Miraculous
Awesome
Treasure
Emuna Salaam
Terrific
Educational
Motivational
Magnificent
Empowering Wow Blessed
Enlightening
Reaffirming Impactful
Magical
Engaging
Beyond
Mind expanding
Phenomenal Unbelievable Memorable Outstanding Priceless
Personal challenge
Inspirational
Fulfilling
Soulful
Fantastic
Indescribable
Insightful
Emotional
Intense
Remarkable G-d given
Passion
Interesting
Unforgettable
Mind blowing
Powerful
The best
Invigorating
Exhilarating
Reassuring Holistic Discovery
Meaningful
Amazing Spiritual
Wonderful
Reaffirming Huge Uncovering
Great
Cool
Beautiful
Bonding
Guiding
Unbelievable Uplifting
Excellent
Wisdom-filled
Good
Grounding
Refreshing
BAM!
Discovery
Growth
Reflection
Fun
Well done
Healing
Freeing
Profound
LifeEyeChanging Transformational opening Deep
Fabulous Enriching
Incredible Connection Awakening Stunning
Spectacular
Thought-provoking
Sababa
Extraordinary
Evolve Deep rooted
Very important
Moving
2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project
“ Inspire a woman, you inspire a family. Inspire enough families, you inspire a community. Inspire enough communities, and you can change the world.�
To our Supporters and Partners:
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.� As you will see inside, 2013 can only be described as a dream come true, but it is a dream that all of us have worked so very hard to pursue. Not only did we bring close to 1,200 women to Israel from 11 different countries, bringing our grand total to date to 3,900, and not only have we seen incredible changes in our partnering communities as a direct result of the JWRP, and not only have we increased the amount and diversity of our partnering organizations, but the Israeli Government noticed and came calling. This past summer, we were approached by the Israel Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, as they were investigating who was doing the best work in helping Jewish communities outside of Israel. Thus began a series of meetings. They were so impressed with the results and potential of the JWRP that they voted to partner with us, with the goal of doubling our numbers in 2014! And, they said, that is just the beginning. Together we will increase the amount of money raised to expand the number of participants, partnering countries and increase the diversity of our partnering organizations. We will also develop a more robust, interactive website, and more effective follow-up programming. This partnership will allow countries and organizations who were on our waiting list to now join together with us, sending women and being part of this project that has so quickly turned into a movement. It will also allow us to expand into countries whose Jewish communities are in particular peril in every way. We know that the JWRP can make a difference, and turn the tide of the dramatic assimilation facing communities everywhere. This JWRP would not be where we are today without you. We look to you, not as a donor, but as a partner. Together we had a dream, you invested in that dream, and the Israeli government is partnering with us to make that dream come true. Our gratitude to you knows no bounds. Let us move forward together, and together, with the help of The Almighty, we can make history.
Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013 I 1
Purpose. Mission. Vision.
The Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project PURPOSE: To empower Jewish women to change the world
MISSION: To empower women to change the world through Jewish values that transform ourselves, our families and our communities
VISION: To create a safe, responsible and compassionate world
2 I Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013
J
oin Jewish women from all over the world for the journey of a lifetime, to reawaken the passion and commitment that have been the legacy of the Jewish people for the last 4,000 years.
The Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP) was established in 2008 with the purpose of empowering Jewish women to change the world. Our mission is to empower women to change the world through Jewish values that transform ourselves, our families and our communities. Our highly subsidized trips to Israel offer women a special gift — an eight-day, action-packed experience that informs and inspires through living and learning Jewish values. Women travel together, grow as a group and continue their journey back to their communities as sisters, after having shared this significant educational and experiential gift. They now share a common vision of family values, community responsibility, and personal development to reach their potential as Jewish women, wives, mothers and leaders. The JWRP has brought over 3,900 women from 84 cities and 13 countries. In 2014, we plan to bring 1,900 more women from around the world, bringing the total numbers to 71 cities and 18 countries.
MEET LORI PALATNIK Lori Palatnik, author, international speaker and media personality is the Founding Director of the JWRP. Lori lectures all over the world and has been featured at prestigious universities such as Yale, University of Pennsylvania, Brown and the American University. In 2013, Lori was named one of the "Ten Women to Watch" by Jewish Women International (JWI). A proud native of Toronto, she currently resides with her family outside of Washington, DC. She has five children, ranging in ages from 25 to 15. Her 25-year-old daughter made aliya and her 23-year-old son served in the IDF.
