Honorees & Comedian
Honoring
Barbara and Jerry Levin
WHEN
Sunday, June 9, 2024
EVENT CO-CHAIRS
Adina Loewensteiner
Blair Goldsmith
Barbara and Jerry Levin
Jewish Family Services is thrilled to announce Live Laugh Give 2024 honorees, Barbara and Jerry Levin. The couple are long-time residents of Charlotte, and contributed greatly to the building of Charlotte’s Jewish Community and the Greater Charlotte community. They have demonstrated their strong belief in giving and leaving the world and community a better place through their many actions and financial support throughout the community.
Jerry began working with his father at the family business, Lebo’s Inc. He was instrumental in changing it from a family show store to 3 stores in 1- footwear, riding wear, and dancewear. Today, Lebo’s has grown into a supplier of apparel to dance schools around the country. Jerry has been active in many facets of the community, including Temple Israel, the Jewish Federation of greater Charlotte, the Jewish Heritage Foundation of N.C., the National Shoe Retail Association, Charlotte Ballet Association, and Jewish War Veterans. He has always been a proud supporter of Israel and advocate for Israel Bonds serving as chairman for the past 15 years.
Barbara was born in Providence, R.I., but has Charlotte roots. Her grandparents lived here and her mother was born here. On one of her visits to Charlotte, she met Jerry and they married in 1951. She’s been active across the community, including B’nai Brith Girls, WSOC Radio, Charlotte Regional Ballet, Children’s Theater, and a Braille transcriber for Mecklenburg Association of the Blind. She was President of, and is a Life Member of, Hadassah, and has been involved with Temple Israel, the Jewish Federation of greater Charlotte, Lion of Judah, the Charlotte Jewish Day School, and the LJCC.
Barbara and Jerry were one of the original backers of the purchase of Shalom Park, and Jerry worked on the document governing Shalom Park. They also founded the Charlotte Jewish Day School Scholarship Endowment Fund, started and funded the Jewish Middle School and together have worked and continue to support many worthwhile activities in the community. Barbara and Jerry truly demonstrate the values of Tzedakah and Tikun Olam. At 95 and 99, they have been married 71 years and have 4 children, 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Modi, Stand-Up Comedian
Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter, Modi is one of the comedy circuit’s most sought after performers. Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and E! Entertainment, Modi has received rave reviews in The New York Times, Time Out NY and The New York Post.
Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi emigrated with his family to the United States at the age of seven and was raised on Long Island. After graduating from Boston University, he worked as an investment banker until his first open-mic night made him realize that stand-up was his true calling. Equipped with a sharp wit and a knack for reading an audience, Modi has gone on to become a successful fixture in New York’s vibrant comedy scene, often doing bits that incorporate his heritage, and he is a hit with diverse Jewish audiences as well as fans of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Now a regular performer at the New York and Los Angeles comedy clubs, Modi also headlines around the country and across the globe. He is a co-founder of The Chosen Comedy Festival, a celebration of Jewish humor that was launched in 2022. The festival features diverse comedy acts and has brought laughter to thousands of people in NYC, Miami, Los Angeles, and more.
Modi has played himself on HBO’s Crashing and Netflix’s When Jews Were Funny. He’s also appeared in several feature films and played leading roles in two: Waiting for Woody Allen, which won the LA Film Festival, and Stand Up, a feature-length film. In 2018, Mayor Bill De Blasio declared June 26th ‘Mordechi Modi Rosenfeld Day’ in the city of New York for his accomplishments and contributions to the artistic community.
For more information and question please contact Susan Meyer, Development Manager at 704.364-6594 or susan.meyer@jfscharlotte.org
