Maximize Your Return on Life Podcast: Recent Episodes
Shari Greco Reiches
Welcome to the Maximize Your Return on Life podcast! I’m Shari Greco Reiches, your host. I’m a Behavioral Finance Expert and the Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Rappaport Reiches Capital Management. As an investment advisor, I guide clients to reflect upon their Core Values as they make major life decisions. My podcast highlights real people with real stories who have embraced this approach to achieve success. I hope their stories will inspire you to Maximize Your Return on Life!
Shari talks with Johanna Smith about Harmonious Balance, a concept to help individuals live their best lives through the practice of holistic energy management. Johanna shares:
- how she went from engineering to the wellness field
- how she came up with the idea of Harmonious Balance
- how to achieve Harmonious Balance
- the four energies – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual
- the concept of balance-in and harmony-out
Johanna also discusses insights if you are thinking of a career change, and how she maximizes her own return on life.
About Johanna:
Johanna Smith is an engineer turned career coach turned founder of Harmonious Balance, holding a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in counseling. Johanna’s career experience spans nearly 10 years in the automotive industry and over 15 years in higher education. She has worked with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds including factory workers, skilled trades, undergraduate students, graduate students (including MBA and PhD) and working professionals. After experiencing unexpected job loss, Johanna decided to leverage the entirety of her background, education, experiences, and strengths to offer thought leadership in the wellness arena that makes a difference on an individual level but also translates to society at large.
Visit the Harmonious Balance website to learn more and book a session. Use the coupon code MYRL25 at checkout for 25% off 1:1 sessions. Coupon expires 2/15/25.
Website: https://harmoniousbalancejs.com/
Connect with Johanna:https://www.linkedin.com/in/harmoniousbalance/
Substack: https://harmoniousbalance.substack.com/
The Corporate Athlete Advantage
Atlas of the Heart
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.
To learn more about Shari Greco Reiches, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/
To learn more about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/
Maximize Your Return on Life LinkedIn
To discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/blogs-and-more/do-you-know-your-core-values
Shari talks with Ellen Rogin, a bestselling author and trainer to financial advisors. Shari and Ellen share a common bond – they have both built careers based on taking the stress out of money. They discuss Ellen’s new book, Messages from Money, including how to move from money worry to money welcome, the difference between goal setting and goal getting, how to use prosperity practices to shift your mindset form scarcity to abundance, and how to make your money a force for good in the world. Ellen also shares how she maximizes her return on life.
About Ellen:
Ellen Rogin, CPA, CFP® is a money expert, financial intuitive, New York Times best-selling author of Picture Your Prosperity, and author of Messages from Money: How to Stress Less, Prosper More, and Reshape Your Relationship with Money. Through her “Messages from Money” consultations, Ellen connects with the energy of money and delivers messages that help her clients achieve happier, more abundant lives. Ellen is also a sought-after speaker on the art of prosperity, and her work has been featured on CNBC, ABC, NPR, TIME, and Oprah Magazine. As a CPA, CFP®, Ellen worked as a traditional financial advisor for over 25 years before selling her successful wealth management firm.
Connect with Ellen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenrogin/
www.ellenrogin.com
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.
To learn more about Shari Greco Reiches, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/
To learn more about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/
Maximize Your Return on Life LinkedIn
To discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/blogs-and-more/do-you-know-your-core-values
A majority of women will one day be solely in charge of their finances. Shari talks with our Senior Financial Advisors Kristyn Gibson and Liz Xilas about why it is so important for women to take an active role in their finances now. For women in charge of their finances, Kristyn and Liz provide tips about spending, financial and estate planning, investing and much more. They also share how important it is to assemble “your team”, manage your emotions, take a breath, and invest in yourself.
About Kristyn: Kristyn Gibson CFP®, is a Senior Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor at Rappaport Reiches Capital Management. Kristyn is a CFP® professional and Series 65 licensed; and through a comprehensive approach, she will be your partner and help navigate life’s financial decisions. Kristyn volunteers with Wings For Widows as a financial coach providing personalized financial wellness coaching to help widows move forward with confidence and hope. She also serves on the Outreach Committee at Kenilworth Union Church which awards grants to over 30 nonprofit benevolence agencies each year. Kristyn loves to talk about investing, financial planning, and travelling with family and friends.
Connect with Kristyn on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/kristyn-gibson-cfp®-017452157
About Liz: Liz Xilas is a Senior Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor at Rappaport Reiches Capital Management. Through a holistic approach Liz will help you use your financial resources to achieve what you care about most in life. The result is a long-term, sleep-well-at-night solution, aligned with your core values. Liz is Vice President on the Executive Committee and immediate past chair of the Investment Committee of The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, she serves as a Grant Review Chair for Impact Grants Chicago, and Liz actively contributes to the Institutional Advancement Committee at The Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School. Liz loves to talk about investing, financial planning, and what new shows to binge watch.
Connect with Liz on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/liz-xilas-08624318
Protecting Your Financial Information – Cybersecurity 101 Webinar
Download our Just In Case document
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.
