Vol. 48, No. 5 Iyar-Sivan 5786 May 2026

By Jessica Goldfarb

What does it take to sustain and strengthen Jewish life in Charlotte, not just today, but for the years ahead?

That question sits at the heart of Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’ s Annual Meeting, taking place on Monday, May 18, at 7 p. m., in the Sam Lerner Center for Cultural Arts. This annual gathering brings the community together to reflect on the impact of the past year and look ahead to what comes next, grounded in the people, partnerships, and shared responsibility that make this work possible.

This year’ s meeting will feature remarks from Tom Lawrence, President and CEO of The Leon Levine Foundation. Lawrence will offer insight into The Foundation’ s vision for philanthropy in the Carolinas, how those investments translate into real impact across the community, and how Federation plays a key role as a philanthropic partner in putting that vision into action. At a time when community needs continue to grow and evolve, this conversation reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that Jewish life in Charlotte remains strong, accessible, and positioned for the future.

The evening will also mark a moment of leadership transition. Outgoing Board President Amy Vitner will be recognized for her service and dedication, and incoming Board President Slade Goldstein will step into the role,

Tom Lawrence, President and CEO of The Leon Levine Foundation

continuing the work of guiding Federation through both opportunity and challenge.

The Annual Meeting is also a chance to see the full scope of what community support makes possible. Through the Annual Campaign, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte provides critical funding to more than 70 beneficiary agencies and initiatives. That support strengthens Jewish education and engagement, helps keep our community safe through security efforts, advances advocacy work to combat antisemitism, and deepens connections with Israel and global

Jewry.

At its core, this evening is about understanding how that work happens and the role each of us plays in it.

Join us May 18 to hear updates, connect with community members, and take part in the ongoing work shaping Jewish life in Charlotte. Registration is now open at www. jewishcharlotte. org.

SLATE OF OFFICERS & TRUSTEES AS NOMINATED BY THE BOARD DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OF JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER CHARLOTTE

BOARD MEMBERS— TERM ENDING 2027

Andrew Lyons Steve Menaker Karen Spiegler Jan Weiner

BOARD MEMBERS— TERM ENDING 2028 Stephanie Haynes Raizel Kahn

Rebekah Rubenstein

BOARD MEMBERS— TERM ENDING 2029 Kara Culp

Laura Philipson

Julie Sheffer

Amy Udoff

CONSTITUENT AGENCY DESIGNEES

Foundation of Shalom Park Representative: Rick Glaser Jewish Family Services Representative: Jonathan Collman Levine JCC Representative: Eric Wisotsky

Presidential Appointees Lindsay Muns

Risa Miller

2026 BOARD DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Risa Miller, Chair Blair Goldsmith, Jodi Michel, Brad Rabinowitz, Mark Roth, Jonathan Shaw, Debra Van Glish

* Nominees Voting members of Jewish Federation must contribute at least $ 36 to the annual campaign