From left, top: Dana Sicherman, Lori Palatnik, Rebecca Lambert, Cindy Zitelman; Bottom: Manette Mayberg, Michelle Leader, Lara Lakenbach, Jeanie Milbauer
“The Utah 8”
I
n February 2008, eight Jewish women came together from all walks of life and traveled to Utah for a four-day retreat. The group consisted of married, single, older, younger, observant and non-observant women, and all agreed the values of the world were spiraling out of control. The result is the deterioration of family, community and the very fabric of the Jewish people. They had one mission: to create a movement that brings values back to the world. And, just as Jewish women were the leadership of the feminist movement in the 1970’s that created real social change, so too, Jewish women must be the leaders in a new social movement based on Jewish values. Thus, the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP) was born.
Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013 I 3
Original Goals and Current Outcomes Connect tens of thousands of Jewish women to their Jewish identity so they can inspire their families and communities. › Since the summer of 2009,
over 3,900 women have connected to their
Judaism on these high-impact trips. In 2013, 1,200 spots were sold out in 10 days. Unite a network of outreach organizations to help realize our mission. › Over the past 5 years, we have partnered with over
97 organizations from 18 countries.
Create a solid follow-up system to ensure real change.› Our expert staff helps partnering organizations create, implement and monitor high-impact educational and social follow-up in each city. In conjunction with our partnering organizations, we are creating an innovative follow-up curriculum to build on the trip inspiration.
Inspire women to take a leadership role in impacting other women. › JWRP participants are active in recruiting, raising money, organizing events/speakers and are engaged in their Jewish communities. In February 2014, 120 women from five countries attended our second annual JWRP Leadership Conference in the Washington, DC area, empowering them with tools to transform their home communities. 4 I Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013
Meet Ben Pery Our New Executive Director
Our Executive Board of Directors MeetMeet Our Board of Directors Manette Mayberg, President Manette’s passions are her family and philanthropic work, primarily Jewish outreach and education. Co-founder of the JWRP, its incoming Board President; an executive board member of the Hebrew Academy; Chair of the Capital Campaign for the Yeshiva of Greater Washington’s Arcola campus; and her newest philanthropic initiative is the Jewish Education Innovation Challenge (JEIC). Manette and her husband, Louis, are known for their support of a wide variety of Jewish and Israel causes, and for hosting many events in their homes in Silver Spring, Maryland and in Jerusalem, Israel, including Manette’s brainchild, the Shalva Annual Celebrity Chef Dinner. They are the parents of David, 21; Brielle, 19; Nathaniel,16; and Yacova, 11. Jeanie Milbauer, Immediate Past President A lawyer turned Jewish community activist, Jeanie is a co-founder, and outgoing Board President of the JWRP; has served on the board of the Jewish Primary Day School of the Nation’s Capital; helped launch Aura, a DC Jewish women’s networking group; is a trustee of the Tikkun Olam Women’s Foundation; and founding supporter of the Hope for Henry Foundation, whose mission is to support children in the hospital who face life threatening illnesses. Jeanie is mother to Samantha, 16; Bryan, 14; and Ally, 12; and is a current member of Adas Israel Congregation, a conservative synagogue in Washington, DC. Cindy Zitelman, Treasurer Cindy, a graduate of the University of Maryland, gave up her career in advertising to devote her time and energy to volunteer work. She is Treasurer and co-founder of the JWRP and sits on its executive board; active board member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, co-chairing a program that strengthens the connection between the Greater Washington community, and its partner region of Beit Shemesh in Israel; past President of the DC Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA); and co-founding board member of the Alef Bet Montessori school. Cindy and her husband, Rick, are the proud parents of three daughters, Shelby, Jackie (son-in-law,Omri), and Amy. They reside in Rockville, Maryland and Jerusalem, Israel. Michelle Leader, Secretary Many years ago, when her two boys started school, Michelle, a former registered nurse, decided to continue her mission of helping others by becoming a professional volunteer to help support the education and activities of her sons, and her Judaism. She is Secretary and founding member of the JWRP, and sits on its executive board; served on Congregation Beth Emeth’s congregational and sisterhood boards; and was a director of The Israel Project board. Michelle is a trustee of the Leader Family Foundation, active in supporting a range of Jewish and Israel-related causes. She and her husband, Len, and boys Brandon, 26 and Jared, 22, frequently travel to Israel and Park City, Utah, making incredible memories with their family.
Heaven sends the solution, even before the challenge. Ben joined as Executive Director in April 2013. Three months later, the Israeli government approached us to create a Joint Project. Hebrew government contracts were all Greek to us, but for Ben, it was what he was born to do. Ben is an Israeli international corporate lawyer, but from 20072013, served as V.P. of Operations at the “Peres Center for Peace,” overseeing the construction of their new building in Jaffa, spearheading numerous social projects, all while managing the internal and external organizational operations and staff. Ben had the privilege of working closely with Israel’s president, Mr. Shimon Peres, and his inner team of advisors. Ben now lives in the Washington, DC area, along with his wife, Holly, and their three year old Alexandra. We are blessed to have him.
Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013 I 5
Ministry for Jerusalem & Diaspora Affairs Jerusalem, 02/02/2014
Diaspora Department
To the Supporters and Partners of the JWRP: The State of Israel cares deeply about the Jewish people throughout the world. The Ministry for Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs wholeheartedly believes that the State of Israel has a responsibility for the Jewish Diaspora. In the summer of 2013, our Ministry was on a mission to find out how we could best strengthen these Jewish communities. We discovered a new organization called the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project that was doing outstanding work, primarily targeting an important market that a community needs to reach: the Jewish mother. After much research and investigation we concluded that the JWRP was the organization we have been looking for. We were extremely impressed with their concept, results and the high caliber and passion of their staff, board members and supporters. The Joint project was approved by all the government officials, and so was created the partnership in which the government is financially invested in the success of the program. Our joint venture with JWRP is one of our Ministry’s key projects for 2014. We believe that this is just the beginning of a great partnership. With our guidance, we want the JWRP not only to increase their numbers, but also their reach and impact. That is why, together, we will help develop follow-up materials and programs and engage more communities who are particularly at risk. We urge current and new supporters to join with us and be part of this project that is quickly turning into a movement, one so desperately needed by Jewish communities throughout the world.
Margarita Spichko Diaspora Coordinator Ministry for Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs
6 I Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013
Welcome New Trip Leaders to the JWRP Team With the partnership with the Israeli government and the expansion of our 2014 trips, the JWRP welcomes new trip leaders: Adrienne Gold Adrienne was a fixture on Canadian Television for over 15 years, both as host of her own daily fashion and beauty program, and as a regular contributor on scores of others. Her direct, no holds barred approach and her disarming humor won her a large and loyal viewership! About 15 years ago Adrienne’s family began the journey to re-claim their Jewish spiritual roots, and she found herself more interested in matters of substance rather than matters of style. She left television and today is an international lecturer and a popular teacher at The Village Shul in Toronto. She is a popular JWRP City Leader and is now stepping into the role as Trip Leader. Nili Couzens Teaching and inspiring Jewish audiences of all types for almost 20 years, Nili Couzens has lectured in Israel, South Africa, Central America and cities across the US, including universities such as Penn, Tufts and Brandeis. As part of her outreach work she has been organizing and leading trips to Israel for 16 years. Currently, she is the co-Founder and Director of Jewish Life Seminars (JLS), an outreach organization in Philadelphia that reaches thousands of Jews across the community spectrum. Nili lives in Philadelphia with her husband and children, is an experienced JWRP City Leader, Trip Director and now Trip Leader.
Charlie Harary Charles “Charlie” Harary is an American investor, strategic advisor and professor who has gained fame as a motivational speaker, radio show host, and television personality. He led our first JWRP Men’s Trip to rave reviews. Here is what one of the JWRP husbands said at the end: “Thank you. You are changing lives, the course of Jewish history, and the course of world history. My whole perspective on Israel, Judaism and Jewish history has been impacted in a major way! Charlie Harary — this guy needs to be on every mission trip — he is the BEST! Clone Charlie!”
Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013 I 7
ARGENTINA
GUATEMALA
BUENOS AIRES Kehilla de Vale Menora
GUATEMALA CITY Guatemala Jewish Community
ISRAEL AUSTRALIA MELBOURNE Jewish Women’s Awakenings
BRAZIL SAO PAULO Aish Brazil
JERUSALEM Aish Israel WESTERN GALILEE The Jewish Agency P2G
GEORGIA Atlanta — Atlanta Scholars Kollel
MEXICO
ILLINOIS Chicago — Chicago Torah Network Deerfield — L’Chaim Center for Inspired Jewish Living
CALGARY Calgary Kollel
MEXICO CITY Aish Mexico Comunidad Sefardi Kehila Ashkenazi de Mexico Shaarei Bina
MONTREAL JEMS
PANAMA
CANADA
OTTAWA Jewish Education Through Torah (JET) TORONTO Aish Toronto Thornhill Woods Shul Village Shul Forest Hill Jewish Centre Westmount Learning Center NCSY JInspire — Toronto VANCOUVER Schara Tzedeck
CHILE SANTIAGO Aish Chile
COLOMBIA BOGOTA Kolel Magen David
COSTA RICA SAN JOSE Aish Costa Rica
