Federation’s 119th Annual Meeting was more than just a gathering; it was a celebration of our collective achievements and a look toward an even brighter future.
The evening honored outgoing Board Chair Beth Arogeti for her visionary leadership, as she passes the baton to incoming Chair Debbie Kuniansky.
“This evening is a celebration of our shared commitment to Jewish life, and a reminder that the future we’re building is only possible because of the dedication of this community,” said Beth Arogeti.
It also recognized exceptional community members with this year’s awards:
- Abe Schwartz Young Leadership Award: David Kulp and Mark & Luisa Kaplan
- Gerald H. Cohen Community Development Award: Justin Victor
- Sylvia Newman Memorial Teacher of the Year Award: Seday Abraham and Lisa Vitello
- Max & Mary London People Power Award: Erin Stieglitz, Bagel Rescue
- Marilyn Shubin Professional Staff Development Award: Pam Cohen, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and Spencer Perdeck, OneTable
- Tikkun Olam/Community Impact Award: Daniel Dorfman, Larry Dorfman & Scott Jacobsen of FreeRent
A significant highlight of the night was the Lifetime of Achievement Award presentation to Mike Leven, founder of Jewish Future Promise, whose generosity and commitment have profoundly shaped our community.
Federation President and CEO Renee Kutner reflected on the year’s accomplishments, emphasizing that, “It’s heartwarming and fills me with pride to see not just what great leadership we have in our community but also the countless lives we’ve impacted, together.”
This impact is seen across our five core impact areas, which have only expanded over the years. This includes:
- Caring for Those in Need: 28,000+ individuals received food through JF&CS, nearly 200 Holocaust survivors received 2,400 meals, and over 3,000 people were supported through stability programs.
- Jewish Education: $3.4M was invested in youth education, 800+ children received camp scholarships, and $70,000 supported professional development for educators.
- Israel & Jews Worldwide: Over $12M was raised for Israel after October 7th, we funded elder care for 3,500+ individuals in Belarus, and our 8 local Schoenbaum Shinshinim reached 2,000+ Atlantans monthly.
- Jewish Engagement: 5,000 PJ Library books were distributed, 1,100+ Gather Grants were awarded, and in FY25, more than 2,100 young adults were engaged through Federation and our partners, strengthening Jewish life and community.
- Safety & Security: $1.5M was invested through LiveSecure, enabling 871 trainings and consultations, with $250,000 directed to institutions serving young children.
The evening also included the approval of the FY26 Board of Trustees slate, laying the groundwork for continued growth and impact.
Together, we’re not just reflecting; we’re building. Federation’s 119th Annual Meeting marked the close of a remarkable year and the launch of a bold new chapter for Jewish Atlanta.
Click here to see more photos from the event.
On Thursday, May 15th, a group of Federation supporters gathered in Lisa Brill’s home for the inaugural Tea for Thought, a thoughtfully curated conversation centered on the future of Jewish education in our community.
Marsha Hurwitz, Federation’s Senior Major Gifts Officer, in partnership with Angelena May, Federation’s Early Childhood Jewish Education Manager, wanted to bring together those who have long demonstrated a deep commitment to education — either as educators themselves or as philanthropic leaders — for an intimate, engaging exchange.
That vision evolved into Tea for Thought, a gathering designed to highlight Federation’s growing initiatives in Jewish education and to create a network of advocates who could amplify its message throughout the community.
Central to the event was guest speaker Orna Siegel, Executive Director of the ElevatEd initiative — a national program aimed at strengthening the pipeline of qualified early childhood educators in Jewish preschools. ElevatEd, which is jointly funded by national partners and our local Federation, focuses on recruiting, training, mentoring, and retaining preschool teachers. Orna’s presentation illuminated the urgent need for skilled early childhood educators who understand both child development and Jewish culture — a combination that’s increasingly difficult to find.
ElevatEd supports teachers through ongoing virtual professional development in areas like classroom management, Jewish holidays, and child development. It also trains directors, many of whom come to their roles with strong classroom leadership but limited experience in budgeting, marketing, and HR, with the business and administrative skills needed to run a school effectively. Orna emphasized that a child’s earliest Jewish experiences — often in preschool — are foundational to long-term Jewish identity formation, and that supporting teachers in these settings is a crucial investment in our community’s future.
The event opened with remarks from Rabbi Elana Perry, VP of Jewish Education at Federation, who framed the conversation within Federation’s broader commitment to Jewish learning. She outlined how, just a few years ago, she was the only staff member focused on Jewish education at Federation. Today, the team has expanded to include professionals focused on day schools and early childhood education, as well as supplemental Jewish education programs (a.k.a. religious schools) and Israel education programs.
