JFED CONNECTS AN UPDATE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING AT JEWISH FEDERATION OF ST. LOUIS
JULY/AUGUST 2015
INSIDE Jewish Federation Accelerating Community Entrepreneurs ................ 2 Seeking Nominees for Annual Awards ........ 2 CHAI’ St. Louis.............. 2 Presidents’ Circle .......... 2 Get in the Olive Groove ................ 3 Gefilte Fish Tank Results .................. 3 Women’s Auxiliary Grant Recipients ........... 4 YPD Labor Day 5k......... 4 JProStl 2015-16 Board .... 4
JFedSTL.org
From our Chair, Patricia Croughan I recently attended the annual "What's Right with the Region" awards ceremony, a celebration of the fine work done by non-profits throughout the St. Louis area. This year, our own Holocaust Museum and Learning Center was recognized for its outstanding program, "Change Begins with Me: Confronting Hate, Discrimination, and Ethnic Conflict" in a post-Holocaust world. Thousands of area wide school children of all faiths and races have visited the Holocaust Museum, making it a gem within our entire community.
become experts is through immersion experiences, Ron and Pam created and funded The Rubin Israel Experience, a free trip to Israel for those 27-45 who have never visited there, a mission designed to give participants a deeper understanding of modern Israel. This year already marks the 8th year of the trip, with now 80 "Rubinites" in all. The two year Wexner Program, also funded by the Rubins, will give 20 young adults an opportunity to study and learn with some of the best teachers in the Jewish world. This is philanthropy that keeps on giving, from generation to generation, ensuring a depth of knowledge of Israel and of Judaism. Our warmest thanks to the Rubins for providing these wonderful experiences.
Creative programming such as this and creative leadership are what make this community of ours so very special, and leadership for the future is one of Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ top priorities. The Millstone Institute, JProStl, The Rubin Israel Experience, and now the Wexner Program are designed to nurture and develop both professional and lay leaders.
Each of us also has a role to play in creating and sustaining programs like these and others in our Jewish community here and overseas. Jewish Federation of St. Louis funds a wide variety of programs and learning opportunities (log on to JFedSTL.org for more detailed information), and we are excited about new planning opportunities emerging from the recently completed Community Study. This coming year, we will allocate over $8 million to local and overseas agencies, and with your help we will be able to do even more. Please join with us: together we can continue to do great things!
Last week, for example, I had the privilege of meeting with this year's Rubinites and the newly chosen Wexner fellows-neither of these programs would be possible without the vision and philanthropy of Ron and Pam Rubin. Believing that the best way to learn and grow and
From our CEO, Andrew Rehfeld This week’s Supreme Court’s decision to extend marriage equality to all people was a landmark decision. It came in the same week that public opinion turned decisively against the display of the Confederate flag. After the horrific shootings in Charleston, SC earlier in June, the flag became a recognized symbol of slavery, oppression and racism that even its strongest defenders could not ignore. These two events, coming within days of each other, seem to signal a dramatic shift in public opinion in favor of institutional equality and justice for all. After a year of disheartening news focused on discrimination and racial inequity, both achievements were broadly welcomed. Based on public pronouncements by major Jewish organizations that represent the vast majority of American Jews, our community was enthusiastic about both of these changes. Indeed, many
people noted with pride that all three Jewish Supreme Court justices voted to approve the decision–Breyer, Ginsburg and Kagan–and many of the advocates who contributed to the marriage equality movement over the last 20 years were Jews as well. Sadly, the Jewish identity of some leaders of the marriage equality movement and the three Supreme Court justices has caused some to “blame” Jews for what they see as the desecration of the traditional institution of marriage. And yet our community is diverse with some still opposing the extension of marriage equality to gays. The orthodox community, for example, in its commitment to Torah Judaism and tradition, stands by and large in opposition to homosexuality and in particular gay marriage. In statements by at least two major Orthodox organizations, the decision was viewed as a further assault on traditional values and western civilization. These were not fringe groups, but rather groups that embrace what they see as the unchanging ethical demands of our tradition. (continued on page 2)
(From Our CEO, Andrew Rehfeld - continued from page 1) But the Orthodox community is not monolithic and parts are struggling with how to respond. Recognizing the changing understanding of human sexuality and identity, it is seeking to embrace tolerance and acceptance. One prominent Orthodox rabbi posted an important statement that Orthodox communities will have to figure out a way to welcome a new generation of families that exist in our midst, ones with gay married parents. These families will be looking for the beauty, grace and moral foundations that so much of Jewish life provides to so many. The question for him was how do we do this without giving up a commitment to Torah Judaism. He did not have the answer, but he was certainly struggling with what will be a critical question for traditionalists in the years to come. Jewish Federation of St. Louis remains here to support our entire Jewish community. We proudly marched with other local Jewish organizations and congregations in the St. Louis Pride celebration in June. But we also recognize that for a portion of our community, this decision is one that will remain challenging. We hope that the approach of inclusion will be embraced by all, even those who view these relationships as contrary to the fundamental spirit of Orthodoxy. And we hope that everyone will recognize and appreciate the difficulty with which others are struggling to maintain their commitment to traditional values in the face of enormous societal change. Jewish Federation of St. Louis will continue to monitor any prejudicial backlash against our community for our public support of the decision. Right now, we take a moment to appreciate that for many, justice has come, and their right to live and love whomever they want is guaranteed by law. We celebrate and embrace that fact, and continue to welcome everyone into the tradition, beauty and values of our inclusive St. Louis Jewish community.
