JFED CONNECTS AN UPDATE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING AT JEWISH FEDERATION
APRIL/MAY 2014
INSIDE The Lady in Number 6 .... 2 Yom HaShoah ................ 2 Art of Women’s Philanthropy.. .................. 2 Experience Israel............. 2 Community Study ........... 3 State Tax Credits for NORC........................ 3 Leaders Talk About Change ................ 3 JPro Announces New Board...................... 4 Sherri Frank Weintrop Honored.................... 4 New Donor Associate ..... 4 Federation is proud to announce the launch of our new website in support of our annual Community Campaign. Visit JFedSTL.org/OurStory to read stories from our community and learn about our impact. You are also invited to share your story on social media using #JFedSTLStory.
JFedSTL.org
From our Vice Chair, Strategic Planning, Greg Yawitz
CONNECTING AND FURTHERING YOUR JEWISH JOURNEY
After serving Federation in a multitude of capacities, Greg Yawitz is stepping down from his current responsibilities to assume the presidency at Congregation Shaare Emeth. We asked him to reflect on his work at Federation. Webster’s Dictionary defines community as a social, religious, occupational or other group sharing common characteristics or interests. Our Jewish community in St. Louis has as its central address Jewish Federation. To some it is “the” Jewish Federation, although to me—and I hope to you—it is “our” Jewish Federation. Whether you are a member of a synagogue, the JCC, a donor, recipient or interested bystander, I want you to see our Federation as a place where you can help, be helped, learn, volunteer, get connected, or in some way enhance your Jewish journey. For me, it started many years ago when I was invited to a Young Professionals Division event at the St. Louis Science Center. There I met a number of people and started forming relationships. Fast forward more than 20 years, and I find myself about to wrap up this current
From our CEO, Andrew Rehfeld
chapter of my journey as vice president of strategic planning, a role I would never have envisioned and certainly never have believed to be as educating and meaningful as it has been so far. Along the way, I have served on a number of committees, task forces and other teams where I hope I have made an impact in the lives of others around St. Louis. Time and space require that I be concise and to the point, which I am not known for it, but I will try. My hope as I move on to another role in the community is that I have inspired others to walk the path I have walked, a path I did not create, but is the path of community. This path is one where people take their time and resources to help others simply because we want to, and not because we are commanded to (or in some cases because we feel guilted into it). If you haven’t tried it, take a few steps on the path and see how it feels. You may just find out you like it more than you expected, and you may be surprised where it leads.
ADVOCATING FOR A SAFE JEWISH WORLD
As we celebrated the liberation of our people from the bondage of slavery, events unfolded in Kansas City and continued to unfold in Ukraine, that reminded us that our history is not always past. The persecution of our people simply because of who we are doesn’t seem to disappear, even here in the United States, where we are more vibrant and esteemed than ever before. That the violence in Kansas City wound up harming only non-Jews is a tragic reminder of this profound acceptance. I was proud of our community’s response. Working closely with the ADL and JCRC, Federation convened our communal leadership and reached out to our synagogues to address security concerns. Local municipalities provided additional protection on Passover. All this occurred behind the scenes, so the response to the tragedy locally was one of sympathy and support for the victims of this senseless act, rather than fear and over-reaction.
Throughout the world, when a crisis emerges, Jewish communities are more often targeted simply for being different. There is increasing concern this is happening in Ukraine. For over a century, Federation has provided resources to respond to crises at a moment’s notice. Working through our partner agencies, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the Jewish Agency for Israel, Federation resources support Jewish life and organizations in Ukraine. As the situation develops, our partners continue to work in effective ways to protect the area’s most vulnerable residents and Jewish institutions, creating lifelines that can be activated in response to the need. Your annual gift makes these responses possible. We also set up a supplemental Ukraine Assistance Fund through which you may add to your annual support. We are people of faith and hope who understand the continuity of our people depends on the security we are able to provide, as well as the community that we build here at home. Our support demonstrates the collective strength of our global Jewish family. They know they are not alone—their story is your story; it is the story of us all.
