LITTLE ROCK - The Jewish Federation of Arkansas will honor President Clinton with its Tikkun Olam Lifetime Achievement Award this evening when JFAR celebrates its 100th anniversary with a dinner and awards ceremony in Little Rock.
The definition of Tikkun Olam is: Increasing the well-being of humankind by repairing the world and helping those in need, no matter in what capacity. Tikkun Olam, as it relates to practical methods, applies to supporting all communities, not just Jewish communities. Jews are members of greater society, and as such, their actions are not limited to their own communities.
"We are honored to welcome President Clinton to Little Rock to present him with this award because he has and continues to strive to make the world a better place for us all," says Scott Levine, president of the JFAR board. "He has exemplified Tikkun Olam in Arkansas and throughout the world. He has been a strong advocate for the state of Israel and for justice for all people. He is most deserving of this honor and we are grateful for his commitment to improve global health, strengthen economies worldwide, promote healthier childhoods, and protect the environment."
As the Jewish Federation's Tikkun Olam dinner has been for many years, the centennial anniversary dinner will be a celebratory gathering of Jews and the broader community from all over Arkansas. The Federation is excited to have President Clinton in attendance as he is honored with 12 other members of the community representing organizations all over the state of Arkansas for their commitment to making the world a better place to live.
This year's Tikkun Olam award recipients are:
Beth Levi from Ati' Day Yisroel School, Little Rock
Jonathan Feldman from Chabad-Lubavitch Center, Little Rock
Karen Mackey from Congregation Agudath Achim, Little Rock
Becky Marks from Congregation B'nai Israel, Little Rock
Sue Koppel from Congregation House of Israel, Hot Springs
Ellen and Stan Kessler from Etz Chaim, Northwest Arkansas
Corky Schroeder from Hadassah, Little Rock
Bonnie Nickol from Jewish Federation of Arkansas, Little Rock
Rose Ann Naron from Temple Meir Chayim, McGehee
Eileen Leiber from Temple Shalom, Northwest Arkansas
Jim Shipley from United Hebrew Congregation, Fort Smith
Justice Annabelle Imber Tuck from Crain-Maling Center of Jewish Culture, Hendrix College
This year's dinner chairs are Anne and Dr. Larry Miller and Stacey and Mike Ronnel all of Little Rock.