- Meet Our Leaders
Luba Troyanovsky is a proud San Franciscan and an active, highly respected community leader. She has served JFCS for more than 17 years and is currently a Vice President of the JFCS Board of Directors. Luba has been instrumental in developing the local Russian-speaking Jewish community and has contributed greatly to creation of the amazing Annual Emigre Community Gala that raises major funds for people in need in the Bay Area and in Israel. She says, “I always tell people that your community is only as strong as your weakest link. By helping the weakest and neediest in our community, we all become stronger.”
Luba Troyanovsky
Tell us a bit about the community where you grew up and your background.
I grew up in Odessa, in the Soviet Union, now Ukraine. My great-grandfather was a rabbi and although he died when I was young, many traditions were passed down from him to my grandparents and parents. Growing up, I took part in Jewish gatherings and holidays, but all in secret—I learned from a very early age that practicing Judaism was unpopular. It was not easy being a Jew in the former Soviet Union.
As a young adult in 1979 I immigrated to the United States with 4 generations—my grandparents, parents, my six year-old daughter, and my daughter’s father. We came directly to San Francisco, which was very fortunate; it is such a wonderful city and the home I love. We were all so happy to be in the U.S. where we didn’t have to hide our Jewish identity. We could be so open about our views, which was so different than behind the Iron Curtain.
Has JFCS helped you or have you used the services in some way?
Yes, when my family and I first immigrated and arrived in San Francisco we needed some hand-holding. Back in the Soviet Union we had a tight community and we supported one another. I thought we would never find anything like that upon arriving and we’d be completely on our own, but I was wrong! This community was so kind and welcoming.
My family and I were like blind kittens—we didn’t know anything about the United States. Our JFCS caseworker did so much to help us find our way—she answered all of our questions, encouraged us, placed us into English language classes, helped us find a doctor, and taught us how to open a checking account. Knowing that JFCS was there if we needed anything gave me the confidence and security to feel safe in my new country.
How did you first get involved with JFCS?
My family and I found work quickly and we were soon self sufficient and doing well. Later I started my own business in real estate development and I was able give back to those who needed help.
JFCS wanted to mobilize the Russian-speaking Jewish Community and Dr. Anita Friedman, JFCS’ Executive Director, asked for my help in organizing the first ever Emigre Community Gala—after 15 successful years it is still the only celebration and major fundraising event of its kind in the United States and sets the example for everyone.
What is the most rewarding part of your involvement with JFCS?
I love being a part of something bigger than myself. JFCS helps those who struggle and provides the help they need to get back on their feet. In loving memory of my husband I established the JFCS Sam Budovsky Memorial Scholarship Fund for emigres and it is inspiring to see people who were in trouble now doing well and thriving. It is also wonderful to see the children of Russian speaking emigres now becoming strong members of the community and as adults, giving back as well. This legacy of giving from generation to generation is part of JFCS ‘ work and is wonderful.
Tell us about your family.
I have a daughter and two beautiful grand-children and we all live in San Francisco.
Anything else you would like to add?
It is very rewarding to me that I have the opportunity to work with such talented community leaders at JFCS; many of whom have become my role models. I feel very good that I’ve played a part in making sure that our local Russian- speaking Jewry is philanthropic. We would not be where we are today, raising so much money and having such a strong, and more Jewishly-educated community, without JFCS’ passionate involvement.
I’m very proud and honored to be a part of such a wonderful organization whose mission is so compelling. JFCS makes sure that no one is left behind.