GREATER MIAMI JEWISH FEDERATION
Don rNEWS INSIDE Ready to Take the Journey of a Lifetime?
Touching Jewish Lives. Building Jewish Community. Winter 2011-2012 Tevet/Shevat 5772
Innovation, Inspiration New Ways & Initiative: Finding to Touch Jewish Lives
MIAMI MEGA MISSI N ISRAEL 2012
The Community Post ®
April 22 – May 1, 2012
JCRC: Educating About Israel Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendar Now!
“Innovation is not a matter of just being different. But it is understanding changes taking place around us, and adapting the way we respond,” said Barbara Black Goldfarb, Board Chair of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. “It is looking at things that may not be working as well as they could be and asking, ‘How can we make it better?’ It is not just planning for the future, but also helping to create it.” Read more on page 2
1 | GREATER M IAM I JEWISH FEDERATION | DONOR NEWS
Building Community Through Creativity Greater Miami Jewish Federation Barbara Black Goldfarb Chair of the Board
Barbara Black Goldfarb Chair of the Board
Brian L. Bilzin General Campaign Chair
Jacob Solomon President and CEO
As Federation remains committed to our Mission of helping Jews in need, groundbreaking new programs and services are helping us address emerging challenges and embrace the future. They say that necessity is the mother of invention. We at Federation would agree. In this issue of Donor News, you will learn about a variety of programs, both led by Federation and in cooperation with our partner agencies, that allow us to better care for the vulnerable, share an appreciation of our heritage with our children, and engage a new generation of Jews. One of Federation’s most important upcoming programs is the Miami Mega Mission, which will take place from April 22 to May 1, 2012. During that time, 800 members of our Jewish community will travel together to Israel. We are especially fortunate that Saby Behar, a Past President of our Federation and the newly appointed Chair of The Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel and Overseas Committee, is serving as our Mega Mission Chair. This trip will be a special opportunity to discover more about Israel; to commemorate Yom Hazikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) and celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day); and to learn about Miami’s strong connection with the land and people of Israel. Whether or not you have been to Israel, please consider joining us on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand with
members of our community in Israel this spring. Read more about the Miami Mega Mission on page 9. The Talmud tells us that if one saves a life, it’s as if one has saved an entire world. With the release of IDF Sergeant Major Gilad Shalit, who was held in captivity for 1,941 days, Israel demonstrated just how precious one man’s life truly is. Together, we stand with Jewish people everywhere, ready to protect and care for them in the same way that Israel has protected and cared for its own citizens, even under the most difficult circumstances. As you read this issue of Donor News, we hope you will be as excited about the innovations taking place as we are. It is because of your gift to the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign – and the vision of the leadership of our community – that we are able to sustain programs that save and improve thousands of lives each day. And by establishing new and exciting initiatives, particularly ones that engage younger generations in the Jewish community, we ensure that Federation will be able to fulfill its Mission of strengthening Jewish life for many years to come. Thank you for your continued support.
The Mission of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is to mobilize human and financial resources to care for those in need, strengthen Jewish life and advance the unity, values and shared purpose of the Jewish people in Miami, in Israel and around the world. Connect with your community on
Brian L. Bilzin General Campaign Chair Jacob Solomon President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Y. Levin Chief Development Officer ..................................... David M. Scharlin Communications Chair Bonnie Reiter-Lehrer Chief Communications & Marketing Officer Nicole Marshal Ozer Assistant Director of Communications & Marketing Leslie Rosenberg Senior Communications & Marketing Associate Emily Mirengoff Communications Associate ..................................... Myron J. “Mike” Brodie Executive Vice President Emeritus
John M. Bussel | Chair Stephen C. Lande, J.D. | Director 4200 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33137 305.576.4000 JewishMiami.org
To make a gift, please use the enclosed envelope. You may also contact the Greater Miami Jewish Federation at 305.576.4000 or visit JewishMiami.org/donornews.
