Chai Life - Summer 2006

SUMMER 2006

A Publication of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County

Volume 1, Number 2 \ A Guide for Jewish Living and Giving in Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach

Snapshots

Donor Spotlight With a $2 million gift to help build an apartment building for the Jewish Association for Residential Care (JARC), Judy Levis Markhoff is continuing her family’s legacy of generosity.

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Show of Strength President and CEO Bill Bernstein congratulates donors and Federation personnel on a record-setting campaign at the Annual Meeting.

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THE TOP 10 STORIES OF THE SEASON From headliners and heads of state to hurricane relief, it was a memorable campaign year for the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, marked by record-setting fundraising, newsworthy achievements and compelling storylines.

Before the start of the 2005-2006 season, the Federation introduced its “Our Community, Our World, Our Responsibility” theme, spotlighting Federation programs that make such a big difference locally and overseas. We pledged to stand strong for Israel, fight antiSemitism, rescue Ethiopian Jews, battle hunger and poverty and bolster Jewish education. Our generous community answered the challenge with a record total of nearly $21 million to date.

Hat’s Off (Women’s Division) The Women’s Division installs new officers and pays tribute to those responsible for a 20.6 percent increase in donations.

Three Wishes Granted (Foundation) Jewish Women’s Foundation gives a monetary boost to three worthy organizations.

Touch of Class (JEC) Melton Mini-School boasts largest graduating class in history.

Expanding His Horizon

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President & CEO Bill Bernstein attends a conference in Argentina and discovers another side of Jewish life.

Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County 9901 Donna Klein Blvd.

Boca Raton, FL 33428

The Federation also proved that it can respond promptly to unexpected events, collecting $400,000 for Hurricane Katrina victims on the Gulf Coast and caring for senior citizens in our area who were victimized by Hurricane Wilma.

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Jewish Federation of S.P.B.C.

(continued on page 16)

Chai Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Beneficiary Focus . . . . . . . . . . .14 Country Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

F E D E R AT I O N O F F I C E R S Chair Etta Gross Zimmerman Vice Chairs Steven Bedowitz Albert Gortz Thomas R. Kaplan Roxane Frechie Lipton Dorothy Seaman Teddy Struhl Treasurer Ira Gerstein Assistant Treasurer Michael Weinberg Secretary Warren Greenspoon Assistant Secretary Ellen R. Sarnoff Immediate Past Chair Lawrence D. Altschul President & CEO William S. Bernstein, MSW

FEDERATION/UJA CAMPAIGN Vice Chair Steven Bedowitz Chair, Women’s Division Dorothy Seaman 1st Vice Chair Campaign, Women’s Division Ellen R. Sarnoff Vice Chair Major Gifts, Women’s Division Kinnie Gorelick Co-Chairs, Young Adult Division Jonathan Louis Naomi Steinberg

Chai Lights

By Etta Gross Zimmerman, Chair

TAKING TIME FOR REFLECTION Although many of our donors have headed for cooler environs and the pace at Federation has slowed down a bit, there’s still plenty to be done. In addition to completing a pivotal annual campaign year, we are already planning next year’s campaign and heavily into our imperative allocations work for the 2006-2007 fiscal year. The pace of the meetings has diminished, but our achievements are being carefully assessed. We are committed to serving the needs of the Jewish community more efficiently and working to maximize our donors’ faith in our ability to succeed.

Oftentimes, in the midst of harried events and meetings, we lose sight of why we are dedicated to this significant effort. Was it the apartment resident from JARC who bagged my Pesach groceries with such enthusiasm and care and excitement for the holiday that made me stop and think? Was it the looming question of our vulnerable senior population – 300 of whom live in apartments on our campus – and how we will continue to provide for them, as well as their brethren throughout the world, especially in the former Soviet Union? Was it the countless carpool lines on our campus that helped me rejoice in 1,600 students coming to learn in a safe, Jewish environment as opposed to children at risk in our own backyard, in Israel and throughout the world?

During the spring and summer we are able to contemplate these issues and plan for next year’s campaign and endowments for the future. Many of you will take time this summer to visit family and visit Israel – both, in some cases. We are fortunate to count our blessings and challenges together.

Nessiah Tovah (safe travels) wherever your summer plans may take you. We look forward to seeing you in the fall and taking pride in the partnership we have with our donors. Our agenda will be challenging, but when we take time out for an honest reflection of the achievements of our community, we must take pride in our efforts and carry forward.

Shalom,

CAMPAIGN PROFESSIONALS Vice President, Campaign & Community Development Jason M. Shames Vice President, Women’s Division Marla Weiss Egers Assistant Campaign Director, Affinity Campaign Mitzi Schafer Assistant Campaign Director, Principal Gifts Jennifer Koenig

Etta Gross Zimmerman

This publication is produced by the Marketing & Communications Department of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.

Vice President, Marketing & Communications Andrew M. Rose

Marketing & Communications Manager Erryn Abiri

PR/Editorial Director Rick Adelman

New Media Manager Steve Sicherman

Creative Director Kara Clapp

Graphic Designer Gladiola Quintanilla

Administrative Assistant Phyliss Mazin

If you’re interested in underwriting this publication or advertising, please contact the Marketing & Communications Department at (561) 852-3177.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT JUDY LEVIS MARKHOFF: LEADING WOMEN’S P H I L A N T H R O P I S T WA S ‘ B O R N T O G I V E ’ Each year, some 35,000 visitors seeking physical wellness and Jewish culture enter one of several buildings labeled “Adolph and Rose Levis Jewish Community Center (JCC)” on the campus of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County in Boca Raton. Still others find help and solace for the devastating illness of Alzheimer’s disease at the Adolph & Rose Levis Alzheimer and Adult Day Care Center on campus. But how many of those who benefit from these institutions know anything about the remarkable family whose largesse made them possible?

The building is considered a “top tier” project by the Federation’s Capital Planning Task Force.

The plan was approved by the Federation’s Board of Trustees in November 2005.

Judy Levis Markhoff, daughter of the late Adolph and Rose Levis, knows all about her family’s history, of course, and in fact is continuing the legacy. A Florida resident for the last four years since her father’s passing, Judy has made it her responsibility to carry on the family traditions of tzedakah (charity) and mitzvot (good deeds.)

Markhoff is the largest women’s philanthropist to the Federation and its beneficiary agencies.

She is a Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) and serves on the Federation board of directors and the Women’s Division board of directors. She recently chaired the highly successful communitywide luncheon of the Women’s Division, “What Women Want,” featuring actress-philanthropist Jane Seymour and attracting more than 500 women. She will be chairing the Federation’s main event for the 2006-2007 campaign.

“When my dad passed away, I decided to get involved and carry on his legacy,” Judy said.

“L’dor V’dor (from generation to generation), from father to daughter. We keep it in the family.”

The most recent example of generosity is Markhoff’s donation of $2 million as the lead gift toward the construction of a new apartment building for the Jewish Association for Residential Care (JARC), which provides housing and training for adults with developmental disabilities in Boca Raton and Delray Beach.

The Judy Levis Markhoff Apartments will be located adjacent to the Adolph and Rose Levis Apartments at the Mel and Elaine Stein Center on the North Campus of the Federation. JARC also operates six group homes throughout Boca Raton and Delray Beach.

“There are too many families on waiting lists for this type of apartment facility,” said Markhoff, of Boca Raton. “I saw the need and I wanted to build a new complex.”

“Our capital planners put this high on the list of recommended projects for our community’s future growth,” said Bill Bernstein, Federation president and CEO. “Judy responded with tremendous passion and generosity as she has on so many other occasions. We are forever grateful to her.”

The Levis family’s ability to do good financially came from the most unlikely of sources … a dried meat product. During the Depression, Adolph Levis was a distributor of deli-type foods in the Philadelphia area. Noting how customers liked nibbling on dried pepperoni slices, he arranged for the creation of a spicy-tasting dried meat stick that could be snacked on anytime and anywhere. To give his product some distinction, he wrapped it in a package depicting a top hat and cane, and named it “Slim Jim.” His creation turned into a worldwide phenomenon, leading to the sale of his company to General Mills in 1967.

Growing up, Judy saw not only her father’s financial success, but also how he continuously translated that success into charitable endeavors.

Judy Levis Markhoff

“My father funded charities in Philadelphia, and in Israel, he supported Hebrew University and Weitzman Institute and also was honored by Boys Town Jerusalem,” Judy recalled.

“When he moved to Florida, he was everywhere!

The JCC, JARC, Boca Raton Community Hospital and Hospice. He built the Levis Alzheimer and Adult Day Care Center in memory of my mother who suffered from the disease, and he provided Medi-Van services and prescription drugs for the elderly poor,” she said.

“I have instilled in my children the desire to give back and carry on the family’s legacy.”

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Judy says she was inspired by her father’s deeds to emulate his ways. “When I was growing up, I volunteered to work in a hospital,” she explained, “then trained as a medical technician.

I did cardiopulmonary research on cardiac catheterization. I loved working in a hospital and helping people.”

(Continued on page 31)

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FEDERATION’S ANNUAL MEETING BERNSTEIN ACKNOWLEDGES COMMITMENT A N D S T R E N G T H O F F E D E R AT I O N L E A D E R S H I P Acknowledging accomplishments and growth during a banner year bolstered by a record-setting annual campaign expected to surpass $22 million, Bill Bernstein, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, urged the Federation to move forward with exciting new initiatives and strengthen its position as the primary resource for a vibrant and expanding Jewish population.

Emphasizing the “Our Community, Our World, Our Responsibility” theme at the Federation’s 26th Annual Meeting in Zinman Hall recently, Bernstein reviewed the year’s high points and noted the challenges ahead. He paid tribute to Board Chair Etta Zimmerman, the evening’s award winners and key Federation staff and lay leaders.

The purpose of the Annual Meeting is to honor the commitment and strength of the Federation leadership and to thank those who make a difference in “our community and our world,” as well as to formally elect the new Board of Directors for 2006-2007. Lisa Zwig Gerstein and Donna L. Robins co-chaired the meeting.

Bernstein complimented General Campaign Chair Steve Bedowitz, Women’s Division Campaign Chair Ellen Sarnoff and Vice President of Campaign Jason Shames and noted that a collective increase of nearly $4 million over the last three campaign years has enabled the Federation to continue a high level of service to the Jewish community.

“You should feel a tremendous sense of achievement and pride in the fact that our campaign continues to grow,” Bernstein told the audience.

