Northern New Jersey Wexner Heritage Fellows connect at the welcome event
On May 12, Russell Berrie Foundation staff and Trustees welcomed the inaugural Northern New Jersey cohort of Wexner Heritage Fellows at a special kickoff reception. This event marked the beginning of a two-year journey in which 20 exceptional leaders from across Bergen and Hudson Counties — representing a wide range of denominations and Jewish communities — will grow their leadership capacities, deepen their Jewish learning, and forge connections with diverse peers who help nurture each other's talents and grow from the cohort’s varied perspectives.
“I’m really excited to deepen my understanding of Jewish history through the Wexner curriculum,” said Teaneck’s Dara Shapiro, executive director and product leader with JPMorgan Chase and board member of Columbia/Barnard Hillel. “I am grateful for the opportunity to build lasting relationships with fellow Jewish leaders in northern New Jersey to help shape a stronger, more vibrant community together.”
Carrying the Legacy Forward
In her welcome, CEO Idana Goldberg reflected on the week’s emotional context with the release of Edan Alexander, offering prayers for all of the hostages’ safe return. She drew from Parashat Emor, highlighting that true leadership stems from consistent integrity — how one acts even when no one is watching — and from inclusive, sacred gatherings that transcend roles, backgrounds, and affiliations. "Consistency earns trust. Inclusion builds something sacred," she shared with the group.
Foundation Trustee David Rosenblatt talks with new Wexner Heritage Fellows
Idana underscored the Foundation’s legacy in Jewish leadership, referencing the original Berrie Fellows Leadership Program, which trained four impactful cohorts of Jewish lay leaders before ending in 2017. “The Foundation’s vision,” she shared, “remains to cultivate ‘action heroes with Jewish values’ who embody purpose, humility, and a commitment to shared responsibility.”
Foundation Trustee and former Berrie Fellow David Rosenblatt emphasized the long-term ripple effect of the Berrie Fellows, noting how relationships forged through the program have translated into enduring impact across the community. He anticipated that this inaugural Wexner cohort would build similarly lasting and strong connections that extend well beyond their time in the program.
As we approach our 2033 sunset, this investment in the Wexner Heritage Program advances our goal to support sustainable, values-driven leadership that will carry the legacy of The Russell Berrie Foundation and enhance the vibrancy of our local Jewish community. We look forward to witnessing the growth, collaboration, and transformation this extraordinary group of leaders will bring to Jewish life in northern New Jersey.