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GREATER MIAMI JEWISH FEDERATION | DONOR NEWS | COVER STORY | 2
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ACH DAY, THE GREATER MIAMI JEWISH FEDERATION works with partners in our Jewish community
to find solutions to a wide range of important issues. Caring for the vulnerable remains at the heart of
Federation’s Mission, and our volunteers and professionals are continually seeking better ways to deliver
life-sustaining assistance. Yet, at the same time, we are addressing important challenges, including enhancing our ability to engage a new generation of Jews. Read how your Federation is supporting innovative programs and services in Miami, in Israel and worldwide to advance Jewish life, and how you make it all possible.
Since its inception in 2010, ParnossahWorks Miami has helped prepare hundreds of MiamiDade job-seekers for the challenging employment market. WHEN ONE IS ASKED to name an innovative organization, a nearly 74-year-old Jewish nonprofit may not be the first thing that springs to mind. Yet, Federation is a multifaceted organization that is widely respected for inspiring ideas, philanthropy and community collaboration. “It starts with our volunteer leadership,” said Jacob Solomon, Federation President and CEO, “people who dedicate their time and resources to generously support the work of Federation. We are tremendously grateful for their knowledge and vision.” In fact, such support of the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign makes it possible to provide funding for 110 social-service, humanitarian and educational programs and agencies that bring help and hope to so many in need. “With this safety net of Federationfunded programs and services in place, we are making a difference in the lives of thousands of people each day. We are also able to respond at a moment’s notice to extraordinary situations, from acts of terrorism and war to an economic downturn, to a natural disaster,” said Solomon. And while Federation is caring for the most vulnerable, we are also working with synagogues and other Jewish and community institutions to strengthen Jewish life, advance Jewish values and speak out against social injustice.
Innovation, Inspiration & Initiative “Collective support of the Annual Campaign is what enables us to creatively confront a variety of challenges,” said Federation Board Chair Barbara Black Goldfarb. “Through our ongoing relationships with local and overseas organizations, we have trusted partners with whom we can share ideas, launch new projects or ask for assistance.” Consider, for example, how such collaboration helped one vital social-service program come into existence. When it became apparent that the economic downturn would continue to wreak havoc on Miami-Dade’s workforce for some time, Federation sought a more effective way to assist job-seekers. In March 2010, Federation partnered with Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS) to launch ParnossahWorks Miami, a free job service that was working well in other U.S. cities. Funded through supplemental gifts, ParnossahWorks Miami offers Jewish job-seekers
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Achoti (Sister) – for Women in Israel is a Federation-funded amutah (nonprofit organization) that, among other efforts, helps empower marginalized Israeli women by teaching them to turn their skills into profitable trades. the ability to review online job postings and register for career seminars, as well as receive personalized support. Candidates meet one-onone with a career counselor for resume writing assistance and to discuss job-hunting strategies. And, because ParnossahWorks professionals screen applicants, employers save time with staffing. Last year, ParnossahWorks Miami registered 639 job-seekers, offered 365 face-toface meetings with career counselors, and helped more than 170 people gain employment. “The Annual Campaign will always be our primary fundraising focus,” said Brian L. Bilzin, General Campaign Chair, “as it enables us to address the largest number of issues and help the largest number of people. At the same time, supplemental gifts are underwriting projects that help satisfy unmet needs, assist special populations and support programs of significance to donors.” In Israel, supplemental gifts are being used in conjunction with Annual Campaign allocations to help fund the Women’s Amutot Initiative, which supports nonprofit organizations (amutot) that focus on the needs and welfare of women and children. Back in 2002, as Israelis were suffering a large number of terror attacks, Miami’s Jewish community raised millions of dollars through a special Israel Emergency Fund (IEF) to provide
JewishMiami.org
(Continued on page 3)
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Innovation, Inspiration & Initiative
(Continued from page 2)
Jonathan Kravitz and Tobi Ash, Co-Chairs of the 2nd Annual Everything... but the Turkey, a volunteer opportunity created by Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Center (JVC).
Holocaust survivor Lea Roth (center) shares her experiences with Mytyl Simancas-Bister and her son, Danny, as part of the intergenerational Young Lion of Judah program.
