2 minute read
Silver Circle community leaders spotlight
By Paula Filler, 2025 Endowment Chair
Bruce and Carol Sherman’s philanthropic journey began in Youngstown, Ohio, where they grew up. As children and teens, they became active in Jewish Federation programs, Bruce joining AZA, Aleph Zadik Aleph, and Carol joining BBG, B’nai Brith Girls. These organizations provided opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in community service projects and form strong bonds within their Jewish community. Bruce credits his BBYO mentor, Aaron Grossman, who was like a second father to him, with developing his leadership skills and belief in giving Jewishly.
Once Carol and Bruce became a couple, another mentor, Esther Marks, continued to support their development as community leaders. Their involvement in Jewish Federation fostered friendships with Jews all over Ohio. Carol and Bruce cherished the sense of community and shared values that came from giving their time, energy and gifts to Jewish Federation. Even in their first year of marriage, 55 years ago, they decided to make a gift to their local Youngstown Jewish Federation. Throughout their marriage, Carol and Bruce continued to support their local temple and Federation as active volunteers and donors while raising their two daughters.
As their retirement years drew near, the Jewish population in Youngstown dwindled to an estimated 1,000 Jews. Prioritizing a location with a Jewish community, they found Naples, which offered a rich Jewish cultural life and various learning opportunities through Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Bruce’s strong leadership skills are utilized by Temple Shalom and the Men’s Cultural Alliance, an affinity group of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Carol is a Board member and leader in the Women’s Cultural Alliance, an affinity group of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, and a volunteer at Temple Shalom.
Carol and Bruce appreciate how their family gift to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples provides the professional expertise to spend the money wisely and address the most urgent Jewish needs both locally and globally.
They are extremely proud that both of their daughters have embraced their Jewish identity with a commitment to Jewish philanthropy.
