Barry Shrage

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Barry Shrage has served as president of CJP—Boston’s Jewish Federation—since 1987. Under Barry’s leadership, CJP is focused on three priorities: Jewish education and engaging future generations, strengthening our connection to Israel through community-to-community and people-to-people partnerships, and creating a caring community. He champions true partnerships between CJP, donors and recipient organizations—inspiring the Jewish community to contribute more than $42 million to CJP’s 2011 Annual Campaign.

Barry has been instrumental in the creation of several cutting-edge programs designed to engage the next generation in meaningful Jewish life, and create a welcoming, inclusive Jewish community. Projects includeMe’ah, an intensive Jewish adult education curriculum; and Ikkarim, a Jewish learning program for parents of young children. Pioneered in Boston, both programs are now being replicated nationwide. Barry also spearheaded a successful incentive grant program that supports Jewish overnight camp opportunities for children. He helped Boston’s Peerless Excellence and Affordability projects for Jewish day schools, as well as innovative efforts aimed at strengthening synagogues and synagogue schools.

Barry is one of Israel’s most passionate and effective advocates in Boston. More than 20 years ago, he helped to establish the Boston-Haifa Connection, a sister city relationship that has resulted in mutually beneficial social programs. Barry was among the first Federation leaders to embrace the power of Taglit-Birthright Israel, and has worked to send 10,000 Boston-area college students on free trips to Israel. CJP’s Birthright Israel Campus Initiative has become a national model that empowers students to become lifelong advocates for Israel.

During the recession that began in 2008, Barry helped to develop CJP’s Economic Response, which provided additional funding to meet the needs of the most vulnerable, including isolated seniors, immigrants, the unemployed and people with disabilities.

After graduating from City College of New York, Barry earned a master’s degree in social work from Boston University. He and his wife Ellie live in Newton, where they raised their two children. They have two grandchildren.