Phil's Top 10 Federation Moments
As we prepare to count down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, I reflect on some of my top moments with Federation over the last few years.
Bonus 11. Working with our amazing professional staff. In a short time, the staff became like my second family. All the meetings, retreats, brainstorms, events, and initiatives made us all feel united under our shared mission to serve the community. It was an honor to work with our great team.
10. Working alongside our board and the three board presidents who served while I was CEO: Jamie Eliahu, Amy Bush and Craig Meddin. It was especially touching to be at the annual meeting when Amy Bush was installed as president at Beth Meyer Synagogue, the same place where her mom, Honorary Lifetime Trustee Eileen Schwartz (z"l) was also installed as president years before.
9. Growing volunteers and food assistance. Since the COVID pandemic began, the demand for food, housing, financial aid, and connection has increased dramatically. I’ve been inspired to witness the hard work and dedication of our social workers and volunteers who care for so many in our community. Our food pantry has more than doubled the number of meals it serves each year, to over 30,000 meals.
8. Shabbat Across Greater Raleigh. An important part of our strategic plan was expanding our reach across Greater Raleigh. With the launch of Shabbat Across Greater Raleigh, we showed that it's possible to have a community experience together, wherever we are. Each year, hundreds of people have come together in community and friendship.
7. Connecting with the local Israeli community. One of the initiatives I'm proud of since October 7 is how our Federation has connected with the local Israeli community. We have partnered on advocacy efforts, Israeli Independence Day events, social connections, and more. This partnership has uplifted and strengthened the Jewish community as a whole.
6. PJ Library’s 18th Birthday. PJ library reaches thousands of families, including over 1,000 children each year in Greater Raleigh. This past year, PJ Library celebrated its 18th Birthday. We celebrated with a birthday-themed Shabbat with 100 attendees.
5. Illumination Gala. Our first Illumination Gala in 2022 was our first big event since the start of the COVID pandemic and we were thrilled to have over 309 attendees. Last year, we hit the right notes with Six13's moving performance. This year, I was thrilled to see 540 people come together to cheer on our dancers and raise crucial funds for our community initiatives.
4. Growing relationship with North Carolina Museum of Art. We are thrilled to work with NCMA's new curator of the Judaic Arts Gallery Curator, Sean Burrus. Thanks to Sean and the museum’s support we helped host four Jewish films this fall. We are looking forward to more Jewish cultural and art experiences for the greater community.
3. Starting Federation Connections. In 2023, our engagement team started Federation Connections, a regular meet up for people in Greater Raleigh that rotated to different locations in our area, including Apex, Wake Forest, and even Clayton. Each gathering draws newcomers and “regulars” alike, and it has been great to meet so many folks at these events.
2. Passing the SHALOM Act. With rate of antisemitic incidents rising since October 7, I was so proud this year when the North Carolina State Legislature passed the SHALOM Act, which defined antisemitism within state law. providing guidance to local governmental bodies, educational institutions, and law enforcement agencies on identifying and responding to antisemitic incidents. It was an honor to work alongside so many Jewish organizations and leaders from around the state to help get this law passed.
1. Launching our Inter-Community Seder. This is one of my favorite events of the year. The first year in 2021, I asked our leadership if we could bring together 20 people from five different community organizations–and we ended up with over 80 people from 20 different organizations. Since then the Inter-Community Seder has grown in size and impact. This past year we had over 150 people from 45 different community organizations – everything from churches, Hindu temples, local government, local law enforcement, school board, Latino and LGBT advocacy groups, and more.
Out of all of these great achievements, nothing has given me more pleasure than the relationships my family and I have made in Greater Raleigh. Thank you to everyone who helped Mindy, my boys, and me feel so at home here.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of my Jewish Federation journey. I appreciate you all, and I especially appreciate all of our donors, volunteers, staff, and leaders who have made everything possible over the last few years.
Wishing everyone the best for 2025.
Phil
P.S.—There’s still time to make your year-end gift.