Bernstein congratulated Boca Raton residents Gloria and Lee Baker for

Bill Bernstein, Federation president & CEO; James Nobil, past chair; Etta Zimmerman, Federation chair; Larry Phillips, James Nobil Award for Community Leadership recipient

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their $1 million dollar donation, the largest single gift in Federation history. The Bakers’ donation helped fund Hurricane Wilma repairs on the Federation campus and also went toward “Operation Promise,” a United Jewish Communities project to resettle oppressed Ethiopian Jews, feed and deliver basic services to poor and elderly Jews in the former Soviet Union and strengthen Jewish identity programs for young Jews there facing assimilation.

Bernstein said the Federation was one of the first in North American to participate in Operation Promise and has pledged $3.7 million over the next five years.

The Federation also responded to the catastrophic damage wreaked

by Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast and its impact on Jewish federations in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Houston. The local community, Bernstein said, contributed $431,000 toward the relief efforts on the Gulf Coast.

“This is truly a remarkable effort and one of which we can be very proud,” Bernstein said.

The Federation, Bernstein said, will be better able to address the community’s needs as a result of the demographic study – the first since 1995 in South Palm Beach County – directed by Dr. Ira Sheshkin of

Leah Siskin, Foundation executive director & Federation V.P.; Tom Kaplan, Foundation chair; Dotti Seaman, National UJC Endowment Achievement Award recipient; Etta Zimmerman, Federation chair; Bill Bernstein, Federation president & CEO

Etta Zimmerman, Federation chair; Glen Golish, James and Margie Baer Outstanding Young Leadership Award recipient; Bill Bernstein, Federation president & CEO

the University of Miami. Prior to Bernstein’s remarks, Zimmerman thanked the lay and professional leadership and the beneficiary agencies for their support and commitment during her first year as Chair of the Board of Directors. She also thanked family members for their unconditional support during the past year.

Zimmerman said her vision for her second term includes the adoption of recommendations from the Capital Planning Task Force, chaired

by Ellen Sarnoff, which reinforced the priorities that our community will need to undertake in order to better serve its population. Zimmerman also recognized Martin Pechter and his special committee, which recommended ways that the Federation can ensure the long-term viability of our community and campaign.

Zimmerman then recognized the evening’s award recipients: • Glen Golish (James and Marjorie Baer Young Leadership Award). Golish, a Federation board member, is founding member of the Leadership Alliance, cochaired Super Sunday, is co-chair of the Ben Gurion Society and one of YAD’s vice-chairs of campaign events.

• Larry Phillips (James H. Nobil Award for Community Leadership). Phillips, former chairman and CEO of the Phillips-Van Heusen apparel company, has been involved in supporting Jewish causes for more than 50 years. The founder of the American Jewish World Service, an international development organization, Phillips also is a benefactor of the Weinberg Center in Delray Beach, supporter of the Donna Klein Scholarship Fund and co-founder of the Federation’s

Dotti Seaman, Etta Zimmerman and Ellen Sarnoff

annual Thanksgiving Luncheon, which serves more than 400 meals to needy seniors.

• Dotti Seaman (National UJC 2005 Endowment Achievement Award). Newly appointed Chair of the Jewish Education Commission (JEC), Seaman committed $500,000 to the Federation’s Lion of Judah program and $500,000 toward the establishment of a major Jewish day school scholarship endowment fund. She also established the Seaman Family Scholarship Fund for the JEC in the amount of $100,000, providing scholarships for students and/or professional development for teachers at the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School.

• Jennifer Koenig and Marilyn Nachman (James H. Nobil Award for Professional Development). Koenig, who joined the Federation in 1999 and has held several key positions, is Assistant Campaign Director, Principal Gifts, and was instrumental in streamlining the annual campaign and endowment department. Nachman, with the Federation since 1993, is the director of the Educational Resource Center for the JEC. She is responsible for the development and coordination of the professional development activities and programs for schools in the community.

Judy Levis Markhoff, the largest women’s philanthropist to the Federation and its beneficiary agencies, had the honor of installing the slate of officers and board directors for 20062007. Earlier, Bernstein acknowledged Markhoff’s $2 million lead gift that will enable the Jewish Association for Residential Care (JARC) to establish the “Judy Levis Markhoff Apartments” adjacent to the current JARC facilities.

Etta Zimmerman; Jennifer Koenig, James Nobil Professional Achievement Award recipient; James Nobil; Marilyn Nachman, James Nobil Professional Achievement Award recipient

For more information about the Federation Board of Directors, contact Danielle Hartman at 561-852-3130.

JERUSALEM SOCIETY HONORS LEADING DONORS Board Chair Etta Zimmerman announced at the Annual Meeting the establishment of the Jerusalem Society to recognize leading philanthropists who give $1 million or more to the Annual Campaign, any Capital Campaign or to the Jewish Community Foundation in a calendar year.

Gloria and Lee Baker provided the impetus for the establishment of the Jerusalem Society with their $1 million donation, the largest single gift in Federation history.

“Jerusalem is the heart of the Jewish people and the people we are recognizing for the Jerusalem Society are the heart of our community,” said Zimmerman.

The Federation is also in the process of creating a logo and is working on a recognition wall which will be permanently displayed in the Federation lobby. A formal induction ceremony for Jerusalem Society members will take place in March 2007.

For information about the Jerusalem Society, contact Danielle Hartman at 561-852-3130.

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Women’s Division

ACTRESS-PHILANTHROPIST JANE SEYMOUR HEADLINES MAJOR L U N C H E O N – “ W H AT W O M E N WA N T ” To feel a sense of pride.

To feel a sense of purpose.

To feel that we have made a difference.

To have fun.

To be loved.

To love.

To be appreciated for what we do.

To feel safe.

To feel comfortable in our skin.

Jane Seymour, actress and humanitarian, answered the big question of “What Women Want” as the keynote speaker for the Women’s Division luncheon at Broken Sound Country Club on March 9th.

“We want to make a difference,” Seymour said. “God won’t be interested in my awards or the ratings of my TV shows. God will much be more interested in what I was like as a mother, daughter and wife.

“My mother always said to me ‘when you feel sad, go out and do something for someone else and don’t ask for anything in return.’ When I do that, I feel full; I feel a sense of pride.

Giving is the blessing. Giving is what fills you.”

Following the event theme, attendees were asked in advance to write the answers to the title question. The most popular responses from attendees included peace, love, friends, security, health, equality, respect, happiness, recognition, and to make the world a better place.

Judy Levis Markoff chaired the hugely successful event, which attracted more than 500 women. Co-Chairs were Tara Baker and Pam Kaye.

“I was honored when Women’s Division asked me to chair their major event, and I was thinking about a theme,” she said, “Then, at an airport, I saw a woman’s magazine called ‘W.’ It makes me think about what we women want

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in life, and what we are on this earth for. Well, we’re Jewish. So we want philanthropy, to create legacies, traditions, knowledge, wisdom, health. And it’s all about keeping family together to have roots, to have a heritage.”

Levis Markhoff chose Seymour as the guest speaker because she felt she would attract younger women, while exemplifying Jewish values.

England-born Seymour is known for her roles on television and in numerous movies. She was the star of “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” and was also seen in “Smallville.” Most recently, she appeared in “Wedding Crashers” and she also starred in the 1973 James Bond film “Live and Let Die.” Seymour is also an artist, author and spokesperson, and mother of six.

From left: Pam Kaye, co-chair; Judy Levis Markhoff, chair; ActressPhilanthropist Jane Seymour and Tara Baker, co-chair

“In short, she’s got all that women want these days,” Markhoff said, “and that’s why today’s women wanted to hear how she balances it all.”

Event sponsors were the Adolph & Rose Levis Foundation, the Sandelman Foundation, Rafael C. Cabrera M.D. F.A.C.S., Ivan & Co. Fine Jewelry, Mellon and Kaye Scholer.

For more information about the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, contact Marla Egers at 561-852-3138 or marlae@bocafed.org.

From left: Dotti Seaman, Women’s Division chair; Judy Levis Markhoff, “What Women Want” chair; Actress-philanthropist Jane Seymour; Ellen R. Sarnoff, 1st vice chair of campaign for the Women’s Division; Etta Gross Zimmerman, Federation chair; Tara Baker, “What Women Want” co-chair

Actress-philanthropist Jane Seymour with several “What Women Want” Luncheon Committee members and Federation staff

W O M E N ’ S D I V I S I O N PAY S T R I B U T E T O O U T G O I N G L E A D E R S H I P A N D SELECTS NEW OFFICERS Hats provided the fashion, but the women supplied the passion at the recent Annual Meeting and Installation of Officers of the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.

During an often emotional ceremony, it was “hats off” to outgoing leaders and “hats on” for new titleholders for 2006-2007. Special tributes were paid to outgoing Women’s Division Chair Dotti Seaman and long-time leader Della Rosenberg. The meeting also featured an update on what has become a landmark year, one in which the Women’s Division has raised a record $9,600,638 from 4,949 donors to date. This represents a 20.6 percent increase from last year, and 46.7 percent of Federation’s Annual Campaign.

“It has been an exciting two years for the Women’s Division. It has been my privilege to serve as chair.”

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-Dotti Seaman

“I take my hat off to you,” Installation Chair Beverly Shapiro told the audience, which filled Zinman Hall. “We could not do the important work of the Women’s Division without your time, effort and support.”

The outgoing leadership can also be very proud that the Women’s Division has 820 Lions of Judah and 192 Lion of Judah Endowments (LOJE) - the highest number of any Federation nationwide - and there are still four months of the current campaign remaining.

Next year, Ellen R. Sarnoff, who served as 1st Vice Chair of Campaign for the 2005-2006

season, will serve as Chair of the Women’s Division. Sarnoff will be joined by Cindy Orbach Nimhauser, First Vice Chair of Campaign; Emily Grabelsky, Vice Chair of Community Development; Kinnie Gorelick, Vice Chair of Major Gifts; Joan Garde, Vice Chair of Planned Giving and Endowments; and Wendy Pressner, Secretary.

At the installation, Sarnoff spoke about the past year’s accomplishments of the Women’s Division, starting with a special tribute to Gloria and Lee Baker, who made the single largest gift ever to Federation Annual Campaign - $1 million.

Sarnoff pointed to several noteworthy events, including: • The Lion of Judah Luncheon co-chaired

by Pressner and Tobee Kaplan. The event featured Alina Gerlovin Spaulding and raised more than $720,000.

