Rabbi Andy Bachman

“Rabbi Bachman’s inspiring leadership has been most apparent to me in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. When our Representative, Brad Lander, called to see if Congregation Beth Elohim would be willing to provide meals to homeless victims of the storm being housed in our local shelter, Andy said “YES!” and never looked back. Under his leadership, CBE has empowered more than 1,600 volunteers from all walks of life to support those impacted by the storm. Our volunteer kitchen has provided more than 40,000 meals and his vision is now to create a permanent feeding program. His commitment to social justice has inspired thousands of people to volunteer, not just for Hurricane Sandy relief, but also in our local high school and with the children of incarcerated parents. He engages his community in the most pressing issues of our time with a thoughtful, critical eye.”

—CINDY GREENBERG (also nominated by four others)

Test Link

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO