Page 14 - Jewish News_Sept2021

14A September 2021 FEDERATION NEWS

Volunteer Spotlight

Keeping the momentum going for a meaningful life

By Sandy Chase
ulie Wright Halbert, Esq. brings Relocating to Sarasota in 2017 to the 2019 MOMentum trip.” Superintendent Brennan Asplen.”
momentum to any program in be with family, she and her husband Interestingly, MOMentum (for- Thrilled that Julie brings her tal-
Jwhich she’s involved. A new- Jim (of blessed memory) attended Fed- merly the Jewish Women’s Renais- ents to Federation, past CEO Howard
ly elected Federation board member, eration events. sance Project) lived up to its name, Tevlowitz says, “Julie is an extraordi-
she continues to build a strong Jew- “We wanted to acquaint ourselves literally, having provided Julie with the nary CRC volunteer. Her knowledge
ish community at home and improve with our new community.” Julie tears impetus to embrace and find meaning of the law and issues facing the Sara-
the lives of Israeli Jews and those up. “But shortly after arriving, an ag- in her Jewish life again. sota County School District is unpar-
worldwide – the underpinning of gressive cancer took Jim’s life. It felt Attributing some of her boundless alleled.”
The Jewish Federation of Sarasota- as if he were kidnapped.” energy to that experience, she says, “I Julie responds, “I’m honored to
Manatee’s mission. Julie’s focus turned to supporting have supportive ‘sisters.’ I’m empow- make a difference in children’s lives.”
Israel has been paramount in Ju- her sons William and Jacob; managing ered!” Julie epitomizes loyalty to Feder-
lie’s life, including a summer kibbutz her grief; and coping with a demanding Heidi LeRoy, one of her “sisters,” ation. “I’m excited to work with new
experience at age 10, and working on education-law career. says, “Julie’s commitment to Judaism Federation CEO Shep Englander, learn
Israel Defense Forces tanks through “Three months after Jim’s passing, stems from her strong Jewish values to from fellow board members and com-
Sar- El, a volunteer organization, after my office was involved in a challeng- her leadership in the Jewish communi- munity leaders, contribute to Feder-
college. ing U.S. Supreme Court case, leaving ty and continual pursuit of knowledge.” ation’s success and serve our Jewish
Building momentum, she was a no time for anything else.” she says. Julie says, “My recent MOMentum community for years to come.”
member of The Jewish Federations of That is until Julie joined Federa- workshop/retreat, with its emphasis Completing extensive training
North America’s National Young Lead- tion’s MOMentum trip to Israel. on a mom’s role in promoting Jewish with the Tidewell Hospice Blue Butter-
er Cabinet, committing herself to Tik- She reflects, “Prodded by my par- values, has propelled me to guide my fly program, Julie dedicates time with
kun Olam. She also served many terms ents – my mother, a past local Federa-
on the board and executive committee tion board member – and encouraged
of the Jewish Federation of Greater by Gisele Pintchuck, Julie Green and
Harrisburg. Ilene Fox, I reluctantly signed up for
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Julie Halbert (center) with her 2019 “MOMentum Sisters:”
Call Marc at 941.321.0707 Diam nd Trading Marni Mount, Wendy Rudd, Rebecca Berman, Lisa Kleinberg
Over 60 Years Experience | Personal and confidential Company, Inc. younger son William, who’ll be joining children who have lost immediate fam-
Birthright with University of Florida ily. Program Director Danielle Visone
Hillel and, hopefully, attend Onward M.S.W, LCSW says, “Julie’s enthusi-
the following year.” asm and firsthand knowledge make her
Since MOMentum, Julie’s fervor invaluable.”
manifests itself by her volunteering Julie responds, “It’s rewarding to
on the Heller Community Relations give an ounce of happiness to children
Committee (CRC), accepting Federa- similar to mine.”
tion board membership and supporting Appreciating every day with her
grieving children in the Tidewell Hos- sons, the rest of her family and friends,
pice Blue Butterfly program. Julie indulges in activities, including
No stranger to the CRC, Julie was hiking, kayaking and paddleboarding.
its chair at the Jewish Federation of Forging ahead, she says, “I look
Greater Harrisburg for several years. forward to diversity training and con-
A N A “I invited speakers to our community, tinuing my work with our CRC and
H T O
S may this V including Ambassador Dennis Ross other dedicated staff.”
Gisele Pintchuck, LIFE & LEGA-
'
L A and Bassem Eid, a Palestinian hu- CY and Development Events Director
man-rights activist, who’s an Israeli
®
media political analyst.” and MOMentum Community Leader,
year be filled with
Not losing that verve, she has captures Julie’s essence: “During the
love, peace, happiness and
agreed to be the CRC Education Pol- MOMentum trip, it became evident
icy Chair, also capitalizing on decades that Julie has a genuine ability to lead,
healthy skin.
of experience as legal counsel for the inspire and cultivate relationships. Liv-
Council of the Great City Schools, an ing her personal and professional life
organization working with U.S. courts, by her Jewish values, she has made an
special-education directors of 75 indelible mark on Federation.”
school districts, lawmakers and others, With her expertise in special
dedicated to fostering academic suc- education, Julie is hopeful to train
cess for inner-city children. parents to help with their children’s ed-
Julie says, “Together with Mary ucation. And she is co-chairing a new
Collier, the CRC Chair, and its ex- MOMentum project for all Federation
cellent committee, we’re working to MOMentum women.
educate our community in order to Whatever Julie decides, she’s liv-
Robert P. Finkelstein, D.O. promote tolerance and understanding.” ing her life to the fullest, grateful to her
Participating on a newly formed
Board Certified Dermatologist Sarasota County School District equity parents, Federation staff and MOMen-
tum – the program that’s been her per-
committee, Julie is excited about creat- sonal momentum and catalyst.
941.907.7372 ing a novel policy to be considered by If you are interested in volunteering,
the Board of Education.
there are many ways to contribute and
“I’m collaborating with a diverse
CENTERFORSKINWELLNESS.COM group of parents, principals, students be part of the volunteer life at the Fed-
eration. For more information, please
and community partners under the contact Jeremy Lisitza, Director of In-
6771 Professional Parkway West, Suite 203
leadership of the Dr. Harriet Moore, novation and Volunteer Engagement,
Sarasota, FL 34240
A Division of Premier Dermatology, LLC Director of Innovation and Equity, and at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org.