• UJC’s national Reach for the Ruby Event, held in Palm Beach and chaired by Phyllis Seresky. More than 80 women from South Palm Beach expressed their support of the 2006 Campaign by reaching or continuing with their Ruby gift.

• “What Women Want,” the new $500+ event, which Sarnoff called “the most creative new undertaking by the Women’s Division.” Chaired by Judy Levis Markhoff, and co-chaired

by Tara Baker and Pamela Kaye, the event was attended by more than 500 women and featured actress-philanthropist Jane Seymour.

• Super Sunday, a community-wide Federation fundraiser. The Women’s Division efforts were headed by Chair Gloria Baker, generating an excellent turnout and resulting in several hundred thousand dollars in gifts.

Dotti Seaman, outgoing chair (left) and Beverly Shapiro, chair, Installation

“It was indeed a busy and inventive year,” Sarnoff said. “There were Discovery Days, House Tours, Teas and more. I want to thank all of the Community Campaign Chairs and Lion Outreach Chairs, who are the backbone of our Women’s Division. I also want to thank Dotti Seaman who was by my side every step of the way.”

Seaman, who served as Women’s Division Chair for two years, focused on three new initiatives undertaken by the division this year, which she credited to the creativity of Grabelsky, who has been serving as Vice Chair of Education: • A newly revamped education day entitled the Dottie Lipson Educational Journey, which was co-chaired by Marissa Hollander and Stephanie Owitz Greenberg. The educational event attracted more than 350 women to hear incredible stories of Jewish survival.

• The Women’s Circle, co-chaired by Jill Deutch and Ilene Wohlgemuth, which was designed to be a bridge for young women to transition into the Women’s Division. This year, this new initiative focused on a program linking Jewish women in south Palm Beach County to women in Federation’s partnership community of Kiryat Bialik.

• A taste of Jewish learning at each division board meeting. “After Words” was co-chaired by Louise Galpern and Mary Ellen Becher.

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(Continued from page 9) – WOMEN’S DIVISION PAYS TRIBUTE TO OUTGOING LEADERSHIP AND SELECTS NEW OFFICERS

“It has been an exciting two years for the Women’s Division,” Seaman agreed. “It has been my privilege to serve as President and Chair.”

Seaman paid tribute to her fellow outgoing officers: Sarnoff, First Vice Chair of Campaign; Gorelick (continuing), Vice Chair of Major Gifts; Grabelsky, Vice Chair of Education; Esther Sherman, Vice Chair of Community Development; Margie Plough, Vice Chair of Planned Giving; and Dorothy Meyers Wizer, Secretary.

“Our Board has grown to include many new faces and we are reaching new campaign heights each and every year,” Seaman added. “None of these changes would have occurred without the dedication and support of my officers.”

Seaman also thanked Women’s Division Past Chairs Leona Brauser, Margie Baer, Debra Halperin, Margaret Kottler and Della Rosenberg, who attended the installation.

“To everyone, Federation is the way we help heal the world, bringing hope where none existed before,” Seaman said.

The installation brunch included a tribute to Rosenberg, past Women’s Division Chair. The tribute began with a poem by Anita Shalley, Federation’s Director of Supplemental Philanthropy.

“Della is a rare and special human being,” said Shalley. “She has graced us with her leadership skills, vision, heart and humor. Della has been there for this Women’s Division and community through thick and thin. She has held every position imaginable within the Women’s Division and has been the anchor and inspiration for many of our most trusted leaders.”

The Women’s Division also recognized Federation Board Chair Etta Gross Zimmerman, Sandra Lippy and Roxane Lipton, who serve as representatives from the National Women’s Philanthropy Board of United Jewish Communities (UJC), Federation’s umbrella organization.

“All of you have made it possible through your leadership and hard work,” Sarnoff told the audience. “You are to be commended for your dedication.”

For more information about the Federation Women’s Division, contact Marla Egers at 561-852-3138 or marlae@bocafed.org.

DOTTI SEAMAN NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY AWARD

This year, the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is proud to nominate Immediate Past Chair Dotti Seaman for the Kipnis-Wilson/ Friedland Award, which is given annually by the United Jewish Communities (UJC), the Federation’s national umbrella organization, to women who have made a positive, invaluable and lasting impact on their Jewish communities.

Under Dotti’s leadership, the Women’s Division has grown even stronger with soldout programs and events, and an increased campaign. When Dotti learned of our need to grow the Lion of Judah endowment program, she rose to the occasion and made arrangements to fully fund her Lion of Judah gift. In addition, the Seaman family, including her husband Larry and daughter, Nancy, are fully endowed.

Dotti is also a strong advocate for Jewish education. When the Jewish Community Foundation launched its initiative to establish a major Jewish Day School Scholarship Endowment Fund, Dotti provided the first lead gift. In addition, she established the Seaman Family Scholarship Fund for the Jewish Education Commission to provide scholarships for students and/or professional development for teachers of the Federation’s Florence Melton Adult Mini-School. Dotti is a phenomenal mentor to young men and women at the Federation.

Before moving to south Palm Beach County, Dotti was actively involved in her former community of Hartford, Connecticut.

From left: Dotti Seaman, outgoing chair, Della Rosenberg, past Women’s Division chair & honoree, Ellen R. Sarnoff, incoming chair and Debra Halperin, past chair

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2006-2007 Officers from left: Wendy Pressner, Cindy Orbach Nimhauser, Ellen R. Sarnoff, Kinnie Gorelick, Emily Grabelsky, Joan Garde and Marla Weiss Egers (Federation vice president, Women’s Division)

The Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Awards will be presented in early September at the International Lion of Judah conference in Washington D.C. For more information about the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, contact Marla Egers at 561-852-3138 or marlae@bocafed.org.

Reach for the Ruby Event Guest speaker Lynn Sherr from ABC’s 20/20 (left) with Phyllis Sandler

From left: Susan K. Stern, president of National Women’s Philanthropy (NWP), Lynn Sherr, NWP Chair Rani Garfinkle and Sandra Cahn, co-chair of the Reach for the Ruby Initiative

The Reach for the Ruby Celebration luncheon, a United Jewish Communities (UJC) national women’s philanthropy event, was held at the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach. Ruby Lions of Judah give a minimum gift of $10,000 to their federation’s annual campaign.

The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County had the largest contingent of Lions of any federation in attendance.* Nationally, the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County has the second-largest number of Lions next to New York. * Not every table was photographed.

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Young Adult Division N Y C 3 AT T R A C T S R E C O R D T U R N O U T F O R “ PA RT Y O F T H E Y E A R ” Billed as “the party of the year,” the Federation’s Young Adult Division’s largest fund-raiser of the season welcomed “old friends and also faces of new friends,” said Marianne Altschul, YAD Campaign Events Vice Chair.

For more information about the Young Adult Division (YAD), contact Anita Schuchman at 561-852-3132 or anitasc@bocafed.org.

Operation Morasha, a unique multi-generational experience, took place at Woodfield Country Club. Families learned about the plight of the Former Soviet Union and participated in an educational afternoon culminating in a hands-on project creating a lasting family heirloom.

From left: Glen Golish, NYC3 co-chair; NYC3 sponsor Richard Steinberg; Marianne Altschul, NYC3 co-chair

Bob Lewis, Men’s Forum chair, and family making their own keeping quilt

Comedian Joel Chasnoff

Leon Weissberg reading "The Keeping Quilt" to the children

NYC3 attendees dance the night away

From left: Courtney Levin (Operation Morasha Committee), Jodi Jacobson (Operation Morasha Committee), Kathy Green (Operation Morasha Chair), Ida Novack (Vice Chair Outreach and Education), Steve Artzi (vice chair Outreach and Education), Ollie Louis (Operation Morasha Committee)

Photos of NYC3 can be found at www.jewishboca.org/nyc3.

NYC3, a celebration of the Big Apple, came in three parts - a wine tasting in Soho, dancing in the Meat Packing District, and a comedy show on 42nd Street. All without leaving Boca Raton.

The Grande Terrace at Pete’s was decorated to replicate the City that Never Sleeps.

“When I looked around, I could have been in New York City on 42nd Street,” Altschul said. “It really gave the illusion that you were in New York City. The atmosphere seemed authentic.”

NYC3 attracted about 175 attendees - the largest group at a YAD event in recent history.

“It exceeded my expectations,” Altschul said. “It was a huge success. We definitely made history.”

The night also included a raffle for a weekend trip to New York City, including first-class airline tickets and hotel accommodations. Ali and Scott Salomon won the grand prize.

NYC3 committee chairs were Amy and Kevin Rader, Sharon and Lawrence Shear, Wendi and Todd Lipsich, Robynn and Ira Ginsberg, and Tanya and Bill Miller.

YAD is sponsored in part by The Sandelman Foundation. NYC3 event sponsors were Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Salomon Law Center, Steinberg Global Asset Management, Atlas Party Rental, Fringe & Company, Kosher Marketplace, and Royal Wine Corp.

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Every pledge has a purpose.

$54

Three food pantry packages for a senior living in an adult community.

$250

Two months of blood pressure medicine.

$390

Yearly homecare service for a bed-ridden elderly person.

$1,000

One month for a child to participate in a special needs camp.

Donate online today: www.jewishboca.org or call 561.852.3100

SUPER SUNDAY A SUPER SUCCESS F E D E R AT I O N ’ S P H O N E - A - T H O N R A I S E S M O R E T H A N $ 1 M I L L I O N , L I F T S C A M PA I G N O V E R $ 2 0 M I L L I O N M A R K Nearly 400 volunteers of all ages “answered the call” to raise funds for Federation during the Super Sunday/Super Days phone-a-thon. At the end of the threeday event, the community answered as well, pledging $1,040,000 and bringing the 2006 Federation/UJA Campaign over the $20 million mark.

“It was so impressive to see so many people committed to helping Federation,” said Glen Golish, who chaired the event with his wife, Rosa. “As people began to get positive responses to this wonderful cause, they got motivated to do even more.”

The Super Sunday/Super Days phone-a-thon is the largest community fundraiser held by Federation, accounting for one of about every $20 of the raised in the organization’s Annual Campaign and giving members of the community a chance to get involved on both ends of the phone.

This year, different volunteer shifts were made up of young professionals, families, country club and community residents (through the “Community Challenge,” in which volunteers from different communities compete for bragging rights and prizes) and seniors who are “Golden Givers,” having supported the Federation movement 25 years or more.

