Women’s Philanthropy Kicks off Year with Archie Gottesman, Co-Founder of JewBelong

Charlotte Jewish News December 2021

On Oct. 21, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s (JFGC) Women’s Philanthropy kicked off their year with a cozy fireside chat, in their first in-person event since early 2020. Almost. The fire was broadcast on a giant video screen, and the social distancing as part of strict COVID protocols might have made the event less than “cozy,” but the non-traditional format for the Women’s Philanthropy didn’t detract from the sense of community felt by the number of guests who attended in person and the others who joined virtually.

The theme of the evening was “Ignite and Spark”. Women’s Philanthropy’s leadership team kicked off the evening by sharing what inspires them to be involved in and support JFGC and the Jewish community as a whole.

Lisa Levinson, Women’s Philanthropy co-chair explained that she was inspired by the example set by her father, Sam Strause, as he worked for years to raise significant dollars for our Jewish community. After serving on the JFGC Allocations Committee, her eyes were opened to the vital importance of Federation Campaign dollars in our community. Of her continued involvement in leadership and philanthropy, she said, “I derive tremendous pleasure and gratification from my involvement and following in my dad’s footsteps and honoring his legacy.”

Alyssa Levine, Pomegranate Society co-chair also highlighted the importance of the millions of dollars allocated by Federation to local organizations, many of which she grew up with and contributed to her strong Jewish identity. She said, “I’m proud to know that my Pomegranate gift helps create and grow our Jewish community.”

Debra Van Glish, Women’s Philanthropy co-chair is inspired by her love of Israel. She noted that Federation makes a deeper connection to Israel possible for all of us with its programs that help youth experience Israel firsthand, programs that educate and advocate for all things related to Israel, and with funding for dozens of nonprofits in Israel made possible by its Annual Campaign.

Women’s Philanthropy leaders Karen Spiegler, Karen Ransenberg, and Eliza Carney also shared their inspirations and how Federation sparks them, highlighting connections to community programs for youth, the importance of building a Jewish legacy, and the value of community as a way to connect with Judaism.

It’s no secret what ignites and sparks Archie Gottesman, the evenings featured speaker. With exuding energy, her humor and passion leaped off the screen into the room, whether in the Camp Mindy Recreation Hall for those gathered in person, or in the living rooms of those attending virtually.

The co-founder of JewBelong shared the history and primary purpose of the JewBelong website and movement as a way to reach the large, majority of the Jewish population who are “disengaged” from their Judaism. The website provides resources to make Judaism approachable and less intimidating.

Archie explained that reaching those Jews can be a challenge, and shared with the audience some of non-traditional, and sometimes quite edgy advertising campaigns they use.

With the spike of antisemitism last May, Archie and JewBelong were inspired to take their unique style of messaging to the streets — literally — with billboards in Times Square, Philadelphia, Miami, Washington DC, and Boston with bold wording such as, “We’re just 75 years since the gas chambers. So, no, a billboard calling out antisemitism isn’t an over-reaction.” Archie explained that with the dialogue happening in our country around issues of race, diversity, and discrimination, it is crucial that antisemitism be brought into that conversation.

Future Women’s Philanthropy events will be announced soon. Federation ignites and sparks women to become leaders and decision-makers. Their collective philanthropy enriches their own lives while improving the lives of others. It’s about having an impact.

Left to Right: Alyssa Levine, Debra Van Glish, Karen Ransenberg, Rebekah Rubenstein, Eliza Carney, Karen Spiegler