As the daughter of Holocaust survivors, numerous Jewish issues are important to Esther Shacket.  From the need for the existence of Israel to the plight faced by Jewish women suffering from domestic abuse, Esther has long been committed to the Jewish concerns.  For more than 30 years, she has been an active member and an important voice in the South Florida Jewish Community. 

She was born in Poland and grew up in Israel where served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in the area of psychological research.    Although her childhood was primarily secular, she always felt connected to Jewish life.  “But,” she says, “here in the United States, its critical to have a real connection to Judaism.”

Esther’s connection to Jewish life is manifested in many ways.  She is the founder of the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Broward County, which was formed in 2007.  “I wanted to affect social change and address the needs of women and girls in the Jewish Community, both locally and in Israel, but it was also essential to me to create a permanent legacy,” she said.  “The Jewish Women’s Foundation is that legacy.”  She is also the immediate past chair of the Israel and Overseas Committee, where she was instrumental in moving forward the partnership with the city of Nesher – building bridges and making connections with Nesher in order to make lasting relationships and strengthen the connections with Israel.  “These connections,” she said, “are ones that come from the heart.”

Esther’s contribution to the Jewish Community doesn’t stop there.  She is a founding member of KOLOT at JFS of Broward, a coalition that helps women who are victims of domestic violence.  “Kolot means ‘voices’ and these women must have a voice – they must be heard,” said Esther.

Esther does nothing half-heartedly and says that she has always felt the need to be a trailblazer and make a difference. 

She and her husband Roger, who are co-owners of a property management company, also have instilled the sense of Jewish connection to their children, Nicole and Kevin.  Esther commented that the biggest impact on her children’s sense of Judaism was traveling to Israel with the Federation Young Leadership missions.  “I was thrilled to hear my son call me from Israel to tell me what a wonderful trip he was having and how he was more committed than ever,” she said.  “He and his sister are both involved with Jewish programs.  Nicole is the most recent co-chair of the Young Leadership Division’s Signature Event,” said Esther proudly. 

Esther returned to Israel herself on a Chazak, a Federation leadership mission four years ago – a trip that had a significant effect on her, as well. Traveling through Poland, visiting the sites of devastation, she said no one can be untouched by what they see there.  “I was on a warm bus on a cold November day, but seeing the horror in Auschwitz was truly chilling – the word ‘chilling’ is not just a metaphor – I was actually cold inside,” she said.  Her visit to Poland reaffirmed her belief that there must be a strong Israel – this is critical to the existence of Jews everywhere.. 

Esther is passionate about everything she does. While raising a family, Esther always stayed involved in the family business.  Fulfilling an old dream, she returned to college to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology from FAU in 2001.  She is looking at various options to continue her education.

“I am so proud to be part of the Jewish community, to contribute and to add and to make a sense of connection,” said Esther.  “In Israel, you feel connected to Jewish life by simply being there, but in the United States, you need to create the connection and make it work.”

Esther has been making that connection to the benefit of the entire South Florida community for more than three decades.  With the support of her husband and children, her commitment continues to this day, and for many years to come.

Tags: Esther Shacket, Jewish Federation of Broward County, Jewish Women's Foundation

 Email This Article