When Giving Becomes a Way of Life
June 12, 2026
As Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta celebrates 120 years of building a stronger Jewish community, we are proud to relaunch the Silver Circle Society, honoring individuals and families whose commitment to Federation’s Annual Campaign has endured for 25 years or more.
The Silver Circle Society recognizes more than longevity. It celebrates a belief that sustaining Jewish life requires ongoing investment, shared responsibility, and a commitment to future generations. Through decades of support, Silver Circle Society donors have helped Federation respond in times of crisis, care for those in need, strengthen Jewish identity, support Israel and our global partners, and ensure a thriving Jewish future.
“The Silver Circle Society represents the very foundation of what it means to be committed to sustaining a vibrant, safe, and strong Jewish Atlanta,” says Katie Busch, Federation’s Vice President of Philanthropy. “These donors have demonstrated, year after year, that strong Jewish communities are built over time through partnership, collective responsibility, and vision.”
The relaunch comes at a meaningful moment. As our community reflects on Federation’s first 120 years and looks ahead to the next century of impact, the Silver Circle Society offers an opportunity to celebrate those whose generosity helped make that future possible.
Through the story of longtime community leader and donor Shirley Brickman, we see what that commitment looks like in practice. For Shirley, giving began with a lesson from her father, who taught her the importance of tzedakah (charitable giving) at a young age.
“It becomes a way of life,” Shirley says.
That simple lesson grew into decades of involvement with Federation and the Jewish community for Shirley and her late husband, Perry. After moving to Atlanta in the early 1960s, she discovered how collective philanthropy could transform lives and strengthen Jewish communities near and far.
“When we moved back to Atlanta in sixty-two, Federation opened our eyes to what a Jewish community could really be,” Shirley says, thinking about all the ways Federation dollars reach people in Jewish Atlanta and around the world.
“The relaunch of the Silver Circle Society is ultimately about gratitude and legacy,” Katie says. “We hope it not only honors those who have reached this incredible milestone but also inspires future generations to see themselves as part of this ongoing story of giving and community-building.”
As Shirley reminds us, “You’re not just for yourself.” You’re for people all over the world who need help.” That spirit of caring for one another has sustained Jewish Atlanta for generations and will continue to strengthen our community for years to come.
To learn more about Federation’s Silver Circle Society, please contact Lydia Dorsky, Donor Officer, at ldorsky@jewishatlanta.org.