A publication of the Jewish Federation oF Palm Beach county
BELONG
jewishpalmbeach.org
Volume One | Issue Two | Summer 2013
Youth Futures Federation identifies israel’s most vulnerable children and invests in them
BE JEwish PaLm BEach school’s Out For summer But these youths are spending their summers immersing themselves in Judaism
Paying it Forward Federation’s life-changing impact on one woman’s family makes paying it forward easy A girl waters a tree in the therapeutic garden at ORT Hatzor Elementary School, where a group of children cultivate patience, and learn how to nurture and care.
BE JEwish PaLm BEach.
President
Sanford M. Baklor
Chief Executive Officer
David M. Phillips
Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County Jeanne levy Jewish community campus 4601 community drive, west Palm Beach, Fl 33417 Phone: (561) 478-0700 | Fax: (561) 478-9696 jewishpalmbeach.org
jewishpalmbeach
@jtweetsinpbc
Local Partners Jewish community center of the Greater Palm Beaches Ross JCC: (561) 740-9000 Mandel JCC: (561) 689-7700 jcconline.com Ferd & Gladys alpert Jewish Family & children’s service (561) 684-1991 jfcsonline.com arthur i. meyer Jewish academy (561) 686-6520 meyeracademy.org Friedman commission for Jewish education (561) 640-0700 cjepb.org
Cover Story: Get to know personally the children that your Federation dollars have impacted. The innovative and life-altering Youth Futures program in Israel changes lives every day and it’s time you got to see it first-hand!
lola and saul Kramer senior services agency, inc., a subsidiary of morselife (561) 616-0707 morselife.com Florida hillel council (561) 297-4100 hillelcenter.org
International Partners Jewish Federations of north america jewishfederations.org the american Jewish Joint distribution committee jdc.org the Jewish agency for israel jafi.org taglit-Birthright israel birthrightisrael.org the ethiopian national Project enp.org.il A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE FLORIDA DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800) 435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION NUMBER IS CH41. BELONG is a publication produced for the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. Copyright 2013 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial and graphic content in any manner without permission is prohibited. Known office of publication is 4601 Community Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33417-2760. If you have questions regarding newsletter content, please call the Marketing and Communications Department at 561-242-6646. If you have questions relating to mailing information or need to make an address change, please call the Donor Information Services Department at 561-242-6618.
More than 2,500 of Federation’s closest friends joined together to show their love for Israel and celebrate its 65th anniversary. And they did so in style, complete with a candle lighting, dancing, singing, food, performers, as well as photography and art.
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FEATURE STORIES 2-5 ........ YOUTH FUTURES 6-8 ........ ISRAEL@65
9, 14, 24 NOTES & QUOTES Only in BELONG can you hear exactly what is in store from those who are leading the way. Take a seat, grab a cup of coffee and read up on the exciting happenings Federation leadership has planned for you this coming season!
10-13 AROUND THE 15, 18-19 NEIgHbORHOOD 29-33 10-12 .... ANNUAL MEETINg Celebration, tribute, growth and an overall feeling of looking forward were all wrapped into one night. 13 ......... EDUCATE, ADVOCATE & ELEVATE 15 ......... “A SOUL-FULL WEEKEND” 18-19 .... ALL gROWN UP Spoiler Alert: Palm Beach County teen Daniel Milstein may be leading the pro-Israel contingent at the University of Florida today, but he says he’s got a lot more to accomplish. 29-31 .... PAY IT FORWARD 32-33 .... COMMUNITY CLICKS
16-17 20-23 It’s all about whetting the appetite!
FUTURE FOCUS 16-17 .... TOMORROW TODAY 20-21 .... HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! 22 ......... bIRTHRIgHT 23 ......... JEWISH RIgHT START
And Jewish men and women between the ages of 18 and 26 had that opportunity thanks to a special Palm Beach County Taglit-Birthright trip offered this summer.
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WORLD CHANgERS 25-28 .... LEADINg bY EXAMPLE When it comes to giving, everyone matters! Individuals from diverse backgrounds and corporations of all sizes are giving back to Federation. Meet a few of our favorite local philanthropists in BELONG’s special Leading by Example focus.
JewishPalmBeach.org
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Taking aCTion in Tzahar IT WAS A BUSy WEEKEND FOR ISRAEL’S TZAHAR REGION, HOME TO THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF PALM BEACH COUNTy’S SISTER CITIES OF TZFAT, HATZOR HAGLILIT AND ROSH PINA. After three months of working and partnering together, students from the Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy and Tzfat’s Begin School finally met face-to-face as part of the Mifgash Zikaron (Memory Encounter) in the region. Students from schools on opposite sides of the world with shared backgrounds and cultural histories bonded, spending time learning about the journeys and stories of fallen soldiers, reaching out to one another’s families as pen pals, and making lifelong friends. Now, the students finally had the opportunity to put faces to the names they had seen on their letters! They spent an evening together on the shore of the Sea of Galilee; an afternoon at a local school remembering Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, honoring the soldiers who gave their lives in Israel’s wars, and a somber day at the military cemetery, where they sang “Hatikvah” in front of the Israeli flag, read poetry and put flowers on gravesites.
In Rosh Pina, the students were able to see the“Mega Flags” they created on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, which commemorates David Ben-Gurion’s declaration of an independent state at the conclusion of the British Mandate. Those same flags were exposed to tens of thousands of people driving along Road 90 over a two-week period and made the journey back to Palm Beach County to proudly fly during the local Israel@65 celebration. 2
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the Journey of Youth
RAISING A CHILD IS SOMETHING OF A JOURNEy – THE PLANNING, THE INVESTMENT, THE CHOICES, THE GOALS…AND IT IS THAT JOURNEy THAT THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF PALM BEACH COUNTy HAS HELPED GUIDE FOR THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN IN ISRAEL AS PART OF THE yOUTH FUTURES PROGRAM. “youth Futures is an innovative program model that helps identify Israel’s most vulnerable children and invests in the fact that these kids have potential to lead productive and meaningful lives,” said Hope Dunkel, a Federation senior vice president. “The program then guides these kids through their educational expedition and provides them with a safety net, as well as access to social services and educational enrichment so that they can excel and succeed.”
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at-risk children in the Tzahar Region benefit from their Youth Future Trustees, role models who help children and their families access educational, health, and welfare resources
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youth Futures, a flagship program of the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), was founded in 2005 and is made possible by the investment and partnership of Federation and Bente S. Lyons and her late husband, Daniel M. Lyons, JAFI and philanthropists in Israel. It brings guidance and direction to thousands of Israel’s most vulnerable children each year. The unique nature of the program is that each child is assigned a trustee once they are admitted into the program. The trustees, who stay with their respective students (or mentee) for a threeyear commitment, are focused on changing the communities in which they live. Outside of Israel’s thriving population centers, many children are living in poverty; may have been abused; come from broken homes; are neglected, hungry, and often have learning disabilities that put them at-risk for academic failure. youth Futures connects these kids and their families with educated young adults and untapped community resources that are available to create a tailored action plan so that success can be achieved.
rinaT and Pnina Consider the success story of Rinat and Pnina, a child and trustee pairing in Tzfat. Rinat, a sixth grader who has been participating in youth Futures for two years, J e w i s h F e d e r at i o n o F Pa l m B e a c h c o u n t y
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yOuTH FuTuRES By THE NumBERS The goal of Youth Futures is to instill in every child the belief that he or she possesses unique abilities, strengths and talents. The situation: n 43%
of the families in Tzfat and 41% of the families in Hatzor Haglilit and Rosh Pina receive some form of welfare assistance.
n 43%
of the families in Tzfat and 28% of families in Hatzor Haglilit and Rosh Pina work with professional social workers.
n 29%
of the youth Futures participants in Tzfat and 30% of participants in Hatzor Haglilit and Rosh Pina are being raised in single-family homes.
n 9%
of the families in youth Futures Tzfat suffer from the unemployment of both parents.
The results: n In
2012-2013, there were 27 mentors in the youth Futures program, plus a program director and local coordinator in each location.
n New
participants in Tzfat reported a 15% increase in self-confidence and motivation to succeed and an 19% increase in ability to effectively handle distressing situations.
n Tzahar
participants reported an average 6% increase in general life satisfaction.
n New
participants in Tzfat indicate a 9% average decrease in acts of violence and vandalism.
n Older
participants in Hatzor Haglilit and Rosh Pina showed a 17% improvement in the general state of their family life since the beginning of their participation in the youth Futures program.
n These
same participants indicated a 19% improvement in their relationship with their mother; 11% with their father; and 21% with their siblings since the beginning of their participation in the program.
