(Courtesy of UJA Federation) UJA-Federation of New York will recognize Evelyn B. Kenvin, Jodi J. Schwartz and Klara Silverstein for their commitment to philanthropy and support of UJA at its Heart Matters event on May 16 in New York City.

Evelyn B. Kenvin will receive the Defender of Zion Award. Evelyn is an active member of UJA’s Israeli Judaism Committee and Jewish Life Cabinet. She was previously chair of the Commission on the Jewish People and chair of the Business and Professional Women’s Division.

Jodi J. Schwartz will receive the Heart Matters Award. Jodi’s involvement with UJA has included chairing the Caring Commission and serving on the Executive Committee of Women’s Philanthropy. Her current roles include member of the Board of Directors and chair of the Impact & Performance Assessment Division.

Klara Silverstein will receive the Lotte Bravmann z”l Eishet Chayil Award. Klara has held many positions at UJA, including chair of the women’s campaign and later chair of the annual campaign. She was also a member of the Board of Directors.

Guest speaker Ruth R. Wisse, professor emerita of Yiddish Literature and Comparative Literature at Harvard University and distinguished senior fellow at the Tikvah Fund, will discuss her latest book, “Free as a Jew: A Personal Memoir of National Self-Liberation.”

A reception prior to the program will feature the premiere viewing of “Let There Be Laughter,” an art installation showcasing the evolution of Jewish humor. Artist Donna Salaman will be present to discuss the work. Donna is a board member of UJA Interboro Women and is actively involved with SAR Jewish Day School.

Funds raised will support UJA’s humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine and ongoing COVID recovery efforts.

For more information about Heart Matters, contact Adrienne Rubin-Prince at [email protected].