ZOA AROUND THE COUNTRY Charlene (Kandy) Reidbord Rabbi Mark Staitman Ehrenwerth 41 THIRD PLACE (TIE): HOLLY FREUND, CARRICK HIGH SCHOOL “The museum not only touched my heart and made me think about all the things these poor people endured. The sights I saw at the museum… really touched my emotions and made me feel how I never have before.” THIRD PLACE (TIE): PRECIOUS JACKSON, BRASHEAR HIGH SCHOOL “Before my expedition to the Holocaust Memorial Museum, I thought because I was not Jewish, the only standing reason as to why it was beneficial was to soak in information and add it onto the things I know…The Holocaust Museum led me to a conclusion that every group of people has a story and telling it is only one of the steps to having it live on forever.” ANNUAL EHRENWERTH LECTURE AT PITTSBURGH MEMBERSHIP MEETING Charlene “Kandy” Reidbord Ehrenwerth was a prominent Pittsburgh trial lawyer, known for her aggressive protection of human and civil rights. She served as the first female assistant district attorney in Allegheny County, where she developed a reputation as a highly talented and fair prosecutor, and subsequently as an assistant attorney general for Pennsylvania. Kandy also served as an officer for the American Jewish Committee and the ZOA, and she was engaged in efforts to free Jews from the former Soviet Union. Kandy died tragically in a car accident in 1992. To perpetuate Kandy’s memory, her loving family created an endowment for an annual lecture that is held at the ZOA Pittsburgh membership meeting. This year, Rabbi Mark Staitman was scholarin residence for the program, held on June 19. His presentation was entitled “The Rapidly Evolving Jewish Community: Big Challenges and Creative Solutions.” Rabbi Staitman discussed dwindling populations, intermarriage, and declining synagogue affiliation. He detailed the high cost of community involvement, including synagogue and JCC dues, Jewish education, and support for Jewish organizations. He also discussed the need to more effectively utilize human, infrastructure, and financial resources. Rabbi Staitman said that numerous congregations, whose time has passed, may need to merge and/or utilize shared spaces. He said a new funding structure is needed and suggested the system used in pre-war Europe, where individuals paid an annual levy or community tax. Once paid, individuals could attend the synagogue of their choice, Jewish schools, and Jewish community centers, and be active in other organizations without additional contributions. Rabbi Staitman said that to increase affiliation, two things are needed that build commitment to Judaism and Israel: speaking Hebrew and finding ways to send people to Israel for extended periods of time and work there. ELECTION OF THE BOARD Following the lecture, Ira M. Frank, past president and nominating committee chairman, presented the committee’s slate to the membership. The following were elected to serve two-year terms: Jeffrey L. Pollock, Esq., President Stephen Neustein, Esq., First Vice-President Lawrence N. Paper, Esq., Vice-President Andrea Chester, Vice-President Jason Small, Treasurer Julie Paris, Assistant Treasurer Judy Kobell, Recording Secretary Lyn Silverman, Corresponding Secretary
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