To learn more about Shari Greco Reiches, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/
To learn more about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/
Maximize Your Return on Life LinkedIn
To discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/blogs-and-more/do-you-know-your-core-values
Jennifer Gray, “The Brand Therapist”, has navigated the business and therapy worlds for almost twenty years. She counsels overwhelmed professionals on how to boldly reimagine their life.
In her conversation with Shari, Jennifer discusses the relationship between people pleasing and burnout and the conflict between personal and professional values. They also discuss the signs of burnout and tips to manage burnout. Jennifer also talks about how she maximizes her return on life.
About Jennifer:
Jennifer Gray is a sought-after mental health therapist and coach helping entrepreneurs develop bold confidence and a fulfilling business. Her expertise has been featured in Forbes, New York Magazine, The Journal of Financial Planning, and more. With 20 collective years of education and experience in finance and behavior, she deeply understands the complexities of struggling with self-doubt, burnout, perfectionism, and overwhelm as an entrepreneur. When she isn’t excitedly empowering others to build the business and life of their dreams, you can catch her in the Pacific Northwest soaking up nature, traveling, laughing, learning, and dancing with her partner and pets.
Connect with Jennifer: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifergraylpc
Jennifer Gray Counseling Website: https://www.jennifergraycounseling.com/
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.
To learn more about Shari Greco Reiches, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/
To learn more about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/
Maximize Your Return on Life LinkedIn
To discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/blogs-and-more/do-you-know-your-core-values
Shari talks with Susan and Lorri about their journey to co-founding Senior Living Specialists Chicago, a premier local and free Senior Community Referral Service. Susan and Lorri explained the different types of senior communities, from independent living to nursing homes. They discuss who benefits from their services, their process to finding the perfect community and how finances impact their clients’ decisions. They share some success stories – and how they maximize their return on life.
Susan Heymann was born and raised in the North Shore of Chicago. After attending Miami of Ohio, she worked as a stockbroker for several years before settling down in Deerfield where she raised three wonderful children. Susan’s recent experience, caring for her aging father, connected her with many different people in the greater senior living community. She loves helping all people and finding meaning in working alongside seniors and their families. In her spare time, Susan enjoys painting, antiquing, gardening, playing with her dogs and being a proud Board Member of Project H.O.O.D. of Chicago. Susan is a Certified Dementia Specialist.
Lorri Bernstein has been volunteering with seniors since she was a little girl and has always been fascinated with and in awe of senior’s life experiences and earned wisdom. She co- founded (with Susan Heymann) Senior Living Specialists Chicago in 2020, offering a complimentary service helping seniors navigate finding senior living communities – from Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. When not working, Lorri enjoys her four adult children, yoga, walking any and everywhere, and serving on a committee for Twilight Wish Foundation. Lorri has a Master of Social Work, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner.
Connect with Senior Living Specialists: https://seniorlivingspecialistschicago.com/
Website: https://seniorlivingspecialistschicago.com/
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.
To learn more about Shari Greco Reichas, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/
To learn more about Rappaport Reichas Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/
Maximize Your Return on Life Linkedin
To discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/blogs-and-more/do-you-know-your-core-values
Where does all my money go? This is a question many people can’t answer. In this podcast, Shari talks to budgeting expert (and little brother) Adam Greco about budgeting tips. Adam is a budgeting fanatic. He lays out three budgeting strategies: A) Set an annual saving goal and the budget will fall into place. B) Use a spreadsheet and budget the big items – rent/mortgage, insurance, debt, health, travel, etc. C) Use a comprehensive budgeting program like Quicken. Adam will help you align your expenses to your values and give you peace of mind. Remember: You can have anything you want, not everything.
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Adam Greco is one of the leaders of the digital marketing analytics industry. As one of the earliest customers and employees at Omniture, he has helped thousands of organizations improve their digital properties through the use of data. Adam has blogged extensively about digital marketing analytics and authored the preeminent book on Adobe Analytics. Adam has served as a board member of several digital analytics organizations and has won several awards from the Digital Analytics Association. Adam is currently a product evangelist for Amplitude, where he helps leading organizations strategize around using data to accelerate growth.
Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamgreco/
www.amplitude.com
Fun with budgets!
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.
To learn more about Shari Greco Reiches, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/
To learn more about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/
To discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/blogs-and-more/do-you-know-your-core-values
Shari talks with Susan about the 20th anniversary of her book, The New Success Rules for Women: 10 Surefire Strategies for Reaching Your Career Goals. Some of her success rules include: The more relationships you have, the more you can get done, and make the “ask” (for business, clients , experiences, pay and more) so others can help you achieve. She discusses how her values led her to pivot from positions at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey to the nonprofit sector, most recently as CEO of the Illinois Holocaust Museum. Susan is in the process of writing her second book on resilience.
