle Lazarov, Debbie B. Lazarov, Emily Lennon, Aviva Lewis, Betsy Libby, Sharon Lubin, Lisa Menuskin, Lindsey Reef, Shelley Robbins, Hillary Samuels, Sophie Samuels, Stacy Siegler, Lisa Silver, Audrey Siskind, Jill Steinberg, and Kathy Wexler.

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Sarah Blen, daughter of Alison and Scott Blen, is a junior at St. Mary’s Episcopal School. Memphis Jewish Federation’s Lemsky Endowment Fund provided her with a Teen Israel Experience grant to help offset the cost of her NFTY Jacobs Camp Israel trip last summer. All rising high school juniors and seniors in the Memphis Jewish community are eligible for grants up to $3,000 to attend a recognized teen summer or semester program in Israel. Applications for Summer 2023 are now available online. Click here to learn more and apply.

By Sarah Blen

My trip to Israel was incredible. We went all over the country and did so much. All the food was so good and was like nothing I have ever had before.

In Jerusalem, the Old City was beautiful. I had always seen pictures online or in Sunday School but visiting was meaningful. We went to the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Shabbat and saw a lot of people praying. I especially enjoyed the things we did outside. Climbing through caves and digging in them was cool. In the desert, staying in the Bedouin tents was a fascinating experience, especially learning from the people in the tribes who lived there. My favorite constant was the hot tea we drank when we were in the desert during Sea to Sea.

Sea to Sea was probably one of my favorite parts of the trip. The hike made me feel accomplished. Our guide taught us about the stars, cooking skills, and about the plants that were around us. I will never look at sage the same way again. I had a really good time cooking with my friends in the middle of nowhere. We started by swimming in the sea of Galilee and ended by biking to the Mediterranean Sea. It took about 4 days, and we hiked on rocks and water for miles. I appreciated the free time we had in the shuks and markets. Although they were complex and easy to get lost in, there were so many different things you could buy and eat there. Most of the people who worked in the markets were very familiar with the teen trips to Israel, so they were patient with us when we did not know how to communicate. Although it was not necessarily Jewish, I loved seeing the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The art there was breathtaking, and I left with many questions.

Snorkeling in the Red Sea was also fun, and I saw many cool fish. I think going to Israel with my camp friends made the trip more meaningful. While we also made good friends with the other camps staying with us, I am glad my camp partnered with NFTY for the trip. I always look forward to seeing my camp friends every year, so this was the best. I found visiting the Druze people interesting as well. The food was good there and I honestly did not know that the culture existed, so it was nice to learn about them.  

Even the hotels with their leaky ceilings were fun experiences!

I recommend this trip to anyone who already loves their URJ and wants to see the Holy Land. Ultimately, my trip was the most fun I have ever had with the best people ever. I could without a doubt see myself visiting Israel again.

Thank you to Memphis Jewish Federation’s Lemsky Endowment Fund for helping to make my NFTY Jacobs Camp Israel trip possible.

Caption: Among scores of memorable experiences during her NFTY Jacobs Camp Israel trip last summer, Memphis teen Sarah Blen visited the Old City of Jerusalem. Her trip was made possible in part with support from a Teen Israel Experience Grant from Memphis Jewish Federation.

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By Shoshana Cenker

A native Memphian has returned to her roots in the community she loves. Laura Kaplan Paller is Jewish Community Partner’s (JCP) new VP of Finance & Operations, the role she began this past October.

“I oversee the day-to-day operational and financial management of JCP,” she explained.

After graduating with a business degree in risk management and insurance from the University of Georgia, Laura lived and worked in New York City for Marsh and McLennan. The next step in her career took her to Birmingham, Alabama, where she served as regional director of operations for an optometry group.

But Memphis came calling, literally. When a recruiter reached out about a position in Memphis, Laura’s father Michael encouraged her to consider. When Laura was offered the role of Director of Operations for University Clinical Health, she once again became a Memphian, this time by choice. During her five years in that position, she began thinking more and more about deepening her connections in the Jewish community. A spontaneous phone call to Laura Linder, JCP’s President & CEO paved the way to the start of her career as a Jewish professional in her hometown. Jewish Community Partners is the managing organization of the Jewish Foundation of Memphis and Memphis Jewish Federation.

