JFED CONNECTS AN UPDATE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING AT JEWISH FEDERATION OF ST. LOUIS
MARCH/APRIL 2015
INSIDE From Mindee Fredman... 2 Women’s Philanthropy Shower.......................... 2 Innovation Grants ......... 2 JPro Events ................... 3 Millstone Institute Staff Recognized........... 3 Armenian Genocide Lecture.......................... 3 Community Outreach Program........................ 4 Brodsky Library Screening...................... 4 Yom HaShoah ............... 4 HMLC Recognition ....... 4
JFedSTL.org
From our Chair, Patricia Croughan As I wrote this message, I was en route to Israel to attend meetings in our partnership region of Yokneam and Megiddo, and to visit programs in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv that Jewish Federation of St. Louis might consider funding next year. That same evening, the community met in St. Louis to hear the results of the Community Study and begin to understand the needs that may not be met through our current programming. Planning for the Jewish future, both in Israel and at home, is Jewish Federation of St. Louis' mission and challenge, and, as the spring begins, we have much to examine and evaluate. What are our current and most pressing challenges? How best can we meet them? And how can we know that our efforts have meaningful impact? One of the defining characteristics of Jewish Federation of St. Louis is its very
unique partnership between lay and professional leaders. The Community Study, led by volunteer Les Sterman and professional Susan Scribner, involved many hours of work, and I want to congratulate the team of volunteers who worked so closely with Susan. Similarly, our work in Israel, led by volunteer leader Sue Schlichter and professional Stephen Cohen, represents many, many hours of work and travel. Here at home, Jeff Sparks leads the committee on Ensuring the Jewish Future, and Burt Garland heads the committee on Community Engagement. All these committee chairs report to Ruth Raskas, our lay Vice-Chair of Planning and Allocations. As the 2015-16 allocations meetings begin, I want to take this moment to thank all the volunteers who bring so much energy, time and intelligence to this process. Our community is stronger and more effective because of you.
From our CEO, Andrew Rehfeld An excerpt from my remarks at the Community Study event on February 18, 2015. It is said that we are a people of the book. It might just as well be said that we are a counting people, for numbers and counting matter to our tradition in really important ways. There are two tablets, 10 Commandments, 50 days of the omer (the period between Passover and Shavuot). The names we give to our periods of mourning are shiva and shloshim–which in Hebrew literally mean “seven” and “thirty” denoting the number of days these mourning periods last rather than anything about what we do during that time. And it goes on. Our holidays are numeric–our Shabbat is over when we see three stars in the sky. And what about Chanukah?–it takes us eight days to light as many candles! And of course the seder of Passover: we drink four cups of wine, ask four questions, teach about our four children, and recall 10 plagues. Numbers can sometimes do more than just keep track of things, they impart meaning through Gematria, the practice of giving meaning to words by assigning a numerical value to each letter in them–A
or aleph equals one, B or Bet equals two–and so on. Numbers matter to the Jewish people, and they help shape the way we come to view and understand our Jewish world. So now we take a summary look at what may be the most consequential numbers that we have–a study in numbers of the Jewish Community of St. Louis. The study will help us identify the needs of our community and provide new pathways to be more effective. The study will help us do our work based not on what our gut tells us, or what we “know” must be right. But rather on the basis of how the world actually is no matter how hard or easy it may be to recognize. A study that allows us to address some of the most vexing problems facing the American Jewish community in a manner that is grounded in who we are in St. Louis, where we have been, where we now live and relate to the world, and who we have yet to become. We’ve done a lot of great work and we have a lot left to do. This study will take a strong step forward in maintaining a Federation based on a data-driven approach to community development so that we are in a stronger position to know our community, the real challenges we are facing and in order for us to forge a path based on knowledge to a stronger, more vibrant Jewish St. Louis ahead.