Susan Abrams is a business and community leader who is passionate about guiding companies and not-for-profits to capitalize on market opportunities for transformative growth and innovation. She serves as a Board Director at IFA/Illinois Climate Bank, teaches at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, and is working on her second book. Previously, as CEO of Illinois Holocaust Museum, Susan led the Museum’s application of cutting-edge technology in interactive Survivor holograms, featured on CBS’s 60 Minutes, and in VR products, which enabled global scaling and transformed IHMEC from regional player to international leader. She also led the 700% growth in customers and resulting financial turnaround, that enabled paying off all debt 30 years early and more than doubling net assets and other metrics. Previously, Susan served as COO of JCC Chicago, President of the award-winning JCA Properties, Consultant at McKinsey & Company, and Analyst at Goldman Sachs. She is the author of The New Success Rules for Women: 10 Surefire Strategies for Reaching Your Career Goals, published by Random House, and speaks regularly on leadership, women’s business success, and leveraging technology. Susan has served on the boards of IHMEC, Chicago Children’s Museum, and Leadership Illinois. She earned her MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, and a BSE and BA from the University of Pennsylvania.
Connect with Susan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-abrams/
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.To learn more about Shari Greco Reiches, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/To learn more about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/Maximize Your Return on Life LinkedInTo discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/blogs-and-more/do-you-know-your-core-values
Shari talks with Linda about how she became a career strategist, and why she founded Linda L. Harvey Coaching & Career Development. Linda shares how to find your best-fit career path, and offers tips for recent grads and those re-entering the workforce. Linda also discusses how values affect career decisions, and how she maximizes her return on life.
Linda L. Harvey has over 25 years of consulting and career advisory experience in private practice as well as with top-tier MBA programs in Chicago, USA and London, UK.
Linda’s current practice focus is on helping people navigate the world of work whether it’s for their first professional job out of college, a career pivot or re-entry or even for career advancement within a particular industry or organization.
She also works with select industry clients as a thought-partner for Early Career Programming and Leadership Development.
Linda is an active volunteer in workforce development and training with FIGLI (First-Generation Low Income) college students with several local and national non-profits.
In previous roles she has been an HR and Executive Recruiter, Management Consultant, Leadership Coach and Program Director, and an MBA Admissions Officer and Consultant.
Linda has a BS in Psychology from Grinnell College in Iowa and an MBA from Chicago Booth.
She lives in Evanston with her husband of nearly 30 years, Mark, and they have 2 grown children who are “adulting” and launching into their own lives – their son is here in Chicago and their daughter is in Charlottesville, VA.
Connect with Linda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-harvey-career-strategist/
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.
To learn more about Shari Greco Reiches, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/
To learn more about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/
Maximize Your Return on Life LinkedIn
To discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/blogs-and-more/do-you-know-your-core-values
Shari talks with Beata about how her values were a catalyst in her decision to leave a successful Wall Street career to join start-up private credit provider, The Copia Group, as Chief Impact Officer. Beata has a fascinating life story, as she moved to the United States from the former Soviet Union at the age of 4. As a female leader in the industry, she has consistently focused on engaging with women on their finances and mentoring women within the finance/investment world. Shari also discusses with Beata how she maximizes her return on life and much more.
Beata D. Kirr is a high-impact investment executive with significant experience in investing, asset allocation, portfolio creation and messaging/communications. Most recently, at Bernstein Private Wealth, Beata drove the creation and growth of $6bn of Purpose Driven strategies.
Since 2020, Beata served as Co-Head of Investment Strategies, overseeing strategic asset allocation, manager selection, investment evolution and communications for the firm’s $100bn investment platform. She co-led a nationwide organization of 45 professionals and was also a member of the Private Wealth Executive Leadership Team. Prior to this role, Beata was Head of Core Asset Strategies, leading the long-only model allocation platform & equity & fixed income portfolio selection.
Beata is most proud of spearheading the creation of Bernstein Impact Alternatives, a unique partnership with Impact Engine, delivering customized access to private equity and venture capital strategies focused on environmental sustainability, health equity and economic opportunity. Beata also has strong governance and fiduciary perspective as she was most recently the President of the $35bn Sanford C. Bernstein Mutual Fund Board.
Beata has also been a passionate supporter of recognizing the need to change the dialogue for women in finance – both as clients and colleagues. She created and led the Women & Wealth Institute, Bernstein’s global programming focused on elevating women’s voices along their financial journey. As part of this, Beata hosted the highly successful Women & Wealth podcast for five years, producing nearly 60 shows with guests ranging from philanthropists, corporate executives, athletes, founders, and venture capitalists. Beata has been recognized as an Investment News Excellence Awardee for the Female Trailblazer Award (2023), Investment News Women to Watch Top Portfolio Performer (2022) and Private Asset Management Women & Wealth Individual Advocate (2021).
Prior to her sixteen years at Bernstein, Beata held various investment and client-facing roles at Harris Alternatives, a global fund of hedge funds, and Goldman Sachs Investment Banking, Equity Capital Markets and Research Sales, in New York, London and Chicago.
Beata holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing, Magna Cum Laude, from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.
Beata is an Independent Director for Macquarie Asset Management’s Delaware Trust Board. She serves on the Investment Committee for The Poetry Foundation and Congregation Sukkat Sholom and previously served on the Board of Women Employed. Beata also is a member of National Charity League and Northwestern University’s Council of 100.
Connect with Beata:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beata-kirr/
https://copiagroupllc.com/home
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.
