Many Voices, One Future
Impact Report 2018/5779
Orthodox Union Impact Report 2018/5779 ou.org
C O N T E N T S
Leadership Messages to the Community
4
NCSY
6
Yachad/NJCD
18
OU Advocacy
26
Women’s Initiative
32
OU Kosher
38
Synagogue & Community Services
44
OU Israel
50
OU-JLIC
56
OU Publications
64
Israel Free Spirit
68
Bring Israel Home / Birthright Follow-Up
72
OU Torah
76
Impact Accelerator
82
OU Press
86
Teach Advocacy Network
88
Future Programs
96
Benefactor Circle
98
OU Board & OU Committees & Commissions
102
Senior Staff
105
Contact Info
106
3
L E A D E R S H I P
F R O M
T H E
M E S S A G E S
T O
T H E
C O M M U N I T Y
P R E S I D E N T
The underlying mission of the Jewish people is to be mekadesh Shem Shamayim; to elevate the glory and majesty of the Almighty, and that is the central theme running through each and every dimension of the Orthodox Union’s endeavors. The pursuit of our mission begins with embracing our Jewish identity, observing halacha and studying Torah. Each aspect of OU programming is, therefore, an effort to provide every Jew with the environment, tools, and opportunity to be a part of this mission. Our community is blessed with myriad extraordinary institutions and programs that share the objectives of the Orthodox Union. The initiatives undertaken by the OU are, therefore, those in which we are uniquely positioned to be most effective. The OU’s national and international reach and reputation allow us to undertake initiatives that we are uniquely capable of implementing. The prominence of the OU kosher label, and the unparalleled scope and impact of NCSY, Yachad, OU-JLIC campus program and other programs for college-age students, reflect this strategy. OU Torah education projects, both online and off, and our most recent initiatives described in the 2018 Impact Report, all share this common characteristic. Significant, fundamental dimensions of Judaism, such as education and prayer, are most effectively implemented on a local level. The OU, therefore, uses its expansive network and expertise to assist local institutions with their invaluable work. For example, the OU Advocacy Center has secured unprecedented federal disaster relief and safety funding for our religious institutions, and the state-by-state Teach Network is making advances in accessing fair government funding for better safety and instruction at Jewish day schools. Similarly, our Synagogue & Community Services department provides numerous forms of assistance to shuls and communal professionals. This assistance ranges from offering training and networking opportunities to disseminating best practices and innovations already in place at other institutions. The Orthodox Union has been blessed by the Almighty with inspiration, creativity, and generous partners. Please join us in praying to God for these continuing gifts, and partner with us as we strive to continue raising the banner of Torah and mitzvos throughout the world. Moishe Bane President, OU
4 LEADERSHIP MESSAGES TO THE COMMUNITY
F R O M
T H E
E X E C U T I V E
V I C E
P R E S I D E N T
This year marks the Orthodox Union’s 120th year since Rabbi Dr. Henry Pereira Mendes, the spiritual leader of the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue in New York, identified a pressing need -- to unite a diverse and increasingly fragmented Orthodox community. The response to that need was the establishment, in 1898, of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, an organization dedicated to unifying and strengthening Orthodox Jewry. Today, so many decades later, while the OU has grown in ways its founders could not have imagined, our commitment to fostering our mission of building a unified and vibrant Orthodox community, and sharing the values of Torah true Judaism and our mesorah with the broader Jewish world -- remains ever more vital and ever more relevant. Inside this impact report, you’ll see the thread of our mission woven through the accomplishments and initiatives of our diverse programs and departments. This past year, over 530 unaffiliated Jewish public school students came to Israel on the Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey where they were introduced, many of them for the first time, to their heritage and culture. The NCSY’s Kollel Mechina program enabled public school teens to experience the joy of Jewish learning on an advanced level. The OU’s Women’s Initiative, in its very first year, awarded grants to 16 synagogues to encourage novel ways of addressing the needs of women in their communities. Our political advocacy programs, the Teach Advocacy Network and the OU Advocacy Center, helped secure more than $1 billion in history-making initiatives for security funding, and support for nonpublic school education, thereby easing the ever-challenging burden of tuition for all of our families. In Yerushalayim, OU Israel’s Pearl and Harold Jacobs Zula Outreach Center continued to provide a safe environment for at-risk youth struggling with a wide array of challenges, helping them reintegrate into the community. Yachad, our inclusion program for individuals with disabilities, launched a new Yeshiva League basketball team that represents IVDU, our network of Yachad schools serving ages 5 to 21. These are but a few examples of how the OU carries out its mission to help every member of Klal Yisrael feel part of the community and engage with the precious heritage that we all share. As you browse this report and witness the scope and breadth of the Orthodox Union’s communal work, we hope you’ll partner with us to help make our founder’s vision a flourishing reality for many more years to come. Allen Fagin Executive Vice President, OU
5
ncsy.org NCSYers frequently engage in Torah learning sessions through programs like Yarchei Kallah during winter break and regional Latte ‘n Learning groups. 6 N C S Y
N C S Y:
T H E
F U T U RE
L E A D E R S
O F
O U R
C O M M U N I T I E S
NCSY connects Jewish teens of all backgrounds
28,188 Total teens reached in 2018
through year-round social, educational and leadership programs, preparing them to become the next generation of proud, committed Jews. From local onegs, learning groups and Shabbatonim to national Yarchei Kallah retreats, disaster relief missions, and various
14,570 Teens attending a program for the first time
summer programming, NCSY caters to each teen’s unique perspective while maintaining a steadfast commitment to traditional Jewish values and practice.
11,16 4 Programs run globally this year
1,596 Participants on summer programs
2018 JUMP participants attend the final boardroom competition in New York City. Through JUMP, NCSYers are given the tools and training to make positive changes in their schools and communities.
7
P R O G R A M S
A N D
I N I T I A T I V E S
Inspirational Shabbatonim
Public School Summer Trips
Teens from across the Jewish spectrum come
The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ) enables public
together for NCSY Shabbaton weekends. For
school students to explore Israel while learning about
many teens, these retreats are their first Shabbat
their Jewish heritage. While in Israel, unaffiliated
experience. Others come from Orthodox homes
Jewish teens discover an array of communities and
and are eager to share their knowledge with
traditions, broadening and enriching their Jewish
their peers. Participants leave Shabbatonim
identity.
with Jewish pride, empowerment, new social connections, and a sense of Jewish unity.
96% “If NCSY has taught me one thing, it’s to never underestimate your potential – you have no idea the things you’re
Percentage of teens who returned for a second Shabbaton
Benefiting Communities through JUMP NCSY’s JUMP (Jewish Unity Mentoring Program) is a four-month leadership experience in which teens compete to develop social entrepreneurship projects
capable of doing and the
to benefit their communities. The teams then present
goals you can achieve.”
mentoring feedback.
their program to a panel of judges and receive
Biking for Scholarships Bike NCSY is a yearly bike tour that aims to raise scholarship money for NCSY students. This year Bike
- Netanya Stein, 2011 TJJ participant
NCSY gathered 130 riders from across the country to
and 2018 TJJ advisor
help NCSY teens spend a gap year in Israel.
8 N C S Y
NCSY teens participate in a disaster relief mission to Houston in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.
Torah Learning Convention for Public School Teens Hundreds of public school teens from across North America gather for five days of intense Judaic study at the National Yarchei Kallah retreat. These students dedicate time from their winter break to study Torah and Jewish values.
Connecting NCSY Alumni NCSY Alumni Connections supports students’ transition from high school to the next stage of their Jewish journey. Whether taking a gap year in Israel or going straight to college, NCSY alumni programming helps students remain connected to their Judaism.
Social Action Missions
JSU Ingrains Jewish Identity
Whether responding to natural disasters, delivering food
NCSY runs 275 Jewish Student Union (JSU) clubs at
to the poor, or running local toy drives, NCSY’s social
public high schools across the United States and Canada,
action missions enable students to give back to their
strengthening students’ Jewish identity and connection
local and global communities.
to the Jewish people.
9
Prayer Education with NCSY’s Siddur
LEARNING Putting on a Tallit
Over the past three years, thanks to the Rothner family, NCSY and Koren Publishers have partnered to create the Koren NCSY Siddur. Designed for teens, the full-color siddur provides ref lective questions, inspirational stories, learning, and photographic commentary.
A
G L I M P S E
Excerpt from the NCSY Siddur
I N T O
W H A T S
O U R
1
2
3
4
P A S T
N E W
Soon after its founding in 1954, NCSY began hosting regional and national Shabbaton conventions drawing hundreds of teens to celebrate Shabbat together and embrace their Jewish identity. 10 N C S Y
TJJ Celebrates its 20th Anniversary The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ), NCSY’s summer program for public school teens, celebrated its 20th anniversary this past summer. For two decades, TJJ has been bringing public school students to Israel for a fun, educational, and inspirational four-week trip.
TJJ’s growth over the past 20 years has led to 14 different trips this summer, including the specialty programs TJJ Ambassadors, and TJJ Poland.
4,000+
TJJ alumni since its inception Teens enjoy a memorable zip-lining experience at Israel’s Omega, the world’s second longest zip-line, on The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey Ambassadors trip. 11
N C S Y
S U M M E R
T R I P S
NCSY offers 19 unique summer programs in the US, Israel, and Europe that cater to teens with different interests and backgrounds. From sports to corporate internships to work with Israeli first responders, NCSY summer programs provide a panorama of experiences unbounded by geography and activity. This summer had record participation at nearly 1,600 teens.
At Camp Maor, girls work with leading professionals in the performing arts in stage, film, dance, and vocal performance.
12 N C S Y
N U M B E R
O F
T E E N S
O N
N C S Y
S U M M E R
T R I P S
1,596 1,441 1,227
1,012 943
2 0 1 4
2 0 1 5
2 0 1 6
2 0 1 7
S U M M E R
2 0 1 8
P R O G R A M S
4G Euro
Michlelet
BILT
Next Step: Israel Internships
Camp Maor Camp Sports GIVE GIVE WEST Euro ICE Israel In Depth JSU GO JOLT JOLT Israel
Rescue Israel ReSurf Israel The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ) The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey Ambassadors The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey Ambassadors Poland
Kollel
13
T E E N S
G A T H E R
A R O U N D
T O R A H
This winter break, I joined 380 public school teens from around the world to learn Torah for five days at NCSY’s Yarchei Kallah (YK). Some teens began YK without knowing how to navigate a siddur and left with a deeper connection to tefillah. Others had never lit Shabbat candles, and at YK we experienced the beauty of Shabbat. Boys who never put on tefillin became excited about this mitzvah. Most of us, who didn’t own a single Jewish book, left with a nice start for our libraries! This Yarchei Kallah marked the sixth month that I have kept Shabbat. I had started keeping Shabbat during the summer, on NCSY’s Anne Samson TJJ Summer program. Having so many people by my side to celebrate Shabbat made me feel like I had accomplished something great. A mentor once told me, “It’s not what you do, it’s how you come about doing it.” Teens who come from a nonobservant background and decide to take on mitzvot inspire me every day. People ask how I did it all on my own. My answer is that there is no such thing as doing it on your own when you have NCSY. Every staff member and advisor has been there for me, day or night, to learn with me on the phone or in person. They keep me going every day. By the end of YK, we had become like family. We hugged, said our goodbyes, and planned on keeping in touch, hoping to continue our Jewish learning in the future with the friends who were there at the start of our journey. At YK, Rabbi Lashak, an NCSY senior educator, said, “When Mashiach comes, he isn’t going to go first to Eliyahu, or Moshe Rabbeinu…He is going to go to all of the teens here on YK who chose to learn Torah during their winter break.” -Daniella Abekassis, Yarchei Kallah participant 14 N C S Y
Teens gather to light candles Friday night at Yarchei Kallah. For some, this is their first time lighting candles to sanctify Shabbat.
