Linda G. Spilka

Benson Zinbarg Lifetime Service Award 

Linda is a native New Yorker, raised in Brooklyn and Puerto Rico. She has resided in Stamford for twenty four years, and has been involved with UJF since then. She has chaired several Women's Division events, has served on various committees, and has been the Campaign coordinator. Linda initiated PJ Library in the Stamford community and is currently a co-sponsor. Linda's latest community start-up is Shabbat Across Stamford, the first community wide Shabbat event taking place annually. Linda is also engaged in the initiation process of the Jewish Community Relations Council.

Beyond UJF Linda also takes on many leadership roles. She Chaired and brought forth the first national Israeli Vendors Fair, engaging the Stamford community, to support the Israeli economy during the second intifada writing an original format that other communities were able to follow. She has served as liaison, acting on behalf of several community organizations, including The Friendship Circle, Chabad and The Center for Judaic & Middle Eastern Studies at UCONN, where she holds a certificate.

Additionally, Linda is an active JDC member. And she engages in missions with UJF, the JDC and AJWS (American Jewish World Service). Linda is a UJF Melton graduate, a Harvey Peltz award recipient, a Hartman Institute participant and an Ayeka facilitator.

Professionally, Linda worked within the field of clinical social work in NYC, addressing the needs of challenged adolescents and victims of abuse. She has been trained in mind-body psychotherapy, disaster response, is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (treatment specific to trauma) and is licensed in therapeutic massage. She is in private practice, Linda also volunteers at Stamford Hospital, assisting professional staff. She is an avid student of alternative treatment modalities.

Linda has three grown children, two of whom have served in the Israeli Defense Forces.