By Nancy B. Greer
President & CEO
The past 12 months have been a whirlwind of activity at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. From stepping up our work fighting antisemitism to providing deep-dive Israel education programs, and much more, we have lots to share about the impacts that you are making through your generous support of Federation.
I invite you to join us at our 2019 Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 20 to learn more about those impacts, to honor volunteers and communal professionals who bring so much energy and achievement to Jewish life, and perhaps most importantly, to nourish the relationships that are the beating heart of our community.
One of the highlights of our annual meetings is giving awards to individuals who contribute priceless time, creative ideas, and heartfelt commitment to our community. Each in their own way has added spark to Jewish life, each has brought a unique and remarkable blend of talent and skills to bettering our community through actions demonstrating the power of Jewish values. Your presence on June 20 would do so much to honor them:
Pamela Waechter z”l Jewish Communal Professional Award
Adam Halpern from Jewish Family Service and Lea Hanan from Seattle Hebrew Academy
Dr. Charles & Lillian Kaplan Board Chair’s Award for Outstanding Service
Allix DeGraff
Jack J. & Charlotte Spitzer Young Leadership Award
Cara Abrams-Simonton and Jonathan Feller
Tikkun Olam Award for Public Service
David Bowling and Sarah Bustad from Congregations for the Homeless
L’Dor V’Dor Award
Professor Eric Schnapper from the University of Washington School of Law
The award recipients have different backgrounds, interests, and passions, but there is one thing they have in common: the difference that each has made was the product of collaboration and partnerships. It was a testament to the power of relationships in amplifying what each of us can accomplish. When we create, plan, and work together, we turn good ideas into lasting impact that changes lives.
The impact of the Federation’s work that I will share with you on June 20 exemplifies what I’m talking about. Everything we do—advocating for Jewish Puget Sound in the Legislature, helping Jews in need in Israel and overseas, sending PJ Library books to children, and much else—is the fruit of strong relationships among people like you who care about ensuring Jewish continuity.
I look forward to sharing what we’ve accomplished together in the past year at our annual meeting and thanking you for your support. We’ll be gathering at the Stroum Jewish Community Center on June 20, beginning at 7 pm. I hope to see you there!
