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NextGen Spotlight: Meet Adam Klazmer
NEXTGEN IS EXCITED to announce
that Adam Klazmer will be our
incoming board chair.

Klazmer is a true leader with a fierce
passion and devotion for Jewish commu-
nity and Israel. Growing up, Klazmer
attended Jack M. Barrack Hebrew
Academy (formerly known as Akiba
Hebrew Academy) and then became a
lone soldier in the Israel Defense Forces.

Currently an associate of Klazmer
Financial Group, Klazmer continues his
leadership through philanthropy with
a genuine understanding of the impact
that we, as young professionals, can
make on the generations to come.

In his eight-plus years of involve-
ment, Klazmer has served in a number
of leadership roles in NextGen and
at the Jewish Federation of Greater
Philadelphia. Most recently NextGen’s
Ben Gurion Society Chair, Klazmer is a
member of the Finance Committee and
Committee for Israel & Global Strategy
Adam Klazmer
(CIGS). He is a founding member of
NextGen’s new Levin Society and a
member of the Jewish Federation’s Legacy Society.

Succeeding NextGen Board Chair Matt Shipon, Klazmer will officially
assume the role at the start of September 2021. NextGen chatted with Klazmer
to learn more about him, his new position and his relationship to the Jewish
Federation: What are three fun facts about you?
1. My wife and I have an adorable (though socially awkward) rescue dog named
Rudder. 2. I love to grill and am always in search of new, interesting ways to make
awesome barbecue.

3. I’m third generation in my family’s financial services firm. In non-COVID
times, I enjoy working closely with (and in close proximity to) my dad, uncle,
brother and cousin. I’m very much looking forward to being able to go back
to our office full time.

How does it feel being the incoming board chair, and what do you hope to
accomplish during your term?
Being asked to serve as the board chair of NextGen is an honor and somewhat
daunting. It means that a number of people within the Jewish Federation — both
volunteers and staff — have placed their faith in me to steer the overall direction
of NextGen. During my term as board chair, my first priority is for NextGen to
rebuild. When we are able to again hold in-person events, I want us to be ready.

Whether these events are social, educational or mitzvah-oriented, all will be
focused on building community. While NextGen as a whole has endured these
past few months, these events will allow us to engage our membership and boost
the size of our board, which will then allow us to focus on our long-term priorities.

JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Both the executive committee and the
at-large board are made up of dedicated
donors. These young professionals
care deeply about NextGen, Jewish
Federation and the Jewish community
as a whole. Without their support and
hard work, the role of board chair would
be infinitely more challenging. I am very
excited to serve in this role and continue
the incredible work of the board chairs
who held the position before me.

How did you first get involved with
NextGen and the Jewish Federation?
I first got involved through NextGen’s
Leadership Development Program
(LDP) in 2012-2013.

Throughout your leadership journey
in the Jewish Federation, what has
been one of your most memorable
experiences? Why?
Frankly, just being part of the
NextGen board/executive committee.

Courtesy of Adam Klazmer
Over my time in NextGen, it has been
incredibly inspiring to see the passion
of young leadership involved in Jewish Federation. In NextGen, members have
developed friendships and relationships. We have had inspiring conversations
and we have had more light-hearted events. All of it, however, began with the
passion that the young leaders have for the Jewish Federation and the Jewish
community overall.

What is an organization, program or cause that the Jewish Federation
supports that personally resonates with you? Why?
I am an alum of both Akiba Hebrew Academy (now known as Jack M.

Barrack Hebrew Academy) and Ramah in the Poconos. The support that
Jewish Federation gives to these organizations is near and dear to my heart.

Also, I served as a lone soldier in the Nahal Infantry Brigade. In my role on the
Committee for Israel and Global Strategy, I have been an advocate for supporting
all soldiers of the IDF, including lone soldiers. One of my priorities through my
involvement has been, and continues to be, to encourage the Jewish Federation
to support the IDF further.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to get involved
in NextGen?
Just get involved. Do LDP, go on Israel 360, join the associate board. Don’t
think too much about what is going to be the “right fit” — you will find your
place in NetGen. You don’t know who you’re going to meet or what experiences
you’re going to have. I’ve met some of my closest friends in Philadelphia through
my involvement in NextGen. But the key is to get involved.

NextGen is the young professional affinity group of the Jewish Federation of
Greater Philadelphia. To learn more about NextGen, please email Max Moline at
mmoline@jewishphilly.org. JEWISH EXPONENT
DECEMBER 31, 2020
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