Outstanding Leaders Honored at Annual Meeting

By Stephanie Smartschan

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley honored leaders who embody community at a celebration on June 12.

Dr. Frank Tamarkin was this year’s recipient of the George Feldman Achievement Award, which recognizes the finest in our community’s emerging volunteer leadership.

Tamarkin serves on the Federation’s Board of Directors and is president of its Maimonides Society. He also serves the community in many other ways, including as a member of the Board of Trustees for Pinemere Camp and as a major supporter of the JCC, Jewish Day School and Temple Beth El. 

“Frank and his wife Tama have been extremely active in many organizations, as much behind the scenes as they are out in front,” said Judy Diamondstein, assistant executive director of the Federation. “Frank is responsible for recruiting many new physicians into the Maimonides Society and several have become actively engaged.  Most importantly, Frank is a true role model and inspiration to his peers.”

Vicki Glaser, who received this year’s Pomerantz Award for Campaign Excellence, devotes her time and energy to outreach and interface with fellow community members to encourage their participation and support of the Federation’s campaign. This year, she graciously spearheaded a new initiative of board phone-a-thons, a successful model that will continue into the future.

The Kobrovsky Award is presented to the Federation’s campaign chairman upon completion of his or her term of service. The award is named for Bernard Kobrovsky, a true leader and builder of our Jewish community who believed that you make tzedakah an inherent part of your life.

Dr. Bob Wilson received the Kobrovsky Chairman’s Award for Campaign Leadership this year after serving three years as chair of the Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs. Under Wilson’s leadership, the campaign expanded its offerings to broaden the tent and engage more people in the work of the Federation. Wilson oversaw the reinstatement of the Mortimer S. Schiff Memorial Golf Tournament, the very successful Comedy Night with Bob Alper and the creation of the Men’s Night Out annual event.

Marylou Lordi received the Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction at the community celebration. She was honored for her work with Holocaust education, including the extremely successful Holocaust Resource Center Legacy Exhibit, which visits about 10 schools per year.

For his 39 years at Congregation Brith Sholom, Rabbi Allen Juda was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Throughout his years in Bethlehem, Juda has maintained a strong involvement with the Jewish Federation. He has been a constant supporter of senior life in the Valley, a valuable asset to Jewish Family Service and a leader in the Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding at Muhlenberg College.

The Federation also honored Barry J. Halper for his term as president of the Federation and welcomed new president Mark Scoblionko.

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