focus
vol. three issue two winter 2010
A PUBLICATIO N O F J E W I S H F EDERATI ON OF PA L M BEAC H COUNT Y
Improving Our World,
Federation has an amazing story. It’s a tale of love, hope
and optimism. Everything we do — helping the needy, responding to crisis, fostering Jewish identity and community — is legendary in the Jewish world. We couldn’t have done it without you...and your generosity. Our story is your story. You’ve helped make a difference in the lives our elderly, hungry, vulnerable, disabled and poor. You’ve made the world a better place for our Jewish family, wherever they live. The story isn’t over. There is still much to do to provide dignity and comfort, and invest in a vibrant Jewish future. We invite you to volunteer and get involved. You can: • Telephone Jews in the greater Palm Beaches during our Super Sunday Phone-a-Thon on March 14 and explain how their gift to Campaign 2010 makes a world of difference to thousands of Jews in need. • Serve a three-course kosher holiday luncheon to clients of Federation’s affiliated agencies or deliver a meal to a homebound senior.
• Improve a child’s reading skills as a reading partner through the Anne & Sam Klein Jewish Coalition for Literacy. Federation offers opportunities for you to enrich your own Jewish identity and connection, too! • Join hundreds of area Jewish professionals at a Business & Professions Division event. • Develop your leadership skills and participate in women’s philanthropy through the Women’s Division and/or Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Greater Palm Beaches. • Attend an upcoming event, celebrating and exploring our heritage, such as our Campaign Opening on January 12 and the Premiere Event on January 19. All Federation programs, services and events are made possible through the Annual Campaign, our principal communitybuilding tool. Call (561) 478-0700 or visit JewishPalmBeach.org. for information on Federation’s volunteer opportunities and events.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County
President Arthur S. Loring Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey L. Klein The Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County is dedicated to strengthening Jewish identity, energizing the relationship with Israel and meeting human needs locally and globally.
Jeanne Levy Jewish Community Campus 4601 Community Drive West Palm Beach, Florida 33417 JewishPalmBeach.org A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE FLORIDA 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. REGISTRATION NUMBER IS CH41.
T
he Jewish calendar is a continuous cycle of holidays, celebrations and commemorations that give us time to pause and reflect on our past, present and future, both as individuals and collectively as a Jewish People. We recount and relive our freedom on Passover. We remember the millions of innocent victims of the Holocaust on Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). We rejoice with Jews around the world on the anniversary of Israel’s statehood on Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day). These and so many other annual occurrences remind us of our obligations as Jews, and the need to deviate from our daily routine to observe our traditions and communal experiences. Federation’s Annual Campaign is similar. It reminds us of our obligations to the Jewish People — no matter where they live or their situation. It is a time for us to pause and reflect on what we can do to improve upon the world and bring healing and hope to so many. It is a time for all of us to look deep inside ourselves and exercise the power that we have to make a difference in the lives of others.
Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches
Our Federation enjoyed many years of meteoric growth. Last year’s economic collapse, however, caused us to make substantial reductions in Federation personnel and programs due to a reduced Annual Campaign. However, we were committed to provide for those who were adversely affected by the economic downturn. We protected our local infrastructure to the maximum extent possible to provide educational, spiritual and social services. Now, our challenge is to continue to provide for the people who are depending upon us. A strong Annual Campaign is our means to fulfill this task.
Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Service
The needs of the Jewish people continue to increase:
Federation’s Network of Affiliated Agencies and Partners GREATER PALM BEACHES
Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy Lorraine and Jack N. Friedman Commission for Jewish Education MorseLife Lola and Saul Kramer Senior Services Agency, Inc. Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL The Jewish Federations of North America The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee The Jewish Agency for Israel
Focus is a publication produced for the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. Focus is published in January, March, June and November. Copyright 2010 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without permission is prohibited. Known office of publication is at 4601 Community Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33417-2760. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 4601 Community Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33417-2760.
If you have questions regarding newsletter content, please call the Marketing and Communications Department at 561-242-6633. If you have questions relating to mailing information or need to make an address change, please call Donor Information Services at 561-242-6618.