GREECE ATHENS WIZO
FLORIDA Boca Raton — JEC Jacksonville — Etz Chaim Miami — Aish South Florida Greater Miami Jewish Federation West Palm Beach — Gardens Jewish Experience
PANAMA CITY Shevet Ahim Panama
RUSSIA MOSCOW Ohaley Yakov ST. PETERSBURG Jewish Family Center Adain Lo
UNITED STATES ARIZONA Phoenix Community Kollel CALIFORNIA Los Angeles — Aish LA Los Angeles — EdJewcate Palo Alto — Jewish Study Network San Diego — Adat Yeshurun COLORADO Denver — Aish Denver Denver — Denver Community Kollel Denver — The Jewish Experience Jewish Federation of Colorado WASHINGTON, DC Aish DC Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
INDIANA Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indy Indianapolis — Indy Jewish Experience Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis KANSAS Jewish Federation of Kansas City Kansas City — Kansas City Kollel MARYLAND ★ Baltimore — Etz Chaim Silver Spring — Siman Tov MASSACHUSSETTS Boston — Eim Chai Combined Jewish Philanthropies MICHIGAN Detroit — Aish Detroit The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit MINNESOTA Minneapolis —Aish Minnesota Minneapolis Jewish Federation MISSOURI St. Louis — Aish St. Louis NEW JERSEY Bergen — JInspire East Brunswick – Torah Links East Windsor — Shalom Heritage Center Lakewood — Jinspire Monmouth — Torah Links Passaic — JInspire
NEW YORK Brooklyn — Jinspire Long Island — Jinspire Manhattan – The Beis Manhattan – Jinspire Queens — JInspire Queens — Jewish Heritage Center of Queens and Long Island Rochester – Light of Israel Rockland – Jinspire White Plains – Jewish Renaissance Experience NEVADA Henderson – Ahavas Torah Center Las Vegas — Young Israel/ Aish Las Vegas NORTH CAROLINA Charlotte — Charlotte Torah Center OHIO Cincinnatti — Sarah’s Place Cleveland — Aish Cleveland Cleveland — Jewish Family Experience (JFX) Columbus — Columbus Mikvah/ Columbus Community Kollel Dayton — Chabad of Greater Dayton Jewish Federation of Cleveland New Albany — Chabad of Columbus OREGON Portland — Portland Kollel /NCSY PENNSYLVANIA Bensalem — Bensalem Outreach Center Philadelphia — Aish Philadephia Philadelphia — CBS Community Center Philadelphia — Jewish Life Seminars RHODE ISLAND Providence — Providence Community Kollel
TEXAS Dallas — Dallas Area Torah Association (DATA) El Paso — Jewish Education El Paso (JEEP) Houston — Bellaire Jewish Center Houston — Torah Outreach Center (TORCH) Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas VIRGINIA Richmond — Keneseth Beth Israel Norfolk — Tidewater Federation Northern VA — NOVA Jewish Experience WASHINGTON Seattle — Seattle Kollel
UKRAINE ODESSA Tikva
SOUTH AFRICA CAPE TOWN Professional Beit Midrash DURBIN Umhlanga Jewish Day School JOHANNESBURG Aish South Africa
TURKEY ISTANBUL 70pencere Turkey
Federation Partnership
W
hen local Federations partner with the JWRP, their women visit their sister city/project in Israel for one afternoon/evening. They see first-hand the work of their local Federation. The results from our one year later survey of women who went to Israel with JWRP in 2012 have shown: ›2 6% of the women visited their Federation Partnership City on the trip ›O f those who went to their partnership city, 71% of them had never had a connection to their local Federation
“ You cannot describe this trip in one word, it would be unfair. Awesome, incredible, great, exhilarating, don't begin to describe what this trip was for me. I enjoyed it through body, soul and heart.”
Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Boston, MA The Jewish Agency P2G Jewish Federation of Cleveland
›3 6% subsequently increased their volunteerism with their local Federation
Jewish Federation of Colorado
›4 3% increased their attendance at local Federation events
Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
›3 3% increased their financial support of their local Federation
Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas
Jewish Federation of Detroit Jewish Federation of El Paso Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis Jewish Federation of Jacksonville Jewish Federation of Kansas City Jewish Federation of Los Angeles Jewish Federation of Minneapolis
“ Words cannot describe the experience of stepping into a legacy I didn’t know I had. It awoke a longing in my core, and a BELONGING I’ve never felt so strongly before.”
Jewish Federation of Tidewater
Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013 I 9
Making it All Happen
How We Reach Our Target Market › Women apply online through the JWRP website, www.jwrp.org
“The journey we began together could not have been more special! Through the laughter and tears I have looked at the life I have lived and now the life I hope to live..I told many of you that I thought being Jewish was part of who I am but that somewhere as I process the learning and the sharing there is a much deeper meaning on living Jewish.”