For the first time, Jewish Federation of St. Louis is joining with The Mission Center (TMC) L3C and Washington University in St. Louis’ Skandalaris Center for an innovative approach to solve the Jewish Community’s emerging issues.
JEWISH FEDERATION ACCELERATING COMMUNITY ENTREPRENEURS Changing the face of the Jewish community in St. Louis This unique partnership will involve the Skandalaris Center’s Social Enterprise and Innovation Competition (SEIC) and TMC L3C’s twenty-two week training series for first-time entrepreneurs. The structure, in collaboration with Jewish Federation of St. Louis, will allow 12-15 members of the Jewish community to participate in the regular programming as well as an integrated Jewish-specific approach through one-on-one coaching and regularly scheduled “cohort meetings.” The Jewish Community Cohort will also be able to leverage the broader ecosystem of resources in the region and connect to critical networks of other entrepreneurs and innovators. Through this program, participants will have access to a wider range of potential stakeholders including students and faculty, and other sponsoring funders of the SEIC. Some of the other partnering funders include Missouri Foundation for Health, Regional Arts Commission, Lutheran Foundation, Daughters of Charity and the YouthBridge Foundation. Applications open July 13 and will be accepted through August 7. For more information or to receive an email when applications open, contact Emily Bornstein, Planning and Allocations Associate, at EBornstein@JFedSTL.org.
MILLSTONE INSTITUTE’S PRESIDENTS’ CIRCLE A biannual reception for board presidents, presidents-elect, clergy and execs/CEOs throughout the St. Louis Jewish community. August 25, 2015, 5:30-7:00 pm Program begins at 5:45 pm JCC Arts & Education Building Carl & Helene Mirowitz Performing Arts Center Appetizers & Beverages (Dietary laws observed) The Power of Coaching Hear from participants in the Jewish Coaching Academy and experience for yourself how powerful questions can shift perspectives and unlock new possibilities. Hosted by Millstone Advisory Committee, Paul Flotken, Chair Free of charge. RSVP requested. Marci Mayer Eisen, MEisen@JFedSTL.org or 314-442-3810.
JEWISH FEDERATION OF ST. LOUIS
JEWISH FEDERATION OF ST. LOUIS LAUNCHES NEW WELCOME PROGRAM Do you know someone who just moved to St. Louis? Be sure to tell them about “CHAI’ St. Louis,” a new welcome program from Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Newcomers can register at JewishinStLouis.org/ Welcome to receive a welcome package and personal visit to learn about all that St. Louis has to offer.
Get in the
olivegroove
with Jewish Federation of St. Louis.
SEPTEMBER 3, 2015 BUILDING COMMUNITY BLOCK
CONNECTIONS PARTY
Celebrate Jewish Life in St. Louis.
Come see Circus Harmony, Bella & Lilly, Brothers Lazaroff, St. Louis Circle of Jewish Music and much more. Attendance Prizes | Food & Drink (dietary laws observed) Shuttle Buses
6:00 | Nine Network outdoor multi-media plaza pm
3655 Olive Street Just around the corner from the Fox Theatre. SPONSORED BY
And join us before for the
113TH ANNUAL MEETING
Installation of Officers to follow
5:00 pm | Nine Network | 3655 Olive Street Register at BuildJewishSTL.org/Celebrate.
1151
MEDIA SPONSOR
For more information, contact Barbara Levin at 314-442-3752 or OliveGroove@JFedSTL.org.
JProStl, our local association for professionals who work throughout the St. Louis Jewish community, concluded a year-long six-part series on Innovation with Gefilte Fish Tank, based on the ABC TV show, Shark Tank. Six ideas were presented from professionals representing organizations across the spectrum of the Jewish community. The audience participated by texting their comments for all to see. Rabbi Shaya Mintz
of the St. Louis Kollel won first place and the audience favorite. Judges included St. Louisan Talia Bahr Goldfarb whose business, Myself Belts, received funding on Shark Tank along with Kara Newmark, and twins Randy and Jeff Vines. JProStl is supported by the Lubin-Green Foundation, a supporting foundation of Jewish Federation of St. Louis.