A participant on the Federation-funded “No Limits” Birthright trip for those with special needs is all smiles as she zip-lines in Israel.
assistance. Recognizing that some already vulnerable Israeli women and children were experiencing particular hardship, a group of women at Federation worked to ensure that a portion of the IEF went to help this population. Thus, the Women’s Amutot Initiative was born. Launched with a focus on economic empowerment and to help domestic abuse victims, the Initiative has expanded to include social empowerment, protection against and prevention of violence, and leadership development. A panel of 25 Miami volunteer women reviews proposals from nonprofits whose programs meet the Initiative’s criteria before making funding decisions. The long-term objective is to create social change with a real and lasting impact on Israeli society.
Israel and Overseas Department, funding 19 women’s programs. And while many other Jewish communities support services benefitting women and children, Miami is the only one whose Women’s Amutot Initiative receives a yearly allocation from the Annual Campaign and focuses exclusively on Israel.
trips to Israel for Jewish adults, ages 18 to 26. Every year, the Annual Campaign provides an allocation to Taglit-Birthright Israel. While Birthright is usually unable to accommodate participants with special needs, supplemental funding and other resources came together to underwrite five buses for people with physical and developmental disabilities. There were separate trips for the deaf or hard of hearing; those confined to wheelchairs; the blind or visually impaired; high functioning autistic individuals; and individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities. Assisted every step of the way by social workers, sign language translators, occupational therapists and other highly specialized professionals, participants were able to enjoy the full Birthright Israel experience. With additional funding, Miami looks forward to offering more of these trips in the coming years.
LINKING GENERATIONS, MAKING CONNECTIONS
AS FEDERATION AND OUR PARTNER AGENCIES are helping those in need, we are also seeking meaningful ways to connect Jews of different generations and backgrounds. Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Center (JVC) has been teaching Bar and Bat Mitzvah students the meaning of tzedakah through a community“In today’s world, with so many service program called the Young Lion of Judah. options available, it will take much Last year, for the first time, JVC partnered with the Holocaust Memorial of the Greater Miami Jewish more to engage people. It will take Federation to pair 25 B’nai Mitzvah students with innovation, inspiration and initiative 25 Holocaust survivors. to keep us strong.” During monthly gatherings, the students, their parents and the survivors spent time – Jacob Solomon exploring lessons of the Holocaust and participating in mitzvah projects. The results were As an example, through the Initiative, a greater understanding among the generations Federation has been able to effect change in and the development of new friendships. how Israeli institutions assist rape or domestic This past summer, Miami joined with abuse victims in Israel’s Negev region. other Jewish federations to help fund another Previously, distressed women had to travel hours groundbreaking program – a Taglit-Birthright Israel for examination following a report of abuse. adventure for special-needs young adults. Since Through Federation-funded efforts by one of the the inception of Taglit-Birthright Israel in 2000, amutot, medical and psychological services are more than 300,000 young adults from 52 now available much closer to home. countries – including 4,000 participants from Entering its 10th year of operation, the Miami – have benefitted from the program, which Initiative is an integral part of Federation’s offers free, first-time, peer-group, educational
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BUILDING NEW GENERATIONS OF COMMITTED JEWS THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS with visionary individuals and organizations, Federation has been able to foster a love of Jewish tradition and a strong sense of Jewish identity in participants from infancy through college and beyond. PJ Library® delivers free, high-quality Jewish children’s literature and music to the families of children six months to eight years old. Conceived and launched nationally by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, PJ Library® came to Miami in 2008 and has set standards of collaboration that other communities now follow. To introduce the program locally, Federation worked closely with the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE), early
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GREATER MIAMI JEWISH FEDERAT ION | DONOR NEWS | 4
Finding New Ways to Touch Jewish Lives
The Federation-funded PJ Library ® brings Jewish values home to families across Miami-Dade County through free Jewish books and music.
Programs like Moishe House Miami are bringing together post-college adults looking to further their involvement in the Jewish community.
