Congregation Ahavas Sholom is proud to honor Michael Schiff with the Irving Baker Community Builder Award for his kindness and support of Jewish life and institutions in Columbus, Ohio.  A truly humble individual, Mike has given generously to local synagogues, supporting Beth Jacob and Torat Emet, in addition to Ahavas Sholom. He recognizes the central role these institutions play in our lives and Ahavas Sholom is grateful for his involvement in our projects and campaigns. We honor him for his significant and broad philanthropic endeavors. 

 

In addition to his support of synagogues, Mike is also dedicated to the value of Jewish education and is a decades-long supporter of the Columbus Torah Academy and also of the Columbus Community Kollel.  Additionally, he provides his help to a number of other causes, including the Jewish Community Center, Lifetown, among others.

 

In learning of the honor to be bestowed upon him, Mike commented “It is very important that all Jewish institutions remain strong.  If not, we all become more vulnerable. Everyone can do a little something to contribute to strengthen our Jewish establishments and agencies and do our part to make sure we have a strong Jewish community.”

 

Michael grew up in Eastmoor and moved to Bexley when he was in high school. He is forever grateful to Ahavas Sholom members, Dr. Sam and Susie Portman, who opened their home and their lives to him during high school.  He remembers them treating him like a fourth son, welcoming him with such kindness. “Uncle Sam was a busy, passionate doctor who had a lot on his plate, yet always made me feel completely welcome in his home. Looking back, I am amazed how Aunt Susie tolerated us four crazy boys who gave her aggravation on a regular basis.  She remained the amazing and classy lady she has always been and is still to this day.”  When Ahavas Sholom had a special fundraising campaign a few years ago, Mike volunteered the largest gift of the campaign, in honor of Sam and Susie Portman.    

 

During his high school years, Michael distinguished himself athletically. A two-time district tennis champion, he qualified for states every year at Bexley, winning the state championship one year. Mike recently spearheaded the fundraising to renovate the Bexley School tennis courts, which will be named the Schiff Family Tennis Complex, in recognition.

 

After attending law school, Mike worked for Schottenstein Stores Corporation for 25 years. He learned much about real estate development, especially from his mentor, Jerome Schottenstein.  “To this day, I try to pattern my business practices after much of what I learned from Jerome and Jay,” he said.

 

Mike founded Schiff Capital Group, a privately held real estate and investment firm headquartered in Columbus in 2014.  Schiff Capital specializes in buying, selling, and developing properties; obtaining and providing financing; and using its extensive experience and networking to structure complex real estate deals and business transactions.

 

Mike and his wonderful wife, Patricia, are the proud parents of sons Stefan and Adrian, and daughters Sophie and Juliette. In accepting the Irving Baker Community Builder Award, Mike commented “I would like to see this year’s ad journal be very successful, to help keep Ahavas Sholom financially strong.“ Like the award’s namesake, Irving Baker, Mike has a stellar name and reputation in the business world and the Jewish community. Ahavas Sholom is delighted to honor him and appreciates his vision for the congregation’s future and his passion for Jewish life in Columbus.