Incoming Federation president to “lead by example"

by Elissa Provance

For incoming Federation president, Neil Soskin, the survival of the Jewish people is an issue that is frequently on his mind.

“The first and only time I visited Auschwitz, I had a better sense of the Holocaust,” Soskin said. “The question of survival became very real to me.

Soskin hopes to channel that sense of survival and continue the work of his predecessors in building a vibrant Jewish community— one that remains financially strong, provides programming for different segments of the community, and builds community leaders.

"If I could have one thing a year from now,” he said, “it would be the ability to sit down in a room with 8-10 people who are committed to Federation and its future. If we have people who are like-minded, we can move forward.”

While moving forward, Soskin also wants to retain Federation’s ongoing support of its current programs and community agencies:

Adult Education, such as Introduction to Judaism and online, interactive courses.

Community Development Grants, which provide seed money to congregations and agencies to develop quality programming throughout the community.

Hillel at Davis and Sacramento, which provides opportunities for Jewish students to explore and celebrate their Jewish identity.

Jewish Community Relations Council, the mission of which is to educate and advocate issues of vital importance to the Jewish community.

Jewish Heritage Festival, Federation’s annual event at the West Steps of the Capitol, celebrating Yom Ha’Atzmaut and Jewish American Heritage Month.

Maimonides Society, founded to enhance Jewish physicians’ knowledge of Judaism and to strengthen their commitment to the global Jewish community.

NextDor, Federation’s Young Adult Division, which presents an opportunity for young, Jewish adults within the community to experience Jewish culture, language, socializing, spirituality, and tikkun olam.

Partnership 2000, which connects Jewish communities in the Diaspora with Israel partnership areas.

P.J. Library, which provides free Jewish-themed books to families with children ages 6 months to 7 ½ years.

Schwab Rosenhouse Scholarships, which provides scholarships for post-secondary study at colleges, universities, and vocation/technical institutions.

Shalom School, Sacramento’s only Jewish Day School, which is committed to the ideals of academic excellence, personal growth, social awareness, and Jewish and American values.

The Jewish Voice/E-Voice, Federation’s monthly community newspaper and weekly electronic newsletter that bring you local news and events and in-depth coverage of selected issues of interest to the Jewish community.

Yachad, the Community High School of the Sacramento Region, which, in addition to Federation, is sponsored by the synagogues of Greater Sacramento and Davis.

For Soskin, who by day is Vice President/Director for the Western Region at Weingarten Realty, maintaining these successes and achieving additional ones is all about priorities and defining the role of Federation.

"We need to set priorities and move forward on the threat of assimilation and what that means,” he explained. “We have to develop a cadre of committed leaders. We have to give all of us a reason to be passionate and committed.”

Addressing these issues during a tough economic climate can be challenging; however, Soskin believes the “worst is over.” Furthermore, he said, “We have been able to maintain and grow our campaign during tough times.”

The Michigan native also hopes to bring his experience with the San Francisco Federation to his new position.

“What I bring is the need to create order and get back to basics,” he said. Soskin also served on the Regional Board of Directors for AIPAC. "I was involved in the Young Adults Division from 1984-1991, I was Campaign Chair for the Division, and I also chaired Super Sunday for the full Board. That’s where I met my wife, Karen.”

Soskin’s family also includes son, Aaron, and daughter, Kayla.

"For my kids, I’m seeing how their Jewish identify has evolved,” he explained. “Karen and I did very little to push— we encouraged them to join USY (United Synagogue Youth) and other opportunities. Aaron, 18, is so super committed to his Jewish identity. He is working at Camp Ramah this summer and participating in the Nativ program. In the fall, he’s headed to Syracuse University. Kayla, who will be a junior at Rio Americano High School, is headed in the same direction. She was recently voted in as Vice President of USY’s Membership/Kadima Committee. They learned from our example.”

Soskin looks forward to leading the community by example as well.

“I don’t care about age or gender as long as we end up with a broad, representative group,” he said. “I want to meet with leaders and have someone from our congregations committed to Federation and be the voices of the community. At the end of the day,” he added, “we help each other.”