The Jewish Light received four Rockower Awards at the 42nd Annual Simon Rockower Awards for Excellence in Jewish Journalism. The awards, which honor achievements in Jewish media published in 2022, were announced at the American Jewish Press Association (AJPA) annual conference Tuesday night during a presentation at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

“Fleeing Putin’s Russia: Tatiana Glezer’s Story” by Tatiana Glezer took second place in the award for excellence in personal essay. Judge’s comment: A story of strength and determination.

“A life well-lived: Award-winning journalist and friend, extraordinaire Susan Fadem dies at 73” by Editor-in-Chief Ellen Futterman received honorable mention in the excellence in personality profiles award. Judge’s comment:

The profound love the author had for her colleague shines through this life-affirming account.

“Family Caregiving 101: What it really means” by contributing writer Bill Motchan took second place in the excellence in writing about health care category. Judge’s comment: This piece represents a challenge most children will face, through the first-person angle of the author. I particularly liked the checklist for readers.

“Olivette teens take goal of ‘tikkun olam’ into their own hands” by Ellen Futterman won honorable mention for excellence in writing about young families/people. Judge’s comment: I’m sure it happens much more than we know, but spotlights on creative and charitable deeds by youth are heartwarming and hopeful. These boys deserve to have the world know what they did. Especially with trees. Trees last on through generations and help the world.

During the conference, Futterman was also elected president of the AJPA, succeeding past president Alan Smason, editor of the Crescent City Jewish News.