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JIFLA

JIFLA

Jewish Interest-Free Loan of Atlanta

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About JIFLA

Who We Are

We are professionally managed by our Executive Director, staff, and Board of Directors, and supported by volunteer committee members. JIFLA is an active member of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans, a professional support organization for over 60 Jewish interest-free loan funds throughout the world. We are active in the Atlanta Jewish community and proudly partner with fellow Jewish agencies. We are a 501c3 qualified non-profit organization.


Nancy Weissmann, Executive Director

Nancy Weissmann joined JIFLA as the Executive Director in March 2016. Nancy manages operations, including borrower, donor and community relations. She works with the board and committee volunteers to continually raise awareness of JIFLA’s important work and identify opportunities for organizational partnerships throughout the Atlanta area. Contact Nancy at [email protected] to get involved, make a donation or refer a borrower.

Stephanie Gewirtz, Associate Director

Stephanie joined our team in February 2020. Her background in event planning, administration and communication made her a perfect fit for JIFLA’s growing needs.

A New York native, with a degree in Mass Communication from Boston University, Stephanie is no stranger to the Atlanta Jewish community. From her days as a parent of a Beth Jacob preschooler to, working for the Jewish Fertility Foundation and volunteering at Congregation Bet Haverim’s Community School many of you may already know her!

Feel free to contact Stephanie at [email protected] with any questions about JIFLA — she is ready to help!

Elizabeth Schoen, Loan Intake and Accounts Manager

Elizabeth Joined JIFLA as Loan Intake and Accounts Manager in August 2020. Elizabeth brings experience in community engagement as well as school administration to her role, working with JIFLA staff and committee members to put our borrowers first and assist in making the loan process straightforward and efficient. Elizabeth holds degrees from McGill University and NYU and loves to meet new challenges and develop new skills. Through the years, Elizabeth has been an active parent in the TDSA, Cliff Valley, AJA and YOY communities and has sat on the board of Beth Jacob and Yeshiva Atlanta. You can reach Elizabeth at [email protected].

Board of Directors
Daniel Frank, Board Chair and President

Danny is a first generation American born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. Danny moved to Atlanta in 1997 upon graduating Summa Cum Laude from The Ohio State University Honors Accounting Program to work at Ernst & Young. Danny joined his family’s mortgage business in 2006 with a niche in working with Physicians. Danny has a passion for financial literacy and has traveled around the country to present on home financing to graduating medical school students and residents. Danny also currently serves on the Board of Torah Day School of Atlanta where his children attend.

Laura Kahn Travis, Immediate Past President

Laura became involved with JIFLA at its inception and was a founding Board and Loan Committee member.  She served as Board Chair and President from 2015 until 2023. Under her leadership, the number of loans per year and dollar loan volume have grown more than five-fold, a Board committee structure was created, and our organizational partnership strategy was implemented. Laura was a Big Sister under the auspices of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlanta for 10 years and is a former member of the Executive Board of Yeshiva Atlanta High School (now Atlanta Jewish Academy).

Laura is a Senior Vice President in the Commercial Banking Group of Bank of America. She earned a BBA at the University of Georgia & an MBA from Columbia University in New York. She has enjoyed a lifelong career in Corporate & Investment Banking, having previously worked for Truist Banks.

Laura has three grown children, Rachel, Dahlia and Micah, (all of whom live in Atlanta) and four delicious grandchildren.  She has been married to her high school and life-long sweetheart, Reed Travis, for 41 years.

Avi Binstock, Treasurer

Avi is a Managing Director in EY’s Financial Services Organization. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Accounting and Finance. Avi has over fifteen years of audit experience in the asset management industry. Avi has served a wide range of asset managers including hedge funds, credit funds, private equity, real estate, timberland, and business development companies. Avi is a member of the AICPA and serves on the Committee of Hearts for the Southeast Chapter of Hedge Funds Care. Avi is married and has four children under nine.

Debbie Kalwerisky, Secretary

Debbie has a background in human resources and financial management and has worked professionally for many years in the synagogue world, most recently as Executive Director at Congregation Ariel, and previously as Executive Director at Congregation Beth Tefillah. She was an active volunteer at the former Greenfield Hebrew Academy and Yeshiva Atlanta schools (now AJA) when her children were younger, as well as serving in many volunteer capacities at her synagogue, Congregation Beth Tefillah. She also served on the Boards of both Yeshiva Atlanta and Beth Tefillah.  Debbie recently retired and is enjoying having time to spend with her family. She and her husband have five children and many beautiful grandchildren scattered around the country!  

Adrienne Litt Bishko, Community Engagement Chair

Ms. Adrienne Litt Bishko began her engagement with JIFLA as a volunteer on the loan committee. Adrienne graduated with a BA from The University of Michigan. She has been widely involved as a board member of numerous synagogues and as a community volunteer wherever she has lived. Prior to joining JIFLA, Ms. Bishko has served as VP of Administration at Temple Emanu-El, Executive Director at Temple Emanu-El, and Executive Director at Congregation Beth Tefillah. Following these engagements, Adrienne formed Adrienne C Bishko Consulting, LLC, specializing in small Jewish non-profits. In addition to her duties at JIFLA, Adrienne currently serves as an Administrative Volunteer at Weinstein Hospice. Adrienne has two married children and five wonderful grandchildren.

