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.