The Charlotte Jewish News- December 2025- Page 2 Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte
From the Editor’ s Desk: A Journey of Inheritance and Identity
As I step into this role as Editor of The Charlotte Jewish News, I do so with great appreciation. This publication has long been a thread connecting our dynamic community. It reflects who we are, what we value, where we are going, and how we live our shared story. I am honored by the trust Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte( JFGC) has placed in me, and I look forward to continuing this paper’ s rich tradition of celebrating the incredible people, the powerful voices, and the countless moments, which make Jewish life in Charlotte so vibrant.
I have always understood Judaism as both inheritance and invitation – something handed down through generations yet rediscovered in our own time. Growing up in Dallas, TX, I was raised culturally Jewish— the daughter of a Jewish,
Brooklyn-born father and a British South African mother who converted before my birth. Our home was a marvelous mix of accents, humor, and traditions— a blend that, somehow, simply worked.
My connection to Judaism was shaped most indelibly by my grandmother, Irmgard Aukstukalsky— a Holocaust survivor whose story lived in every corner of our family’ s life. From ages twelve to sixteen, she and her mother were imprisoned in the Theresienstadt concentration camp in what is now the Czech Republic. Her birth father had fought for Germany during World War I, and because of this“ status,” they were sent to what was considered a“ privileged” camp— though there was little privilege in such a place, where humanity was tested and betrayed.
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The Charlotte
JEWISH
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Published by Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte
Editor Elizabeth Breyer Johnson
Sr. Communications Specalist Jessica Goldfarb
Social Media Manager Shelby Robinson
Director of Marketing Dylan Vander Velde
5007 Providence Road, Suite 101 Charlotte, NC 28226( 704) 944-6711 www. charlottejewishnews. org charlottejewishnews @ shalomcharlotte. org
The Charlotte Jewish News strives to be the leading source for news and features of special interest to the local Jewish community, to highlight the voices and stories that reflect the diversity of Jewish life in Charlotte, and to communicate the mission, activities, and accomplishments of Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and its partners.
The CJN does not assume responsibility for the quality of kashrut of any product or service advertised. Publishing of a paid political advertisement does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate, political party or position by this newspaper, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, or any of its employees. Articles submitted by individual agencies bearing their logo are reflective of the opinion of that agency.
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My grandmother witnessed unthinkable brutality, suffered from constant hunger, and experienced devastating losses. Her stepfather and stepbrother— the only nuclear family she had ever known— disappeared from their family home the evening of Kristallnacht and later were killed at Auschwitz. My grandmother’ s experiences left a mark on her and, in turn, on the generations that followed. Her memories were never tucked away; they lived at the dinner table, in her stories, and in the quiet pauses between ordinary days.
My maiden name is Breyer.“ Like the ice cream, no relation” I like to say when asked how to spell it. Originally Breier, it was changed at Ellis Island in 1947 when my grandmother and grandfather— a Dachau survivor she met at a displaced persons camp in Italy shortly after liberation— arrived in America to begin again. This small alteration has always reminded me that even when names shift, stories endure. This significant legacy has given me a quiet yet profound sense of responsibility: namely, to carry our family’ s story forward.
When I was a junior in high school, Elie Wiesel came to speak. Because of my family’ s history, I was invited to stand on stage and ask him a question. I will never forget the stillness of that room— the way his presence made the past feel both close and alive. Years later, when he returned to Charlotte for a high-profile event uptown, I was invited to serve on the steering committee. It was at one of these meetings I met a woman, who would become a dear friend and, over time, a second mother— a relationship that has deeply shaped my own journey as a Jewish woman and, also, as a mother.
Many years later, we welcomed our daughter, Lucy. With this same woman’ s encouragement, Lucy began her early years at the Jewish Preschool on Sardis, then moved on to the Charlotte Jewish Preschool for four years, where I served on the Board of Directors. She later attended Transitional Kindergarten( TK) at the Charlotte Jewish Day School and now thrives in Kindergarten at Providence Day School. Through Lucy, my love of Judaism continues to grow daily, and in ways both large and small.
The The Levine JCC has been our second home since she was an infant— first for swimming lessons, then later for the JAWS swim team, tennis lessons, summers at camp, and countless programs in between. Most days, you will find me in the gym or behind my desk, surrounded by a wonderful community that feels like family.
Last year, we joined Temple Beth El, and recently, six-yearold Lucy began Hebrew School. Her self-confidence in her Judaism brings me endless joy. During a recent trip to New York City, she noticed a group of men wearing kippahs seated around a table at a West Village restaurant. Without missing a beat, she jumped off her seat, approached
Expanding Your Impact
By Jessica Goldfarb
Each year, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’ s Annual Campaign brings our community together to care for one another, strengthen Jewish life, and build a safer, more vibrant future.
In 2026, The Super Event’ s theme—“ Be a Part of This”— invites every one of us to show up, give generously, and make a measurable difference close to home and across the Jewish world. Alongside funding for more than 70 beneficiary agencies, Federation offers four targeted giving opportunities that let donors invest in specific priorities: LiveSecure, Outshine Hate, and the Sue Worrel Israel Center Endowment Fund. LiveSecure Safety remains a top priority for Jewish communities nationwide. Developed with Jewish Federations of North America( JFNA) and the Secure Community Network( SCN), LiveSecure strengthens security across synagogues, schools, and institutions in greater Charlotte. The program provides training, emergency planning, and support in securing federal and local grants for physical upgrades. LiveSecure ensures Jewish people can gather, learn, and worship with peace of mind. Outshine Hate The fight against antisemitism begins with education, advocacy, and the courage to speak out. Outshine Hate— part of Federation’ s Jewish Community Relations Council( JCRC)— empowers both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences to recognize and confront antisemitism in all its forms. With legislative engagement, community programs, and workshops, Outshine Hate counters misinformation and builds understanding.
Sue Worrel Israel Center Endowment Fund
Israeli education and engagement remain central to Federation’ s mission. The Sue Worrel Israel Center Endowment Fund funded the launch of the iCenter the animated bunch, pointed to herself, and exclaimed,“ I’ m a proud Jew, too.” The table erupted in cheers and applause. Lucy’ s chest swelled with pride— and so did mine.
With December upon us, Chanukah arrives each year as both a ritual and a reminder— that light endures, that memory matters, and that our shared story is still being written. As we gather around menorahs across greater Charlotte, may we continue to add our own sparks to that collective glow: through learning, through connection, through the quiet courage of telling our stories, and through creating treasured memories. Because, as my adored father always says,“ we are forever together with our memories.”
My very best, Elizabeth Breyer Johnson Editor, The Charlotte Jewish News
for Israel Education and Engagement, creating opportunities to connect more deeply with Israel, its people, history, and culture. From Yom Ha’ atzmaut celebrations to Partnership2Gether programs in Hadera, Israel, the iCenter deepens our holistic sense of global Jewish identity.
Together, We Make a Difference
Each initiative advances a vital part of Federation’ s mission: to care, connect, and secure a strong Jewish future. Whether you give to the Annual Campaign or a dedicated fund, your valued contributions become part of something larger.
What’ s next: The 2026 Annual Campaign and these four giving opportunities will kick off Jan. 22 with the Super Event, featuring Academy Award-winning actor and activist Marlee Matlin as the guest speaker. It’ s never too early to give and take advantage of year-end tax benefits. Visit www. jewishcharlotte. org today.