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As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month, we should think about all there is we have to be thankful for this year. For this year in particular, there is a great deal. |
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Israel @ 60: the anniversary party begins
Jews are planning to come together as a people, as one, not only in the United States but around the world, to celebrate more than just the continued existence of a Jewish homeland. |
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Archie Gottesman "This may sound like obsessive planning ahead … but my oldest daughter, Lilli, is 12 and having her Bat Mitzvah in April, but I already know I want Jewish grandchildren. It’s never too early to inject our children with a strong sense of Jewish identity and I have been trying to do that since the day Lilli was born." For Archie Gottesman of Summit, the foundation of Jewish giving is the family. And the reason is that, for her, family is the foundation of everything Jewish. It is the cornerstone of Jewish identity. |
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Super Sunday 2008 is coming on December 2
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We have so much to be thankful for
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month, we should think about all there is we have to be thankful for this year. For this year in particular, there is a great deal.
Jews all over the world are in the midst of a year-long celebration of Israel’s 60th anniversary. Those of you who have been in Israel recently know how much the country has changed. Israel is now a modern country – a world leader in technological development, and an economic center with major cities, resorts, and expensive residential areas that rival any on earth.
Israel is, of course, still surrounded by enemies sworn to destroy her. Jews around the world must continue to help Israel, and must continue to keep her strong. However, the fact is that, right now, Israel finally is strong.
She is also at peace and is being reconstructed. The funding that so many of you contributed to the Israel Emergency Campaign during last year’s war with Hezbollah continues to help Israelis. The recovery is well under, and homes, businesses, schools, and lives have been rebuilt, because of you. But most important, Israel is not at war, and now she is enjoying as much peace as she has ever known.
And here at UJC, there is much to be thankful for. We are now working on a host of new initiatives, due to the generosity of many creative MetroWest philanthropists, as well as all the donors who make the UJA annual campaign such a success every year. The MetroWest Day School Campaign is helping to cap tuitions and make day schools available to all middle class families. The Iris Teen Tzedakah Program is teaching our young people the meaning and importance of giving to those in need. The Rubell Holocaust Remembrance Journeys bring the lessons of the Holocaust to our teens, so they can learn how important it is that it never happen again, to anyone.
And there is a great deal more. These are good times, and we have much to be thankful for. But there is much that needs to be done. So many more people do not yet have what they need to live comfortably and in dignity. So many people are waiting for the reason to give thanks.
Like all good times, they can be better, and that’s up to all of us. Like all good times, we can say that the best is yet to come.
Together We Live Generously!
Kenneth R. Heyman
President
United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ
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Israel @ 60: the anniversary party begins
When Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day, arrives May 8 next year, the State of Israel will be 60 years old. The celebration will be a year-long event, beginning even before 2008 and ending perhaps after 2008 is out.
Jews are planning to come together as a people, as one, not only in the United States but around the world, to celebrate more than just the continued existence of a Jewish homeland. In the past 60 years, Israel has become something few of its pioneers, and few of those who helped support it at the beginning, could have foreseen.
Israel is now a fully modernized country, and it is turning into an economic powerhouse. Where once there was desert and communities being carved out of the frontier, now there are international business headquarters, sprawling metropolises, holiday resorts, upscale residential communities, and world-famous hospitals. The country has become a leader in the technology sector, and major international IT firms maintain offices in Jerusalem. And it is a world-class tourist center, combining the ultra-modern with 3,000 years of history. People from all over the world come to Israel to visit majestic antiquities and towering skyscrapers, to shop at contemporary malls and ancient bazaars, and to witness the birthplace of Western civilization, in all its major traditions.
There are going to be a host of activities to celebrate not just the survival of our homeland but the accomplishing of the vision of so many generations of Jews, those who prayed for 2,000 years to return to their homeland, those who built it, and those who support it. Events are being conducted around the country, and here in MetroWest, agencies, organizations, and synagogues are adding to the list of events every week.
At UJC MetroWest, the celebration begins with a focusing on the sixtieth anniversary in our major annual events and celebrations. Initially, four dates have been selected particularly as opportunities to celebrate the special anniversary.
- Super Sunday, Sunday, December 2
- Yom HaZikaron, Tuesday, May 6
Israel’s equivalent of Memorial Day, to commemorate its fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism - UJA Benefit Concert, Wednesday, May 7
themed this year to honor Israel @ 60 - Yom Ha’atzmaut, Thursday, May 8
Israel Independence Day, the special day of this special year
MetroWest synagogues are invited to send a representative to the meeting, to help develop ideas for community events. Synagogues intending to send a representative are asked to RSVP at .
In addition, UJC is planning two concerts featuring Israeli artists, to celebrate the 60th anniversary. On Saturday, Feb. 9, UJC will host a concert for teens, featuring Hadag Nahash, an Israeli funk group that has recorded four albums and is working on its fifth release. On June 2, at the Cooperman Family JCC in West Orange, a concert for adults will feature Etti Ankri, one of Israel’s most famous female singers and songwriters. A former Female Singer of the Year in Israel, Ankri has been called a "rock genius," a "poet of Israeli spirituality," and "the contemporary voice of … Israel."