From Mindee Fredman, Director of Foundations Agencies recruit these people for board and career opportunities. Over 70 members of the community are proud to call themselves one. Who are these dynamic leaders? They are Rubinites– and you can become one, too! Applications are now open for The Rubin Israel Experience, an all-expense-paid trip for St. Louisans 27 to 45 years old who have never been to Israel. Ten spots are available for potential community leaders who want to see Israel in a fun and meaningful way. The trip, which is underwritten by philanthropists Pam and Ron Rubin, will be held October 11 through 21. This unique 10-day trip, now in its eighth year, was created to bring the Jewish experience full circle, inspiring a deeper connection to the St. Louis community and cultivating leadership. Applications are available at RubinIsrael.org through March 19. The spring is all about renewal and several of our Foundations are starting that process of reinstating grant opportunities for the coming year. The Staenberg Family Foundation, a supporting Foundation of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, is continuing the Anything Grants program after a successful funding cycle last year. The Anything Grants, aimed at helping agencies and organizations raise funds for a variety of needs, will provide funds for projects in the areas of infrastructure, capital improvements, new and ongoing programs, technology and more. The Foundation will award $50,000 in grants to local Jewish organizations, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per grant. Each grant will be equal to 50% of the project budget;
Recently, The Kranzberg Family Foundation, a supporting Foundation of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, awarded $55,000 in grants to 12 Jewish programs for children, teens and young adults for 2015. This is the eighth year the family has gifted grants to next gen programs. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated more than $400,000 to projects that benefit the St. Louis Jewish community. For a list of programs funded, visit JFedSTL.org/Kranzberg-Family-Foundation. Lastly, Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for Jewish Aged is the newest supporting Foundation of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, focused on providing financial support for programs and organizations that ensure the dignity and honor of Jewish elderly in the community at-large. Applications are being accepted through March 26 for the 2015 funding cycle; St. Louis area 501(c)3 organizations with a mission and priority of Jewish elderly in the community at-large are encouraged to apply. To download the application, visit JFedSTL.org/About-Us/Womens-Auxiliary-Foundation. Jewish Federation of St. Louis is committed to developing additional supporting Foundations that contribute to our community. If you would like to learn more about the opportunity to leave your Jewish legacy, please contact me at MFredman@JFedSTL.org. We look forward to continuing to fund programs that keep our values and traditions alive for generations to come.
INNOVATION GRANTS BACK FOR 2015
7TH ANNUAL
SHOWER OUR COMMUNITIES WITH
April 23, 2015
HOSTED BY
WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY SHOWER Benefiting “Economic Empowerment for Women”
SAVE THE DATE
organizations are responsible for raising the remaining 50% from other sources. Anything Grant applications are now closed but learn more at JFedSTL.org/AnythingGrants.
Thursday, April 23 6:30 pm Registration, 7:00 pm Event JCC Staenberg Family Complex, Arts & Education Building
Jewish Federation of St. Louis announces that it will fund another cohort of Innovation Grants in 2015. The grants are designed to stimulate the growth of new ideas that address Jewish education or engagement in the St. Louis Jewish community. The 2015 grants will range from $1,000 to $10,000 and will provide innovators opportunities to experiment and/or test the feasibility and strength of their ideas. Designed to tap the creativity that exists beyond our congregations, agencies and organizations, the grants are available to individuals or groups of individuals who live in St. Louis. Applications are being accepted March 9 through April 30 at JFedSTL.org/Innovation-Grants. For more information, email EBornstein@JFedSTL.org.
INNOVATION GRANTS
The Rubin Israel Experience Take the trip of a lifetime, October 11-21, 2015. The Rubin Israel Experience is a no-cost trip to Israel for St. Louisans 27 to 45 years old who have never been to Israel. Make a deeper connection with Israel, engage in the St. Louis Jewish community and develop leadership skills. Applications open until March 19 at RubinIsrael.org Contact Mindee Fredman at MFredman@JFedSTL.org or 314-442-3734 for additional information. Find out more about the trip at our information session on March 10 at 7 pm, Jewish Federation of St. Louis Kopolow Building, 12 Millstone Campus Drive. RSVP for the session to TSever@JFedSTL.org.
JPROSTL TRAINING LEADS TO GEFILTE FISH TANK FOR JEWISH PROFESSIONALS IN MAY Few skills are as critical for professional development as the ability to share a message, whether at a small meeting or in front of a large audience. On Tuesday, April 14, Maharat Rori Picker Neiss will engage the group in the Power of Presenting from 8:30 am-10:00 am at Jewish Federation of St. Louis Kopolow Building. Rori will share a framework for crafting a speech and participants will practice how to deliver a powerful message with confidence and competence. SAVE THE DATE for JProStl’s first Gefilte Fish Tank, center stage at the JCC Staenberg Family Complex Carl & Helene Mirowitz Performing Arts Center on Thursday, May 14 from 3:00 pm-4:30 pm. Based on the popular TV Show Shark Tank, Gefilte Fish Tank will create energy around new ideas featuring presentations from JProStl colleagues across the community, audience voting technology, “celebrity” judges and prizes. Think you or one of your staff have The Next Big Idea? Online applications to present available at MillstoneSTL.org/Millstone-Initiatives/JProStl. We hope to see you at one (or all) of these opportunities to enhance professional development and strengthen our professional networks. For more information, contact Marci Mayer Eisen at MEisen@JFedSTL.org.
