In Memory of JCCFA Director, Nicky Spivak

From our President, Jennifer Wood

Shalom,

Our community is in shock…this is what I’m hearing from all of you who have reached out to us upon hearing of Nicky’s sudden passing. Nicky had talked to me about his article for this week, and he wanted to write about the six-month anniversary of the hostage situation in Israel so I want to acknowledge that. Israel was close to Nicky’s heart and over the years, he’d taken many trips there. It was clear that he really loved the land and the people, like most of us.

I met Nicky almost two years ago when he came to visit Augusta after accepting the position of Executive Director of our new organization, the JCCFA. We’d spoken by phone but didn’t meet in person until that Annual Meeting where I was installed as President. He was excited to be moving to our area. He had so many thoughts and plans for our growth, and we often said we were learning together, me as the first President of the new organization and him as the first Executive Director.

Nicky loved this community, loved being closer to his sister and his son and daughter, and he loved his job. In the small amount of time our community was privileged to have Nicky lead the JCCFA, he made an impact and he will be missed. I’ve fielded many calls from those not in our community as the word of Nicky’s passing has spread. Texts have come from Florida where he previously served, Arizona where he was director of a large conservative synagogue, and more. He will be missed, and his memory will definitely be a blessing for us all.

As Nicky would have wanted, our organization will continue to move forward. We have a strong Board of Directors and membership to keep us going. Please reach out to us through the office for any needs you may have, and someone from our leadership will follow up with you.


Jennifer Wood

President JCCFA