• Florida leads the nation in the number of foreclosed homes, forcing many in our midst to walk away from their residences. An unemployment rate surpassing 10 percent is one of the reasons for the rise in home abandonment. • The devalued dollar against the Israeli shekel and the Russian ruble translated into a drastic reduction in the amount of service Federation could provide to our overseas family that depends on us. • The assets of investors were severely hurt, causing thousands of local residents to dramatically alter their budgets. For seniors, many cut back on meals, stopped cooling their homes and withheld medications. For families, many tapped out scholarship funds for Jewish day and preschool programs, approached food pantries and sought counseling for a host of financial and personal issues. These are but a few of the countless issues that an increased Annual Campaign can resolve by providing the resources available to Federation’s beneficiaries. Through your commitment to the Annual Campaign, we have the ability to bring so much to a world that is still recovering from financial failures and fallouts. This season, take the time to make your commitment to Federation’s Annual Campaign. It is our annual act of sincere commitment and connection to who we are as a people, caring for one another. Each of you is so important to fulfill this mission.
AROUND FEDERATION
Funds Available for Area Families Sending Children to Camp A
rea families struggling to afford overnight Jewish camp experiences for their children can receive scholarship and grant funds totaling up to $2,500 through two programs overseen by Federation’s Jewish Teen Initiative. Families of first-time campers can apply for a $1,000 Campership Incentive Grant. The grant is available to children who live in Federation’s service area (from Boynton Beach north through Martin County and west to Wellington), attend a qualifying Jewish overnight camp for three weeks, do not attend a Jewish day school and have not attended a Jewish overnight camp. A list of qualifying camps and the application can be found at OneHappyCamper.org. Families can receive funds, ranging from $500 to $1,500, through the Overnight Camp Scholarship program. Funds are available to children who live in Federation’s service area, attend a qualifying Jewish overnight camp for three weeks and do not attend a Jewish day school. The deadline to apply for the scholarship program is February 5, 2010. The application can be downloaded from the Summer Programs page of the Jewish Teen Initiative’s website, JTIPalmBeach.org. Why send your child to an overnight Jewish camp? While they are having fun and “gaining independence, they are exploring what it means to be Jewish. As they get older, Jewish overnight campers are more likely to ìbecome adults who value their Jewish heritage, support Jewish causes and take on leadership roles in their communities,” according to The Foundation for Jewish Camp. Call 561-615-4953 or e-mail Megan.Usow@JewishPalmBeach.org for more information on the two financial aid programs.
Abraham Project Programs Encompass Two Themes T
he Ewa & Dan Abraham Project, now in its sixth year, will collaborate with Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council and Israel and Overseas Department, the JCC of the Greater Palm Beaches, the Lorraine & Jack N. Friedman Commission for Jewish Education and other organizations to provide two distinct programmatic themes: spirituality and Black-Jewish interfaith relations. SPIRITUAlITY The sixth annual Women’s Symposium, entitled “A Spiritual Journey Through Song and Prayer,” will feature a lecture by renowned Israeli scholar Dr. Tova Hartman and a presentation by internationally acclaimed performer Neshama Carlebach on Wednesday, February 24 at the Borland Center in Palm Beach Gardens. On Saturday, March 20 at Temple Shaarei Shalom in Boynton Beach, the acclaimed group StorahTelling will perform “Spice to Go” — a family-friendly musical havdallah service and “One Giant Leap” — an interactive theatrical performance featuring actors, music and puppets.
BlACk-JEWISH INTERFAITH RElATIONS The series will begin with “From Ghetto to Ghetto” on Friday, January 8 at Temple Beth El in West Palm Beach. Author Ernest Adams will recount his journey as an African-American who converted to Judaism. Several community church groups will join the Jewish community for a dialogue between Martin luther king III and Rabbi Marc Schneier at the Palm Beach County Convention Center on Thursday, February 11. A return performance by the dynamic Joshua Nelson and his “kosher Gospel” group, joined by local choirs, will conclude both series of programs on Thursday, March 18 at the Borland Center. The year will culminate with the community’s annual Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) celebrations at the Lore and Eric F. Ross JCC in Boynton Beach on Tuesday, April 20 and at JCC North in Palm Beach Gardens on Wednesday, April 21. The Ewa & Dan Abraham Project is funded by S. Daniel Abraham in cooperation with the Federation. For more information, call 561-242-6668 or visit JewishPalmBeach.org.
AROUND THE GREATER PAlM BEACHES
The Challenge of Intergenerational Philanthropy
The Levy Family: Jourdan, Josh, Irwin and Mark.
Intergenerational philanthropy is a high priority in Jewish
giving. Will the next generation be as “Jewishly oriented” and philanthropic as the current one? Being a philanthropist is not only tied to money; it is a desire to make the world a better place through deeds and charitable giving. How that sense of responsibility is instilled in our children and grandchildren is our challenge.
