DIA member sneak preview Nov. 16-18.

Multi-Tasking

Aronson named acting president
of N.Y.-based Steinhardt Foundation;
plans to stay at Detroit Federation.

Harry Kirsbaum

Bob:' she said. "He's been working for
Michael on related projects for a num-
ber of years, and this is just a continu-
ation of that process. We're confident
lthough Robert Aronson
that Bob's principal obligation and
was named acting presi-
responsibilities will continue to be the
dent of the New York-based
Detroit Jewish community; and, if Bob
Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life
is satisfied he will be able to spend the
on Oct. 24, he said he has no plans to
same amount of time here — I'm sure
leave his position as
he will do so. We trust his
Jewish Federation of
judgment."
Metropolitan Detroit's
Steinhardt created the
chief executive officer.
foundation in 1994 to
"I am very happy
strengthen and revitalize
here:' he said. "I will
American Jewish identity
not take any more
via educational and cultural
additional time than
initiatives that reach out to
I am already giving to
all Jews, with an emphasis
my additional assign-
on those who are on the
ments."
margins of Jewish life.
Aronson has been
Aronson was acting direc-
a principal adviser to
tor of Birthright Israel, a
Robert Aronson
the foundation and
program that provides a
its chairman, Michael H. Steinhardt,
free first-time trip to Israel for every
for several years. This "formalizes the
Jewish person between the ages of 18
relationship," Aronson said.
and 26. He will continue to work on a
"I have admired Michael Steinhardt
Birthright follow-up program.
and the work of his foundation for
His "ambitious agenda" includes the
many years," Aronson said. "Michael
exploration of opening up Hebrew-
shows the boldness and courage
as-a-second language charter schools
required for making Jewish life rel-
and the Fund for Our Jewish Future,
evant to the vast majority of American a $100 million initiative that touted
Jews. I feel privileged to be offered the
trips to Israel and Jewish education
opportunity to lead his foundation in
vouchers for newborn Jews, which
this interim position."
was announced at the 2003 General
Steinhardt, not interested in begin-
Assembly meeting of the United
ning a national search for president,
Jewish Communities in Atlanta. Many
asked Aronson to step in on a tern-
of these programs with national
porary basis to help him for the year,
impact carry a Detroit role, and there's
Aronson said.
no reason why it won't continue,
"It is a pleasure to welcome Bob
Aronson said.
in his new leadership role with us:'
Steinhardt, chairman of the
Steinhardt said. "He is one of the most Detroit Jewish News'parent company,
effective professionals I know."
Southfield-based Jewish Renaissance
Aronson also has advised Auburn
Media, and Davidson are co-chairs of
Hills-based philanthropist William
the fund. Bloomfield Hills philanthro-
Davidson for several years.
pists Eugene and Marcia Applebaum
Tax records show that when
also are heavily involved.
Aronson began his role as adviser to
Rabbi David Gedzelman, executive
Steinhardt and Davidson, he reported
director of the foundation, said, "I
14 hours a week in his position as
have deeply enjoyed working with Bob
Federation CEO; his salary was adjust- on a number of projects for the past
ed accordingly. Those numbers will
four years and have learned a great
not change, he said.
deal from him. I welcome his leader-
Federation president Nancy Grosfeld ship as we move forward on a number
is confident in Aronson's juggling abil- of new initiatives and directions in
ity. "It is a wonderful opportunity for
Jewish education and engagement." __-

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