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“it is our responsibility to those less fortunate to pick them up so they can live with dignity.� – Bente S. Lyons
was sexually abused while attending boarding school. She is the youngest of four children whose parents are divorced, with her father currently serving a prison term for violence against her mother. Rinat’s behavior became violent and aggressive after leaving her boarding school and entering the fourth grade. She exhibited difficulty in accepting authority as well as dangerous behavior. Rinat struggled academically and her self-esteem was low. She was ultimately labeled “at-risk” by the therapist assigned to work with her. When youth Futures first started working with Rinat, most of the sessions revolved around building trust. By the start of the 2011-2012 school year Rinat had started to trust her mentor Pnina more, which led her to trust other adults around her as well. According to Pnina, Rinat’s aggressiveness and violent behavior reduced significantly and her relationships with teachers and authority figures improved. “Rinat has set goals and created a beautiful ‘bat mitzvah folder’ for herself,” Pnina said. “Ultimately, it was decided that removing her from the home environment to a special boarding school would help her find the stability that she needs to continue her personal and academic improvement, and give her the appropriate tools for success.”
adina and ShimriT Adina, a girl from a low socio-economic background, was identified by her school as a child in a fragile emotional state following her parents’ divorce. She suffered from low self-esteem and displayed great social difficulties, leading to isolation by her peers. She entered the youth Futures program at the end of third grade and her disrespectful, abusive behavior toward the other children immediately excluded her from the rest of the group. “After each session, we sat together and discussed
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ways for Adina to improve her social skills and assigned her tasks for the rest of week,” said Shimrit, a youth Futures mentor. “She was very cooperative and open to receiving the help, which meant that the results were soon evident.” According to Shimrit, Adina began to understand that were the “shoe on the other foot,” she herself would not want a friend who behaved in this manner. Today, Adina is in the 11th grade and seen as one of the youth Futures program’s most successful alumni. She was recently chosen to participate in JAFI’s young Ambassadors’ Leadership program as a result of her growth experience from a young teenager with a complicated life story to a self-confident leader who knows exactly what she wants to achieve. “Due to the economy, more and more people are relying on our philanthropic commitment,” Bente S. Lyons said. “It is our responsibility to those less fortunate to pick them up so they can live with dignity. We need to stand up and be counted. The Jewish choice is simple — we will meet our responsibilities, even if some sacrifice is required.” From September 2012 to July 2013, youth Futures served almost 400 children and youth in the Tzahar Region. Even more impactful is the fact that Israeli philanthropists continue to match the gifts coming from the U.S.
Call 561-242-6686 or email hope.dunkel@jewishpalmbeach.org for more information.
J e w i s h F e d e r at i o n o F Pa l m B e a c h c o u n t y
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A Party Like No Other! MORE THAN 2,500 COMMUNITy MEMBERS ATTENDED FEDERATION’S CELEBRATION OF ISRAEL’S 65TH ANNIVERSARy AT THE PALM BEACH COUNTy CONVENTION CENTER.
“Israel@65 was an example of the Federation’s powerful role as a community-builder and facilitator of excellence,” said Federation CEO David Phillips. “We are overwhelmed by this remarkable display of cooperation and support from our partner agencies, synagogues, allied organizations and the Jewish community. Our love of Israel was on display as a community for everyone to see.” Among the crowd at the April 21st festival were supporters from the greater community, Federation’s partner agencies, local synagogues and dignitaries, including Consul General of Israel Chaim Shachem; Congresswoman Lois Frankel; Congressman Ted Deutch; County Commissioner Hal Valeche; and County Commissioner Paulette Burdick. It was sponsored by TD Bank; El Al Airlines; G4S; Wells Fargo; Ciklin Lubin Martens & O’Connell; Publix and Royal Wine Corp. JewishPalmBeach.org
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The fun-filled afternoon was filled with many sights and sounds: n A
candle-lighting ceremony that celebrated our synagogues and temples kicked off the festivities, as 12 community rabbis and lay leaders lit torches recognizing the 12 Tribes of Israel. Participants were Rabbi Anthony Fratello of Temple Shaarei Shalom; Rabbi Michael Singer of Temple Beth David; Tony Lampert, president of Temple Emanu-El; Maxine Kaufman, executive director of Palm Beach Synagogue; Rabbi Joel Levine and Rabbi yaron Kapitulnik of Temple Judea; Rabbi Jeff Goldvasser of Temple Beit Hayam; Rabbi Barak Bar Hayim of The New Synagogue (Palm Beach); Rabbi Michael Simon of Temple Beth Kodesh; Rabbi Howard Shub of Temple Beth Tikvah; Rabbi Edward Bernstein of Temple Torah of West Boynton Beach; Rabbi Alon Levkowitz of Temple Beth Am; Rabbi Cookie Lea Olshein of Temple Israel; Rabbi Leonid Feldman of Temple Beth El and Rabbi Stephen Pinsky of Temple Beth Torah.
n Cantors
and cantorial soloists led the group in the singing of the national anthems, “Hatikvah” (The Hope) and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
n Popular
Jewish artists, including rock artist Naomi Less, ensemble group Mika Karni & Kol Dodi, and PJ Library® recording artist Joanie Leeds provided musical entertainment, while comedian Joel Chasnoff served as the event’s master of ceremonies.
n There
was a poster exhibition of images from the Tzahar Region, Federation’s Partnership 2Gether area in Israel’s northern Galilee.
n A
special area specifically designed for children featured Israel-themed activities, such as an Israel Defense Force training zone and Masada rock climbing wall.
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“Israel shows the resilience of the Jewish spirit and the people of Israel. There’s a sense of celebration, rejoicing and community that 65 years ago a barren land has grown to eight million people strong. It’s flourishing; a leader in technology, medicine and, more importantly, freedom,” said Congresswoman Frankel. Rabbi Howard Shapiro echoed Frankel’s sentiments when he said, “It’s wonderful to see the Jewish Federation bringing together all these people to celebrate 65 years of Israel’s independence. This is a real example of our community standing strong for Israel.”
“this incredible event brought the community together because we are one. this is the ultimate example of Federation serving as the umbrella to the Jewish community.” – Sheryl Davidoff One of the things that generated great excitement was the raffle drawing for a FREE trip to Israel, courtesy of El Al Airlines. Adam Rafael of West Palm Beach and Jenna Katz of Boynton Beach were the winners! “All my life I’ve seen Israel grow – from infancy to an extremely well-developed, high-tech, bright country that is one of the most advanced in the world,” said Sam Liebovich, Israel & Global Initiatives Chair. “An event like this brings awareness to not only the Jewish community, but the overall community; it gives more purpose to the Federation and its partner agencies; and continues L’Dor VaDor as each generation comes here together to celebrate.”
Log on to see the fun at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jfedpbc.
A m E S S AG E F R O m yO u R F E D E R AT i O N P R E S i D E N T My “expedition” in Jewish communal life began long ago in Baltimore, MD, when I first had a longing to “do something Jewish.” It sounds strange now but, during that time in my life that I dubbed “My Jewish Year of Looking at Things,” my involvement ran the gamut from B’nai Brith (where I started the Exodus Lodge) to synagogue, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Jewish National Fund (JNF), Israel Bonds and, of course, Federation. The latter quickly became my focus, as I could feel the impact of the organization on Jewish social services locally, in Israel and around the world. When I relocated to Palm Beach County, it was part of the natural progression to once again become involved in the local Federation.
Sanford M. Baklor
I am honored and privileged to succeed Mark F. Levy as Federation president and to have the opportunity to work closely with CEO David Phillips. In fact, I already see two important challenges within the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County to focus on: n n
Developing the next generation of leaders; and Improving the relationships between the partner agencies, Federation and the community.
My involvement with Federation has included a stretch as the Planned Giving & Endowments Chair, Annual Campaign Chair, and Chairman of the Financial Resource Development Committee. I participated in the Corky Ribakoff Leadership Institute; served at the national level with United Jewish Appeal, as a member of its national training center, providing solicitor training to volunteers and lay leaders from around the country; and most recently was the treasurer of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s Board of Directors and a member of the Executive Committee. Additionally, my wife, Arlene Kaufman – a past Federation president whose footsteps I follow – and I fund Birthright Next with great joy. It’s our way of sharing our mutual passion for philanthropy. I’m also proud to have led several missions to Israel and traveled hundreds of thousands of miles touring the Jewish communities of the Czech Republic, Russia, Hungary, Germany and Argentina. What are the accomplishments I see going into the future? Rebuilding, for sure…and having fun in a new and emerging Jewish Palm Beach! Please feel free to reach out to me and let me know your thoughts on how we can work together!