Federation held special activities for children while their parents made calls. More than 30 children, ages 2 through 12, learned about Tzedakah through a special video, then decorated their own pushke cans. They were asked to collect coins to fill the cans and bring them back to Federation during Passover. The children’s activity, the vision of Co-Chair Rosa Golish, was developed and implemented with the help of the Jewish Education Commission (JEC).

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The Sunday phone-a-thon also featured a repeat visit of last year’s surprise hit, the King David Bikers Jewish motorcycle club.

Once again, leather and tattoos and a shiny row of chromed Harleys marked every Jew’s dedication to helping other Jews.

“As people began to get positive responses to this wonderful cause, they got motivated to do even more.”

Federation president & CEO William Bernstein (right) with Glen Golish, Super Sunday chair (left), and ISNwireless owner Stu Kolinsky and ISNwireless representative manager Ron Shapiro

ef

This year’s principal sponsor for Super Sunday was ISN Wireless (ISNwireless.com) and Sprint together with Nextel. Additional underwriting for Super Sunday was provided

by Bank Leumi USA.

Super Sunday chairs Rosa and Glen Golish with their children, Leora, Ariella, Yosef and Shoshanna

MEN’S NIGHT OUT H O C K E Y S C O R E S B I G W I T H O P P O RT U N I T Y F O R N E T W O R K I N G A N D FUNDRAISING Although the Montreal Canadiens won the March 2nd game against the Florida Panthers, it was those whom the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County helps that really won that night.

“Men’s Night Out,” a community-wide event held by the Federation, took place at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, home ice of the Florida Panthers. About 100 people attended the networking/fund-raising event.

This was the second consecutive year the Jewish Federation hosted “Men’s Night Out,” which is done at other Federations around the country, and the attendance was comparable to last year’s turnout.

“It went great,” said event Co-Chair Craig Donoff. “A lot of guys came. We got to meet the coach of the Panthers, and got a private tour of the facility. Everyone had a great time, and we raised some money.”

The goal of this event was to raise money to help thousands of people locally, in Israel and around the world. It also brought new

faces, and new donors, to Federation’s campaign, while providing an opportunity for members of the local business community to network.

“It’s a way to reach other to other people,” Donoff said, “and a lot of fathers and sons were there, which was really nice. There were quite a few new faces there.” There was also a drawing to do a puck drop or slapshot, and for a youngster to ride the Zamboni.

Men’s Night Out Co-Chairs were Howard Kaye, Matt Baker and Craig Donoff. The event was sponsored by the Florida Panthers, Sunrise Sports & Entertainment, the Sandelman Foundation, and Barry Kaye & Associates Inc.

Men’s Night Out Co-Chairs Matt Baker (left) and Howard Kaye, who was also an event sponsor with Barry Kaye & Associates, Inc.

For more information on Men’s Night Out or other men’s events, contact Rachel Harman at 561-852-3120 or rachelh@bocafed.org.

Sponsor Michael Yormark, COO of Sunrise Sports & Entertainment (left) and Men’s Night Out Co-Chair Craig Donoff

Glen Golish conducts the ceremonial puck drop

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BENEFICIARY FOCUS F O R M E R M I S S I S R A E L A N D F E D E R AT I O N B E N E F I C I A RY S H A R E S FA I RY TA L E S T O RY W I T H L O C A L D O N O R S Elena Ralph has a fairytale aliyah story: going from a lone immigrant student to Miss Israel in three short years.

While most new immigrant students are busy adjusting to their new life and learning a new language, Elena represented Israel all over the world as Miss Israel 2005.

Elena, guest speaker at the Hamlet Fun Day sponsored by the Federation, told the capacity crowd how the Jewish Agency for Israel, one of the Federation’s international partners, played an integral role in her life.

“Sometimes I feel that I am in a dream and that this didn’t really happen to me,” says Elena. “But I feel a great responsibility that the Israeli people chose me to be Miss Israel.

I represented this country that I love so much at the Miss Universe pageant, and it was incredibly humbling.”

Elena grew up as an only child in Donyetsk, Ukraine. Her mother is a saleswomen and her father is a businessman. It was Elena’s grandmother who told her she was Jewish when Elena was a child. It was also her grandmother who heard about the Jewish Agency Youth Club at the Hesed and told Elena about it.

“My cousin and I were 12 years old and we decided to take my grandmother’s advice and go to the Youth Club. A whole new world opened to us and our Jewish identities blossomed,” says Elena.

The Youth Club became a second home to Elena. She then went on to become a counselor at a Jewish Agency Summer Camp. “This was

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one of the most intense experiences of my life,” says Elena. “I gradually saw myself as more Israeli than Ukrainian.”

At 17, Elena knew she wanted to make aliyah and convinced her parents that moving to Israel was the best choice for her future. “My parents were afraid that going to a new country alone, with no friends or family would be very difficult. I told them that deep inside I knew that returning to my homeland was right for me.”

Elena came to Israel through the Jewish Agency’s Selah program. Selah, which stands for Students Before Their Parents, is a 10-month academic preparatory course for high school graduates from the former Soviet Union. The program includes room and board, intensive Hebrew-language studies (ulpan), cultural activities, and a special course of studies to prepare the students for post-secondary education.

Elena lived in Hadera with a group of 50 Selah students from the FSU. She did not know anyone, but after the first few months the group formed tight-knit relationships that still exist, even though they went their separate ways.

“These people are my closest friends,” says Elena. “Selah brought us together, and we have an incredible bond.”

Upon completing Selah, Elena chose to study political science and sociology at Tel Aviv University. She received a Student Authority Scholarship supported by the Jewish Agency, which provides tuition and a living stipend for new immigrant students.

to enter the beauty pageant.” However, Elena’s friend, who was runner-up in the 2004 Miss Israel pageant, helped Elena enter the competition.

“I didn’t really think I would win,” says Elena, “especially since I was a new immigrant who still spoke Hebrew with a Russian accent.”

To her amazement, Elena was crowned Miss Israel 2005. The Jewish Agency brought Elena’s parents to Israel to be with her at this joyous time. “Who would have thought that a new immigrant such as me would receive such support and love from my new country,” says Elena.

Elena represented Israel with pride at the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand and was one of 10 finalists from over 80 contestants. Natalie Glebova, a Russian-born Canadian, was crowned Miss Universe.

She and Elena became fast friends, sharing their immigrant experiences and conversing in Russian.

Says Elena, “Both of us are very grateful for the opportunities we have been given in our new countries. I feel that Israel has embraced me, and I want to do what I can to help others.”

Elena, who held the Miss Israel title until April 2005, wants to use her wonderful experiences to help children in need and to work with the Jewish Agency to give young immigrants equal opportunities for a bright future in Israel.

At the university, friends and strangers told Elena that she should be a model or try out for a beauty pageant. At the time, Elena was cleaning houses in order to supplement her living stipend.

“I had never really thought of myself as a model,” says Elena. “And I had no idea how

From left: Elaine & Bernie Roberts, Miss Israel 2005 Elana Ralph, Dick & Nancy Grant

This might not be your idea of a family trip...

...but for 20,000 Ethiopian Jews, it’s the journey of a lifetime – to a new home in Israel.

Your family trips probably tend toward theme parks or visits to relatives, but then, you’re not fleeing centuries of poverty and anti-Semitism.

The Jews of Ethiopia are. What’s more, they’re not just moving to a new place, but to a new life, with boundless opportunity. Through our overseas partners, the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County helped move 100,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel, and watched proudly as they became a new class of Israel’s leaders.

But some 20,000 still need to be moved and assimilated, and they will be, through “Operation Promise,” funded by your contributions to Federation.

But escaping persecution isn’t the only reason to make aliyah. Sometimes the lure is simply a desire to live in our homeland. We make that dream come true by funding the Boca Raton-born Nefesh B’Nefesh program that has provided many local families with transportation and aid to resettle in the land of their forefathers.

Actually, these are family trips ... to the family all Jews belong to. Help make those trips possible.

Give to Federation today.

TO DONATE ONLINE, VISIT www.jewishboca.org For more information please call

561.852.3100

Our Community. Our World. Our Responsibility.

PLEASE

SUPPORT

THE

2006

UJA/FEDERATION

ANNUAL

CAMPAIGN

SeasonSensations (continued from front page)

There were many great stories this year and deciding the top 10 isn’t easy. Here they are, in no particular order: OUR COMMUNITY, OUR WORLD, OUR RESPONSIBILITY: As the anchor of a burgeoning community, the Federation is committed to the concept of tzedakah, one of the pillars of Judaism. In addition to the UJA/Federation Annual Campaign that funds Jewish institutions in Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach, the Federation added another important cause, “Operation Promise,” which brings Ethiopians to Israel and aids Jews in the former Soviet Union.

JEWISH EDUCATION COMMISSION MARKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY: A demographic study in 1995 led to the creation of the Commission and the recent study illustrated more than ever the JEC’s crucial role in the community. With a rising young local population, the JEC aims to provide youngsters of all ages with a strong Jewish identity. The JEC, through its programs, is also committed to the professional development of educators from early childhood through high school.

FIRST FEDERATION MISSION TO ISRAEL IN EIGHT YEARS: Federation Chair Etta Zimmerman and other key community leaders led “Israel Mission 2005: Reconnect With Your Heritage,” an important trip in view of current events in Israel such as Ariel Sharon’s illness and Hamas’ ascension. $400,000 FOR HURRICANE KATRINA: She paid South Florida a brief, relatively uneventful visit before her trip through the Gulf of Mexico and a devastating landfall in the New Orleans area. Thousands of people, not to mention three Jewish federations, needed help – and got it.

From left: Dotti Seaman, Judy Levis Markhoff, Jane Seymour, Ellen Sarnoff, Etta Zimmerman and Tara Baker

EHUD BARAK’S VISIT FOR “EVENINGS OF VALOR”: The Federation’s two-night kickoff event featured the former Israeli Prime Minister – the highest-profile guest speaker in the Federation’s 26-year history.

“Evenings of Valor” got the campaign off to a roaring start with $6 million in commitments. Sponsored by FMSbonds, FMSbonds.com Inc. $1 MILLION GIFT FROM GLORIA AND LEE BAKER: The largest single gift in Federation history came in response to global and local needs, including damage to the Federation campus by Hurricane Wilma.

The Boca Raton couple’s charitable act also enabled the Federation to support “Operation Promise.” Sponsored by U.S.Trust, N.A. INTRODUCTION OF INSTITUTE ON FAMILY PHILANTHROPY: How can all the generations of a donor family agree on where their money is going? Finding the answers was the Jewish Community Foundation’s purpose in organizing this important event.

