Don Goldman has been honored with the inaugural Shamayim Hero Award for his volunteer service to the national Jewish nonprofit, Shamayim: Jewish Animal Advocacy.
For nearly a decade, Goldman, also President and CEO of Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City, has provided strategic, operational, and programmatic consulting; staff recruiting and management support; board development assistance; and administrative and financial guidance in his role as board member and treasurer for the California-based nonprofit.
Shamayim offers programs, campaigns, and educational opportunities to teach the Jewish community about animal advocacy and veganism. The agency shares online content, including blogs, podcast episodes, and news for those in the Jewish community to stay informed about matters related to animals and veganism.
“Volunteering with Shamayim has been an inspiring and meaningful part of my life,” Goldman said. “Advocating for animal welfare is a fundamental part of my commitment to living according to Jewish values and morals. I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from a group whose work I respect so much.”
“We're giving our first Shamayim Hero Award to Don in recognition of his crucial work to bring us to where we are today,“ said Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, President of Shamayim. “Don has been a deep and significant part of every step in the journey to build this movement. He's brilliant, humble, and such a mensch."
"Don is an individual who has dedicated his life to supporting and uplifting the vulnerable and the marginalized in the world,” said Rabbi Alex Shuval-Weiner, Shamayim Board member, Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell, Georgia, and previous Associate Rabbi of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. “His work with Shamayim is an extension of his strong ethical belief in relieving the suffering of all God's creatures and building a more compassionate world."
This summer, Shamayim is merging with Uri L'Tzedek, an Orthodox social justice organization guided by Torah values and dedicated to combating suffering and oppression. After the merger, Shamayim will remain non-denominational. Both agencies will leverage their work on issues of Jewish food ethics.