“I’m a founding member of Memphis B’nai Tzedek, the Jewish Foundation of Memphis Teen Philanthropy Program, and I’ve been on Foundation’s board since 2020 as a representative for Anshei Sphard-Beth El Emeth,” Kaplan Paller said. “I had sworn I would never move back, but I love this community. Jewish Memphis has such unique qualities for a community our size. Coming to JCP feels like home, like a warm hug.”

Laura’s role consists of managing all shared resources — think finance, HR, marketing, technology, facilities, investments, compliance, and risk management.

“We are so thrilled that Laura has joined our team as Vice President of Finance & Operations. She brings incredible management and operations experience, but most importantly, she is deeply committed to our Jewish community and passionate about our work,” said Linder. “My personal relationship with her goes back decades to when she was a student in B’nai Tzedek. I’d like to think those early years of engagement in philanthropy had an impact on her career choice.”

 “I want my kids to grow up with same feeling of community — all the support they’ll ever a need, because people always step up here — and I want to be part of that, too,” Laura said. Married in 2019 to Jeffrey Paller, the happy couple has two children — Sadie is 2½ years old and Emma is 8 months. “My parents have been so involved in the Jewish community, it’s ingrained in us. It’s amazing to have the opportunity to continue the legacy my parents have shown for community involvement.”

“Laura’s previous work experience and insight as a former board member of Jewish Foundation of Memphis are great assets for our organizations and made her the right person for this position,” said Cindy Finestone, Chair of Memphis Jewish Federation. “She clearly understands our organizations, opportunities, and challenges, and I’m excited for her to be part of our professional staff. I also loved the fact that she was an alumni advisor of Foundation’s B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy program.” 

“I’m very excited about the addition of Laura to the team,” said Jason Salomon, Jewish Foundation of Memphis Board Chair. “Her professional experience and passion for our Jewish community make her a perfect fit for JCP. I look forward to seeing her role grow in the organization. Additionally, with two Laura’s in the boardroom, I’d like to be the first to publicly lobby for the nickname ‘LP’!”

Laura can be reached at: lkaplan@jcpmemphis.org or 901.767.7119.

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On Tuesday, January 10, 2023 the women of Jewish Memphis are invited to support Federation’s annual campaign and celebrate Women of Strength at a luncheon and VIP shopping experience. Ricki Krupp and Alla Olswanger-Lubin, two Memphis women who have each made a significant impact in our Jewish community, will be honored during the Impact Luncheon. Second generation jeweler, mother of four, and entrepreneur Freida Rothman will keynote the event.

“Both of these dynamic women have made this community richer in countless ways.  In simple terms, Ricki has nourished our bodies and Alla has nourished our hearts,” said Federation board chair Cindy Finestone who, along with event co-chairs Jaclyn Marshall, Debbie Rosenthal, Jody Shutzberg, and Jessica Baum Sukhodolsky, is part of the leadership team planning this exciting event. “Ricki is part of every family simcha in our Jewish community.  It doesn’t matter where you affiliate, every Jewish family values and savors Ricki’s challah and desserts! And Alla is known by everyone for her warmth, her smile and her incredible dedication to so many organizations.  She has spent her adult life dedicated to our Jewish community – including being a critical resource for Fogelman JFS when dozens of families from the FSU were resettled in the early 1990’s.  Now, most nights, she’s at a board meeting or volunteering by making calls for Federation’s campaign.  Everyone agrees that she is an incredible leader and advocate for Jews worldwide.”

The event will be held at 11:30 A.M., Tuesday January 10 in the Memphis Jewish Community Center’s Belz Social Hall. There is a $50 couvert, with attendance open to anyone whose household has pledged or commits to pledge $180 or more to Memphis Jewish Federation’s Annual Community Campaign. At the time of this writing, more than 130 tickets had been sold, with orders coming in consistently. Those who wish to attend are encouraged to act fast. Visit our website to learn more and buy tickets.  

“The Memphis Jewish community means everything to me, and every day I open the bakery, I feel honored to have my own special role to play here,” said Ricki Krupp, whose Ricki’s Cookie Corner & Bakery has been providing kosher challahs, pizzas, cakes, cookies, and, of course, chipsticks to the city’s Jewish households and beyond since 1980, and from her brick-and-mortar location at Eastgate Shopping Center since 2000. “I think of everyone who comes through our doors as a friend. I’m deeply touched to be honored at this event and look forward to seeing that big room filled with other women of strength.”