To learn more about Shari Greco Reiches, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/
To learn more about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/
Maximize Your Return on Life LinkedIn
To discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/blogs-and-more/do-you-know-your-core-values
Shari talks with Manisha about her new book: Money Zen: The Secret to Finding Your “Enough”. Like many of us, Manisha felt trapped in the “Cult of Never Enough”, which nearly destroyed her relationships, health, and self-esteem. She describes the four factors that cause us to feel this way and shares the Money Zen formula – financial health plus emotional wealth. Learn how to free yourself from toxic behaviors (such as wearing a “busy badge”) — and find your “enough” to create the life you’ve always dreamed of.
Manisha Thakor has worked in financial services for over 30-years. She spent the first 15 years of her career working as a buy-side equity analyst and institutional portfolio manager. She’s spent the last 15 years focused on advising individuals. She has written two personal finance books for women in their 20s and 30s. Her latest book is MoneyZen: The Secret to Finding Your “Enough”. Manisha earned her MBA from Harvard Business School, her BA from Wellesley College and holds the CFA and CFP designation.
Connect with Manisha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manishathakor/
https://moneyzen.com/
https://moneyzenquiz.com
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.
To learn more about Shari Greco Reiches, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/
To learn more about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/
Maximize Your Return on Life LinkedIn
To discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/blogs-and-more/do-you-know-your-core-values
Shari’s guest Kristyn Friske describes the wakeup call that led her to leaving corporate world success to become a Social Impact Strategist. They also discuss Kristyn’s “Time, Talent, and Treasure” method ...
Shari and Dana discuss how she started her practice Dana Hirt Parenting, a Chicago-based parent coaching and education service, and how she became a PCI Certified Parent Coach®. Dana uses ...
Shari talks with Dave about our investment approach, and his current thoughts on today’s markets. David Rappaport, CFP® is the Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Rappaport Reiches Capital Management. ...
Shari talks with the Soup Kitchen founders Nancy Bashook, Jeff Forgash, and Jessie Macdonald and co-chairs Tracey Denlow, Leslie Shulruff, and Beth Tucker. The Soup Kitchen recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and was renamed in honor of Rabbi Peter and Elaine Knobel. Shari and her guests discuss its origins and impact, how meals are prepared, volunteer responsibilities, and operating during the pandemic. They also discuss how you can help!!
The Rabbi Peter and Elaine Knobel Soup Kitchen at Beth Emet History:
Every Wednesday evening since 2002, Beth Emet has opened its doors to members of the community in need of a nutritious dinner. Guests sit at linen-covered tables with fresh flowers and listen to live music while enjoying their meal, and they leave with a sack lunch to enjoy on the following day. The Soup Kitchen serves 70 to 90 guests weekly.
The Soup Kitchen has continued providing weekly meals throughout the pandemic. However, we have made important operational changes in order to safeguard the health of our guests, volunteers, and staff.
Happy 20th Birthday Beth Emet Soup Kitchen!!
Twenty years ago, on the first Wednesday of November 2002, the Beth Emet Soup Kitchen opened its doors to provide dinners for people in need. The process, from its initial conception to the opening, was a year in the making. The Soup Kitchen was the brainchild of a small group of Social Action Committee members with the enthusiastic support of Rabbi Peter S. Knobel (of blessed memory) and then- board president Bob Render. The Beth Emet Board was interested but cautious, concerned as boards should be about issues of liability and security. Finally, Bob Render’s son Nathan said to him, “Stop worrying, the Soup Kitchen shows what our Jewish values are — this is what we should be doing!” With the Rabbi’s and Bob’s encouragement, the board decided in favor of serving the community.
The original 3 founders were Jessie Macdonald, Nancy Bashook and Jeff Forgash, but they were soon joined by Tina Herpe, Liz Coustan, Susan Fisher, Patti Gerbie, Rich Libles, Art Sontag, Mayta Spitz, Kathy Kaberon and Nathan Render. These twelve people made up the Soup Kitchen’s first Steering Committee that developed the organizational protocol that is still followed today: financial record keeping, volunteer coordinating, security, and administrative/site supervisor staffing.
Over the next 20 years, many other Beth Emet members joined the Soup Kitchen Committee and many, many more volunteered their time on Wednesday evenings to cook, serve dinner, play music, bake desserts and bread, clean up and generally offer gracious hospitality to the growing numbers of people who came to dine. Community support was broad, with businesses donating desserts, bread, fruit, and other items. Volunteer groups came together from Beth Emet committees and from the congregation in general, as well as from various civic organizations and other synagogues on the north shore.