The Community Post ® provides the opportunity for people to post their own online news about happenings in Miami's Jewish community.
childhood education centers, schools, synagogues and other “implementing partners” to ensure community-wide enrollment and participation. In addition to the free books and CDs mailed to 2,500 young subscribers and their parents each month, PJ Library® presents special events – storytimes, holiday celebrations and other gatherings – at community venues. Recently, PJ Library® also added “PJ Goes to School,” enabling teachers in Early Childhood Education programs to use PJ Library® books to enrich and extend their curricula, strengthening the bonds between home and school for students and families. While it is often easier for families to share Jewish ideas and holidays when their children are still living at home, doing so becomes more challenging when students go off to college. This is why Federation provides funding each year to Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life at seven campuses across Florida. According to the Jewish Engagement Commission – a Federation initiative to involve more Jews from different backgrounds – there are limited opportunities for Jewish adults in Miami after college. The Commission identified an international organization called Moishe House as an innovative model to attract Jewish young adults. Now, a downtown Miami high-rise apartment is the base for Moishe House Miami. Three residents, ages 23 to 25, receive a rent subsidy, a Jewish library and a programming budget in exchange for hosting at least 60 programs that will draw a total of more than 1,000 participants annually. Since moving in at the end of September, the Moishe House
Miami residents have held Shabbat dinners and holiday celebrations. Plans for monthly programs will also include Jewish culture, social events, Jewish learning, and advocacy/community-service activities. Through gifts from a private foundation and Federation donors, Moishe House Miami has received funding for its first three years of operation. It is hoped that Moishe House Miami will serve as a hub for young adults to be part of a stronger, more vibrant Jewish community.
“As we begin to approach our Federation’s 75th anniversary, it is important that we maintain our commitment to the generations who have worked to build our Jewish community and to create the programs and services that so many depend upon every day,” said Solomon. “It is also our obligation to connect with Jewish people of all ages and backgrounds. “In today’s world, with so many options available, it will take much more to engage people,” he continued. “It will take innovation, inspiration and initiative to keep us strong.”
INSPIRING OPPORTUNITIES FOR JEWISH ENGAGEMENT FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE BOARDROOM, to the Internet and beyond, members of our Jewish community are finding more ways to connect with one another. Here are nine additional initiatives funded through your support of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.
The Community Post ®
Community Volunteer Activities
ALONG WITH the January 2011 re-launch of JewishMiami.org came the kick-off of The Community Post ®, the first online, user-generated Jewish community newspaper, which invites synagogues, agencies, nonprofit organizations and individuals to share news about upcoming events, recent accomplishments and more. Since its introduction, thousands of people have added their voices to The Community Post ®, and the trademarked online publication now boasts more than 100,000 views a month. The concept is so exciting that several other U.S. Jewish communities have expressed interest in having their own Community Post ®. Start posting and reading at TheCommunityPost.org.
AS THE CENTRAL CLEARINGHOUSE for volunteerism in Miami’s Jewish community, Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Center (JVC) works collaboratively with local organizations to welcome hands-on involvement. Two annual traditions are “Everything... but the Turkey,” during which volunteers prepare Thanksgiving side dishes for those in need; and Jewish Community Volunteer Day, offering a variety of activities on or near December 25. Registration for these popular volunteer programs typically fills up very quickly, and participants greatly enjoy the chance to lend a helping hand. To learn more, email Volunteer@JewishMiami.org or call 786.866.8414. (Continued on page 5)
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Innovation, Inspiration & Initiative
The Jewish Lens challenges students in Miami and other communities to capture their feelings about Jewish life through photography.
Alexander Schapiro and Rachel Adler, Twenties Network Vice Chairs, and Jonathan Raiffe, The Network’s Missions & Conferences Chair, at a recent “Rush Hour” gathering presented by The Network at a local art gallery.
The Network
...programs that inform UM students about issues such as anti-Semitism, discrimination and the challenges facing Israel.
The Jewish Lens AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM introduced to Miami by Federation and CAJE, The Jewish Lens enables teens to use photography to observe themselves in their own culture, to discover how they relate to Jewish peoplehood and to learn important Jewish values. Through special funding, the program launched this fall for middle- and high-school students in eight Miami-Dade Jewish schools and programs, along with two schools in Miami’s partnership city of Yerucham in Israel’s Negev region. The program will culminate in an end-of-year exhibition of student work. To learn more, email Planning@JewishMiami.org or call 786.866.8495.