Sanford m. Baklor President
mission statement: the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach county is the community-building organization of the Jewish community. our mission is to strengthen Jewish identity, energize the relationship with israel, and meet human needs that are uniquely the obligation of the Jewish community. JewishPalmBeach.org
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Transition in Leadership
Mark F. Levy, Sanford M. Baklor
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mark F. Levy honored and sanford m. Baklor installed at Federation’s 2013 annual meeting LEADERSHIP WAS THE OVERARCHING THEME OF FEDERATION’S
Levy also gave thanks to a number of people who have made an impact in his life, from his wife Stacey K. Levy to his late mother Jeanne Levy, father Irwin Levy, sister Lynn Peseckis, the late Daniel M. Lyons, Mort Mandel, Barbara Kay, and the late Jack Kay.
2013 ANNUAL MEETING,
Baklor spoke about his hopes and plans for the future of the Palm Beach Jewish
HELD ON THURSDAy,
community, and that the growth, development, grooming of new talented
MAy 9 AT TEMPLE
leadership, stability and strength of Federation are among the top priorities for his time in office.
ISRAEL IN WEST PALM BEACH AND CHAIRED By RON PERTNOy.
“Our Federation has been – and must continue to be – the central address for this Jewish community,” he said. “I look forward to exploring how we can better serve our partner agencies and our synagogues to ensure that relationships improve,
“leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” – Warren Bennis
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Andrew R. Comiter and representatives of the ELP Class of 2013 with Arlene Kaufman and Sanford M. Baklor, who were part of the strategy and development of the Emerging Leadership Project, recognized the young leaders who completed the two years of ELP and represent the Class of 2013: Alexandra Blye, David Collier, Sara Balas Densen, Rachel Mostel Helms, David Herst, Joel Kaminester, David Kanarek, Stephanie Kaufer, Sasha Klein, Nicole Morris, Shuly Oletzky, Jeff Rudner, Keren Schiller, Adam Seligman, Kevin Sloane and Geoffrey Stahl. ELP is a signature program of the Federation’s Mandel Center for Excellence in Leadership.
trust is nurtured, and we build upon the efforts of Mark and prior leadership to ensure the inclusion of all voices in our community.” Andrew R. Comiter, outgoing chair of the Emerging Leadership Project (ELP) – and former Robert S. & Ceil N. Levy young Leadership Award winner – presented this year’s Levy young Leadership Award to Justin Paul and Muriel Strosberg.
recreational, educational and spiritual needs of our large, rapidly growing and diverse population.” Ron Pertnoy summarized the event by saying, ”We can continue to grow and strengthen this place we all call home. We will be distinctive, proud and accomplished. Our collective power can – and will – make a difference. We have the power to change the world!”
Annual Campaign Chair Hope Silverman reported on strong and growing contributions by Federation donors.
Susan Pertnoy, Ron Pertnoy
“Our Campaign has turned the tide,” she said. “I am confident that together we will achieve our goal, and then set our sights on new goals that will pave the way to the future we want for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren.” Susan Pertnoy talked about the community’s new capital campaign, “Tomorrow Today: A Community Partnership Project.” “Together, we are building the landscape that will allow for a vibrant Jewish community that meets the Muriel Strosberg, Andrew R. Comiter
“i have found no volunteer job in Jewish communal life more rewarding than that of Federation President.” Irwin Levy, Mark F. Levy
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– Mark F. Levy
Since being established nearly 10 years ago, when the need for a feminist social change grant-making organization was realized, our JWF has granted $1.3 million to organizations around the world, establishing a solid reputation within the global change-making arena. Gloria Fine was named Chair of JWF in 2010 and, after serving in that office for three years, recently handed the office over to Judith Selzer. For Fine, giving back has always been in her blood. With three daughters, twin granddaughters and a background in social work, Fine saw early-on that there were needs that women and girls have that weren’t being addressed. “I feel an obligation to step up and make changes,” she said. After being active up north in a community women’s foundation, Fine jumped at the opportunity (and challenge) to take on the JWF Chair position in Palm Beach County. As JWF chair, she was part of the re-envisioning project — chaired by Eileen Berman — that involved looking at the organization closely, to determine if it was still relevant in its message and efforts, and, ultimately, make the changes needed to better reflect what the JWF is all about. As a result, JWF has re-branded its logo and tagline, and has provided a set of educational seminars in the community focusing on big issues including homelessness, women and change, domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Gloria Fine
Educate, advocate and Elevate THE JeWiSh Women’S FoundaTion OF THE GREATER PALM BEACHES (JWF) IS THE ONLy FEMINIST SOCIAL CHANGE GRANT-MAKING ORGANIZATION IN OUR COMMUNITy. JWF OFFERS ITS TRUSTEE MEMBERS THE OPPORTUNITy TO BE INFORMED AND EDUCATED PHILANTHROPISTS, FUNDING GRANTS THAT CREATE CHANGE AND MAKE A TREMENDOUS IMPACT LOCALLy, IN ISRAEL AND AROUND THE WORLD. JWF-FUNDED PROJECTS EMPOWER WOMEN AND GIRLS TO ENABLE THEM TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL.
JEWISH WOMEN’S FOUNDATION
“We recognize we cannot do it all alone,” said Fine, “and that’s why going forward we are looking to partner with more Jewish and non-Jewish organizations in the community to better address the local and global needs of women and girls.” In fact, during 2011 the JWF brought together numerous local Jewish not-for-profit organizations, including synagogues, Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Service, the Jewish Community Center and more, to uncover the needs of the community. The result was a partnership amongst many of those present to address the prevention and awareness of domestic violence for young adults as well as seniors. The resulting program received funding from JWF was a great success and appreciated by all participants. “We truly fill an important niche within our community, and we’re honored to be able to continue our vital work for opportunities to achieve social and economic equality for women and girls,” said JWF Executive Director Tami Baldinger. “Everything we do is guided by the Jewish values of tzedakah (justice), tikkun olam (repairing the world), and gemillut chassadim (acts of loving kindness),” added Baldinger. “The JWF is a true changeagent, fostering women’s leadership and giving women a voice at the decision-making tables in society, engendering change through the lens of our Jewish values.” “It’s been such a rewarding three years! I may be passing the leadership gavel, but my work with JWF will always be very important to me,” concluded Fine. Learn more and get involved at www.jwfpb.org; email jwf@jewishpalmbeach.org; or call JWF Executive Director Tami Baldinger at 561-242-6673.
A partnership program of the
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A m E SSAG E F R O m yO u R WO m E N ’ S P H i L A N T H R O Py P R E S i D E N T It has been said that when we recognize our personal journey we can truly realize our mission and purpose in life. To understand my deep commitment to Jewish philanthropy, we need to travel back in time to the journey taken by my mother. Born in Vienna, she came to the United States at the age of 14 to escape the Holocaust. My grandparents eventually followed, with few possessions in their hands, even less of a grasp of the English language and a dream to start their own journey in a new country. I can’t imagine what my life would have been like if my family didn’t take that risk. My family history shaped the woman that I am today.
Vivian Lieberman
As we know, Jews around the world are still at-risk…a situation Federation seeks to remedy each and every single day. This is why I am involved! I do what I do because the plight of others stirs a deeply personal and emotional response within me. I have such strong feelings for the programs and services we support that can change the world for so many people. How lucky I am to be able to make a meaningful contribution to help enrich, save and improve lives, and build Jewish community. I cherish being part of something so much larger than any one of its individual parts. The group of dedicated women who I have the privilege to lead as Women’s Philanthropy president currently account for 47% of Federation’s Annual Campaign. This is truly powerful; we are truly powerful! What’s in my future? For starters, another year as Women’s Philanthropy president and beginning my term on the National Women’s Philanthropy Board. I invite all women in our community to make room for Women’s Philanthropy in their futures. Please join me on the “ride,” starting – or continuing – your own journey. B’Shalom
Vivian Lieberman Women’s Philanthropy President
More than 25 women mixed, mingled and gave back to the community at a recent young Women’s Group event, collecting more than 65 pounds of travel-sized toiletries to fill hygiene kits to be offered to new clients of The Lord’s Place. Women in their 30s and 40s are invited to join the group that provides education, programs and events for women. A variety of social action activities that capture Federation’s commitment to enriching Jewish life, caring for vulnerable populations and building global Jewish community await participants.
Yael Lawrence, Young Women’s Group Co-Chair, Josie Lesser, Jennifer Lesser, Vice President Young Women for Women’s Philanthropy.
