PITTSFIELD – Jewish Federation of the Berkshires is proud to announce that its president, Arlene D. Schiff, has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of Jewish Federations of North America, an umbrella organization representing over 350 Jewish communities across North America. Schiff brings more than 25 years of experience strengthening Jewish life through her work with Jewish Federation of the Berkshires and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.

In her decades of service, Schiff has made a lasting impact on Jewish communal life in both professional and volunteer capacities. She served as executive director of Jewish Federation of the Berkshires for ten years, guiding the community through periods of growth, challenge, and increasing complexity. Most recently, she served as the national director of LIFE & LEGACY, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation that has transformed legacy giving in Jewish communities across North America.

Schiff currently serves as president of Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, where she continues to offer visionary leadership as a lay volunteer, supporting initiatives that strengthen community, foster Jewish continuity, and promote resilience.

“We are thrilled to welcome Arlene Schiff to the Board of Trustees,” said Eric Fingerhut, President and CEO of Jewish Federations of North America. “Arlene brings a unique and deeply informed perspective, having served as both a Federation executive and a dedicated lay leader. Her leadership in legacy giving, combined with her decades of hands-on experience in a small but vibrant Jewish community, makes her a powerful advocate for the full diversity of Jewish life across North America.”

Schiff shared thoughts about to this national leadership role:

It is an honor to accept the opportunity to serve on the JFNA Board of Trustees as one of ten representatives from small federation communities. As we collaborate to cultivate thriving Jewish communities of all sizes across North America and address global Jewish priorities, it is essential to incorporate the perspectives of individuals residing in smaller, non-metropolitan areas.

Whether our discussions center on enhancing engagement in Jewish life, advocating for our communities, forming coalitions, or strengthening relations with governmental and community entities, the viewpoints and experience of residents of smaller communities are indispensable. Additionally, meeting both the immediate and long-term needs in Israel, Ukraine, and across the globe, as well as securing the resources necessary to sustain a vibrant worldwide Jewish community, are vital aspects of our mission, where a diversity of viewpoints holds significant value.

I look forward to collaborating meaningfully with my fellow trustees on these critical issues.

Dara Kaufman, executive director of Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, added, “Arlene’s leadership has been a driving force in shaping a caring, inclusive, and forward-thinking Jewish community here in the Berkshires. Her appointment to the Board is not only a recognition of her extraordinary contributions, but also a testament to the strength and impact of small Jewish communities like ours.”

In addition to her work in the Berkshires, Schiff is a recognized national leader in Jewish philanthropy and nonprofit capacity-building. Her appointment underscores Jewish Federations of North America’s commitment to ensuring that communities of all sizes — and leaders with varied experiences — have a voice in shaping the future of Jewish communal life.