Monday, August 25, 2025
11:45 am – 1:15 am
Doors open: 11:15 am

Location: Close proximity to Bexley. Exact location will be shared upon registration.

Gwen Werman, Shelly Igdaloff, Clemy Keidan
Mosaic 2025 Co-Chairs

Elected in 1985 as the first woman to lead the Columbus Jewish Federation (now JewishColumbus), Miriam Yenkin began her involvement as a young wife and mother in her early 20s. In 1960, she won the community’s first Young Leadership Award.

Over six decades, Miriam demonstrated leadership in Columbus and nationally and internationally. As a Vice-President of the National Council of Jewish Federations (CJF) and a National Vice-Chair of United Jewish Appeal (UJA), she made numerous trips to Israel and Eastern Europe during the challenging periods of freeing Russian Jewry and rescuing the Ethiopian community. She participated in the historic 1990 UJA “Operation Exodus” mission in Moscow.

Locally, Miriam championed Day School education and secured community support. Following the 1990 National Population Study, she chaired a groundbreaking initiative to fund Jewish Identity programs. In the broader Central Ohio community, she has been active in the leadership of numerous and diverse important initiatives over the years. Miriam was an early co-recipient of the Mayor’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Miriam firmly believes that “one can make a difference.” She has indeed been one who has made a difference in the many causes and initiatives where she has involved herself.

Tessa Veksler is a Jewish advocate, public speaker, and content creator with over 40,000 followers and 7.5 million video views. A former Student Body President at UC Santa Barbara—and the first Shabbat-observant person to hold the role—she became a leading voice for Israel and Jewish life on campus following a formative gap year in Israel.

After experiencing antisemitism in the wake of October 7, Tessa began using her platform to speak out boldly and inspire others to stand strong against hate.Tessa has become a prominent Jewish and Zionist voice on social media. She has received numerous recognitions, including invitations to the White House and UCSB’s University Service Award. In addition to her recent feature in the documentary ‘October 8th’, she now travels nationwide to share her message of strength, resilience, and continued activism while simultaneously working in public relations for Hiltzik Strategies in New York City. 

To learn more about Tessa Veksler:

• Jerusalem Post Article
• CLICK HERE to watch the “October 8th” trailer.