“Th e mission became more urgent, honestly,” she said. “Because
socialization and moving away from isolation were so important
during COVID.”
The Next 100 Years
Th ough the shift to digital platforms was speedy and unexpected,
Simon can’t imagine Golden Slipper without a digital component,
hoping to continue hybrid programming as the pandemic hopefully
winds down.

With a new interim executive director in former Jewish Federation of
Greater Philadelphia Chief Operating Offi cer Steve Rosenberg, the orga-
nization is looking to continue to adapt to the changing times.

“We have not survived 100 years by having folks who just write the check,”
Simon said. “We are a hands-on, volunteer-driven organization across
the board.”
In addition to just being practical, the hybrid programming is
another way that Golden Slipper needs to adapt to the changing times,
and it provides an opportunity for the organization to attract younger
crowds, a struggle that has remained unchanged over the past several
decades, Rosen has noticed.

“Most membership organizations have suff ered,” Rosen said.

“Certainly during the last 20 years or so, people are just not joining
organizations.” Simon is not sure if, moving forward, Golden Slipper members will
even be called “members” anymore, fully expecting the landscape of
club organizations to continue to change. While he’s prepared to make
some changes, he plans to keep the core of the organization intact.

“We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel,” Simon said. “What ties all
of us together is the affi nity of the good work that we do.”
For more information about the 100th-anniversary gala, visit
goldenslipperclub.org/event/gala. JE
Golden Slipper Gems members at pre-COVID programming
Courtesy of Jill Caine
JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 29