Miami students of all ages are learning about Israel through school visits by young emissaries from Miami's partnership city of Yerucham, Israel.
and, to their surprise, they also find themselves being personally transformed. Last year, Refuat Ha-Nefesh graduated 32 volunteers, who spent nearly 1,500 hours visiting people in institutional and home settings.To learn more, email Chaplaincy@JewishMiami.org or call 786.866.8620.
JAFI Israel Fellows Program IN PARTNERSHIP with the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), and through a special supplemental gift from Miami donors, Federation is supporting the JAFI Israel Fellows Program, which has brought an Israeli shaliach (emissary) to the University of Miami. As the first JAFI emissary to come to Miami in this capacity, the shaliach is housed at Hillel and collaborating for a year with the professional staff to present a variety of programs that inform UM students about issues such as antiSemitism, discrimination and the challenges facing Israel.
(Continued from page 4)
WHEN FEDERATION realized that “Young Leadership Division” sounded like a boring training program for 20-year-olds, it was time for a new look. At the suggestion of Federation leaders, the division was re-introduced as “The Network” – a name that better reflects the opportunities it provides for like-minded people to meet through social action and networking activities. Comprising numerous “sub-Networks” – such as the Twenties Network, the Real Estate Network and the Attorneys’ Network – this highly popular Federation division now attracts more than 3,000 members, ages 22 to 39, and welcomes hundreds of participants to its events annually. To learn more, email TheNetwork@JewishMiami.org or call 786.866.8446.
Working with rabbis, social workers and gerontologists, participants learn how to bring comfort to the sick and infirm...
ShinShin Young Emissaries Program THIS FALL, for the second consecutive year,
Federation has welcomed to Miami two high school graduates from Yerucham. As part of the ShinShin Program implemented by our Israel and Overseas Department, the pair will spend 10 months in our community, visiting Jewish day schools, synagogue religious schools, youth groups, JCCs, senior living facilities and other Refuat Ha-Nefesh organizations – all while promoting cultural and educational connections. In addition to offering a variety of Israeli programming, the ShinShin TO SERVE THE MEMBERS of Miami’s Jewish report back to the Yerucham newspaper with community who are in need of spiritual support and companionship, Federation’s Jewish Chaplaincy written accounts of their experiences. The program is just one of many initiatives that is Program created the Refuat Ha-Nefesh Jewish helping to strengthen the people-to-people Spiritual Care Visiting Program. Now in its fourth relationships between our Jewish community year, this extraordinary, free program provides six and Yerucham.To learn more, email months of interactive training, mentoring and onIsraelOverseas@JewishMiami.org or call site visits for volunteers. Working with rabbis, 786.866.8445. social workers and gerontologists, participants learn how to bring comfort to the sick and infirm –
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Finding New Ways to Touch Jewish Lives
Refuat Ha-Nefesh participants celebrate completion of their six-month training. Said one graduate, “This program is truly an opportunity to give as well as receive.”
Wexner Institute
Women in the Boardroom
MIAMI’S JEWISH COMMUNITY became host this year to the Wexner Heritage Program, the most prestigious Jewish leadership and literacy program in the nation. For two years, 20 carefully selected Miami participants will meet with top Jewish scholars, rabbis and professional leaders. The intensive agenda is designed to help them increase their Jewish knowledge, and to explore leadership in today’s Jewish community – and what will be required to ensure a strong Jewish future.
OFFERED THROUGH FEDERATION’S Women’s Philanthropy for business and professional women, this engaging speaker and networking series provides an opportunity to explore business topics and issues of concern to the Jewish people, and to discuss Federation’s work worldwide. To learn more, email Women@JewishMiami.org or call 786.866.8440.
To further explore the topics mentioned in Donor News, or to read about other programs and services funded through your generous support of the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign, please visit JewishMiami.org.
Greater Miami Jewish Federation
In these challenging times, the Jewish community is here for you. WE CAN HELP if you or someone you know needs: n
EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
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BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
Call the Jewish community’s 24-hour helpline at 305-576-6550. Administered by Jewish Community Services of South Florida, this confidential helpline is staffed by knowledgeable and experienced professionals who are ready to guide you to the services and information you need.
