Howard Rich

Vice President

Howard Rich, of Marblehead, has been engaged in the Jewish community for most of his adult life. The Salem native and longtime supporter of Epstein Hillel, the JCCNS and AIPAC served as president and campaign chair of the former Jewish Federation of the North Shore and as a board member of CJP.

A Zionist, he has traveled to Israel many times as a fund raiser. His dear friend Bob Lappin persuaded him to go to Israel many years ago on a UJA mission, and that experience changed his life.

Howard views the Foundation as the shining light of the North Shore. “It has changed lives at a time when the forces of assimilation are diminishing support for Israel and Jewish life in America. Lappin Foundation programs are the best thing our community does,” he said. He especially likes the Y2I trips, which he credits with changing lives.

Howard was president of a chain of twenty nine discount stores, Rich’s, and has been involved in shopping center development. He brings his considerable experience in Jewish philanthropy to the board.