Nominate Your Jewish Community Hero

Who has influenced your life or the Jewish community in Seattle? Who has made an impact that will last for years or even generations? Who is your Jewish community hero?

The United Jewish Communities and Jewish Federations across the country have joined together to launch the first annual Jewish Community Heroes campaign, which celebrates the selflessness and courage of individuals who are bettering their communities through service and outreach. Based on votes from across the country—somewhat like American Idol—the national campaign will honor a Jewish Community Hero of the Year, who will receive $25,000 to put towards his or her work, and will also recognize four additional finalists.

Five Seattleites have already been nominated: Benjamin Meyerhoff for his work on the Greater Seattle Jewish Business Network; Margot Kravette for her commitment to helping Jews who come to the Seattle area for medical treatment find housing, meals and a supportive community; Joel Rothschild for founding the Ravenna Kibbutz; Katie Edelstein for donating a kidney; and Robby Stern for his work in healthcare advocacy.

Any individual or group can nominate a hero. Check out Jewish heroes across the country and vote for your favorite (or favorites) through October 8. Don’t miss your chance to nominate or vote for your teacher, your neighbor, your rabbi, or your friend to recognize their invaluable impact on the Seattle Jewish community.