Dedicated community philanthropists devoted to Jewish education, Barbara and Leo Karas Me'ah'00 have accepted key leadership roles as co-chairs of Hebrew College's Development Committee.

"The Karases add a whole new dimension to our development campaign," says Hebrew College Senior Vice President Robert Leikind. "As dynamic, passionate leaders, they understand that development is about making dreams real. Through their contagious enthusiasm, our Development Committee is growing, and our campaign is thriving. Hebrew College is blessed with their leadership."

In their new roles, the Karases will spearhead the College's annual campaign, expanding the committee and broadcasting the instrumental role Hebrew College plays in addressing key challenges faced by today's American Jewish community.

"Many people know that Hebrew College's programming is unbelievable," says Barbara Karas. "We want to open doors to those who will give on an annual basis-because year after year, those gifts build and build."

Barbara and Leo Karas, Me'ah'00 Photo by: Ben Harmon

The couple are longtime devotees of the College's programmatic offerings. Leo's relationship with the institution began as a student at the former Roxbury site. Now a Me'ah graduate, he continues his studies with his wife in the Me'ah Graduate Institute, and they attend College lectures regularly. A former trustee, Barbara is a President's Council member. Loyal capital campaign and annual donors, they named the Barbara and Leo Karas Fellowship in Jewish Education.

"We believe in the mission of Hebrew College and are looking forward to working with so many dedicated people to help sustain the College's current programs and provide a basis for new ones," Leo says.

Active lay leaders of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America and Israel Bonds, the Karases each served separate terms as presidents of congregation Mishkan Tefila in Chestnut Hill-Barbara as the first and only woman president in its 147-year history. Barbara also sits on the boards of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the Jewish community Relations Council of Greater Boston, and Leo is treasurer of Karas & Karas Glass Co., Inc.

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