15
N C S Y
L O C A T I O N S
W O R L D W I D E
North America ATLANTIC SEABOARD
Oak Park, MI
West Hartford, CT
Oceanside, NY
Catskills District, NY
Baltimore, MD
Southfield, MI
Brookline, MA
Plainview, NY
Mount Kisco, NY
Columbia, MD
West Bloomfield, MI
Framingham, MA
Port Washington, NY
Rochester, NY
Germantown, MD
Akron, OH
Lexington, MA
Queens, NY
Schenectady, NY
Gaithersburg, MD
Canton, OH
Marlborough, MA
Roslyn, NY
Syracuse, NY
Olney, MD
Cincinnati, OH
Newton, MA
Staten Island, NY
Potomac, MD
Cleveland, OH
Sharon, MA
Stony Brook, NY
WEST COAST
Sandy Spring, MD
Columbus, OH
Waltham, MA
Westchester, NY
Phoenix, AZ
Silver Spring, MD
Dayton, OH
Providence, RI
West Hempstead, NY
Scottsdale, AZ
Towson, MD
Solon, OH
Woodmere, NY
Berkeley, CA
Cherry Hill, NJ
Toledo, OH
NEW JERSEY
Allentown, PA
Youngstown, OH
East Brunswick, NJ
SOUTHERN
Calabasas, CA
Ambler, PA
Windsor, ON
Englishtown, NJ
Little Rock, AK
Cupertino, CA
Harrisburg, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Fair Lawn, NJ
Birmingham, AL
Irvine, CA
Freehold, NJ
Aventura, FL
La Jolla, CA
Huntingdon Valley, PA
Beverly Hills, CA
Lancaster, PA
GREATER ATLANTA
Freehold Boro, NJ
Boca Raton, FL
Los Angeles, CA
Lower Merion, PA
Atlanta, GA
Hackensack, NJ
Coral Springs, FL
North Hollywood, CA
Philadelphia, PA
Alpharetta, GA
Highland Park, NJ
Hollywood, FL
Oakland, CA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Dunwoody, GA
Hightstown, NJ
Jacksonville, FL
Palo Alto, CA
Norfolk, VA
Johns Creek, GA
Livingston, NJ
Kendall, FL
Piedmont, CA
Richmond, VA
Marietta, GA
Marlboro, NJ
Miami Beach, FL
Sacramento, CA
Virginia Beach, VA
Sandy Springs, GA
Manalapan, NJ
North Miami Beach, FL
San Diego, CA
Millburn, NJ
Palm Beach, FL
San Francisco/Marin, CA
CANADA
MIDWEST
Montclair, NJ
Parkland, FL
San Jose, CA
Calgary, AB
Des Moines, IA
Northern Highlands, NJ
Savannah, GA
San Mateo, CA
Edmonton, AB
Buffalo Grove, IL
Randolph, NJ
New Orleans, LA
Santa Monica, CA
Vancouver, BC
Chicago, IL
Teaneck, NJ
Charleston, SC
Saratoga, CA
Victoria, BC
Glenview, IL
Twin Rivers, NJ
Myrtle Beach, SC
Silicon Valley, CA
Winnipeg, MB
Northbrook, IL
West Orange, NJ
Nashville, TN
Sunnyvale, CA
Hamilton, ON
Skokie, IL
Kitchener-Waterloo, ON
Indianapolis, IN
NEW YORK
SOUTHWEST
West Hills, CA
King City, ON
South Bend, IN
Bronx, NY
Austin, TX
Woodland Hills, CA
Kingston, ON
Kansas City, KS
Brooklyn, NY
Dallas, TX
Woodside, CA
London, ON
Overland Park, KS
Cedarhurst, NY
Fort Worth, TX
Boulder, CO
Ottawa, ON
St. Louis, MO
Commack, NY
Houston, TX
Denver, CO
Toronto, ON
Minneapolis, MN
East Meadow, NY
McKinney, TX
Las Vegas, NV
Montreal, QC
Omaha, NE
Great Neck, NY
Richardson, TX
Eugene, OR
Memphis, TN
Hewlett, NY
San Antonio, TX
Portland, OR
Milwaukee, WI
Inwood, NY
CENTRAL EAST Ann Arbor, MI
Thousand Oaks, CA
El Paso, TX
Lawrence, NY
UPSTATE NEW YORK
Bloomfield Hills, MI
NEW ENGLAND
Long Beach, NY
Albany, NY
Farmington Hills, MI
New Haven, CT
Merrick, NY
Binghamton, NY
Huntington Woods, MI
Stamford, CT
New York, NY
Buffalo, NY
16 N C S Y
Seattle, WA
NCSY Financials
F U N D I N G
S O U R C E S
$14,430,000
$11,191,000
OU
Donations
Israel 41% 32%
Beit Shemesh Efrat Elazar Hashmonaim Jerusalem Kfar Saba Maalei Adumim Modi’in Neve Daniel Nof Ayalon Ramat Beit Shemesh
27% $9,261,000 Program Fees and Other
Total Funding: $34,882,000
S P E N D I N G
S O U R C E S
$19,263,000 $9,585,000
Region Spend
Summer Programs
South America 55% 28% Buenos Aires, Argentina Santiago, Chile
$851,000 | 2% 6% | $2,092,000 Administrative
Staff Training & Development $3,008,000 | 9% National YearRound Programs
Total Spending: $34,799,000 The financial information here includes the total communal impact of OU programs worldwide. In addition, the OU provides significant support for all of its programs through facilities, management and administrative services, e.g. IT, Finance, HR and Communications. Those expenses are not ref lected in the program’s financials.
17
yachad.org Yachad services include counseling for individuals and families, weekend retreats, and support for parents and siblings. Yachad also offers vocational training and job placement, professional advocates, summer camps, special needs yeshivas, Shabbat programs, and Day Habilitation programs. 18 Y A C H A D
A
YA C H A D :
P L A C E
W H E RE
E V E RYO N E
B E LO N G S
600 Institutions used Yachad’s Purim Megillah powerpoint to help those with hearing impairments follow along
Yachad is a global organization dedicated to addressing the needs of Jewish individuals with disabilities, ensuring their inclusion in every aspect of Jewish life. Through inclusive programming, Yachad helps educate and advocate for greater understanding, acceptance, outreach, and opportunity for the disabled community. Most importantly, Yachad helps
28 Inclusive summer programs offered in 2018
foster unity amongst Am Yisrael by celebrating the uniqueness of every Jew.
500+ Teachers trained for facilitating inclusion in a mainstream classroom
200 Inclusive Shabbatonim across North America
For nine years and counting, Team Yachad has run hand-in-hand for disability inclusion at the Fitbit Miami Marathon and Half Marathon. All monies raised go directly to help those with disabilities attend Shabbatonim, summer programs and an array of other inclusive activities.
19
P R O G R A M S
A N D
I N I T I A T I V E S
Shabbatonim for Inclusion Across the country, Yachad Shabbatonim cultivate understanding, mutual respect, and camaraderie
“Despite knowing that
within the Jewish community by bringing individuals
Eli was having many
for prayer, Shabbat meals, singing, and more.
with disabilities and community participants together
difficulties, JUF accepted him and helped him achieve his goals. He is currently working at a job JUF found for him and is an altogether different person.”
Yachad Leads a Service Mission Yachad ran the first-ever inclusive community service mission in partnership with Yeshiva University High School for Girls. Participants volunteered at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, Pearlstone Farm, and Tudor Heights Assisted Living Facility.
Camping Opportunities for All - Ruth Finkelstein, Parent
Yachad is the largest provider of Jewish camping opportunities for people with disabilities. Yachad partners with 17 Jewish summer camps to offer a wide variety of placement programs catered to each person’s needs.
95%
Of Marilyn David IVDU Upper School students passed the New York State Regents exams
Yachad Yeshiva League Basketball Team This year was the inaugural season of the Golden Knights, IVDU’s inclusive basketball team, which plays against schools in the Yeshiva League.
20 Y A C H A D
Yachad raises community awareness about inclusion through sensitivity trainings across North America.
Vocational Services Help Find Jobs
IVDU Schools Teach Life Skills
The Jewish Union Foundation (JUF) is dedicated to enhancing
Located in Brooklyn and Long Island, Yachad’s IVDU
the lives of individuals with disabilities by working closely
schools offer a comprehensive and nurturing
with various state funding agencies. JUF offers a wide array
educational environment for Jewish students with
of services, ranging from Day Habilitation programs to
special needs, ages 5 to 21. IVDU provides students
Vocational Training Services to Respite Services for families.
with the core academic, social and life skills they
Through JUF, participants achieve greater independence and
need to reach their highest potential and develop
become better able to participate in the full spectrum of life.
into productive citizens in their communities.
21
A
S U C C E S S F U L
A L I Y A H
My wife and I made aliyah five years ago. Our two youngest children, Mendy (23) and Suri (27), who were both born with Down syndrome, came with us. One of our greatest concerns – and potential “aliyah deal breaker” – was the social and safety issues that come with moving to a foreign country. Yachad Israel helped ease our transition into our new community. Yachad’s social activities, events, and friendships have been invaluable in helping our children adjust to Israeli life. Every member of the staff works hard to ensure the safety and success of Yachad members and makes Yachad experiences fun, inclusive, and memorable. I cannot imagine what our aliyah would have been like without the Yachad team. We have mementos and photos posted on every wall of our home to remind us of the joyous times spent together with our friends from Yachad Israel. Thank you for enriching the lives of our children and their friends and families. -E. Goldstock, Jerusalem
300+ 22 Y A C H A D
People attended the Yachad Family Shabbaton in Israel
Yachad Israel launched in 2012. Current programs include relationship building, the Slice of Torah Learning Program with Yeshivat HaKotel, and a weekly buddy program in partnership with seven local schools.
23
Y A C H A D
L O C A T I O N S
New England Toronto Detroit New York Chicago
Cleveland New Jersey Baltimore
Los Angeles
Israel
Dallas
South Florida
Yachad’s IVDU teachers help students prepare for social interactions, teaching them how to best communicate with everyone from peers to potential employers.
24 Y A C H A D
Yachad Financials F U N D I N G
1,000+
S O U R C E S $900,000 | 5% In-Kind Contributions
$8,987,000 Program Fees & Tuition Payments
$3,615,000
49%
Donations
20%
Attendees at Shabbatonim in the Chicago region
13%
13%
$2,258,000 $2,278,000
Government Support
OU
Total Funding: $18,038,000
S P E N D I N G
S O U R C E S
$3,798,000 IVDU Schools $5,081,000
21% 28%
Yachad Regional Inclusion Programs*
17% $1,005,000 | 5% $3,034,000
15%
14%
Summer Programs
$2,502,000 Administrative & Other
$2,664,000 Adult Vocational Services
Clinical Services**
Total Spending: $18,084,000
The financial information here includes the total communal impact of OU programs worldwide. In addition, the OU provides significant support for all of its programs through facilities, management and administrative services, e.g. IT, Finance, HR and Communications. Those expenses are not ref lected in the program’s financials. *Yachad Inclusion Programs includes 750K of in-kind expenses **Clinical Services includes 150K of in-kind expenses
25
advocacy.ou.org Pictured L-R: OU Advocacy Center Chairman, Jerry Wolasky; OU Advocacy Mission Baltimore Delegate, Isaac Pretter; US Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD); OU Advocacy Center Executive Director Nathan Diament. 26 O U
A D V O C A C Y
O U A D V O C A C Y:
S E C U RI N G
T H E
J E W I S H
F U T U RE
The OU Advocacy Center is the nonpartisan public policy arm of the OU which lobbies on $2,100,000,000
behalf of the Orthodox community nationwide.
In federal grants preserved for teacher training at nonpublic schools via the Every Student Succeeds Act
Through its advocacy in Washington, DC, and in state capitals, it protects the future of the Jewish people and ensures that Am Yisrael continues to thrive. During the past year, OU Advocacy has pioneered new ways to save for K-12 education, improved the safety of synagogues and day
$90,000,000 Allocated to aid disasterdamaged houses of worship
schools, bolstered the security of Israel, and provided unprecedented disaster relief for Jewish communities.
$60,000,000 Secured for security at schools, houses of worship, and other nonprofit institutions
140% Increase from 2017 Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding
The OU Advocacy Center’s Annual Leadership Mission to Washington, DC, included a visit to the White House to meet with top administration officials. Pictured: R-L: OU President, Moishe Bane; US Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman; US Special Representative for International Negotiations, Jason Greenblatt; Executive Director for the OU Advocacy Center, Nathan Diament, OU Board of Directors; Chairman Howard Tzvi Friedman; OU Advocacy Center Chairman, Jerry Wolasky.
27
P R O G R A M S
I N I T I A T I V E S
Promoting Expansion of 529 Savings Accounts
First-Ever Federal Disaster Relief for Synagogues
A pressing issue for American parents, especially
After almost 20 years of lobbying, the OU Advocacy
those with children in nonpublic schools,
Center ushered in a new era of fairness for disaster-
is affordable education. The OU Advocacy
damaged houses of worship. In 2018, Congress
Center has prompted Congress to adopt a new
passed a law allowing houses of worship to become
provision which expands college 529 savings
eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency
accounts to include K–12 education. This
(FEMA) relief. The new law retroactively covers
legislation took effect in 2018, immediately
certain eligible houses of worship affected by
after which the OU Advocacy Center provided a
Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and Hurricanes Harvey
host of exclusive resources to help families avail
and Irma in 2017, allocating almost $90 billion in
themselves of this program and more easily
overdue disaster aid for houses of worship damaged
save.
in those calamitous storms.
Making History in the Fight to Protect Israel OU Advocacy was one of the first organizations
28 O U
A N D
Funding for Community Security
to endorse the passage of the Taylor Force Act,
OU Advocacy works with federal policymakers
which was introduced during the OU Advocacy’s
to implement the Nonprofit Security Grant
2016 Leadership Mission to DC. There,
Program (NSGP) in order to make schools and
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) announced
other community institutions safe and secure. As
that he would introduce legislation following
anti-Semitic incidents in the United States surged
the stabbing death of 28-year-old American
by 57 percent in 2017, the OU Advocacy Center
graduate student and former US Army Officer,
successfully lobbied for doubling the NSGP funding
Taylor Force, while on a class trip to Israel. This
to an unprecedented $50 million, which Congress
bipartisan legislation suspended American
approved in 2018. For the first time, Congress also
financial aid to the Palestinian Authority as long
authorized an additional $10 million in security
as the PA continued payouts to terrorists and
grants for synagogues and schools located outside
their families. The Taylor Force Act later became
major metropolitan areas, and doubled the amount
law in March 2018.
of the individual awards to $150,000.
A D V O C A C Y
OU President Moishe Bane; OU Advocacy Center Executive Director Nathan Diament; OU Board of Directors Chairman Howard Tzvi Friedman; OU Advocacy Center Chairman Jerry Wolasky present award to US Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) for his work to pass legislation to make disaster-damaged synagogues and other houses of worship eligible for FEMA funding.
F E D E R A L
N O N P R O F I T
S E C U R I T Y
G R A N T
P R O G R A M
F U N D I N G
2 0 0 5 - 2 0 18
$10 Million $50 Million
$25 Million
Not Funded
$25 Million
$19 Million $15 Million
$20 Million
$19 Million
$15 Million $10 Million
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2 011
2012
$10 Million
2013
$13 Million
2014
$25 Million
$13 Million
2015
2016
2017
2 0 18
Total NSGP/DHS 2005-2018: $269 Million
29
CEL EB R AT ING EMB A S S Y ’S
T HE
U S
HI S TO RI C
RELO C AT I O N
TO
JERU S A L EM
For decades, the Orthodox Union advocated tenaciously and passionately for the United States to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to its rightful place in Israel’s capital city. At an OU gala in 1974, former vice president Hubert Humphrey called on the American government to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Subsequently, OU leaders have raised the issue with US senators and every US president beginning with Jimmy Carter.