REPORT ON 2005 DEMOGRAPHIC STUDY RESULTS: The first demographic study in 10 years revealed exceptional growth in south Palm Beach County and will help the Federation establish priorities for the future. Among the findings: the number of senior citizens continues to increase and the amount of Jewish children has skyrocketed.

“WHAT WOMEN WANT” WITH JANE SEYMOUR: With more than 500 attendees, the annual major luncheon for the Women’s Division was a huge success. Seymour, an actress, humanitarian and philanthropist, explained her philosophy of what really matters in life. Sponsored by the Adolph & Rose Levis Foundation, Kaye Scholer LLP, Sandelman Foundation, Mellon, Rafael Cabrera, MD, and Ivan & Co. “ISRAEL UNDER THE STARS”: In what has become an eagerly anticipated annual event, south Palm Beach County’s diverse Jewish community came together as one in Boca Raton’s Mizner Park. The celebration of Yom Ha’Atzmaut – Israel Independence Day – drew an overflow crowd that reveled in ethnic food, music and a feel-good atmosphere.

So there you have it, our top stories of the year. Of course, no list would be complete without the honorable mention selections. The following headlines are available for further reading at www.jewishboca.org: • Jewish Women’s Foundation Makes First-Ever Grants • Community “Answers the Call” with a $1 Million Super Sunday • “Women of the World” Education Day Attracts Record Crowd • Annual Meeting Highlights Accomplishments, Honors Federation Leaders • “Men’s Night Out” Scores Big with Hockey Theme • Federation Beneficiaries Steal Show at Opening Event • Federation Joins Community At-Large to “Save Darfur” • Young Adult Division Serves Up Triple Treat with “NYC3”

Jewish Community Foundation T H R E E W I S H E S G R A N T E D A S W O M E N ’ S F O U N D AT I O N A N N O U N C E S R E S U LT S O F F I R S T C Y C L E O F F U N D I N G In March 2003, Roxane Frechie Lipton gathered a group of women in her home to discuss the idea of establishing a Jewish Women’s Foundation that could raise and provide grant money to women and girls in need.

“It was just a concept at the time. I wasn’t pushing anyone to make any commitments,” recalled Lipton. “After a brief discussion, (fellow philanthropist) Rani Garfinkle turned to me and said, ‘What now?’ She was basically saying, ‘Let’s get started!”

The rest is history. Of the first 15 women that were approached to get involved, 10 immediately became trustees, and the Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation was born with the mission “to improve opportunities and choices for women and girls through strategic and effective grant-making.”

Three years and 50 new trustees totaling nearly $500,000 in commitments later, the JWF has announced its first cycle of funding, “granting” three wishes, literally, totaling $21,000 to organizations that provide core educational experiences for teenage girls, a therapeutic treatment program for young girls who have been physically or sexually abused by their parents and an employment course for new immigrant Ethiopian women.

The grant distributions were announced at a special cocktail reception on March 21st at Broken Sound Country Club in Boca Raton.

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“After a lot of hard work and countless hours, we are now able to make a direct impact on the lives of women and girls who are truly in need,” said Lipton, JWF’s original chair and honoree at the reception. “But this is just the beginning. We look forward to growing the Jewish Women’s Foundation and expanding our reach into the local and global Jewish communities.”

their knowledge of Judaism and Jewish culture while helping them integrate Jewish values into their lives. This will become a new component of their successful partnership with the Jewish Student Forums at five south Palm Beach County high schools. The program will serve 40 Jewish girls, ages 14-18, and 30 Jewish women. Funding awarded for this program was $5,975.

The impact of the grant announcement was so dramatic that five new women made commitments to become trustees of the JWF at the reception, Lipton said. “These women were extremely moved by the projects we funded.

They clearly saw that the Jewish Women’s Foundation really enables women to be hands-on philanthropists.”

For the initial round of funding, the JWF received 17 grant proposals, which included eight local projects and nine overseas projects.

Three agencies were awarded grants for 2006:

2) ELI – The Israel Association for Child Protection. This new program, Treating Child Abuse – Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence, is a therapeutic treatment program (including individual, family and group therapy) for girls who have been physically or sexually abused by their parents. Participants will work on feelings of self-esteem, their ability to trust others, their personal value, and right to be protected from abuse. The program will service 25-30 Jewish girls, ages 6-16, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Funding awarded to help underwrite this program was $7,500.

1) Jewish Education Commission. This new program, J-Gift – Jewish Girls Inspired for Tomorrow, will provide core experiences for Jewish teenage girls in south Palm Beach County to engage and them feel positive about being involved in Jewish education through monthly programs. Program topics will include Jewish heroines, Torah from the female point of view, and Rosh Chodesh Talk Circle – Female issues concerning being a Jewish woman today. The goal is to deepen

3) Jewish Agency for Israel. This new program, Training to Care for the Elderly – Employment Course for New Immigrant Ethiopian Women, is a 15-session course (designed according to the directives of the National Insurance Institute and taught by trained social workers and nurses) in Amharic, held at an absorption center, to train Ethiopian women to be elderly caregivers. For many of these women, caring for the elderly comes naturally for them so this new vocation would

be a good fit. This course will allow these women to become productive, integrated members of Israeli society, able to care for themselves and their children. This program will service 25 Ethiopian immigrant women in Kiryat Bialik, Israel, ages 25-45. Funding awarded to fund this new program course was $7,500.

Lipton said the JWF will continue to grow because of its hands-on approach to women’s philanthropy.

From left: Francine Cole, trustee; Roxane Lipton, JWF chair; Rani Garfinkle, representing the Jewish Agency; Phyllis Wachtel, trustee; and Helen Cohan, representing the Jewish Education Commission

“The fact that we have distributed grants is really exciting to everyone involved. This will no doubt attract new trustees because we’re doing something tangible.” She said the JWF might plan an overseas mission – either to see a project that is being funded or visit prospective programs that need funding.

The guest speaker for the JWF cocktail reception was Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal, M.D., M.P.A., an internationally renowned medical expert and women’s health advocate.

She spoke about key health issues facing women today and urged all participants to be their own best advocates when it comes to their health and well-being.

“The speaker was fabulous,” JWF trustee Francine Cole said. “She really understands what we do.”

The event was sponsored by Levitt Capital Management LLC.

From left: Nikol Gonzalez and Susan Van Bergen of Levitt Capital Management LLC, and Roxane Lipton, JWF chair

For more information on the Jewish Women’s Foundation of South Palm Beach County, or to learn how to get more involved and become a Trustee, visit jewishboca.org or contact Jill Hagler, Associate Foundation Director, at (561) 852-5015 or jillh@bocafed.org.

N O W AVA I L A B L E !

Jewish Community Foundation’s 2005 Annual Report For your complimentary copy, please call 561-852-3157.

JCF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR Thomas R. Kaplan

CHAIR, GRANTS COMMITTEE Jerome Altheimer

CHAIR, INVESTMENT COMMITTEE Michael Beckerman

VICE CHAIR, GRANTS COMMITTEE Michael Lipton

CHAIR, LION OF JUDAH ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE Wendy Gutmann-Kupfer CHAIR, PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE David Pratt VICE CHAIR, PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Elyssa Kupferberg CHAIR, JEWISH WOMEN’S FOUNDATION Roxane Frechie Lipton

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Charles Ganz VICE PRESIDENT, FEDERATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FOUNDATION Leah B. Siskin JEWISH FEDERATION CHAIR Etta Gross Zimmerman PRESIDENT & CEO William S. Bernstein, MSW

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J C F E X T E N D S T H E ‘ U LT I M AT E T H A N K Y O U ’ T O L O J E PA RT I C PA N T S It was the ultimate setting for “The Ultimate Thank You.”

a gift is made in their name to the annual campaign from their LOJE funds.

Casa Casuarina on Miami Beach, considered to be one of the most spectacular private member clubs in the world, was the backdrop for the Jewish Community Foundation’s annual tribute to participants in its trend-setting Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) program.

It has been a banner year for the LOJE program of the Foundation, which serves as the planned giving arm of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. A total of 14 new LOJEs have been added since September, compared to 10 last year, and nearly five months remain in the current campaign.

And while the 110 women who attended the March 30th event were able to experience a piece of history, they made some history of their own, continuing the community’s leadership as the largest LOJE contingent in the nation with a total of 189 Lions who have endowed their gifts. This exclusive group represents $25.3 million in current and deferred gifts.

LOJE Chair Wendy Gutmann-Kupfer and Ultimate Thank-You Event Chair Delores Solomon led the festivities.”We’re so thrilled that all of you could join us today to celebrate our everlasting commitment to our Jewish community and Israel,” said Gutmann-Kupfer.

“Over 2,500 women nationally have endowed their Lion level gifts at a minimum of $100,000, perpetuating over $351 million to Jewish federations across the country.”

Special tribute was paid to Dotti Seaman, Federation Women’s Division Chair, who has fully funded her Lion of Judah endowment.

Dotti has made provisions through a life insurance policy to ensure that her current annual gift will be perpetuated forever.

The guest speaker was Elliot Chodoff, a political and military analyst specializing in Middle East conflict and the global war on terror.

Chodoff gave a stimulating insider briefing on the election results in Israel and the country’s political future.

Dan Schwimmer, corporate sponsor of the SchwimmerHalperin Group

From left: Wendy Gutmann-Kupfer, LOJE chair, and Delores Solomon, event chair

Corporate sponsors for the LOJE Ultimate Thank You were the Schwimmer-Halperin Group and Merrill Lynch Global Private Client.

For more information on the LOJE program and other planned giving and endowment opportunities, contact Jill Hagler, Associate Director of the Jewish Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, at 561-852-5015 or jillh@bocafed.org.

From left: Michael Halperin, corporate sponsor of SchwimmerHalperin Group, Leah Coblitz, Barbara Levy, Dorothy Bucksbaum and Dotti Seaman

Dotti has also been nominated by the Women’s Division to receive the KipnisWilson/Friedland Award at the International Lion of Judah Conference in Washington, D.C. in September. In addition, she is this year’s Foundation recipient for the national United Jewish Communities’ (UJC) 2005 Endowment Achievement Award.

Foundation Chair Tom Kaplan also led a special candle-lighting ceremony acknowledging 13 LOJEs in memoriam. Every year in January, From left: New LOJEs Elaine Stein Roberts, Dorothy Pomerance, Edith Golub, Shirley Polen, Phyllis R. Seresky, Rita Keywell and Lee Temkin

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MITZVAH SOCIETY HONORS FOUNDING MEMBER AL GORTZ Boca Raton attorney Al Gortz, who was instrumental in helping establish the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County 26 years ago, recently was honored at the 2nd Annual Mitzvah Society Cocktail Reception for his dedication and commitment to the continued growth of the Jewish community.