UJC is serving as the clearinghouse for information on the constantly increasing number of MetroWest community events celebrating Israel @ 60. Community members can visit www.ujcnj.org/israelat60 to reach UJC’s Community Calendar, which lists all the upcoming anniversary events in the area. Local organizations also can go there to download an "Israel @ 60" logo that can be used in publicizing their own events, and to enter their events on the Community Calendar. UJC will support events listed on the Community Calendar by promoting them with print ads in local publications.
To obtain further information on the Israeli concerts as well as all other events commemorating Israel’s sixtieth anniversary, visit www.ujcnj.org/israelat60 and our Community Calendar, which will be updated with new information as it develops. New events are constantly being added, so everyone is advised to check the calendar weekly.
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Donor Spotlight: Archie Gottesman
"This may sound like obsessive planning ahead … but my oldest daughter, Lilli, is 12 and having her Bat Mitzvah in April, but I already know I want Jewish grandchildren. It’s never too early to inject our children with a strong sense of Jewish identity and I have been trying to do that since the day Lilli was born."
For Archie Gottesman of Summit, the foundation of Jewish giving is the family. And the reason is that, for her, family is the foundation of everything Jewish. It is the cornerstone of Jewish identity.
"Giving children a sense of Jewish identity is the parents’ responsibility," she said. "If you’re lucky enough to be a part of a Jewish community, that can help on the journey, but I think that parents are key."
For Gottesman, family is certainly the foundation of her Jewish giving. She comes from one of the most dedicated and involved families in the MetroWest community. The example they set for her has made her not only a leading MetroWest donor but gave her a commitment to supporting the Jewish family, a commitment that brought her to serve as one of the chairs this year of the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) of MetroWest NJ Family Philanthropy Evening and to deliver the opening remarks.
Passing on the personal identification with Judaism and the understanding of the importance of Jewish giving is something she is dedicated to doing for her three daughters.
"I want them to understand that Jewish causes are not only something to care about but something to feel responsible for," she explained. "I think there’s a big difference between caring for something and being responsible for something. I’d love them to be community minded and care about non-Jewish causes. But that’s their decision. Whether they support Jewish causes – that’s different. It’s their responsibility, that’s non-negotiable. Just like soccer. If they want to join the soccer team, that’s their choice. Whether or not they need to go to Religious school – that’s non-negotiable."
Parents can influence their children, she feels, not by preaching but by modeling the behavior they want to see their children follow.
"Up through college age, our children watch what we do, and if parents want their children to do something, they have to be doing it. So, I don’t write checks silently. We’ve gone to Israel, we’re going again, and we’re active in our synagogue. You can tell your children what you like, but if you never go to Israel, then obviously it’s not all that important to you, and they’ll understand."
When asked how well we are doing as a people in promoting Jewish identity among our children, Gottesman is very clear.
"We’re in trouble, huge trouble. I see so many interfaith marriages where the parents are raising the children with either no religion or not to be Jewish. That’s where we’re going to fail as a people. So often Jews are lackadaisical about passing on an identification with Judaism. And it’s not as if there is great family opposition to bringing Judaism to the home. Many non-Jewish spouses I know are in favor of having their children learn about their Jewish heritage. It’s the Jewish parents who are lazy about it, and when they don’t do anything to promote Jewish belief, it defaults to Christianity.
"I know 11-year-olds whose parents are still debating as to whether or not to join a synagogue and teach their children about Judaism. I hate to tell them, but that train has probably left the station. Kids start to learn about Judaism when they learn to walk. You can’t suddenly introduce faith to an 11-year-old and expect them to understand. It has to start at home and start early. Perhaps my contemporaries were failed by their parents. They don’t see their responsibility to pass on their tradition to their children. It is really sad.
"At my talk at the Family Philanthropy Evening, I mentioned a Hebrew school teacher who said that it would be my generation that would finish up what Hitler didn’t – that we would be the ones to assimilate the Jewish People out of existence. I believed him and it scared me."
There’s also a strong, personal reason behind Gottesman’s devotion to teaching her children to be Jewish.
"It may sound a little funny, but I want Jewish grandchildren someday. I want to see my heritage passed along. I imagine that the best way to get that is to diligently raise my daughters with love and understanding of Judaism."
Beyond passing on Jewish belief to our own children, what can we do to motivate other parents to do the same with their children?
"We should talk up Jewish giving. Position it as a joy as well as a responsibility. And maybe we can stop teaching our children that ‘anything goes.’ So many parents now want to please their children rather than teach them. It’s okay to not give a child a choice about Religious school or tzedakah, spending the Friday night at home with the family instead of going to a party. They might complain now, but it shapes who they will become later."
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Super Sunday 2008 is coming on December 2
Super Sunday 2008, an annual full-day event of fundraising and community activities by United Jewish Appeal of MetroWest NJ, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., on the Alex Aidekman Family Jewish Community Campus in Whippany.