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Call 561-242-6608 or email jennifer.green@jewishpalmbeach.org to learn more.
in recent Israel conflicts. Milstein is especially proud of Gators for Israel’s efforts that culminated in the UF Student Senate’s unanimous passage of a resolution supporting the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013, along with a resolution thanking President Obama for visiting Israel — the only resolution of its kind in the nation. “A strong relationship with Israel is important in so many ways, and passage of the resolution, let alone by a unanimous vote, illustrated that UF students understand this importance,” Milstein said. “It was an exciting day.”
For others looking to take a similar path in continuing to pursue their passion for israel, milstein offers the following advice: n Take
initiative. If you don’t do it, no one will.
n Remember
that every voice counts, including yours. You have the potential to individually make a huge difference. Everyone has a role to play, especially when it comes to supporting Israel.
n Get
involved in whatever you love to do; your passion for Israel will follow.
Originally from Long Island, New york, Milstein and his family n Appreciate the people around you. Keep an open moved to Palm Beach Gardens before his fourth grade year. It mind and learn as much as possible from others. You was then that he began his involvement with Federation and can accomplish so much more by working together. its partner organizations. Milstein attended Meyer Academy and the Palm Beach Synagogue, and he participated in the n Keep smiling. Jewish Teen Initiative’s Teen Leadership Council, the Teen Philanthropy Project, and the Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s n As Theodor Herzl said, “If you will it, it is no dream.” Service (AJFCS) Relationships and Decisions program. He also took part in Gesher Hai (Hebrew for “Living Bridge,” the SHABBAT IS Teen ALL ABOUT COMING WITH FRIENDS Federation’s Trip to Israel), the TOGETHER young Ambassadors Israel AND FAMILy TO ENGAGE IN RESTFUL ACTIVITIES AND CONTEMPLATE THE SPIRITUAL ASPECTS OF LIFE. ON THE WEEKEND OF FEBRUARy 8-10, 2013, TEMPLE ISRAEL Exchange Program, and more. AND TEMPLE JUDEA’S RABBIS, CANTORS AND CONGREGANTS CONVENED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION, COOPERATION AND CONNECTIVITy. “Although I had been to Israel several times before to visit my family, touring the entire country with my peers on Gesher Hai The weekend was devoted to exploring how our tradition “A Soul-Full Weekend” featured events: Shabbat dinner fostered a deeper perspective into four Israel’s culture and history, understands the “soul,” and what that means for living a and services, a Shabbat Morning Study at Temple Israel; and into my connection to Israel as a Jew,” Milstein said. “When caring, compassionate and ethical life. and Saturday evening Havdallah, dessert and study, as well the students who hosted us in our partnership region came to as a Soul Awareness Workshop at Temple Judea on live with us the next year on young Ambassadors, it brought Sunday morning. “i love the idea that every person is a soul, and that connection full circle.”
temple israel and temple Judea Join Forces for “a soul-Full weekend”
that our work on earth is to elevate it into the way we live our lives and relate to each other,”
The two Reform congregations (and former neighbors) Beyond Gainesville, Milstein was selected one of 400 collaborated on this large-scale project, as with Rabbi Cookienationwide Lea Olsheintoofattend Temple Rabbis Joel students anIsrael, AIPACand (American Israel Levine and Committee) yaron Kapitulnik of Temple Judea serving Public Affairs advocacy training seminar the successful in as Washington, DC.hosts. He has also met with members of
said Rabbi Kapitulnik.
Congress, and just this past March, attended his first-ever “thePolicy excitement ofasthe commanded AIPAC Conference a UFweekend Campus Delegate.
us to ask not would this happen again, but when the next time do this together!” Last April,isMilstein helped planwe Florida Loves Israel 2.0 as
said Rabbi Olshein. Strategy Chair, in which capacity he worked alongside his peers to forge the conference’s mission and to orchestrate The impetus for this combined worship? The 1,000-year-old the three-day event of expert-led seminars, discussions, and Jewish spiritual discipline called Mussar. A Synagogue interactive sessions about Israel for over 100 university students Institute collaboration grant, provided by the Jewish from across the Federation of state. Palm Beach County, allowed the temples to partner to bring Alan Morinis, the founder and current “I dean am grateful for the endless and guidance I have of the Mussar Institute,support to the community. received from so many extraordinary individuals, both at UF and Morinis, an Beach,” anthropologist, writerwould and student back in Palm Milsteinfilmmaker, said. “Nothing have been of spiritual traditions, is a leading interpreter of Mussar possible without all of their help.” teachings and practices. He is the author of “Climbing Jacob’s Ladder,” a record of his journey to discover the Mussar teachings. To learn more about Federation’s Israel and Global Initiatives Both congregations felt that offering Mussar classes and contact Hope Dunkel at 561-242-6686 or email instruction would fulfill their communal mission of tikkun hope.dunkel@jewishpalmbeach.org. olam — repairing the world — one person at a time. JewishPalmBeach.org
Mussar classes are now being held at both Temple Israel and Temple Judea. Visit www.temple-israel.com or www.templejudeapbc.org for more information on how you can tap into the spiritual curriculum we live through our daily interactions with each other and ourselves. Visit www.jewishpalmbeach.org for more information on synagogues in our community!
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Shabbat dinner for a Florida college student = who is trying out a Jewish experience for the first time
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tomorrow today: a community Partnership Project mandel Jcc and meyer academy are on the move! School may be out for summer, but the teams at the Mandel JCC and the Meyer Academy are still hard at work finalizing plans for their spectacular, new facilities on a shared campus in Palm Beach Gardens. The JCC’s project is nearly complete, on track for a late August opening, with plans for the Barbara & Jack Kay Early Childhood Learning Center to open with more than 100 students. Construction crews recently broke ground on the new Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy, scheduled to open at the start of the 2014-15 school year with more than 300 students grades K-8. The Hood Road campus is poised to become a premier center for Jewish life and learning. “The dreamers and visionaries in our midst, anticipating the future need of our community, participated with Federation to create a practical, actionable collaboration,” said Jewish Federation CEO, David Phillips. “Locating the Mandel JCC and the Meyer Academy together on the Hood Road campus is a stellar example of a healthy and unified Jewish community.” The JCC of the Greater Palm Beaches and the Meyer Academy are working closely with the Federation, along with the Friedman Commission for Jewish Education and Alpert Jewish Family and Children’s Service, on the Tomorrow Today project. The large-scale capital campaign is helping to relocate, renovate and expand key agencies and facilities that serve the educational, recreational and social service needs of the Jewish community from Jupiter to Boynton Beach. There are abundant recognition opportunities at all levels for people who live, love and learn in this community to become a permanent part of the landscape of Jewish Palm Beach. Gifts to the Tomorrow Today project are an opportunity for individuals and families to leave a lasting legacy and ensure a vibrant, dynamic Jewish future for generations to come.
the mandel Jcc is opening! our entire local community is encouraged to stop by on monday, august 26, 2013, as the doors of the state-of-the-art facility open to the public for the first time. take a tour; learn about the dozens of programs, events and amenities; and get details about becoming a Friend of the J. To learn more about Tomorrow Today: A Community Partnership Project, call 561-242-6665 or e-mail tomorrowtoday@jewishpalmbeach.org 16
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Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy
JewishPalmBeach.org
AJFCS
J e w i s h F e d e r at i o n o F Pa l m B e a c h c o u n t y
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Gators for israel Ratify Groundbreaking Resolution FROM PALM BEACH TEEN TO COLLEGE CAMPUS ACTIVIST, DANIEL MILSTEIN PURSUES PASSION FOR ISRAEL Just five years ago after winning first place in the Jewish Federation’s “Champion of Israel” teen trivia competition, then 13-year-old Daniel Milstein walked out onto the Meyer Amphitheatre stage in front of thousands of community members to light a torch in commemoration of Israel’s 60 years of statehood. Now a rising sophomore at the University of Florida (UF) Honors Program, Milstein, 18, is actively engaged in Israel advocacy on his campus and across the nation. But his journey began right here in Palm Beach County. “Israel has always been a part of me,” Milstein explained. “When we moved to the Palm Beach area, it was amazing to become part of such a vibrant Jewish community that endowed me with the tools to enrich that part of my identity. I am very thankful for that.” When Milstein began his studies as an Economics and Political Science dual-major at UF last August, his connection to Israel manifested itself powerfully in political advocacy. Milstein became involved at UF Hillel and in Gators for Israel, UF’s pro-Israel political organization, and he took a leadership role in planning Florida Loves Israel 2.0, the state’s premier pro-Israel conference for college students. “Coming to UF as a freshman, it was extremely inspiring to see such a strong pro-Israel community comprised of individuals who were as enthusiastic about Israel as I was,” Milstein said. “The importance of actively working to support Israel on the college campus quickly became evident, and I was excited to have the opportunity to contribute.” As Gators for Israel Director of Curriculum, Milstein educated students and campus leaders on the importance of a strong US-Israel relationship, kept his fellow advocates up to date on key issues, and created a multimedia newsletter to inform the UF community of the facts
“i am thankful for the incredible opportunity to cultivate my passion for israel as a teenager in Palm Beach county, and i am ecstatic to contribute to strengthening the us-israel relationship as a student at uF.”