The Soup Kitchen’s leadership has changed very little since 2002:
- Chair: Jessie Macdonald 2002 – 2015; Leslie Shulruff 2015 – present
- Vice chair: Nancy Bashook 2002-2015; Lizzie Graham & Donna Wolf 2015 – Jan. 2022; Beth Tucker & Tracey Denlow Jan. 2022-present
- Security Host: Jeff Forgash 2002-present
- Financial: Tina Herpe, Bonnie Goodman, Lizzie Graham, Elizabeth Lerner, Becca Nolan (current)
- Volunteer Coordinator: Liz Coustan, Julie Forgash, Mayta Sptiz, Paul Isaacson, Jessie Macdonald, Kelly Austin, Susan Melczer (current)
The Soup Kitchen has become an integral part of Beth Emet’s commitment to social justice. Although the years of the pandemic have been challenging, they’ve also been skillfully navigated by Leslie, Jeff, and their team of leaders. We at Beth Emet and in the interfaith community continue to advocate and work for the changes in policies that contribute to homelessness, poverty, and social isolation. In the meantime, the Soup Kitchen will continue to fulfill its original mission — to provide a nourishing homecooked meal in an atmosphere of dignity and graciousness.
How to Start a Soup Kitchen
(Article appeared in Beth Emet bulletin October 2002)
What a title! Maybe we should wait three months, when we have a list that reads “What not to do when starting a soup kitchen” … And yet, after almost a year of dreaming and planning, we’re ready, putting the last pieces into place, prepared to evolve and take things as they come. Starting in November, Wednesday evenings will be Soup Kitchen night at Beth Emet!
How did we get to this place?
The idea to start a soup kitchen at Beth Emet had been quietly percolating for a couple of years. But it was Capital Campaign time, not a time to embark on such a venture. Then during August of 2001, the Executive Committee of the Beth Emet Board asked the Social Action Committee to develop an organic plan that would engage the participation of the entire congregation in social justice and activism. Some veteran soup kitchen volunteers posed the question, “Why couldn’t we do this here, right here in our own building?” Many meetings later Project Hamotzi and the Beth Emet Soup Kitchen were born.
What’s happened along the way?
How did we get from posing the first challenge to “4 weeks to Opening?” It’s been an incredible journey of collaboration and partnership between so many synagogue and non-synagogue members.
First a small group, the “Soup Kitchen Feasibility Committee,” began visiting the other soup kitchens in Evanston. Countless phone calls were made, and emails sent to groups here and across the country. “Who runs other soup kitchens? How do they operate? What are the issues? Do Jewish groups have issues that non-Jewish groups don’t face?” We gathered as much information from other people as we could. We spoke to our own leaders: our rabbis, the cantor, our executive director, members of the board of trustees. We wanted to gauge their interest, hear their concerns. The excitement was palpable; the questions were numerous.
We quickly realized that our explorations fell into five general categories: operational, financial, administrative, staffing and marketing. We met with representatives of the Evanston Health Department, the Evanston Police Department, our alderman, leaders of soup kitchens at Evanston churches. We called MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, and synagogues here and in other states for advice and support.
We found that there are several synagogues nationally that participate in coalitions that shelter homeless people during the winter months. We also found any number of synagogues that regularly cook meals and deliver them to other facilities for distribution. Although there may be some, we didn’t find other synagogues doing just what we envisioned. Our excitement was growing at perhaps being “pioneers” in the Jewish community.
The questions we needed to answer grew more specific. “What door will people enter? What restrooms will they use? How many people can work in the kitchen at one time? What exactly do we mean by “meal sponsorship”? (Oh, the emails back and forth were plentiful on that question!) How do we set up an equitable system of food purchasing and volunteering?”
In our explorations, we discovered two general models for running a soup kitchen. Some kitchens, such as the one at Hemenway United Methodist Church, have a regular purchasing and cooking committee. Food is paid for from financial donations and volunteers from the community come in only to serve dinner. On the other hand, the soup kitchens run by EEAC (Evanston Ecumenical Action Council*) schedule different sponsoring groups (Beth Emet among them) to provide the food, cook and serve it.
We decided early on to use the latter model since it was less dependent on fund raising to start things off. And we also decided it was best to be independent of groups like EEAC, FACE (Food Assistance Center of Evanston) and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. We wanted the maximum flexibility to modify our plans without outside constraints.
When we finally went to the Beth Emet Board last June to ask for a vote, we felt ready to answer any questions posed to us. The Board’s response was fantastic! One former Board President even came to the meeting so she could weigh in with her approval. Now that was a sweet moment!
The feasibility group evolved into the Soup Kitchen Steering Committee. More people came on board. The congregation’s desire to embrace this transformative opportunity for tikkun olam has been enormous and inspiring. More than once we heard, “This is just what I’ve been waiting for. I want to help.”
And “help” is being offered in many ways. The Wednesday evening schedules are filling up with volunteers. One member, who is a trained pastry chef, has offered to bake bread or make desserts at home every other week. A Beth Emet member who is a chef and cooking instructor has put together different menus for us. Another member, “raised in restaurants” as she put it, has opted to help plan a festive December 25 meal. (Christmas dinner at Beth Emet!!) Another congregant wants to play the piano twice a month during dinner. Yet another member has very generously donated paper goods. The financial contributions are starting to come in too; many of them in memory or honoring loved ones. We are thrilled with the response so far!
So, who will be coming to these dinners?
