February CJN

Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community Executive Director Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community (FCJC) proudly announces the establishment of a new endowment, the Sandra Goldman Cemetery Beautification Endowment. Established by anonymous donors, the endowment has been created to recognize the inspirational work and commitment of Sandra Goldman on behalf of the Hebrew Cemetery Association and will provide annual support to maintain the cemetery’s beauty.

“What an incredible honor to have an endowment created in my name,” said Goldman, who has served as the cemetery’s director since 2009. “Our Hebrew Cemetery and the Jewish community have an incredibly special space in my heart, and this gesture humbles me immensely. I recognize this endowment will give many people the comfort of knowing that the cemetery grounds will always look beautiful. That is the biggest gift of all.”

A native of Liechtenstein, Goldman came to the U.S. in 1995 after living in Zurich and spending time in Israel, where she met her husband, Yaron. Together with their four children, they arrived in Charlotte in 2005, where she immediately immersed herself in the Jewish community. She joined the cemetery staff as a part-time employee in 2009 and was elevated to full time in 2016. In her time at the cemetery, she has assisted with more than 500 burials.

“On behalf of the Hebrew Cemetery Association, I would like to thank our anonymous donors for establishing this endowment to honor Sandra,” said Moses Luski, president of the Hebrew Cemetery Association and board chair. “She has aided and provided comfort to so many families during a very challenging time in their lives. Sandra’s personality and dedication to the cemetery allow her to help families navigate through the burial process with empathy and care. She is a true mensch.”

In addition to her role at the cemetery, Sandra has been a member of Charlotte’s local Hadassah chapter, having served as president as well as on the regional board. She currently serves on the board of the Patient and Family Advisory Council at Atrium Health Levine Cancer and is a very active fundraiser for breast cancer causes, raising funds for research to find a cure and supporting the un/underinsured with free mammograms and education. Over the years she has raised more than $800,000.

The Sandra Goldman Cemetery Beautification Endowment has been established at Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community to assist with the annual upkeep of our community cemetery, established in 1867 and located on Statesville Avenue. It is the hope of the anonymous donors that others will contribute to the endowment to retain the cemetery’s beauty and honor Sandra.

All gifts to the Sandra Goldman Cemetery Beautification Endowment should be sent to the Hebrew Cemetery Association 5007 Providence Road, Suite 113, Charlotte NC 28226. For additional information or questions, call (704) 944-6854.