Karen and Robert Spitalnick have been Emunah visionaries and active philanthropists in the Jewish community for decades. Generously volunteering time and resources, Karen and Robert have given back locally in Great Neck and internationally to many important Jewish organizations with a special focus on education, Zionist causes, and human rights. 

A  first generation American, Karen is a child of refugees who settled in Boro Park, Brooklyn. Her parents Gisela and Jonas Steigman z”l and grandparents Ettie and David Steigman z”l instilled in her a love of Yiddishkeit and devotion to the State of Israel.   

Karen’s mother was an active member of Emunah’s Sarah Herzog Chapter, and Karen followed in her footsteps as an Emunah board member. In 2014 Karen became President and in 2017 Chairman of the Board of Emunah of America.  It was a challenging undertaking, but it was a labor of love.  She has always said, “Emunah gives me more than I can ever give back.” Karen reimagined and led the implementation of a new future for Emunah of America.

Gisela and Jonas Steigman had a special place in their hearts for the Applebaum College of Arts and Sciences.  Karen and Robert found their “home” with the children’s homes in Israel.  The story of the children who come from homes of abuse, neglect, alcohol, drugs and violence is often heartbreaking.  Emunah has a great impact on their lives and generations to come.

Karen also serves as a Director of the Board of Ohel Family Counseling and Children’s Services. Together, Robert and Karen serve on the AIPAC Long Island Council.

The Spitalnicks were very involved in North Shore Hebrew Academy where they proudly underwrote the North Shore Hebrew Academy alumni fund. Robert previously served as counsel and trustee of the school.

Robert is a past President of the Great Neck Synagogue and has been a member of the Board of Trustees for over 35 years. He is a Vice President of the National Coalition in Support of Eurasian Jewry, which advocates on behalf of the Jewish communities in the former Soviet Union. He is a member of the AIPAC National Council and the Republican Jewish Coalition Leadership Council. 

Karen especially remembers the example her parents set as ba’alei tzedaka through their financial contributions and active involvement.  Their ready answer to any needy person was “What can I do to help”?

Carrying on this readiness to help, Karen and Robert are delighted to spearhead a new initiative, the Emunah Visionary Fund. The fund’s goal is to fill the gap and enable Emunah of Israel to provide therapeutic support and educational programs where other funding sources fall short. Through the Spitalnick's creation of the Emunah Visionary Fund, more Emunah children will benefit from critical services needed to find success. 

Karen attended Shulamith School and Yeshivah of Flatbush. She graduated from Brooklyn College and earned her MBA from Baruch College. She attended Machon Gold and Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Robert is a graduate of Hofstra University and the New York Law School. He has been a member of the New York State bar since 1979. Robert is a principal of Birchwood Properties LLC, which owns and manages commercial and multi-family real estate in New York City.

Karen and Robert are the proud parents of Leslie and Josh Kaplan, Nadine and Josh Shatzkes, and Ariella and Sam Gilad.  They are especially proud of their grandchildren Simone, Sophia, Jolie, Jonah, Marshall, Maya and Lev.

Karen and Robert are grateful to Hashem for the blessings he has bestowed and thank their family and friends who join the Spitalnicks  in supporting Emunah of America.