Also during the reception, which was held at the home of Barry and Carole Kaye, four new members - David Katzman, CPA, Ed Flank, Robert Friedman and Donald Tescher, Esq. - were inducted into the Mitzvah Society, which recognizes committed individuals who have referred clients that have made Endowment gifts to the Jewish Community Foundation, the planned giving arm of the Federation.

and families with high net worth. “If our history has taught us anything, it is that Jews must help themselves. I believe it is an imperative that people who are able should give of their resources and time to help serve the Jewish community.”

Gortz has witnessed extraordinary growth since the Federation spun off from the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County in 1979. In fact, the articles of incorporation were signed in his office and he’s handled legal work on a pro bono basis for both the Federation and Foundation.

“We saw a need to service the Jewish community, which we felt was a community independent of Palm Beach,” he said. “We felt as a separate entity we would be able to raise more funds for local needs and for Israel. And time has proven that we were correct.”

The Federation, which first opened in a storefront office in east Boca Raton to serve a Jewish community of 1,200, today serves a Jewish community of more than 130,000 and in the last three years has raised more than $60 million in its annual campaigns. Currently, JCF’s funds under management exceed $60 million.

For further information on the PAC and Mitzvah Society, call Carolyn Rose, Director of Professional Advisory Relationships, at 561-852-3142.

Stuart Bloch served as chairperson for the reception. David Pratt and Elyssa Kupferberg made the presentations to the new Mitzvah Society members.

The Foundation provides avenues for donors to achieve their philanthropic objectives and the Professional Advisory Committee, under Pratt and Kupferberg’s leadership, educates business professionals on charitable opportunities within the Jewish community locally and abroad and how to discuss them with their clients.

From left: Leah Siskin, Foundation executive director and Federation V.P.; Thomas R. Kaplan, Foundation chair; Carole and Barry Kaye; William S. Bernstein, Federation president and CEO

Gortz, Resident Managing Partner at Proskauer Rose LLP and a member of the firm’s executive committee, was a founding member of the Federation and Foundation and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Federation. He is also Vice President and a member of the Board of the American Jewish Committee. He has served on the Board of Temple Beth El of Boca Raton and for many years was Vice President and a member of the Board of Trustees of Aid for the Ages, Inc. He also served for many years as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Boca Raton Community Hospital Foundation, Inc. “I’ve always felt that it was important to give back to the community,” said Gortz, who has built an extensive practice counseling individuals

Al Gortz with daughter, Alison Gross, and wife Jane

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JCRC

Jewish Community Relations Council

YOUNG AND OLD PAY POIGNANT TRIBUTE DURING 27TH ANNUAL YOM HASHOAH COMMEMORATION Combining a sobering look at the past with a promise that future generations will “Never Forget,” the 27th Annual Community Yom HaShoah Commemoration on April 25 on the Jewish Federation campus paid tribute to six million Holocaust victims through testimonials, prayers and song.

“We must talk about the Holocaust,” Norman Frajman told an audience in Zinman Hall that included many of his fellow survivors. “It is our morale calling to remember their souls.”

Young and old participated in the program sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Federation and the B’nai B’rith Greater Florida Region. Speakers included Dachau liberator Morris Eisenstein, resistance fighter Riva Ginsburg and her daughter, Judith Ginsburg, who gave voice to the Second Generation, and Father Andrew Sherman of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton. U.S. Senator Bill Nelson of Florida appeared in a videotaped message.

“The Holocaust stuns us into silence and yet compels us to speak,” said Sherman, who added that the “Christian Church was sinfully silent in confronting this evil.”

Dr. Arthur Seiler of B’nai B’rith introduced the program and JCRC Chair Steve Mendelsohn extended greetings from the Federation.

“Yom HaShoah is one of the most difficult days on the Jewish calendar, reminding us of the pain, suffering and losses we have endured,” said JCRC director Elise Dolgow.

“The JCRC sponsors this annual gathering in order to reaffirm the commitment of the Jewish people with the statement “Never Again” by linking ourselves to our brethren in the bond of

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everlasting life so that the memory of the Jewish victims will live on.”

Frajman, Saul Birnbaum, president of the Holocaust Survivors Club of Boca Raton, and survivor Judith Goldstein participated in moving candle-lighting ceremony at the start of the program.

Musical selections included a tribute from Donna Klein Jewish Academy students, an original piano composition from Goldstein and solo performances by Cantor Mark Samowitz, visiting from Australia, Cantor Efraim Sapir of Temple Emeth in Delray Beach and Cantor Lori Shapiro of Temple Beth El in Boca Raton.

Survivor Norman Frajman participates in a candle-lighting ceremony at the start of the program

Dr. Sam Bierstock and keyboardist John Melnick of Dr. Sam and the Managed Care Blues Band offered a special music and slide tribute to World War II veterans entitled “Before You Go.” The song, available for free on the Internet, has been downloaded four million times, Bierstock said.

One of the most touching moments of the evening came when audience member Joyce Wagner, a resident of Century Village in Boca Raton, voluntarily walked to the podium and related how her entire family perished in the Holocaust, including her parents and her eight siblings. She was the only survivor.

Donna Klein Jewish Academy students sing and read poetry

“The program also reminded everyone that evil is still with us in Darfur and other locations throughout the world and must be combated,” said Mendelsohn.

For more information about the annual Yom HaShoah program or other JCRC activities, please contact Elise Dolgow at 561-852-6080.

Speakers included Father Andrew Sherman of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton

J C R C D E L E G AT I O N T R AV E L S T O TA L L A H A S S E E F O R J E W I S H A D V O C A C Y D AY A delegation from the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) recently joined 16 South Florida Jewish organizations at the State House for the second annual Tallahassee Jewish Advocacy Day. More than 80 citizen-advocates, including director Elise Dolgow, Joe Blumenthal, Jordan Blumenthal, Ted Deutch and Harry Silverman, lobbied legislators on issues of concern to the Jewish community including domestic security, stem cell initiatives and travel ban insurance.

Understanding the importance of having strong relationships with elected officials, the JCRC delegation met privately with Senators Dave Aronberg and Ron Klein and Representatives Ellyn Bogdanoff, Ann Gannon, Adam Hasner and Irv Slossberg to discuss the need to support vital social services for the most vulnerable families and individuals in South Palm Beach.

The JCRC, in partnership with Federation agencies Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service (RRJFS) and the Jewish Association for Residential Care (JARC), is working to secure new money and retain existing funding on the state level for services for seniors and Holocaust survivors as well as individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities.

From left: JCRC Director Elise Dolgow, Sen. Dave Aronberg, Jordan Blumenthal, Rep. Adam Hasner, JCRC executive committee member Joe Blumenthal.

J C R C C H A I R R E C E I V E S N AT I O N A L APPOINTMENT Boca Raton attorney Steve Mendelsohn, Chair of the Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), was recently appointed to the national board of directors for the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA).

Mendelsohn was nominated by the Federation based upon his service as JCRC Chair the last three years. Mendelsohn will be part of the planning for Plenum 2007 in Washington, D.C., which brings together JCRC lay and professional leaders from the U.S. and Canada.

Mendelsohn will also serve on the Civil Rights committee which advocates for the protection of Jews in the U.S. under the law and for those whose rights should also be protected. JCPA delegates attend two meetings each year in New York City and the Plenum.

Mendelsohn, a former New York State Assistant Attorney General, is a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, the seventh largest firm in the U.S. Working out of the Boca Raton office, Mendelsohn practices commercial litigation and commercial law, mostly for financial services companies. He’s been practicing law for 23 years.

D A R F U R U P D AT E Just days after Yom HaShoah, the solemn commemoration of the annihilation of six million Jews by the Nazis, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), the public policy and social-action arm of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, demonstrated its support against a modern-day genocide.

JCRC Director Elise Dolgow and JCRC committee members were among several hundred audience members who attended “Rally For Dafur: Rock to Stop Genocide,” an interfaith community rally against the genocide in Darfur, a region in western Sudan. The protest, held at the First United Methodist Church of Boca Raton on April 30, was organized by the Save Darfur Coalitions of North, Central and South Palm Beach County and coincided with a national rally held in Washington, D.C. Dolgow said the JCRC played a major role in promoting and facilitating the Boca Raton event.

“The genocide in Darfur is at the top of the Jewish community’s national agenda,” Dolgow said. “One of the important lessons of the Holocaust is not to stand by idly when others are facing genocide. We can be very proud that the Jewish community and the JCRC has taken the lead to raise awareness and speak out against genocide and the terrible crimes being committed in Darfur.

It is estimated that since February, 2003, more than 400,000 people have died, countless women have been raped and roughly 2,000,000 people have been driven from their homes.

The rally also included speeches by Pastor Billy Thompson and Pope John Paul High School student Emily Danciu-Grosso and musical performances from Kids Who Care, the Kim Bassinger Band, Marquis, The Shultones and The Fabulons.

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YOM HA’ATZMAUT A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION IN DOWNTOWN BOCA From the falafel sandwiches to the blue and white Israeli flags and upbeat music, the atmosphere in downtown Boca Raton on May 2 was ideal for a community-wide celebration of Yom Ha’Atzmaut - Israel Independence Day - which attracted several thousand people to the Mizner Park Amphitheater.

The second annual “Israel Under the Stars” program, hosted by the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), celebrated the 58th anniversary of Israel’s independence. The evening included a tribute to Israel’s fallen soldiers and featured musical performances from local Jewish day school students and a concert by Soul Farm, the popular Jewish band out of New York City.

The Federation’s largest event of the year was again funded through a generous contribution from the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Assistance Program, initiated by Commissioner Burt Aaronson.

“This venue is perfect for bringing all members from our diverse Jewish community together,” said Boca Raton Mayor Steve Abrams after he addressed the gathering. “I take a great deal of pride when I look out and see a crowd this large and enthusiastic.”

Following Abrams’ welcoming remarks and the presentation of a plaque of appreciation to Aaronson by JCRC Chair Steve Mendelsohn, Jarrod Marks and the Junior Chai Notes from Congregation B’nai Israel in Boca Raton led the singing of the Star Spangled Banner and Hatikvah. Then Cantor Efraim Sapir of Temple Emeth in Delray Beach led a solemn Yom

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HaZikaron ceremony honoring Israel Defense Forces soldiers who died for their country.

