Acknowledging Champions of Disability Inclusion in the Jewish Community
About the Award
The Shore Whitehill Award, created in 1996, celebrates volunteers who promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the fabric of Jewish life through advocacy or direct service to individuals and families. Named for Robert Whitehill and the late Barbara Shore, who cochaired a task force on special needs in the Jewish community, the award is given annually by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and The Branch.
Champions of Inclusion
Awardees are selected on the basis of two criteria:
- the value of their contributions as champions of inclusion; and
- the commitment of their nominating organization or group to publicly honoring them so they may serve as a springboard for change and inspire further action by others.
Organizations that nominate awardees receive a grant of $1,000 to help underwrite the costs of a recognition event and/or inclusion activities. Awardees receive an original sculpture by the late Sylvia Plutchok, a Pittsburgh based artist.
Nomination Process
Congregations, groups, organizations and individuals that are committed to publicly celebrating champions of inclusion are encouraged to submit a nomination.
Do you know someone who is a champion of inclusion of people of all abilities in the Pittsburgh Jewish community? Do you want to celebrate their contributions?
A person eligible for nomination can be:
- A volunteer working in the Jewish community
- A paid professional working in the Jewish community who has gone above and beyond to support inclusion outside of their working hours
- An individual who promotes inclusion within the Jewish community but is not associated with a specific organization (i.e. landlords, caregivers, first responders, business owners)
- Jewish or non-Jewish
If you have questions about the nomination process, please contact Alison Karabin at akarabin@thebranchpgh.org or 412-325-0039.
Submit your nominations here.
Recipients Throughout the Years
We continue to celebrate past honorees who have gone above and beyond to promote inclusion within the Jewish community. Whether as volunteers or professionals extending their impact beyond work hours, these honorable members have each played a vital role in advancing a more inclusive world.
2015 Winner- Jane Yahr
As co-trustee of the Solomon and Sarah Goldberg Fund, Jane Yahr recognized the need for adults with intellectual disabilities to remain in the Squirrel Hill Jewish community. She led the creation of the Goldberg House, partnering The Branch with Verland to establish the first community-based group home in the area. Jane’s compassion and leadership have made a lasting impact, helping individuals live with dignity while staying connected to their faith and community.
2016 Winner- Dan Leger
Daniel Leger, RN, chaplain, and lifelong advocate, has dedicated his career to improving the lives of children and adults with disabilities and those facing serious illness. With decades of service at The Children’s Institute, Forbes Hospice, and through programs like RN+WIN and the Jewish Health Care Foundation’s “Closure,” Dan has advanced pediatric disability care, pediatric palliative care, and spiritual support for vulnerable populations.
2017 Winner- Carol Tabas
Carol Tabas has dedicated her life to advocating for full community inclusion for people with complex disabilities. Inspired by her son Chet, Carol has worked tirelessly to make Jewish institutions, schools, and community spaces more accessible and welcoming. Her leadership with Friendship Circle, United Way’s 21 and Able Initiative, Jewish Family and Children’s Service, and The Branch has shaped inclusive practices across Pittsburgh’s Jewish community.