This November, a dynamic group of Jewish women from Atlanta will travel to Panama —not just for a trip, but for a transformational journey into one of the most vibrant Jewish communities in the world.
Led by Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy and designed for Pomegranate-level donors and above, the Panama Journey is more than an exploration of a new place. It’s a deep dive into the power of Jewish global connection, shared learning, and collective purpose. As Robin Sysler, who oversees Federation’s global experiences, puts it: “It’s not about a title or a destination — it’s about what happens when we come together and open our eyes to Jewish life beyond our own borders.”
Many participants may be surprised to learn that Panama is home to a thriving Jewish population—estimates range from 17,000 to 19,000 members, primarily Orthodox. Their community is rich with kosher restaurants, robust charitable organizations, and stunning synagogues that double as community centers. The infrastructure is deeply intentional and beautifully maintained, reflecting a powerful sense of pride and commitment to Jewish continuity.
“What’s so inspiring,” Robin shares, “is how deeply Jewish identity is woven into everyday life in Panama. It’s not incidental—it’s central.”
During the journey, participants will visit local programs and institutions built with guidance from global Jewish partners like the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). One stop includes a state-of-the-art senior center — developed not through financial grants alone, but through the exchange of ideas, best practices, and a shared commitment to dignity in aging.
“Support isn’t just about funding,” Robin emphasizes. “It’s about intellectual partnership and long-term impact—just like how Federation operates in Atlanta. We share ideas, build credibility, and uplift entire communities.”
Participants will also learn from Panamanian leaders who are equally committed to strengthening both the Jewish and broader Panamanian populations, recognizing that the health of one depends on the other. “They believe a strong Jewish community requires a strong country. It’s a profound reminder of our shared responsibility,” says Robin.
Why is this a Women’s Philanthropy experience? Because when women gather around shared values and purpose, incredible things happen.
“Missions like these build donors, build leaders, and build the future of our base,” Robin explains. “The women come back inspired, connected, and ready to do more—not just abroad, but right here in Atlanta.”
These journeys also help cultivate a lifelong commitment to giving and growing. Through Federation’s recognition levels — like Pomegranate ($1,800+) and Lion of Judah ($5,400+) — women are honored not just for their financial generosity, but for their commitment to sustaining Jewish life locally and globally.
For those hesitant to sign up, Robin offers simple advice: “Just say yes. Don’t worry about who you know or whether you’ll fit in. You will. Everyone is included. You’ll laugh, learn, maybe get uncomfortable — and it will change you. No one ever regrets going. They always say, ‘I wish I’d done it sooner.’”
As registration opens on May 1, this is your chance to experience something truly meaningful — an unforgettable opportunity to bond, explore, and build a stronger Jewish future.
Ready to take the leap? Join us on this remarkable journey to Panama—and come back with more than memories.
On May 1, registration will go live on our website here.
Questions? Please reach out to Hagit Avital-Tsfany, Assistant Director of Women’s Philanthropy, at havital-tsfany@jewishatlanta.org.
When Tania Yegelwel Moser and her husband Jordan found out they were expecting their first child, they were overjoyed — but like many new parents without family nearby, they also felt overwhelmed.
“We didn’t know where to begin to build our ‘village,’” Tania said. “I never anticipated that there would be a program that aligned with our Jewish values and traditions and existed solely to lovingly support us as we navigated this uncharted territory.”
Enter JBaby, a local program that is part of PJ Library Atlanta and powered by Federation. JBaby connects expecting parents and families with children ages 0–2 through expert-led sessions, meaningful Jewish experiences, and peer-to-peer support. “In 2021, I created JBaby to be the space I wish I’d had when I had my children — a place to ask the messy, real questions, connect with other parents, and feel supported,” said Shira Hahn, who leads the program. “JBaby is often a parent’s first step into the Jewish community as a parent — the first moment to explore what it means to build Jewish life not just for yourself, but for your child.”
For Tania, that mission became reality.
“JBaby has been an invaluable resource and safe space for us to make like-minded friends, learn from experts in the perinatal and pediatric fields, connect with other moms on a deeper level, and feel more immersed in the Atlanta Jewish community,” she shared. “We have been blown away by and so thankful for the welcoming and compassionate support that this organization — and specifically Shira — has provided for us.”
Since its launch, JBaby has welcomed hundreds of families into Jewish life at one of the most formative moments of adulthood. But what makes it even more impactful is its connection to PJ Library, the national book subscription program that delivers free, age-appropriate Jewish children’s books each month to families raising Jewish children.
“Through PJ Library subscriptions, we are able to provide age-appropriate Jewish content sent directly to the home for each child in the family,” said Pam Cohen, Director of PJ Library Atlanta. “With our programming for families, starting with JBaby, we can help connect families with others in similar life stages, while providing support and education at critical times in people’s lives.”