› Each woman must complete a personal interview with the organizational leader to determine if they qualify for the trip. Some of the attributes we are looking for include:
10 I Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013
• Has children at home (90% of women accepted must have children at home under the age of 18. Impact the women; impact the children.) • Has leadership potential • Lives in a city with an outreach organization to ensure follow-up • Can travel well in a group situation, both physically and emotionally • Not presently Shomer Shabbat
Trip Staffing To handle both the growing number of participants, while increasing our impact, we have designed a new staff structure for every trip: ›B us Leader: Is personable and organized, on the mic, giving instructions, setting the tone for the trip, encouraging women to come up and share their thoughts and feelings, leading the women in song, etc… › City Leader: For every 10 women sent from a city, they must also send a leader, usually a Rebbetzin and/or Lay Leader. She is the one who bonds with her women, answers their questions, and is there for counsel. She also will lead the follow-up upon return. › Madricha: Women cannot return the next year as a participant, but they can return as a madricha (leader) if they join the Madricha Track once they are back in their cities. To qualify as a madricha, a woman must learn weekly, one-on-one, and show she has taken responsibility in her community (recruiting, fundraising, volunteering, etc…). ›M adrichim: Every bus is staffed with one young man who shleps, packs and trouble-shoots for us.
Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013 I 11
The Men's Trip The Men’s Trip
F
irst we heard from the women: “My husband has to see this and hear this!” Then we heard from our partnering organizations: “We need help engaging the husbands.” Then we began to hear from the husbands themselves: “We are behind our wives, we don’t understand, please do a trip for us.” As a test, we opened up 90 spots for men to our partnering organizations. We had 250 requests in 48 hours. Clearly there is a huge need. Led by lawyer and business entrepreneur, Charlie Harary and Rabbi Yaakov Palatnik, 90 men came on the very first JWRP Men’s Trip, and it was a grand slam, out of the park home run success. The Men’s Trip has quickly risen as one of the greatest follow-up programs for the women, as it brings the husbands into the journey their wives have begun, lifting the family together, as it should be.
“ This trip has made me see the glory of Israel, see the connection and resolve to be a bigger part or the Jewish community. My life has changed. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” — 2013 Men’s Trip Participant
12 I Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013
Husbands Inspired Has this trip helped you to understand your wife’s JWRP experience? › “ I now know why my wife pushed me out the door. At the time it was a surprise, now I get it. She came back on such a high and with such deep relationships. How did it happen? Now I found out. Now we are both inspired. I haven’t gotten home yet, but I already feel closer to her.” › “I have, and I believe we will have a better and deeper spiritual relationship because we were BOTH on this trip.” › “Can’t wait to revisit our conversations and experiences with a deeper sense of understanding.” › “ Yes. It allowed me to “feel” Israel and Judaism. It explained her desire to grow. She recently went to the mikvah, and now I understand.”
“ I know that Americans say, ‘What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.’ But for all of us, what happens in Israel with the JWRP comes right back to our homes.”
Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013 I 13
Second Annual JWRP Leadership Conference
Margarita Spichko, Diaspora Coordinator
Ministry for Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs
I
t is a Jewish value to take responsibility. The JWRP Leadership Conference is a tool to engage and train leaders, and draws upon our top participants and professional staff of our partnering organizations. These are the people we have seen have potential to rise to the top in their communities, and we are here to help them succeed. Results from 2013 JWRP Leadership Conference: The incredible results of last year’s conference, gave real tools for leadership to all those in attendance, from harnessing social media to fundraising: › Ottawa attendees went back and formed a new steering committee called Ottawa 613 JWRP Alumni, wrote and received a grant from the local Federation for a campaign called, “From Head to Heart to Helping Hand,” bringing educational and social programming to the community. › Cleveland’s “Aishet Chayil” was brought to a new level of cooperative leadership, working as a team to create educational and social events to inspire the Jewish women of the community, bringing separate organizations together for a common goal. › Jewish Women of East Brunswick (JWEB) in New Jersey, created a new leadership team in order to further its goals of inspiring Jewish women. 14 I Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013
2014 LEADERSHIP AWARDS
THE JWRP PAMELA CLAMAN LEADERSHIP AWARD
Edna Jaffa Cleveland THE JWRP OUTSTANDING CITY LEADER AWARD
Judith Friedman Indianapolis THE JWRP LAY LEADER AWARD
Summer Pailet Dallas
JWRP Values Partnership “If We Work Together, We Can Do So Much More.” The JWRP believes passionately that we can all accomplish so much more, if only we could find a way to work together. Thank Israeli Soldiers (TIS), an organization that educates, embraces and empowers the soldiers of today...the leaders of tomorrow. Our participants are told ahead of time that they will be visiting an IDF base as part of their JWRP experience, and are asked to bring practical gifts for the soldiers (socks, deodorant, baseball caps, etc…) and letters from their kids, thanking the brave young men and women for protecting us all. They add all of these to bags of gifts that TIS provides. Not only is the visit a highlight, but it also exposes all of our participants to the fine work of this organization. Most of the women choose to “Pay It Forward” and sponsor a gift bag for the next group to add to. Many have become donors to TIS, with several theming their kids’ Bar and Bat Mitzvahs to support the IDF.