Together, they are helping to improve the quality of Jewish education across our community and are reaching more families, educators, and institutions than ever before.
Brief remarks followed from Shelley Fogelson, Manager of Day School Partnerships, about the ongoing work in day schools, including professional development initiatives, community-building among counselors and educators, and plans to launch additional professional learning communities in the coming year.
According to Etta Raye Hirsch, a teacher by training and a member of the Tea for Thought Host Committee, “this gathering was eye-opening. Many of us were surprised to learn of the challenges in Jewish Atlanta and around the country in securing qualified teachers for our Jewish preschools. I along with others were thrilled to learn how our Federation is supporting our Jewish preschools and day schools. I look forward to learning more about Federation’s efforts with our Jewish education initiatives.”
Other Host Committee Members included Joanne Birnbrey, Lisa Brill, Elaine Blumenthal, Beth Brown, Carol Cooper, Ann Davis, Viki Freeman, Lynne Halpern, Lois Kuniansky, and Michelle Stribling.
Tea for Thought was envisioned as the first in a potential series — and by all accounts, its blend of hospitality, insight, and purpose struck a powerful chord.
Stay tuned for future gatherings as we continue to foster thoughtful conversations around our shared commitment to Jewish education.
This past week, beginning with a meaningful Shavuot and culminating in a moving 119th Annual Meeting, reflected the shared values of our community and an inspiring commitment to future generations.
Last night we celebrated Mike Leven, recipient of this year’s Lifetime of Achievement Award. A visionary in both business and philanthropy, Mike founded the Jewish Future Promise, championing the long-term preservation of Jewish values. His dedication to legacy is a testament to the power of purposeful giving and enduring impact — a message that deeply resonated in the spiritual atmosphere of Shavuot.
As Rabbi Elana Perry, Vice President of Jewish Education at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, beautifully reminded us: “Shavuot is the Jewish holiday that celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Yet, receiving Torah is not just about a moment of revelation in our ancient past — it’s an ongoing responsibility. It’s about bringing Torah to life in every generation.”
Building a meaningful Jewish legacy isn’t measured only in dollars. It’s measured in the wisdom, values, and traditions we pass down to our children and grandchildren.
That spirit of generational connection came to life at Grow a Legacy, Atlanta Jewish Foundation’s signature event celebrating the power and promise of legacy giving. Over 200 donors, families, and community leaders gathered to honor the matriarchs who have pledged to secure the future of Jewish Atlanta. The evening featured a heartfelt conversation between Candy Berman, Etta Raye Hirsch, Cathy Selig, and Raya Zalik — moderated by Frances Bunzl Chief Advancement Officer Lindsay Kopecky.
“For me, philanthropy is not how you give, it’s how you live,” said honoree Candy Berman. “It’s about expressing yourself. It’s about making your voice heard. It’s the friends you have, the things you care about, and the passions you choose to support.” The panelists showed us that generosity is rooted in joy and a hopeful vision for the future. “I just hope that 100 years from now, you can say I taught by example,” Etta Raye Hirsch shared. “Give not because it’s just an obligation — it’s an honor. And do it with joy.”
Legacy giving — especially through endowments — embodies this philosophy. Unlike annual giving, which supports current needs, an endowment is a long-term charitable investment. The principal stays intact, while a portion of its earnings is distributed each year to sustain the organizations, programs, and values you care about most. It’s a strategic way to ensure stability, growth, and impact for generations to come.
At Atlanta Jewish Foundation, we help donors create endowments that strengthen the Jewish community — from synagogues and schools to social services and Israel-focused initiatives. By establishing or contributing to an endowment, you create a lasting legacy that reflects your values and shapes the future.
Receiving the Torah is a call to action — a commitment to climb the mountain and carry our sacred values forward. Let’s ensure that the story of Jewish Atlanta continues to be written with meaning, joy, and hope.
Ready to explore legacy giving? Contact Lindsay Kopecky at lkopecky@jewishatlanta.org
This past month, the Jewish Atlanta Merit Scholarship (JAMS), a bold new initiative powered by the Zalik Foundation, honored 11 outstanding teens for their academic achievements, leadership, and deep connection to Jewish life. On Sunday, May 18, scholarship recipients and their families gathered for the first-ever JAMS Celebration Dinner—a night of pride, purpose, and community—hosted at The Dupree in Sandy Springs.
The JAMS program was created with a simple but powerful idea: to open doors to Jewish high school for students who embody both excellence and strong Jewish identity but may not have previously considered a Jewish high school experience.
“We have exceptional Jewish high schools in our community,” said Amanda Abrams, Executive Director of the Zalik Foundation. “JAMS was created as an invitation to explore these incredible institutions by providing a unique opportunity that recognizes a group of extraordinary students in our community.”
