Beverly Liss
Interviewed by Michael Berke
May 28, 2019
Max M. Fisher Federation Building
Beverly Liss
Video 00:35:46
Beverly Liss
Audio 00:35:46
Abstract
This interview begins with a discussion of Beverly Liss’s childhood in Texas and her religious upbringing, meeting her husband Arthur and moving to Michigan. She talks about her first involvement with the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation and the different positions that she held, leading her to campaign chair and then president. Topics covered include her mentors within the department, staff she worked with, and engaging women. She also discusses some of her observations as the current president of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.
History of Narrator
Beverly Liss was born on January 11, 1948 and is a native of Corpus Christi, Texas. She received a degree in social work from the University of Texas.
Beverly has held many positions within JFMD’s Women’s Department, including President (1998-2000), Campaign Chair (1996-1998), Long Range Planning Committee, Partnership 2000 Women to Women Committee, Lion of Judah Affinity Committee, Education Committee, and Endowment Committee. She was the first chairman and co-creator the JFDM Women’s Choices Program.
In addition to her work with the WD, Beverly has held leadership roles throughout the Detroit Jewish community. She served as president of Adat Shalom Synagogue, chair of the Jewish Women’s Foundation, sat on the JFMD Board of Governors, served as JFMD Campaign Chair, and currently serves as JFMD President.
She has been active on many boards, including Hillel Day School, the Jewish Community Center, the Agency for Jewish Education, and Bar Ilan.
Beverly was recognized with the Sylvia Simon Greenberg Young Leadership Award in 1987.
Transcript
Important Subjects
Important Names
Credit as: Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives. Beverly Liss Oral History Interview, May 28, 2019.