Other organizations that we partner with include: ›S halva — The Association for Mentally & Physically Challenged Children in Israel. ›K far Yeladim — a home-away-from-home for Israel’s disadvantaged children-orphans, victims of abuse and neglect. ›Y ad Lakashish — Lifeline for the Old gives more than 300 of Jerusalem’s needy elderly and disabled a sense of purpose and self-worth through creative work opportunities. ›O neFamily — Supporting families of victims of terror. These and other organizations are grateful to the JWRP for exposing our thousands of participants to their very worthy organizations.
Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013 I 15
Follow-up Success
T
he success of the trips is dependent upon the effectiveness of the follow-up. We carefully partner with organizations who have the staff to implement ongoing programming that will capitalize on the excitement and desire to grow, that every woman has upon her return. Requirements: ›A reunion within 30 days of return, the date is set before they even depart on the trip. ›A written follow-up plan they submit to the JWRP. ›P artner Organizations must implement certain classes, Israel connection programs, and social action events related to their local Jewish community. Partners will be provided with a new JWRP Follow-Up Curriculum. ›S ubmission of quarterly reports on what events and classes took place, and how many of the women attended. ›P articipation on monthly City Leader conference calls to share their challenges and successes; getting help and ideas from one another. ›P osting and accessing our “Partner Website and Forum.” ›P artners in Torah — Every participant has the opportunity to pursue their desire to study one-on-one, either in person or on the phone. Participants will be directly engaged by the JWRP through the new JWRP website that is now in development. Video classes taught by JWRP City Leaders and speakers, blogs, and a host of educational materials on Judaism and Israel so there is always an opportunity to learn more and be involved. All of this is overseen by our Director of Programs and Leadership Development, Ruth Baars. 16 I Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013
Post-Trip Survey from our 2013 Trips Last Day of the Trip
A
survey is given to all the participants on the last day of the trip. This survey collects results on every trip, class, speaker and venue that women experienced during the trip. This information helps us continue to fine-tune our program. At the end of the survey, we asked how the trip has impacted them and the results are‌
2013
GivenConnection me a deeperto connection to Israel Deeper Israel
99%
Deeper Understanding of Judaism of Judaism Given me a better understanding
99%
Deepened Jewish Pride Deepened my Jewish pride
99%
Inspired me to want me learn moreto learn more Inspired to want
98%
Inspired me Jewish to increase my Jewish observance nspired me to Increase Observance
97%
0
20
40
60
80
100 Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013 I 17
One Year Later — How Their Lives Have Changed
“ I was able to see the land I love so intimately through the eyes of a mother. I appreciated every bit of information, every place we went. I needed to gather the information because I was going to be the messenger for my husband and children.”
100
80
86%
97% 97% 94%
92%
89%
83% 82%
83% 82%
95%
76% 74%
76%
90% 89% 90%
88% 87% 75% 75% 74%
66%
60
58% 49%
40
43% 43% 44%
42% 39%
42% 29% 27%
20
0
Being Jewish Being Jewish is more important to me
Youth Group
Have put my kids in youth group
Financial Support
Increased my financial support of my local Jewish community
Volunteerism Increased my volunteerism in my local Jewish community
Friends to Israel Considering Moving to Israel Attendance at Services
Encouraged family and friends to go to Israel
■ 2010 ■ 2011 ■ 2012 * Of the 87% of participants who increased their observance of mitzvot
18 I Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013
Plan to return to Israel
Increased my attendance at Jewish services
Mitzvot Increased my observance of mitzvot
Shabbat Increased my observance of Shabbat*
Kashrut Increased my observance of kashrut*
Jewish Study Increased my Jewish study
Increase in Jewish activity for children
How the trip has affected who I want to marry
Volunteering 27%
Jewish Youth Group
80%
Trip to Israel
18%
Sunday School
20%
Volunteerin
Youth Group
14%
■ Widowed or Divorced
Other (Shabbat observance, synagogue attendance, Torah learning, volunteering)
15% of JWRP Participants are not married
Sunday School
25%
Trip to Israel Connected Jewishly at a post-secondary level
Secondary
17%
Trip to Israe
0
0
5
10
15
20
experience changed what 25The JWRP 30I am looking for in a spouse
20
0
40% 60% 81%
20
40
60
80
100
82% of JWRP participants would encourage husbands to go on a JWRP Men’s Mission
Husband Involvement
60
■ Yes ■ No
55%
40
19%
Youth Grou
70%
Now looking for someone who is learning and growing in their Judaism
Husband Involvement
Sunday Sch
86%
Now looking for someone who is more committed in their Judaism
Been to Israel since wife’s return
Secondary
■ Have never been married
Likelihood of the participant’s husbands to go
“ Thank you kindly for this amazing opportunity, thank you for making me feel one of yours, just the way ‘I AM.’ May God continue to bless your organization and that more women can have this amazing experience in their lifetime.”
