David T. Brown takes a very hands-on approach to his philanthropy. And to strengthening the Jewish community, as well.

As rockets bombarded Israel’s south and sirens blared before each impending blast in 2012, David was there, assessing first-hand how Chicago’s Jewish community could help, and making sure the people of the region knew they were not alone.

Two years later, he was back again, at the height of Operation Protective Edge.

Early last year, just days after the terrorist massacres at Charlie Hebdo and the kosher supermarket in Paris, David was there, too, carrying a message of the unwavering connection between the French Jewish community and Chicago’s.

In times of war and times of terror, as well as in the heat of legislative battles in Washington and Springfield, and on missions of healing to communities struck by natural or economic disaster, Brown has long been an ambassador and advocate for Chicago’s Jewish community. He has provided emotional support. Brought tangible assistance. Rallied those who can help. And embodied the precept that all Jews are responsible for one another.

On Thursday, Sept. 15, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago honored that commitment and energy when it presented Brown with its highest recognition, the Julius Rosenwald Memorial Award. The award goes to present-day leaders who mirror the values and determination of one of Chicago’s, and the world’s, greatest philanthropists and social advocates.

Brown – who chairs the law firm of Much Shelist, is immediate past chair of the Jewish Federation, and leads a broad array of other civic, arts and humanitarian endeavors – says his philanthropic goal is to make the best even better, so those who help can do even more.

He strives, he says, for a community where each donor, volunteer, worker, agency and school has the sense that they are a vital part of the important work being done on behalf of the Jewish people. And he actively reaches out to young leaders, and potential leaders, engaging them, mentoring them, and encouraging them to take on new leadership roles.

“If you know David,” Federation President Steven Nasatir said, “you know how deserving he is – how hard he pushes everyone to do their best. While uncertainty surrounds us, David’s leadership is a sure thing.”

Brown’s involvement dates back to the early ’90s. Ever since he became active in JUF’s Young Leadership Division, he said, “I haven’t stopped raising my hand to lead.”

In 1993, he received the Federation’s Davis, Gidwitz & Glasser Young Leadership Award. He also has played key roles in the Young Leadership Division, the national United Jewish Appeal Young Leadership Cabinet, the Jewish Children’s Bureau, the Hillels of Illinois Governing Commission, the American Jewish Congress Governing Council, AIPAC and the Standard Club.

Today, he chairs JUF’s Jewish Community Relations Council and the Global Operations: Israel and Overseas Council of the Jewish Federations of North America, and is on the board of the Jewish Agency for Israel. He has worked regularly with JFNA’s Washington, D.C., office on health and long-term care issues, care of the aged, disability and tax policies.

Brown also is a major force in the Chicago business and civic arenas. He is a member of the American, Illinois and Chicago bar associations, The Economic Club of Chicago and the Chicago Chapter of the World Presidents’ Organization, and has been honored by the American Liver Foundation, SHALVA and the American Jewish Congress.

He also has run 11 Chicago Marathons – supporting groups such as JUF, the American Cancer Society and the American Liver Foundation.

While humbled to receive the Rosenwald Award for what he has done, Brown said it takes everyone’s commitment to keep the Jewish community strong.

“All of us must continue to raise our hands to lead.”