Welcome to “Leadership Spotlight”, where Jewish Federation of Macon and Middle Georgia recognizes the achievements and talents of our outstanding community members.
“Spotlight” currently focuses on the service of our many women Presidents who’ve successfully managed and led the congregations of both Temple Beth Israel and Congregation Sha’arey Israel.
Today’s Spotlight Q & A is with Macon/Middle Georgia native Shelley Davidson who served as President of Congregation Sha’arey Israel in Macon once from 2005-2007 and again from 2011-2013.
Do you have a particular memory or challenge that stands out for you during your time as president of Congregation Sha’arey Israel that you'd care to share?
Both times I was president, we did not have a permanent Rabbi. I headed up the search committee during my last term and was able to get Rabbi Aaron Rubinstein back from Memphis after he had left us to go there so his children would have access to a Jewish Day School. My husband was Ritual Chair so we both stayed very busy.
Tell us about your heroes, someone you admire, or someone who inspires your faith and why we should get to know more about them.
I had several older congregants that I admired. One strong figure was Leah Chanin. She was a family friend, one of my professors at Mercer Law School and a dedicated Jew who managed to do it all and make it look easy.
What is special about the Macon and Middle Georgia Jewish Community to you?
Age is not a boundary for friendship. We have many links across generational lines and are a friendly and productive community who helps each other in times of need.