Who we are
Dr. Janice Taitel - Co-Founder
I grew up in New Jersey going to Hebrew school and attending high holiday services at a conservative synagogue, where my brothers and I had to make an appearance for our grandparents. We had Shabbos dinner at their Kosher home every Friday, and the family all gathered for Seders and Rosh Hashanah dinners. Although I wasn’t otherwise observant, Judaism was a constant presence in my life, expressed in food, culture, ethics, and continual learning. As an adult, those family gatherings fell away, and I struggled to maintain some connection, untraditional as it might be, with my Jewish roots.
I moved to Yucca Valley from New Jersey in 2022. I’d spent my early adulthood in Boston, first at Boston University for physics and electrical engineering, then working in semiconductors until I followed my calling for healing, got my MD at Harvard Medical
School then completed pediatric residency at Boston City Hospital. During this time, I also did a lot of climbing in Joshua Tree, which always felt like home. After residency, I returned to NJ, new baby in tow. There, I worked as a pediatrician at a FQHC with mostly immigrant population and had an Aikido dojo as well as adopting a second baby. With my children grown, I finally found my way to the hi desert, where I am happily exploring my creativity through assemblage, ceramics, writing, and curating art community art shows, as well as continuing to practice and teach Aikido.
Robert Aronson - Co-Founder
Bob Aronson has dedicated over 40 years to the fields of community leadership, non-profit management, fundraising, designated giving, and advising major philanthropists and organizations, primarily within the Jewish community. Over the course of his career, he has overseen $100 million budgets and spearheaded campaigns exceeding $250 million. Bob has been the acting President of the MBCAC - HWY 62 Art Tours since 2024
Professional Experience
• Executive Director, Milwaukee Jewish Federation (1983–1989): Led community-focused initiatives and organizational growth.
• Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit (1989–2009): Played a pivotal role in transforming the organization and expanding its impact.
• President, Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life, NYC (2009–2016): Directed strategic programs to enhance Jewish life globally.
• President, Birthright Israel, NYC and Jerusalem (2009–2015): Led efforts to connect young Jewish adults with their heritage through transformative travel experiences.
• Senior Development Advisor, Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit (2009–2019): Provided strategic guidance for development and fundraising initiatives.
• Adjunct Professor, University of Michigan School of Social Work (2012–Present): Teaches a graduate seminar in Philanthropy, sharing his expertise with the next generation of leaders.
Advisory Roles
• Trusted advisor to prominent Detroit philanthropists, including William Davidson and Eugene Applebaum.
• Former President of American Friends of Yahad-In-Unum (Paris) and Bar-Ilan University (Tel Aviv).
Current Work
Bob continues to offer his extensive expertise through his philanthropy advisory practice, where he guides 10 philanthropists and organizations on:
• Effective giving strategies
• Best practices in development
• Fundraising campaigns
• Endowment planning
Bob Aronson’s lifelong commitment to leadership and philanthropy has left an indelible impact on the Jewish community and beyond.
Lisa Schyck-Aronson - Co-Founder
Lisa Schyck brings over 20-years of experience working in Human Resources and Organizational development. Her resume includes some of Detroit’s’ most prestigious multi-national automotive industry technical and engineering businesses. She holds a Master’s degree in Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Development. She also studied Judaic Studies at Spertus Institute.
Lisa considers herself a life-long student and has undertaken a deeply personal education in Judaic Studies, Chassidic and mystical teachings. She has been sober and in recovery since 2015. Her deepening spiritual education has inspired a longing to touch as many souls by helping those in need and lifting up her community by making it a better place.
In Hebrew the expression is Tikkun Olam! Which means “to repair the world.” Lisa is the founder of the Joshua Tree Dream, the publisher of Glimpses of the Joshua Tree book series and co-founder of Yucca Brevifolia Magazine. Her goal for The Joshua Tree Dream is to support our local desert social-impact organizations and the people of the Morongo Basin. Portions of the proceeds from the sale of the book series “Glimpses of the Joshua Tree Dream” will be gifted back to the community to help people and organizations here in the high desert.
“The deeds we do here are the name tags we wear in paradise.” The Zohar
Contact us
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