On May 15, 2026, the JF&CS community gathered for our Annual Meeting. While the Annual Meeting is officially a Board meeting, it’s also an opportunity to celebrate the year's accomplishments, recognize outstanding contributors, and look ahead to the future.

The meeting took place at Temple Sinai, where Rabbi Brad Levenberg welcomed attendees. Rabbi Michael Bram, DMin, BCC, Lt Col, USAF (Ret.), JF&CS Community Chaplain, delivered the D'Var Torah. Throughout the morning, guests heard updates on the agency's work and future direction, while honoring staff and community partners whose commitment continues to make a lasting impact.

Board Chair Report:

Board Chair Deborah Jacobs spoke about the ongoing work of JF&CS:

“(The Talmud) says, ‘Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly now, love mercy now, walk humbly now. While we do not have to finish the work, we are not free to walk away from it.’

At JF&CS, we know we are not finished with the work; we are continuing to show up. JF&CS does not provide abstract services; we are changing real lives, every day.”

CEO Report:

CEO Jay Cranman discussed his first several months as CEO, expressing gratitude to the staff and community members who have helped shape his time here. He showed a behind-the-scenes look at the work of JF&CS, and concluded by saying:

“My commitment as CEO to you is simple: we will continue showing up for our city. We will continue evolving and innovating to meet the changing needs of our community, and we will continue finding new ways to care for one another. Finally, we’ll continue to say, in both big and small ways: ‘Hineni,’ or ‘here we are.’”

Awards:

Arlene Marcus Volunteer of the Year Award: presented to Debbie Levy by Arlene Marcus

The Stacy G. Fialkow Staff Award: presented to Georgia Gunter, Geriatric Care Manager, by Mira Cohen, Senior Manager of Creative Strategy at JF&CS.

Herbert Kohn Meritorious Service Award: presented to Ellen Feinsand by Ann Kay

We extend heartfelt gratitude to the members of our Board:

Completing Board Service

Lauren Abes and Ellen Feinsand

Continuing Board Service

Gary Alembik, Sandra Block, Ann Kay, Sara Kogon, Kim Kopelman, Shilvi Leinwand, Stephen Levy, Bruce Lindemann, Samantha Paulen, Victoria Raggs, Dayna Royal, Carly Siegel, Phil Ventimiglia

New Board Members

Sean O'Brien and Sandee Panichi

2026-2027 Board of Directors

Board Chair – Deborah Jacobs

Vice Chair – Scott Rittenberg

Secretary – Melana McClatchey

Treasurer – Ron Kirschner

Assistant Treasurer – Gennye Krasner

Chair of Resource Development – David Poline

Chair of Board Governance – Mimi Hall

Immediate Past Chair—Jon Amsler

Board Appointees

Rabbi Elizabeth Breit and Suzy Wilner

Thank you to to all who attended! Support the work of JF&CS here.