Women's History Month: JNF Staff Spotlight on activist Molly Goldberg

We're celebrating Women's History Month all March long by sharing stories of the amazing women that make up Jewish National Fund! In addition, we are matching all donations up to a total of $1 million during this time. Learn more: jnf.org/women

By Molly Goldberg, JNF campaign executive, Ohio Valley

Growing up in Detroit, I was surrounded by a large Jewish community. Three days a week my dad would load my brother and I in his truck, put Meatloaf or Rod Stewart on the stereo, and drive us to Hebrew school. It was in Hebrew school where I began to learn the importance of community and gained my social justice lens on the world. 

I felt a strong sense of injustice growing up as I learned more and more about the history of the Jewish people. Temple taught me the values of taking care of others, being kind, and doing good deeds, which manifested itself in different ways throughout my life: from going door to door as a 10-year-old with a petition demanding the ice cream truck be allowed to come to my neighborhood, to college, when I learned about the unfairness of the death penalty and began my work as a human rights activist.

JNF Staff Spotlight: Kate Samuels takes Israel to Jews in small towns

Kate, far left, with JNF lay leaders at the National Conference in Florida this November.

"I don't follow college sports." The dinner table fell silent. It became increasingly clear that my vast knowledge on Israel would not help me here. College football was THE religion in this small town, and I had just declared I wasn't a part of it.

That was my first experience in a small-town Jewish community. Growing up in Connecticut, I gave little thought to what it meant to be Jewish or have Jewish friends. And college football was definitely not a religion where I came from. 

After my first trip to a small Jewish community in the south, I became fascinated and intrigued by those who CHOSE to live in a small town and maintain their commitment to Israel and Judaism. Being Jewish in a small Jewish community requires dedication and commitment. Throughout my years of working in small communities, I have met tremendous individuals who are working day in and day out to ensure a strong Jewish future for their children. And it's not easy for them.  

JNF Staff Spotlight: Lou Rosenberg, making it a family affair

In 1983-84, I decided to take a year off from college, what is commonly know these days as a gap year.  After some long discussions with my grandmother, I was encouraged to go to Israel and live on a Kibbutz. When I arrived in Israel on a bright and sunny October day, I looked around and proceeded to ask myself, 'what have I just stepped into?'

JNF Staff Spotlight: James Kimmey, former student leader at Christian university

James Kimmey, a 29-year-old San Diego native, has always felt a strong connection to Israel. 

By James Kimmey

Growing up in an evangelical household in Southern California might be an anomaly for me as Jewish National Fund’s newest San Diego director, but I've learned that Israel’s allies can often be found in the most unlikely places.

I've always been passionate about Israel. I can't pinpoint that one instance where I was sold. I just always felt in my heart that it was the right thing to do. And when I think of Israel, the amazing things that its people do, I think of Jewish National Fund and the impact anyone, even me, can have on the lives and land of Israel.

JNF Staff Spotlight on Roland Roth: 'My JNF moment happened 80 years ago'

What is my “JNF moment”? Is it possible it was planted 80 years ago?

I think so.

My name is Roland Roth and I am the director for Jewish National Fund in the Pacific Northwest, a territory that covers my home state of Washington, plus Oregon, Alaska, and Hawaii. I have been in this position for almost two years and to say I love what I do, what we do, what JNF does… is an understatement.

CEO Russell Robinson on making JPost's list of most influential Jews

JNF CEO Russell Robinson at the Ammunition Hill plaque dedicated to his father, Richard Robinson. 

We were thrilled to see CEO Russell Robinson named one of Jerusalem Post's 50 Most Influential Jews. We asked Russell to share some personal thoughts on this tremendous honor.

By Russell Robinson

I am humbled to have been chosen as No. 26 on the Jerusalem Post's list of 50 Most Influential Jews. I am reminded of a story I heard about Golda Meir, who once responded to a leading volunteer of the Jewish world admitting to feeling humbled: "You are not good enough yet to be humbled." Well I don't know if I am good enough, yet I am humbled.    

The selection came as a surprise: I turned on my computer one day and navigated to JPost (as is my morning ritual) and was shocked to see what was in the news. There it was!

Itzik Becher worked with Peter, Paul and Mary. Now he works for JNF

From left: JNF CEO Russell Robinson, author Seth Siegel, JNF Desert States Executive Director Deb Rochford,
and Itzik Becher. 

Our JNF staff members are a varied and colorful bunch from all around the globe and all walks of life. Here, Major Gifts Director for Desert States Itzik Becher describes the meandering path that led to his current position, one he is palpably passionate about. 

By Itzik Becher

Most of my life I spent in the arts -- managing, producing, and representing the best artists from all over the world (Woody Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band; Peter, Paul and Mary; Haris Alexiou; Dulce Pontes), and the most significant artists from Israel (Chava Alberstein, David Broza, Mayumana). Music was my life. In raising funds for every single production, I found great pleasure in being able to convince people to share their hard-labored wealth with what was important. Changing the world one by one, song by song, project by project.