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G R E AT E R M I A M I J E W I S H F E D E R AT I O N | DONOR NEWS
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YOU CAN CREATE A LEGACY THAT WILL ADVANCE JEWISH LIFE TOMORROW.
T HE F OUNDATION can help you transform your vision for the Jewish future into inspiring philanthropy that will last forever. It doesn’t take a great deal of wealth to create a wealth of meaningful programs. All it takes is a desire to make a difference. Help advance Jewish life in Miami, in Israel and worldwide. Call us at 786-866-8623 or email Foundation@JewishMiami.org for a confidential consultation, today.
The place to create your lasting Jewish legacy.
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GREATER MIAMI JEWISH FEDERAT ION | DONOR NEWS | 8
JCRC EDUCATES AND ENGAGES COMMUNITY IN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation uses grassroots advocacy to promote social justice, raise awareness of pressing social issues and garner support for Israel. At a time when Israel’s very survival is being challenged by regimes and campaigns that question its right to exist, the work of the JCRC is crucial.
The videos are available on DVDs for group screenings year-round, and some of the videos will be available for individual viewing at JerusalemOnlineUniversity.com. The free course was created in response to discussions that were held in the aftermath of JCRC’s Community Summit – “Combating the Campaign to Delegitimize Israel” educational emails and Action Alerts to the – in January 2011. community. The JCRC also co-sponsored the Jewish The JCRC recognizes that Israel has many Council for Public Affairs’ UDI petition, which supporters outside of the Jewish community, and received more than 100,000 signatures. Furthermore, that bringing those people together and engaging the Miami JCRC has coordinated the efforts of the them on a personal level strengthens the pro-Israel four South Florida JCRCs to represent Israel’s community. This past August, Jews and Christians interests with various Consuls General in Miami, came together for an evening where members of urging them to convince their governments to vote different faiths stood as one with the State of Israel. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman “no” on this resolution. Schultz (D-FL), Congressman Mario In addition to Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Israeli Deputy advocacy, the JCRC relies Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon and upon educational tools to Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) at teach the community the South Florida Summit for Israel about Israel’s history and culture as well as to The JCRC has concentrated its efforts into three combat misconceptions main strategies: advocacy, education and engagement, enabling members of Miami’s Jewish about the political community to learn about Israel and its struggles, situation in the Middle East. The JCRC is and take appropriate action. currently offering a One example of the first strategy is the free video-based Representatives from the Israel Action Network, Jewish Council recent effort undertaken in response to the mini-course featuring for Public Affairs and The Jewish Federations of North America Palestinian Authority’s proposed resolution that world-renowned experts stand beside the petition opposing the Palestinian UDI the United Nations recognize Palestine as a full on Israel and the member. The resolution calls for a Palestinian Middle East. state based on the 1967 borders, which would The program, which was co-sponsored by the include the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. It Among the resources available: Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Broward also repudiates a core principle of the peace Pastors Network, demonstrated the power of process – that the solution to the conflict can only • A documentary film entitled Crossing interfaith solidarity. The featured speakers included the Line that exposes delegitimization efforts, be the result of direct, bilateral negotiations Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon particularly on college campuses between the Israelis and Palestinians. It violates and members of Congress. previous peace agreements between the Israelis • A four-part series consisting of short films and The JCRC offers a multitude of ways to and Palestinians that rejected unilateral action by recorded lectures by world-renowned experts, get involved in Jewish advocacy. To learn more either party, and leaves unresolved the critical which discuss Israel’s history, culture, and about the JCRC and its Israel advocacy disputed issues of Jerusalem, refugees, borders relationship to the West efforts, visit JewishMiami.org, contact and settlements. CommunityRelations@JewishMiami.org To raise awareness of the resolution, • Facilitator discussion questions and materials or call 786.866.8486. known as the Unilateral Declaration of for each of the mini-course films and recorded Independence (UDI), the JCRC sent lectures Connect with your community on
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9 | GREATER M IAM I JEWISH FEDERATION | DONOR NEWS
ARE YOU GOING? FROM APRIL 22 THROUGH MAY 1, 2012, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is taking 800 members of our Jewish community on Miami Mega Mission Israel 2012. This transformational journey across Israel includes observance of Yom Hazikaron (Israeli’s Memorial Day) and celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day). A partnership with Miami synagogues is making the Mega Mission a true community-wide experience. FEDERATION IS FILLING the nine-day itinerary with activities and encounters that will inspire and impress even the most seasoned traveler. Participants will have the opportunity to travel across Israel, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Northern Israel and the Negev; visit museums, historical and religious sites, and an IDF base; meet with Israeli leaders and experts; AND still have time for shopping and outdoor excursions. “This is going to be the trip of a lifetime,” said Federation Board Chair Barbara Black Goldfarb. “People will not only feel connected to the land of Israel, but also to their Jewish heart and soul and to Federation’s meaningful work in Israel.” The highlights of the Mega Mission itinerary will be five spectacular and unforgettable Mega Events. While Mission-goers will travel each day with their own buses to separate places of interest, all participants will gather for the Mega Events, which will feature world-renowned Israeli entertainers, high-level guest speakers and breathtaking surprises.
