PHOTO: Renee and Irwin Holzman
On June 10 more than 120 people gathered in Rose Schnitzer Manor’s Zidell Hall at Cedar Sinai Park for OJCF’s Annual Reception to honor Renee and Irwin Holzman, the foundation’s 2015 Legacy Society Honorees. Guests also had the opportunity to learn about what is ahead for OJCF in the next fiscal year and to hear an informative presentation on Jews in Eastern Europe by Portland State University Professor Natan Meir.
According to OJCF outgoing Board President Sharon Morell, “Integrity. Accountability. In it for the long-term. These are qualities that define Irwin, Renee and their family’s commitment to our community.”
Since 1990 Renee and Irwin Holzman and the Holzman Foundation have been generously supporting Portland’s Jewish and general nonprofits. Their legacy of generosity is extraordinary and the recent establishment of the Holzman Religious School Endowment Fund of OJCF benefiting Congregation Beth Israel is testament to their ongoing efforts to give back to the community they care so deeply about.
Renee and Irwin’s family, sons Jay, Larry, Lee and grandchildren Rachel and Max, honored them and shared memories with attendees about how Renee and Irwin’s philanthropic drive helped shape and define the family today.
Foundation business included outgoing Morell thanking fellow trustees Jill Schnitzer Edelson and Jonathan Levy for their years of service on OJCF’s board as their terms concluded, calling on those present to elect nominees Shari Levinson and Jonathan Singer to the board, and passing the gavel to incoming Board President Jeff Wolfstone, whose term officially begins July 1.
OJCF Executive Director Julie Diamond took a moment to thank Morell for her dedication to the foundation while serving as board president. “Sharon, your passion for community has inspired all of us,” said Diamond. “You have been an incredible advocate for our organizations, our caring donors and our professional team. Thank you for all you’ve done.”
The evening concluded with Natan Meir, Lorry I. Lokey Associate Professor of Judaic Studies and Academic Director of the Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies at Portland State University, sharing insights into what life is like today for Jews living in Russia, Ukraine and Poland.
Past OJCF Legacy Society honorees include Eric and Tiffany Rosenfeld and Family, Min Zidell, Gloria Bacharach, Gerel and Henry* Blauer and Stuart Durkheimer*.
*Of Blessed Memory
