Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte
The Charlotte Jewish News- June / July 2025- Page 3
Federation Welcomes New Team Members
By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist
The staff of Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte( JFGC) is growing, with the addition of three talented professionals who bring a range of skills, passions, and experiences to the organization’ s mission-driven work. Federation is pleased to welcome Katharyn Beatrice as accounting assistant, Shivani Raclaw as campaign assistant, and Shelby Robinson as social media manager.
These new team members join Federation at a time of strategic growth and renewed investment in infrastructure, storytelling, and community engagement. Together, they will strengthen the organization’ s ability to support and sustain Jewish life in Charlotte, in Israel, and around the world.
Katharyn Beatrice
Growing the Next Generation of Jewish Leaders
By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’ s newest Bernstein Leadership Group( BLG) cohort is making strides on their 18-month journey of growth, connection, and leadership development within Jewish Charlotte. Over the past few months, participants have begun laying essential groundwork for their time together, focusing on building relationships, identifying individual strengths, and preparing to dive deeper into their leadership potential.
In March, the group gathered for“ Kehilah Kedosha— Building a Sacred Community,” where they explored themes of Jewish identity, leadership, and the power of community. This opening session, led by Federation leaders, set the tone for a year of reflection and connection. It emphasized that leadership begins with personal growth and a commitment to nurturing and strengthening the community
Katharyn Beatrice, Accounting Assistant
Katharyn brings a background in financial services, a sharp eye for detail, and a calm, communicative presence to her part-time role on the finance team. After stepping away from the workforce for several years, she returns to nonprofit work with a renewed passion for mission-focused service, supporting Women Living Well Ministries Inc. in addition to Federation.“ I count( no pun intended) it a privilege to work for Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte,” she shared.
Outside the office, Katharyn enjoys Sudoku, experimenting in the kitchen, and being a dedicated listener to her family and friends. Her professionalism, precision, and warmth make her a valued addition to the operations team.
Katharyn’ s contributions will help ensure the organization’ s financial foundation remains steady, responsive, and ready to meet the needs of the community.
Shivani Raclaw, Campaign Assistant
Shivani brings more than a decade of experience in executive support, financial services, and corporate administration. In her new role, she will support the development team’ s administrative operations and help drive initiatives that strengthen local Jewish engagement and philanthropy.“ I
around them.
In their second session, participants turned inward during a StrengthsFinder workshop led by Karen Blankenship of Duke Energy. By identifying and understanding their individual talents, the cohort is learning how to leverage their unique abilities, both personally and collectively. The exercise challenged each member to recognize that true leadership begins with knowing who you are and understanding how to lift others alongside you.
The cohort is now preparing for one of the most transformative milestones of the program: the Shabbaton retreat. Over three days, participants will explore what it means to lead through a Jewish lens, drawing from ancient texts, modern stories, and their own lived experiences. Sessions will include interactive conversations about Jewish identity; leadership models rooted in figures like Moses, Miriam, and Nachshon; and respectful dialogue around complex topics
Shivani Raclaw
am honored to join Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and contribute to its valuable work,” Shivani shared.“ I look forward to supporting the team and helping to further Federation’ s commitment to philanthropy, education, and community-building.”
Her organizational and strategic strengths will bolster the success of the Annual Campaign, Federation’ s primary fundraising effort for Jewish programs in
Shelby Robinson
such as Israel. Rituals like Shabbat candle lighting, Havdalah, and communal meals will create space for spiritual reflection and shared joy. By the end of the weekend, participants will leave with a renewed sense of purpose, stronger ties to their cohort, and deeper insight into their Jewish journeys.
Megan Harkavy, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’ s director of education and engagement, described the retreat as“ an opportunity not just for reflection and learning, but also for strengthening the bonds that will carry them through the rest of the program and beyond.”
As the cohort continues to learn, grow, and lead, their journey reflects the heart of Federation’ s and BLG’ s mission: preparing the next generation of Jewish leaders, rooted in identity, purpose, and a commitment to building a vibrant and resilient community. Stay tuned for more updates as these rising leaders take their next steps!
Charlotte and across the globe.
Shivani’ s expertise will help ensure these vital efforts continue to have a strong and lasting impact.
Shelby Robinson, Social Media Manager
With more than 15 years of experience in social media, public relations, marketing, and brand strategy, Shelby steps into her new role with deep enthusiasm for community storytelling and digital outreach. A longtime Charlotte resident, originally from Los Angeles, she lives with her husband, Sam, and daughter, Morgan.“ I am passionate about using digital platforms to strengthen Jewish identity and foster community connection,” she said.“ I’ m especially inspired by Federation’ s mission to sustain and support a vibrant
Hebrew Cemetery
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wove each personal story into the larger fabric of Jewish life in Charlotte. At each stop, visitors paused to hear tales of immigration and entrepreneurship, education and faith, devotion to synagogue life, and service to both community and country.
Adding a striking visual to the morning, a vintage black horsedrawn hearse, provided by McEwen Funeral Home and Chapel Pineville, circled the grounds. The evocative image served as a poignant reminder of Jewish funeral traditions from a bygone era.
One attendee, Lynne Goldsmith, said,“ I found Michpacha Memories to be both engaging and enlightening. As a relative newcomer to Charlotte, I was eager to learn more about the roots
Jewish future, both locally and globally.”
Shelby will lead Federation’ s social media and digital content efforts, helping to elevate visibility and increase engagement with the broader community.
Her expertise will help ensure the organization’ s programs reach new audiences and resonate across generations.
Together, Katharyn, Shivani, and Shelby reflect Federation’ s commitment to investing in both people and purpose. As the organization continues to grow, their diverse talents will help strengthen its operational foundation, amplify its message, and deepen its impact, ensuring a vibrant Jewish future in Charlotte and beyond.
of the Jewish community and of the people who made such important contributions. The quality of the acting was just first class! It was a most enjoyable and educational morning“
Mishpacha, Hebrew for“ family,” is at the heart of the program’ s mission: to honor those who came before us and to build connections across generations. As the tour concluded, the final words rang out among those gathered:“ May their memory be a blessing.”
Through storytelling, shared memory, and sacred space, those lives continue to guide the community they helped build— one family, one moment, one memory at a time.