Jewish Infl uencers who Make a Diff erence

Jewish Infl uencers Who Make a Difference for Good

By Faye Hedrick, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida

These infl uencers are dedicated and passionate people. Their passions diff er both personally and professionally but shared values are one of the characteristics that unite them. All of the individuals highlighted are current BRIDGES Leadership Development Initiative class members or alumni, and share an eagerness and determination to make their community a better place.

Ben Marsh, past Young Professionals and Families chair, is someone you can count on. Ben’s involvement in our community through leadership roles at not only Congregation Ahavath Chesed, but also at the Federation & Foundation has taken place since he arrived in Jacksonville 17 years ago. Ben has served as Temple’s brotherhood president, chaired our Super Sunday, led several mini-missions, and never stops being an ambassador for Jewish life in Northeast Florida. The fi rst thing he says when you come to him with an idea or issue is, “How can I help?”

Leah Palestrant has the ability to bring the right people to the right places for the right causes. Leah is passionate, kind, creative, and articulate. She has a way of encouraging others to want to learn more about the world and the lives the Federation touches; she does this by simply being herself. “As a transplant to Northeast Florida, this community has embraced me. I’ve made lifelong friends and through my time and involvement here, developed personally and professionally.”

Laura Platzer is passionate about the Federation’s mission and it shows in multiple ways. One meaningful way is through her day-to-day work at River Garden. Laura’s work involves assisting with the planning and implementation of Jewish community programming on the campus and coordinating with all the agencies for intergenerational projects and programs. She is a former student of the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School and is proud to be in this year’s BRIDGES class. One of the goals she hopes to acquire would be to develop leadership skills through her natural curiosity and passion for Judaism, helping to make a greater impact in the community.

When you think of the word infl uencer what comes to mind? We posed this question to colleagues, friends, and family and received a variety of answers. Many described an infl uencer as someone with power to aff ect decisions of others because of his/her authority, knowledge, position, or relationship with an audience. Some described it as an individual with a following in a distinct niche, with whom they actively engage. The defi nition and characteristics of the individuals we are highlighting in this cover story are some who have made, and will undoubtedly continue to make, a diff erence in our community every day. Brandon Sugg is a thoughtful, forward-thinking man. His face has become one of familiarity at our offi ce on many Friday mornings. He stops by with donuts for the staff and has been known to sit in on a meeting or two, adding insight and facts. This BRIDGES class is in good hands with his and co-chair, Rachel

Davis’ thoughtful approach on encouraging young people to learn more about the impact of collective giving, which is one of many of their shared goals for the group.

Rabbi Menashe Uhr has been in Northeast Florida since late last year, but in that short time he’s made a tremendous impact. Through his work at the Jacksonville Community Kollel he has been engaging Jews of all backgrounds through Torah learning and Jewish experiences. He recently received a Jewish Community Foundation grant for the ‘Meet Your Jewish Neighbor’ program, aimed at connecting Jewish families throughout the greater Jacksonville area, by empowering volunteer leaders in various neighborhoods to create meet and greet opportunities for Jewish families to meet one another. This grant opportunity was a creative initiative our Federation & Foundation was eager to support!

Alison Weisman is proud to be back in the community where she grew up. She is an inclusion supervisor with Jewish Family & Community Services for the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School and Torah Academy. Alison told us, “It is special seeing how passionate the students are about their Jewish studies as well as their general studies. I know they want to be future leaders in our community and I’m proud to help set an example for them through my work.” She ensures all children are provided the tools and time they need to be successful.

Ultimately, the infl uence of these young and engaged members gives an overall feeling our community is in good hands. Their life’s passions and contributions to the Jewish community are a sign of commitment to their Jewish values. Throughout 2022, we plan to highlight more Northeast Florida Jewish Infl uencers. Who do you think we should include next?

"At the heart of Judaism are three beliefs about leadership: We are free. We are responsible. And together we can change the world." - Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks