For Ariel Shore Miller, her passion for the Jewish Federation runs through her family. Growing up in a household of active lay leaders, Ariel knew from a young age the importance of supporting the Jewish community through volunteering. By the time she was in elementary school, she was already helping with Super Sunday, the organization’s largest community fundraising day of the year. Fast forward, the 31-year-old has been a dedicated member of NextGen and serves as the group’s Mitzvah Co-Chair.
As Ariel attests, her Jewish education is what shaped her into the leader she is today and fueled her fervent belief in the power of giving back, whether through time or money, to those in need.
In her spare time, the Communications Specialist at Philadelphia Gas Works is learning to play golf and still loves sending mail via "snail mail" to her family and friends.
We spoke with Ariel to learn more about her love for the Jewish community and her involvement within NextGen:
How did you first get involved with NextGen and the Jewish Federation?
My grandmother, Judy Shore was a passionate Zionist and an active member of the Jewish Federation — her dedication is a big reason why I am connected to the organization today. In elementary school, I participated in my first Jewish Federation (Super Sunday) event with my father, Mitchell Shore. The energy in the room was high and I was tasked with collecting donation cards from callers. I liked seeing the hard-working volunteers, a memory that has stuck with me to today.
As a PJDS and Akiba Hebrew Academy graduate, I had the opportunity to learn about why and how we perform mitzvot and the Jewish Federation enabled that education to come to life — through volunteer events, campaigns and activities. I joined NextGen several years ago and previously co-chaired the "Cook For a Friend" event, where attendees cooked homemade meals for aging Jewish residents at KleinLife in the Northeast.
Throughout your leadership journey in the Jewish Federation, what has been one of your most memorable experiences?
Throughout my leadership journey, I have truly enjoyed planning hands-on volunteer programs for communities in need — whether it is preparing fresh meals, sending holiday cards, gathering critical supplies or participating in an area cleanup.
What is an organization, program or cause that the Jewish Federation supports that personally resonates with you?
My Jewish education truly shaped who I am today and helps me decide between right or wrong as I navigate life. I believe supporting scholarships for Jewish education can have a huge impact in strengthening future Jewish generations.
Why do you give to the Jewish Federation?
I give because every donation, whether a financial commitment or volunteer time, contributes to a larger pool of giving that directly benefits the Jewish population both locally and globally. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia facilitates meaningful campaigns that impact real-time needs - making giving simple and the obvious answer on how to help.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to get involved in NextGen?
I recommend checking out the events calendar to get a close look at some NextGen programming, and if you see me at an event come say hi and ask questions about NextGen!
What are three fun facts about you?
- I am learning to play golf.
- I used to do media relations exclusively for Israeli start-ups looking to gain US investor attention in order to increase funding.
- I love sending cards via "snail mail" to my family and friends for all occasions, big or small. A note goes a long way
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NextGen is the young professional affinity group of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. To learn more about NextGen, please email Susan Becker at sbecker@jewishphilly.org and friend us on Facebook.
