Welcoming Our New Executive Director, Emily Benedix
A Message from Cristyne Porile, President of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Emily Benedix as our Federation’s new Executive Director, effective January 12, 2026.
Many of you will remember Emily from her years of service within our Federation before she moved on to broaden her experience. During that time, she played a vital role in our development, community outreach, and staff support. Her return feels like welcoming back family—someone who knows our values, history, and the spirit that drives our work.
Emily comes to us with four years of Executive Director experience. She is completing her tenure at Northwest Indiana’s Federation, where she strengthened partnerships and advanced community programs. Her leadership and expertise make her exceptionally well-prepared for this role.
What stands out most about Emily is not only her professional skill but her heart for this community. She is deeply committed to building on the foundation laid by her predecessors and carrying forward the vision of unity, compassion, and connection that defines our organization.
We also acknowledge the profound loss of Moshe Kruger z”l, our beloved former Executive Director, whose leadership and extraordinary vision shaped us in countless ways. As we step into this new chapter, Emily’s guidance will help us honor his legacy while moving forward together.
Beginning January 12, Emily will meet with staff, volunteers, partners, and community members to listen, learn, and reconnect. I am confident her thoughtful leadership and collaborative approach will inspire confidence as we chart a hopeful path ahead.
Please join me in warmly welcoming Emily back to our community as she steps into her new role as Executive Director. We look forward to working with her as we honor our past, embrace our present, and begin to chart a new, thoughtful, and hopeful path into our future.
Cristyne Porile
President of the Board of Directors
president@thejewishfed.org
A Message from Steve Lotter, Interim Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley
Over the last two and a half weeks, I’ve been humbled to take on a leadership role during a time of immense loss for our community. As of November 21, 2025, I have officially assumed the position of Interim Executive Director of our Jewish Federation and will serve in this capacity until our incoming director, Emily Benedix, joins us in January.
I bring over three years of experience as our Jewish Federation’s Director of Community Engagement & Marketing, where I’ve focused on strengthening relationships within both the Jewish community and the broader Michiana region. In addition to leading engagement initiatives, I serve as editor of Our Community Newsletter and as Director of the Michiana Jewish Film Festival, roles that have deepened my commitment to cultural enrichment and community connection. This past year, I completed the Jewish Federations of North America’s year-long Executive Accelerator program, further equipping me with the strategic and leadership skills necessary to excel in this short-term role.
As our professional team transitions to new leadership over the next six weeks, I want you to feel complete confidence in our ability to lead. At the center of this effort is our Director of Operations and Finance, Dan Cossman—a steady, driving force behind the scenes who ensures our Federation runs efficiently and responsibly. Dan will continue to provide trusted guidance and handle all matters related to operations and finance.
The rest of our Federation team is ready to rise to this moment—not only as a community grieving the loss of a beloved leader, but as a community with tremendous opportunity ahead. Together, we can build on the foundation laid by our late Executive Director, Moshe Kruger z”l, and continue his example of connection and community building. This dedicated team includes Jordan Price, Director of Programming & Community Relations; Dr. Louise Williams, Administrative Assistant and project lead for Voices of the Future; Rabbi Fred Nebel, Director of Jewish Family Services; Omer Karavani, Israeli Emissary; and Ben Barwick, Facilities Associate. Each of them brings unique strengths and unwavering commitment to our mission.
Join us as we lean into the important work of community building in the months ahead. Mark your calendars for our 2026 Campaign Kickoff Comedy Showcase on Saturday, December 13, and our 8th Annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting in Downtown South Bend on Sunday, December 14. Plus, spread the word about this year’s Winter Camp Ideal—December 22–26—featuring a STEAM focus (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Music) for children.
Together, let’s continue to bring Jewish joy and connection to our community.
Steve Lotter
Interim Executive Director
steve@thejewishfed.org
(574) 233-1164 x1805