“Finally, Israel’s capital is beginning to get the recognition it deserves.” The OU Advocacy Center renewed its ongoing push in 1999, when it moved its office to Washington, DC. Year after year, OU Advocacy leaders worked on legislation, organized rallies, and led media campaigns. In February 2017, the OU Advocacy Center brought its case to senior Trump Administration officials. Less than a year later, the announcement came that the time had come to transfer the US Embassy to Jerusalem, and the historic move was underway. On May 14, 2018, the same day the US government hosted an embassy dedication ceremony in Jerusalem, the Orthodox Union celebrated the Embassy move in twin receptions in Jerusalem and New York. Finally, Israel’s capital is beginning to get the recognition it deserves.
30 O U
A D V O C A C Y
The OU presents US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman with a handcrafted mezuzah during the OU’s reception in Jerusalem to celebrate the historic move of the US Embassy.
OU Advocacy & Teach Advocacy Financials OU A DVOCAC Y & TEACH A DVOCAC Y FUNDING SOURCES
$1,802,000 Donations
$44,000 | 1%
42%
Program Fees
18% 20% $852,000
$739,000
19%
Teach Network Contribution*
School Income
(See pages 88-95)
$817,000 OU Contribution
Total Funding: $4,254,000
OU A DVOCAC Y & TEACH A DVOCAC Y SPENDING SOURCES
$1,062,000
25%
Federal Advocacy
75% $3,192,000 Teach Network (See pages 88-95)
Total Spending: $4,254,000 The financial information here includes the total communal impact of OU programs worldwide. In addition, the OU provides significant support for all of its programs through facilities, management and administrative services, e.g. IT, Finance, HR and Communications. Those expenses are not ref lected in the program’s financials. *Teach Network advocates nationally at the state level. OU Advocacy advocates at the federal level.
31
ou.org/women Sivan Rahav Meir, news anchorwoman and author, addressed 1,500 students and adults in the NY/NJ area during the 21st Century Teshuvah – A Synergy of Media & Meaning weekend on Shabbat Shuvah 5779. 32 W O M E N ’ S
I N I T I AT I V E
T H E W O M E N ’ S I N I T I AT I V E :
EDUCAT ION
A ND
INSPIR AT ION
F OR
WOMEN
The OU Women’s Initiative works with
93 Communities applied for the Women’s Initiative Challenge Grant
Orthodox communities nationwide to identify and address women’s spiritual, educational and communal needs. The Women’s Initiative sponsors and facilitates innovative Torah learning opportunities, professional and lay leadership training for women, and mentorship
937 Women signed up for the monthly Rosh Chodesh Initiative learning program
support for rebbetzins. The Women’s Initiative aims to standardize best practices in areas of Jewish life specific to women and increase recognition of their exceptional contributions to their families, institutions and communities.
70 Communities joined together for the Standing Together at Sinai Shavuot campaign
22 Communities participated in the Sense & Sensitivity Mikvah Attendant Training program
Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman, Director of the OU’s Women’s Initiative, discusses the Mikvah Attendant Training program with Rebbetzin Estee Silver, RN, Fertility Coordinator, Shady Grove Fertility, Washington DC.
33
P R O G R A M S
A N D
I N I T I A T I V E S
Standing Together at Sinai The Women’s Initiative inaugural educational
“Communities like ours now have the direction,
program, Standing Together at Sinai, which took place during Shavuot, partnered with 70 synagogues across America to create programming featuring female scholars. Reaching women
resources, and programming
of all ages, these programs were designed to
ideas they need to create
engagement, while showcasing the rigor and beauty
deepen women’s spiritual growth and community of women’s Torah scholarship.
an outlet for what they’ve always wanted to do on
21st Century Teshuvah
behalf of the women of our
The media is ubiquitous in our lives and has a
congregation.”
This year on Shabbat Shuva, the Women’s Initiative
significant impact on the Modern Orthodox world. hosted 21st Century Teshuvah – A Synergy of Media & Meaning. Sivan Rahav Meir, one of the most popular media personalities in Israel today, addressed 1,500 students and adults in the NY/NJ area. Her talk was
- Marlena Cantor, 2018 Challenge Grant presenter
4,514
Unique views were registered on the OU website for Rosh Chodesh shiurim, from across 12 countries and 33 US states
shared widely via social media.
Virtual Rosh Chodesh Lunch 'n Learn In an effort to promote Torah scholarship and provide spiritual nourishment by and for women, the Women’s Initiative launched the Virtual Rosh Chodesh Lunch ‘n Learn in Elul 5778 (August 2018), a monthly video series featuring female Torah scholars.
34 W O M E N ’ S
I N I T I AT I V E
The Women’s Initiative aims to educate and enhance the spiritual involvement of young women in their communities.
Sense & Sensitivity The Jewish family is known as the ideal institution in Judaism. Yet, sometimes it is fraught with tension, trauma, or major stressors such as fertility challenges. To address these issues, the Women’s Initiative, in partnership with the OU’s Department of Synagogue & Community Services, launched Sense & Sensitivity, a professional development program for mikvah attendants and administrators, giving them the tools to assist women dealing with out-of-the-ordinary challenges.
Celebrating Simchat Torah Together Women’s voices were heard nationwide on Simchat Torah thanks to the OU Women’s Initiative, which partnered with 32 synagogues to host Celebrating Simchat Torah Together 5779. On Simchat Torah morning, shiurim were given in each synagogue by local female scholars.
35
S O M E T H I N G
F O R
E V E R Y O N E
The Women’s Initiative has been privileged to partner with communities across North America that share an interest in increasing opportunities for women and girls in their respective communities. Keneseth Beth Israel (KBI) in Richmond, VA, has embraced these opportunities with excitement. KBI, led by Rabbi Dovid and Rebbetzin Aliza Asher, was one of the recipients of the inaugural Challenge Grant in May 2018.* In an effort to involve more women in learning, KBI created a “Tools for Life Seminar” program, led by synagogue member Marlena Cantor. The program, which took place throughout June and July 2018, consisted of four Torah classes, featuring both in-person and virtual presentations. The program impacted 50 participating women of all ages. Babysitting services were provided so that young mothers could join as well. KBI also participated in the Simchat Torah Scholars Program: Celebrating Simchat Torah Together. Seizing the opportunity to join forces again with the Women’s Initiative, KBI recruited Rebbetzin Tamar Livingstone to present a shiur during the holiday. Although the KBI community is small and diverse, there is a continual commitment to provide the women of the community with quality, appealing programs so that there is “something for everyone.” KBI makes an effort to ensure that women in the Richmond Jewish community have access to learning at the advanced level offered by the Women’s Initiative. *In its first year, the Challenge Grant has awarded $80,000 to fund programming for women in 16 communities.
36 W O M E N ’ S
I N I T I AT I V E
Women’s Initiative Financials
F U N D I N G
S O U R C E S $44,000 Donations & Miscellaneous $4,000 | 1%
10%
Event Revenue
89% $395,000 OU
Total Funding: $443,000
S P E N D I N G
S O U R C E S
$207,000 Operating Expenses & Miscellaneous
$80,000
47%
Allocations
18%
35%
$156,000
80 teens from seven New York Orthodox high schools explored tefillah challenges and developed heightened tefillah selfawareness at the Tefillah Yom Iyun, hosted by the Women’s Initiative and New York NCSY.
Advertising & Event Expenses
Total Spending: $443,000 The financial information here includes the total communal impact of OU programs worldwide. In addition, the OU provides significant support for all of its programs through facilities, management and administrative services, e.g. IT, Finance, HR and Communications. Those expenses are not ref lected in the program’s financials.
37
oukosher.org In addition to products and ingredients, OU Kosher also certifies restaurants and cafeterias around the United States and Israel. 38 O U
KO S H E R
O U
KO S H E R :
S T RE N GT H E N I N G
K A S H RU T
S TA N DA RD S
OU Kosher combines expertise in Jewish law with proficiency in modern food production
1,101,036 Certified plant productions
to ensure consumers have access to kosher food meeting the highest quality kashrut supervision. Thanks to the 1,000 Rabbinic Field Representatives located across North America and throughout the world – from Europe to Australia, and from China to South Africa – the
9, 20 9
OU kosher symbol now appears on the labels of
OU Certified plants
nearly 70 percent of America’s kosher-certified food products.
62,500 Inspections by Rabbinic Field Representatives in 2018
101 Countries reached through OU Kosher
Rabbi Menachem Genack, OU Kosher Chief Executive Officer, speaks at a kashrut training seminar.
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P R O G R A M S
“With the OU Kosher app, I never have to guess what’s kosher and what’s not. Having direct access to a thorough kosher directory makes finding kosher products easier than ever before.”
A N D
R E S O U R C E S
Comprehensive Pesach Resources In order to meet the kashrut standards that the Jewish community demands on Pesach, OU Kosher invests in additional Pesach resources each year. This includes increased support staff and hours of operation, radio appearances by OU administrators, and the distribution of over 91,000 Pesach Guides for consumers.
ASK OU (Advanced Seminars on Kashrut) Keeping a kosher kitchen involves more than purchasing kosher products. In order to educate families about hilchot kashrut, the Harry H. Beren
- Emunah Winer-Rosenstein
ASK OU seminars bring OU Kosher experts to schools and synagogues throughout North America and offers online kashrut shiurim for communities worldwide.
5,613
OUCertified companies
OU Kosher App: Real-Time Product Search Kosher consumers now have a convenient way to access kosher resources on the go with the OU Kosher app. The app features OU product alerts, a Pesach product guide, and direct access to the information hotline for immediate assistance with kashrut questions.
40 O U
KO S H E R
Numerous OU Kosher products and labels are on display at Kosherfest, the world’s largest and most attended koshercertified products trade show.
84,881
Downloads of the OU Kosher App
Answering Your Kashrut Questions The OU Kosher Hotline and Webbe Rebbe email service respond to 150 inquiries a day, with questions ranging from current certification news to complicated issues requiring real-time assistance. As Passover approaches, the inquiries can increase to over 800 per day.
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O U
K O S H E R ’ S
• American Samoa • Argentina • Armenia • Australia • Austria • Azerbaijan • Belarus • Belgium • Bolivia • Brazil • British Virgin Islands • Bulgaria • Cambodia • Canada • Cape Verde • Chile • Colombia
• Costa Rica • Cyprus • Czech Republic • Denmark • Dominican Republic • Ecuador • Egypt • El Salvador • Estonia • Ethiopia • Fiji • Finland • France • Georgia • Germany • Ghana • Greece
A
42 O U
KO S H E R
G L O B A L
• Guatemala • Honduras • Hungary • Iceland • India • Indonesia • Ireland • Israel • Italy • Ivory Coast • Japan • Latvia • Lithuania • Luxembourg • Madagascar • Malaysia • Maldives • Marshall Islands
G L I M P S E
R E A C H
• Mauritius • Mexico • Moldova • Morocco • Myanmar • New Zealand • Nicaragua • Nigeria • Norway • Oman • Pakistan • Panama • Paraguay • People’s Republic of China • Peru • Philippines • Poland
I N T O
O U R
• Polynesia • Portugal • Republic of Macedonia • Romania • Russia • Saudi Arabia • Senegal • Serbia • Singapore • Slovakia • Slovenia • Solomon Islands • South Africa • South Korea • Spain • Sri Lanka • Swaziland
P A S T
• Sweden • Switzerland • Tahiti • Taiwan • Thailand • The Netherlands • Tunisia • Turkey • Uganda • Ukraine • United Kingdom • United States • Uzbekistan • Vietnam • West Indies Federation
“The OU symbol is a quality symbol, and
70%
people associate that with something that is above what is average.”
Of America’s kosher food products are certified with the OU kosher symbol
- Reg Nelson, Director of Global Procurement at Jelly Belly Candy Company
In the early 20th century, most Orthodox Jews chose food products based on ingredients, without real knowledge of whether the food actually complied with kashrut standards. As food production became increasingly more complex, the need for reliable kashrut certification resulted in the creation of OU Kosher in 1924.
43
THE PEPA & RABBI JOSEPH
KARASICK DEPARTMENT OF
oucommunity.org Over 180 community leaders attended the Marriage Leadership Conference hosted by the OU and Shalom Task Force. 44 S Y N A G O G U E & C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E S
S Y N A G O G U E
&
C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E S
H E L P I N G
S Y N AG O G U E S
C O M M U N I T I E S
1,500+ Torah topics offered through OU Speakers Bureau
A N D
T H RI V E
The OU Pepa and Rabbi Joseph Karasick Department of Synagogue & Community Services works with synagogues and communities across North America by providing religious, educational, social, and operational support. Regional Directors are
400+ Participants in educational conferences for rebbetzins and kallah teachers in California, Florida, and New York
the conduit to a robust network of rabbis and rebbetzins, executive directors, youth staff, and business experts who can share best practices and help communities to thrive both spiritually and socially.
113 Families have relocated to 30 communities since the 2017 Community Fair
18 Communities from ten states participated in the second Communal Growth Leadership Retreat
The OU’s Speakers Bureau provides access to over 200 presenters and over 1,500 topics.
45
P R O G R A M S
Jewish Community Fair The biennial OU Jewish Community Fair attracts thousands of people looking for affordable Jewish communities. Representatives from over 50 thriving Orthodox communities from across the United States are present, along with Nefesh B’Nefesh aliyah advisors. The Department of Synagogue & Community Services provides assistance and services to communities aspiring to grow and attract new families.
A N D
I N I T I A T I V E S
Regional Directors Connect Communities Regional Directors provide local, on-the-ground support to synagogues and assist with sustainability, strategic planning, leadership training, strengthening youth departments, and membership growth. Regional Directors also serve as liaisons between the synagogues in their area, Orthodox communities across North America, and OU programs and services.
