David Goldenberg

David Goldenberg takes giving back to Chicago's Jewish community seriously. As a member of JUF's YLD Board and the Young Leadership Campaign chair, he has helped raise millions of dollars to help people in need. He is also one of a select few to be appointed to the Jewish Federation of North America's National Young Leadership Cabinet, and has previously taught Hebrew school and volunteered as a BBYO advisor. He is a trustee of Michigan State University's Hillel, and has regularly hosted and counseled students from his alma mater, James Madison College, at Michigan State. Professionally, as a public affairs and communications consultant, David has earned widespread recognition and respect in his field.

"Unlike many, David is not constantly seeking recognition for his good deeds and accomplishments. He is driven by a true desire to help others and do the right thing," said friend and State Rep. Scott Drury, who nominated David. "The Jewish community should be proud to include David amongst its ranks."

Name:
David Goldenberg

Age:
34

Pays the bills:
Public Affairs and Strategic Communications consultant at Resolute Consulting

On the side:
Gali's dad, newly minted suburbanite and avid weekend golfer (albeit much less frequently than before fatherhood)

Relationship status:
Taken and still smitten

Describe yourself in 10 words or less:
You can talk or do. I prefer the latter.

Celebrity doppelganger:
Robert Redford in The Candidate

How do you Jew in Chicago?
We are working hard to raise our daughter with a strong Jewish identity. Shabbat dinners at home and with family, holidays, food, song and school—we try to do it all. We are also trying to set an example through our involvement in Jewish organizations like JUF, Hillel and Camp Ramah.

Passions:
My daughter and wife (first and foremost), Jewish communal involvement and the work we do to build a community and provide for one another, social justice and equality, and all things Detroit and Michigan State sports.

How do you give back?
I try to make a difference through giving back with my time and energy, as well as financially. Over the years I've served on boards, taught Hebrew school and have been a volunteer BBYO advisor. Now through YLD and as its 2013 Annual Campaign chair, I've been given the opportunity to continue to do all three.

Fill in the blank: If time and money were limitless, I would:
Establish a not-for-profit organization focused on exposing kids to other kids who come from different walks of life, whether it is socioeconomics, race and ethnicity or religion. It's hard to empathize with, or relate to, people from different backgrounds if you don't know them or have an opportunity to learn from them. We must do a better job in creating situations and opportunities for this to happen. And when I'm done with that I'd open a good kosher deli in the Loop, and buy the Detroit Lions to finally bring a Super Bowl championship to my hometown.

Chicago's Jewish community in 10 years:
Still setting the gold standard for Jewish communities throughout the country in engaging people young and old and providing for those most in need.

Me in 10 years:
Involved in Chicago's Jewish community, still waking up every morning excited about work, hopefully playing more golf than I do today, and getting ready for my daughter's Bat Mitzvah (oy!).