Merrie Edelston, Loan Committee Co-Chair

Merrie Edelston has extensive experience in consumer lending from her past experience as a senior loan and regulatory compliance officer at a major credit union. She has significant experience as a computer systems project manager. She has a business – economics degree from SUNY at Oneonta. Her volunteer experiences include serving on the Board of Trustees of the Greenfield Hebrew Academy, as well as PTSA President. Merrie loves to play tennis and duplicate Bridge.

Jonny Newburgh, Loan Committee Co-Chair

Jonny joined Habitat for Humanity International in 2021 as Associate Director, Impact Investments, investing in affordable housing startups through the Shelter Venture Fund. Jonny started his career in public policy with The Brookings Institution and the U.S. Department of Agriculture before transitioning into impact investing with the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta’s GoATL Fund. In his free time, he volunteers with organizations making a difference close to home: the Techstars Social Impact Accelerator, the Jewish Interest Free Loans of Atlanta (JIFLA), and HOPE Atlanta. Originally from New York, Jonny grew up in Toronto, Canada. He received a B.A. in history from McGill University and an M.P.A. from American University.

 
 
Jay Kessler, Trustee Emeritus

Jay is president of Lib Properties, a mortgage brokerage firm. He is a native of Atlanta, married with 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren. His many volunteer activities include serving on the Executive Board of the Atlanta Community Jewish Center, the Jewish Federation Board, the Executive Board of Torah Day School, and President of Temina High School. He greatly enjoys volunteering in the disabilities department of the Marcus Jewish Community Center.

 

 

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COMMITTEE Chairs

Jonny Newburgh - Loan Committee Co-Chair Merrie Edelston - Loan Committee Co-Chair Adrienne Bishko - Community Engagement Robyn Regenbaum - Events

FOUNDER

Dr. Mort Barr

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Nancy Weissmann

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Partner List

Collaboration is a core strategy for JIFLA.  We continually seek new partners and program opportunities.  Our partners include:

JIFLA loans are funded entirely through community donations which continually recycle to others, generating many times the original value to help maintain the lives of local Jews and their loved ones.
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Find Us

Jewish Interest Free Loan of Atlanta
4549 Chamblee Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, GA 30338
(470) 268-5665
Email:  [email protected]

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2022 Impact Report

 

jifla.loans

We just asked ChatGPT to write a poem about JIFLA We just asked ChatGPT to write a poem about JIFLA & this is what we got...not bad! Tell us what you think 👇👇👇 

I you would like to "support this cause" as the poem suggests make a donation to JIFLA at www.JIFLA.org #donatenow #JIFLA
Is your tax bill more than expected? Don't delay.. Is your tax bill more than expected? Don't delay...give us a call TODAY to see if a JIFLA loan can help pay your bill. #JIFLA
Easy tips for financial freedom 💫 What are you Easy tips for financial freedom 💫 What are you doing to reach your financial goals? If you are in need of help, JIFLA offers 0% interest loans + FREE financial coaching. Contact us for more info!
Did You Know...You can use a JIFLA loan for all th Did You Know...You can use a JIFLA loan for all the extra expenses that come with your Mitzvah celebration. We can’t wait to see you at @atlantamitzvahconnection  Bar & Bat Mitzvah Expo on Sun., March 19. You won't want to miss the fun, the treats, the chance to win BIG in the Ultimate b’Mitzvah Giveaway (all prizes of $300 or more!), Celebration Card vendor deals, mitzvah project ideas, planner Q&A panel, and more! It’s more fun when you bring friends, and it's free! 😉 https://www.atlantamitzvahconnection.com/tickets
 #JIFLA #jifla
Chag Purim Sameach! Wishing everyone a very Happy Chag Purim Sameach! Wishing everyone a very Happy Purim!
Did you receive a JIFLA Purim postcard? Thanks to all our community partners who helped spread the word that JIFLA is here to help!
@congregation_ariel_dunwoody @cbhatl Congregation Bet Haverim Congregation Etz Chaim Congregation Gesher  @[17841429017330438:@chabadruralgeorgia] L'Torah @thedunwoodyminyan  Temple Beth Tikvah @tdsaofficial
Thanks @atljewishlifefest we had a great time yest Thanks @atljewishlifefest we had a great time yesterday seeing old friends and meeting so many community members! #jifla #JIFLA
JIFLA staff & volunteers will be at the @atljewis JIFLA staff & volunteers will be at the  @atljewishlifefest on Sunday, March 5. Stop by and say hello! Buy your tickets today https://www.atlantajewishlifefestival.com/
Participants gave JIFLA FREE Financial Coaching gr Participants gave JIFLA FREE Financial Coaching great reviews. Only a few appointments are remaining for March so sign up today! https://go.oncehub.com/JIFLAFinancialCoaching
Thanks, @jeffsplaceatl last night's program "Quiet Thanks, @jeffsplaceatl last night's program "Quieting The Silence" was powerful. If you or someone you know is in recovery and needs financial support JIFLA is here to help!
Is your bank account in need of some attention? Le Is your bank account in need of some attention? Let us help you with a 0% interest loan.
Do you prefer Cash or Cashless? Let us know in the Do you prefer Cash or Cashless? Let us know in the comments ⬇️
Happy Tu B'Shvat from JIFLA! Happy Tu B'Shvat from JIFLA!
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