2025 Guardian of the Human Spirit Luncheon
Honoring
Linda Lait Burger
Special Guest Speaker
Rabbi David Wolpe
Monday, November 24, 2025
Hilton Americas-Houston
1600 Lamar St.
Registration at 11 a.m. | Lunch/Program at Noon
Each year, the Museum’s annual luncheon raises essential funds supporting Holocaust and Human Rights education for students, teachers, members and the public. The recipient of this year’s Guardian of the Human Spirit Award is Linda Lait Burger.
Linda Lait Burger
Linda Lait Burger has spent her entire professional life advancing the well-being of the Houston community through bold, compassionate leadership. Best known for her 17-year tenure as CEO of Alexander Jewish Family Service, Linda’s legacy includes nationally recognized initiatives in disability inclusion, mental health, and disaster recovery. Her leadership journey, through roles at the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, American Jewish Committee, and beyond has shaped not only services, but the soul of this community. In 2024, Linda returned from retirement to serve as interim CEO of Holocaust Museum Houston. Linda’s unwavering commitment to dignity and access has earned her numerous accolades, including the Hans Mayer Award for Communal Service and recognition as a Most Admired CEO by the Houston Business Journal. Her lifelong commitment to dignity, memory, and justice exemplifies the spirit of this prestigious award.
Rabbi David Wolpe
Special guest speaker is Rabbi David Wolpe, Max Webb Emeritus Rabbi of Sinai Temple and inaugural rabbinic fellow of the Anti-Defamation League. Named America’s most influential rabbi by Newsweek, Wolpe is a leading author and commentator whose work has shaped Jewish thought and public discourse for over 30 years. A frequent contributor to publications including The New York Times, The Atlantic, Time, and The Washington Post, Rabbi Wolpe is the author of eight books, including the national bestseller Making Loss Matter: Creating Meaning in Difficult Times. His most recent work, David: The Divided Heart, was a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award and has been optioned by Warner Bros. for a feature film
Luncheon Chairs
- Vikki & Rich Evans
- Irene Weingarten & Richard Wolf
Host Committee Chairs
- Ellen & Dan Trachtenberg
- Mitzi Shure & Jerry Wische
Media Sponsor