80
Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013 I 19
See How We Have Grown 2009 2009
› Women
300
2010 2010
600
“ You opened my eyes to Judaism. You have made me a better woman, mother, wife – you brought God into my life again. I want to pass this insight to others, so the Jewish people survive.”
900
2011 2011
800**
2012 2012
1200* 1165
2013
2013
2014*
0
85
200
400
365*
600
800
1000
1200
100
1900*
90*
■ Number of women participants ■ Number of men participants
80
* projected ** C ancellations due to military hostilities in Israel — November and December (Operation Pillar of Defense)
71*
60 48
40 20 0
46 40
32
“Most incredible experience of my life, other than getting married and having children.”
71
33 23
19
18*
11
3
Cities
6
7
Cities
20 I Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013
11
Countries
Countries
■ 2009 ■ 2010 ■ 2011 ■ 2012 ■ 2013 ■ 2014* * projected
8
12 Organizations
Organizations
Ten Outstanding Jewish Women Role Models Honored
JWRP in the
news
Educator Helps Jewish Mo thers
Connect to Their Faith
JWRP — A Participant In NCSY's Jewish Women's Renaissance Project Trip Expresses Her Thanks
B'nai Israel Shares It's Synagogue Grant with Women in the Community
'Pew Possibilities' Israel Trip Changes Women's Lives
Eat, Pray, Love, Connect
t Aimed a o Israel daism t ip r T en Join s to Ju CT Wom ening Their Tie h t Streng
Visiting Speaker Has Passion for Connecting Jewish Women with Israel
St. Louis ey Inspires Israel Journ e More Jewishly Liv Women to
Birthright — For Your Mom?
s for Israel Again! Bergen JWRP Head
Israel Trip a 'Birt hright for the M ature'
Israel Trip Offers a
Educator Palatnik to speak about the 'secret power' of Jews
Birthright for Moms: Reconn ecting with Ju daism
Women of Dallas Jewish ative for Group m or sf an Tr is ip Israel Tr Spiritual Boost Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013 I 21
Exciting
New Initiatives in 2014
Jewish Women Unite! Cleveland, December 2014 The JWRP is creating a movement that will unite, and not divide. Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Unaffiliated—96 Cleveland women will fill two buses for a bold and exciting Unity Trip, with partners from all sectors of the community, including: › Moms of the Solomon Schechter Day School › The Mandel Jewish Community Center › Aish Cleveland › Jewish Federation of Cleveland
JCC Pre-School Moms, July 2014 Tens of thousands of families put their kids in Jewish pre-schools, but then do not choose a Day School education. The JWRP is partnering with the JCC of Greater Washington, bringing 18 pre-school moms to Israel for an experience that may inspire different choices. Don’t worry, they are not leaving their children, they are going for their children.
22 I Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013
New Partners New Countries The JWRP welcomes new groups of women from Australia, Greece, Guatemala, Turkey, Czechoslavakia, Bogata, Columbia, Venezuela, Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia and Odessa, Ukraine.
Although the Jewish community in Greece had a vibrant past, 81% of them (60-70,000) were murdered in the Holocaust. Today, just 8,000 remain, and the assimilation is rapidly decreasing their numbers. Also, due to the Greek economy, financial hardship has made life very difficult for them. They are now looking to the JWRP for help, and in December 2013 we brought the very first group from Greece. They have already requested to double their numbers in 2014, plus send a group of the husbands on our next Men’s Trip.
