Federation Real Estate Dinner, Ziegler School Ordination, New Friends of ELNET Leadership

The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles held its Real Estate and Construction (REC) Network Dinner at the Beverly Hilton.

The June 1 event honored the life and philanthropic legacy of Robert Hart, founder, CEO and president of TruAmerica Multifamily.

“Bob represents everything that is good about his profession and the Jewish community of Los Angeles,” Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles President and CEO Rabbi Noah Farkas said in a statement. “Bob is not just a titan and leader of his industry. He also understands deeply the importance of giving back and helping build community. We are blessed to be able to call him a friend. His impact on our Jewish community will be felt for generations to come.”

Hart — who has raised tens of millions of dollars to improve the lives of others in his community, sits on the board of governors for City of Hope and is a member of the board of directors of Chrysalis — said he was honored to be recognized by the Federation.

“I’m truly humbled to be receiving this honor from The Jewish Federation,” he said. “I’ve had the honor and responsibility of leading the fundraising endeavors this year for the Real Estate and Construction Network of The Jewish Federation. I support the inspiring work and community outreach of The Jewish Federation because I have seen firsthand the impact of its programs and initiatives.”

The L.A. Federation’s REC Dinner is the premier gathering of real estate professionals in Los Angeles. The evening focuses on the power of philanthropy and efforts to uplift those in need in the Los Angeles community with all proceeds raised going to support the L.A. Federation’s philanthropic work.  

On May 22, the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at American Jewish University (AJU) held an ordination ceremony for its 2023 class, comprised of nine new rabbis, during an inspiring in-person ceremony on AJU’s Familian Campus in Los Angeles.

Josh Jacobs, Hannah Jensen, Candice Levy, David Mendelson, Shanee Michaelson, Piotr Mirski, Alexandra Rosenbaum, Samuel Rosenbaum and Rachel Turkienicz were ordained as Conservative rabbis. 

According to AJU, these graduates are serving the Jewish people and satisfying the need for rabbis by working in various communities throughout North America.

“There has been a shortage of rabbis in our world, and I am profoundly honored to witness our Ziegler graduates stepping up to fill this vital role,” Ziegler School Dean Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson said. “As I observe these students blossom into leaders, equipped with profound knowledge of Jewish wisdom and teachings, my heart swells with immense pride. I hold unwavering confidence that this next generation of rabbis will not only meet the needs of the Jewish community but also pave the way for a thriving and forward-thinking Jewish future.”

The Ziegler School is one of two rabbinic schools in North America affiliated with the Conservative movement.

On May 9, the Friends of ELNET board of directors voted to make Robert Flesh the chairman-elect of the board.

Flesh serves on the boards of several real estate companies and philanthropic organizations. He is a past president of Sinai Temple and a member of its board of directors. He is active in interfaith unity efforts; Jewish and Israel-based institutions; and organizations focused on education and at-risk youth. Flesh has served on several community boards and commissions. 

 ELNET is the premier organization dedicated to strengthening Europe-Israel relations based on shared democratic values and strategic interests.

The organization also recently hosted its third International Policy Conference, from May 8-10, in Paris. The conference brought together influential policymakers and leading public opinion-makers from Europe, Israel, the U.S., and Arab countries to discuss and impact the shaping of Europe’s Middle East policy and Europe-Israel relations.