“Our community has participated in the OU Community Fair for
234
Speakers now listed in the OU Speakers Bureau
many years. This event has been the catalyst that has driven the very successful growth
Providing Top Speakers to Communities
initiative in Richmond.�
The Speakers Bureau now offers more than 230 speaker choices in 120 categories and over 1,500 topics, for synagogues nationwide to help engage and inform their communities. Hundreds of
- Stuart Cantor, Richmond, VA, community liaison
46 S Y N A G O G U E & C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E S
scholar-in-residence programs serve as a resource of diverse and contemporary knowledge for all synagogues and communities.
Rabbinic and Rebbetzin conferences help a congregation’s spiritual leaders in areas such as counseling, best practices, and time management.
Conferences for Our Spiritual Leaders
Partnering to Certify Kallah Teachers
To help congregational rabbis and rebbetzins develop
A joint venture between Nishmat’s Miriam Glaubach
their skills, the Department of Synagogue &
Center, the OU, and the Rabbinical Council of America
Community Services offers rabbinic development
(RCA) was launched to establish a kallah teacher
conferences which provide professional and personal
certification program. Nishmat's yoatzot halachah,
enrichment, and enable synagogue rabbis to better lead
rabbis, doctors, and other community professionals
their communities. Topics vary from how to engage
co-teach the text-based, 16-session webinar certification
board members to the art of personal counseling.
course. Seventeen women were certified in the first
Additionally, the OU hosts conferences for synagogue
cohort and will help ensure that brides and new couples
rebbetzins where they can learn, network, and
have access to well-qualified kallah teachers who will
brainstorm leadership techniques together.
enable them to enter married life with confidence.
47
Professional Development for Synagogue Executive Directors The OU National Synagogue Executive Directors Conference (EDC) is the professional development and networking summit for synagogue executive directors from across North America, focusing on the everchanging synagogue and community environments and how executive directors help shape synagogue
Relocating for a Better Quality of Life The Synagogue & Community Services Department brought 18 communities together for their second Communal Growth Leadership Retreat. The retreat allowed communities to share their stories and unique qualities with those interested in relocating. Communities participated from ten states, including Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, and Colorado.
policies.
The OU hosts Jewish Community Fairs and Communal Growth Leadership Retreats for families looking to relocate to a new community to meet their needs.
48 S Y N A G O G U E & C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E S
“If it were not for the OU’s Synagogue & Community Services, the Stamford community would never have experienced the sustained growth that we have witnessed in the last few years.”
- Michael Feldstein, Stamford, CT
Providing a Music Database for Cantors The OU's cantorial program, Nusach HaTefillah, offers an online database of chazanut recordings and lectures by world-famous cantors, ensuring that professional cantors and baalei tefillah worldwide have access to a wide range of cantorial melodies.
Lay Leadership Development Synagogues are guided by their lay leadership boards and committees. The OU Department of Synagogue & Community Services provides lay leadership programming to both new and seasoned board members, enhancing the skills necessary to strengthen and lead the synagogue.
Empowering Young Professionals In an effort to cultivate future community leaders, the OU Department of Synagogue & Community Services offers innovative leadership events tailored exclusively to young professionals. The array of programs includes guest speakers and peer networking, encouraging young professionals to take initiative and become our leaders of tomorrow.
49
ouisrael.org OU Israel’s Gesharim program helps young, disconnected Israeli youth prepare for and celebrate their Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. 50 O U
I S R A E L
O U
I S R A E L :
A
P L A C E
C A L L
W E
C A N
A L L
H O M E
100,000 + Visits to the OU Israel Center annually for shiurim, special events and trips
OU Israel serves Jews of various ages and religious backgrounds. For both tourists and olim, the OU Israel Center serves as a hub of Torah study and Jewish culture for the English speaking community in Israel. Additionally, OU Israel provides outreach activities focused on at-risk Israeli youth in disadvantaged
600,000 +
neighborhoods throughout the country.
Copies of Torah Tidbits are distributed annually
4,000 Youth from throughout Israel attend Oraita, Zula, and Makom Balev monthly programming
Since its establishment in 1995, Camp Dror has been a home away from home for English speaking campers from Israel and around the world. Participants spend meaningful summers hiking and traveling while residing in the Golan region, and many campers rejoin as counselors when they get older.
51
C U R R E N T
P RRO A G RM A M P R O G SS A N D
I N I T I A T I V E S
OU Israel Hosts Mega 70th Yom HaAtzmaut Celebration in Jerusalem
Learning and Social Opportunities for Women
More than 2,500 people gathered at Jerusalem’s
of Mrs. Linda Pruwer-Brachfeld, a”h. The learning
“First Station” to celebrate 70 years of the State
programs focus on the halachic, hashkafic, biblical,
of Israel, through prayer, song, and dance. In
and personal perspectives of the upcoming Hebrew
recognition of this milestone and the OU’s impact
month. Participants come from all over Israel and
on Anglo olim, the OU selected a prime venue
include religiously affiliated women as well as those
in the heart of Jerusalem for a moving musical
from less religious backgrounds.
L’Ayla, OU Israel’s Women’s Learning Initiative, offers monthly Rosh Chodesh seminars in loving memory
davening led by Rabbi Shlomo Katz.
Partnering with the Semichat Chaver Program The Semichat Chaver Program (SCP) weekly halachic
P R O G R A M L O C A T I O N S
study program, under the inspiring leadership of Rabbi Elyada Goldvicht, is designed to meet the needs of the young professional Jewish man. It focuses on both the practical and the ethical meaning of the halacha, granting attendees with a Semichat Chaver certificate at its conclusion.
• Acre • Ariel • Beit Shemesh • Dimona • Efrat • Elazar • Hashmonaim • Hatzor • Holon • Jerusalem • Kfar Saba • Kiryat Gat • Kiryat Malachi • Kiryat Shmona • Ma’aleh Adumim
52 O U
I S R A E L
• Modi’in • Nahariya • Nazareth Illit • Netanya • Neve Daniel • Nof Ayalon • Ofakim • Ra’anana • Ramat Beit Shemesh • Ramat Hasharon • Rehovot • Sderot • Tel Aviv-Jaffa • Tiberias • Yeruham
Partnering to Include Special Needs Campers This past summer, Camp Dror partnered with Yachad to enable youth with special needs to experience the summer of a lifetime. Camp Dror’s integration of special needs campers is the only program of its kind in Israel. In addition to providing a wonderful summer experience, the Yachad-Dror partnership teaches the mainstream campers and staff how to accept, include, and respect those with special needs.
Rabbi Shlomo Katz, popular singer and songwriter, leads the special prayer ceremony at Jerusalem’s “First Station” for OU Israel’s 70th Yom HaAtzmaut celebration.
Summer Fun at Camp Dror
Helping At-Risk Youth
Established in 1995, Camp Dror is a two-and-a-half week
OU Israel operates 21 Youth Centers primarily in development
sleepaway camp located in Israel’s northern region. It
communities throughout Israel. OU Israel flagship
provides hundreds of English speaking boys and girls from
programs, including The Jack E. Gindi Oraita Program,
Israel and around the world with a unique combination of
Makom Balev and The Pearl & Harold Jacobs Zula Outreach
leadership development, summer fun, Zionism and Torah
Center, instill at-risk youth with Jewish values and skills to
learning.
ensure they progress as contributing citizens of Israel.
A Hub for Anglo Olim
Zula Band Album Launch
The OU’s Seymour J. Abrams Jerusalem World Center provides
The Pearl & Harold Jacobs Zula Outreach Center for at-risk
a welcoming environment, spiritual inspiration, and a
youth started the Zula band three years ago, and celebrated
familiar social network for English speakers of all ages. The
the release of its first music album this year. The Zula center
center also serves as a venue for many OU programs such
strongly emphasizes music as a way to connect to G-d, heal,
as those of NCSY and Yachad.
and bring at-risk youth back to normative behavior.
53
R E T U R N I N G H O M E
By the way Tzion* looks today, one would never guess that he faced many struggles growing up, ones that severely threatened his chance for societal success. Tzion’s parents divorced when he was eight, and he was raised by his mother who had a debilitating chronic illness. She was not always able – physically and emotionally - to be there for him like most parents. Tzion’s father moved away after the divorce and did not play a role in his life. In the eighth grade, Tzion was introduced to OU Israel’s Jack E. Gindi Oraita Youth Center, an after-school club that provides a fun, empowering, and educational setting for at-risk youth throughout Israel. Tzion started coming to the Oraita club located across the street from his home, where his counselors soon became his role models, and his club members became like brothers. Throughout high school, Tzion was an active member, ingraining Jewish values, gaining self-esteem, and building meaningful relationships. “When I needed a father, I crossed the street to the Oraita club, and there I had a father,” Tzion says, describing his relationship with his counselor who accompanied him and his friends from 9th grade through graduation into their IDF enrollment and beyond. “I had lots of challenges growing up, and the Oraita club served as a warm environment which helped me through my hardest of times.” Today, Tzion has completed an engineering program, has a career in the IDF, and has a lovely wife and daughter. As Tzion defends the State of Israel in the IDF and builds his family, For many youth, Makom Balev is the Oraita staff contact him regularly to offer him support and only place they can turn for emotional encouragement. Tzion also volunteers as a counselor in the club support and guidance. The staff offers where hefor grew up,adults determined be a father figure for others. advice young as theytoenter the army or national service, train for a *Name has been changed to respect privacy. profession and become adults. 54 O U
I S R A E L
For many, OU Israel Youth Centers are the only place they can turn for emotional support and guidance. The staff offers advice for young adults as they enter the army or national service, train for a profession and become adults.
OU Israel Financials
F U N D I N G
S O U R C E S
$1,385,000
$1,072,000
OU
Donations
23%
30%
19% 28% $1,314,000
$875,000
Program Fees
Government, Jewish Agency, & Grant Support
Total Funding: $4,646,00
S P E N D I N G
S O U R C E S
$3,599,000 Programming
80%
20%
$917,000 Administrative
Total Spending: $4,516,00 The financial information here includes the total communal impact of OU programs worldwide. In addition, the OU provides significant support for all of its programs through facilities, management and administrative services, e.g. IT, Finance, HR and Communications. Those expenses are not ref lected in the program’s financials.
55
oujlic.org The 489 ongoing chavrutot with students and OU-JLIC educators learn topics that include Chumash, Navi, Gemara, and Mussar. 56 O U - J L I C
O U - J L I C :
L E A D E R S
O F
TO M O RRO W
College is a defining time for students, as
4,138 Students served by OU-JLIC in 2018
they determine their career paths, clarify their priorities and values, and plan for the future. OU-JLIC (Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus) fosters an ongoing commitment to Torah study and lifestyle, providing a warm and welcoming home for Jewish students on
2,683 Students received personal and halachic counseling from educators
campus. Now in its 19th year, the OU-JLIC’s network of Torah educators currently reside at 21 campuses in the United States, Canada, and Israel.
2,613 Students participated regularly in social programs
1 ,495 Students connected to regular Torah learning
Thanks in part to the many Torah learning opportunities on campus provided by OU-JLIC couples, 90% of students said OU-JLIC made an impact on their Jewish growth while attending university.
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P R O G R A M S
A N D
I N I T I A T I V E S
Heart to Heart Connects Students to Jewish Life
Promoting Student Leadership on Campus
Heart to Heart (H2H) provides funding, training
This past year the OU, in partnership with World
and inspiration for students to run Shabbat
Mizrachi, launched Yavneh - a student leadership
meals, intercollegiate Shabbatonim, and
initiative on campuses across North America.
student-led Pesach seders on campus. H2H
Yavneh strengthens college students’ religious
connects students to meaningful Jewish life and
commitment by empowering them with training,
vibrant, supportive communities.
resources, and opportunities to build religious communities and Jewish life on campus. Yavneh consists of a fellowship, initiatives like Heart to Heart, and a global movement nurtured by intercollegiate Shabbatonim and leadership conferences.
1,800+
Students reached through Yavneh’s Heart to Heart Shabbat and Holiday meals
63
Students trained, mentored and supported by the Yavneh Fellowship in its first year
90%
Of students said OU- JLIC made an impact on their Jewish growth at university
Summer Internships in Jerusalem In partnership with Oraita and World Mizrachi, along with the generous support of Nefesh
150
58 O U - J L I C
Programs run by Yavneh Fellows on campus, including ASU’s March Mitzvah Madness and a Kosher meal plan at USC
B’Nefesh, the OU-JLIC’s Summer in Jerusalem program offers a unique opportunity for college students to live, learn, and work in Jerusalem. Internships are set up through Career Israel, and the program provides Torah classes, a vibrant beit midrash, and social programming each evening.
With the recent launch of JLIConnections, there are now more matchmaking opportunities for the Orthodox community.
Matchmaking for Our Students and Alumni With the growing number of single alumni each year, OU-JLIC partnered with several local Jewish organizations to create JLIConnections, an initiative to connect Jewish singles via a matchmaking platform. Current OU-JLIC educators, past educators, and alumni act as connectors for OU-JLIC students and alumni.
Couples Lead on Campus OU-JLIC programs are typically led by a husbandand-wife team of educators. Through their engaging, enthusiastic, and welcoming perspective, campus couples present a positive face of Judaism, Israel, and religious observance. A married couple’s partnership, and the presence of their Jewish family on campus, also model for students how a family can live a joyous Torah lifestyle.
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M O R E
T H A N
A N
I N T E R N S H I P
As college students explore the next phase of their lives, debating what they want for their future, their summers usually consist of trying to land the ideal internship. While planning for the future can be exciting, the process can also be stressful and time-consuming. I used to go to summer camp and travel; now I see my friends only on the weekends, if I’m not too tired. As my time in college passed, I longed for more balance in my life. The OU-JLIC Summer in Jerusalem (SIJ) program allowed me to do it all: intern during the day, learn in the evenings, and live in a dorm with friends – all while being in Israel. After my mornings interning at the oncology unit of the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, we went back to our dorms where we had a chance to unwind for a few hours. Our apartment was right in the middle of the Old City, and walking down the historic streets and living just a few minutes away from the Kotel never ceased to be a novelty. The Torah learning at night was a highlight of the program. Throughout college, it was difficult for me to find time in my busy schedule for Torah learning. Having set shiurim gave me a chance to reconnect with Torah and learn with peers who felt the same way. I made lasting friendships (both American and Israeli), attended impactful shiurim, formed post-program learning groups to stay connected throughout the year, and got valuable work experience in my field. I would highly recommend SIJ to anyone who is looking for more than just an internship. - Gila Samouha, senior at Brooklyn College
60 O U - J L I C
OU-JLIC’s Summer in Jerusalem Program offers a unique opportunity for college students to live, learn and work in Jerusalem during the week, while Shabbatot are spent enjoying shiurim and highlights of Jerusalem’s Old City.