– Daniel Milstein 18
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in recent Israel conflicts. Milstein is especially proud of Gators for Israel’s efforts that culminated in the UF Student Senate’s unanimous passage of a resolution supporting the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013, along with a resolution thanking President Obama for visiting Israel — the only resolution of its kind in the nation. “A strong relationship with Israel is important in so many ways, and passage of the resolution, let alone by a unanimous vote, illustrated that UF students understand this importance,” Milstein said. “It was an exciting day.” Originally from Long Island, New york, Milstein and his family moved to Palm Beach Gardens before his fourth grade year. It was then that he began his involvement with Federation and its partner organizations. Milstein attended Meyer Academy and the Palm Beach Synagogue, and he participated in the Jewish Teen Initiative’s Teen Leadership Council, the Teen Philanthropy Project, and the Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Service (AJFCS) Relationships and Decisions program. He also took part in Gesher Hai (Hebrew for “Living Bridge,” the Federation’s Teen Trip to Israel), the young Ambassadors Israel Exchange Program, and more.
For others looking to take a similar path in continuing to pursue their passion for israel, milstein offers the following advice: n Take
initiative. If you don’t do it, no one will.
n Remember
that every voice counts, including yours. You have the potential to individually make a huge difference. Everyone has a role to play, especially when it comes to supporting Israel.
n Get
involved in whatever you love to do; your passion for Israel will follow.
n Appreciate
the people around you. Keep an open mind and learn as much as possible from others. You can accomplish so much more by working together.
n Keep n As
smiling.
Theodor Herzl said, “If you will it, it is no dream.”
“Although I had been to Israel several times before to visit my family, touring the entire country with my peers on Gesher Hai fostered a deeper perspective into Israel’s culture and history, and into my connection to Israel as a Jew,” Milstein said. “When the students who hosted us in our partnership region came to live with us the next year on young Ambassadors, it brought that connection full circle.” Beyond Gainesville, Milstein was selected as one of 400 students nationwide to attend an AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) advocacy training seminar in Washington, DC. He has also met with members of Congress, and just this past March, attended his first-ever AIPAC Policy Conference as a UF Campus Delegate. Last April, Milstein helped plan Florida Loves Israel 2.0 as Strategy Chair, in which capacity he worked alongside his peers to forge the conference’s mission and to orchestrate the three-day event of expert-led seminars, discussions, and interactive sessions about Israel for over 100 university students from across the state. “I am grateful for the endless support and guidance I have received from so many extraordinary individuals, both at UF and back in Palm Beach,” Milstein said. “Nothing would have been possible without all of their help.”
To learn more about Federation’s Israel and Global Initiatives contact Hope Dunkel at 561-242-6686 or email hope.dunkel@jewishpalmbeach.org. JewishPalmBeach.org
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Shabbat dinner for a Florida college student = who is trying out a Jewish experience for the first time
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“All my life I’ve been waiting for I’ve been praying for the people to say That we don’t wanna fight no more There will be no more wars And our children will play One day, one day, one day…” Lyrics from ”One Day” by Matisyahu
Jti celebrates 10th anniversary with matisyahu show Nearly 200 teens, lay leaders, youth professionals and clergy sang these lyrics as part of a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Jewish Teen Initiative (JTI), a program of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, when popular singer Matisyahu performed in concert at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Matisyahu is an American reggae and alternative rock musician known for blending traditional Jewish themes with multiple genres that include hip hop and beat boxing sounds. The February event, sponsored by The Ewa & Dan Abraham Project, featured a meet-and-greet with the musician, during which the teens were able to ask the singer questions about his Jewish identity, music and what he eats for breakfast (they were surprised to hear that he eats miso soup), in addition to a performance that truly brought the audience to its feet! Additional support for the event came from the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, JTI and the Israel@65 program; North American Federation of Temple youth – Southern Tropical Region (NFTy-STR); the Jewish Student Connection (JSC); NCSy; United Synagogue youth (USy); and B’nai Brith youth Organization (BByO). 20
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JTI began 10 years ago with the goal of bringing Palm Beach County Jewish teens — Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and unaffiliated — together. Its mission has always been to create social, cultural and educational programs specifically for Jewish teens in the greater Palm Beaches, enhance and promote existing programs for middle and high school-age students, and serve as a resource for local synagogue youth groups and Jewish agencies. Today, JTI has a wide range of programs, such as Jewish Student Connection (JSC) clubs, community-wide programs, Israel programs, Leadership Councils and Days of Service. “Over the past 10 years, the local teen community has been greatly influenced by the Jewish Teen Initiative. When JTI was first established, there were very few opportunities for teens to get involved in the Jewish community,” said JTI Director Wendy Stahl. “Over the years, we have seen our community’s youth groups strengthened, Jewish Student Connection Clubs grow each year, the incredible success of middle school programming, leadership opportunities, and high-quality youth professionals and Jewish organizations overall making teens a priority.”
meet some of the participants: mike Lebowitz, who began his Jewish involvement through the Teen Leadership Council, served as his youth group’s president and, ultimately, co-chaired a community Darfur Rally. Now a sophomore at the University of Central Florida, he serves as the Student Executive Director at LEADS Students Association. “JTI provided me with opportunities that far overreached anything I could have ever anticipated,” Lebowitz said. “I was able to run my first big fundraiser through JTI; I was able to experience what it’s like to sit on a board through JTI; but most importantly JTI provided me with experiences that taught me how to be the leader I am today. JTI was the stepping stone for my leadership style.” Billie Ventimiglia served on the JTI Teen Leadership Council, as well as President of Park Vista High School’s Jewish Student Council (JSC) for three years. Now a sophomore at Stetson University, she serves as president of its Hillel. “The Jewish Teen Initiative builds leaders,” Ventimiglia said. “As a high school student, JTI provided me with education, leadership and the best mentors anyone could ever ask for. Without the real-life experience I gained through JTI, I never would have been able to be president of Stetson University’s Hillel or a member of my sorority’s executive board. The members of the JTI staff strive to inspire the students they work with, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the strength, support and personal growth they helped foster.”
“When I think of JTI I get a smile on my face because I am so excited and proud of the success it has had over the past 10 years,” said Nini Krever, JTI chair. “The goal of JTI has always been to bring Jewish teens together throughout the community and help to develop their leadership skills. The beauty of JTI is that kids can meet each other through their synagogue youth groups, through programs and through the many valuable partnerships we’ve developed.”
The Jewish Teen Initiative is proud of what has been accomplished in the Palm Beach Jewish teen community over the past decade, and is excited to see what the next 10 years will bring! Call 561-615-4947 for more information. JewishPalmBeach.org
rachel Wein was involved in almost every JTI program as a teen. She went to Israel on Gesher Hai and Bonim Fellows, and served as president of Wellington High School’s JSC. She is currently interning for the Jewish Community Center and hopes to be a Jewish community professional one day. “Acceptance,” Wein said. “That is what any teenager wants to feel growing up. The Jewish Teen Initiative did just that. JTI shows unconditional acceptance for all of its teens allowing them to blossom and reach their full potential both in the Jewish community and anything they strive for.”
More than
Thousands of teens have gone through JTI programs over the years; many have stayed involved in leadership and Jewish roles through college and beyond.
teens are active in their Jewish Teen Initiative/ Synagogue partnership youth groups
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Looking Forward, Linking to the Future KEVIN SHAPIRO OF WELLINGTON WENT TO ISRAEL AS PART OF THE TAGLIT-BIRTHRIGHT PROGRAM IN 2006. HE WENT ALONG WITH HIS COUSIN AND NOW BUSINESS PARTNER JOSH PERTNOy WITH THE GOAL OF SEEING THE COUNTRy OF ISRAEL, MEETING NEW PEOPLE, AND CONNECTING WITH JUDAISM. WHAT HE LEFT THE 10-DAy TRIP WITH WAS AN APPETITE FOR MORE. “The Taglit-Birthright program gave us tastes of parts of Israel,” Shapiro said. “Just enough that you would be inspired and want to complete the story on your own – by coming back with family, telling others about your journey, and ensuring that friends and family take part in the trip and experience it themselves.”
