Gluck Takes a Bow for Job Well Done

Professionals, national execs, family, Jewish National Fund (JNF) officers and volunteers gathered at The Dupree on Aug. 24 for a tribute dinner honoring Beth Gluck for her 17-plus years as a tireless organizer, fundraiser, and manager as JNF executive director.

The program opened with remarks from Mark Moskowitz, JNF-USA national campaign director, Southeast and Florida, who framed the celebration around the impact Gluck made through her work.

He stated, “Over 17 years, Beth consistently made people feel seen and valued, whether veteran board members, first-time attendees, donors, volunteers, or staff colleagues. This respect for her fueled a broader community ethos where relationships were foundational. Her leadership is portrayed as heart-forward and exacting: professionalism and dedication paired with kindness and high expectations. She worked behind the scenes with Wednesday calls to ensure operational smoothness and volunteer support.”

He thanked Beth’s husband, Richard, for sharing Beth’s time and energy.

Andy Siegel, JNF-USA Atlanta board president, highlighted Gluck’s connection to Israel, inspiring donors and volunteers, strengthening relationships, and advancing JNF-USA’s mission locally.

He related, “What stands out to me most isn’t simply her accomplishments. It’s how she accomplished it with her ability to make folks feel valued. He explained, “Whether you were a longtime board member, a first-time event attendee, a donor, a volunteer, or a staff colleague, Beth made you feel seen, heard, and important … volunteers are supported, and our community continues to thrive.”

Rick Krosnick, JNF-USA chief development officer, flew in to recount Gluck’s legacy in hard metrics, contrasting “Before Beth” (BB) and “After Beth (AB).”

“In Atlanta, the campaign evolved from a $1.2 million effort (BB) to contributing the bulk of a southeast campaign that will close at more than $22 million this year. Beth repeatedly surpassed donor-segment goals: when tasked to elevate $1,000-plus donors, she exceeded targets and continued to beat goals at the $5,000-plus level year after year. Her leadership transition was orderly. Beth supported [Nicole] Flom’s development and the handoff to Hedi Toub (successor), leaving the organization with strength,” he said.

Associate Director Nicole Flom shared that Beth took a chance on her three years ago, a decision that redirected her professional trajectory. Working side by side, even sharing an office, Flom learned specific, durable lessons in fundraising from Gluck: relationship cultivation, perseverance, professionalism, and the daily discipline required to succeed. The professional bond matured into a friendship marked by shared problem-solving, family stories, and laughter.

Incoming Atlanta Board President Michelle Horesh, a lay leader who has worked closely with Gluck and who co-chaired the Negev Task Force which Beth staffed, described Gluck’s lasting imprint as “a mentor and friend with strong leadership skills.” She lamented that Gluck had so many contacts during her careers that the invitation list was limited.

Gluck’s sons, Jamin, Elon, and Jacob, truly “stole the show” with their prowess as orators, joking about who was smartest and best looking … all agreeing on her dedication to job and family, concluding that they are proud to be recognized as “Beth’s sons.”

Ever modest, Gluck “put a bow on it” by thanking her husband, Richard, for walking with her through frequent events that stretched schedules while raising a family. Reflecting on years of “triumphs and tears,” she distilled her experience to a single center: the community. She described knowing members’ varied passions and preferences, recognizing the composition of individuals capable of doing “anything else with their time,” and chose to show up for Israel. She emphasized the community’s diversity across denominations, beliefs, geography, and age. She noted that JNF grew like “Jack’s beanstalk,” broadening its focus, while Israel grew stronger, more innovative, and diverse amid extraordinary challenges. She characterized her role as the “privilege of a lifetime.”

Board of Trustee member Michael Miller offered the final tribute, describing her as “a trusted partner, dedicated professional, mentor, friend, and passionate advocate for Israel and JNF.”

He stressed that her impact was measured less by programs and campaigns than by the friendships forged. He raised a glass to an adventurous and family-filled future. He concluded with action, in honor of the Glucks, by donating $5,000 to the Lo Teim Soldier’s Fund. The event overall raised $27,000 in Beth’s honor to support projects in Israel.