Miami Mega Mission Israel 2012 Promises to Be the Journey of a Lifetime
MIAMI MEGA MISSI N ISRAEL 2012
• A memorable Masada experience, followed by dinner beneath the desert stars and an extraordinary performance by dynamic Israeli singer Einat Sarouf • A bustling street fair at the stunning Beit She’an Archaeological Park with wares from Israeli artisans, street performers and an array of tempting foods, culminating with a performance by the illustrious Broadway and stage entertainer Dudu Fisher of traditional and contemporary songs in the 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater • A farewell party at S’dot Yam near Caesarea, where participants will gather to watch the sun set over the Mediterranean and share memories as they enjoy a family-style dinner, drinks, dancing, music and more.
To view the full Mega Mission itinerary, visit MiamiMegaMission2012.org.
Plans for the Mega Events include: • A warm welcome by Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, a solidarity parade to the Jaffa Gate, a spectacular musical performance and a delicious dinner buffet featuring local delicacies
Prices for Miami Mega Mission start at just $3,600 per person (double occupancy, space limited) including non-stop, round-trip charter flight; $2,500 per person (double occupancy, land only) and $1,800 for individuals ages 22-39 (double occupancy, land only). Included in all packages are luxury accommodations, most meals, individual bus tours and excursions, and all Mega Events. Charter packages are subject to a $300 fuel surcharge per person. Participants will also be asked to make a meaningful contribution to the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign. The itinerary is subject to change.
• An evening of food and wine on the grounds of the newly renovated Israel Museum and its Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and other rare manuscripts. The night will culminate with a performance by the legendary singer Shuly Nathan, who made Jerusalem of Gold popular worldwide.
As Donor News goes to press, more than 625 people have already registered for Miami Mega Mission Israel 2012. Space is still available, but going fast. For more information or to secure a place on the Miami Mega Mission, contact Katy Boyask, Mega Mission Manager, at 786.866.8466 or kboyask@gmjf.org.
“The Mega Events are big in scope. There is first-rate entertainment, surprises in store for participants, and things that will make the Mega Mission memorable for everyone,” said Saby Behar, Miami Mega Mission Israel 2012 Chair and a veteran of many Israel missions, including two Mega Missions.
April 22 – May 1, 2012
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GREATER MIAMI JEW ISH FEDERAT ION | DONOR NEWS | 10
Please mark your calendar and plan to join us for these important community events.
Upcoming Events A N IGHT TO C ELEBRATE C OMMUNITY. A N IGHT TO C ELEBRATE I SRAEL .
