Harvey Sloan (z”l) passed away this week.  Harvey served as the COO of this organization and spent 32 years working devotedly here.  That means that Harvey was part of our Federation for a full third of our Federation’s life.  To say he made an impact is an understatement.  The fact that at his funeral yesterday in Florida, there was a large representation of Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh leadership, donors and previous staff, is a testament to how he impacted countless lives.

I originally came to interview here as the Campaign Director in 1998.  I decided to enter that race because Pittsburgh had a good reputation and its CEO was very well respected.  I thought it was a place I could learn and grow.  When I flew in that very first time, this guy I had never heard of, Harvey Sloan, picked me up at the airport.  I remember the treacherous drive into Oakland (Harvey was a crazy and speedy driver).  The conversation was fabulous  and he made me feel so comfortable.  At the end of my interviewing, I knew this was the place for me and Harvey was an added reason.

When Howard Rieger announced that he was leaving our organization to run the United Jewish Communities, Harvey told me that he was going to retire soon thereafter.  He said that if Howard’s replacement was someone he liked, he would stick around a little bit to help with the transition.  Harvey was there, right by my side, and continued to be a confidante and advisor up until now.

Some Christians use the acronym WWJD (What would Jesus do?) to help guide their behaviors.  For me, I not only think about What Would Harvey Do, but also, How Would Harvey Do It?

When an agency comes to us with a financial challenge or opportunities, I try to think like Harvey.  He could always come up with creative solutions.  And that brings me back to the Moishe House. 

For two years, a few of us have had the desire to bring the Moishe House concept to Pittsburgh.  All we needed were a few qualified and willing residents.  That happened in early summer.  I received a call from one of them saying that they had lined up a great group of young adults and they needed to know if they could move forward finding a house to rent within a month.  There is a financial commitment and our funding process had already concluded for this year, but after conferring with our Board Chair, Lou Plung, we gave them the go ahead.  This past Monday night, David Cygielman, the CEO of Moishe House, said that our Pittsburgh house came together the quickest of any of the 54 around the world.  We jumped on the opportunity when it arose.  Harvey’s influence on our thought processes here made this a reality. 

I have many, many more stories about Harvey.  Some are about what he taught many of us.  Others are about his friendly and warm personality.  Others still are just plain funny.

We have lost a true leader in our community.  I have lost a friend and a mentor.

May the name of Harvey Sloan be forever as a blessing.

Shabbat Shalom.