PJ Library subscriptions are available to any family raising Jewish children from birth through age 12 — no matter where they live or their level of affiliation. Every child in the family is eligible for their own subscription, with books curated specifically for their age and stage.
“JBaby didn’t just prepare us for parenthood — it brought us into a warm, welcoming Jewish community we didn’t even know we were missing,” Tania said. “We’ve felt supported through every step — first as an expecting couple and now as a grateful family of three.”
Shira hopes every family leaves JBaby feeling the same. “My hope is that they leave feeling grounded, supported, and part of something bigger — with friends to grow with, and a sense that they truly belong.”
Whether it’s a family’s first baby or fourth, a move to Atlanta or a long-standing resident looking for connection, JBaby and PJ Library are here to help families grow, learn, and find their people.
In a time when young people are often overlooked as serious philanthropic contributors, the Atlanta Jewish Foundation’s Young Philanthropy Fellows program is reshaping that narrative—one teen, one family, and one grant at a time.
Launched two years ago through the generosity and vision of Justin and Mara Berman, the Young Philanthropy Fellows program is designed to spark a lifelong commitment to Jewish giving among teens. Inspired by a deep legacy of Jewish philanthropy, Justin Berman and his family funded the program through a restricted fund at the Atlanta Jewish Foundation.
“Mara and Justin lead by example, carrying on a family legacy of engagement and impact.” explained Ghila Sanders, Vice President of Philanthropic Advisory. “This program fits beautifully with that intent as a meaningful way to engage the next generation of Jewish givers,”
The program recently concluded its second cohort. Fifteen teens—including one returning participant who served as a peer facilitator — spent several months immersed in hands-on philanthropy. From learning about Jewish values and strategic giving to researching local nonprofits and grappling with tough decisions, the Fellows were active and engaged every step of the way.
A key learning from the first cohort informed this year’s program structure: every participant was required to open a donor-advised fund (DAF). “It changes the approach completely,” said Sanders “this is not meant as a one-off experience, but as the start of a long-term philanthropic journey.”
The teens explored organizations across a wide spectrum of causes, including environmental sustainability, hunger and food access, racism, antisemitism and more. Ultimately, they chose to focus on healthcare and education. Inspired by the Jewish Future Promise, the Fellows were guided to allocate at least 50% of the grants to Jewish causes.
“We wanted them to be thoughtful—not only about where they give, but why—and how Jewish values can show up across a wide range of giving priorities.” Sanders said. “The great thing is, if you have a DAF with The Atlanta Jewish Foundation, you give Jewishly no matter what cause you support.”
The program culminated in two major grant allocations totaling $8,000, awarded to organizations chosen entirely by the teens: the Atlanta Cancer Care Foundation and the Summer Institute for Teaching the Holocaust.
The Atlanta Cancer Care Foundation stood out for its direct and compassionate support to patients in crisis. “Cures and treatments for cancer are a wonderful goal,” one Fellow explained, “but it won’t matter if patients can’t afford to get to their appointments or keep their lights on.”
Program facilitator Kat Shambaugh was struck by the teens’ insight and maturity. “They have grown in their ability to ask deep questions about philanthropic giving and understand the nuances of the non-profit world.”
Robert Boyd, Executive Director of the Cancer Care Foundation, echoed that sentiment: “I am so appreciative of this impressive group of young people. This contribution will allow us to help even more people as they battle this terrible disease.”
The second grant reflected the teens’ desire to support Jewish education and memory. The Summer Institute for Teaching the Holocaust – a collaboration between the Breman and the Museum of History and Holocaust Education at Kennesaw State University – is an annual program providing educators with first-rate Holocaust teaching resources across grade levels.
The program wrapped up with a celebratory dinner where the teens presented their decisions to their families. Many parents were visibly moved. “You could sense the pride,” Sanders said. “It was clear that this experience had shifted how the teens see themselves-not just as givers, but as stewards of something larger.”
The Young Philanthropy Fellows program stands as a compelling model for how to cultivate value-driven leadership in teens. It’s about ownership, action, and building a Jewish future rooted in purpose and friendship.
Want to learn more about teen philanthropy or be considered for the next Young Philanthropy Fellows cohort? Reach out to Katie Busch at kbusch@jewishatlanta.org.
What happens when you gather Atlanta’s top Jewish professionals to talk business, community, and the economy? You get the kind of energy, insight, and connection that was on full display at Federation’s latest JBusiness event: The State of the Economy, held at Barnes & Thornburg.
Hosted by Federation’s Business & Professionals division, the event brought together a dynamic mix of leaders spanning industries and generations—from early-career professionals to seasoned executives and retirees.
The panel featured Stephanie Lang, Chief Investment Officer at Homrich Berg; David Rubenstein, Managing Director at Savills North America; David Siegel, Assurance Partner at Aprio and Treasurer of Federation’s Board of Trustees; and Seth Watson, Co-Founder and CEO of the Distillery of Modern Art.
