Page 8 - Jewish News_May-June-2020

8 May/June 2020 FEDERATION NEWS

Volunteer Spotlight AIPAC Policy Conference: A teen perspective

Marsha Eisenberg: Advocating for the Jewish community Collaboratively written by the 2020 Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee teen AIPAC delegation

By Sandy Chase

tatistically speaking, Marsha counselors knew about our scholar- colleagues and I are certain the com- in retirement.
Eisenberg has strengthened The ships, we left brochures and candy- munity will be stronger as a direct Marsha’s volunteering is not lim-
SJewish Federation of Saraso- filled Federation coffee cups.” result of Marsha’s efforts. Sarasota- ited to Federation. Her involvement
ta-Manatee over the years. Testimoni- As chair of the recent Jewish Com- Manatee is quite fortunate to have her.” also includes board member at Temple
als speak volumes of her commitment munity Study – funded in part by a Long overdue since the 2001 Beth Sholom; supporter of the Sarasota
to numerous Federation initiatives, in- grant from the Community Foundation study, the updated information will chapter of the American Jewish Com-
cluding the 2019 Jewish Community of Sarasota County – Marsha was in- help Federation design a strategy for mittee; ex-president of the Sarasota-
Study contracted with the Cohen Cen- strumental in encouraging such a study. allocating resources, especially for re- Manatee Jewish National Fund; and
ter at Brandeis University. “Committee and board members envisioning the future campus. Other fine arts advocate, her latest endeavor
Since retiring as a Detroit corpo- were always guessing about the Jewish areas to be addressed include identify- with the Ringling Museum of Art.
rate attorney, Marsha’s been commit- population. It was clear that no one had ing future programming and working Marsha nostalgically reflects, “My
ted to Federation, reaping its rewards an accurate picture of the who, where with Jewish and non-Jewish partners, late husband Harry (z”l) was the Detroit
while helping to promote its mission. and what of today’s population. When volunteer – actively involved with the
She explains, “I missed the closeness of I had heard the Federation was think- Jewish Community Center and Jew-
the Detroit Jewish community. Federa- ing of doing a study, I endorsed that ish day school – while I raised our two
tion helped fulfill that gap. Welcoming decision, offering my assistance. I was children and pursued my career. Roles
and inclusive, Federation emphasizes honored to be named the chair.” reversed in Sarasota, and he was the
programming and encourages others to Federation Chief Operating Officer spouse attending charitable events.”
get involved.” Kim Adler, who oversaw this study, Volunteering rewards Marsha mul-
After meeting Chief Development couldn’t be more pleased with Mar- tifold: “Helping promote the organiza-
Officer Ilene Fox, Marsha became in- sha’s contributions. “She skillfully led tion’s goals, using your skills to help
volved with Federation’s Women’s two committees, participated in numer- the community, meeting new people
Day committee. Proudly, she says, ous in-person and phone meetings with and becoming part of a family.”
“What an emotional event, seeing over the Cohen Center team at Brandeis Keeping Betty Schoenbaum’s spir-
100 dedicated women. Through my University, and served as the liaison Marsha Eisenberg with it alive, Marsha says, “Betty was my
continued involvement, I’ve become to the Federation board, keeping mem- a proud college scholarship recipient role model. A scholarship committee
friends with many of those wonderful bers informed of the progress. Now programmatic innovators and policy- member, she convinced me that volun-
women.” that we have the information, Marsha’s makers to improve our community. teering promotes longevity.”
A partial list of Marsha’s volun- been an ambassador around the com- According to Marsha, “These sta- Along with rewards come chal-
teering doesn’t begin to show how munity, encouraging organizations to tistics will enable our own strategic lenges. For Marsha, it’s critical to put
she’s made a difference in this commu- use the important data for implement- planning while proving helpful to aside your feelings and ideas and work
nity. Downplaying her role, she always ing their strategic planning.” agencies, synagogues, the Jewish day as a team. “I believe that it’s a collabor-
gives credit to others: “I assisted Ros Besides accommodating all groups school, and other Jewish service and ative effort and it’s important that you
Mazur, the Women’s Giving Circle – ensuring that the effort was collab- funding organizations.” make the experience rewarding to all.”
founder; co-chaired the Film Festival orative – Marsha had to streamline In fact, since the release of the She emphasizes that sometimes
