Our 2024 HONOREES
Joanna and her husband Jared joined WJC in 2015, enrolling their children in the ECC. Nathan, Daphne, and their parents quickly found friends from those classes and other WJC connections to whom they remain close today. Jo was lucky enough to travel to Israel last summer with a group of women that included five of those dear WJC friends.
Much of what drew Jo to work on the Strategic Plan was to help WJC remain a place that fostered those kinds of relationships - where kids and adults could find close and lasting connection to each other. It was especially important to her that the Plan helped the synagogue be a place where any community member could find services, classes, and programs that they felt comfortable with and welcomed at, regardless of prior knowledge or religious background.
In addition to chairing the Strategic Planning Committee, Joanna serves as a Trustee. She is proud to have worked on updating WJC's membership forms and dues structures so that they reflect our commitment to inclusion and recognition of all types of families. Jo was also privileged to partner with Cantor Goldberg on two cycles of the Faith and Family initiative, helping to build a community of parents thinking about family through a Jewish lens.
Jo feels lucky to have been able to work with and get to know Jonathan through the Strategic Planning process. She also feels fortunate to have been able to work with so many members of the community - from the Community Conversations, to the committee itself, and then to co-chairs and members of the task forces. Thank you to everyone who worked on this project for dedicating so much time and thoughtfulness to making our community a more inclusive and meaningful home for all of us. And thanks to her family for being her motivation for all of it.
Upon joining the WJC family in 2014, Jonathan and his wife Virginie immediately recognized and embraced the community’s warmth and openness. As they watched their children, Sam and Noa, grow to celebrate their B’nei Mizvot, the inclusive spirit of WJC made the shul the Berg family’s spiritual home and prompted them to become involved in our community.Jonathan has taken on many responsibilities at WJC, including co-chairing the Family, Youth, Education Committee (FYEC) before becoming a Trustee and Officer. He is often found working behind-the-scenes on surveys, analyses and process improvements.
In his role as co-chair of WJC’s Strategic Committee, Jonathan has had the unique opportunity to connect with a wide range of community members, ranging from the deeply committed to those still finding their voice. This experience has underscored for him his long-held belief that we're at our best when diverse perspectives and special talents come together united by the common goal of seeing our synagogue flourish.
As a WJC Officer, Jonathan upholds his vision for WJC as one of continued inclusivity and engagement, ensuring that every member, from youngest to oldest, feels a sense of belonging and the opportunity to contribute to the community's vibrant future.
Jonathan would like to thank his co-chair, Joanna Liebman, the members of the Strategic Planning Committee and task forces as well as the clergy and staff for their support and dedication. He would also like to thank his wife Virginie for her council, and his family for putting up with so many meetings.