With a father who fled Nazi Germany at age 18, and a mother who left Nebraska’s farmland to become a social worker, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal was raised with a deep dedication to public service, a duty to give back by helping others, and a bedrock belief in hard work. After being appointed U.S. Attorney for Connecticut (1977-81), and serving terms in both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly, Blumenthal was elected Connecticut’s Attorney General in 1991. He would serve an unprecedented five terms, from 1991 to 2011, fighting for people against large and powerful special interests, and recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for Connecticut taxpayers and consumers each year. In 2010, Blumenthal was elected to represent Connecticut in the United States Senate. He is currently serving his third term as U.S. Senator, and is a strong advocate for regulating Big Tech to protect adolescent mental health; lowering prescription drug prices; restoring access to reproductive healthcare; enhancing veteran health care and benefits; and making housing and childcare more affordable for American families.

Forty-two years ago, Norman and Karyn Ravski had qualms about moving from Brooklyn to New Haven. It was very easy to be Jewish in Brooklyn, but in Connecticut? Yet the move turned out to be one of the best decisions of their lives. Coming from two very Jewishly committed families inspired their commitment to be part of Jewish New Haven and to engage in all aspects of Jewish communal life. Happily, they were embraced by a warm, welcoming community, were able to pursue their passions, and found ways to fulfill themselves and raise their children in a Jewishly oriented environment, making lifelong friends along the way. As a previous JFS, Ezra Academy and Congregation B’nai Jacob board member, an Ezra parent, educator and supporter, a lifetime Hadassah member and a proud Lion of Judah, Karyn has been involved in many facets of the local Jewish community. Passionate about education, Norman joined the Ezra Academy board, serving on numerous board committees and as President from 1996 – 2000. Sydney Perry then asked him to join the Federation board to serve in the Department of Jewish Education. Norman chaperoned the New England region March of the Living, ultimately making the trip nine times. He served as Vice President of Education, as Federation President, and currently sits on the Community Impact committee, chairing the Impact Grants initiative. Karyn and Norman have lead two Federation missions, one to Israel and a second to Poland and Israel. The Ravskis told JFS: “We are humbled to be honored. We are fortunate to be able to help others and the organizations that strengthen our lives. We don’t believe what we do is extraordinary. The village that helped us raise our fantastic children is Jewish New Haven. How could we not be involved?”