As David Bloom, Federation’s Director of Business & Professionals, explained, the goal of the event was to provide both timely economic insights and meaningful opportunities for connection. “We created this event to speak to a broad swath of our community. After all, everyone is impacted by the state of the economy,” he said.
One attendee, Harrison Brown, reflected: “I had the privilege of attending the JBusiness State of the Economy Event in Buckhead, hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. It was an evening filled with valuable insights, rekindling connections, and forward-thinking discussions on the economic landscape of 2025.”
Stephanie Lang opened the evening with a thoughtful overview of current market volatility. She emphasized the importance of staying the course amidst economic uncertainty, especially in the face of fluctuating tariffs and inflationary pressures. Her advice? “Avoid rash decisions—whether in your personal finances or business operations.”
The panelists echoed this theme. David Siegel discussed a noticeable pause in large-scale business transactions due to tightened capital markets. David Rubenstein added a commercial real estate perspective, noting that while financing has become more difficult, there are opportunities in distressed assets for those with ready capital.
Seth Watson offered a lighter but equally valuable take from the liquor and event space industries: “People drink in good times and bad,” he joked, noting that while event bookings may be slower, retail sales of spirits remain strong.
But this wasn’t just about markets—it was about mission. JBusiness exists to connect Atlanta’s Jewish professionals across all industries and stages of life. The group is intentionally inclusive and industry-agnostic, offering a home for those who don’t fit neatly into Federation’s other affinity groups like JTech or JCREN.
“Our events draw everyone from young professionals in their 30s to retirees in their 70s,” Bloom shared. “These are business owners, real estate professionals, financial managers, and more. And the gender and generational diversity is something we’re really proud of.”
Beyond networking, JBusiness serves as a bridge to philanthropy and community leadership. Each panelist shared how involvement in Federation helped shape their careers and deepened their connection to Jewish Atlanta. “When businesspeople form social bonds, they’re more likely to show up for the community—not just with their dollars, but with their time and ideas,” Bloom emphasized.
Affinity groups like JBusiness are central to Federation’s vision of a connected, thriving Jewish Atlanta. They create spaces where shared interests become shared action—whether it’s supporting an emergency campaign or mentoring the next generation of Jewish leaders.
For those new to the city—or to Federation—Bloom encourages getting involved. “You might think it’s all about fundraising, but that’s not what these events are. They’re about finding community,” he said.
To learn more or get involved, reach out to David Bloom at dbloom@jewishatlanta.org.
Whether you’re a CEO or just starting out, there’s a seat at the table—and a place in the community—for you.
At 101 years old, Hilbert “Hibby” Margol is more than a WWII liberator — he’s a lifelong supporter of our Jewish community. His story of courage, giving, and legacy reminds us why we remember and why we give.
On April 29, 1945, Hibby and his identical twin brother, Howard, entered Dachau with the U.S. Army’s 42nd Infantry Division. They were among the first American soldiers to liberate the Nazi concentration camp.
What they saw that day — railcars filled with bodies, barracks stacked with the dead, the unmistakable smell of burning flesh — stayed with Hibby for life. “We didn’t know what we were looking at,” he said. “It didn’t seem real.”
Nearly 80 years later, Hibby is still sharing his story. And he’s still giving. Now 101, Hibby has been a loyal supporter of Federation for over 36 years. He gives not for recognition, but because he believes it matters.
“If you can afford to give any amount, do it,” he says. “Giving to Federation helps the entire Jewish community — not just in Atlanta, but everywhere.” His quiet generosity has helped power the very programs that ensure stories like his are never forgotten.
Earlier this month, Federation’s Young Leadership Division partnered with 3G ATL and The Breman to host an unforgettable Holocaust remembrance event. What the guest speaker, Emily Yehezkel, didn’t know until she met Hibby recently is that her grandfather was liberated by his unit.
“I am here today because my grandfather survived,” Emily said. “He survived because brave men showed up — men like Hilbert Margol. My family exists because of them.”
That’s not just memory. That’s legacy.
And that’s exactly what Federation works to preserve: intergenerational connection, Jewish resilience, and the enduring truth of our shared story.
Originally from Jacksonville, Hibby moved to Atlanta in 1984 after building a successful East Coast furniture business. He and his wife of 76 years, Betty Ann, have called Dunwoody home ever since. He’s been a pillar of support for his synagogue and a tireless educator — speaking to students, donating artifacts to the Breman and the Holocaust Museum in D.C., and appearing in National Geographic’s The Last Voices of WWII.
He’s a liberator, a philanthropist, and — by every definition — a mensch.
As we prepare to observe Yom HaShoah, Federation honors Hibby not only for what he did then, but for what he still does now: he shows up. He gives back. He reminds us that one person’s bravery can change — and save — countless lives.
To Hibby: Thank you. For your service. Your selflessness. Your legacy. And for making our shared Jewish future possible.
