Honoring Rose and Victor Ackermann Community Impact Award

Every thriving community is built on the steady presence of people who show up, stay involved, and give from the heart. Our Sneaker Soiree honorees embody this spirit in every way. Their love for Jewish learning and their dedication to building a proud, flourishing Jewish community shape B’nai Shalom each and every day. For all this and more, we are thrilled to announce Rose and Victor Ackermann as our 2026 Community Impact Award recipients.

Jewish tradition teaches, “As my ancestors planted for me, so I plant for my children.” The last name, Ackermann, literally meaning “farmer,” beautifully symbolizes Rose and Victor’s life's work and this piece of wisdom. Like devoted farmers, they plant seeds trusting that the harvest will bless generations to come. And today, B’nai Shalom students walk our hallways growing from the seeds the Ackermanns planted, their influence felt in every corner.

In the 1990s, Rose and Victor stood at the heart of the campaign that built entirely new wings of our school (The Kimberly Susan Bates Educational Complex and The Bernard Robinson Education Center), transformative projects that still nurture generations of children. With vision, determination, and a generous dose of humor, they rallied hundreds of people around the promise of creating something lasting. Furthermore, through initiatives such as the Herman and Zelda Bernard Endowment Fund, they ensure that each new generation benefits from their generosity. Long after their daughters’ graduation (Dina, Class of 96’ and Donna, Class of 99’), they have never stepped away from that sense of responsibility. Their care, like the lessons they instilled, has no expiration date.

Rose and Victor remain devoted to B’nai Shalom, alongside Dina, Donna, and their families, showing that true commitment to community is timeless. Their loyalty is unwavering. They often say that they never leave places they love, and the relationships they build are for life. Rose and Victor are not just supporters of the school; they are friends, mentors, and pillars of a community that thrives because of their enduring presence. May we all be inspired to learn from their example.

Visit https://bnai-shalom.org/sneaker-soiree to learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to make a contribution in their honor.

Join us at this year's Sneaker Soiree to celebrate Rose and Victor’s vision, their dedication, and the lasting impact of their work.