with Roz Goldberg; and chaired the and help focus the survey questions, study, Jewish organizations are using it can be difficult managing meetings
College Scholarship Committee.” confirming that Federation goals were the data in order to plan more strategi- with many strong personalities. “Keep
Federation staff has nothing but included. cally. Slowly but systematically, Fed- the process moving and don’t allow
praise for this tireless supporter who For Marsha, it was critical that “I eration will realize its vision to build anyone to dominate, making all feel
also serves on the organization’s Board constantly reminded myself to coordi- a more vibrant, inclusive and engaged that they’re involved in the decision-
of Directors. According to Ilene, “Mar- nate amongst Brandeis, Federation and Jewish community. making process.”
sha’s a dedicated, passionate leader committee members to get the most When asked what study data sur- Statistically speaking, Marsha will
who focuses on the big picture and im- relevant information from the study, prised her, Marsha said, “I don’t be- continue giving her all to the study,
portant details. She has a unique ability which had to represent the best data lieve anyone had thought that the assisting Federation committees and
to analyze data, providing explanations from the community.” Jewish population had grown so large planning for the new campus. Marsha
and insights on numerous subjects. Marsha had focus groups with – almost doubling the regional growth. is convinced that this study is one of
She’s well respected among staff and many agencies, institutions and special Thirty-four hundred Jewish children the best undertakings, “not only for the
board members and gives more than interest groups in order to identify per- live in our area – critical information Federation but for the entire Jewish
100% to any project she undertakes.” tinent information. for our institutions.” community.”
Teen and Family Program Coordi- Matthew Boxer, PhD, the Cohen She was also surprised at how few The study also benefits Sarasota-
nator Andrea Eiffert says, “It has been Center lead researcher, gives Marsha were involved in most Jewish activi- Manatee, inspiring a robust conver-
a pleasure working alongside Marsha, glowing grades. “Marsha is a fantas- ties. “Although there were over 400 sation while addressing next steps,
whose career brought a legal perspec- tic advocate for the Sarasota-Manatee Women’s Day attendees last year, I especially during the 2020 Census.
tive to the College Scholarship Com- Jewish community, significantly con- would have thought overall involve- The Federation is thankful to have
mittee. More importantly, she made it tributing to the success of the project. ment would be higher.” Marsha as its advocate.
a priority to focus on helping students Her attention to detail was unwavering, She knew that community Jews If you are interested in volunteering,
graduate from college while incurring as was her commitment to ensuring were comfortable or prosperous. How- there are many ways to contribute and
the least amount of debt.” that every element of the study, regard- ever, she was stunned that 20% of be part of the volunteer life at the Fed-
Tapping into her creativity, Marsha less of size, would be valuable to the respondents indicated they cannot eration. For more information, please
came up with a marketing idea for en- community and understood by its orga- cover three months of expenses in an contact Jeremy Lisitza, Director of In-
couraging students to apply for schol- nizations’ representatives.” emergency, and 25% are not confident novation and Volunteer Engagement,
arships, saying, “Ensuring that school Echoing others, Matt says, “My of their ability to live comfortably at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org.

Every woman Want to

matters here.

The Women’s Giving Circle [ “Ma’agal Receive
Nashim”] is a giving circle that empowers
women as funders, decision makers and Texts
agents of change. Each member contributes
$518, and each has an equal voice in
directing our funds. The giving circle model about Jewish
multiplies individual actions, creating a
tremendous collective impact. community news,

In the last five years, we have distributed event updates
more than $236,632 in grants to
nonprofits in Israel that help women and and more?
children of all backgrounds live safer,
healthier and more meaningful lives.

Our Mission Text: JFED

To enhance the lives of Jewish women and children
who are in need of help and live in Israel. To: 332-22

Contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113
or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org

Published by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee • www.jfedsrq.org