Soup kitchen guests (we estimate 70 to 90 people) will all be hungry and in need of food, but they are different from one another in the circumstances of their lives. We know that Carl will be there. Carl, the gentle, child-like man who lives alone in his boyhood home, in a neighborhood not far from Beth Emet. He is lonely and comes to the soup kitchens, so he doesn’t have to eat alone every night. And certainly “Sarge” will come. Calm, dignified Sarge is usually reading a book as he sells “Streetwise” outside a downtown grocery store. He’s been an enthusiastic supporter all along and the source of some good advice. (“Don’t use real knives and forks—people will take them. Use plastic.”) Then there are the numerous men and women who don’t look very different from the rest of us, but who have fallen on hard times and struggle to make ends meet. And there will be some people who do look different, but we’ll come to know and understand them and challenge a society that allows poverty, homelessness, and injustice.
The Soup Kitchen’s opening in November is moving closer. Are we excited? Yes. Are we nervous? Yes! And we know we’re going to learn at least a few more lessons in “How to start a soup kitchen”.
And yet, mostly we are grateful to be part of Beth Emet, a synagogue full of people who embrace that sense of justice given to us by our Creator. A congregation that strives to see how we are all connected to our brothers and sisters who live in poverty or need. A congregation that refuses to turn away from those in need. “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” It’s time to cook!
Jessie Macdonald, Beth Emet Soup Kitchen Chair
Nancy Bashook, Social Action Committee Chair
*Now called Interfaith Action of Evanston
Beth Emet – The Free Synagogue: https://bethemet.org/
The Rabbi Peter and Elaine Knobel Soup Kitchen at Beth Emet : https://bethemet.org/act/soup-kitchen/
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.
To learn more about Shari Greco Reiches, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/
To learn more about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/
To discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/blogs-and-more/do-you-know-your-core-values
Shari talks with Dan Bayston, Independent Director, and longtime friend. They discuss Dan’s career, what retirement looks like, Dan’s involvement on private Board of Directors, being board chair of Sacred Heart School during the pandemic, and how Dan maximizes his return on life.
Daniel D. Bayston spent over 38 years as a corporate finance and business valuation professional assisting publicly traded and privately-held corporate clients and ERISA fiduciaries on a variety of shareholder and strategic financial issues. These assignments included merger and acquisition analyses, fairness opinions, shareholder liquidity analyses, employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) transactions, bankruptcy advisory, private equity and debt placements, venture capital projects, reviews of capital structure and dividend policy and corporate valuation matters. Mr. Bayston spent the first 25 years of his career with the financial services and investment banking firm of Duff & Phelps. In 2009 he joined several of his former Duff & Phelps partners to form Cognient Group, LLC and led its corporate financial advisory practice until his retirement in 2021. Mr. Bayston also served as Chief Executive Officer of Cognient Securities, LLC, a broker dealer affiliate which was sold in 2015.
Mr. Bayston has a BS in Finance from the University of Illinois and a MBA in Finance and Marketing from Northwestern University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and is a member of the CFA Institute, the National Association of Corporate Directors, Private Directors Association (founding member), The Economic Club of Chicago, the ESOP Association, the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO), Employee-owned S-Corporations of America (ESCA) and the Family Firm Institute (FFI). He is a member of the Board of Directors of KLJ Engineering, Torch Technologies, Alterman Group, Inc., Terrazzo & Marble Supply Co. and Lachman Consultant Services, Inc., each a 100% ESOP-owned company. Previously, he has served on the board of directors of five other ESOP-owned companies.
Mr. Bayston has been involved in a number of civic and charitable organizations. He has served on the Dean’s Business Council for the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois and was on the Board of Trustees for the Sacred Heart Schools of Chicago (and served as Chair of the Board). He is also member and past President of the University Club of Chicago.
Connect with Dan: www.linkedin.com/in/daniel.bayston
Private Directors Association: https://www.privatedirectorsassociation.org/
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.
To learn more about Shari Greco Reiches, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/
To learn more about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/
To discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/blogs-and-more/do-you-know-your-core-values
Shari interviews Karyn Grossman Gershon, CEO at Project Kesher. Project Kesher was founded to support a growing network of Jewish women leaders in Belarus, Georgia, Russia, Moldova, and Ukraine to empower and engage women and support the return of Jewish life to the post-Soviet states. Shari and Karyn discuss how Karyn made the decision to leave law, Project Kesher’s mission, and their work helping women and girls in Ukraine during the war. Karyn also shares traits that make a good not-for-profit CEO, lessons from her divorce, and lessons that her children have taught her and more.
Karyn Grossman Gershon is the CEO of Project Kesher in the US and architect of the Project Kesher’s international network of Jewish leaders. Since 1994, she has organized Jewish leadership training for over 6,000 women in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and Israel. Project Kesher’s programs build intergenerational Jewish life, advance gender equality, and promote public health and wellness. PK-trained leaders are at the forefront of the struggle to improve the rights, status, and quality of life for women and girls. Since Russia’s escalation of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, Project Kesher has redirected its leadership to responding to the humanitarian needs of the Jewish community, women and girls in Ukraine.
Project Kesher Website: www.projectkesher.org
Contact Project Kesher: projectkesher@projectkesher.org
Connect with Karyn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karyn-gershon-aa38099/
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.