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O U - J L I C C A M P U S
E I R U V I M L I S T OU-JLIC Has Been Involved in Creating or Maintaining the Eiruv’s Kashrut at:
• Binghamton University
• Queens College
• Brandeis University
• Rutgers University
• Binghamton University
• Brooklyn College
• Santa Monica College
• Brandeis University
• California State University
• UCLA
• Cornell University
• University of Chicago
• Johns Hopkins University
• University of Illinois
• New York University
• University of Maryland
• Princeton University
at Northridge • Columbia University / Barnard College • Cornell University
• University of Massachusetts
• Greater Toronto
• University of Pennsylvania
• IDC Herzliya
• Western University*
• Johns Hopkins University
• Yale University
• New York University • Princeton University
*Part time program
Community members gather to discuss eiruv plans for the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, where OU-JLIC helped create the eiruv. 62 O U - J L I C
• Rutgers University • University of Illinois • University of Maryland • University of Pennsylvania • Yale University
“The OU-JLIC educators are a source of comfort, wisdom, and guidance; they are irreplaceable in every
OU-JLIC Financials
F U N D I N G
S O U R C E S
$3,196,000 OU & program fees
$1,495,000
48%
Donations
22%
way.” 17%
13% $890,000
- OU-JLIC student at Brooklyn College
$1,100,000
Hillel direct support
Hillel in-kind support
Total Funding: $6,681,000
S P E N D I N G
S O U R C E S $104,000 | 2%
$4,820,000
Training
Torah Educators & other personnel
72%
$145,000 | 2% Recruitment & placement
17%
$1,100,000 Office space & support* $422,000 | 6% Programming $91,000 | 1%
Administrative & other
Total Spending: $6,682,000 The financial information here includes the total communal impact of OU programs worldwide. In addition, the OU provides significant support for all of its programs through facilities, management and administrative services, e.g. IT, Finance, HR and Communications. Those expenses are not ref lected in the program’s financials. *Office space and support contributed through Hillel in-kind contribution
63
PUBLICATIONS A Rothm othmA An FoundA An oundAtion Ation PublicA ublicAtion Ation
PASSOVER
2016 • 5776
Matzah 101 NAVIGATING KITCHEN APPLIANCE TECHNOLOGY
REMEMBERING RABBI BELSKY ZT”L
Recipe Substitutes Medicines & Non-Food Items
Consumer Shopping Guide KASHERING PRIMER
A Rothm othmA An FoundA An oundAtion Ation PublicA ublicAtion Ation
,ujca,u ,urha
THE NCSY BENCHER A book oF PRAye RA R And Song A Ivrit Edition
THE
ver
RAV
GUIDE TO
2016 • 5776
IDE TO
UTE
OU
PASSOVER
LIQUOR AND LIQUEUR
FOR PESACH RECIPE
SUBSTITUTIONS
Matzah 101 NAVIGATING KITCHEN APPLIANCE TECHNOLOGY
REMEMBERING RABBI BELSKY ZT”L
Recipe Substitutes Medicines & Non-Food Items
Consumer Shopping Guide KASHERING PRIMER
jewishaction.com The OU first started publishing content on Torah and Jewish thought in the 1940’s. Today, OU publications are produced and enjoyed by millions of Jews worldwide. 64 O U
P U B L I C AT I O N S
,ujca,u ,urha
THE NCSY BENCHER A book o oF PRAye RA R A And Song Ivrit Edition
O U P U B L I C AT I O N S :
2,500,000+ NCSY Benchers have been published
T H E
H E A RT
J E W I S H
O F
M O D E RN
T H O U G H T
OU Publications has something to offer everyone. Whether it’s the critically acclaimed Jewish Action magazine, the Passover Guide to kosher products or featured content on OU.org, the plethora of publications address the many interests of
180,000+ People read the quarterly Jewish Action magazine
the Jewish community.
A
G L I M P S E
I N T O
O U R
P A S T
60,000+ People receive the OU’s weekly newsletter
91,000+ Passover Guides distributed throughout North America
Since its first edition in the fall of 1985, Jewish Action has remained true to its core values; providing a diversity of ideas and opinions within the spectrum of Orthodox Judaism. 65
C U R R E N T
P U B L I C A T I O N S
Contributing to the Jewish Dialogue For over 33 years, Jewish Action Magazine has been fostering the national conversation in the Orthodox Jewish community through its features and opinion pieces, while winning several major awards. In 2018, the Jewish Action Magazine won the prestigious Simon Rockower Award for the 8th year in a row.
,ujca,u ,urha
THE NCSY BENCHER A book oF PRAyeR And Song Ivrit Edition
THE NCSY BENCHER • Ivrit Edition
A RothmAn FoundAtion PublicAtion
A Known Bencher Around the World THE NCSY BENCHER Ivrit Edition
The NCSY Bencher is a staple in Jewish homes The transliteration in this “Ivrit” edition
of The NCSY Bencher follows the modern Israeli around the world and across the Jewish (Sephardic) pronunciation of Hebrew.
spectrum. It is common to see Jews of various backgrounds seated together, NCSY Bencher in hand, joining their unique voices together in harmony. For those unfamiliar with the liturgy, the NCSY Bencher app offers the opportunity to study and becomeOU more familiar with the songs / NCSY Publications Eleven Broadway, New York, NY 10004 www.ou.org
and text.
ncsy.org/ncsy-bencher-app
OU.ORG, the OU’s Online Community Tens of thousands of people visit the OU.ORG site daily to view the latest articles, check the holiday calendar, and browse the archives for stories and videos on numerous topics of Jewish interest. The site also provides indepth Torah materials and resources to assist those with a wide range of skill levels. ou.org
Passover THE OU GUIDE TO
2018 | 5778
JAFFA CITRUS
OU CERTIFIED IN NORTH AMERICA KASHERING
PRIMER
CONSUMER
SHOPPING GUIDE
A TRIBUTE TO THE RAV
LIQUOR AND LIQUEUR
FOR PESACH RECIPE
SUBSTITUTIONS
The Essential OU Passover Guide The OU Passover Guide has helped support Passover observance since the 1950s, with its index of kosher-certified foods, guide to kashering one’s kitchen for Passover, and FAQs on the intricacies of Passover ritual and halachic requirements.
67
israelfreespirit.com Israel Free Spirit Bar/Bat Mitzvah participants celebrate together at Masada’s beit midrash. Part of what makes these ceremonies unique is that many of these participants, some already in their mid-twenties, never had a Bar/Bat Mitzvah until now. 68 I S R A E L
F R E E
S P I R I T
I S R A E L
F R E E
S P I R I T:
O U R
H O M E L A N D,
O U R
F U T U RE
2,614 Participants inspired on Israel Free Spirit trips in 2018
Israel Free Spirit, the OU’s Birthright Israel program, aims to keep the Jewish community vibrant by connecting our youth to Israel and their Jewish heritage. In addition to a meaningful Birthright Israel trip, Israel Free Spirit offers Jewish learning opportunities after the program in Israel to strengthen the participants’ Jewish commitment and identity.
915 Participants had a Bar/Bat mitzvah while on an Israel Free Spirit trip
364 Post-trip extensions
For most participants, the Israel Free Spirit Birthright trip is their first time visiting the Jewish homeland. 69
P R O G R A M S
Israel Free Spirit – Birthright Israel Trip
Extending Beyond Birthright
Every year, Israel Free Spirit organizes Birthright
Israel Free Spirit offers participants the option of
Israel trips for thousands of college students and
extending their Israel trip to attend classes on
young professionals from diverse backgrounds,
basic Judaism and to tour Israel. Other extension
including customized trips for NCSY alumni,
options include internship opportunities,
participants with special needs, Modern
fellowships, and volunteer programs.
Orthodox applicants, and more.
D I S C O V E R I N G
M Y
H E R I T A G E
Tears streaming down my face
It is clear what we all fight for
Israel, my land
As the hours tick by
Tzfat, my home
You have shown me my people
I know my time here is over The magic has to end
Your stones of mysticism speak more
You have given me peace of mind
than words
Thank you for sharing your beauty
Caesarea, my waters
You’re a gift I’ll truly treasure
Birthright, hamishpacha sheli
I hear the history in your waves
A home for me you’ll always be
You have given me strength
I see the beauty in your theater
Tel Aviv, my place
You have shown me the way
Your charm has gotten me attached
The rush of excitement gets to me
I thank you for pride and for sobriety
Masada, my view
Your spirit amazes me
As the minutes go by
You have given me more than I asked
As I think fondly of back home
I’m reminded of all I have learned
Roots back to my heritage
Cholon, my quiet place
And all I have seen
And a reason for my name
You have given me peace
Jerusalem, my golden city
You have shown me family
Your holiness cannot be denied
The warmth here is truly felt
You’re a home to all the nations
70 I S R A E L
F R E E
S P I R I T
I cannot wait to return to my home, my land, my place. - Dassy, participant on the July 2018 Israel Free Spirit 12 Step recovery trip
Israel Free Spirit Financials
F U N D I N G
S O U R C E S $390,000 | 5%
$4,028,000
OU, program fees & miscellaneous
Birthright in-kind support
54%
39%
$2,963,000 Birthright direct support
2% | $153,000 Donations & partner sponsorships
Total Funding: $7,534,000
S P E N D I N G
S O U R C E S
$4,028,000
$3,012,000
Travel expense*
Programming
53% 40%
7% $494,000 Administration
Every Israel Free Spirit Birthright trip allows participants to visit sites throughout Israel. From the Golan in the north to the Negev in the south and all of central Israel in between.
Total Spending: $7,534,000 The financial information here includes the total communal impact of OU programs worldwide. In addition, the OU provides significant support for all of its programs through facilities, management and administrative services, e.g. IT, Finance, HR and Communications. Those expenses are not ref lected in the program’s financials. *Travel expenses contributed through Birthright in-kind support
71
bringisraelhome.com While participating in Bring Israel Home, Birthright Israel alumni experience a broad spectrum of Jewish cultural events and activities such as Torah chavrutot and attendance at Israel or Jewish related conferences. 72 B R I N G
I S R A E L
H O M E
B R I N G I S R A E L H O M E :
RE K I N D L I N G O F
T H E
S PA RK
I S R A E L
Bring Israel Home (BIH), the OU’s Birthright Israel follow-up program, transforms the
16,185 Jewish activities completed by Birthright Israel alumni in 2018
Birthright Israel experience by empowering young adults with choices and opportunities to shape their Jewish narrative and find their place in the Jewish community. BIH engages participants by offering online challenges, spirited reunion events, and Israeli leadership trips. BIH is an official follow-up partner
932 Shabbat meals attended or hosted upon students’ return
of Birthright Israel and works with leading organizations including Hillel, Aish HaTorah, URJ Kesher, and Olami.
95% Of Bring Israel Home participants complete 5+ Jewish activities after the trip
49 Applications submitted to Nefesh B’Nefesh for aliyah
Bring Israel Home participants gather for a reunion after not seeing each other for months since their Birthright Israel trip. Reunions are awarded to groups that complete a 100 point challenge by earning points for participating in Jewish activities.
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W H A T
W E
D O
While participating in Bring Israel Home, Birthright Israel alumni experience a broad spectrum of Jewish and cultural events and activities including: Torah chavrutot over the phone, film-based Jewish educational programs, Jewish events, Shabbat meals, and Holiday traditions. Through BIH, young adults can forge a lifetime connection to Israel and Judaism. Participants are encouraged to connect to their local Jewish communities, strengthen their Jewish identity, increase their love and support for Israel, and follow a path of growth that is meaningful and sustainable.
T U R N I N G
M Y
T R I P
I N T O
A
J O U R N E Y
As my Birthright group approached the Kotel on Friday
later on, I realized I didn’t have tefillin on me so I
night, I was filled with a sense of awe. I felt compelled
traveled to the local synagogue to borrow a pair. I was
to dance. I felt compelled to sing. I felt a happiness I had
astounded by how welcoming the synagogue was to a
never felt before. At that moment, I knew I wanted to
stranger walking in and asking to borrow something
make every Shabbat special.
that belonged to them. I am planning to buy my own pair of tefillin so I can continue to grow in this mitzvah.
“For the first time in my life,
While I was in Israel, I also ordered a handmade tallit.
I put on tefillin.”
the third paragraph of the shema which references the
My tallit has added meaning to my prayers, specifically commandment to wear tzitzit. My Birthright trip left
Since my trip to Israel, I have become inspired to
me with a spark of inspiration, and I hope to continue
deepen my connection to Judaism. For the first time in
incorporating more Jewish observances into my life.
my life, I put on tefillin. (I had to watch a few YouTube videos, but I finally succeeded). On a separate occasion
74 B R I N G
I S R A E L
H O M E
- Sam Daiment
Bring Israel Home Financials
F U N D I N G
S O U R C E S $60,000
$164,000 OU
9%
In-kind donations, program fees & miscellaneous
23%
68% $476,000 Donations, partner sponsorships
Total Funding: $700,000
S P E N D I N G
S O U R C E S $662,000 Programming*
95%
5% $38,000 Development, administration & other
One of the Jewish activities chosen by Bring Israel Home participants is to put on tefillin, with some adopting the practice for the long term.