SEVEN HUNDRED GATHER FOR LOCAL YOM HASHOAH COMMEMORATION Approximately 700 people gathered at United Hebrew Congregation on Sunday, April 27 for the annual Yom HaShoah commemoration. The event, put on by the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center and dedicated to remembering the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, featured testimony from local Holocaust survivors Marie Watnicka Cuttler, Saul Rozen and Miriam Kenisberg Poster. The commemoration also featured a candle-lighting ceremony, an opportunity for survivors to memorialize their loved ones, liturgical readings and prayers, and a procession of Torah scrolls that survived the Holocaust.
ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY TO BE SHOWN AT BRODSKY LIBRARY The first program in the Saul Brodsky Jewish Community Library’s Holocaust Literature Series (sponsored by Bill Solomon in memory of Karen Solomon) will be a screening of the Academy Award-winning short documentary The Lady in Number 6. The film will be screened on Thursday, May 8 at 1:30 pm and followed by a discussion led by Bob Cohn, editor in chief emeritus of the Jewish Light. The film tells the story of Alice Herz-Sommer, the world’s oldest pianist and Holocaust survivor. Music allowed Herz-Sommer, who died recently at age 109, to remain positive and optimistic throughout her life. Reservations are required; please email Brodsky-library@jfedstl.org to reserve your space.
“THE ART OF WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY,” A LION APPRECIATION EVENT, TO BE HELD MAY 15 Like a great work of art, Women’s Philanthropy inspires, sparks creativity and evokes meaningful connections. On Thursday, May 15, Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy will host its 2014 Lion of Judah Appreciation Event at the the art of women’s philanthropy beautiful art-filled home of Galia Movitz. The evening will include a colorful and moving presentation by Andrea Pactor, associate director of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, on the “Art of Women’s Philanthropy.” For more information please contact Julie Gibbs, director of Women’s Philanthropy, at 314-442-3856.
EXPERIENCE ISRAEL ON THE NATIONAL YOUNG LEADERSHIP TRIP Put some soul in your summer! Join like-minded young leaders (25–45 years old) from St. Louis and across the country for an adventure on the National Young Leadership Trip to Israel. Experience the sights and smells of the Jerusalem market, enjoy a bonfire in the desert and feel the energy of Tel Aviv. Spend a day on a focused track of your choice: arts and culture, food and wine, politics, or start-up nation. Plus, visit sites where Federation is changing lives every day. From the city to the desert, touch Israel’s history, get inspired and have the time of your life. The trip will take place June 30 through July 7, 2014. Cost per person, double occupancy, is $2,899; single occupancy is $3,849 (this cost does not include airfare). Jewish Federation of St. Louis requires a minimum gift of $500 to the annual Community Campaign to participate. A very limited number of subsidies may be available. For more information and to register, go to JFedSTL.org/NYLTrip.
FEDERATION CONTINUES TO OFFER STATE TAX CREDITS FOR ST. LOUIS NORC
If 314-442-3790 calls, please pick up your phone, and make your voice heard! Your participation in the St. Louis Community Study is critical to its success! This survey will: • determine the size of our Jewish community; • assess residents’ needs; • inform community planning.
If you get the call, please pick up! Your caller ID will read 314-442-3790 and St. Louis Community Study. The call involves no solicitation. For information about the study, go to JFedSTL.org/CountMeIn or email communitystudy@jfedstl.org. The St. Louis Jewish Community Study is funded in part by a generous gift from Terry and Harvey Hieken. Additional support has been provided by a grant from the Morton J. and Morton D. May Fund of the Greater St. Louis Community Foundation.
LEADERS TALK ABOUT CHANGE More than 100 board members, professionals and community leaders recently attended Millstone Institute training sessions with Lou Feldstein of Dynamic Change Solutions, LLC. The Millstone Institute is a community-wide endeavor to engage and inspire volunteer leaders and professionals. Initiatives are made possible by the Lubin-Green Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, the Millstone Foundation, the Bill Solomon Family, and Mont and Karen Levy. Pictured at the training sessions are (left to right) Sharon Hollander of CRC, Paul Kravitz of the Brodsky Library, Yosef Howley of Torah Prep, Lexie Goldsmith of United Hebrew, Michael Oberlander of the Jewish Federation, and Rabbi Yitz Staum of JSU.
