JEWISH SPORTSMEN'S LEAGUE

The Jewish Sportsmen’s League (JSL) began some 22 years ago following an inspired Rosh Hashanah sermon at Temple Sinai. The Rabbi implored its members to find our own unique and fun way to do charitable giving. A small group, including the current and several former presidents of Temple Sinai gathered at the brunch following the service and decided that a poker game would fit the bill. And so began the JSL.

It was decided that money would be taken out of each pot and set aside in the “Rabbi’s cup.” At the conclusion of the evening the host forwarded the money in the “cup” (grossed up for taxes) to Temple Sinai. These contributions were in the name of the JSL and for several years no one knew who or what the JSL was.

Over the years two things happened. First, as members of the group expanded their involvement across many Jewish and non-Jewish organizations in the community, the giving expanded to those organizations as well. Second, the group decided to forgo their anonymity and began to take JSL ads and tables at many of the annual community fund raisers.

Today’s JSL members have been leaders within the organizations they support. The total JSL giving, separate from their personal giving, has now exceeded $120,000. They continue to be close friends and still enjoy their regular poker game.

STACY KAMISAR

Stacy Kamisar has been an active member of the Jewish and secular community. She has served as Vice President on the Executive Committee of TCS for four years, previously serving as a chair of the religious school, adult education and membership committees. In addition, Stacy served on the executive boards of both Weston Middle School and Hurlbutt Elementary School, overseeing the creation of two playgrounds during her tenure. She served on the Weston Youth Advisory Committee, TEAM Weston and was a founding member of the CT Chapter of the Food Allergy Initiative. Currently, Stacy is the Director of Programming and Partnerships for the Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County, where she created such community projects as Books2Connect, which has provided more than 10,000 books to families in need over the past ten years, in an effort to improve childhood literacy.

JULIA MARX

After starting her legal career as a criminal defense lawyer, Julia transitioned to commercial real estate and was an associate at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld and what is now Dentons in New York City. Upon moving to Westport, Julia became the general counsel of Summit Development and now has her own commercial real estate practice. Julia has served as a member of the Saugatuck Elementary School Executive Committee, chair of membership for TCS, and chair of allocations and Vice President for Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County. She and her husband, Andrew Genser, have two children, Abigail and Matthew. Julia graduated from Johns Hopkins University and Emory University School of Law.

SHERI WARSHAW

Community service is a central part of Sheri Warshaw’s life. As a longtime member of The Conservative Synagogue (TCS) in Westport, CT, Sheri has served as a Vice President on the Executive Committee, Chair of the Social Action/Tikkun Olam Committee, and personally coordinated countless Mitzvah Days through the years.

Sheri has loved volunteering for over a decade with Schoke Jewish Family Service organizing holiday food drives, Doorstep Delivery Programs and Hanukkah gift giving events. In addition, Sheri’s joy has been coordinating friendly visits with adults and teens and Schoke Jewish Family Service clients. Sheri is also proud of her work as a court-appointed special advocate for children through Child Advocates of SW Connecticut. Outside of Connecticut, Sheri is involved in Candlelighters NYC, an organization that provides emotional, educational and practical support to families of children with childhood cancer. Mitzvah work on behalf of children has always touched Sheri’s heart.

Sheri is a Magna Cum Laude graduate from the University of Pennsylvania and the mother of two, Brette and Sammy. Sheri works on Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens and is carrying forward a family tradition of working in the real estate business. Sheri recently moved to Mamaroneck, NY after twenty-seven years in Westport, CT, but continues to volunteer in Fairfield County and beyond.