To learn more about Shari Greco Reiches, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/
To learn more about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/
To discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/blogs-and-more/do-you-know-your-core-values
Shari interviews David G. Booth, Founder and Executive Chairman of Dimensional Fund Advisors. David shares his path from selling newspapers and shoes to founding one of the largest money management firms in the world. He also discusses how he gives back to the organizations that helped him along the way.
David Booth is Executive Chairman of Dimensional Fund Advisors, a firm he founded in 1981. Under David’s leadership, Dimensional has grown from a fledgling business operating out of the spare room of his Brooklyn brownstone apartment to a global investment manager with more than 1,500 employees and $540 billion in assets under management. David led Dimensional as CEO and later Co-CEO until 2017, when he stepped back from the daily management of the firm. He remains closely involved in strategic initiatives at Dimensional.
A trailblazer in the financial world, David helped create one of the world’s first index funds in the 1970s and launched the first passively managed small company strategy in the early ’80s. He has spent his career applying groundbreaking financial theory and research to the practical world of asset management, working closely with renowned academics to develop innovative investment strategies that he believed could outperform index funds, pioneering what would later be called factor investing.
David received a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1968 and a master’s degree in business in 1969 from the University of Kansas. In 1971, he received an MBA from the University of Chicago. Over the years, David has been a benefactor to both schools. Upon announcing a gift from the Booth family to the business school at Chicago in 2008, David cited his education there as being instrumental to his later success with Dimensional. The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is named in David’s honor, and the gift has helped to advance its field-defining research and to support the school’s faculty, a number of whom have had close ties to Dimensional. David has also donated to support athletics at the University of Kansas — as a boy, he ushered there at football games—and he is a vocal advocate of the role sports play in keeping alumni connected to a school.
An avid art collector and enthusiast, David has participated in and donated to artistic initiatives across the US, and the David Booth Conservation Center and Department is responsible for the preservation of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection in New York.
Boards and Committees:Becker Friedman Institute, Advisory BoardHoover Institution Board of OverseersKU Endowment (University of Kansas) Life TrusteeThe Museum of Modern Art Board of TrusteesThe Museum of Modern Art Executive CommitteeTriple Aught Foundation Board of DirectorsUniversity of Chicago Trustee EmeritusAwards and Recognition:2022 – Museum of Modern Art’s David Rockefeller Award2018 – University of Chicago Medal2017 – Investment News Icons and Innovators Award2016 – Institutional Investor Investment Management Lifetime Achievement Award2016 – Forbes Money Masters: The 40 Most Powerful People in the Financial World2012 – Financial Management Association International’s Outstanding Financial Executive Award2010 – Investment News “The Power 20” in the financial services industry1992 – Financial Analysts Journal Graham and Dodd Award of ExcellenceLearn more about Dimensional: https://www.dimensional.com/us-en/financial-professionals
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.
To learn more about Shari Greco Reiches, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/
To learn more about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/
To discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/blogs-and-more/do-you-know-your-core-values
Shari interviews Eric Rosen, Digital Content Creator and International Chess Master. They discuss how Eric turned his passion for chess into a thriving business, how he began playing, chess in pop culture, a few pointers – and how he maximizes his return on life.
About Eric:
Eric Rosen is a 29-year-old International Chess Master based in St. Louis who has a worldwide following on YouTube and Twitch. He was born and raised in Skokie, Illinois, where his older brother Alex taught him to play chess at the age of 7. After his first chess tournament at age 8, he declared to his parents on the car ride home that he loved the way chess made him think and wanted to play it the rest of his life. Apparently, he meant it. At age 9, he won the Illinois 3rd Grade State Championship, his first of many successes.
He graduated from Niles North High School in 2012, where he led his chess team to two state championships, and in his junior year won the 2011 U.S. High School national chess championship, earning him the right to compete in the world youth championships later that year in Brazil. He earned his FIDE Master Title in 2011, and his International Master Title in 2015. (FIDE is the world chess organization that confers international titles).
He attended the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana for two years, where with his longtime friend and fellow chess player Michael Auger led the team to the Final Four competition of College chess in 2013 and 2014, an almost unprecedented accomplishment for a school that had no formal chess program. He later transferred to Webster University, where from 2015 to 2017 he competed in the school’s SPICE program under the direction of former World Women’s Champion, Susan Polgar. He graduated from Webster in 2017 with a B.A. in Interactive Digital Media. After graduating, in lieu of looking for a regular job, Eric decided to travel the world for a year — competing in chess tournaments and supporting himself by teaching chess online. In 2017, he launched a Twitch channel and began creating more regular content for his YouTube Channel, which he began in 2013.
The channels grew steadily in popularity the first couple of years, to the point where he was able to generate enough revenue through his online content and teaching to comfortably support himself. In 2020, interest in chess exploded as the world was locked down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and viewership of his channels took off. He now has more than 600,000 subscribers on YouTube, and more than 230,000 on Twitch. He is known and liked by his viewers for his laid-back style and his encouragement of a growth mindset — valuing hard work, practice, learning from your mistakes and enjoying the journey.
He has also done professional photography work and was hired by FIDE (the World Chess Federation) as one of the official photographers of the most recent World Chess Championship held in Dubai between Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi.