Total Spending: $700,000
The financial information here includes the total communal impact of OU programs worldwide. In addition, the OU provides significant support for all of its programs through facilities, management and administrative services, e.g. IT, Finance, HR and Communications. Those expenses are not ref lected in the program’s financials. * Programming includes 50K of in-kind expenses
75
ou.org/torah Rabbi Hershel Schachter, Rosh Kollel in RIETS’ Marcos and Adina Katz Kollel and Senior Posek for OU Kosher, discusses how Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, z”tzl, found hashkafa in halacha. 76 O U
TO R A H
O U
T H E
TO R A H :
T O R A H 2 0 1 8
N E W
V O I C E S
O F
TO R A H
Y O R K
S P E A K E R S
OU Torah is committed to providing Torah • Rabbi Yosef Adler • Rabbi Moshe Bamberger • Rabbi Dr. Ari Bergmann • Mrs. Shira Boshnack • Rabbi Eliezer Breitowitz • Rabbi Robert Charnoff • Rabbi Moshe Elefant • Rabbi Noam Friedman • Rabbi Menachem Genack
• Rabbi Elazar Muskin
study opportunities for the broad Jewish
• Rabbi Yaakov Neuburger
community. Using optimal user experience,
• Rebbetzin Lori Palatnik • Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon • Rabbi Yonason Sacks • Rabbi Hershel Schachter • Mrs. Atara Segal • Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman
• Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
• Rabbi Professor Avraham Steinberg, MD
• Mr. Charlie Harary
• Mrs. Racheli Taubes
• Rabbi Moshe Hauer
• Rabbi Steven Weil
• Mrs. Michal Horowitz
• Mrs. Esther Wein
• Rabbi Israel Lashak • Hon. Joseph Lieberman • Rabbi Eli Mansour • Mrs. Sivan Rahav Meir • Rabbi Judah Mischel • Rabbi Dr. Shnayer Leiman
OU Torah offers an online portal and mobile app where one can view an array of shiurim and Torah materials in multiple formats. Designed to benefit those new to learning as well as those with many years of experience, the variety of topics, teachers, and formats helps make Torah accessible to every Jew.
• Rabbi Moshe Weinberger • Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb • Rabbi Gideon Weitzman • Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Wieder • Rabbi Mordechai Willig • Rabbi Yitzchak Yisraeli
Mrs. Esther Wein, a teacher of Jewish women at various levels of learning, addresses the crowd discussing the book of Kohelet and what constitutes a f lourishing life.
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P R O G R A M S
A N D
Uniting for Torah More than 2,000 men and women gathered together to hear from leading scholars at the OU's Torah New York at Citi Field in Queens, NY. Participants chose Torah topics appropriate for individuals of all learning backgrounds, with categories ranging from Tanach, halacha, hashkafah, Israel, and the philosophy of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, z”tzl.
R E S O U R C E S
OU Holidays Offers Timely Insights OU Holidays offers information and inspiration on the chagim, from Pesach and the Yamim Noraim to contemporary holidays such as Yom HaAtzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim. Whether users are looking for how to prepare an eiruv tavshilin, the history of Yizkor, or chizuk for the Three Weeks, OU Holidays prepares readers with meaningful insights and practical advice.
Weekly Torah Portion Series The Sages decreed that every Jew should review the weekly Torah portion. OU Torah encourages parsha study with text, audio, and video shiurim. Popular series include Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks on Parsha, Rabbi Shalom Rosner on Parsha, Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb on Parsha, Shira Smiles, Rabbi Bernie Fox, Harry Rothenberg, OU Israel’s Torah Tidbits Audio, and many others.
The Shavua Tov Newsletter With OU Torah's Shavua Tov newsletter, subscribers receive content for the upcoming parsha, the following week’s daf yomi, Nach yomi, mishnah yomit, daily halachot, daily mitzvot, and more.
Daily Torah for Your Inbox In order to help facilitate daily Torah study, OU Torah Moishe Bane, OU President, and Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon, Founder and Chairman of the Halacha Education Center, review Rabbi Rimon’s new book together at Torah New York.
78 O U
TO R A H
delivers four different series every day directly to thousands of inboxes: The OU’s Nach Yomi, Shnayim Mikra, Mishna Yomit, and Hashoneh Halachos.
F I N D I N G T H R O U G H
M E A N I N G T O R A H
The summer 2014 tragedy of the three Israeli teenage boys will forever remain a dark moment in the Jewish world. I remember where I was when I heard they were missing, and I remember where I was when I heard they were found. No one can put into words the heartbreak and pain, but every Jew felt it. We cried, and we prayed. We said we would never forget. And then, before we knew it, we became involved in our daily routines, and we began to move forward. Life went on. I didn’t want the boys to remain in my mind as a horrific, sad memory, but rather as something meaningful. As I looked through the lectures at Torah New York, “The Responsa That Led to Finding the Three Kidnapped Boys from Gush Etzion” drew my attention. Rabbi Rimon recounted the IDF’s search for the boys and how they consulted with halachic authorities on how to best proceed with the extensive search on Shabbat. He described the technicalities of the laws and the importance of saving a life. Why were soldiers allowed to search for the boys on Shabbat, especially if there was a strong feeling they were no longer alive? Moreover, protecting the lives of the Jewish soldiers searching in enemy territory was enough to override the laws of Shabbat. Once the bodies were found, the search could stop, and the soldiers could go home to their families. Through Rabbi Rimon’s shiur, I realized the extent to which the IDF upholds Jewish law and seeks Torah guidance. Therein lies the beauty of the Jewish nation. We feel the pain; however, we use G-d’s Torah to guide us. I am grateful that Over 2,000 men and women attended Torah New York, listening to shiurim by over 30 Torah speakers throughout the day.
Torah New York provided this shiur to help give us meaning in light of the tragedy that occurred. - Robin Rendel
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D A FP
C U R R E N T
Y O M I
R O G R A M S
R E S O U R C E S
F R O M
The study of a daily page of
Rabbi Moshe
Gemara has become a near-
Yomi Shiur
Elefant’s Daf
universal means for Jews of all educational backgrounds to connect with higher levels of learning. The OU’s daf yomi resource section, available on
Rabbi Moshe
desktop and mobile app, is one
Elefant’s Daf
of the most comprehensive on
Sugya Shiur
the web, featuring two popular daf yomi teachers, Rabbi Moshe Elefant and Rabbi Shalom Rosner. Materials include Daf
Rabbi Shalom
B’iyun, Daf in Halacha from the
Rosner’s Daf
Bais HaVaad Halacha Center,
Yomi Shiur
rishonim and acharonim from Shas Illuminated, point-bypoint summaries, quizzes, and more.
Rabbi Shalom Rosner’s Daf B’iyun shiur – Take Your Daf to the Next Level
80 O U
TO R A H
T H E
O U
O U
P A R T N E R S H I P
L E A R N I N G
R E S O U R C E S
Background
Point-by-Point
to the Daily
Summary
Daf (Daf Yomi
(Daf Yomi
Advancement
Advancement
Forum)
Forum)
Daf Digest
Q&A Daf Yomi Review (RealClear Daf)
Daf in Halacha
Quiz (Daf Yomi
(The Bais
Advancement
HaVaad
Forum)
Halacha Center)
Daf HaShavua
Shas
(Rav Pinchas
Illuminated.org
M. Teitz)
(Rishonim and Acharonim on the Daf)
Daf Notes
Talmud Yerushalmi Institute
Insights
Tosfos
into the Daf
(Daf Yomi
(Daf Yomi
Advancement
Advancement
Forum)
Forum)
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ou.org/accelerator The Young Talent Initiative’s (YTI) founder, Chananya Begun makes his presentation at the Impact Accelerator’s first semi-finalist pitch night. 82 I M P A C T
A C C E L E R ATO R
I M PA C T A C C E L E R ATO R :
2 0 1 8
H A R N E S S I N G S O C I A L
T H E
P O W E R
O F
E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P
F I N A L I S T S
Grow Torah Yosef Gillers
The Impact Accelerator is an OU program designed to improve the quality of Jewish life by promoting social entrepreneurship, innovation,
Imadi Chana Esther Schechter, Zeldy Oppen, & Goldy Jaroslawicz
and collaboration. By fostering partnerships between Jewish nonprofit entrepreneurs and experienced professional mentors, the Impact Accelerator encourages collaboration to
Nechama Comfort Reva Judas, Dr. Aimee Baron, Ellen Krischer, & Esther Levie
strengthen and inspire our community.
Young Talent Initiative Chananya Begun & Shabtai Heller
Torah Anytime Shimon Kolyakov, Rubin Kolyakov, & Yosef Davis
Yedei Moshe Yael Wedeck & Rivka Ariel
The OU Impact Accelerator provides mentors, professional development programs and early-stage funding for Jewish nonprofit entrepreneurs with the next groundbreaking ideas for service to the Jewish community.
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H E L P I N G F I N D
Y O U T H
T H E I R
P L A C E
Rivka and I have been acquainted for about 25 years. When a mutual friend of ours needed help finding a job for her son a few years ago, Rivka was quick to think of ideas and make the necessary connections to bring it to fruition. We talked then about how necessary it is for this type of service to be available to those who need it. Rivka said that she thought she and I could do something like this together. I laughed and thought “When Exactly?” It didn’t seem like there were enough hours in the day to manage what I was trying to do, let alone add more. Over the next two years, we talked of the ever-growing problem of high school dropouts in our communities, and how hard it is for teens and families to find gainful activity once they had dropped out. We always thought some solution would come. Time passed, and no other existing or new organization stepped up to fill this service gap. Around January of this year, we heard from a friend about the OU Impact Accelerator seeking nonprofit startups. On a whim, I mentioned the thought of applying to Rivka regarding our dream project, and she jumped on it. She insisted that we do this as a team as it was all borne out of our conversations together and our professional backgrounds complemented each other well. So we reached out to Jenna Beltser, Director of the Impact Accelerator, and discussed the possibility of applying. Jenna encouraged us to forge ahead, expressing her enthusiasm for our idea and its possibilities. We began to explore existing resources while starting to create plans. We filled out the Accelerator application, did some research on funding possibilities, legal issues, and began to pilot our service to gain proof of concept. Thanks to the Impact Accelerator, this is how our venture began. - Yael Wedeck, co-founder of Yedei Moshe
84 I M P A C T
A C C E L E R ATO R
Yedei Moshe, founded by Yael Wedeck, MSW, and Rivka Ariel seeks out and helps businesses hire youth who don’t fit into the traditional school environment.
2 0 1 8
F I N A L I S T S
Grow Torah develops educational Torah garden programs for Jewish schools and communal organizations, incubating emunah, environmental stewardship, compassion for creatures, and tzedakah. Imadi is an organization that empowers individuals and families facing mental health difficulties by providing support, guidance, and education. The focus of Imadi is to establish functionality in homes that are suffering due to mental illness. Nechama Comfort supports families who have suffered miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss. Services include immediate help at the time of the loss and ongoing individual, family and group support. Nechama Comfort also offers training programs for medical personnel, therapists and clergy, and awareness programs for communities and workplaces. Young Talent Initiative (YTI) aims to maximize real-world potential in creatively inclined youth, a segment of the Jewish population that has been underserved until now. YTI gives these individuals professional music training and a production platform centered around accessing a deep spiritual connection through their creative musical abilities, as well as a robust mentorship program explicitly designed to bring the best out of the participants. Torah Anytime records Torah lectures given around the world and uploads the footage to their website for the whole world to watch, free of charge. Since their founding, they have received more and more requests for lectures and Torah videos presented by Jewish speakers and rabbis, with their website growing steadily ever since. Yedei Moshe seeks out and helps businesses hire teenagers who do not fit into a traditional school environment. The group matches these students and employers and provides personal mentoring and support for both to help facilitate long-term success.
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OU Press offers commentary on an array of Jewish texts and thinkers. These publications include works from great Jewish figures, including Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm, Rabbi oupress.org To date, OU Press has published 87 volumes, many of which are in the studies of Chumash, Tanach, and the works of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik. 86 O U
P R E S S
Israel Meir Lau, and Dr. Erica Brown.
O U
P R E S S :
TO R A H TO
I N S I G H T S
C O M E
L I F E
Chumash Mesoras HaRav – Sefer Devarim: The Neuwirth
With Liberty and Justice: The FiftyDay Journey from Egypt to Sinai
Edition
Senator Joe Lieberman reveals how the freedom of Passover
The Chumash Mesoras HaRav series collects and
can be understood only in the context of the law given on
adapts the writings and teachings of Rabbi Joseph
Shavuot. Along the way, he illustrates the impact of Jewish
B. Soloveitchik to form a seamless commentary on
law on American political theory and relates how his
the Chumash. For the first time, the Rav’s thoughts
Jewish worldview influenced his experiences in public life.
on Chumash are presented on the same page as the text which they so brilliantly and eloquently interpret.
Thirteen Steps – Orthodox Judaism in America Comes of Age: Megillat Esther Mesorat HaRav
My Life and Times
In this bestselling edition, Rabbi Soloveitchik’s keen
Rabbi Joseph Karasick, a former President of the OU, was an
psychological insights complement his profound
extraordinary communal leader who played a critical role
theological observations. The Purim narrative takes
in fostering Orthodoxy in the United States. His memoir is
on new meaning when viewed through the lens of the
a fascinating window into a formative era in Jewish history
Rav’s genius.
when Orthodoxy in America was coming of age.
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teachadvocacy.org Students joined Teach NYS to advocate for free lunches for all in New York City. 88 T E A C H
A D V O C A C Y
N E T W O R K
T E A C H A D V O C A C Y N E T W O R K :
TO DAY ’ S
S T U D E N T S ,
TO M O RRO W ’ S
200% Increase in funding for STEM instructors in New York
A D V O C AT E S
The Teach Advocacy Network aims to secure government financial support for Jewish day schools and yeshivot. Among other things, Teach Advocacy lobbies for equitable government funding, tax credit scholarships, government grants, and education savings accounts to
$700,000,000 Funded for Florida tax credit scholarships
benefit Jewish families and schools. The network advocates on behalf of approximately 90 percent of yeshivah and day school students nationwide.
