In 1975, Mel Zaret hired me fresh out of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I knew nothing. Two weeks later, he asked me to organize the “Zionism as Racism” rally in Milwaukee and from then on, I was hooked — on Jewish life and working for the Jewish community.
I was not alone: Mel took great pride in being a teacher and mentor, both for the Jewish community of Milwaukee and for the Jewish professionals who were fortunate enough to work for him.
You could not “out work” Mel. He was at the office before you got there in the morning and he was there when you left. He sometimes referred to the details of managing a federation as “the greasy grind.” But nobody loved his work more than Mel.
Mel had several well-deserved opportunities to fire me, as in the time I arranged a meal of veal cordon bleu for a federation major gifts meeting. Instead, he took the time to explain how to be a better professional.
Mel believed in the importance of the lay-professional relationship. Even though he was viewed as a great Jewish leader, both in Milwaukee and worldwide, he always took the time to counsel his professionals and to respect his lay leaders.
That is what made Milwaukee such a special community: It was Mel Zaret. Mel believed above all in the centrality and importance of the whole community.
I thank G-d for the opportunity to have known and worked so closely with Mel. His spirit and his passion are with me every day of my life.
Robert P. Aronson
President, The Birthright Foundation
President, Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life
New York
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