Lessons in philanthropy can come from various sources: direct experience, inspirational family stories and outside influences. Irwin levy and his family have learned lessons of intergenerational philanthropy through all three, and each generation’s Jewish journey, though different, has had a major impact on their philanthropy.
blend in. I knew my parents, especially my mom, were involved in the Jewish community, but that didn’t mean much to me.” Mark’s Jewish awakening came on his first trip to Israel at age 16 and when he read Leon Uris’ Exodus. “My parents talked about Jewish issues at the dinner table. They discussed the importance of giving to build a strong local community and how critical Israel was to our survival as a Jewish people. It didn’t all make sense until my first trip to Israel when I was 16, and I began to think about being Jewish differently.
“We didn’t hold family meetings to talk about giving,” he added. “My dad had a simple philosophy... ‘You lead not by what you say, but by what you do.’ My mother and father were leaders in the Federation. They helped found and build the JCC and were active in Irwin Levy grew up during the Great Depression and learned his the synagogue. Because of their example, I became active in Young first lessons about philanthropy from stories he heard about his Leadership and served as its chair and became a Federation Board grandfather whom he never met. “My grandfather came to this member at age 28. I also had wonderful mentors outside the family, country from Austro-Hungary in 1882 and settled in Scranton, like Barbara kay and Jeff klein.” PA,” he said. “He had to leave his wife and daughter there until he could afford to bring them over. With my grandfather’s hard Mark and his wife, Stacey, president of the JCC, have two children work, he and his family were reunited. My father was part of in their 20s who have already had their first experiences in Israel. a group that helped needy Jews in Scranton, mostly recent “They sat at their grandfather Irwin’s knee and heard stories of how immigrants. I learned at an early age that Jews help Jews, and his family was helped by others,” Mark said. “They see how involved that stayed with me.” Stacey and I are, and they know that a portion of our resources go to Federation and other local and national agencies to help others. Irwin’s first wife, Jeanne, taught him to love the land of Israel and They may view the Jewish world through a different lens than my got him involved in the local Jewish community. “The pride that father and mother and from the way Stacey and I view it, but we are I felt when Israel became a state cannot be described. I believe passing the torch of Jewish philanthropy to them, and I believe they that the only way to keep the next generation Jewish is to get will do the right thing.” them to visit Israel so they can touch and feel their heritage,” Irwin said. “I made sure that my children and grandchildren Intergenerational philanthropy is passed from one generation got the opportunity. They may view Israel from different to the next. Through personal experience, stories handed down perspectives, but its importance to Jewish survival remains from one generation to the next and by example, the lessons of the same.” philanthropy are taught. What the next generation does with those lessons is a story yet to be told. Irwin’s son, Mark, had a different experience. “I grew up in Palm Beach where I experienced prejudice and anti-Semitism. To learn more about intergenerational philanthropy and how you Although I went to Hebrew school and had a bar mitzvah, I might get your children and grandchildren involved in philanthropy, didn’t feel particularly Jewish,” Mark said. “There wasn’t any contact the Federation’s Planned Giving & Endowments programming to speak of for Jewish teens, and I wanted to Department at 561-242-6647.
AROUND THE GREATER PAlM BEACHES
W
Phony Baloney Isn’t Kosher
hen asked about the ethics of selling or buying knockoffs, Rabbi Dr. Asher Meir of the Business Ethics Center in Jerusalem noted the crucial difference between two kinds of look-alike products: counterfeits and copy-cats. Counterfeiting is illegal in secular law, and is unethical in Jewish law. “Selling counterfeits constitutes fraud towards a customer,” Meir said. “The Talmud tells us that it is forbidden to sell someone a lower-quality item if the purchaser would assume that it is the higher-quality type. This is forbidden even if for this particular purchaser the difference is completely immaterial, and even if he or she will never find out.” Additionally, “the practice constitutes unfair competition towards the original manufacturer,” he added. “The name brand invests large sums in associating its name or trademark with quality and desirability; it is unethical for the competitor to take a free ride on this investment... Buying these items is also improper, since it encourages fraud and is part and parcel of the debasement of the brand name.” Yet a copy-cat item holds none of the same prohibitions. Think “imitation is the highest form of flattery.” While counterfeit items are designed to fool buyers into thinking the product is a
genuine name-brand item, a copy-cat item is acknowledged as an impersonation, similar in design and function to appear like an original. Senior vice president and publisher of Harper’s Bazaar magazine Valerie Salembier, who will be the featured guest speaker at Federation’s Pride of Our lions: A Celebration of Women’s Philanthropy brunch on February 1, is a global leader and spokesperson in the fight against luxury product counterfeiting. She works tirelessly to educate consumers about the human cost of fake products and the criminal activity tied to counterfeiting, including child labor, drug trafficking and even terrorism. She has addressed government, law enforcement and business leaders on the topic of consumer education at anti-counterfeiting seminars around the globe. Some say we are in the midst of a counterfeiting epidemic that pervades the American fashion, fragrance, liquor, jewelry, fine art, automotive, airline, pharmaceutical, music and software industries. Register for the Lion of Judah and Lion of Judah Endowment Luncheon at the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach, co-chaired by linda Golden and Nancy Hart, by contacting Deborah Schafer at 561-242-6631 or Deborah.Schafer@JewishPalmBeach.org, or visiting JewishPalmBeach.org.
