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The Charlotte Jewish News- Janurary 2026- Page 3
The Voices Behind the 2026 Annual Campaign
By Jessica Goldfarb
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte( JFGC) is gearing up for an important year as the 2026 Annual Campaign launches under the leadership of co-chairs Kara Culp and Lisa Strause Levinson. Both bring deep commitment, thoughtful vision, and a shared belief in the power of collective responsibility.
In the conversation that follows, Kara and Lisa discuss what motivates them, what they hope donors will feel this year, and how The Super Event’ s theme of“ Be a Part of This” reflects the role each person plays in strengthening Jewish life in Charlotte.
The Annual Campaign kicks off at The Super Event with this year’ s theme“ Be a Part of This.” What does that mean to you?
Kara: Be a part of this means community. It means that we want you to feel the power of
Kara Culp and Lisa Strause Levinson
coming together to make change.
Lisa: I love our tagline“ Be a Part of This.” Our community needs every one of us to be a part of the 2026 Annual Campaign to ensure the sustainability and growth of our Jewish community. We are hopeful that being a part of this will inspire more people in our Jewish community to contribute the campaign!
What moved you to take on the role of co-chairing this year’ s campaign, and what personal meaning does this work hold for you?
Kara: I wanted to co-chair the Annual Campaign again for several reasons. I felt the work during the 2025 Annual Campaign, while extraordinarily successful, wasn’ t quite complete. There are more than 30,000 Jews who call the greater Charlotte area home, and there are still more lives to be touched by JF- GC’ s meaningful work. I know having Lisa Levinson as my cochair will position us to amplify our impact, expand our goals, and drive change together.
Lisa: I am passionate about our Jewish community and all it offers across all ages and stages of life. It is meaningful for me to carry forward the legacy that
was left to us and to help create a stronger, more vital community for future generations.
Fundraising is ultimately about people. What do you hope community members feel— not just see— because of this year’ s effort?
Kara: When community members step foot on Shalom Park, enter their synagogue for worship, or read a story that touches them in the CJN, they will feel the impact of JFGC. Every aspect of Jewish life has been touched in some way by this organization. There is a place for everyone to feel connected to our Annual Campaign’ s impact. If you are experiencing Jewish life in Charlotte in any way, JFGC has helped pave that path.
Lisa: I want everyone to know how impactful and important their gift is to the Annual Campaign, and I want them to experience the impact on our partner agencies.
For someone new to Federation giving, what’ s one thing you want them to understand about the impact their contribution makes here in the greater Charlotte area?
Kara: First, thank you for being a new donor. It is an honor for JFGC to be thought of as a trusted partner in supporting our community. Your gift allows the JFGC team to expand its reach and create deeper, more meaningful impact for Jewish Charlotte today and for years to come.
Lisa: Through the allocations process, our committee and board of directors are very intentional when directing dollars raised to our partner agencies. Thoughtful time and care go into the process so that these agencies can fulfill their mission and meet the needs of our community.
Q: Describe your dynamic as co-chairs in three words. No overthinking— first impulse.
Kara: Collaborative, energetic, excited
Lisa: Enthusiastic, creative, passionate
During late-night planning or long meetings, what keeps the two of you laughing or
The Power of Words: Shanah
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte
grounded? A ritual? A snack? A shared joke?
Kara: I’ ve known Lisa for years, as we taught together in CMS. We both come from a place of empathy,“ let’ s shake things up to see what sticks,” and perseverance. We are open to listening to each other’ s ideas, providing feedback when needed, and dreaming big to see what’ s possible together. We don’ t take ourselves too seriously. She’ s a safe person for me to give an eye roll to if needed, and she is a great cheerleader.
Lisa: Having a co-chair with a great sense of humor, a big heart, and an endless supply of sugary snacks is a big win.
As the campaign kicks off with The Super Event on Jan. 22, Lisa and Kara’ s hope is that
Buying, Selling or Relocating?
An award-winning real estate agent with a passion for service and more than a decade of experience in the greater Charlotte area. Andrew is an active member and leader in the Jewish community. this year’ s effort encourages more people to feel connected to the work JFGC makes possible. Our engaging conversation reflects a shared belief in what can be achieved when many voices step in together. The 2026 Annual Campaign invites all who call Jewish Charlotte home to engage, give, and take part in shaping what lies ahead.
Andrew Rosen
andrew. rosen @ compass. com M: 704.604.4756 O: 704.234.7880
Andrew Rosen is a real estate licensee affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.
By Jessica Goldfarb
In Hebrew, there are several common words and phrases that carry profound meaning for Judaism, for Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte( JFGC), and for our community, encapsulating the values that shape the essence of Jewish life. Whether you are familiar with these words and phrases or have never heard them, their significance within the context of our community is worth exploring further.
The Hebrew word shanah is most familiarly translated to“ year,” marking the cycle of time that carries us from one season to the next. Yet embedded within the same Hebrew three-letter root, lies another layer of meaning:“ to change.”
This pairing of definitions offers a profound lens through which to understand Jewish life, suggesting that time itself is not simply something we pass through; it is a catalyst for growth, renewal, and transformation.
A shanah is more than twelve months on a calendar. It is an invitation to shift, to learn, to evolve, and to reshape the world around us. Judaism teaches the passage of a year holds the potential for becoming something new, both individually and collectively. Change is not an interruption to the rhythm of life; it is built into its very structure.
Each year at JFGC brings new challenges and opportunities alike to strengthen Jewish life, respond to emerging needs, and deepen connection across the greater Charlotte area and the global Jewish community. The work of JFGC reflects the essence of shanah, acknowledging where we have been while embracing the change that leads us forward.
Every donor who supports the Annual Campaign, every young family introduced to PJ Library, every attendee at JFGC events and programs, becomes part of this evolving story. Our community evolves because individuals choose to grow, engage, and give generously. Through collective action, we transform not only the year ahead but the future we are shaping together.
Shanah reminds us that time and change are intertwined. As we move through 2026, may this word inspire us to embrace what is shifting around us, hold fast to what anchors us, and continue building a community strengthened by shared responsibility and a willingness to adapt, evolve, and rise together.