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Teens received more than $63,000 in scholarships and incentives to participate in immersive educational trips to Israel
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donors. His advice to the Palm Beach County contingent that traveled to Israel this summer? “Seize the opportunity and be open for change both during the journey and after,” Shapiro said. “And be inspired. For me – the trip clarified how I define myself as a Jew. I’m confident this summer’s participants will feel the same.”
This summer’s Taglit-Birthright Israel had a special Palm Beach County contingent. The journey, offered free to Jewish men and women between the ages of 18-26, built deep relationships within the group and with Israeli counterparts, as they visited historical and spiritual places in the Jewish homeland, and were inspired to get more involved in the Jewish community, which is just what happened with Shapiro. This trip gave local young adults the opportunity to see Israel together as a kehila, a community. In a whirlwind 10 days, they rode camels through the desert, explored the depths of the Old City of Jerusalem, floated in the Dead Sea, discovered the excitement of nightlife in Tel Aviv and – perhaps most important of all – spent time in the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s partnered Tzahar Region – Tzfat, Hatzor Haglilit and Rosh Pina. The Palm Beach County contingent of Birthright Israel also got to see and understand how the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County truly impacts Israel and had the opportunity to interact with Israeli peers.
The objective of Taglit-Birthright Israel is to change the course of Jewish history and ensure the continuity of the Jewish people by strengthening Jewish identity, Jewish communities, and solidarity with Israel via an educational trip to Israel for Jewish young adults around the world. Learn more about the organization at www.birthrightisrael.com.
Shapiro was deeply inspired by his own Birthright experience and since then has found his own way to remain connected to Israel. He speaks at various functions on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County and Taglit-Birthright and shares his experiences with potential
Visit www.jewishpalmbeach.org for more personal stories, photos and experiences shared by past participants!
The Taglit-Birthright trips instill a sense of Jewish identity and kinship with Israel and its people. Since the organization was launched in 2000, each and every one of the over 330,000 participants from around the globe has returned with personal stories and transformational experiences. Beyond the feelgood stories, there is also extensive research that indicates that TaglitBirthright Israel alumni are more likely to: n Marry
someone Jewish
n Raise
their children Jewish
n Discuss
current events about Israel confidently
a Jewish Education is within Reach – and Your means! SINGING HEBREW SONGS, RECITING PRAyERS, LIGHTING SHABBAT CANDLES — PRESCHOOLERS ENJOy THEIR JEWISH HERITAGE. Jewish Right Start of the Palm Beaches (JRSPB) is a one-time Jewish Early Childhood Education Incentive Program that provides a first step to Jewish education, engaging young children in a program that teaches Jewish values, concepts and traditions. “The program is the most positive and engaging way to transmit the richness, joy and beauty of Judaism,” said Friedman Commission for Jewish Education of the Palm Beaches (CJE) Director of Jewish Family Life Amy Bergman. “JRSPB provides an important gateway that sets the youngest generation off on their Jewish journeys.” Jewish Right Start also builds greater Jewish involvement, promotes Jewish learning and living for families, connects families to Jewish community and creates Jewish connections that last a lifetime.
Local participants include: the Glantz early childhood learning center at the ross Jcc in Boynton Beach Barbara and Jack Kay early childhood learning center at the mandel Jcc in Palm Beach Gardens the maccabi academy in lake Park temple Beit hayam Preschool in stuart temple Beth am Preschool in Jupiter temple Beth david Preschool in Palm Beach Gardens temple Beth torah’s leonie arguetty Preschool in wellington the wiston Family torah tots early childhood learning center in Boynton Beach at temple torah
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A PJ Library® subscription = for one child for a full year
JewishPalmBeach.org
Caryn Meinbach of Palm Beach Gardens, whose son is currently enrolled in the program, said, “Jaden was at a secular daycare preschool program since he was four months old. Both my husband and I grew up in synagogue-based preschool programs and wanted our children to have the exposure to Judaism, prayers, songs, and culture. The incentive towards tuition is truly a gift; seeing how our son has grown in the last year, with the influence of Judaism in his preschool program, has made every holiday more special.”
“It was our son’s first experience in a preschool setting and he loves every minute that he is there. he comes home singing songs and talking about the holidays and friends. we couldn’t be happier.” – Parents of a Jewish Right Start Palm Beach participant “This initiative is a win-win for all involved, from the synagogues to our local families and the children,” said Sandy Wilensky, preschool director at Temple Beth Torah. “I am so happy to be part of a program that provides an impetus for parental decision-making so that more children can get their foot in the door and benefit from acquiring a solid Jewish foundation early-on.” Jewish Right Start also makes preschool more readily available to Jewish parents by offering tuition credits that can substantially offset the cost. Children who attend between two and five days per week may receive credits ranging from $700 to $1,500 for the 2013-2014 school year on a first-come, first-served basis. This year’s matching fund is provided by the National Jewish Right Start program, an initiative of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor, in recognition of our community’s two-year history of success. To qualify, children must be at least two years old, be enrolling in a Jewish preschool program for the first time, be the first child in a family to attend a Jewish preschool and the family must reside in the greater Palm Beaches. Jewish Right Start is a Federation program implemented in cooperation with the Friedman CJE, operating as a licensee of the Chicago Federation’s existing Jewish United Fund (JUF) Right Start program. Contact Friedman CJE Director of Jewish Family Life Amy Bergman at 561-209-2608 or a.bergman@cjepb.org for more information. J e w i s h F e d e r at i o n o F Pa l m B e a c h c o u n t y
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A mESSAGE FROm THE CEO Summer is officially here and, as afternoon storms and umbrellas become a part of daily life, my children have packed up and left for Jewish overnight camp. My wife, Karen, and I went to Israel, where I participated in various meetings in the Tzahar Region, followed by my representing the Federation “on tour” to visit our friends who leave town temporarily. The lazy days of summer don’t sound quite so relaxing all of a sudden, nor should they be! Federation is always open for business, as we bring year-round value to our donors and community members.
David M. Phillips
This summer is a particularly busy period at Federation. New staff hires, strategic planning, new bylaws, and a community-wide capital campaign — Tomorrow Today: A Community Partnership Project — will kick-off, and the need to complete our governance reorganization will keep staff and volunteers occupied. The changes and our overall evolution are the building blocks that will help ensure that the foundation of our Jewish community is solid, stable and ready for future generations. We continue to work on improving, establishing and nurturing relationships. I am proud of our efforts, as improved relationships result in greater trust which, in turn, brings kindness, cooperation and a willingness to put aside one’s own needs for the good of community. I am delighted to report that a number of our partner agencies and synagogues report improved feelings, trust and communication over the past year. Is it perfect yet? No. Is it ever likely to be perfect? In my opinion, that is highly unlikely. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing! Why? We all bring to the table our own idiosyncrasies, biases and history. With thoughtful and strategic change the order of the day, we are on our way to creating a state-of-the-art, first-class community that supports our partner agencies. Two quick successes to report: we have witnessed 100% synagogue rabbinic participation in our Annual Campaign; and our Israel@65 event went far beyond anyone’s imagination with more than 2,500 people gathering to demonstrate unity and celebrate as a community under the Federation banner. Both took time, effort and trust. To the rabbis, we are extraordinarily grateful for this meaningful hands-on vote of confidence, and to the thousands who showed up to celebrate I say “party on,” and thank you for sharing your love of Israel and this community. With all this said, it makes sense that the theme of this issue of BELONG is “a journey.” Like our organization – and all of us – we are on our way somewhere. We are not always certain how we will get there, but we know that the destination is mission critical for the Jewish people. Have a great summer and do not hesitate to be in touch at david.phillips@jewishpalmbeach.org.
David m. Phillips CEO
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what if You could change the world?
You can.
OUR COMMUNITy DOES SOME ExTRAORDINARy THINGS; AND ONE THAT IS TRULy SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE IS OUR ANNUAL CAMPAIGN. yEAR IN AND yEAR OUT, WE RAISE FUNDS THAT ENABLE OUR VARIOUS PROGRAMS, INSTITUTIONS AND VALUES THAT ENRICH JEWISH COMMUNITy TO ExIST AND THRIVE – AT HOME AND ABROAD. IT’S WHAT WE DO; IT’S WHO WE ARE.
“Everything we are able to do is because of our donors…people willing to jump in, volunteer and do the noble work that fuels our community engine. It’s all about people making a difference and an impact…influencing lives…and effecting change,” said Campaign Chair, Hope Silverman, pictured above with preschool students.