Sapir was joined on stage by Weinbaum Yeshiva High School students and several IDF veterans, including two men who fought in the 1948 War of Independence. That was followed by the Yom HaZikaron siren that is sounded throughout Israel every year and an audio portion of the United Nations roll call in 1948 and Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion’s declaration of the Jewish State.

Mizner Park is jammed with people celebrating Israel Independence Day

“The program was a great success in that it brought the young, families, senior citizens, religious and secular Jews and our non-Jewish friends together to celebrate Israel in beautiful Boca Raton,” Mendelsohn said. “Everyone enjoyed themselves and the night could not have been better.”

Bill Bernstein, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, spoke briefly about the Federation’s programs before introducing Soul Farm.

Soul Farm, the popular Jewish band out of New York City, provides the entertainment Hillel Day School students get ready to wave their Israeli flags

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S I X S TA R MISSION TO ISRAEL

AGENCY IN FOCUS A REAL JEWEL FOR JARC Donna Skole hopes that one day her jewelry-making business evolves into something really big. But for now, Skole, a supported living coach for the Jewish Association for Residential Care (JARC) for the past five years, is happy to see her necklaces and earrings in a display case in the JARC lobby. Moreover, Skole is donating half the proceeds from her sales to the JARC activities fund.

FEDERATION’S ‘SIX-STAR MISSION’ TO OFFER UPSCALE ISRAEL EXPERIENCE

Travelers looking for a more upscale experience in Israel may want to consider a Fall mission sponsored by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.

The “Six-Star Mission,” scheduled from Oct. 29 to Nov. 9, will emphasize Israeli art and culture and feature first-class accommodations.

Participants will meet artists, musicians, wine producers and world-class chefs.

“I think it’s going to be fantastic,” said mission chairperson Esther Sherman. “It’s going to be more upscale and relaxed. We’re not going to be rushing from place to place like you would on a normal mission.”

The trip costs $3,999 per person – not including air fare – and will include three nights at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, four nights at the Hilton in Tel Aviv and three nights at the luxurious spa Mitzpe Hayamim in the Galilee.

“My husband Harold and I have been on a number of trips to Israel and even we’re excited about this,” Sherman said. “And I think it’s quite safe to go. We’ll have plenty of security.”

For more information and a detailed itinerary, contact Gail Marlow at 561-852-3163 or gailm@bocafed.org.

“I think that really speaks to the kind of staff we have here,” said Dr. Debra Hallow, JARC’s executive director. “It’s not only about the job they signed on to but many of them, like Donna, go above and beyond.”

Donna Skole (left) shows off some of her jewelry in the lobby of the JARC building with Dr. Debra Hallow, JARC executive director

Skole, who started making jewelry many years ago when she lived in Jerusalem, has gotten more serious about her hobby in the last four years. She spends up to 25 hours a week handcrafting the attractive pieces and displays them at various shows in the area.

Skole approached Hallow with the idea of selling her stuff at JARC, primarily so residents could buy affordable presents. Plus, Hallow said, the money that goes to JARC “enables us to afford enrichment kinds of things for the residents that normally we might not be able to pay for.”

Hallow said the jewelry in the lobby, which has been on display since the end of March, has stimulated some business from outside organizations that use the building.

“I think it’s great,” she said. “You go into the department stores to buy fashion jewelry and it’s so expensive. And you’re not benefiting anyone.”

Skole, who was particularly busy making jewelry for Mother’s Day, estimates that she’s sold more than 300 pieces over the last few years and is starting to turn a profit.

But no matter how successful her business becomes, she plans to stay at JARC because the work is so rewarding.

“I’ve learned how to be humble and to go through adversity,” she said. “I’ve learned more from my clients than they’ll ever learn from me.”

Contact Donna Skole by calling 561-558-2568 or e-mail her at donnask@bocafed.org.

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JEC

Jewish Education Commission

MELTON MINI-SCHOOL BOASTS LARGEST GRADUATING CLASS If you want to gauge the success of the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School, consider that the June graduating class of 73 is the largest in the school’s 14-year history. Even more impressive is that the school’s popularity continues to grow despite minimal advertising and publicity.

“Mainly it’s word of mouth,” said director Barbara Kabatznik. “This program answers so many of the needs of people who want to learn about Judaism in an adult environment.”

The school is named after philanthropist Florence Melton, 93, a part-time Boca Raton resident who developed the comprehensive two-year literacy program for adults seeking answers to religious and spiritual questions. The program is associated with The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and administered by the Jewish Education Commission (JEC).

There are mini-school branches in more than 68 communities in the United States and other nations, including Israel. Graduates receive a Certificate of Jewish Studies from The Hebrew University.

“I think the program is appealing more to young adults with children in school who want to enhance their own backgrounds and also young educators who want to strengthen their knowledge of Judaism,” said Karen Altschul, Chair of the Melton Alumni Association of South Palm Beach County.

Altschul said the program’s quality speaks for itself.

“Anybody who is a Melton learner is excited and stimulated by new learning experiences,” Altschul said. “They share their experiences with

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friends and family who in many cases become members of the class the following year.”

The Florence Melton Adult Mini-School sessions are taught at locations in Boca Raton and Delray Beach by experienced instructors, including JEC Executive Director Dr. Leon Weissberg.

“Many of our students tell us that they take classes so they can keep up with their grandchildren and connect and share with them,” said Altschul.

For more information or to register for classes, contact Barbara Kabatznik at 561-852-6050 or e-mail BarbaraK@bocafed.org.

2006 Graduates:

Marianne Altschul

Sharon Guttman

Ida Novack

Pam Appelbaum

Donna Hendel

Andrea Orleans

Marilyn Altshuler Hillary Arenstein Marilyn Asofsky

Linda Harris

Marissa Hollander Kenneth Howard

Myriam Azubel

Paulette Howard

Nanci Beyer

Donna Kaplan

Lynn Bedowitz Myra Biben Andi Brown

Dorianne Cofer Iris Cohen

Jill Deutch

Angele di Liscia Valerie Ever

Geri Fainman

Rosalind Falkoff Susan Feinberg

Mindy Friedman Smadar Gavish Lynn Goldberg

Nancy Goldstein Denise Gordon

Claire Grossman

Jerome Kaplan Zerlina Kaplan Myra Katz

Susan Katz

Kelly Kenney

Elaine Kleinman Linda Kulick

Natalie Leder Evelyn Loft

Ruth Maron

Mona Maselli Faye Menkes

Rebecca L. Michel Alfred Miller

Leonora Miller Beth Mishkin

Dorothye J. Newhouse

Merri Novell

Donna Pearlman Linda Povlow

Sandra Reddemann

JEC WELCOMES JUSTIN POLLACK AS TEEN COORDINATOR

The Jewish Education Commission (JEC) recently announced that Justin Pollack has been hired as Coordinator of Teen & Youth Education.

Justin is a graduate of University of Central Florida (UCF), with a minor in Middle Eastern & Judaic Studies. Justin has lived in Boca for most of his life. He was a camp counselor at camp Ted Weisberg for several years and has been a chapter advisor for BBYO as well as the American staff member for Passport to Israel with BBYO, leading groups of youngsters on Israel experiences.

Justin was an active Hillel member at UCF, vice president of the Knights for Israel and president of the Jewish Greek Council.

“Justin brings a great deal of teen experience and has a great sense of what it is that Jewish teens are looking for,” said Dr. Leon Weissberg, Executive Director of the JEC.

Linda Riegelhaup Paula Robbins

Bari Roth-Elefant

Eileen G. Rothberg Ann Ruben

Leone Schulman Amy Shames

Lionel P. Spencer

Marion H. Spencer, Naomi Steinberg

Four Topics for Summer Study for Melton Students & Friends June 5 – 26, 2006 Mondays, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Elisa Berger Towbis

At the Weinberg Center in Delray – 14620 S. Military Tr.

Sidney Wartel

June 5 Tikkkun Post Shavout-Book of Ruth Dr. Leon Weissberg

June 19 Torah, Time and Carbon Dating Rabbi Akiva Zweig

June 12 Timeless Jerusalem-Yom Yerushalayim Rabbanit Avigal Rock

June 26 Trials, Three that changed the world, Socrates, Jeremiah & Jesus Rabbi Jack Riemer

Seth M. Towbis Helene Wartel

Eileen Winkler

Mandy Wynick Emilie Yunger Marsha Zidel

Tuition: $50 for the series or $15 per class. Limited Seating.

Call 561-852-6050 for more information.

TRIP TO ARGENTINA SHOWS ANOTHER SIDE OF JEWISH LIFE

By William Bernstein, CEO

I recently had the privilege to attend, participate and teach in the Tenth Meeting of Latin American and Caribbean Jewish Institutions and Community Leaders in Mar Del Plata, Argentina. First, I want to thank all of the members of our Board for permitting me to attend this meeting. It was truly a remarkable experience and helped me fully appreciate that we are truly one Jewish people with many points of connection, shared beliefs, common issues and problems, but above all, an undying commitment to the continuity of Jewish life.

The conference included participants from Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Invited guests came from Great Britain, Israel, Italy and the United States.

More than 1,000 participants attended.

The meeting hosts and sponsors were the AMIA (Asociacian Mutual Israelita Argentina, the Argentine-Israeli Mutual Association) and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. Argentina has a Jewish population of well over 200,000. I was invited by the JDC to participate and teach basic fundraising and donor development skills. I team-taught two sessions of the conference with Michael Novick, Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Development of the JDC. Michael serves as the executive liaison to our community for JDC. This meeting looked and felt very much like our GA in North America. However, I must say the enthusiasm and spirit of the participants was a bit more intense than

what I have witnessed at recent GA’s in North America.

The stated purpose of the meeting was to provide an opportunity for a shared search that would permit the development of creative responses to the economic, political and social issues that face Jews in the above mentioned communities. By examining options, experiences and lessons learned, community leaders – volunteers, donors and professionals – are able to incorporate new concepts and ideas in order to think about the future of their organizations.

Since the economic downturn in the late ‘90s, there has been an almost complete disappearance of the middle class. This phenomenon presents major issues for those involved in Jewish community life and increased pressure to provide services to those in need.

Shabbat services on Friday night were a blast! What enthusiasm, music, dancing and davening. I am certain very few of us have ever experienced services like this in our lifetimes. The ruach shook the room, and left those of us from North America in awe of what we had witnessed and experienced.

