Get to Know Us
Our Mission Statement
The mission of the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass is to build a thriving and inclusive Central KY Jewish community that engages and serves both Jews and non-Jews across our state, the nation, and the world.
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Policy on Inclusion
The Jewish Federation of The Bluegrass welcomes, respects, and values the participation of everyone–interfaith families, people of all abilities, religious practices and backgrounds, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, and socio-economic status.
We are building community.
We are providing assistance for those in need.
We are enhancing Jewish identity.
We are developing effective Jewish leaders.
We are combating Anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination.
We are helping people to foster their understanding of Jewish culture and religion.
JFB Pillars
Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass has a comprehensive structural approach to how we organize our programs and services, with four main pillars guiding our efforts. These include: Engage, Support, Lead, and Sustain. Each pillar serves a specific purpose and contributes to the overall goals of the organization.
ENGAGE
We are creating a vibrant and active community where members connect, learn, and grow – together. We engage a variety of demographics through a wide range of programs and events supporting all facets of Jewish communal life.
SUPPORT
We support individuals and initiatives within the Jewish community and beyond. Our Jewish Family Services (JFS) department offers financial and time-based support or referrals to anyone in need, and contributes to causes aligning with the values of our organization.
LEAD
We take a leading role in our community through representation, thought leadership, shaping school curriculum, and advocacy. We are proactive in addressing issues and championing causes important to Jewish Lexington.
SUSTAIN
We sustain JFB’s long-term viability and success through strategic planning initiatives and the Endow Jewish Lexington fund. Our Annual Campaign and a dedicated Board of Directors enable us to maintain our position as a leading organization committed to engaging and supporting our community for years to come.
Pillar Committee Members
All of the programs, events, and initiatives of JFB filter through pillar committees to ensure that we are meeting our organizational goals and providing top-tier support to Jewish Lexington. Here is a listing of current committee chairs and members for each pillar.
ENGAGE
Ilona Szekely, Chair
- Susan Voglesong – Staff
- Carly Conatser – Staff
- Joy Fisher – Staff
- Aaron Ann Cole Funfsinn
- Aaron Rothke
- Jill Angelucci
- Jordan Heller
- Susannah Roitman
- Maggie Levine-Schuele
SUPPORT
Fran Mandel, Chair
- Paula Mertens – Staff
- Evalyn Block
- Jana Brooking
- Mimi Kaufman
- Laurie Clewett
- Andrea Grunberger Moore
- Lisa Miller
- Clair Palley
- Laura Schachman
- Robin Rabiner
LEAD
Angie Ornstein, Chair
- Daniel Baker – Staff
- Justin Sadle
- Ken Slepyan
- Linda Ravvin
- Beth Goldstein
- Kathy Stein
- Mickey Hernandez
SUSTAIN
Ricki Rosenberg, Chair
- Joy Fisher – Staff
- Joseph Eskin – Staff
- David Feinberg
- Sam Mischner
- Nancy Hoffman
- Bruce Broudy
- Adam Parritz
Ex-Officio Members on all Committees: Seth Salomon – JFB Board Chair and Mindy Haas – Staff
Current Committees
| Engage | Events Committee | Responsible for planning and organizing community events, such as holiday celebrations, cultural festivals, and social gatherings. |
| Programming Committee | Responsible for planning and organizing community events, such as holiday celebrations, cultural festivals, and social gatherings. | |
| Camps Committee | Responsible for planning and organizing community events, such as holiday celebrations, cultural festivals, and social gatherings. | |
| PJ Library Committee | Responsible for planning and organizing community events, such as holiday celebrations, cultural festivals, and social gatherings. | |
| Support | Jewish Family Services (JFS) Committee | Works closely with JFS to identify community needs and coordinate support services for individuals and families facing challenges. |
| Lead | Community Relations Committee (CRC) | Identifies key issues impacting the community and develops advocacy campaigns to promote positive change at local, state, and national levels. This committee engages with local non-profit organizations and community groups to identify collaborative opportunities and support causes that benefit the wider community. Additionally, it represents the organization in public forums, advocates for community interests, and fosters relationships with local government, media, and other stakeholders. |
| School Curriculum and Culture Committee | Collaborates with educational institutions to integrate Jewish cultural and historical content, including Holocaust education, into school curricula and extracurricular activities. This committee also promotes Jewish cultural appreciation through events, programs, and initiatives that celebrate Jewish traditions, arts, and heritage, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for Jewish culture within the school community. | |
| Sustain | Strategic Planning Committee | Guides the development and implementation of long-term strategic plans to ensure the organization’s growth, stability, and adaptability to changing needs. |
| Jewish Community Expansion Initiative | Mobilizes the Jewish community around an effort to strengthen, expand, and sustain Jewish life – putting greater Lexington on the map as a great place for individuals and families to build their Jewish lives. | |
| Endow Jewish Lexington Committee | Manages endowment funds and investment strategies to secure the organization’s financial future and support key initiatives. | |
| Campaign Committee | Develops strategies for fundraising efforts, cultivates donor relationships, and allocates resources to local, national, and international initiatives aligned with the organization’s mission. |
THE IMPACT OF FEDERATION
Learn all about the incredible work of Jewish Federation.
OUR BOARD
Our wonderful board members with diverse personal and professional backgrounds who help to make Jewish Federation what it is today. Their dedication and thoughtfulness keep us moving forward as a community and strengthen our organization.