MILLSTONE INSTITUTE STAFF RECOGNIZED FOR TWO HONORS Jewish Federation of St. Louis professional staff, Marci Mayer Eisen, Director of the Millstone Institute, and Karen Sher, Senior Program Associate are both being honored for their leadership in the St. Louis Jewish community. Marci received the Community Leadership Award from the St. Louis Kollel at their Jewish Unity Live event on February 22 in recognition of the impact of the Millstone Institute and JProStl throughout the community. Karen is being honored by Nishmah: St. Louis Jewish Women’s Project as Founding Board President and her continued role as a leader in the community in honor of Nishmah’s 10th Anniversary. Millstone Institute strengthens the culture of the Jewish community through professional and volunteer leadership collaborations, training and networking and was a 2015 recipient of the Slingshot Fund Award for Innovation.
HMLC LECTURE: A CENTENARY OF SURVIVAL: ENDURING LESSONS AND LEGACIES OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE On Wednesday, March 19 at the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center at 7:00 pm, Dr. Nicole Vartanian will discuss the history and lessons of the Armenian Genocide. Between 1915 and 1923, one and a half million Armenians were murdered, or perished from harsh treatment and death marches. By 1923, Armenians had been completely eliminated from Asia Minor and historic Western Armenia. Three decades later, this systematic ethnic cleansing would be described as “genocide” by Raphael Lemkin. Educational materials regarding the Armenian Genocide will be provided. A light reception will follow the presentation and dietary laws will be observed. Dr. Nicole E. Vartanian is Acting Executive Director of the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) headquartered in New York City and Yerevan, Armenia. Having been awarded a U.S. Fulbright Scholarship to Armenia, Dr. Vartanian also serves on the advisory boards of The Genocide Education Project and the Columbia University Armenian Center, Columbia University. Dr. Vartanian is Adjunct Assistant Professor at Hunter College, where she is instructing a graduate seminar on Multicultural Education. This program is free and open to the public, though reservations are requested. To RSVP, please call 314-442-3711 or email AGoldfeder@JFedSTL.org. Sponsored by the Rubin and Gloria Feldman Family Education Institute of the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center, the Metro St. Louis Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial, the Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation and the Jewish Community Relations Council.
2015 ST. LOUIS YOM HASHOAH COMMEMORATION PLANNED FOR APRIL 19
Lend your hands and your hearts
Please join us for a special community service opportunity to enhance the holidays for our community members living in care facilities. We will be making Seder Plates to be delivered to these individuals for Passover. Continue the celebration at a special Passover program at Parc Provence March 29 at 2:30 pm 605 Coeur De Ville Court St. Louis, MO 63141 Volunteers and family members, including children, are welcome to participate.
Monday, March 23, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm Jewish Federation of St. Louis Kopolow Building 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, MO 63146
Wednesday, March 25, 10:30 am-12:00 pm Jewish Federation of St. Louis Kopolow Building 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, MO 63146
“Liberation and Survival: Where do I go now?” will be the focus of Yom HaShoah commemoration on Sunday, April 19, 2015. The Holocaust Remembrance Day event will feature eyewitness accounts of the Shoah from survivors and witnesses. The program will also include a traditional candle-lighting service, Holocaust Torah procession, liturgical readings and prayers. Join the community-wide commemoration at Kol Rinah Congregation, 829 N. Hanley Road, beginning at 4:00 pm. For further information, go to HMLC.org or call 314-442-3714. Generously sponsored by Sara and Leo Wolf.
RSVP by March 20 at WP.JFedSTL.org/ServiceProject For questions, RLucier@JFedSTL.org or 314-442-3751 2015 HONOREE IMPROVING RACIAL EQUALITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM AND LEARNING CENTER
BRODSKY LIBRARY TO SCREEN WHEN COMEDY WENT TO SCHOOL The Saul Brodsky Jewish Community Library’s “Monday Night at the Movies” series will conclude with a screening of When Comedy Went to School, on Monday, March 9 at 7:00 pm. This documentary is a portrait of the Catskills and the greatest generation of Jewish comics, including Jerry Lewis, Sid Caesar, Jackie Mason, Mort Sahl and Jerry Stiller, all of whom make appearances in the film sharing hilarious and personal experiences. The film will be shown at Jewish Federation of St. Louis Kopolow Building, 12 Millstone Campus Drive. Movie snacks and drinks will be served. Admission is $5.00 per person; free to Friends of the Library. Reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, call 314-442-3720 or email Brodsky-Library@JFedSTL.org.
The Holocaust Museum and Learning Center is a 2015 recipient of a “What’s Right With the Region!” award from FOCUS St. Louis. This prestigious recognition comes as HMLC celebrates their 20th anniversary this year. The Museum was selected in the category entitled Improving Racial Equality and Social Justice. The award ceremony is Thursday, May 7 from5:00 pm-8:00 pm at The Sheldon.