South Palm Beach County’s Jewish community should be in good hands for some time to come, as 24 of the most caring and dedicated young local leaders have embarked on a new and unique leadership journey. The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s NextGen is designed to cultivate emerging leaders—providing the resources, insights, inspiration and relationships they will need to take the reins of Jewish community governance. Together, they are preparing to meet our Jewish community’s challenges over the next five to ten years. (List of NextGen participants below)

 

The group includes local Jewish community leaders who are both longtime residents and more recent “transplants,” and they could not be more enthusiastic about NextGen.

 

“I’m truly honored to be part of this group of amazing young leaders – engaged and busy individuals who have pledged more than a year to this intensive process,” said 20-year local resident Debra Halperin, a Federation board member and “professional Jewish community volunteer.”

 

	NextGen’s NYC experience included the historic Bialystoker and Eldridge Street synagogues. Click photo to view a gallery.

A veteran of many leadership development programs, Halperin notes, “this one is really different. Not only are we gaining skills and knowledge in all aspects of the Jewish community, from overseas needs to fiscal management, we are also learning together and building trusting relationships with people we will be sitting around the board tables with, making critical decisions in the future.”

 

“Being together is incredibly energizing,” added Jill Rose, who two years ago moved from the Chicago area, where she served on that Federation’s Women’s Board. “I’m thrilled to be getting involved in such a meaningful way here, especially with my NextGen colleagues who share and further inspire my deep commitment and passion to help the Jewish community. As a result of NextGen, we will be stronger together, and able to count on each other.” 

 

One of the first NextGen activities was a three-day New York City mission to explore together their Jewish past and future. Appropriately, they started at Ellis Island and on the Lower East side, reflecting on Jewish immigrants’ hardships, as well as their enduring values, dreams and prayers. They also discussed critical current issues with the top professional leaders at UJA/Federation NY, JDC, JAFI and UJC.

 

	A NextGen evening in Rani Garfinkle’s NYC home. Click photo to view a gallery.

	L-R: Debra Halperin, Rani Garfinkle

Recognizing the economy’s devastating impact on vulnerable Jews throughout the world, including program cuts, NextGen used these meetings to explore how to adapt and sustain vital services. They heard how the State of Israel faces continuing vulnerability in the political arena, including the United Nations, and enjoyed and learned at an evening in the New York City home of Rani Garfinkle, JFSPBC’s Israel and Overseas Chair and a national leader in Women’s Philanthropy.

 

NextGen participant David Kirschner lauded “the practical information and advice we received in New York from Jewish leaders,” and was particularly influenced by the group’s meeting with former UJA/Federation NY Chairman Larry Silverstein, now owner and developer of the World Trade Center.

 

After buying the WTC in July 2001 and meeting at Windows on the World every morning, he was out seeing a doctor on 9/11. This highly accomplished businessman, a most ardent Jewish philanthropist, was encouraged to rely on Federation services to pull him out of a dark and paralyzing depression. Ultimately, he became even more committed to philanthropy and the Federation system.

 

	Meeting with former Chairman of UJA/Federation New York Larry Silverstein, now owner and developer of the World Trade Center.

“Silverstein’s can-do attitude toward philanthropy was remarkably inspiring and a great example as we prepare to lead the next generation,” said Kirschner, a Goldman Sachs investment manager and father of three young children. “Getting older, and beginning my own family, I found myself reflecting that we have a obligation to influence the next generation as active participants, not just as passive philanthropists.”

 

”I’m not sure if our New York trip could have possibly offered more information, knowledge and inspiration. Most important, it reinforced our collective commitment to our community and our future,” said William S. Bernstein, Federation President and CEO, who accompanied NextGen. “It is exactly what we need to launch ourselves into the next generation of Jewish community service, and gives me tremendous optimism for our Jewish future.”

 

Bernstein’s optimism was echoed by Halperin, “Whatever challenges we face ahead, I know our community will come out on top because our mission to help is so critical, and we have the best people and access to the best resources. We all want to ensure this community is what we want it to be for our children, for those in need, and for future generations.”

 

 

The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County serves the Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach areas, raising and allocating millions of dollars annually to meet vital human needs locally, in Israel and in 70 countries worldwide.

 

The Federation’s NextGen inaugural class participants are:

 

Marcia and Michael Beckerman

Larry Blair

Jill and Ted Deutch

Glen Golish

Emily and Stephen Grabelsky

Debra and Larry Halperin

Jodi and Jeff Harris

Howard Kaye

David Kirschner

Wendy and Elliot Koolik

Dale and David Pratt

Jill and Michael Rose

Robin and Gary Rubin

Stuart Silver

Richard Steinberg