More than 250 professionals and community leaders attended our fundraising sessions.

It’s hard to believe, but the response to the material we presented to the group was overwhelmingly positive. The thirst to learn the basic skills of fundraising was truly remarkable. We spoke in English with simultaneous translation into Spanish. We had very lively Q&A sessions with the attendees following each session, and many requests for additional material, private consultations and return visits.

I was particularly impressed with many of the young Hillel college-age students I met.

They have a very strong commitment to Israel, to working in their communities and building a positive Jewish life for their families. A very large percentage of Jewish children attend Jewish day schools in these communities, and often speak three languages: Hebrew, Spanish and English. Visiting and studying for at least a year in Israel is commonplace.

Fundraising as we know it has been pretty much non-existent in Latin America.

Money is often raised by fees, and there are very few, if any, tax incentives provided to donors by their governments. Individual face-to-face solicitation is just now beginning to take hold, so the skills associated with this process were of particular interest. Latin Americans are truly in awe of what we do relative to fundraising in North America.

My trip opened a whole new world of Jewish life for me that I have never experienced. We have much to learn from our friends in Latin America, and clearly they yearn for a closer relationship with us.

I was fortunate to develop new friendships that will certainly enrich my practice, and hopefully my teaching will add to the strengthening of the communities in Latin America.

The rest of the meetings focused on a variety of topics, ranging from Jewish education, caring for the elderly, community development and the engagement of young people into community life. A major issue for many countries throughout Latin America is the economic divide between rich and poor.

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COUNTRY CLUB SCENE Bocaire and Delaire “Art Affair” Fun Day

Bocaire Co-Chairs Marilyn Tulgan and Bryna Monsein

Guest speaker and member of Federation executive board and Women’s Division board Cindy Nimhauser, Tom Kaplan, President, Bernstein, Kaplan & Krauss, LLC and Elyssa Kupferberg, Senior Vice President, Mellon Private Wealth Management, both corporate sponsors of the event

Delaire Co-Chairs Susan Katz , Lynn Bedowitz, Marcia Kent and Joan Goldburg Corporate Partners: Kaplan & Krauss, LLC and Mellon

St. Andrews “Affair of the Arts” Fun Day

Event co-chair Stephanie Chestnov

Guests Barbara Werner & Karen Herbstman

Guest Speaker Rani Garfinkle, chair of National Women’s Philanthropy at UJC, Matt Zucker, FMSbonds, Inc., corporate sponsor and Co-Chair Joyce Silverstein

2006 Lion of Judah Luncheon Committee

2006 Lion of Judah Luncheon Committee

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Corporate Sponsor: Ivan & Company Jewelers, Inc., FMSbonds.com and the Sandelman Foundation

COUNTRY CLUB SCENE Boca Pointe Dinner Dance Broken Sound Dinner Dance

Gleneagles Dinner Dance

Seymour & Bookie Eisenberg, chair and Dinner Dance chair of Gleneagles Campaign

Abraham and Alitta Irwin, Gleneagles Dinner Dance participants

Burt and Elayne Goodman, the honorees

Tom Kaplan, Broken Sound sponsor, Elyssa Kupferberg, Broken Sound sponsor, David Segal, honoree, Mayor Steven Abrams

Boca Woods Golf Event

Boca Woods Pacesetter/Morasha

Polo Club LOJ Outreach

Alan Platner, co-chair Men’s Campaign Committee; George Bloom, co-chair Men’s Campaign Committee; Helen Goldband, co-chair Women’s Campaign Committee

Dan Schliftman, Pacesetter committee chair; Elyssa Kupferberg, corporate sponsor, Mellon Private Wealth Management; and Suzanne Schliftman, Women’s Campaign committee

The Polo Club had 13 new Lions this year! Lion Outreach Co-Chairs Janet Sahr and Jeanne Fibus, with guest speaker Deborah Grayson Riegel (center) Sponsored by: U.S.Trust Company, N.A.

Polo Club Pacesetter

Addison Reserve Pacesetter

JPMorgan representatives Leslie Meisner (left), Karim Ahamed (center) and Joyce Hohfeler (right) with Addison Reserve/Federation Campaign CoChairs Barbara Feingold and Dr. David Schimel

Stonebridge Golf Day

Addison Reserve Pacesetter Co-Chairs Pamela and Thomas Kaplan and Gregg and Linda Wexler with keynote speaker Lynn Sherr, correspondent on ABC’s 20/20 Corporate Sponsor: JP Morgan

From left: U.S. Trust representatives Elizabeth Fletcher and Linda Melcer, keynote speaker Micah Halpern, event hostess Charna Larkin, Polo Chairman’s Council member Clifford Seresky and his wife, Phyllis, and Jeffrey Abrams Sponsored by: U.S.Trust Company, N.A.

Representatives of the Campaign Cabinet from left: Murray Leipzig, Larry Levy, Buzz Cohen, Allen Goldenberg (campaign cabinet chair), Sandy Feinman, Jeff Newman, and Hy Richman

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Check out the latest happenings at the Federation and in the community.

LUXURIOUS SETTING FOR AGENCY A P P R E C I AT I O N R E C E P T I O N

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A beautiful and luxurious Boca Raton home on the Intracoastal Waterway built by Ince Wynne Development LLC was the setting for the Federation’s Agency Appreciation Cocktail Reception.

Steve Bedowitz, Campaign Chair, and Ted Struhl, Chair for Planning and Allocations, chaired the recent event, inviting members of the board of directors from several beneficiary agencies.

“We wanted to show our appreciation for all the agencies do for the community,” said Struhl.

The house, at 1601 Spanish River Rd., was designed by architect Randall Stofft and decorated by Robb & Stucky. It features a unique three-sided media/game room and library, all glass tiled pool/spa area, and dining area with window surrounded by natural hand-carved stone that showcases a private garden view of magnolia trees planted with exotic live orchids.

Agencies invited to the function included the Adolph and Rose Levis Jewish Community Center, Donna Klein Jewish Academy, Hillel Day School, Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, Jewish Association for Residential Care (JARC), Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), Jewish Education Commission (JEC), Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service, the Community Kollel, Torah Academy of Boca Raton and Weinbaum Yeshiva High School.

The Federation, the central fundraising and planning agency of the entire Jewish community of Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach, allocates money to all of the agencies.

“Events like this give us the ability to increase communication and dialogue among all the Jewish agencies and to brainstorm new ideas,” said Struhl.

Bill Bernstein, Etta Zimmerman, Agency Appreciation host Peter Ince, Ellen R. Sarnoff and Steve Bedowitz

The Agency Appreciation Cocktail Reception was held at 1601 Spanish River Road, designed by Randall Stofft, built by Peter Ince and decorated by Robb & Stucky

Gerard Liguori and Carmen D’Angelo, Jr. of Premier Estate Properties, Inc. and Agency Appreciation host Peter Ince

If you will it, we can end anti-Semitism... forever.

Anti-Semitism continues to threaten the Jewish people – in Europe, the Middle East and, incredibly, on our own college campuses. It is therefore vital that we do whatever we can to fight this evil – now and in the future.

You can help by adding the Jewish Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County to your will or increasing an existing bequest.

With the funds you make available, you will not only fight anti-Semitism, you will help support Israel, combat poverty and hunger and build Jewish identity through education. Your commitment will be felt in our community and our world for years to come.

Make your legacy a Jewish legacy by including the Jewish Community Foundation in your will or bequest. Call 561.852.3157 for a complimentary Will Kit today.

J E W I S H C O M M U N I T Y F O U N D AT I O N Contact: Leah Siskin, Executive Director Jewish Community Foundation 9 9 0 1

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(Continued from page 3) JUDY LEVIS MARKHOFF: LEADING WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPIST WAS ‘BORN TO GIVE’

Moving from Philadelphia to Westchester County, NY, Judy, by then married to retired trial attorney Paul Markhoff, began a volunteer relationship with White Plains Hospital, culminating in her forming a charitable auxiliary for the hospital. She later replicated that achievement for the Levis Alzheimer’s’ Center in Boca Raton.

All told, Markhoff has been honored by the charities she supports five times in the last three years, including receiving the prestigious HaNadiv Crystal Award from the JCC.

In fact, the auxiliary was only the beginning of Judy’s charitable deeds. Markhoff also serves as a benefactor of Boca Raton Community Hospital and is an advisory board member of the Matthew Forbes Romer Foundation, which combats childhood genetic diseases of the brain. She is a supporter of Hospice and the Weitzman Institute in Israel as well as a godparent to Jewish Adoptions and Foster Care Options (JAFCO). Markhoff is involved with numerous other charities.

“I have instilled in my children the desire to give back and carry on the family’s legacy,” she said. “My son Matthew is athletic director of the Levis JCC Sports and Wellness Center and co-chaired the Federation’s Men’s Sports Night event. My daughter-in-law Tara co-chaired the “What Women Want” event with me.

Judy said she is determined to pass the spirit of philanthropy onto her children – just as her father bestowed it to her.

Judy’s life stands as an example of the kind of modern Jewish woman she seeks to build in the generations that follow.

“I feel like I’m driven,” she says. “When there was the hurricane, I went over to Century Village and wanted to put generators in the whole place. I’m not a person to play golf and have lunch every day. I want to help people.

And the bigger the challenge, the more I feel the accomplishment. I feel fortunate to be able to give back.

“I think I was blessed,” she said, “and that I was born to give.”

“My daughter, Stefanie,” she added, “is president of the Pediatric Care Foundation in New York. I hope my grandchildren and their children carry on this legacy. That’s what life is all about.”

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T H E J E W I S H F E D E R AT I O N O F S O U T H PA L M B E AC H C O U N T Y I N V I T E S YO U TO

G E T R E A DY F O R A S P E C TA C U L A R

2007

SEASON!

2007 ANNUAL/UJA CAMPAIGN SPECIAL EVENTS JEWISH FEDERATION OF SOUTH PALM BEACH COUNTY The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is proud to announce its community wide events for the 2007 Annual/UJA Campaign.

Monday, December 11, 2006 Prime Minister’s Council

Wednesday, January 31, 2007 Lion of Judah Luncheon

Wednesday, December 13, 2006 Leadership Gifts/King David Society

Monday, February 26, 2007 Main Event

Thursday, December 14, 2006 Joshua Society/Crown

Thursday, March 8, 2007 $500+ Women’s Luncheon Sunday, March 18, 2007 Super Sunday

For more information, please contact Heidi Schrage at 561-852-6014, heidis@bocafed.org or visit us at www.jewishboca.org

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