$40,000,000 Funded for Jewish and nonpublic schools in New Jersey
85% Increase in Pennsylvania’s grant program to place safety officers at schools
More than 200 community leaders, parents, educators, and students traveled to Pennsylvania’s state capital to show appreciation for the record expansion of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program (EITC), which provides scholarships to students in nonpublic schools.
89
G O A PL R SO
C U R R E N T
IMPACT A ND
A N D
G R A M S
BEF ORE
A F T ER
T E ACH
N YS
I N I T I A T I V E S
Teach NYS Annual Mission to Albany Hundreds of Jewish students, educators, and parents from across New York State gathered at the state capital to advocate for increased and
Funding has increased from $572 million between 2008 and 2012 (before Teach NYS) to $1.5 billion between 2013 and 2018 (since Teach NYS began).
sustainable funding for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and additional security at nonpublic schools. The participants met with more than 60 state legislators.
$1.5 Billion
Fighting for Fair Funding In an effort to make Jewish education more affordable, Teach Advocacy works to obtain fair government funding to support critical programs in Jewish day schools and yeshivot.
Tripling Funds for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
$572 Million
New York nonpublic schools may be partially reimbursed for the cost of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) classes. In 2017, Teach NYS was able to secure $5 million in STEM funding for the first time. That amount
2 0 0 8 - 2 012 90 T E A C H
A D V O C A C Y
2013 - 2018 N E T W O R K
increased by 200 percent, to $15 million, for 2018.
Students learn about the importance of advocacy while visiting the capitol building in Harrisburg, PA.
Maximizing Government Funding Teach Advocacy helps schools navigate government programs and applications, meeting with school administrators and boards to ensure they receive the federal, state, and local funds they are entitled to.
Teach PA Harrisburg Rally More than 200 community leaders, parents, educators, and students traveled to Pennsylvania’s state capital to show appreciation for the expansion of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program (EITC), which provides scholarships to students in nonpublic schools.
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F R E E
S C H O O L
L U N C H E S
F O R
A L L
At the start of the 2017–2018 school year, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a new “universal” free lunch program. This initiative provided the city’s 1.5 million K–12 students in public and nonpublic schools with free, nutritious meals regardless of family income. There was only one problem: the mayor’s plan overlooked eligible Jewish and Muslim children whose religious dietary restrictions did not allow them to benefit from the free lunches.
“These efforts included a rally on the steps of City Hall, full-page ads in major newspapers, and the mobilization of hundreds of Jewish and Muslim parents to lobby City Hall.” Teach NYS quickly mounted an advocacy campaign to fix this inequity, mobilizing a broad coalition of elected leaders and Jewish and Muslim community advocates. These efforts included a rally on the steps of City Hall, full-page ads in major newspapers, a letter to the city council signed by Teach NYS, the involvement of more than 20 rabbis and imams from across New York City, and the mobilization of hundreds of Jewish and Muslim parents to lobby City Hall. Teach NYS’s efforts paid off. In June 2018, the city council announced a $1 million pilot program launching in the fall of 2019 that will begin to provide free kosher and halal lunches to nonpublic schools.
92 T E A C H
A D V O C A C Y
N E T W O R K
OU Executive Vice President Allen Fagin leads the crowd in calling for a truly “universal” free lunch program at Teach NYS rally.
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TE ACH ADVOCACY NE T WORK STATE SECURIT Y HIGHLIGHTS
NEW JERSEY
FLORIDA
$11.3 million
$2 million
For New Jersey’s security allocation at nonpublic schools.
Allocated in security funding for Florida Jewish day schools and yeshivot for the 2018–2019 school year, a 206 percent increase from last year.
PENNSYLVANIA
NEW YORK
$6.3 million
$34.8 million
Budgeted from Pennsylvania’s Office of Safe Schools for its grant program for safety officers at nonpublic schools to $6.3 million for 2018-19, an 85 percent increase over the previous year.
Budgeted for private security guards at New York City’s nonpublic schools and safety equipment in nonpublic schools across New York State.
Students from Hillel Academy in Pittsburgh, PA, were in attendance for the Teach PA rally to show support for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program (EITC). 94 T E A C H
A D V O C A C Y
N E T W O R K
S C H O O L S I M P A C T E D B Y T E A C H A D V O C A C Y N E T W O R K
TEACH FLORIDA MEMBER
• The Frisch School
• Rabbi Jacob Joseph School Boys
SCHOOLS
• The Hebrew Academy
• Rabbi Jacob Joseph School Girls
• Brauser Maimonides Academy
• The Moriah
• Rambam Mesivta
• David Posnack Jewish Day School
• Torah Academy of Bergen County
• SAR Academy
• Hadar High School for Girls
• Yavneh Academy
• SAR High School
• Hebrew Academy Community
• Yeshiva Bais Hillel
• Shulamith School for Girls
• Yeshivat He’Atid
• Solomon Schechter School of Long
School • Katz Hillel Community Day School
• Yeshivat Noam
• Katz Yeshiva High School
Island • Solomon Schechter School of
• Lubavitch Educational Center
TEACH NEW YORK MEMBER
• Rabbi Alexander S. Gross Hebrew
SCHOOLS
• Solomon Schechter School of Queens
• Adolph Schreiber Hebrew Academy
• Solomon Schechter School of
Academy • Sha’arei Bina Torah Academy for Girls
of Rockland
Manhattan
Westchester
• Barkai Yeshiva
• Staten Island Hebrew Academy
• Temple Beth Emet Day School
• Beit Rabban
• Stella K. Abraham High School for
• Torah Academy of Boca Raton
• Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy of the
• Toras Emes Academy and Yeshiva Toras Chaim • Yeshiva Elementary and Mesivta TEACH NEW JERSEY MEMBER
Capital District
Girls • The Brandeis School
• Bnos Bais Yaakov
• The Ramaz School
• Darchai Menachem
• Torah Academy for Girls
• Davis Renov Stahler Yeshiva High
• Westchester Day School
School for Boys
• Westchester Hebrew High School
SCHOOLS
• Gesher ECC
• Westchester Torah Academy
• Ben Porat Yosef
• Hebrew Academy of Long Beach
• Yeshiva Darchei Torah
• Hillel Yeshiva
• Hebrew Academy of Nassau County
• Yeshiva Har Torah
• Ilan High School
• Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns
• Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island
• Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy
and Rockaway
• Yeshiva Ketana of Manhattan
• Kellman Brown Academy
• IVDU School
• Yeshiva of Central Queens
• Lubavitch on the Palisades
• Jewish Foundation School of Staten
• Yeshiva of Far Rockaway
• Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls
Island
• Yeshiva of Flatbush
• Luria Academy of Brooklyn
• Yeshiva of South Shore
• Netivot - The Montessori Yeshiva
• Magen David Yeshivah
• Yeshiva Ohavei Torah
• Politz Day School of Cherry Hill
• Maimonides Hebrew Day School of
• Yeshiva Shaare Torah
• Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva (RPRY)
the Capital District • Manhattan Day School
• Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School
• Mesivta Ateres Yaakov
• Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey
• Midreshet Shalhevet
(RYNJ) • Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County
• North Shore Hebrew Academy • Rabbi Arthur Schneier Park East Day School
• Yeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA) • Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) • Yeshivat Darche Eres • Zvi Dov Roth Academy of Yeshiva Rambam
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W H AT ’ S U P C O M I N G
N E X T O U
P R O G R A M S
Resources for National Kosher Food Distribution Programs For years, kosher food pantries have operated throughout the United States, but there has never been a concerted effort to unify them to benefit the needy in our communities. In response to this, the OU has created the Resources for National Kosher Food Distribution Programs. With this new national network, programs will have easier access to procure seasonal kosher products and Allison Deal, founder of the Resources for National Kosher Food Distribution Programs
to access food distributors at no cost to the recipients. This effort is maximized by coordinating purchasing practices and prices, locating and securing kosher food in food banks, and working with donors to identify and direct donations. Simultaneously, food waste is reduced
“We must ensure that Jews
as food is redirected to recipient agencies that can accept the donations. The program will also advocate
in need, and the outstanding
for increased kosher food items from government
organizations that provide
Distribution Programs is unique as it is the first time
services to them, have the greatest access to sources of kosher food at the lowest cost possible.”
sources. The Resources for National Kosher Food kosher food programs are unified with the goal to serve the community with efficiency and offer products the community needs. Allison Deal, founder of Resources for National Kosher Food Distribution Programs, joins the OU after serving as Director of the Kosher Food Network at Met Council.
- Allen Fagin, OU Executive Vice President
Allison has her MBA from Touro College and was previously the Chair of the Agency Advisory Committee at Food Bank for New York City and sat on committees in the NYC Human Resources Administration’s Emergency Food Assistance Program and City Harvest.
96 W H A T ’ S
N E X T
OU Center for Communal Research To better understand the Orthodox Jewish community, the OU has launched its Center for Communal Research. The Center will focus on how Jews learn to live Jewish lives, the various journeys taken in that process, and how Jewish communal institutions inf luence behavior and sentiment. Established to collect and analyze data from the Jewish community, the Center will implement research and evaluation methods that meet the highest scientific and ethical standards. Matt Williams, founding director of the OU Center for Communal Research
The Center's first study will be an examination of the economics of Jewish life with a focus on how market forces impact individual and communal behavior. The second will involve a closer look at a growing subset of
“The OU Center for Communal Research will not only provide the OU with the data necessary to effectively carry out its mission, but will also be an important resource to others, ensuring that the needs of the Jewish community are identified and addressed appropriately.”
the Orthodox Jewish community: single women over the age of 30. The Center will also conduct an ongoing internal evaluation of OU programs, publicize existing research from external sources along with internal publications, and convene events focusing on issues facing the Orthodox Jewish community. Matt Williams, founding Director of the OU Center for Communal Research, joins the OU after serving as the Managing Director of the Berman Jewish Policy Archive. Matt holds degrees in Art History, English, and Jewish Studies from Yeshiva University, a master’s degree in History and Public Policy, and is currently completing a doctorate in Education and History at Stanford
- Moishe Bane, OU President
University.