Phylis Newman, Al Newman and Polly
“People who contribute to Federation’s annual campaign help make dreams a reality. that’s why al and i are involved.” – Phylis Newman
JewishPalmBeach.org
A discernible impact was made during Federation’s recent Sweeps Week, when volunteers made calls throughout the greater Palm Beaches to help raise additional dollars for our Annual Campaign. Community leaders Al and Phylis Newman chaired the initiative that raised nearly $500,000 dollars in one short week; funds needed to feed the hungry, help the unemployed, provide crucial support for families with special needs, teach and educate community members, and so much more. “There is no doubt that these are challenging times – economically and spiritually” said Al Newman.
“We are a strong community that makes a difference…we need to be there in good times and bad.” “Every year, the number of people in need grows,” said Phylis Newman. “People who contribute to Federation’s Annual Campaign help make dreams a reality. That’s why Al and I are involved. We care deeply about the Jewish future.” Federation is community. and community is all of us. With your support, we can help people in need and keep our Jewish community strong. If you haven’t already done so, please donate to the 2013 Annual Campaign today…and also consider making a legacy gift to secure the future of the Jewish community. Make a secure online donation at jewishpalmbeach.org. Or to talk to a Federation representative about making your gift, call 561-242-6612.
J e w i s h F e d e r at i o n o F Pa l m B e a c h c o u n t y
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Leading by Example By STEVE WEINBERG
I got involved in the Jewish community when I was just 25 years old. My then-boss actively supported the Jewish Federation of Cleveland – where my first boss was president – along with many other Jewish causes of the day. While my indoctrination was subtle, before I knew it I was enthusiastically recruited to solicit for the 1979 Jewish Welfare campaign. Jewish philanthropy is distinctly different from civic or other independent causes. We don’t appeal to anyone other than other Jews. So our audience is very small. If we don’t do it ourselves, it just won’t get done. We’re entering a challenging phase of our Palm Beach County evolution. Logistically, we’re heading north, where the growth is. yet the core of financial resources remains in Palm Beach. So, even though I consider myself a snowbird, we’ll have to assume more responsibility to ensure a successful transition. I am privileged to be able to contribute to help those less fortunate. I keep the phrase “we are here” as a sort of mantra. I can’t abandon the needy causes of this community simply because we are only here for six months of the year. It’s because we are here for six months that we accept the responsibility!
Steve Weinberg
My wife, Penni, and I have tried to transfer Jewish values to our family. Our grown children have observed us since they were very young; philanthropy is part of who they are. They are deeply immersed in both Jewish and secular causes in Cleveland. We take great pleasure in watching our grandchildren assume their own roles in society.
“together we can accomplish a lot.” it’s a motto that steve weinberg lives by and is the motivation behind his and his family’s own commitment to giving back to Federation in terms of time, leadership and money. and it is through this concept of “together” that weinberg, and thousands of other Palm Beach county residents have donated more than 1,500 hours of volunteer time and $15.1 million so far this year. 1,500 hours $15.1 million
Time will tell 1,500 if the nexthours generation will be as philanthropic as those before them. I strongly believe that the Holocaust – something I learned about at an early age – was a very strong $14.9 million giving in past decades. As the motivating factor of philanthropic survivors pass away and the memory of that time becomes more distant, the passion and emotion will subside. Hopefully we can remain fully aware and sensitive to the lessons learned from that time. I’ve always been a big believer of consensus; together we can accomplish a lot. Reaching agreement, our community can continue to be even more successful in the future.
why do you give? we’d like to know! Send your story to info@jewishpalmbeach.org.
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should Jewish Federation donors know or understand about the Q: what potential role of PG&e in their lives? PG&E, a department within the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, A: focuses on helping community members realize their dreams — philanthropic and otherwise — while helping to ensure the continuity of important programs and services for Jews in the greater Palm Beaches, Israel and around the world. Donors have access to the very knowledgeable professional staff at PG&E, as well as the Professional Legacy Advisors Network (PLAN), which is comprised of specialists from the multidisciplined world of estate, tax, wealth, financial and insurance planning who understand and integrate philanthropy into a client’s total planning. My recommendation is that all members of our community look at the PG&E staff and PLAN group as advisors who are focused on your passions.
Dick Flah
Your Legacy: Pass on mORE than the Value of your Assets; Pass on your Values!
should readers be thinking about now — regardless Q: what of age or income level — in terms of charitable giving? is a truly different kind of charitable giving! PG&E staff and A: This PLAN professionals are here to help you better understand the impact you can have, by defining and delivering your Jewish legacy. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping people answer the question, “Why haven’t I integrated philanthropy into my planning?” Once they incorporate this component into a plan, they can then meet both their financial and philosophical goals. Billionaire George Soros once said, “My philanthropy has made me very happy.” It’s that perspective that we hope to share with many others!
RICHARD (“DICK”) FLAH, CLU, IS THE PRINCIPAL AND FOUNDER OF FLAH & COMPANy, A BOUTIqUE INSURANCE AND ESTATE PLANNING FIRM IN WEST PALM BEACH. HE HAS MORE THAN 30 yEARS OF ExPERIENCE AND SERVES AS CHAIRMAN OF FEDERATION’S PLANNED GIVING & ENDOWMENTS (PG&E), WHICH HE REFERS TO AS PALM BEACH’S “WELL-KEPT SECRET.”
is the most common piece of advice you give clients regarding Q: what estate or gift planning? you have a passion, we can help you develop it. PG&E has a brand A: Ifreputation and track record that is unblemished. We are truly an easy
HERE, DICK SHARES HIS VISION FOR PG&E, AS WELL AS HIS ADVICE FOR OUR COMMUNITy ON GENERATING ONGOING SOURCES OF REVENUE AND HOW TO APPROACH PLANNED GIVING:
extraordinarily gratifying to help Federation donors uncover their A: It’spassion, and then realize that they CAN have impact; they CAN create
“you make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.” – Winston Churchill JewishPalmBeach.org
choice to partner with!
Q: what is your vision for PG&e? a legacy! That their great-grandchildren will know what they stood for. Plans for this area are evolving, and we’ll be focusing even more widely on serving the legacy needs of the entire Palm Beach County Jewish community. We see opportunities for new and meaningful inter-agency collaborations that are one hallmark of a community that uses a total financial resource development approach to philanthropy. I can’t wait to see what our amazing donors, with the assistance of PG&E, are able to create going forward! Join us and see how we can help you to create your legacy.
Contact 561-615- 4930 or plannedgiving@jewishpalmbeach.org for more information. J e w i s h F e d e r at i o n o F Pa l m B e a c h c o u n t y
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WE ALL knoW MARTIn RoTTER…WELL MAYBE noT HIM SPECIFICALLY. BUT WE ALL HAvE A nEIgHBoR, FRIEnD, FAMILY MEMBER oR CoLLEAgUE JUST LIkE HIM. HE DESCRIBES HIMSELF AS YoUR AvERAgE gUY – BUT THRoUgH HIS CoMMITMEnT To FEDERATIon HAS BECoME So MUCH MoRE THAn THAT.
Proud to be a Federation Sponsor A TALk WITH LAWREnCE B. kATz REgIonAL PRIvATE BAnkIng MAnAgER SR. vICE PRESIDEnT AT WELLS FARgo How do you personally feel about helping Federation further the course that our community will take in the years ahead? I feel it is an exciting time for the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County and I truly look forward to contributing to the success of its mission over the next few years.
Martin Rotter
FederAtion & me BY MARTIn RoTTER
As far back as I remember, being an active member of the Jewish community has been a major aspect of my life. My grandparents were orthodox émigrés from Hungary who passed down their rich value system to the entire family. My parents belonged to a conservative synagogue from which I became a bar mitzvah. once married, my wife, Susan, and I settled in Jericho, Long Island and became extremely active in the Reform congregation, running their annual bazaar which was nicknamed the “Marty Rotter Bazaar” because of the large selection of men’s sweaters (which I manufactured) that I donated. our various activities for Federation at that time brought the honor of a U.J.A. Federation dinner attended by many friends and relatives. Currently, I proudly sit on the Community Planning and Investments Committee of Federation and I am honored to partake in such a worthy endeavor with so many generous and noble people. Additionally, on special holidays, my friends and I serve meals to the elderly Jewish community at MorseLife, where my aunt is a resident. Early on, our children and grandchildren saw how important our work was for less fortunate Jews both here and throughout the world. We hope and pray that they will continue the spirit of giving. With the national economy being so tenuous, we understand it is difficult for young families today to donate as much time or money to Jewish causes as our generation. We are confident, however, that the tradition that we have worked so hard to create will continue. 28
BELONG
How did you get involved in the Jewish community? Growing up in Central Florida, we had a small but close-knit community. Our after-school activities often centered around the Jewish Community Center (JCC) and its participants. I was exposed to the positive impact of the JCC and wanted to continue my personal involvement. What does it mean to you to be able to contribute to Federation and make an impact on the community? I am very fortunate to be with a company that believes in supporting the communities we serve. Our first priority is to support programs and organizations whose primary purpose is to benefit low and moderate-income individuals and families, and I am proud that the Jewish Federation also shares this goal. What are Wells Fargo’s goals for future community and Federation involvement? Wells Fargo will always be involved in the local communities. There’s never been a thriving bank in a struggling community; that’s why we feel connected to helping further the long-term economic viability of the communities we serve.