Jewish Federation of St. Louis was awarded $152,334 in Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credits from the state of Missouri, and only $97,000 of that amount remains for donors who want to reduce their state tax liability. The credits assist the Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC), which supports the healthy aging of adults aged 65 years and older in their own homes by providing opportunities for meaningful community involvement and increased access to support services. St. Louis NORC helps seniors with home repairs, safety adaptations, and educational, socialization, and wellness programs to keep residents intellectually stimulated and physically active. NAP, administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, offers a 50% reduction in state business tax liability. In addition, donations are tax deductible, so there is a double tax benefit to giving. Donors must have business income from an S Corp, partnership, rental property income or limited liability corporation to qualify for tax credits. This is a great opportunity for business owners to reduce their state tax liability either in the year of purchase or over a five-year period from date of purchase. To apply or for further information, contact Ken Weintraub, senior development officer, at 314-442-3731 or kweintraub@jfedstl.org.
JPRO ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD JProStl has announced the new board for 2014–2015. This year marks the 10th anniversary for JPro, the association for staff who work in Jewish organizations throughout St. Louis. Officers include president Rabbi Levi Landa of Chabad and vice presidents Michelle Almengor of the JCC and Amy Stone of United Hebrew Congregation. Committee chairs include Shannon Rohlman of Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, Rabbi Ari Kaiman of Congregation B’nai Amoona, Amanda Radman of Temple Israel, Emilie Docter of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, Rori Picker Neiss of Bais Abraham Congregation and Randi Schenberg of the Crown Center for Senior Living. At-large board members are Tabari Coleman of the ADL’s A World of Difference Institute, Robert Colton of Shaare Emeth, Kimmi Levinson of the JCC, Marissa Rosen of NCJW, Phil Ruben of the JCC, Rabbi Yitz Staum of JSU, Emily Thal of Shaare Emeth and Shirley Wise of CAJE. The new board will be installed at the annual JProStl end-of-year event on Wednesday, May 7 at 3:30 pm at the Jewish Federation Kopolow Building. Jean Cavender of the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center, outgoing president, will be honored, along with those completing their terms, including Andrew Goldfeder of the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center, Marcia Mermelstein of Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Mindi Mintz of Torah Prep School, Craig Neuman of the JCC, and Andrew Schwebel of Congregation B’nai Amoona. All JProStl programs are made possible by the generous support of the Lubin-Green Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.
INTRODUCING OUR NEW SERVICES ASSOCIATE
Because we care about you, we’ve added Lauren Maul to our donor services team. Lauren is happy to lend a hand when you have questions, requests, or need help with your pledge. You’re her top priority, so let her know how she can assist you. WHY CALL LAUREN? · Update account information · Pay your pledge · Make your gift · Questions about your giving history · Request statements · Suggestions ABOUT LAUREN Donor Services Associate BS, Public Policy and Management, University of Oregon With Federation since 2012 CONTACT LAUREN lmaul@jfedstl.org or 314-442-3793.
SHERRI FRANK WEINTROP HONORED WITH LION OF JUDAH AWARD Sherri Frank Weintrop has been named the local recipient of the 2014 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award, which will be presented at the International Lion of Judah Conference in New York City in September. The award, named for the founders of the program, honors extraordinary women who have set a high standard for philanthropy, volunteerism and a lifetime of commitment to the Jewish world. Frank Weintrop is involved in Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ Women’s Philanthropy as an Emerald Lion of Judah, was a driving force behind the re-branding of the Jewish Community Foundation of St. Louis, and helped launch “Create a Jewish Legacy,” for which she received a Professional Advisory Award from the St. Louis Planned Giving Council. She serves on Federation’s Board of Directors and the board of Covenant Place. Frank Weintrop is president of Wealth Management Advisors, Inc., a registered investment advisor, and is a certified public accountant, certified financial planner and certified fund specialist. She is married to Daniel Weintrop and has one son, Bryan Weintrop. The Lion of Judah program has brought together women of all ages and from many walks of life to play an essential role in creating social justice, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, preserving human dignity and building Jewish identity. Almost 17,000 women world-wide are Lions of Judah. Previous local recipients of the award, which was established in 2004, include Nancy Siwak, Sheila Greenbaum, Terry Bloomberg, Leslie Litwack and Jane Roodman Weiss.