Federation Community Leadership Awards Night Celebrates the “Torchbearers” of the Community

September 9, 2024 — The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston’s 2024 Community Leadership Awards on September 5 had a full house at the J’s Kaplan Theater to celebrate six leaders who are “Carrying the Torch” of the community. This annual event honors individuals who have made an impact with their work in Jewish education, as young leaders, and as Jewish communal professionals.  

2024 honorees included:  

– Hans Mayer Jewish Communal Professional Award: Hilary Kamin, Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, Managing Director of Leadership and Engagement, presented by Federation CEO Renée Wizig-Barrios   

– Barbara and Harold Falik Young Leadership Award: Debbie Karakowsky, presented by Jared Dubin   

– Ben Susholtz Young Leadership Award: Mike Drob, presented by Rachael Levy  

– Harold Reingold Yavneh Award for Jewish Educators: Helen Richard, Congregation Beth Shalom of the Woodlands, presented by Federation Managing Director of Jewish Education, Lisa Klein  

– Irving L. Samuels Outstanding Teacher Awards for Judaic Studies: Gila Barnett, Torah Day School; and Cheryl Sigel, Congregation Shaar Hashalom, presented by Bobbi Samuels 

“This has been an incredibly challenging year, yet I remain filled with hope because of what I see in this community. Because of people like those we are honoring tonight. Each of you are the strength of our community, and in you, I see our future,” Wizig-Barrios said in her presenting remarks. 

The Federation also took a moment to remember the hostages recently murdered by Hamas, pray for those still being held captive, and for all of Israel. Maccabi Games & Access Shaliach, Ziv Cohen-Shalit, opened the program with a heartfelt musical tribute on piano, and closed with a song of hope.  

“We honor those lost, and we fight back against those who seek to destroy us by choosing to lead meaningful Jewish lives. And that’s exactly what tonight’s honorees do each and every day. We are proud to celebrate them, and we are proud to celebrate our community,” Federation Board Chair Robin T. Stein said in her remarks at the beginning of the program. 

Learn more about the honorees and make a tribute gift at www.houstonjewish.org/community-awards-2024.