Community Builder
Nominated by Mark Spatt & Aliza Epstein
Why is She a Maccabee?
MARK: Gabby is a true connector and even at only 36, an obvious leader of the Atlanta Jewish community. From her volunteer work with AJC, AJFF, Jewish Women’s Fund, and Federation to her professional roles as Executive Director and organizer extraordinaire of the Blue Dove Foundation (which in only one+ year has become one of the leading voices for Jewish mental health in the country) and at Schusterman Foundation, Gabby truly embodies what it means to be a Maccabee woman. Like the Maccabees, she fights for goals that are more important than herself and will leave the community better than it started. The relationships she has built are cross-generational, cross-cultural, and cross-topical. While I am biased (she is my wife), the work and efforts she does for Atlanta make me proud every day. If that is not Tikkun Olam, I don’t know what is.
ALIZA: She’s been such an inspiration to me personally and the entire community! She works endlessly to make the Jewish community of Atlanta the community it is meant to be. She has the tough conversations regarding mental health, substance abuse and fertility. She shares her truth, and it is admirable.
Generous problem solver and business owner
Nominated by Robyn Regenbaum
Why is She a Maccabee?
Jodi does so much for the Atlanta Jewish community at large. She organizes help for people in the community who are in need of food, housing, and medical supplies, all on her own initiative. After making a few phone calls to raise funds or get help in motion, she then sets the person up with the help that they need. From starting a teen youth group to creating fun, synagogue based, engaging social opportunities to making tie-dye masks to fundraise for AJA softball she goes above and beyond, helping people. She is so deserving of this honor.
Healthcare worker and caring friend
Nominated by Rachel Binstock
Why is She a Maccabee?
Not only is Betsy an amazing mother to 3 boys, but she is also a Physical Therapist at Shepherd Center working with spinal cord and brain injury patients. Just this week she told her group of girlfriends about a Jewish mother who just became quadriplegic after an accident. She asked if we could help her make this woman’s Chanukah special. Her patient is from out of town and her husband had to leave her to take care of their two young kids. Betsy is planning to decorate her patient’s room and bring her latkes and donuts. She is incredibly thoughtful and kind. Betsy is an amazing friend, always telling her friends about following the different Jewish organizations, classes, and events. She has a great interest in learning more about Judaism. She is a Macabee!
Volunteer Leader Atlanta Israeli Scouts
and Business Owner
Nominated by Keren Rosenberg
Why is She a Maccabee?
It gives me great pleasure to nominate Shely Parness, to be considered for the Maccabee Award in recognition of her tireless efforts and outstanding leadership as the Head of Atlanta Israeli Scouts (volunteering position). I’ve been working in the area of non-profits for almost 20 years, but I’ve never met such a dedicated volunteer. For 6 years Shely has led 170-220 kids (grades 3-12) and their families. Her leadership includes weekly activities, events, seminars, overnight camps, and more. Since her joining, there had been tremendous growth in the number of kids joining the Scouts, most of them unaffiliated with any Jewish day school or congregation. Her main passion is to strengthen their bond with Israel and to foster a strong Israeli and Jewish identity. Shely has inspired other parents to volunteer to support the scouts. Due to COVID19, Shely has invested tremendous efforts to make sure the Scouts can continue to meet in-person, in a safe environment. Beyond being a volunteer, Shely is a mother of three children and a successful business owner. She is an inspiration for many other local Israeli women who are struggling between managing all their responsibilities.