GRANT RECIPIENTS FROM WOMEN’S AUXILIARY FOUNDATION FOR JEWISH AGED Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for Jewish Aged, the newest supporting Foundation of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, has announced recipients of their first grant cycle. The Foundation is focused on providing financial support for programs and organizations that ensure the dignity and honor of Jewish elderly in the St. Louis community. The following will receive grants: •
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Alzheimer’s Association-St. Louis Chapter: Alzheimer’s Shabbat To create an opportunity to connect all Jewish people in our community living with any form of memory loss and their families to their synagogue, the Jewish community and to the services of Alzheimer's Association. American Parkinson Disease Association-Greater St. Louis Chapter: Tremble Clefs To allow the APDA-St. Louis Chapter to continue the Tremble Clefs program, which provides therapeutic activities and opportunities for social interaction for people with Parkinson disease through singing. Covenant Place Foundation: Covenant Place Redevelopment Project To preserve Covenant Place, a supportive and affordable residential community for seniors on the Jewish Community's Millstone Campus. The grant will be used to create a warm, open and welcoming environment in the new Covenant Place I building when it opens in April 2016. Crown Center for Senior Living: Circle@Crown Café To help underwrite the cost of operating the Circle@Crown Café. The Circle@Crown Café is an attractive and inviting café/coffee house recently created within the Crown Center. The café is another program of Crown Center–an added method to help seniors live independently by bolstering the factors that prevent decline in the elderly–positively impacting their health and well-being. Jewish Family & Children's Service: ElderLink Expansion To fill the gap of aging adults who are isolated by the nature of their problems such as memory loss or depression and are incapable of following through with recommendations made to them on the phone. This grant will help provide increased advocacy through home visits and in person office consultations, to provide assistance with filling out applications, education regarding durable power of attorney and connecting with resources. St. Louis NORC: Wii in the NORC To offer a new St. Louis NORC activity that will endure over time to promote healthy aging through socialization, mental and physical stimulation for older adults served by St. Louis NORC. The Wii console is a tool that not only is a health-promoting activity, but is fun and also has the capacity to persuasively engage seniors to be active participants. Collaborative effort to create gift bags for elderly members of congregations Women’s Philanthropy and members of the community will make gift bags with these funds for B’nai Amoona, Central Reform Congregation and Temple Emanuel to distribute to their elderly members. This will alleviate feelings of isolation and make elderly members feel more connected to their congregation and the Jewish community. Women’s Auxiliary Foundation has a rich history in the St. Louis Jewish community and has evolved to become a significant source of support for the Jewish aged.
To learn more, visit JFedSTL.org/About-Us/Womens-Auxiliary-Foundation or contact Mindee Fredman at MFredman@JFedSTL.org or 314-442-3734.
YPD Team to Run in JCC Annual Labor Day 5k The Young Professionals Division (YPD) of Jewish Federation of St. Louis has put together a team in preparation for the JCC Annual Labor Day 5k on Monday, September 7. Runners and walkers are invited to sign up for Team Run With YPD at a discounted rate of $10. Registration includes complimentary massages and stretching assistance, snacks and beverages at the finish line, commemorative performance shirt and a day pass to the J. Register with Classy.org/RunWithYPD, an online fundraising platform, to make it easy for your friends and family to support your run. Set a personal goal and receive tips on how to meet your mark. Funds raised will support Jewish Federation of St. Louis, which helps feed the hungry, send children to Jewish day schools and camps, ensure that seniors live vibrant lives and lift families out of poverty. For more information, contact Clayton Merritt at CMerritt@JFedSTL.org.
2015-16 JPROSTL BOARD JProStl welcomes the 2015-16 board with President Levi Landa (Chabad) and Vice Presidents Shannon Rohlman (Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School) and Amy Stone (United Hebrew Congregation) along with 14 other members representing organizations from across the spectrum of the entire St. Louis Jewish Community: Past President Jean Cavender (Holocaust Museum & Learning Center), Committee Chairs Rabbi Ari Kaiman (Congregation B’nai Amoona), Julie Gibbs (Jewish Federation of St. Louis),
Maharat Rori Picker Neis (Congregation Bais Abraham), Randi Schenberg (Crown Center for Senior Living) and Lory Cooper (Jewish Community Center). At-Large members are Rabbi Micah Buck-Yael (JF&CS), Tabari Coleman (ADL), Rachel Lubchansky (H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy), Kelly Richter (Jewish Light), Heather Silverman (NCJW), Rabbi Yitz Staum (Jewish Student Union), Shirley Wise (Jewish Federation of St. Louis) and Leslie Wolf (Congregation Temple Israel).