October 2, 2017, New York, NY – Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) President Rabbi Rick Jacobs and Chair of the Board of Trustees Daryl Messinger announced today that Riva Silverman will join the URJ’s executive leadership team as Vice President of Philanthropy. Silverman begins her new role after Thanksgiving. The URJ leads the largest, most diverse movement in Jewish life, numbering 900 congregations and embracing nearly 2 million people.
Silverman has more than 25 years of non-profit philanthropy, and Jewish social justice experience building high-functioning development teams that have helped to ignite the interest and 
commitment of philanthropists, activists, and Jewish leaders around the world and raised tens of millions of dollars. Most recently, Silverman was Vice President for External Affairs at HIAS, the global Jewish nonprofit that protects refugees. She has held senior positions at American Jewish World Service (AJWS), the Masorti Foundation, and the New Israel Fund. She has also served as Program Director for the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights, and as a congregational president.
“Riva’s exceptional abilities and experience with Jewish communal organizations will help amplify the URJ’s philanthropy to further expand our work strengthening congregations and communities that connect people to Jewish life,” said Rabbi Jacobs. “We also want to thank Amy Bebchick for her skillful leadership during the interim and for her continued leadership as Director of Philanthropy. On behalf of the entire staff, I am thrilled to welcome Riva to the URJ and to the Reform Movement.”
“Riva’s proven effectiveness leading high-functioning development efforts will mean greater strategic impact for all of the URJ’s philanthropic activities,” said Messinger. “Her knowledge of and connections in the Jewish community will engage donors, funders, and leaders with opportunities to get involved. I look forward to working with Riva to help the URJ reach higher levels of philanthropic support than ever.”
“I’m honored to join the URJ and to work with this outstanding development team. We will continue to build on the strong engagement that Reform Movement leadership has with the philanthropic community,” said Silverman. “My expertise and my values—and my passion for Jewish communal life, worship, and social justice—align perfectly with this opportunity.”
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About the Union for Reform Judaism
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) builds community at every level—from the way we collaborate with congregations, organizations, and individuals to how we make connections across North America to advance contemporary and inclusive Jewish life. Providing vision and voice to transform the way people connect to Judaism, we help congregations stay relevant and innovative, motivate more young Jews to embrace Jewish living, agitate for a more progressive society, and foster meaningful connections to Israel.
Founded in 1873, URJ has grown into the largest and most powerful force in North American Jewish life, with nearly 900 member congregations and work that inspires, connects, and educates millions of people. Our legacy, reach, leadership, and vision mean that we can unite thousands of years of tradition with a modern, evolving Judaism to strengthen Jewish communities today and for future generations.
Visit us at www.URJ.org to learn about our social justice initiatives, camps and programs for young Jews, services for congregations and communities, and how you can work with us to create a more just, whole, and compassionate world. Enjoy related content at ReformJudaism.org and connect with URJ on Twitter and Facebook.