The first Jewish Miss America, Bess set out on a life-long commitment of service to others. Bess was instrumental in the enactment of open-dating and unit pricing in supermarkets, has served as a board member to many civic and philanthropic organizations, and has served as the National Commissioner to the Anti-Defamation League. Bess's background in journalism and concern over today's racial and religious tensions on college and university campuses recently led her to endow an award for campus journalists whose coverage addresses these issues. Bess has always been known for encouraging values of goodwill and understanding to all!
