Rabbi Yosef David received the Visionary Award
From his inspiring Torah teachings to leading transformative trips to Israel, Rabbi David’s impact on the St. Louis Jewish community is immeasurable. Grateful for his leadership and dedication!

Esther Scharf received the Career Achievement Award
For 30 years, Esther Scharf, LCSW, has uplifted adults, seniors, and individuals with special needs through therapy, mindfulness, and stress management. She’s a dedicated leader, an author, and an advocate for well-being.

Susan Kemppanien received the Chesed Award
Since 2019, Susan has been a driving force at the Mirowitz Center—coordinating volunteers, creating engaging programs, and amplifying community outreach. A dedicated leader in the St. Louis Jewish community, she also serves on JProStL as New Staff Chair and the Board of JAssociates and has taught at Congregation Temple Israel for 25 years!

Heather Silverman received the Pillar Award
As Director of Policy & Evaluation at NCJW, Heather has been a powerful advocate for justice—leading efforts to combat human trafficking, end child marriage and support domestic violence survivors. She’s also a leader in our community, serving on boards & Creve Coeur’s City Council.!

Lisa Deutsch received the Mentor Award
Since 2016, Lisa has supported thousands of campers and staff with their social, emotional, and behavioral needs, ensuring every summer is a success.
– Associate Director of Community Care at The J
– Lifelong connection to The J, beginning as a child
– Advocate for youth through impactful programs like “It’s a Girl Thing” and “Girls in the Know”
-Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with degrees from Mizzou and WashU

Lisa’s passion extends beyond her work—she’s also a proud wife, mom to four Camp Sabra alumni, and an active member of Congregation Bnai Amoona.

Jeremy Brok received the Mentor Award
Since 2019 Jeremy has served as the Director of Core Programming at LEAD STL, where he designs transformative experiences that amplify diverse perspectives and build meaningful connections within communities. Originally from Pittsburgh, he has called St. Louis home since 2008, with his partner, Elizabeth, and their dog, Verna.

Missy Novotny received the Dedication Award
Missy has been with Hillel for over 12 years now. As Operations Manager her responsibilities vary widely, but the best part of Missy’s job has come in recent years in providing more direct support for our student community, advising the Jewish Student Association, and supervising the team of Hillel student mashgichim. In her free time, she loves reading, puzzles, and adventuring with her family.

Stacy Jespersen received the Dedication Award
Stacy has worked at Congregation Shaare Emeth since 2002 in many different roles and as Executive Assistant to the Clergy for the last 7 years. Stacy has been married to her husband Jon for 31 years, has four children and two (about to be three) grandchildren

Lexie Schmidt received the Emerging Leaders Award
During a transformative summer working with older adults and children with disabilities, Lexie discovered her deeper calling: creating fun, safe, and supportive environments for individuals to achieve their goals. In 2019, Lexie joined Adult Day at the J as a program assistant in the IN-program, which serves adults with developmental disabilities. Her dedication, leadership skills and positive energy led to her promotion in 2020 to IN-program coordinator. In this role, Lexie oversees participants, staff, and activities, ensuring the program fosters growth, inclusion, and success for everyone involved.

Lesley Goldenberg received the Educator Award
Lesley is an experienced Jewish educator who found her professional home at Congregation Temple Israel (TI) in 2018, first as a preschool teacher and has since advanced to the roles of Religious & Hebrew School Director and, as of 2021, the Director of Family Education where she oversees day-to-day operations of both the Preschool and TI’s Religious School program for students in grades K-12.

Lexie Schmidt received the Emerging Leaders Award
During a transformative summer working with older adults and children with disabilities, Lexie discovered her deeper calling: creating fun, safe, and supportive environments for individuals to achieve their goals. In 2019, Lexie joined Adult Day at the J as a program assistant in the IN-program, which serves adults with developmental disabilities. Her dedication, leadership skills and positive energy led to her promotion in 2020 to IN-program coordinator. In this role, Lexie oversees participants, staff, and activities, ensuring the program fosters growth, inclusion, and success for everyone involved.

• 2005 – 2007: Jennifer Bell
• 2007-2009: Lori Goldberg
• 2009 – 2011: Craig Neuman
• 2011-2012: Michelle Brooks
• 2012-2014: Jean Cavender
• 2014-2016: Rabbi Levi Landa
• 2016-2018: Julie Gibbs
• 2018 – 2020: Randi Schenberg
• 2020-2021: Erin Schreiber
• 2021-2023: Sarah Levinson
• 2023-2025: Rabbi Lori Levine