Tell us about your nominee. Why should he or she be recognized as a Jewish Community Hero?
Born to an Ashkenazi Holocaust survivor and the descendant of a Sephardic chief rabbi of Sarajevo, as an adult Lisa has chosen to lead a Torah-observant life. An accomplished journalist in and out of the Jewish world, Lisa recently published the book Cool Jew: The Ultimate Guide for Every Member of the Tribe, which promotes a sense of identity for Jews from any background. More significant in my mind than the book, Lisa has used her extensive in-person book tour across North America and her online presence to inspire, welcome, and embrace a movement of Jewish people to more holistically enjoin and enjoy their shared heritage. She has also partnered with organizations of all types--JCCs, Chabads, the Koffler Centre for Jewish Culture, shuls, Hadassah and Hillels--to create within the year alone, tens of events featuring innovative programming, panel discussions, artists showcases, cabarets and her own vivid presentation about her book to celebrate Jewish creativity and innovation. This year she also launched her innovative blog TolerantNation, which has been showcasing talented writers in sharing and critiquing issues of race and plurality, to encourage cross-cultural dialogue about multiculturalism. As a speaker, Lisa addresses Jews of all affiliations, as well as non-Jews attending her events (including the inter-married) in an accessible, engaging manner. Her presentations are both fun and poignant. Because rather than merely read from her book, Lisa functions as an stand-up comedian, activist, educator and motivational speaker, calling upon audiences to recognize where they come from and to take pride in who they are with good humor and depth. She also serves as a friendly and enthusiastic ambassador to non-Jews who find her book a source of entertainment and information about what being Jewish is all about. This is only Lisa's first book and she is already working on a sequel. From the U.S. to Israel and beyond, Lisa's message is weaving the strands of our immense family tree as klal yisrael, promoting awareness of Jewish diversity and multiculturalism, positive affiliation, Jewish literacy and a celebration of our culture. Her work is a timely, vital and unique contribution to the unity of our people, which is one of her many messages.
