Event Recaps The Art of Opportunity: An Intimate Evening of Art and Impact with JELF

Just six months after moving into its gorgeous new offices in downtown Miami, Kluger Kaplan welcomed JELF friends and supporters for an evening that brought art, educational opportunity, and community together.

Held Thursday, October 15, The Art of Opportunity featured an intimate cocktail reception and private art tour with Alan Kluger. Former JELF recipients, donors, and new friends gathered to enjoy the collection and hear firsthand how JELF helps Jewish students pursue higher education.

The firm’s striking modern space provided an extraordinary setting. With thoughtfully displayed artwork throughout, the offices feel as much like an art gallery as a law firm, reflecting a vision that gives art a central place in the experience of everyone who walks through the doors.

A Personal Collection, Shared with Generosity

Managing partner Alan Kluger and his wife, retired Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Amy Dean, have collected artwork together over the course of their marriage, handpicking special pieces from their private collection for display at the firm.

Having Kluger personally guide the tour made the experience especially memorable. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and connection to the works gave guests a perspective they could not have gained simply by viewing the collection on their own. The stories behind the art invited conversation and made the expansive space feel personal and welcoming.

Kluger was an exceptionally gracious host, generously providing drinks and hors d’oeuvres and making guests feel at home. His daughter, Lisa Jerles, helped bring the idea for the gathering to life, and JELF is grateful to both for opening the door to such a special evening.

Kluger also offered his own words of support for JELF and made a contribution to the organization, adding a meaningful personal commitment to his generous hospitality.

The People Behind the Mission

Amy Wait, JELF’s South Florida Engagement Manager, opened the evening by welcoming guests. CEO Jenna Shulman traveled from Atlanta for the occasion, joining supporters and community members to strengthen JELF’s growing connections across South Florida.

Two former loan recipients brought the mission into focus through their own experiences.

Maria Bordesky, a Boston-based JELF board member and international tax consultant at PwC, shared the perspective of someone who once received JELF’s support and now helps guide its future. Her connection to Miami is personal as well: her daughter, Mia, is currently a graduate student at the University of Miami.

Maria’s continued involvement illustrates how a relationship that begins with a student loan can grow into a lasting commitment to helping others access the same opportunity.

Guests also heard from Lauren B., who used JELF loans to help attend Columbia University for graduate studies in environmental science. After her parents told her she would be responsible for financing graduate school herself, Lauren had to find the resources to pursue her next chapter.

Her experience highlighted a reality many students face: earning admission is an enormous accomplishment, but paying for the education remains a separate challenge. JELF helped Lauren bridge that financial gap.

Together, Maria and Lauren gave guests a personal understanding of the students behind JELF’s work and the difference timely support can make.

Investing in Opportunity Close to Home

JELF provides interest-free, last-dollar loans to Jewish students, helping cover educational costs remaining after other financial resources have been exhausted. For South Florida families facing a gap between available aid and the cost of school, those loans offer practical, meaningful support.

With a repayment rate of approximately 99%, the impact continues as repaid dollars become available to help future students. Maria and Lauren’s stories brought that enduring investment to life.

Generously sponsored by Kluger Kaplan and Steno, The Art of Opportunity created space for new introductions, thoughtful conversations, and a deeper connection to JELF’s mission.

JELF extends its heartfelt thanks to Alan Kluger, Lisa, and the Kluger Kaplan team for their warmth and generosity; to Steno for its sponsorship; and to everyone who joined us for an evening dedicated to helping students build their futures.

To learn more about JELF and support educational opportunity, visit jelf.org.