Why Invest in the JWRP? › Partners and Unity: The JWRP is bringing existing outreach organizations together at a time when unity is more important than ever, providing a powerful, effective, high-level program that most organizations could not afford to create or execute. We are all working together for the same goal, and together we can accomplish so much more. › Save on Future Funding: Impact the mothers now, and you won’t have to spend money to reach out to their kids on college campuses in 10 years. › Real Results Now: Women, their families and their communities are inspired when they return. The support model is there to help the women continue their journey, embrace and connect to their Jewish values. › High Return on Investment: When you impact a woman, you impact an entire family, in this generation, as well as future generations. › Ongoing Follow-Up: Because women can only come from existing, active and effective outreach cities who have invested in their trip to Israel, the follow-up is immediate and ongoing. Local city leaders and educators travel with them to Israel, bonding and forming deep relationships. Cities also know that results of careful monitoring of the follow-up on a national level will be a measure of their ability to bring women in the future. › Increase Impact of Existing Investments: Return on the investment of outreach organizations can be dramatically increased when you have immediate results through the women. Women create the spiritual direction of the home, and women create community. Women will “fast forward” existing outreach operations.
Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013 I 23
focus on families The Berrys—A Family Affair Potomac, Maryland
“From one “little” trip, I went on alone, my whole family’s life, our priorities and commitments, have moved forward dramatically, and we are all living in a more purposeful, passionate way, connecting to Judaism and Israel.” — Nira Berry
N
ira Berry was on the JWRP TAG ‘11 Trip to Israel, and that began a journey that would transform the entire family. While in Israel, she told her son that he just had to come, and so two weeks later he did, first learning in Yeshiva, and then joining the Navy combat branch of the IDF as a Lone Soldier. He currently studies in Hertzilya. Back home, the family got involved with FIDF (Friends of the IDF), which led to her husband, Philip, leaving his job as an Optometrist and becoming their Mid-Atlantic Executive Director! Nira, a Health and Happiness Coach, continues to grow and learns with Partners in Torah. 24 I Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013
The Desatnicks—It’s All in the Family Basking Ridge, New Jersey
“Spiritual, inspirational, enlightening and life altering, are only a few words to describe what the JWRP experience has meant to us…” — Lloyd Desatnick
E
dana Desatnick, an International Executive Coach and Leadership Consultant, was on JWRP TAG’ 11, and after the first lecture, knew that this would be a life-altering experience. She brought home gifts, but the greatest was the gift of not just being Jewish, but doing Jewish. This inspired her husband to go on the first JWRP Men’s Trip, and said, “On a scale of 1-10, I do not think I can even rate the trip without sounding foolish, because it far exceeded any scale that I can imagine.” Edana now leads our annual Leadership Conference and is helping our partnering organizations reach new heights.
The Victors — On the Move St. Louis Park, Minnesota
The Braschs—A Game Changer Atlanta, Georgia
“We were excited for our Mommy to bring us back gummy candies. When we heard about the places she went, it made us feel closer to God and want to see them.” — Jadyn Victor, Age 9
J
udy Victor, a PR and Business Development Director, was on the very first JWRP trip, TAG ’09. Since then, they have moved into the Jewish community of Minneapolis and changed schools, so now both daughters are in a Jewish Day School. Judy and Jeff, a music producer, writer and arranger, now make tzedakah a priority, allocating funds to the local synagogues, schools, JCC and Federation. Next move—Israel. “I yearn to be home.”
“What has changed is my personal spiritual connection to Israel, and as a place where Jews just belong, regardless of anything else.” — Elaine Brasch
E
laine, a lawyer, in 2010 heard the JWRP message of taking responsibility seriously. She returned and became a leader. She is now a board member of Yeshiva Atlantic High School, President of the Dunwoody Mikvah, and on the JWRP Steering Committee. Shabbat and tzedakah are now central to their lives, and their two boys decided to join the Jewish path she was now paving for them. “Since the trip, our youngest son went to two NCSY summer Israel programs and is now studying in Israel before going to YU in August, 2014. Our other son chose a University with a strong Jewish campus life.” They just put their home up for sale in order to move into the heart of the Jewish community.
Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013 I 25
The 2014 Schedule Goal: 2,000 women and 360 men
26 I Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Annual Report 2013
Participants
May 19 - 29
200
June 15-23, 2014
180
June 29 - July 8
200
July 20 -July 29
200
July 21 - July 30
200
October 26 -November 4
200
October 27 -November 5
200
November 9 - 17. 2014
180
November 23 - December 2
200
November 24 - December 3
200
December 7 - December 16
200
December 8 - December 17
200
Total
2360
Graphic Design: Julie Farkas I Julie@JulieFarkas.com
Dates
JWRP BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Manette Mayberg President Jeanie Milbauer Immediate Past President Cindy Zitelman Treasurer Michelle Leader Secretary Betsy Friedlander Lara Lakenbach Rebecca Lambert Lori Palatnik Dana Sicherman
…And Together We Can Change The World
For more information:
www.jwrp.org To contact Lori Palatnik: Lori@jwrp.org I 301.830.0919 Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project 6101 Executive Blvd, Suite 390, Rockville, MD 20852 I 240.283.6371 I info@JWRP.org