Super Sunday will devote the day to a community-wide fundraising phonathon, with a variety of accompanying events for the whole family. Chairs for Super Sunday 2008 are Jean Mandell of Lake Hopatcong, Daniel Ramer of Maplewood, and Ron Silbermann of Randolph.
This year, a variety of new initiatives promise to make the fundraising event even more successful than it has been in previous years. Anonymous donors will be matching dollar-for-dollar all new gifts closed on Super Sunday. In addition, there will be programs offering incentives to MetroWest synagogues and local agencies.
"A Synagogue 50/50 will take place," Silbermann explained, "where every synagogue will be eligible to receive 50 percent of the new gifts that they raise on Super Sunday from their membership lists. We will also be having an All-Star Agency Challenge. Each local MetroWest agency has been asked to bring a team of agency board members to make calls on Super Sunday. The agency that closes the most cards will receive an additional $5,000 award. Also, the agency with the most board participation, based on percent of board members, will receive a $5,000 award."
And the community activities promise to be just as successful.
Adults will be able to attend cooking demonstrations with Lévana of Lévana Restaurant, one of New York City’s leading kosher restaurants, and purchase signed copies of her cookbook.
Young children, pre-kindergarten to 5th grade, can go with their parents to a carnival specially designed for them, which will include mitzvah projects. Children four and under, with their parents, can enjoy Music and Movement with Carol Berman.
There will be a special teen program for 9th to 12th graders from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., which will include an hour of learning, an hour of calling, and a post-call hour of reflection and celebration. Teens who participate will receive community service hours. Middle school teens can volunteer to help run carnival activities, coin sorting, and babysitting services (for children 12 months and older, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
The day will end with a dessert celebration.
Mandell added that Super Sunday is as much about community building as it is about fundraising.
"Super Sunday is a time for everyone," she said. "Anyone, affiliated or not, can come together to support the local Jewish community and Israel, or just come out to enjoy the activities we’ve got planned for the community. We’ve got events organized for everyone of all ages. This will be an opportunity for people to see old friends, make new ones, and be part of the excitement. We invite everyone to join us for a great day."
Those wishing to volunteer to help on Super Sunday can choose among four time slots: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., noon to 3:30 p.m., 3 to 6 p.m., and 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Corporate sponsorship for Super Sunday 2008 is Douglas Auto Group in Summit and IDT.
For more information or to register as a Super Sunday volunteer, call (973) 929-3010, e-mail , or visit www.ujcnj.org/supersunday.
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New philanthropic initiative will bring Odessa students to Israel
The new year is going to bring a new philanthropic initiative to promote Jewish identity and peoplehood along with study in Israel. Supported by Leah and Ed Frankel of North Caldwell, the Government of Israel, and United Jewish Communities (UJC) of MetroWest NJ, and conducted with UJC and The Jewish Agency for Israel’s MASA program, the new initiative will bring college-age Jewish students from Odessa in the Ukraine to Israel to pursue their educational studies.
MASA (which is Hebrew for "journey") provides young Jewish adults from around the world with opportunities for participating in long-term programs in Israel, in order to address the problems of "declining Jewish identity and weakening affiliation with the State of Israel among diaspora youth."
The new initiative is a result of a gift from the Frankels to UJC MetroWest and matching funds provided by the Israeli government. It will bring 50 students from Odessa to Israel to study for six months. In addition, roughly an equivalent number of MetroWest students will attend the program, and the students will be hosted by Israeli students over the course of the year in the MetroWest partner communities.
"This will be the largest project of its kind in the world," observed Max L. Kleinman, executive vice president of UJC MetroWest. "Our young people need to know there are Jews throughout the world who might speak different languages but are related to them as fellow Jews. This program will powerfully address the erosion of Jewish peoplehood among the next generation."
The Odessa students will come from schools in the Tikva program, which includes boys’ and girls’ homes that care for almost 175 children from ages 4 to 16, an infants’ home for more than 35 infants and toddlers, a day care center, elementary schools, pre-schools, high schools, and an accredited university-level study program, as well as a Jewish Community Center, a Meals-on-Wheels program for the elderly, a non-profit kosher restaurant and market, and the renovated Great Choral Synagogue.
"I’ve been involved in the Tikva program for the last five years," said Ed Frankel. "Many of our children, over 300, have immigrated to Israel and are there now, either in school or beyond. We have found that it is not always appropriate for every one of our kids to move to Israel, or to go to college. Some of our kids have psychological problems; some have come from bad homes, or state orphanages, or were living on the streets. Some of these kids were just not prepared.
"Our new initiative will give our young people the chance to spend six months in Israel, so we can see which of them will fit best into Israeli society and where they fit. We’ll also offer vocational school as well as college, for those students who are best suited to it.
"We’d like to increase the odds of getting these young adults to maximize their own potential, rather than follow what we perceive they should do. I think this will give us a better chance of putting them on the proper course for a better life."
2008 will be the first time for the new initiative, and it may be only the first.
"The plans are under discussion," said Ed Frankel. "If it’s successful, we’ll try to make it part of our ongoing program."
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