By Nancy B. Greer
President & CEO
Now is the time to lift each other up and celebrate leaders who make a positive difference. Now, more than ever, impactful leadership is so important. In a year like none that we have experienced, all of us have summoned new strengths and tapped new wells of creativity to keep ourselves connected and our community strong, for today and for the post-crisis world.
That’s been the case too for your Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. Since the outset of the crisis, we have redirected our work significantly in order to press forward under radically different circumstances with our mission to ensure Jewish continuity. We will have much to share about the impact that your generosity has made possible, at our annual meeting on the evening of Thursday, June 18.
I invite you to join us. In addition to hearing about the impact your investment in Jewish life is having, we will gather to honor volunteers, communal professionals, and lay leaders who have gone above and beyond in dedicating their time, energy, creativity, and resources for the betterment of Jewish life. Your presence on June 18 would mean a great deal to them as together we recognize and honor their many contributions to the community that we love. This year we will be honoring:
Pamela Waechter z”l Jewish Communal Professional of the Year Award
Maxima Patashnik, Federation’s Director of Government Affairs & Community Relations
Dr. Charles & Lillian Kaplan Board Chair’s Award for Outstanding Service
Sarah Boden, Immediate Past Federation Board Chair
Jack J. & Charlotte Spitzer Young Leadership Award
Jonny Basha, Marla Dunn, and Talya Gillman
Althea Stroum Woman of Distinction Award
Naomi Newman
Gail Littman Leadership Award from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation
Rachel Rosenman, Federation’s LIFE & LEGACY® Manager
2020 Outgoing Board Chair
Iantha Sidell
Each of our award recipients brings to the table diverse sets of interests and skills, but what they all have in common is a passionate commitment to Jewish life and a drive to make it better, richer, and sustainable. Honoring our award recipients in a communal gathering shines a well-deserved spotlight on their dedication and it highlights many of the relationships that are the foundation of community.
And, as is part of our annual meeting tradition, we’ll share how you have made a difference through your support of Federation—advocacy accomplishments in Olympia and Washington, DC, the services provided by the acclaimed SAFE Washington community security program, the many doors to Jewish life opened through Federation’s engagement programs, the impact of the Jewish Federations of North America, and so much more.
I am looking forward to seeing you on June 18, beginning at 7 pm, to celebrate accomplishments, honor award recipients, look to the future, and to thank YOU for your ongoing support. I hope you will join us!
