Harry Greenstein Award Winners: Harel Turkel and Rebecca Fruman

What is it like to be recognized for your accomplishments? Harel Turkel and Rebecca Fruman, The Associated’s Harry Greenstein Award winners, talk about the honor, share thoughts on their next steps and tell us a little bit about themselves we may not know.

How did you learn about the Harry Greenstein Award?

Harel: I was out of town at a conference and received a call from a committee member. When I heard that I had won this prestigious award, I was humbled and grateful. I have since received congratulatory emails from past award recipients and being a part of this distinguished cohort is very significant to me.

Rebecca: It’s a funny story. We were on spring break, driving to the Grand Canyon. Micah Damareck called me, yet we never finished the conversation, because the calls kept dropping. I remember he said, ‘I have some exciting news for you… ‘and then the call dropped. I called back and he went on to say, you won the Green…, and the call dropped again.

When I finished the conversation later, I felt both surprised and humbled to receive an award for something I love spending time doing. And I was honored to be receiving this award with Harel, because I know how much he does for the community.

Tell me how you first got involved with The Associated.

Rebecca: I first got involved with the young leadership division, YLC. I chaired the events committee with my sister-in-law, Tracee. As I continued to learn more about the different agencies and ways the Associated is present in Baltimore, it motivated me to stay involved and be a part of it.

Harel: It was 2004. I was starting my business and was single at the time. It made sense for me to join The Associated’s Young Adult Division (YLC at the time). It was a great way for me to network and meet people. I was then asked to chair Young Adults and later travel to Tel-Aviv One, a young adult mission, in 2006.

Although I had been to Israel all my life because I had family there, this was my first Federation trip to the country. We got to see how the Annual Campaign was supporting programs in Israel. And Ashkelon was a new partner city when we visited and began building connections. It was such a powerful trip and most of us were so impressed we raised our gifts.

Israel has always been important to both of you.

Harel: I feel that it is the responsibility of every Jewish American to visit Israel at some point in time. It roots you deeper to the country and deeper to Judaism. It’s our legacy and our inheritance – nachalah.

I also believe, especially right now, that until you’ve visited and met the people, there is no way you can form opinions about the country. All you have to go on is what you see in the media, which isn’t the full story.

Rebecca: I have been to Israel three times. The first time I went on a women’s trip with the Associated. Immediately, I felt that strong connection to the country and people there. In 2019, we went on the family mission to Israel. It was so wonderful to see this magical country and the history of the Jewish people through their eyes.

This past January I was able to travel again with Beth El to Israel to bear witness, volunteer, and show our support. It was a life-changing trip and reenforced my love for Israel. The people we met were so grateful to us for being there. They inspired us with their stories of strength, resilience, and hope for better days to come.

How do you define a leader?

Rebecca: It’s someone who shows up. Displays passion and dedication to the community. I believe a leader leads by example, and it is something I try to do.

Harel: A mentor once told me, leadership is like a muscle. Everyone has it but you need to exercise it often to see results. I agree with this and over the years have applied and participated in various leadership programs which have helped me in my business, personal and volunteer experiences. I believe that everyone should have a mentor or two, and that true leadership is defined by who you inspire around you and empowering them to achieve their full potential.

What’s next for you?

Harel: I am currently chairing The Associated’s Israel and Global Task Force with Atara Frankel. Before October 7, there were people who would push back on the fact that one-third of our campaign dollars go overseas. The events in Israel, global antisemitism and the Ukraine war have made us realize how connected we are with Jews around the world. I want to continue to elevate Jewish consciousness to the fact that not only do we share so much, but it is important to take care of our global Jewish community.

Rebecca: In a year and a half, I become president of Beth El Synagogue. It’s a huge undertaking and responsibility, I’m looking forward to my role in steering the synagogue forward. I’m also hoping to be part of the Acharai Leadership program and work collaboratively with other leaders in the community and prepare for my role.

Advice for your children?

Rebecca: We have two sons, Ethan and Cooper. I want them to be proud of their Jewish identity. I want them to stand up and show up for the Jewish people, especially in this period that we are living in. And I want them to help others.

There is a great quote from Jamie Krauss, Joan Lunden’s daughter. I’ve been listening to her podcast, The Gratitudeology. She says, ‘The attitude of gratitude is the heartbeat of happiness.’

When I heard it, I stopped in my tracks. It is more than just saying to them, you should be grateful. I want them to express it and be thankful for the good we have in our lives. I want to tell my kids that when you do for others, you are happier and more fulfilled.

Harel: I would like my children to be proud of their family history and their Judaism. I am afraid that more difficult times are ahead for our people and being confident with themselves and their beliefs will be critical. I want them to know that, as Jews, they are part of a special group of people who can have a tremendous impact on the world.

What do people not know about you?

Rebecca: I was a communications major before I switched to education. One summer I interned at a radio station in D.C. I met Dave Matthews, and I got to be in the studio on the morning show a few times.

Harel: I love pushing the limits. Everything from scuba diving at extreme depths, paragliding off mountains to going on 100-mile biking trips with friends. Four years ago, when I was in Germany with my family, I raced at the Nürburgring – a world renowned track known for its treacherous curves. I drove four laps on the most dangerous track in the world while Randi and the kids were watching from an overpass!

Who would you like to invite to your Shabbat table?

Harel: David Gen Gurion. He had such a vision for the State of Israel, I’ve studied his writings and I’d love to ask him for help with the complexities we find ourselves in today.

Rebecca: Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy. She’s a lawyer researching Hamas’ sex crimes against the women and men on October 7. I met her when I traveled to Israel with Beth El in January. I have thought of her bravery every day since.

She is fighting the fight, speaking at the UN, sharing her research about what happened with people around the world. Because of her, the world is beginning to believe that these war crimes happened on October 7. She is speaking for those who aren’t able to speak. I would be honored to have her at my Shabbat table.

Passover is coming up. What are you looking forward to?

Rebecca: I host the first Seder and I love having my family here. We get a chance to combine the traditional moments with some fun. For example, we have a scavenger hunt to find the Afikomen every year.

Harel: I truly hate Matzoh, so I look forward to no carbs for a week! The seder and family time is an added bonus too.

Harry Greenstein Award Winners: Harel Turkel and Rebecca Fruman

Harry Greenstein Award Winners: Harel Turkel and Rebecca Fruman

How did you learn about the Harry Greenstein Award?

Tell me how you first got involved with The Associated.