JOIN US FOR DINNER T HURSDAY, F EBRUARY 16, 2012 AT 5:30 P. M . H ILTON M IAMI D OWNTOWN 1601 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami
S TEPHANIE
AND J ULES
T RUMP, C HAIRS
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
28 th Annual Judicial Reception HONORING: Judge Alan S. Gold Lifetime Achievement Award Judge Gill S. Freeman Community Service Award Robert C. Josefsberg, Esq. Honorable Theodore “Ted” Klein Award 5:30 P.M. Program followed by kosher Cocktail Reception Jungle Island – 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami Couvert (not tax-deductible as a charitable contribution) $85 per person For more information, please call 786.866.8625.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Honoring
SUPER
PROFESSOR ALAN M. DERSHOWITZ WITH THE
GREATER MIAMI JEWISH FEDERATION
2012 FRIEND OF ISRAEL HUMANITARIAN AWARD Couvert (not tax-deductible) $95 per person; $54 per person age 30 and under. A $1,000 suggested minimum gift to the 2012 Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign ($365 age 30 and under) is requested. Dietary laws observed. Business attire. Valet and self-parking available. For more information, please call 786.866.8416. You may also RSVP online at JewishMiami.org.
• Help raise funds for our Jewish community at our largest phonathon of the year • Enjoy activities for the entire family • Receive volunteer service hours
9:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. Greater Miami Jewish Federation 4200 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami For more information, please call 786.866.8680.
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SUNDAY
Overseas Programs and Services/ The Jewish Federations of North America • American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee • Beit Issie Shapiro • Elderly Welfare in the former Soviet Union • Ethiopian National Project • Food Insecurity Amutot in Israel • Jewish Agency for Israel • MASA • Partnership Initiatives in the cities of Or Akiva, Pardes Channa-Karkur and Yerucham, Israel • Projects in Argentina and Uruguay • Women’s Amutot Initiative • World ORT • Youth Futures in Yerucham, Israel
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. CH 435. 100% OF EACH CONTRIBUTION IS USED TO CARRY OUT THE MISSION OF THE GREATER MIAMI JEWISH FEDERATION.
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National Programs and Services • American Jewish Committee • American Jewish World Service • Anti-Defamation League • Association of Jewish Family & Children’s Agencies • BBYO (National) • Clal - The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership • Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society • Hebrew Union College School of Jewish Communal Service • Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life
• Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University • Israel Action Network • Jewish Community Centers Association of North America • Jewish Council for Public Affairs • Jewish Education Service of North America • Jewish Labor Committee • Jewish Telegraphic Agency • Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. • National Foundation for Jewish Culture • NCSJ: Advocates on Behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, Baltic States and Eurasia • Project Interchange, an institute of the American Jewish Committee • Secure Community Network • World Council of Jewish Communal Service • Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University
GREATER MIAMI JEWISH FEDERATION
• Kesher L.D. • Lehrman Community Day School • Mechina of South Florida High School • Miami Jewish Health Systems • Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center on the Sanford L. Ziff Campus • Mount Sinai Medical Center • Organization for Leadership Advancement in Miami of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation • Overnight Camp Scholarships • ParnossahWorks Miami • Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School • Shaarei Bina – Torah Academy for Girls • Sue & Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies at the University of Miami • Synagogue School Supplemental Scholarship Program • Teacher Fringe Benefits Program • Temple Beth Am Day School • Toras Emes Academy of Miami • Yeshiva Elementary School
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Local Programs and Agencies • Alexander Muss High School in Israel • Association for Jewish Special Education • BBYO • Beth David/Gordon Day School • Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education • Dave and Mary Alper Jewish Community Center on The Jay Morton-Levinthal Campus • Day School Hardship Scholarships • Destination Israel of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation • Galbut Family Miami Beach Jewish Community Center • Hebrew Academy (RASG) • Hebrew Free Loan Association of South Florida • High Holiday Welcome Program of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation • Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life (seven Florida campuses) • Hochberg Preparatory: A Solomon Schechter Day School at Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus • Holocaust Documentation and Education Center • Holocaust Memorial of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation • Israel Programs: Passport to Israel, TaglitBirthright Israel, Israel Scholarships • Jacobson Sinai Academy • Jewish Chaplaincy Program of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation • Jewish Community Relations Council of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation • Jewish Community Services of South Florida • Jewish Community Services/Access and Information • Jewish Federation Housing • Jewish Museum of Florida • Jewish Volunteer Center of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation
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Through your ONE generous gift to the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign, you are helping to fund a vital lifeline of services provided by 110 Federation agencies and programs in Miami, in Israel and around the world. Thank you for your support.