“Growing up in Kyiv, Ukraine, my parents always told me not to tell anybody I was Jewish. Every single day we worried about antisemitism and violence. I stood out like a sore thumb with my darker complexion, dark hair, and the dark eyes, but I never really talked about that,” said Alla Olswanger-Lubin, a prominent lay leader and philanthropist whose leadership and generosity has touched almost every corner of the community that first allowed her to live a richly Jewish life.

“What an incredible life I’ve found here,” she said. “I’m so very grateful that I can’t help but give back in any way I can think of. I just love, love, love helping people. It’s because I have always believed in treating people the way I want to be treated. Life is too short not to.”

Event attendees will also hear Freida Rothman’s amazing story, in part inspired by the legacy of four Holocaust survivor grandparents. Immediately following the event, those in attendance can participate in an exclusive shopping opportunity offering the latest inspired designs from Freida’s collection. 10% of each sale will benefit Federation’s Annual Campaign. 

“Our annual campaign is so critical to ensuring a vibrant Jewish community,” said Laura Linder, President & CEO of Jewish Community Partners, which manages Memphis Jewish Federation. “This event will bring together hundreds of women from every corner of our Jewish community to celebrate Alla and Ricki and to raise critical funds for Jewish needs here in Memphis, in Israel, and around the world.  We’re also excited that Elisheva Massel, Director, Strategic Partnerships at the Joint Distribution Committee, will be joining us to share stories of the impact of our gifts in supporting families across the world.” Under the leadership of the event co-chairs, a host committee representing every corner and age demographic of our community has assisted in planning the details of the event as well as recruitment.  The committee includes Maureen Baum, Suzanne Baum, Marion Bessoff, Ellee Breit, Jill Buring, Hallie Charney, Bari Eiseman, Jackie Evans, Janis Finan, Karen Franklin, Marlene Gerson, Shayna Giles, Margo Gruen, Myrna Halpern, Elana Kahane, Karen Karmel, Justin Katz, Lisa Kaufman, Karen Koplon, Barb Lansky, Danielle Lazarov, Debbie B. Lazarov, Emily Lennon, Danielle Levine, Aviva Lewis, Betsy Libby, Sharon Lubin, Lisa Menuskin, Lindsey Reef, Shelley Robbins, Hillary Samuels, Sophie Samuels, Stacy Siegler, Lisa Silver, Audrey Siskind, Jill Steinberg, and Kathy Wexler.

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On Tuesday, January 10, 2023 women from across the Memphis Jewish community will join to support Memphis Jewish Federation’s 2023 Annual Community Campaign and celebrate Women of Strength at a luncheon and VIP shopping experience. Second generation jeweler, mother of four, and entrepreneur Freida Rothman will keynote the event, which will also honor two Memphis women who have made a significant impact in our Jewish community, Ricki Krupp and Alla Olswanger-Lubin.

Tickets are on sale now and going fast. Get yours today.

“Federation plays such an important role in our community,” said board chair Cindy Finestone who, along with event co-chairs Jaclyn Marshall, Debbie Rosenthal, Jody Shutzberg, and Jessica Baum Sukhodolsky, is part of the leadership team planning this exciting event. “We are expecting more than 200 women to attend the event, all of whom will be asked to support the critical needs of our local and global Jewish communities.”

According to Finestone, Federation’s Annual Campaign is doubling down on its support of several critical issues impacting Jewish families including the war in Ukraine, rising antisemitism and teen mental wellness. 

“Campaign pledges made at the luncheon will support Federation’s efforts in all of these areas, plus ensure we can continue to support our infrastructure of local and overseas organizations.  We are especially excited that Elisheva Massel, Director, Strategic Partnerships at the Joint Distribution Committee will be joining us to share stories of the impact of our gifts in supporting families across the world,” she said.

In addition to inspired messages about the impact of our philanthropy, event attendees will hear the amazing story of Freida Rothman, a born-and-raised Brooklynite, whose messages focus on empowering women to believe that through positivity and optimism you can conquer any challenge. Inspired by the legacy of four grandparents-all Holocaust survivors- Freida’s stories match her exquisite jewelry with their ability to honor strength, hope, and resiliency. Immediately following the event, those in attendance can participate in an exclusive shopping opportunity offering the latest inspired designs from Freida’s collection. 10% of each sale will benefit Federation’s Annual Campaign. 