The scholarship selection process was rigorous and meaningful. After a community-wide nomination and application phase—including essays about Jewish identity and personal growth—19 finalists were invited to virtual interviews. From there, 11 students were selected for the inaugural cohort. Each brought a unique story, talent, or perspective: one shared a cherished basketball gifted by a grandparent, another played the piano, and one spoke powerfully about finding Jewish pride in the face of antisemitism.
The May 18 dinner brought JAMS scholarship recipients and their families together for an evening of celebration and connection. It was a chance for the teens to meet one another and to honor the winners. Throughout the evening, both students and parents reflected on what the scholarship represents—to them personally and to the broader Jewish community.
“One of the things that struck me most,” said Amanda, “was hearing from parents how much confidence this award gave their kids. In a world where social media and peer pressure can erode self-worth, this recognition from the Jewish community sent a powerful message: ‘We see your accomplishments. We believe in you. You’re a leader.’”
Students will begin attending either the Weber School or Atlanta Jewish Academy this fall, with nine enrolled at Weber and two at AJA. Some are entering freshmen, while others are transferring into 10th grade. All will do so not only with financial support, but with knowledge their Jewish community believes in them.
Federation President & CEO Renee Kutner, who also spoke at the dinner, emphasized the lasting value of Jewish education. “Jewish high school education plays a vital role in shaping the leaders who will carry our community into the future. We’re thrilled that JAMS is attracting such exceptional students—each one a testament to the strength, excellence, and promise of our Jewish high school system here in Atlanta.”
The inaugural JAMS cohort represents a promise kept: to nurture talent, uplift values, and build a stronger Jewish future from the inside out.
Summer 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most impactful yet for Jewish campers across Greater Atlanta—and Federation is at the heart of it all.
Through JCamping, JAccess, and targeted investments from Federation’s Emergency Response Fund, more children are experiencing the joy of Jewish overnight camp, campers of all abilities are being included like never before, and Israeli children affected by the trauma of war are finding comfort and connection in Atlanta’s Jewish overnight camp communities.
“We’re not just helping kids get to camp through financial support—we’re making sure that camp is meaningful, inclusive, and rooted in Jewish values,” said Leah Stinson, Federation’s JCamping Manager.
This year, Federation raised $1.55 million to support Jewish overnight camping. These funds provided 301 One Happy Camper (first year camper) incentive grants, 460 need-based scholarships, and 28 Russian-speaking Jewish camper incentive grants, ensuring that financial barriers didn’t stand in the way of a Jewish overnight summer camp experience.
“We increased our average scholarship to keep pace with rising camp costs and were able to provide assistance to every family who needed support,” said Leah.
Federation, in partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Camp, also helped facilitate scholarships for campers from small Jewish communities across the state of Georgia—including Savannah, Augusta, and Macon—ensuring that kids from every corner of the state could connect with Jewish life through overnight camp.
In the wake of October 7, Federation activated its Emergency Response Fund, a pool of dollars set aside for urgent and strategic community needs. One grant supported a regional overnight camp in hosting approximately 20 Israeli campers this summer, offering them a safe, joyful, and healing environment.
“These campers have endured so much,” said Annie Garrett, Federation’s VP of Planning. “Bringing them here is not only exciting for them, but also an opportunity for our local campers to build real, lasting connections with Israeli peers.”
The Response Fund also helped support displaced Israeli families living temporarily in Atlanta by covering the cost of Jewish camp for their children and even assisted a regional camp in rebuilding security infrastructure damaged by a recent hurricane.
“Our goal is always to respond to what’s needed most in the moment,” said Annie. “And this summer, the needs were clear.”
Through Federation’s JAccess initiative, Federation is partnering with Atlanta’s regional Jewish overnight camps to enhance accessibility and inclusion. This year, these camps received grant funding to create sensory spaces, add adaptive equipment, and make physical and programmatic accommodations for campers with disabilities.
Federation also supported on-site training for camp staff, coordinated by Lindsey Flax, JAccess Training Coordinator, in partnership with inclusion experts. These sessions are helping camps not just accommodate—but truly embrace—neurodivergent campers and those with support needs.
“This work is about more than equipment or training,” said Leah. “It’s about building a culture of belonging.”
From funding camper scholarships to fostering Israeli-American relationships and creating inclusive environments for all, Federation is transforming what Jewish summer camp looks and feels like in 2025.
“This is what it means to be a partner, not just a funder,” said Annie. “We’re working hand in hand with our camps, with our community, and with our global partners to ensure every child has access to a summer they’ll never forget.”
