Jewish Community Heroes - The Final Five

For the past 3 months the Jewish Community Heroes campaign has been highlighting the efforts of North American Jews who are committed to affecting their communities in positive ways - whether by encouraging people to volunteer, supporting children with special needs or helping Jewish immigrants. The campaign aims to celebrate the "selflessness and courage of those who put others before themselves" and after weeks of voting five finalists have been selected. The winner will be announced at the General Assembly that's taking place in Washington D.C. in a few days, where he or she will also receive $25,000 to fund their community projects. I love that this campaign is honoring everyday folks for devoting themselves to the greater good. Oh and another cool thing taking place at the GA? President Obama is speaking.

Update 11/09/09: White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel will address the GA on behalf of the Obama Administration

The five finalists are:

• Yonah Bookstein, who "is one of the reasons that thousands of Jews in the SoCal Area are proud to be Jewish on College Campuses, whether it be religiously, culturally, or politically."
• Ari Teman, who is the founder of JCorps and has inspired "thousands of young Jewish adults... into volunteering around the world."
• Devora Benjamin, who "dedicated her time and money to helping young Jewish people without parents or money have special and meaningful weddings."
• Shmuly Yanklowitz, who is the founder of the Orthodox social justice movement Uri L'Tzedek and has "helped lead the fight for greater transparency and ethical standards in the kosher food industry."
• Rabbi Levi Shemtov, who "together with his wife Bassie founded and run[s] the ever growing Friendship Circle, an International organization dedicated to Children with special needs and their families."

You can learn more about these finalists and also view videos about their projects by clicking on the links above. If you were choosing the winner, who would you pick?