“Our inaugural Women’s Impact event was the last Federation program before the pandemic shut everything down,” said Laura Linder, President & CEO of Jewish Community Partners. “I’m beyond thrilled that we can now continue what we started in 2020 with this program and these distinctly dynamic women. Freida, Ricki, Alla, and Elisheva each embody powerful womanhood in different ways, and bringing them together for this event in support of Federation’s Annual Community Campaign strikes the perfect balance of heart and impact.”

Under the leadership of the event co-chairs, a host committee representing every corner and age demographic of our community has assisted in planning the details of the event as well as recruitment.  The committee includes Maureen Baum, Suzanne Baum, Marion Bessoff, Ellee Breit, Jill Buring, Hallie Charney, Bari Eiseman, Jackie Evans, Janis Finan, Karen Franklin, Marlene Gerson, Shayna Giles, Margo Gruen, Myrna Halpern, Elana Kahane, Karen Karmel, Justin Katz, Lisa Kaufman, Karen Koplon, Barb Lansky, Danielle Lazarov, Debbie B. Lazarov, Emily Lennon, Danielle Levine, Aviva Lewis, Betsy Libby, Sharon Lubin, Lisa Menuskin, Lindsey Reef, Shelley Robbins, Hillary Samuels, Sophie Samuels, Stacy Siegler, Lisa Silver, Audrey Siskind, Jill Steinberg, and Kathy Wexler.

The event will be held at 11:30 A.M., Tuesday January 10 in the Memphis Jewish Community Center’s Belz Social Hall. There is a $50 couvert, with attendance open to anyone whose household has pledged or commits to pledge $180 or more to Memphis Jewish Federation’s Annual Community Campaign. Tickets are on sale and expected to go fast. Click here to buy tickets.  

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By Rebecca (Brown) Eisenstadter, Director of Memphis NCSY/JSU Chapter

In the face of rising global antisemitism, local Jewish teens will have the opportunity to celebrate their Judaism at a Jewish pride art workshop being offered by Memphis Israel Scholars on Sunday, December 4, 2022. The program, to be held at the Memphis Jewish Community Center from 1:00 to 3:30 P.M., will be led by artist and Israel activist Danielle Yablonka.

The art workshop is the latest in a series of programs offered by Memphis Israel Scholars, an initiative of NCSY/JSU. Memphis Israel Scholars provides Israel advocacy skills and leadership training to local Jewish teens of all backgrounds to help combat antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment. The program is generously sponsored by Memphis Jewish Federation’s Lemsky Endowment Fund.

The art workshop is a response to the global rise of antisemitism, an issue local teens are struggling with. Many are having trouble coming to terms with the fact that entertainment and sports figures they look up to are saying openly antisemitic things, and they are realizing – for the first time – that antisemitism is very real, and they aren’t equipped to deal with it.

The Memphis Israel Scholars program was created to address this issue, though when it was founded in 2018 it focused more on the need to prepare teens for antisemitism on their future college campuses. Today, that focus has evolved to address antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment that teens confront even before they graduate high school.

Memphis Israel Scholars kicked off its programming earlier this year with a workshop in October led by Yahya Mahamid, an Israeli Muslim who served in the IDF and has since dedicated himself to educating others about antisemitism and misinformation about Israel.

Lea Thomas, a senior at St. Mary’s, said the program really challenged stereotypes – in a good way.

“Yahya encouraged me to fulfill the Jewish value of loving our neighbors as ourselves,” she said. “Even though we both come from extremely different backgrounds, it was incredibly rewarding to share experiences and cultures.”

Brooke Sanderson, a sophomore at Goldie Margolin School for Girls, described Mr. Mahamid’s story as “really moving.”

“What stood out to me when he spoke was how when you see something (negative), you must speak up right away. Because if you don’t, it only gets harder (later on),” she said.

The upcoming art workshop is designed to help strengthen teens’ connection to Judaism because that’s the first step in combating antisemitism. They must be proud of who they are and where they come from in order to stand up for it, NCSY/JSU wants to empower as many Jewish teens as possible through engagements like this workshop.

The Memphis Israel Scholars art workshop is free of charge and open to all local Jewish teens. For information, email brownr@ncsy.org or call 504-235-6834.

