THE PALM BEACH MOVEMENT TO ACTIVATE JEWISH LIFE: FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND MOVEMENT LAUNCHES IN THE PALM BEACHES
Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County proudly announces the Palm Beach Movement to Activate Jewish Life, a transformative initiative, fueled by rising antisemitism, to inspire generations to proudly embrace and celebrate Jewish life across the Palm Beaches. With $11 million raised toward its $20 million goal, this movement will address the extraordinary growth of Palm Beach County’s Jewish community through a bold vision that includes a planned state-of-the-art center in Palm Beach Gardens as well as innovative new programs and expanded initiatives to meet the growing needs of one of the country’s largest, most vibrant Jewish communities.
Introduced to a sold-out crowd of nearly 600 at Federation’s annual Celebrating Philanthropy event on December 9, 2024, at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, the Movement is part of Federation’s Campaign for the Future – the largest fundraising effort in its history, chaired by William A. Meyer. It also channels the profound local impact of the October 7, 2023, terror attacks on Israel, which has inspired Jewish pride amid rising antisemitism.
“One of the Movement’s goals is to increase engagement by 50 percent, reaching 50,000 people across the Palm Beaches,” said Michael Hoffman, Federation President & CEO. “By expanding meaningful Jewish experiences for all ages and our ability to provide them, we can ensure a vibrant, inclusive future for our community.”
A pivotal first step in this bold vision are plans for The Exter Center, a proposed state-of-the-art, multi-use facility designed to offer much needed space to foster connection, strengthen community, and inspire Jewish pride on the Mandel JCC and Meyer Jewish Prep campus in Palm Beach Gardens.
Named in honor of Diane and Neil Exter, the center will include cutting-edge spaces for arts, culture, athletics and events. The Exters are extraordinary leaders and Palm Beach Gardens-based philanthropists. Diane serves on Federation Board of Directors and has been named Chair of the Palm Beach Movement. Neil has been integrally involved with Federation’s Palm Beach Center to Combat Antisemitism & Hatred and its Community Relations Committee, and he will be joining the Board of the Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches.
“We are honored to help create a space that will strengthen Judaism for generations,” said Diane Exter. “The Center will be a powerful catalyst for new energy in Jewish Palm Beach, inspiring all of us to declare, ‘I’m proud to be Jewish.’”
A focal point of The Exter Center is the Bernard & Shirley Brown Pavilion, a large and versatile space that transitions seamlessly from a gymnasium to a performing arts and events venue. This inspiring space is made possible through the transformational generosity of Palm Beach Gardens resident Anne Koons, in loving memory of her late parents, Bernard and Shirley Brown.
The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation has also made an inspirational gift, naming the lobby of The Exter Center, a welcoming gateway to the building. David and Nicole Tepper and their foundation are leading supporters of the Mandel JCC’s JParent program and Federation’s Palm Beach Center to Combat Antisemitism & Hatred. Their grant to the latter has strengthened safety measures for programs engaging children in Jewish life amidst rising antisemitism, benefiting the Mandel JCC, Meyer Jewish Preparatory School, and more than 30 local synagogues—a national initiative that is expanding.
As Federation continues to work toward its $20 million goal, additional naming opportunities include The Atrium, linking The Exter Center to the Mandel JCC and Meyer Jewish Preparatory School; The Mezz, supporting the Mandel JCC’s JTeen program; and the Athletic Field, home to Meyer Prep’s sports and the Mandel JCC’s Camp Shalom. A donor wall will honor supporters of the Palm Beach Movement to Activate Jewish Life, including longtime and generous leaders, Penni & Steve Weinberg. Penni is a member of the Federation’s Board of Directors.
“This Movement is about standing united, with pride, strength and visibility while we activate plentiful opportunities for those of all ages to engage in Jewish life in whatever way brings them the most joy and helps them feel most connected,” Hoffman said. “It’s about passing the flame of Jewish life to future generations, ensuring it burns brighter.”
The evening, which was chaired by Lori & Bruce Gendelman and Allie & Tal Bar-or, featured performances from world-renowned recording artist Matisyahu; remarks from special guest speaker David Tepper, Founder Appaloosa Management Owner, Tepper Sports & Entertainment, Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Football Club; and honored Immediate past Board Chair, Susan Shulman Pertnoy with the Jeanne Levy Community Leadership Award, Jewish Palm Beach’s highest honor.
To learn more and join the Palm Beach Movement to Activate Jewish Life, click here
