Approximately 200 enthusiastic community members attended the recent Joint Annual Meeting of five agencies celebrating the strength, passion, and collaboration of partnerships across the Richmond Jewish Community.

Held at Congregation Beth Ahabah on June 3, the attendees heard the leaders of Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, Jewish Family Services, Richmond Jewish Foundation, Rudlin Torah Academy and Beth Sholom review their missions and the many collective accomplishments over the past year.

In welcoming remarks, JCFR outgoing President Josh Goldberg noted, “Each organization plays a vital role in making Jewish Richmond the thriving and dynamic community it is today. Tonight is about learning, caring, connecting, and leading.”

Josh noted, " Tonight is also about gratitude. To everyone in this room—thank you for showing up.Your presence here reflects something powerful: a belief in this community and in what we can accomplish together.We also want to take a moment to recognize those who make this work possible.To our sponsors and supporters of all our agencies—thank you for your generosity and leadership. To our community’s clergy, thank you for guiding us spiritually and strengthening our sense of purpose. And to the Past Presidents and volunteer leaders across all of our agencies—You are the foundation of everything we celebrate tonight. Your leadership, your time, and your commitment have shaped this community and carried it forward."

He added, "You remind us that community doesn’t just happen. It is built—year after year—by people who choose to take responsibility for something bigger than themselves. As we move through this evening, you’ll hear from each organization—not as separate voices, but as part of one shared story. A story about learning, caring, connecting, and leading."

In his welcoming comments, JFS President Martin Miller added, “Each plays a crucial but unique role in our community. We are stronger together. Truly we support each other, collaborate with each other, and invest in each other. Each of our organizations plays a crucial but unique role in our community."

He noted, "RTA nurtures, educates and grounds our children in wisdom and learning, creating a bedrock for a bright future. Beth Sholom cares for those who have paved the way for that future, creating caring and opportunity for our older adults.JFS ensures that no one in our community faces hardship alone, serving as our communities safety net and resource for all stages of life. The Richmond Jewish Foundation works with philanthropists and agencies to ensure that our community stays strong from generation to generation. And Federation brings us together—aligning resources, vision, collective strength and leadership."

Martin added, "On paper, those are different missions. But in reality, they are deeply connected.Because the same families who learn at RTA… turn to JFS and Beth Sholom when they need support… and rely on Federation and Foundation to sustain and strengthen the whole. That’s why tonight matters. Because when we come together—not just symbolically, but intentionally—we become stronger, more responsive, and more impactful.And that is how real community is built. Not in silos. But in partnership. In shared purpose.In the understanding that every piece of this system matters—and that we are at our best when those pieces are connected."

Multiple leaders of each organization reviewed their missions and accomplishments. The event also included the election of new officers and board members and the presentation of a major Federation award - the Neil November Distinguished Community Service Award to Amy Nisenson by Nannette Shor, a previous honoree.

In addition, LeAnne Sporn was the recipient of the Federation’s  Sam E. and Virginia V. Binswanger Young Leadership Award. The award honors outstanding young volunteers who show exceptional commitment and effectiveness in the local Jewish community.

The JCFR, RJF and RTA elected new board leaders – Brian Greene, JCFR President; Rosann Bocciarelli, RJF Chair;  and Josh Goldberg, RTA President. Josh Goldberg, Ron Felmus and Sheri Prupis were recognized for leading the Federation,  RJF and RTA, respectfully, as they completed their terms on June 30.

After being installed as JCFR President, Brian Greene said, “Across Jewish Richmond we are guided by extraordinary volunteer leaders. We strengthen Jewish life at every stage. Our mission is to ensure Jewish life is endured for generations. Tonight, we want to take a moment to recognize something essential to the strength of our community—leadership. Across Jewish Richmond we are guided by extraordinary volunteer leaders who give their time, their energy, and their heart to this work.  During their tenures both organizations saw outstanding growth, increased awareness and engagement and their steadfast leadership."

New RJF Chair Rosann Bocciarelli installed new officers and board members for all the agencies and offered remarks.

"Thank you for all you do and continue to do on behalf of our community. Today marks a point of transition in our community, as we pass the baton of leadership forward in strength and unity.  To the outgoing board members of each. Thank you for your service, your dedication, and the impact you have made on this community and to each of these important agencies and efforts. We know you won’t be going far, and we will continue to lean on your leadership and passion. Thank You."

After asking all to stand, she noted, in part, " These individuals will help set the direction of Jewish Richmond, ensuring accountability, and carrying forward the mission of each organization—not on their own, but together, in partnership. To our incoming and continuing board members. We are grateful that you are stepping up to the mantle of leadership at this critical and exciting time for our community. Your passion, knowledge and values will guide all of us forward. They will help engage, educate, support and inspire not only the agency upon whose board you serve, but beyond those walls."

For many more photos of the Joint Annual Meeting, visit the following: www.reflectornews.org/photo-gallery