Memphis NCSY/JSU is a division of NCSY, the international youth group of the Orthodox Union, and receives an annual grant from Memphis Jewish Federation.

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Volunteer Federation callers from left to right: Nathan Greenbaum, Ethan Vanderwalde, Natalie Mashinsky, Talya Mendelson, Brooke Sanderson, and Rafi Goldkin.

“It was nerve-racking at first but once I got the hang of it, it was amazing to be able to help and give back to my community,” said Brooke Sanderson, an NCSY teen volunteer and burgeoning Jewish community lay leader, who recently had her first experience in fundraising thanks to Memphis Jewish Federation. “It was a good feeling to be able to raise money for Federation’s Annual Community Campaign, especially knowing that many of the NCSY programs happen because of it.”

On Sunday, October 2, six teens from Memphis’ NCSY chapter visited the Federation office to make calls urging donors to support the 2023 Annual Community Campaign. Thanks to their combined effort, 62 donors pledged gifts that afternoon and more than $9,000 was raised, with more than half of the gifts increasing over last year.

“Calling members of the Jewish community was a learning opportunity for me and I learned a lot of great skills,” said teen Nathan Greenbaum. “I am thankful to Memphis Jewish Federation for everything that they do for our community.”

Memphis NCSY receives grant support from Federation’s Annual Community Campaign, empowering the organization to maintain high-level teen programming through its local Memphis chapter and through its Jewish Student Union, which creates Jewish culture clubs in public and private schools in and around Memphis.

“We want to make sure our whole entire community knows what we do at Memphis Jewish Federation, and it’s a great place to start with teenagers to let them understand how connected our community is,” said Judy Lansky, Memphis Jewish Federation’s Director of Development. “Before we taught the teens how to solicit, we talked about what Memphis Jewish Federation does locally and globally to support Jewish families. We sat down and had all the teenagers raise their hand for the different ways that they had been involved with Federation, whether it was with NCSY, Margolin Hebrew Academy, JCC sports, BBYO, summer camp connections, etc. They were all connected to Federation in many ways that they didn’t previously realize. Also, a lot of the teenagers participate in B’nai Tzedek, the Jewish Foundation of Memphis Teen Philanthropy initiative.”

“I was nervous to call people I didn’t know from my community, but this experience has really made me grow,” said teen caller Natalie Mashinsky. “I feel more comfortable calling people now because of this experience. I am so happy that I had the chance to speak to both people I knew and some that I didn’t know. I feel more connected to my community now and appreciative that I got to help Federation.”

“It was great to bring in the teens and see them give back to the community that gives to their programming,” said Rebecca Brown, a Memphis NCSY staff member. “Their excitement and eagerness to raise money for NCSY and the Memphis Jewish Federation was so inspiring to see. They are looking forward to the next call-a-thon!”

NCSY is a world-recognized organization that has played a pivotal role in the lives of Jewish teens across the globe. With the vision of Harold and Enid Boxer, of blessed memory, the Orthodox Union founded NCSY in 1954 to provide Jewish teens with an opportunity to build a strong connection to their Jewish roots through inspiration and leadership skills.

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Memphis Jewish Federation is excited to announce the hiring of Jeri Moskovitz as Israel@75 Coordinator to lead its upcoming, months-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of Israel’s independence.

Within the September 2022 – June 2023 window, Jeri will collaborate with Memphis Jewish organizations, synagogues, schools, and the greater Memphis community to coordinate and market Israel programming showcasing Israel’s historic achievements and dynamic and diverse society.

Growing up in the small Jewish community of Augusta, Georgia, Jeri’s parents helped instill their love of Israel in Jeri by sending her to Israel when she was 15 years old on a BBYO-sponsored trip. Years later, she visited Israel on a Memphis Jewish Federation Mission trip in 2008. To this day, she is fascinated by this small country’s achievements in science and technology, education, music, cuisine, and so much more.

In her new role, Jeri will conceive and launch meaningful Israel-centric events and initiatives throughout the nine-month celebration. She’ll work with Federation staff, lay leaders, agency professionals and community members to design exciting and innovative social, cultural, and educational programs that energize relationships with Israel across our community. The celebration will culminate with a show-stopper signature event for the community-wide celebration of Israel, a project that plays to her unique skill set. She will also collaborate with Memphis’ partner city of Shoham, to create a joint project to mark this critical milestone.

