On Wednesday evening, May 13, our community will gather for one of the most meaningful and joyful moments on the Jewish Federation of Detroit calendar: Awards Night 2026. Hosted at The Berman Center for the Performing Arts at The J in West Bloomfield, this annual celebration brings us together to honor extraordinary individuals whose leadership and commitment help make Jewish Detroit strong, vibrant, and enduring.
Awards Night is more than a ceremony. It is a night that reminds us that while our community may be built through institutions and programs, it is sustained by people who show up, care, and choose to lead. It is a living expression of who we are as a community and what we value most. Each year, we pause to recognize people who have chosen not only to belong to Jewish Detroit, but to shape it—to give of their time, talents, and hearts in ways that strengthen Jewish life today and secure it for generations to come.
At the heart of the evening are the recipients of the William Davidson Lifetime Achievement Award, the Federation’s highest honor. This year, we are proud to recognize Lawrence Lax and Betsy Snider Heuer—two individuals whose lifelong dedication to Jewish Detroit exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity, and purpose. Named in memory of the late William Davidson, of blessed memory, this award honors those whose sustained commitment has shaped the future of our community in profound and lasting ways. Lawrence and Betsy each have given decades of thoughtful leadership and service to our Jewish community.
Awards Night also celebrates the future of Jewish Detroit through the Young Leadership Awards, recognizing individuals who are stepping forward with energy, creativity, and a deep sense of responsibility to our community. The Frank A. Wetsman Young Leadership Award will be presented to Adam Bleznak, honoring a young man who demonstrates exceptional leadership potential, as well as interest in and service to Federation. The Sylvia Simon Greenberg Young Leadership Award, presented to Samantha Foon, recognizing an outstanding emerging young woman in the community who demonstrates leadership and service to the Federation, its partner agencies and the Annual Campaign. And the Mark-Lis Family Young Leadership Award will honor Jennifer Maxbauer. It recognizes an established young leader who has shown outstanding commitment and achieved remarkable success within Federation’s NEXTGen Detroit department.
Together, these young leaders represent something deeply hopeful. They remind us that Jewish Detroit is not standing still—but growing, evolving, and being shaped by a new generation ready to take responsibility for what comes next.
Another highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Mandell L. and Madeleine H. Berman Award for Outstanding Jewish Communal Service, honoring Rabbi Michele Faye Faudem. This award recognizes exceptional professional leadership within Jewish communal life—those who serve not for recognition, but out of deep devotion to people and purpose. Rabbi Faudem’s work reflects the vital role that dedicated professionals play alongside lay leaders in sustaining the institutions, values, and connections that hold our community together.
“Awards Night is our opportunity to pause and shine a light on the people who give Jewish Detroit its strength and heart,” said Steven Ingber, Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation of Detroit. “Each of this year’s honorees leads with intention, generosity, and a deep sense of responsibility to our community. Their contributions—spanning decades of service and the bold leadership of a new generation—remind us that our future is built by people who care deeply and act selflessly. On behalf of our entire Federation family, we congratulate our 2026 award recipients and thank them for all they have done, and continue to do, to strengthen Jewish life in Detroit.”
We invite you to be part of this special evening on Wednesday, May 13 at 7:00 pm, at The Berman Center for the Performing Arts, The J, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield. Come celebrate the leaders who inspire us, the values that unite us, and the community we are proud to call home.
Please register online at jewishdetroit.org/awards
Together, let us honor the past, celebrate the present, and look confidently toward the future—one leader, one story, and one community at a time.