Jewish Stars Business & Professions (B&P) Campaign kickoff
Jewish Hunger Response Thanksgiving luncheon
Prime Minister’s Council Dinner
B&P Real Estate Division Chair Steven Cohen, William A. Meyer, B&P Chair Rick Baer.
Abraham Project Forum with Marin Indyk
Thanksgiving Day Luncheon Committee Co-Chair Lynn Brodsky, Jewish Hunger Response Chair Vivki Loring.
Temple Torah Rabbi Geoffrey Botnick, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk, Federation Jewish Community Relations Council Chair Jonathan Gilbert.
Prime Minister’s Council Dinner Event Chairs Sanford M. Baklor and Arlene Kaufman.
AROUND THE JEWISH WORlD
T
Remembering Refuseniks
“ he knowledge that our cause was actively supported by thousands of our friends abroad... was the lifeline which gave us strength and energy to continue our struggle.” These are the words former Soviet dissident and human rights activist Natan Sharansky said about his experience as a refusenik — a movement that began in the mid-1960s among Soviet Jews seeking permission to immigrate to Israel.
“We felt a great compassion for — and loyalty towards — our fellow Jews who were so brave and courageous,” said Blonder. “We worked hard on behalf of the refuseniks to make sure their message was heard. I remember the trip my husband Erwin (a past Federation president) and I took to Washington where we marched in front of the Soviet embassy, along with hundreds, to show the solidarity of American Jewry.”
Despite an agreement to allow emigrations from the Soviet Union, requesting an exit visa was itself seen as an act of betrayal by Soviet authorities, who intimidated and imprisoned those who sought to leave. Sharansky was one of the most vocal of activists. His struggle for emigration rights, arrest on charges of treason and espionage, and trial contributed to international support of the refusenik cause.
“I felt like I was guided by somebody from above,” recalled Goldberg. “I was twinned with a long-term refusenik at my adult bat mitzvah. The cause was so alive in our community! Our Federation was extremely active and well-respected — locally and nationally — for its efforts. We involved congressmen, senators, State Department officials, our president and many international leaders. We were on radio and part of day school programs. It was such an exciting and meaningful time in my life. We knew we made a difference and that gave us such a beautiful, rewarding and enriching feeling.”
Our own community established the Soviet Jewry Task Force of Federation’s Community Relations Council, which was part of the worldwide movement responsible for freeing Sharansky and thousands of other refuseniks in the 1970s and 1980s. Two local residents — Sandra Goldberg and Shirlee Blonder — were key members of this task force, serving as its chairs.
Sharansky will be the featured guest speaker at Federation’s 2010 Campaign Opening on Tuesday, January 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the West Palm Beach Marriott, 1001 Okeechobee Boulevard. The event is sponsored by lesser, lesser, landy & Smith PllC, West Palm Beach Marriott and TD Bank, and chaired by Marjorie and Barry S. Berg. A $36 per person couvert includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Visit JewishPalmBeach.org to register.
