by Joel Schatz and Linda S. Haase on May 03, 2025
For four generations and counting, the name Schrayer has been synonymous with leadership in Chicago's Jewish community.
Barbara M. Schrayer, the family matriarch, died March 12 at age 91--having witnessed her family's legacy of leadership being embraced by its third and fourth generations.
For decades, Schrayer was active in JUF's Women's Philanthropy and as a proud Lion of Judah, a member of an international sisterhood of philanthropic women. She served for many years on the JUF Women's Board and on the boards of JCC Chicago and the Council for Jewish Elderly (now CJE SeniorLife). In addition, she was a founding trustee of Chicago's Jewish Women's Foundation.
"Just as Barbara Schrayer was at the heart of her family, she was at the heart of this community," said Dr. Steven B. Nasatir, JUF Executive Vice Chairman. "She exemplified commitment and exuded elegance in everything she did."
Schrayer believed that the key to nurturing and perpetuating a legacy of service is setting an example-and set an example she did.
"I always used her wisdom as my North Star," said her daughter, Deborah Karmin.
In 2000, Barbara and her late husband, Bob, co-chaired the annual General Assembly of United Jewish Communities (now the Jewish Federations of North America). The national event was held in Chicago that year, to mark the Chicago Federation's centennial.
The couple-who met in college at a Zeta Beta Tau dance-also co-chaired numerous missions to Israel.
The Schrayer legacy in Chicago began with Barbara's father-in-law, Max Robert Schrayer, a former chair of the Jewish Federation and a director of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and other national agencies. The torch was carried by her late husband, Robert, who twice headed the JUF/Federation board and was campaign chair for both JUF and United Jewish Communities.
Then Barbara and Bob's children picked up the torch: Max "Skip," who chaired JUF's board from 2010 to 2012 and its Annual Campaign in 2006; Deborah, who served as JUF Women's Board Campaign vice president in 2019; and Elizabeth, a D.C.-area political consultant who is active in the Federation there, and also served as national political director of AIPAC for more than a decade.
"Mom made us feel special and loved, and capable of doing anything," said Skip Schrayer.
In 2014, Skip Schrayer received JUF's highest honor, the Julius Rosenwald Memorial Award, just as his father and grandfather had before him, making him the first third-generation recipient. He also was the first third-generation chair of JUF's board in its history.
Barbara's sons and daughter-in-law also are active leaders: Skip's wife, Lynn Sachse Schrayer, received her Federation's Young Leadership Division award twice, first in her native Detroit and again in Chicago. Deborah's husband, Jon Karmin, served as board president of Maot Chitim in 2021. Liz's husband, Jeff Schwaber, is an advocate for the homeless.
Now, her local grandchildren are becoming JUF leaders, too. Ali Karmin served as 2021 campaign chair for Young Leadership Division and was 2023 campaign chair for Young Women's City Council, while Zack Karmin joined the YLD Board in 2021; both have been "36 Under 36" honorees. Annie, Eli, and Joey Schrayer all have participated in many JUF events and programs over the years, as well.
Known for her trademark spiky hair, elegant sense of style, and love for the University of Michigan Wolverines, Schrayer enjoyed having a Diet Coke-with a straw-and a side of Swedish Fish.
"She loved finding beauty and joy in life," said Elizabeth Schrayer.
It was deeply meaningful to Schrayer to witness her commitment to community being passed l'dor v'dor, from generation to generation.
"We were very fortunate that we had such a nice life," Schrayer said in a 2021 interview, "and we wanted to share that good fortune and make sure we had a strong Jewish community. It's a huge part of who we are and what we think is important. To see your children pick up that mantle, and become Jewish leaders themselves and help the community, is just overwhelming.
Barbara, a Golden Giver member of JUF, was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert M. Schrayer. She is survived by her children, Skip (Lynn) Schrayer, Elizabeth (Jeff Schwaber) Schrayer, and Deborah (Jon Karmin) Schrayer Karmin. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Joshua (Emily), Alison (Jason), Danny (Callie), Zack (fiancé Karen), Annie (Brian), Sam, Eli (fiancé Danielle), and Joey; and by her great-grandchildren Charlie, Winnie, Maggie, and Tessa. A memorial service was held at Am Shalom in Glencoe, and interment at Rosehill Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Chicago Jewish Funerals. Memorials may be made to Barbara M. Schrayer Memorial Fund at JUF.
Joel Schatz is a freelance writer living in the northern suburbs of Chicago.
