Posted on December 08, 2017
New York, December 8, 2017–USCJ announced that Jaclyn Danziger of Neve Shalom in Metuchen, NJ was awarded its 2017 Shoshana S. Cardin Leadership Award this past Sunday, December 3. The award was presented at USCJ’s Convention 2017 in Atlanta, GA during the General Assembly of Kehillot.
Since joining Neve Shalom in 2012, Danziger has worked to make it a more inclusive and welcoming place for congregants of all ages and backgrounds. As the current Chair of the Membership Committee, she has planned several widely-appealing programs, including a monthly communal Shabbat dinner that attracts close to 200 people.
She is also a driving force for the synagogue’s Learning Enhancement Task Force, where she was instrumental in leading the search to find a new Educational Director and has introduced new, innovative educational models.
According to Rabbi Eric M. Rosin, “Watching Jacci rise to challenge after challenge and meet need after need of this community has been nothing short of invigorating. She has contributed immeasurably to the success of this kehilla and I have truly come to value her wisdom and insights.”
Beyond her official commitments, Danziger’s feeling for the kehilla is also evidenced by her personal outreach and dedication, organizing breakfasts for preschool families and extending them invitations to her sukkah.
“She has, almost single handedly, brought many [families] into greater engagement with the synagogue and helped to breathe new life into our Preschool Committee,” said Rabbi Rosin.
Danziger’s Conservative Jewish roots run deep. She grew up attending Marlboro Jewish Center in New Jersey, was an active member in and met her husband through USY, USCJ’s youth movement, and was involved in Hillel during her time in college.
Now the mother of three, with a fourth on the way, she wants to build this same kind of community for her own children. “[My husband and I] want to provide our children with those Jewish experiences that have been so important to us,” she said.
“I believe…that a strong kehilla is based upon connectedness within and across every facet of the community. I’m excited by early signs that more individuals feel welcome in our kehilla and that relationships are being built across our community.”
Shoshana S. Cardin, one of the most influential Jewish leaders of our time, established her namesake award on the occasion of the USCJ centennial in 2013, to recognize an emerging Jewish leader who is making a difference in strengthening and transforming Jewish life through the lens of Conservative Judaism. It carries a $5,000 stipend and the opportunity to connect with other emerging Jewish leaders from across the continent through USCJ and its network of kehillot and leaders.
About USCJ
Founded in 1913, USCJ is the network of nearly 600 Conservative Jewish communities across North America. We represent the values and beliefs of an authentic and dynamic Judaism in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Israel. Our work strengthens kehillot (Jewish communities inside and outside the walls of a synagogue) by providing visionary leadership training, creating opportunities for Jews of all ages to learn and grow, sharing essential resources, and seeding innovative ideas. Learn more at www.uscj.org.