Celebrating Community: Federation’s 2026 Community Awards Honorees

May 29, 2026

Each year, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta honors the leaders, innovators, and everyday heroes who make our community stronger.

At this year’s Annual Meeting on June 4, we’re proud to celebrate the 2026 Annual Award recipients: outstanding individuals and teams who embody the heart of Jewish Atlanta. 

Lifetime of Achievement Award: Linda Selig 

Linda Selig has dedicated more than five decades to strengthening Jewish life in Atlanta through visionary leadership, advocacy, and community service. A former President of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and its first female Campaign Chair, Linda has played a transformative role in advancing Jewish education, leadership development, and support for Israel. She is also the founder of The White Rose Society and co-founder of Better Together, initiatives focused on fostering allyship and meaningful relationships between Jewish and non-Jewish communities. 

Abe Schwartz Young Leadership Award: Samantha Paulen 

Samantha Paulen’s passion for volunteerism and community-building has made a lasting impact across Jewish Atlanta. As an active Board Member and volunteer with JF&CS, Samantha has supported numerous fundraising and leadership initiatives, including The Ben Massell Dental Clinic, Mitzvah Day, and the Kay Family Leadership Series. Inspired by family, friendship, and a desire to bring people together, Samantha’s leadership reflects the power of service and meaningful connection.

Gerald H. Cohen Community Development Award: Jenn Resnick 

Jenn Resnick moved to Atlanta from New Jersey in 2021 with the hope of finding community and reconnecting with her Jewish identity. She quickly found both within Atlanta’s vibrant Jewish community, building meaningful connections through synagogue life, Shabbat practice, and Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta programs. A Birthright Israel Pride trip in 2022 inspired Jenn to deepen her involvement in Jewish life and leadership. 

Since then, Jenn has become actively involved with Federation’s Young Leadership Division, participating in volunteer missions to Israel and Cuba while serving on the Global Committee for Allocations. Through these experiences, she has strengthened her commitment to supporting Jewish communities both locally and around the world. Professionally, Jenn works as a Legal & Compliance Manager at a software company, where she has also helped foster cultural connection and education through community programming. Passionate about creating an inclusive and meaningful Jewish future, Jenn continues to grow as an emerging leader in Jewish Atlanta.

Marilyn Shubin Professional Staff Development Award: Emily Yehezkel 

Emily Yehezkel is a dedicated Jewish educator, community-builder, and advocate for Holocaust remembrance. As Education and Engagement Director at Creating Connected Communities, she leads teen leadership initiatives while also consulting and educating across numerous Jewish organizations. Emily is the founder of 3GATL, an initiative connecting grandchildren of Holocaust survivors to preserve and share family stories, and she regularly speaks to schools and community groups about Jewish identity and memory. Her work continues to inspire the next generation of Jewish leaders and changemakers.

Marilyn Shubin Professional Staff Development Award: Jenn Handel 

Jenn Handel, Director of Israel Engagement for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, has dedicated her career to strengthening Jewish identity and connection to Israel. From her early experiences with Birthright Israel, Masa Israel Journey, and Hillel to her leadership in Jewish communal work, Jenn’s journey reflects a deep commitment to education, advocacy, and belonging. Recognized as one of Atlanta’s “Jewish 40 Under 40” and named to Hadassah’s 2024 list of influential Zionist women, Jenn continues to inspire meaningful conversations around antisemitism, Zionism, and Jewish engagement while pursuing her M.A. in Israel Education.

Mary and Max London People Power Award: Rabbi Zalmy & Chaya Goldberg 

Rabbi Zalmy and Chaya Goldberg lead Mitzvah House with an inspiring mission: meeting people where they are and making Jewish life joyful, accessible, and hands-on. Through initiatives like Mitzvah Kitchen, Jewish Heritage Clubs, holiday programming, and the Mitzvah Bus, they create opportunities for meaningful connection and acts of kindness throughout Atlanta. Their work is rooted in the belief that every mitzvah, no matter how small, can have a profound impact.

Tikkun Olam / Community Impact Award: Michele Hirsch 

Michele Hirsch is a passionate advocate for mental health and community wellbeing. As Co-Chair of the Hirsch Legacy Fund and a trained social worker, Michele brings compassion and purpose to every aspect of her leadership. Her work focuses on ensuring that mental and physical health are treated with equal importance, especially for the youngest members of the community. Through her service on multiple nonprofit boards and her dedication to the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, Michele continues to help build a stronger, more caring Atlanta.

Sylvia Newman Memorial Teacher of the Year Award: Musia Oren

Musia Oren is a passionate Jewish educator and proud Israeli who has spent more than 40 years teaching Jewish culture, Hebrew, and values in Atlanta’s Jewish community. Through storytelling, language, games, and meaningful conversations, she inspires students to love their Jewish identity, connect deeply to Israel, and find joy and pride in being part of the Jewish people.

Sylvia Newman Memorial Teacher of the Year Award: Jenny Ziglin  

Jenny Zilgin’s journey to Jewish education reflects both passion and purpose. After building a successful career in hospitality and later working in publishing, Jenny discovered her love for teaching while volunteering at her children’s religious school in Louisiana. Since joining Congregation B’nai Torah’s BT Lab teaching staff in Atlanta, she has become known for her enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication to creating engaging Jewish learning experiences for students and families alike. 

These remarkable honorees remind us what it means to lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and strengthen our community through action and connection.

We look forward to celebrating their achievements at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta Annual Meeting on June 4 as we continue building vibrant and inclusive Jewish future, together. Register today!