A mother and daughter duo, Claire Winick and Eden Winick Aaronson, have collectively dedicated 100 years to serving the Jewish community. Their journey, marked by both professional and volunteer work, reflects a deep commitment to Jewish life and a shared belief in the future of Israel. The pair recently celebrated this milestone with a reflective trip to Israel in December 2023, allowing them to evaluate their past contributions while looking forward to future efforts.
Foundation of a Lifelong Commitment
Their story began not with a clear career plan but with an invitation to a meeting of Women’s American ORT. This initial engagement sparked a lifelong dedication to Jewish communal service. One of them transitioned from volunteer roles to leadership positions at local and national levels, eventually becoming involved with Israel Bonds and Americans for Ben-Gurion University. This journey has spanned over four decades and emphasizes relationship-building and leadership development.
They have learned that community engagement is not merely about fundraising but about fostering connections that integrate people into Israel’s narrative. Genuine relationships, rooted in honesty and care, are essential for fostering understanding about the significance of education in Israel’s future.
A Life Interwoven with Community Engagement
Jewish communal life has always been an integral part of their family dynamics. Conversations around the kitchen table often included event planning and community discussions, making Jewish service a natural aspect of their daily lives. This environment not only shaped their careers but also instilled values of inclusion, creativity, and responsibility.
Eden recalls the moment she discovered a ruler used during her childhood in her mother’s old desk drawer at Israel Bonds. This small artifact served as a poignant reminder of the enduring lessons passed down through generations. Despite differences in their approaches, both mother and daughter share core beliefs about community service: people are more inclined to contribute when they feel valued, and strong institutions are built on sustained relationships rather than isolated moments.
Their evening discussions often revolve around pressing community questions: How can they engage newcomers? How can they empower individuals to recognize their leadership potential? How can they respond creatively to the evolving needs of a diverse community?
The urgency of their reflections was heightened during their recent visit to Israel. Both Claire and Eden recognized the ongoing necessity of building Israel’s future, particularly in the current global landscape, where challenges abound.
After a century of service, they carry a vital lesson forward: the future is not something to be taken for granted. It must be actively built through commitment, relationships, and the willingness of future generations to engage consistently.
As they continue their work, both Claire and Eden remain dedicated to advancing this mission, embodying the values they have cherished throughout their lives. Their story stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Jewish communal service and the power of intergenerational commitment.
