Rabbi Esther L. Lederman, Vice President of Jewish Life and Leadership of The Union for Reform Judaism

Rabbi Esther L. Lederman, Vice President of Jewish Life and Leadership of The Union for Reform Judaism

Mitzvah Expo [http://www.mitzvahexpo.org/], the newly launched multimedia platform showcasing Jewish organizations announces a new episode featuring the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). Mitzvah Expo Producer, Writer and Host, Rabbi Cantor Dr. Linda Bernstein speaks to URJ Vice President of Jewish Life and Leadership, Rabbi Esther L. Lederman about how the organization has evolved to meet today's needs and inspires greater involvement and leadership for the future through its congregational support, social justice, Israel and youth programs. To learn more check out the URJ Showcase [https://www.mitzvahexpo.org/union-for-reform-judaism] Page on MitzvahExpo.org [http://mitzvahexpo.org/].

Joy Sisisky, President and CEO,   Jewish Federation Bay Area

In this inspiring episode of Mitzvah Expo, host Rabbi Cantor Dr. Linda Bernstein sits down with Joy Sisisky, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation Bay Area, to explore how one of California’s leading Jewish philanthropic organizations is helping individuals and families create meaningful, lasting impact in the Jewish community. As the largest funder of Jewish causes in California, the Jewish Federation Bay Area serves as a trusted partner for donors at every level—from teen-led fundraising initiatives and collaborative Giving Circles to transformational multimillion-dollar investments. Sisisky shares how the Federation empowers people to turn their values into action while strengthening Jewish life for future generations. Listeners will learn how support for the Federation’s Annual Campaign helps sustain vital community institutions and programs, including synagogues, JCCs, Jewish summer camps, skilled nursing facilities, and other essential services. Sisisky also discusses the Federation’s leadership in combating antisemitism, enhancing community security, and fostering meaningful connections across generations. Check out the Jewish Federation Bay Area Showcase Page at www.mitzvahexpo.org/jewishfedbayarea [http://www.mitzvahexpo.org/jewishfedbayarea] www.mitzvaexpo.org [http://www.mitzvaexpo.org/]

Daniel S. Mariaschin, CEO of B’nai B’rith International

Mitzvah Expo [http://www.mitzvahexpo.org/], the newly launched multimedia platform showcasing Jewish organizations announces a new episode featuring B’nai Brith International [https://www.bnaibrith.org/] and its CEO, Daniel S. Mariaschin.  Mariaschin is concluding a landmark tenure of nearly 40 years with B’nai B’rith—28 years as CEO—marking the end of a professional career defined by service to the Jewish community and by global diplomacy. In this timely and poignant conversation, Mitzvah Expo Producer, Writer and Host, Rabbi Cantor Dr. Linda Bernstein and Mariaschin explore how B’nai B’rith strengthens global Jewish life, combats anti-Semitism and stands unequivocally with the State of Israel. Through public diplomacy at the United Nations and other agencies, community engagement, education, and advocacy, B’nai B’rith advances dignity, security and human rights for all.

Jo Ellen Green Kaiser, CEO, J. The Jewish News of Northern California

The J. The Jewish News of Northern California [x-webdoc://464E6B2B-0D52-4AA1-A567-BED8F075CD18/www.jweekly.com]is featured in the sixth episode of Mitzvah Expo [x-webdoc://464E6B2B-0D52-4AA1-A567-BED8F075CD18/www.mitzvahexpo.org], the newly launched Jewish organization Podcast and Showcase found at MitzvahExpo.org [http://mitzvahexpo.org/]. Rabbi Cantor Dr. Linda Bernstein, Producer, Writer, and Host of Mitzvah Expo interviews Jo Ellen Green Kaiser, Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Kaiser became the first CEO of J. The Jewish News of Northern California in 2022. As CEO she works to deepen J.’s impact in the Jewish community and establish it as a player across the wider journalism landscape, covering topics of concern among California’s Jews and other communities, particularly marginalized groups and racial minorities.  J. The Jewish News of Northern California is an independent nonprofit news outlet. It reaches over 120,000 readers each month through their website at jweekly.com [http://jweekly.com/], free email newsletters, Facebook, Instagram, and a biweekly print issue. Learn what the J. does and be inspired to subscribe and get involved. Please check out the J. The Jewish News of Northern California Showcase [https://www.mitzvahexpo.org/jewishnews] page for more information and how to support this valued publication.

Karen Bloom, Hadassah Region President Central Pacific Coast Region

Rabbi Cantor Dr. Linda Bernstein, Producer, Writer and Host of Mitzvah Expo welcomes Karen Bloom, Region President of Hadassah's Central Pacific Coast Region, to explore the mission and impact of Hadassah: The Women's Zionist Organization of America. Bloom shares the story of founder Henrietta Szold, who sent two nurses to pre-state Israel in 1912 and laid the foundation for the country's healthcare system and for the Hadassah Medical Organization, a Jerusalem-based hospital system. Today, Hadassah hospitals in Israel provide care for more than 1 million people each year and pioneer medical research that has global impact. Hadassah also supports two youth Aliyah villages in Israel that set vulnerable youth on the path to a rewarding future. Hadassah brings women together to drive this life-changing work and effect change on such critical issues as ensuring a strong US-Israel relationship, combatting antisemitism and advancing women’s health. Bloom also discusses Hadassah's crisis response after October 7th, including the accelerated opening of the Gandel Rehabilitation Center for injured soldiers. Visit the Hadassah Showcase page at MitzvahExpo.org for links and more information on how to support Hadassah’s work by becoming a member and advocating with the organization.