Securing Our Future

A Passion for Serving Others: Barbara and Irving Nusbaum
Continue Their Legacy Through a Gift to the Centennial Fund

I

f you happened to be at the home of Barbara and

gift to the Centennial Fund, Barbara and Irving continue

Irving Nusbaum for their annual Yom Kippur Break

their remarkable legacy of commitment and generosity.

Fast, you would meet the many Soviet refugees who

were also their guests. Irving was a founder of the

The Centennial Fund is the central endowment campaign

Operation Exodus campaign which rescued Jews from

for ensuring the long-term security of Jewish Detroit.

the Soviet Union, and the Nusbaums’ extraordinary

In keeping with their passion for helping others, the

passion for helping their fellow Jews meant opening

Nusbaums have directed their gift towards serving children

their home as well. Barbara became a personal

and families in need. “To feed the hungry, to heal the

supporter and advocate for the refugees, making

sick, to comfort the elderly and to teach the children,”

them feel truly at home in their new community. This is

says Irving, citing a personal credo, “this will bring you joy

just one example of the many ways the couple live out

and happiness.” He adds, with typical humility, “We are

their commitment to serving others. Irving was a

grateful for this opportunity to serve our people and

major contributor and leader of the JFS Windows

our community, even when we are gone.” Indeed, the

Program, which created shelters and support services

Nusbaums have personally devoted their entire lives

for women and children who were victims of abuse, and

towards serving those in need and their efforts have

Barbara is a past president of JARC. With their recent

made a profound mark on our Jewish community.

May 26 • 2016

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