There’s real value in standing behind a cause that’s important to your target audience. Your involvement can help further the course that our community will take in the years ahead.
80%
Of consumers can name a company that stands out in their minds as showing concern for social issues
Source: Cone Corporate Citizen Study, CauseMarketingForum.com
Paying it Forward
The room was so quieT, one could hear The proverbial pin drop when alina Gerlovin spauldinG Took The sTaGe aT The “pride of our lions: a celebraTion of women’s philanThropy” luncheon held This sprinG. in an elecTrifyinG speech ThaT lefT The audience spellbound, spauldinG illusTraTed ThaT she is a livinG example of The miracles made possible ThrouGh dollars raised by Jewish federaTions.
JewishPalmBeach.org
J e w i s h F e d e r at i o n o F Pa l m B e a c h c o u n t y
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Sheryl Davidoff, Rosalee Davison, Sandra Bornstein, Whitney Schneider, Alina Gerlovin Spaulding, Lynn Kaston, Vivian Lieberman, Lisa Seymour, Jane Karp
SPAULDING SHARED HER STORy OF TRIUMPH AND INSPIRATION WITH CLOSE TO 200 ATTENDEES AT THE EVENT ON FEBRUARy 25 AT THE FOUR SEASONS RESORT PALM BEACH.THE HONORARy EVENT CHAIR WAS JANE KARP; EVENT CHAIRS WERE SANDRA BORNSTEIN, ROSALEE DAVISON, WHITNEy SCHNEIDER AND LOJE CO-CHAIRS SHERyL DAVIDOFF AND LISA SEyMOUR.
The daughter of a Jewish athlete living in the former Soviet Union (FSU), her family enjoyed a comfortable life due to her father’s status as an Olympic hopeful for the Soviet Ski Team, with special access to food, places to live, medical care, and tickets to the ballet and symphony. “We weren’t living like other Jews,” admits Spaulding; not until her father broke his leg during a practice run. No longer “useful” to the government, the family was told by Soviet authorities to vacate their home within the day; their new residence was a small one-room flat, to be shared by six people of four generations. Her father was seen by a medic – not a doctor – eight days after the accident. Doctors then told her mother she would be responsible for getting all surgical supplies on the black
”we don’t lead an ordinary life. that’s why we don’t make an ordinary gift.” – Alina Gerlovin Spaulding
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market. This took 10 months, by which time an infection in his broken leg had spread to his heart, resulting in permanent damage. Her father’s initial life expectancy was five years. “Imagine going from having the physical condition of an Olympic hopeful to a five-year life expectancy due to a broken leg,” Spaulding said. Then her mother heard about the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) — the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization — coming to Russia to rescue Jews. Spaulding recalls her mother saying, “No way would anyone come here to this hellhole to rescue us, because no one even knows we exist.” Luckily her mother was wrong. In 1976, the family connected with a woman from the JDC who told them, “from here on out, we are your family.” The Gerlovins were among the 50,000 Jews rescued from the Soviet Union that year. They spent a month in Australia and six months in Italy, with all their needs taken care of by the JDC, before stepping off a plane in New york City in 1979. “My mother held my father with one arm, and a suitcase with the other,” said Spaulding. “She was 26-years-old,
taking a leap of faith with $400 in savings to come to a place where she didn’t even know the language. “ When she saw a sign with their name on it in Russian, her mother believed that the KGB had found them. The airport greeter was a volunteer from the local community who took them to a furnished apartment in New Jersey that had been dubbed “The Kremlin,” as it housed family after family of emigrants. There, they found business suits for her parents to wear to job interviews, toys for her to play with, and “anything and everything you would put in your own family’s homes,” according to Spaulding. Jewish Family Services took the family on daily outings; Alina went to school, while her parents visited nearby states to seek out advanced cardiac care for her father. An anonymous gift of experimental surgery helped her father live another 20 years, during which time her mother had a second child and received a graduate degree; Alina received her undergraduate and graduate degrees; her brother became a bar mitzvah; and her father skied again! People like you, donors passionate about their philanthropy, made these things happen, dramatically demonstrating just how important every person is in the tapestry of the Jewish family that we all belong to.
Jew, she has no future in this country. When you leave, please take our child.” Profoundly touched that a father could feel so hopeless as to offer up a daughter, Spaulding called her husband back home to tell him about this heartbreaking request. He simply replied, “How can we say no with all that the community has done for you?”
Bernice Tillman, Sandy Schulman
Hope Silverman, Denise Silverman
Anya Romanet arrived two weeks later and became a part of the Spaulding family. Her sister Sasha joined the family three years later, and they are now grown, living independently and practicing the professions they prepared for in their American colleges, making both the Spaulding family and their parents back in Moldava incredibly proud. The “Pride of our Lions: A Celebration of Women’s Philanthropy” annual event connects women of all interests and levels of involvement who want to make the world a better place through volunteerism and philanthropy. Event sponsors were PNC Bank and Rogers Design Group; Evelyn & Arthur presented a fashion show; Eric Shamban of The Chocolate Bar provided the gift of chocolates; and Vivian Lieberman and Lynn Kaston gave Lion-insignia pashmina wraps as gifts to participants.
Spaulding has thrived in the United States, both personally and professionally. She has contributed much to the Jewish community through her involvement in humanitarian causes here and overseas.
“As a Lion, I had the pleasure and honor of hearing Alina Gerlovin Spaulding’s story,” said local philanthropist Cynthia Brown. “She told the Federation story as I have never heard it before. The importance of what we do became so clear that I left feeling even more passionate about Federation’s mission!”
It was while in Moldova, where she led a team from the Greensboro Federation to help renew Jewish life by assisting at a summer camp, that Spaulding truly had the chance to “pay it forward.” She was approached by her driver, who during their trip, talked often to Spaulding of his eldest daughter. He said, “As a woman and as a
Visit jdc.org to learn more about the organization’s efforts; call 561- 615-4927 or email felice.rosen@jewishpalmbeach.org for information about Federation’s department of Women’s Philanthropy.
JewishPalmBeach.org
Lorraine Rogers-Bolton, Suzanne Holmes
J e w i s h F e d e r at i o n o F Pa l m B e a c h c o u n t y
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cOmmuNitY
Clicks
Federation supporters “on the scene” throughout the community over the past several months, including the Prime Minister’s Council event, Pride of our Lions: A Celebration of Women’s Philanthropy, Applause 2013 and Israel@65.
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Charles Bronfman, Arlene Kaufman, Sanford M. Baklor
Robert Zeff, Susan Zeff
Alec Engelstein, Sheila Engelstein
Barbara Glitzer, Paula Lustbader
Cynthia Hirsch, Vicki Loring
Eileen Berman, Marjorie Fink
Zoe Friedman
Mark Levy, Tony Lampert, Patti Lampert
Amy Jonas, Eleanor Bernstein
BELONG
June Garson, Robert M. Beren
Irwin Levy, Milton Fine
Bente S. Lyons, Dorothy Adler
Susan Pertnoy, Barbara Kay
Daphne Rogers, Keith Bolton, Emma Hurvitz, Robyn Hurvitz, Claire Hurvitz, Jason Rogers, Madeleine Rogers
Emma Baldinger, Jim Baldinger, Jessie Baldinger
Cynthia Brown, Linda Hurwitz, Susan Glabman, Vivian Lieberman
Lisa Zwig Gerstein, Barbara Mines
Rosalee Davison, Nancy C. Hart
JewishPalmBeach.org
J e w i s h F e d e r at i o n o F Pa l m B e a c h c o u n t y
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NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID WEST PALM BEACH, FL PERMIT NO 55
4601 Community Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33417-2760
It’s Easy! Simply go to JewishPalmBeach.org/involved/ecard.
Touch someone’s life and make a difference in the Jewish community with a Tribute Card from the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.
Tribute cards are appropriate and available for: • Birthday • Condolence
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah • Wedding
Visit JewishPalmBeach.org/involved/ecard.
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