Other interests include tennis, ping pong, Scrabble and bowling.
Connect with Eric:
Website & Email: https://imrosen.com/ | contact@imrosen.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eric-rosen
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/rosenchess
Twitch Channel: https://www.twitch.tv/imrosen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericrosenphotography/
NPR Article: https://news.stlpublicradio.org/2014-01-01/on-chess-webster-university-university-of-illinois-advance-to-chess-final-four
Webster University, SPICE and Chess: https://www.webster.edu/spice/
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.
To learn more about Shari Greco Reiches, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/
To learn more about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/
To discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/blogs-and-more/do-you-know-your-core-values
Shari interviews Karen Asbra, CFP®, Chief Operating Officer and Principal of Rappaport Reiches Capital Management. They go all the way back to the beginning, when Karen was the first employee as an Associate at RRCM – and her path to becoming Chief Operating Officer, how she balances work and family, some financial tips, and how Karen maximizes her return on life.
About Karen:
Karen L. Asbra, CFP® is Chief Operating Officer and Principal of Rappaport Reiches Capital Management. Karen joined RRCM in 2007, is a CFP® professional and Series 65 licensed and is a strategic partner to her clients, bringing discipline and clarity to achieving their goals. Karen loves to talk about investing and financial planning, enjoys traveling, live music and Broadway musicals.
Connect with Karen: linkedin.com/in/karen-l-asbra-cfp
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.
To learn more about Shari Greco Reiches, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/
To learn more about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/
To discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/blogs-and-more/do-you-know-your-core-values
Shari talks with Lindsey Paige Markus, an estate planning attorney, and author of the book A Gift for the Future – Conversations About Estate Planning. They discuss Lindsey’s path to becoming an attorney, proactive estate planning for every stage of your life, why she wrote the book, and how creating a gift for the future can maximize your return on life today.
Lindsey Paige Markus is a shareholder with Chuhak & Tecson, P.C., a boutique law firm in Chicago, where she leads the firm’s 25 attorney estate planning & asset protection group. In her practice she assists business owners and families in planning their estates, protecting assets, transferring wealth and minimizing taxation. She works closely with clients to formulate succession plans, advise on business formation, maximize wealth preservation and minimize gift and estate taxation. Licensed in Illinois, New York and Florida, Lindsey has a national practice.
Passionate about educating clients and advisors about death and taxes, Lindsey appears on local television shows and authored A Gift for the Future – Conversations About Estate Planning, in April 2022. The book was quickly a #1 Best Seller on Amazon in Legal Self-Help and a #1 New Release in several categories. A Gift for the Future takes readers on a journey through the world of estate planning. In her easy-to-follow writing style she provides the ins and outs of every estate planning tool from simple to advanced. By interweaving the family story of Jack and Diane she leads readers through estate planning needs from the time they decide to marry through the birth of children, business growth, divorce, and the formation of new families and relationships along the way. Russ Sullivan, the former staff director for Senate Finance Committee and one of America’s leading tax authorities, authored the foreward, noting “Death and taxes are inevitable for all of us, making this book a wonderful tool for everyone.”
Passionate about philanthropy and giving back, Lindsey is a founding member of Chuhak & Tecson’s Women Helping Women initiative, sits on the Jewish United Fund’s Executive Board, Advocate Charitable Foundation’s Gift Planning Advisory Committee and co-chairs American Technion Society’s Midwest Planned Giving Committee.
Lindsey has been recognized in countless publications, including Leading Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Crain’s Chicago Business as a Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting and Law, Crain’s Notable Women in Law, and as a Top Woman in Law by Chicago Lawyer.
Connect with Lindsey:
A Gift for the Future: www.AGiftForTheFuture.com
Personal website: www.LindseyMarkus.com
Get a copy of Lindsey’s book A Gift for the Future – Conversations About Estate Planning here.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-markus-a279237/
Email: lmarkus@chuhak.com
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.
To learn more about Shari Greco Reiches, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/
To learn more about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/
To discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/blogs-and-more/do-you-know-your-core-values
I am a storyteller by nature and recently published my first book: Maximize Your Return on Life. In this podcast I share my inspiration for writing the book, and why I feel so strongly about using your Core Values to guide key decisions on how you spend your time and money.
The book explores:
- Your early and profound memories of money — memories that shape your relationship with money today
- Your Core Values — how to identify them and let them guide you in important decisions
- Understandable financial planning and investing strategies
- How to ensure that your loved ones are protected
“In Maximize Your Return on Life, Shari empowers investors to make smart money decisions by focusing first on what’s truly important to them — their core values. By asking the right questions and fully understanding what matters most to her clients, Shari delivers invaluable advice that helps them stay invested and stick to their long-term plans.” – David Booth, Founder and Executive Chairman, Dimensional Fund Advisors.
Get your copy of Maximize Your Return on Life here.
To learn more about Shari Greco Reiches, visit https://sharigrecoreiches.com/
To learn more about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, visit https://rrcapital.com/
To discover your core values, visit https://rrcapital.com/maximize-your-return-on-life-blog/your-lifes-grocery-list
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