Jeffrey Lasky will receive the Jack Malitz Levy Leadership Award at a brunch in his honor on Sunday, January 7, 2018, at the Jewish Educational Alliance. This award is the highest honor given by the Savannah Jewish Federation. The award was established in 1988 upon the death of Jack Malitz Levy, the second-generation owner of Levy Jewelers. This award is not given annually, but only when it is determined that there is a deserving recipient. Lasky is only the seventh recipient of the Levy Award since it was established in 1988. Previous recipients of the Jack Malitz Levy Leadership Award are Doris Lukin, Norton Melaver, Don Kole, Aaron Levy, Murray Arkin and Paul Kulbersh. In addition to having the leadership qualities required to merit this award, the recipient must have served the community for a minimum of 20 years.

Upon returning to his hometown after graduating from law school, Jeffrey immediately volunteered to coach sports leagues at the JEA, even before he had children of his own. This led to a position on the Health & PE committee as its chairman. When the JEA underwent a major renovation, he chaired the building committee responsible for the design of the Health & Wellness facilities and equipment. Next he was asked to join the JEA’s Board of Directors. He quickly became a vice president and moved into the line of succession to become President, a position he served from 1997-1999.

For many, that would have been enough, but without any hesitation Jeffrey shifted his attention to the Savannah Jewish Federation where he became involved in the annual campaign, serving on the executive committee in various officers’ positions and as President from 2011-2013. He currently chairs the Jewish Community Foundation of Savannah, the Federation’s endowed giving arm.

Lasky’s volunteerism extends well beyond the Jewish community – at St. Andrews School, which his son Darryl attended, he coached basketball and served on the Board. He also was very involved at Royce Learning Center, which his son Stephen attended, serving on the Board and becoming its first two-term President. “I came from a model of two-year presidencies and convinced them it made more sense and that I was willing to commit the time.” He chaired a Long Range Planning Committee for Royce that oversaw the planning for the expenditure of $1.2 million in SPLOST funds. “Some of the philosophy that changed as part of that process is still in place and it was very gratifying dealing with an agency that does the kind of work they do,” Lasky said. He also has served on and chaired allocations panels for the United Way.

Managing partner and lead litigator for his law firm, Lasky Cooper Law, Jeffrey has taken many leadership roles in his professional world, as well. He has been President of the Savannah Trial Lawyers Association, Vice President of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, served on the Executive Committee of the Savannah Bar Association, and has served on the National Board of Trial Advocates’. NBTA is the only legal organization whose membership is comprised of both plaintiffs’ and defendants’ attorneys and is by invitation only.

Lasky credits his community involvement to the influences of role models and special people in his life. “Growing up I had a lot of very positive role models. Both of my grandfathers were very involved in their synagogues, one at Congregation Bnai Brith Jacob, one at Congregation Agudath Achim. My parents taught me a lot of valuable lessons but the ones that made the biggest difference in my life were to always do what you think is right and always do your best.  And that’s been what I try and do every day; I do my best and what I believe is the right thing to do, both in my family life, professionally and for the community.”

Jeffrey is married to Stacy Lasky. They have two sons, Darryl (Mindy) and Stephen. The January 7 brunch in Jeffrey Lasky’s honor will be at 10:00 am at the JEA, 5111 Abercorn St. After the meal, catered by Murray Gottlieb, a program is planned to honor Jeffrey. The cost is $50 per person.