Women of Distinction
Jewish organizations in the community are asked to nominate a woman who exemplifies the mission of their organization through her leadership and commitment. Awarded annually the ‘Women of Distinction’ Program honors exemplary volunteerism and leadership.
Beth Israel Women of Distinction:
2007 – Delyse Axinn
2008 – Delyse Axinn
2009 – Marsha Marshall
2010 – Ellen Stein Z”L
2011– Cyrille Cobe
2012 – Idalea Rubin
2013 – Sandra Hurwitz
2014 – Nina Malinak
2015 – Rochelle Lafer
2016 – Joanne Sudman
2017 – Sandy Zians
2018 – Barbara Nova
2019 Marlene Spiegal
2020 Robin Kitzmiller
2021 Diane Posner
2022 Donna Weiner
Woman of Distinction 2024 Beth Israel Honors Barbara Grossman
Jewish organizations in the community are asked to nominate a woman who exemplifies the mission of their organization through their leadership and commitment. Awarded annually the Women of Distinction Program honors exemplary volunteerism and leadership. Congratulations to Barbara Grossman, Beth Israel’s Woman of Distinction 2024, who was honored on December 10th at Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa.
Barbara has been an integral part of the Beth Israel community for over 13 years, with a strong commitment to the Sisterhood. Over the years, she has served in various leadership roles, including as President of the Sisterhood from 2019 to 2023, and as a representative of Sisterhood on the Temple Board of Directors. She continues to contribute to the community, currently co-chairing the Legacy Committee and assisting with correspondence.
In addition to her work at Beth Israel, Barbara has a rich history of volunteerism spanning over 40 years. She served as the Sunday school principal at Temple Shomer Emunim in Toledo, Ohio, and as the Volunteer Coordinator at Darlington House Jewish Home for the Aged, where she initiated the “Adopt a Grandparent Program.”
Barbara has also held leadership positions in healthcare volunteer management, including Director of Guest and Volunteer Services at Saint Joseph Health Care and Volunteer Coordinator at the Alzheimer’s Association in Lexington, KY. She served on various boards, including the Southeastern Directors of Volunteer, in Health Care Organizations and the American Society of Directors of Volunteers.
Known for her caring nature, Barbara has always gone out of her way to visit patients in nursing homes, offering companionship and kindness. Her friendly smile and genuine interest in others make her a beloved member of the community.
A proud mother of two, grandmother of six, and soon to be great grandmother, Barbara‘s family life is just as important to her as her community service. Her commitment to both is a testament to her enduring love for people and her tireless dedication to service, and displays qualities of a true woman of distinction.