May Spotlight Salon – On the Edge: Voices of Economic Vulnerability in U.S. Jewish Communities

“While American Jews are often associated with financial success, a significant portion of the population faces economic hardship, a reality often overlooked. On the Edge: Voices of Economic Vulnerability in U.S. Jewish Communities aims to lift up the voices of American Jews who are currently struggling, or have previously struggled …and bring economic vulnerability to the forefront of Jewish communal conversations and action.” (On the Edge: Voices of Economic Vulnerability in U.S. Jewish Communities research and report by Tulane University and Rosoff Consulting)

Join us in learning about Jews living “on the edge” both nationally and locally, and ways we can support the efforts of agencies addressing these concerns.  This program is being offered in person at The Ark and will include a tour of the beautiful new facility led by Marna Goodwin, CEO, as well as an opportunity to see each other and connect with national and local agencies.

Light refreshments will be served. See the registration form below.

Our Featured Speakers include:

Ilana M. Horwitz is the Fields-Rayant Chair of Contemporary Jewish Life and an Assistant Professor of Jewish Studies and Sociology at Tulane University. She is the primary researcher and report author of On the Edge: Voices of Economic Vulnerability in U.S. Jewish Communities.  Her research focuses on the intersections of religious upbringing, race, ethnicity, social class, and gender, particularly in education. She has written two books, God, Grades, and Graduation: Religion’s Surprising Impact on Academic Success and The Entrepreneurial Scholar. Dr. Horwitz’s work is published in leading sociology journals, and she is a regular contributor to The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other major outlets.

Marna Goldwin is the Chief Executive Officer of The Ark, an agency that serves 5,000 Jews in Chicago, creating pathways for individuals and families to achieve self-reliance. As the organization builds on its 54 years of service to Chicago’s Jewish community, Marna is thrilled to help The Ark fulfill its vision to help every Chicagoland Jew experience the life-changing power of self-reliance.  Prior to joining The Ark, Marna served as Chief Advancement Officer for Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School, an independent Jewish day school in Chicago. Earlier in her career, Marna served as Senior Vice President at LaSalle Bank and Bank of America, leading product marketing efforts for the Treasury Management division.

Dr. Yonit Hoffman is Senior Director of Holocaust Community Services (HCS) at CJE SeniorLife in Chicago and has directed the program since 2014. HCS provides financial and psychosocial support for nearly 1,600 local survivors, including assistance with concrete needs such as: food, medicine and homecare, as well addressing social isolation via events, support groups, outreach, and commemorative and educational initiatives.  Dr. Hoffman has presented nationally and internationally on person-centered, trauma-informed care, unique needs of aging Holocaust survivors, and intergenerational resilience. She served as Co-Chair of the Holocaust Survivor Services Professionals Group of the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies and recently received the Network’s Professional Leadership award. She is a second and third-generation descendant of Holocaust survivors and victims.

Karen Galin is a Senior Associate Vice President in JUF’s Planning and Allocations department, holding a portfolio focused on local health and human services. In this role, she oversees all aspects of an approximately $30 million annual allocation and grant process and leads community planning efforts designed to address critical needs in the areas of mental health access, Jewish poverty, disabilities services, and crisis response.

Please be sure to register and indicate whether you’ll be joining us in person or by Zoom.