Leading with Light
More than one person has described our annual Installation & Awards event as their favorite day on the NCJW/Essex calendar. In the afterglow of another incredible program on Wednesday, June 11, it is easy to see why they feel that way.
The sun shined through the windows at Crestmont Country Club as NCJW/Essex members, friends and families came together to reflect, reminisce, reconnect and celebrate – mostly celebrate! – a wonderful year. Read all the way to the end to see and feel our celebration!
Leading with Light served as the theme for Installation, but for NCJW/Essex, it is much more than a phrase, it is a philosophy. Our leader, Section President Andrea Rakitta Mintz, who every day radiates warmth and light, recounted the many accomplishments from an incredibly busy year, reminding us that NCJW/Essex programs are wide-reaching and deeply needed. “From career support and school readiness, to social action, advocacy and civic engagement, our work is vast, vital and rooted in our shared values.”
A well-known Jewish proverb says, “A little bit of light pushes away the darkness,” and Andrea encouraged us to seek out the good, find the light in others and use it as a force for forward movement. “I hope you are reminded that it doesn’t take much, just one person, one act of kindness, one moment of courage, to brighten the world around us.”
As she accepted the President’s Gavel and embarked on her second year as president, Andrea said, “I am filled with hope and determination. I know we can take on whatever comes next. Today we celebrate so many of our accomplishments and we get right back to work.”
Three Remarkable Women
Three Unique Awards
While being honored for different things – one at the outset of her journey, one with a lifetime of service, and one whose actions embody a deep embrace of making a difference – our award recipients also share a common bond: the unfiltered joy and fulfillment that comes with the title “volunteer.” Surrounded by their loving families, they told us why it matters so much, and each in her own way proved once again that with just a little bit of effort, we can make things better for many.
Rachel Khedouri
Henrietta Weiser Emerging Leader Award
Rachel Khedouri had her moment in the spotlight when accepting the Henrietta Weiser Emerging Leader Award, detailing her path to this accolade. She cited among other things the sparkle in the eyes of children at the Back 2 School Store as a catalyst for all the work she does, and all of the people who both inspire and join her.
As Lauren Tabak Fass said when introducing Rachel, “She reminds us that leadership isn’t just about doing big things – it’s about bringing others with you… so today we honor not just what Rachel has done and where she is headed, but the way she has done it: by building a community that feels like family and a family that shows up not only for her, but for the community.”
Rachel left us with an uplifting thought: “The members and leaders of NCJW/Essex are always brave enough to be the light for women, children and families, even now – or maybe especially now – when that hill seems insurmountable. I am very proud and energized to be climbing with all of you toward a more just and hopeful future.”
Robin Singer
Service to Section Award
Robin Singer’s resume of work at NCJW/Essex spans almost 50 years, and almost every position, title and project imaginable. For Robin, the Service to Section Award meant so much because “it is a celebration of something that has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.”
Robin did everything with an incredible sense of humor, an ability to bring people together and make any situation brighter, combined with an unwavering commitment to make the world a better place, according to Judy Tabak, a friend since they met at NCJW’s Washington Institute in 1998. “It is no surprise that this award recognizes not just Robin’s hard work, but her ability to make a difference through kindness and empathy… And for reminding us that real change starts with the heart,” Judy said.
Robin graciously thanked her fellow volunteers throughout the years, saying they exemplify the power of what we can accomplish together. And she left us with this important advice: “One thing NCJW taught me over all these years is: ‘just say yes,’” Robin told the audience. “I was asked to do many different things, some of which were a little outside my comfort zone. But, I knew I had the support of my family and fellow volunteers, and I took something positive and wonderful from each of those experiences.”
Paula Green
Hannah G. Solomon Award
NCJW founder Hannah G. Solomon’s commitment and energy were legendary, but Hannah had nothing on Paula Green!
That’s how Deborah Legow Schatz described Paula, this year’s Hannah G. Solomon Award recipient. Paula’s indefatigable commitment to others, her capacity to do good, and her expansive range of volunteer efforts epitomize what this honor represents and why she is so deserving.
Paula’s contributions to NCJW/Essex are just a small sample of how she gives back. Work in the areas of food insecurity, menstrual equity, local politics, nature conservancy, and gardening – yes, all things dirt and growth – fill her days, and fill her heart with joy. Paula said, “Volunteering is not what you do, it’s who you are. And advocacy is not a title, but a responsibility.”
She offered these guidelines of what makes a good volunteer, “Walk beside your fellow volunteers, never ahead, never behind,” she said. “Serve with humility and purpose, and remember one person can make a difference. Even the smallest step forward, if taken with intention, is a step in the right direction.” Paula’s words beautifully captured the values she embodies and the way she approaches life.
A New Structure for the Section Board of Directors
The time then came for the official business of the meeting, installing the FY 2025-2026 Section Board of Directors and Executive Committee and discharging the outgoing Board and Executive Committee members with a heartfelt thank you for a job well done.
The upcoming fiscal year is the inaugural one for our new Board structure, with staggered terms and term limits and a reduced size overall. It is being implemented as the governance function of the Board evolves and we strive for more efficiency and effectiveness.
Nominations Chair Penina Barr served double duty as the Installing Officer. She reminded us that our Section is only as strong as it is because of the many contributions of our Board, and while some of these dedicated women are stepping away for a short time, we are hopeful they will return in due course.
Old Friends. New Address. Same Heart.
No fewer than 15 past presidents joined us for Installation this year, sharing fond memories and swapping stories about the organization we love so much. Toby Rozen Holzer, one of our past presidents, celebrated a milestone birthday with friends including Barbara Drench and Blanche Dorman whose daughter, Leslie, joined the Section Board of Directors for the upcoming year and continues the family legacy.
Patty Kremen, director of the Linda & Rudy Slucker Center for Women, who this fall is marking 15 years with NCJW/Essex, was honored with applause and flowers. Patty’s accomplishments are many, and perhaps the most valuable is the success of the hundreds of women she has counseled, supported and encouraged as they were seeking employment to improve their lives and the lives of their families.
The Heart of Installation 2025
Thank you to everyone who made our Installation & Awards Brunch memorable and meaningful, beginning with our fabulous co-chairs, Laurie Kahn and Cindy Charney, who together coordinated every detail of our beautiful afternoon. Janet Berger led the Awards Committee and Deborah Legow Schatz chaired the Ad Journal (with help from her crack team of proofreaders!). The tables were adorned with stunning flowers lovingly arranged by Lori Gelman.
Thank you, too, to the entire staff of NCJW/Essex led by Caitlin Higgins Joy for their support of this event and throughout the year.
The Installation & Awards Brunch is sponsored by Ellen and Donald Legow through a generous donation to the Legacy for the Future Endowment Fund.