Young Emissary Connects Community to Israel Our community’s connection to Israel is more apparent to
our youth through the work of Maayan Doari, Federation’s 2009-2010 young emissary. Doari, 21, is from Rosh Pina, one of three cities that Federation is twinned with in the Tzahar Region under the Partnership 2000 program. He decided to return to the community after he participated in Young Ambassadors in 2004, a Partnership 2000 program that brings teens from the Tzahar Region to meet and explore their Jewish identities with their Palm Beach County counterparts. “I wanted to return here and see all the familiar faces I met because I care about our partnership,” said Doari. “I also wanted to show how modern and attractive Israel is to the children. It is a great place to visit and live.” Doari will be promoting this message as he crisscrosses the county to meet and teach the area’s youth. Doari has been working with children in the preschools at the JCC of the Greater Palm Beaches, middle school students at the Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy, teens at seven Jewish Student Union clubs through area high schools and youth groups at local synagogues.
Maayan Doari (left with arm extended) takes Temple Beth David religious school students on a “tour” of Israel.
Working with varying ages provides Doari with many opportunities to showcase Israeli culture. With elementary-age children, he may take them on a “tour” of Israel using a large plastic map of the country that can fill half of a classroom. With teens, Doari brings a hand drum and shares his love of Israeli contemporary music or plays a round of “Israeli Iron Chef,” where teens quickly put together ingredients to create an Israeli dish. Doari will be working in the greater Palm Beaches until the summer. He can be reached by phone at 561-242-6693 or e-mail Maayan.Doari@JewishPalmBeach.org.
— Mark Your Calendar — 2010 Campaign Opening
Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County
Premiere Event featuring
President Bill Clinton
2010 CAMPAIGN OPENING TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 5:30-7:30 p.m. West Palm Beach Marriott 1001 Okeechobee Boulevard $36 per person, includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres Featuring: Natan Sharansky, former Soviet dissident, human rights activist, Israeli politician and author Marjorie and Barry Berg, Chairs Couvert: $36 Contact: Leon Weinerman at 561-242-6692 or e-mail Leon.Weinerman@JewishPalmBeach.org PREMIERE EVENT TUESDAY, JANUARY 19 6:00 p.m. The Breakers Palm Beach Featuring: The 42nd President of the United States William Jefferson Clinton Ewa and Dan Abraham, Honorary Chairs Judith A. Levy, 2010 Annual Campaign Chair $10,000 minimum gift to the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County Campaign 2010 Contact: Carole-Ann Levine at 561-242-6657 PRIDE OF OUR lIONS: A CElEBRATION OF WOMEN’S PHIlANTHROPY A COMBINED lION OF JUDAH/lION OF JUDAH ENDOWMENT lUNCHEON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1 11:00 a.m. Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach Featuring: Valerie Salambier, Senior Vice President and Publisher of Harper’s Bazaar magazine Linda Golden and Nancy Hart, Chairs Linda Cortell Benjamin, Women’s Division President & Campaign Chair Vivian Lieberman, Lion of Judah Vice President Couvert: $80 $6,000 minimum gift to the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County Campaign 2010 Contact: Deborah Schafer at 561-242-6631
6th Annual
Men’s Nite Out
MEN’S NITE OUT THURSDAY, MARCH 11 Palm Beach County Convention Center 650 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach Featuring: Former Chicago Bears Coach Mike Ditka Chad and Dean Tendrich, Co-Chairs Tickets are $100, plus $250 minimum gift to the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County Campaign 2010 Contact: Andrea Bock at 561-615-4931 JEWISH WOMEN’S FOUNDATION GRANT AWARDS lUNCHEON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17 11:30 a.m. Café Sapori 205 Southern Blvd. in West Palm Beach Contact: Ellen Safran at 561-242-6673
Jewish Federation Federation Jewish of Palm of Palm Beach Beach County County CAMPAIGN 2010 4601 Community Drive • West Palm Beach, FL 33417
NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID WEST PALM BEACH, FL PERMIT #55
With personnel and programs on the ground in virtually every part of the world, your Federation and overseas partners have a unique ability to act quickly in times of emergency. From wars and acts of terror to natural disasters, together we can alleviate suffering and save lives. Care to help? Visit JewishPalmBeach.org or call 561-478-0700 to donate or for more information. Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County CAMPAIGN 2010
JewishPalmBeach.org
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I want to help fund the programs and services that help create a spirit of giving and hope for myself and the world.
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r $180 r $360 r $500 r $750 r $1,000 r $1,250 r $1,800 r $2,500 r $6,000 r Other Amount $ r Enclosed is my check, made payable to the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County OR r Please bill my: r MasterCard r Visa r AmEX r Discover Account # Exp. Date Signature Name Spouse’s Name Address City/State/ZIP Phone Number E-Mail Please mail to: Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County • 4601 Community Drive • West Palm Beach, Florida 33417
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