SPOTLIGHT
L
eading Edge has announced
20 senior executives leading
Jewish nonprofits who will
inaugurate the program Leading
Executives.
From September 2022 through
February 2023, these leaders will
receive leadership training, coach-
ing, and opportunities for connec-
tion and mutual support. When
the program ends, they will join
the growing alumni network of
Jewish nonprofit leaders who have
completed Leading Edge Executive
Programs.
A successor to the CEO
Onboarding Program, one of
Leading Edge’s original flagship
offerings, Leading Executives
expands the core elements of that
program, while streamlining the
experience to offer it to more lead-
ers, more frequently.
Metro Detroiters in this cohort
include Allison Zeff of Detroit Jews
for Justice and Daniella HarPaz
Mechnikov of Yad Ezra.
Leading Edge Announces
First Cohort of
Leading Executives
56 | JULY 21 • 2022
Allison Zeff
Daniella HarPaz Mechnikov
HC’s ‘Cooking with
History’ Rescheduled
The Zekelman Holocaust Center is reschedul-
ing the virtual event “Cooking with History”
to Thursday, July 28, at 7 p.m.
“We are saddened to announce the passing of
presenter Becca Gallick-Mitchell’s grandmother,
Holocaust survivor Mala Dorfman,” the HC
said in a statement. “On July 28, Becca will cook
her great-grandmother Ester Weintraub’s Kopytka
and Mushroom Gravy from the comfort of her late
grandmother Mala’s kitchen.
“While Becca cooks, she will share some stories
about Mala and Ester. We offer our sincere condo-
lences to the Dorfman family at this difficult time
and thank you for your understanding.”
Jewish Family Service
Receives Grant from
Kaufman Charitable Trust
Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit has
received $20,000 from the Kaufman Charitable
Trust. This gift will go toward the purchase of
a new vehicle for the agency’s transportation
department, which provides approximately 30,000
rides annually to older adults and people with
disabilities.
“Our transportation services ensure that com-
munity members can get to critical medical
appointments, social activities, grocery shop-
ping, religious gatherings and more,” says Yuliya
Gaydayenko, Chief Program Officer, Older
Adults. “By doing so, this vulnerable population is
able to maintain their quality of life and safely age
in place.”
It is estimated that more than half of all
non-drivers age 65 and over stay at home on a
given day, often because they do not have trans-
portation options or require assistance to get out
of the house and into a vehicle. Research also
shows that, for most Americans, life expectancy
now exceeds driving ability by seven to 10 years.
Such trends will make specialized services, such
as JFS’s door-through-door transportation, even
more important to seniors and people with dis-
abilities.
“These rides provide a lifeline for communi-
ty members,” says Gaydayenko. “
And we are so
appreciative of the Kaufman Charitable Trust for
helping us to continue providing this essential
service.”
JCRC’s Diversity Efforts
JCRC/AJC met with the new mayor of Dearborn Heights, Bill Bazzi, to discuss how
the Jewish community can help his community bridge differences and add to the
richness of diversity. The meeting was held at the Dearborn Heights City Hall on
July 7. Pictured with the mayor: JCRC/AJC board members Bryant Frank, Ariana
Mentzel and Howard Brown, along with JCRC/AJC Executive Director Rabbi Asher
Lopatin, and JCRC/AJC Advocacy and Interfaith Associate Michael Kuper.