“My husband Mitch will tell you that my mind is always ON,” said Jeri. “I am constantly coming up with new ideas and creative programming for the organizations with whom I work. I am excited that this opportunity became available, to allow me to do something that I already have been doing for years in my committee work throughout the community. I appreciate bringing events to fruition and seeing people enjoy being together around a common cause.”

A perfect fit for the new role, Jeri has experience working for the Memphis Jewish community as a volunteer and leader, and she has a deep resume in community event planning and execution. She has served on Memphis Jewish Federation’s Board and Community Grants Committee, while also contributing to various committees and subordinate boards along the way. She is currently on the Executive Board of Bornblum Jewish Day School and is the incoming President of the Memphis Jewish Home and Rehab. She’s also been involved as a volunteer in city government, working on Mayor Jim Strickland’s first campaign and now serving on the Downtown Memphis Commission’s Center City Revenue Finance Corporation.

“I feel a strong connection through the convergence of my interests and my passion for event planning. Some of my favorite events that I helped plan were Federation’s Chopped cooking competition event in 2014, Bornblum’s (then Solomon Schechter) memorable Dancing with the Stars, and Jewish Family Service’s This is Where I Leave You Movie Night fundraiser before the organization bore the Fogelman name. I also love continuing to plan the successful Morris and Mollye Fogelman International Jewish Film Festival annually,” said Jeri.

“We are thrilled that Jeri will be leading our banner Israel@75 celebration” said Bluma Zuckerbrot-Finkelstein, Executive Vice President of Memphis Jewish Federation. “Her passion, energy, and creativity will surely enhance our community’s efforts to mark this significant milestone in history and Jewish life.”

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Aaron Skahill was raised in coastal Swampscott, MA where he first developed a deep love of dogs, nature, and Boston sports. He also attended Jewish day school and Jewish summer day camps throughout his years in Massachusetts. There the seed was planted that being a part of a Jewish community, especially going to camp, was awesome.

At age 10, in 2004, Aaron moved with his family to Memphis. Aaron embraced his new hometown and made lifelong friendships from his time in Jewish Day and public schools. But his love of exploration and nature collided when he began attending sleepaway camp at Camp Sabra in the Ozarks where he later served as a camp counselor. The experiences at Camp Sabra were a core part of cementing Aaron’s love of all things nature, especially the water, as well as enhancing his connection to the Jewish community around him. This love of community and Jewish values encouraged Aaron to spend time living in Israel, first on a gap year program and then on his own in his early 20s. While living at kibbutz Magen Michel north of Tel Aviv, Aaron took up scuba diving and was immediately hooked. This proved to be one of the most important undertakings in Aaron’s life as he later would go on to continue diving, even after and during treatments for gastroesophageal cancer, which ultimately caused his death at age 28 in 2022. Along with his twin brother Sam, he was able to log 81 dives in total. As he continued diving, Aaron refined his skill as an underwater life photographer, capturing images of sea life from Hawaii to Central America to the Caribbean.

The Skahill brothers, Sam and Aaron, are pictured on one of their many scuba dives together.

Aaron loved his family, especially his twin brother Sam, the great outdoors on land and under the water, and also, particularly, his dog and sidekick, Flama. She was by his side, always in his thoughts while he traveled, well-loved by all who met her and his constant source of fun, comfort, joy, and healing throughout his final years. Fittingly, Flama loves the water and Aaron spent many hours with her as she would plunge into the Overton Park pond or inlets near his home in Massachusetts when he was a young adult.

Aaron never saw himself as the inspirational type, but trailblazers rarely do. He lived the example of an active, adventurous life despite tremendous setbacks, inspiring the hashtag from his stomach cancer community #LiveLikeAaron.

“He leaves a legacy of open arms – for people, places, and of course, dogs.”

Aaron was lucky enough to attend Jewish camp because donors made it possible. It was his great wish to help others have the same opportunities he did and hoped to make that possible through the establishment of the fund. Summer sleepaway camp is the beginning of independence for many children and enables them to find their own passions in the safety of caring mentors and the beauty of the natural world all around them. His hope is that others will be moved to contribute to this fund for the future adventurers out there!

Click here to make a contribution to Aaron’s Awesome Adventure Fund: https://jcpmemphis.givingfuel.com/aarons-fund.

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