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Ambassador $ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0
&
O V E R
The Avi Chai Foundation Ariela Balk in Honor of the Mendel Balk Yachad Adult Community Center Dr. Shmuel & Evelyn Katz Stephen & Nataly Neuwirth In Memory Of Anne Samson A"H
Guardian THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT
$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0
O F
Mr. & Mrs. Lior Arussy
O U R
V I TA L
P R O G R A M S ,
I N C L U D I N G :
-
$ 2 4 9 , 9 9 9
Mark (Moishe) & Joanne Bane YACHAD
IFS Birthright Israel
Sherry & Neil Cohen
Inclusion for people with disabilities
Connecting Jewish youth with their heritage
Elliot P. & Deborah Gibber
OU-JLIC
Bring Israel Home
Supporting Jewish life on college campuses
Connecting the Birthright inspiration to everyday life for thousands of trip alumni
NCSY Life-changing teen empowerment and inspiration program
OU Israel Outreach to at-risk youth, support for soldiers and olim
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Feintuch Alan & Barbara Gindi Becky & Avi Katz Mordecai & Monique Katz The Kohelet Foundation The Jewish Federation Of Greater Los Angeles David & Debra Magerman The Jewish Federation Of Metropolitan Chicago Raphael & Rivka Nissel
The Pepa & Rabbi Joseph Karasick Department Of Synagogue & Community Services
OU Advocacy Center
Educational content, programs, consulting for synagogues and communities
Teach Advocacy Network
UJA-Federation Of New York
Fighting for Jewish schools to receive fair government funding
Joyce & Jeremy Wertheimer
OU Torah
Founder
The Women's Initiative Creating and promoting inspirational and educational programming for women OU Impact Accelerator A mentorship program for growth and early-stage funding for Jewish nonprofit entrepreneurs
Promoting Jewish interests in the halls of government
Providing a broad array of online Torah study opportunities OU Press Publishing insightful and compelling works on Jewish texts
Eric & Gale Rothner Ruderman Family Foundation Moris & Lillian Tabacinic
$ 5 0 , 0 0 0
-
$ 9 9 , 9 9 9
Allen & Deanna Alevy Daniel & Razie Benedict Aaron & Marie Blackman Foundation The Cayre Family Falic Family Foundation
Members of the OU Benefactor Circle lead through their philanthropy. We applaud them all - those whose names appear as well as those choosing to remain anonymous - for their commitment. We invite you to join them in making a difference. To learn more about the OU Benefactor Circle or to become a member, please call Arnold Gerson, Chief Institutional Advancement Officer, at 212.613.8313 or email agerson@ou.org
98 B E N E F A C T O R
C I R C L E
Foundation For Jewish Day Schools, Greater Philadelphia Rabbi Manfred & Liselotte Z"L Gans Chessed Fund J. Samuel Harwit & Manya Harwit-Aviv Charitable Trust Richard Hirsch
Ms. Lorraine Hoffmann A"H
Azi & Rachel Mandel
Morris & Rachel Tabush
Kitty & Anwar Hoory Z"L
Mrs. Fegi Mauer
Michael & Arianne Weinberger
Jewish Federation Of Northern New
Meridian Capital
David & Gila Weinstein
Jersey
Eitan & Debra Milgram
George & Joni White
Etta Brandman Klaristenfeld & Harry Klaristenfeld
Martin & Elizabeth Nachimson
In Memory Of Judy Lef kovits
Robbie & Helene Rothenberg
Mr. David Lichtenstein Chuck & Allegra Mamiye Mayberg Family Foundation The Rabbi Nathanial & Shirley Pollack Memorial Foundation The Shamah Family Larry & Shelly Russak Josh & Allison Zegen
Henry & Mindy Orlinsky Samis Foundation Louis & Stacy Schwartz
$ 1 0 , 0 0 0
Yitzchok & Barbara Lehmann Siegel
June & David Aboksis
Barry & Joy Sklar David & Amy Strachman The Weil Family The Weininger Foundation Inc. Jessica & Lenny Weiss
Lillian Zeides Z"L
The Weiss Family, Cleveland, Ohio
Builder
Esther & Jerry Williams Mr. Jerry & Mrs. Sara Wolasky Masa Yehudi
$ 2 5 , 0 0 0
-
$ 4 9 , 9 9 9
Daniel & Liora Adler
Harry H. Beren Z"L Max & Elana Berlin Brian & Dafna Berman Judi & Jason Berman Jo & Jonah Bruck Crain-Maling Foundation: www.crainmaling.org Gershon & Aviva Distenfeld Drs. Robert & Kay Faguet Greater Miami Jewish Federation Howard Tzvi & Chaya Friedman Shana Glassman Foundation Dr. Ephraim & Rita Greenfield Dr. Elliot & Lillian Hahn Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hartman Lance & Rivkie Hirt Alissa & Shimmie Horn Dr. Allan & Sandy Jacob Jewish Federation Of S. Palm Beach County
-
$ 17, 9 9 9
Alisa Abecassis ADM/ROI Mr. & Mrs. Emanuel Adler Aaron & Tammy Attias Ira & Sheri Balsam Yale & Ann Baron Dr. Moshe & Bryndie Benarroch Mr. & Mrs. Isaac Berman Vanessa & Raymond Chalme The Charles Crane Family Foundation
Visionary
CCS Fundraising Combined Jewish Philanthropies
Mr. Raanan & Dr. Nicole Agus Saby & Rosi Behar
Partner
$ 18 , 0 0 0
-
$ 2 4 , 9 9 9
The Conduit Foundation The Crown Family
Howard & Chaya Balter
Neal & Beth Cutler
Lewis & Lauri Barbanel
Mr. Sheldon J. David
Dennis & Debra Berman
Robert & Michelle Diener
Marcus & Doris Blumkin
Dr. & Mrs. Shlomo Drapkin
Vivian & Daniel Chill
Fred & Suzan Ehrman
Peter & Lori Deutsch
Rina & Rabbi Dov Emerson
Linda & Michael Elman
Drs. Gilat & Yossi Englanoff
Joseph & Bella Essas
Martin & Leora Fineberg
Judith & Allen I. Fagin
Mark & Chava Finkel
Mark & Cheryl Friedman
Arnold & Esther Gerson
Rabbi Sidney & Lisa Glenner
Ralph S. Gindi Foundation
James & Amy A"H Haber
Mary Jo Robinson & Gordon Glaser
Joan & Peter Hoffman
Murray & Batsheva Goldberg
Morris & Sandra Kaplan
Mr. & Mrs. Ernie Goldberger
Jack Albert Kassin
Rabbi Micah & Rivkie Greenland
Dana & Jeffrey Korbman
Abe & Ronit Gutnicki
Jeffrey & Adria Mandel
Mr. & Mrs. David Hartman
Jack A"H & Gitta Nagel
The Hidary Family
Yehuda & Anne Neuberger
Ed & Robyn Hoffman/Hoffman Catering
Rabbi Mark & Linda Karasick
Isabelle & David Novak
Karmela & Jerry Klasner
Marc Penn
Kim & Jonathan Kushner
Allen & Miriam Pfeiffer
Albert Laboz
Henry & Golda Reena Rothman
Jeff & Marci Lef kovits
Stephen & Jessica Samuel
Michael & Andrea Leven Family Foundation
George & Irina Schaeffer Toby Macy Schaffer
Mr. Nate Hyman Jewish Federation In The Heart Of New Jersey Jewish Federation Of St. Louis Dr. & Mrs. Bernard Kaminetsky Rabbi Joseph Karasick
99
David & Roberta Kimmel Robin & Brad Klatt
Patron
Allan & Carolyn Lieberman Dr. Marian Stoltz-Loike & Dr. John Loike
Alice & Jacob Klein
Jennifer & Dror Michaelson
Scott & Aviva Krieger Jonah & Fran Kupietzky Joan & Bill Lopatin Vivian & David Luchins Dr. & Mrs. Samuel Lupin Iris & Shalom Maidenbaum David & Michelle Margules Mrs. Ella Meisel Mr. & Mrs. Shalom Menora Stuart & Frances Miller Mr. & Mrs. Asher David & Michelle Milstein
$ 5 , 0 0 0
-
$ 9 , 9 9 9
Ashford Hospitality Michael & Susan Baum Mr. Harvey Bell Dr. & Mrs. Yitzhak & Ellen Berger Mr. & Mrs. Julius Berman Carol Lasek & Howard Bienenfeld Yehuda & Faigie Bienstock Mr. & Mrs. Brian Bilzin Mr. & Mrs. Tomer Bitton Rabbi Glenn & Henni Black
Gila & Adam Milstein
Harvey & Judy Blitz
Stephen & Eve Milstein
Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Brenner
Daniel & Jessica Minkoff
Himan Brown Charitable Trust
Etan & Valerie Mirwis & Family
Pace & Aileen Cooper
Dr. Michael & Liz Muschel
Steve Dorfman
Cal & Janine Nathan
Sari & Shlomo Drazin
Israel & Nechama Polak
Lea & Leon Eisenberg
Daniel & Leyla Posner
Robert Eisenberg
Proskauer Rose LLP
Mrs. Margaret Feder
Ralphs Grocery Company
Rabbi Dave & Chani Felsenthal
Ian & Carol Ratner
Ron & Lisa Rosenbaum Fisher
Mr. Lawrence Rein
Stephen & Roz Flatow
Richmond Jewish Foundation
Joseph & Rachel Fox
Dr. Jay & Marjorie Robinow
Yonatan & Michal Frankel
Matthew Rosenblatt
Sura & Bert Fried
Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Samuels
Dr. Stan & Marla Frohlinger
Genie & Steve Savitsky
Andrew & Yvette Gardner
Menachem & Rena Schnaidman
Lawrence & Judith Garshofsky
Joseph Shamie
Rabbi Ben & Aviva Gonsher
Louis Shamie
Goldie & I. David Gordon
Mr. Baruch Singer
Freda Greenbaum
The Herbert Smilowitz Foundation
Dr. Edwin & Cecile Gromis
William Solomon
Robyn & Shukie Grossman
Rabbi Shlomo & Mindy Spetner
Norma Holzer
Dr. & Mrs. Ethan Spiegler
Dr. David & Barbara Hurwitz
Ronald & Beth Stern
Michael & Rochelle Jacobsen
Talk N Save
The Jacoby Family
Isaac H. Taylor Endowment Fund
Rabbi Ethan & Deborah Katz
Dr. & Mrs. Shimmy Tennenbaum
Drs. David & Michele Klein
Gary & Malka Torgow
Mr. Robert Korda
Joshua & Leslie Wanderer
Joseph & Hana Kornwasser
Stanley & Ellen Wasserman
Marc & Rena Kwestel
Susanne & Michael Wimpf heimer
David & Faye Landes
Drs. Yechiel & Suri Zagelbaum
Joshua & Bryna Landes
Mr. & Mrs. Alan Zekelman
Mrs. Shirley Levy
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C I R C L E
Mr. & Mrs. Raul Moskovitz Sharona & Irwin Nachimson Anna Baum & Barry Novack Terry & Gail Novetsky Aaron & Ahuva Orlofsky Avi & Alissa Ossip The Oved Family People's United Insurance Agency Moshe & Yaffa Popack Larry & Andrea Portal Mr. & Mrs. David Porush Richard & Ora Rabinovich Norman & Lindy Radow William & Deborah Rand Regals Foundation Drs. Craig & Jackie Reiss Sara & Laurence Richards Gail & Binyamin Rieder Malki & J. Philip Rosen Mr. & Mrs. Ira Rosenberg Yitzhok & Tamar Rosenthal Yechiel & Nomi Rotblat Joshua & Alyse Rozenberg Milton & Shirley Sabin Tammi & Bennett Schachter Stanley & Ethel Scher Jerry & Barbara Schreck Mali & Steve Schwartz Mrs. Margie Shabat Jayne Shapiro Dr. Morris & Sharon Silver Michael Smith Jaime & Marilyn Sohacheski Mr. & Mrs. David Sokol Avi & Deena Stein Mr. & Mrs. Abraham J. Stern Dr. David & Dorothy Stoll Aaron & Ariella Strassman Abraham Sultan Matt Teichman Tal Tours Travel Insurance Israel Esther & Baruch Weinstein Tova & Howard Weiser Wilf Family Foundation Jorge & Tammara Woldenberg Fran & David Woolf
B E N E F A C T O R
C I R C L E
E X P E R I E N C E S
Celebrating Torah at Citi Field Mets Stadium Benefactor Circle members came together at a special lounge reception where they engaged with Torah presenters throughout the day.
New York Jerusalem Embassy Celebration Dani Dayan, Consul General of Israel in New York, addresses Benefactor Circle donors and OU Leadership at a reception in his home marking the Embassy move to discuss this momentous time in history.
Yom NCSY Celebration Dinner Benefactor Circle members were invited to a special dinner reception prior to the Yom NCSY concert where they learned more about NCSY Summer’s 2018 success and were addressed by OU Executive Vice President Allen Fagin and Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog.
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O U
B O A R D
President Mark (Moishe) Bane Chairman, Board of Directors Howard Tzvi Friedman Vice Chairman, Board of Directors Mordecai D. Katz Chairman, Board of Governors Henry I. Rothman Vice Chairman, Board of Governors Gerald Schreck Senior Vice Presidents Emanuel Adler Dr. Michael Elman Elliot Gibber Barbara Lehmann Siegel (Atlantic Seaboard)*** Dr. Steven Tennenbaum Gary Torgow National Vice Presidents Charles Harary Lorraine Hoffman* Dr. David Luchins Avi Katz Rabbi Moshe Krupka Yehuda Neuberger Isabelle Novak Henry Orlinsky Paul Pinkus (Midwest)*** Esther Williams Michael Wimpf heimer Associate Vice Presidents Mitchel Aeder Etta Brandman Klaristenfeld Azi Mandel Menachem Schnaidman Ari Shabat
M E M B E R S
Dr. Marian Stoltz-Loike Treasurer Avery Neumark Secretary Ari Kahn Honorary Chairman, Board of Directors Marcel Weber Honorary Vice Chairmen, Board of Directors Seymour J. Abrams* Morry Weiss Honorary Chairmen, Board of Governors Lee C. Samson Jay L. Schottenstein Honorary Vice Chairmen, Board of Governors Dr. Mark Hasten William Tenenblatt Past Presidents Julius Berman Harvey Blitz Moses I. Feuerstein* Mandell I. Ganchrow, MD Harold M. Jacobs* Rabbi Joseph Karasick Dr. Simcha Katz Professor Sidney Kwestel Martin Nachimson Sheldon Rudoff* Stephen J. Savitsky Honorary Vice Presidents Max Berlin Fred Ehrman Yitzchak Fund Jack Nagel* Joseph Stechler Heshy Wengrow Harvey Wolinetz David Woolf
Directors-at-Large Howard Balter Daniel Butler (Central East)*** Jack Cayre Neil Cohen Dr. Stanley Frohlinger (South Florida)*** David Gerstley Gabe Gross (NCSY National President) Shukie Grossman Dr. Allan Jacob Melanie Kaminetsky Aaron Kinderlehrer Scott Krieger Rena Kwestel Albert Laboz Dr. Murray Leben (New Jersey)*** Vivian Luchins Charles Mamiye Raphy Nissel Naomi Rotblat Joshua Rozenberg Rivkie Samson Toby Macy Schaffer (New England)*** Morris Smith Jacob Weichholz Jerry Wolasky Larry Zeifman (Canada)*** Honorary Governors Rabbi Marvin Hier Malcolm Hoenlein Richard Joel Dr. Alan Kadish Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm Rabbi Zev Leff Senator Joseph I. Lieberman Rabbi Haskel Lookstein Rabbi Sheftel Neuberger Rabbi Marc Penner
102 O U B O A R D , O U C O M M I T T E E S & C O M M I S S I O N S , S E N I O R S T A F F
Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld Rabbi Berel Wein Board of Governors Susan Alter Leon Achar Hy Arbesfeld Daisy Berman Marvin Bienenfeld Larry Brown Dr. Ben Chouake Daniel Chill Pace Cooper Leon Eisenberg Shirley Feuerstein David Fund Eugene Gluck Stanley Hillelsohn Dr. David Hurwitz Jonah Kupietsky Deborah Laufer Jeffrey Lef kovits Morey Levovitz Nathan Lewin Mrs. Joseph K. Miller Rabbi Michael Miller Irwin Nachimson David Novak Terry Novetsky Steven Orlow Adam Parkoff Dr. Harry Peled Dr. Joshua Penn Allen Pfeiffer Donald Press Barry Ray Dr. Howard Rosenthal Zvi Sand Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter Rabbi Max N. Schreier Marsha Stranzynski Gary Weiss Joyce Werthheimer * Deceased *** Regional Representatives
O U
C O M M I T T E E S
&
C O M M I S S I O N S
Executive Committee
David Gerstley
Moshe Kempinkski
Mark (Moishe) Bane**
Elliot Gibber
Sandy Kestenbaum
Emanuel Adler
Mordecai D. Katz
Professor Meni Koslovsky
Howard Tzvi Friedman
Scott Krieger
Henry Orlinsky
Ari Kahn
Martin Nachimson
Rabbi Emanuel Quint
Avi Katz
Henry Orlinsky
Zvi Sand
Etta Brandman Klaristenfeld
Mordy Soloff
Ben Wiener
Martin Nachimson
David Zimble
Harvey Wolinetz
Avery Neumark
Audit Committee
Pepa & Rabbi Joseph Karasick
Henry Orlinsky
David Gerstley**
Department of Synagogue &
Barbara Lehmann Siegel
Jacob Weichholz
Community Services
Dr. Steven Tennenbaum
David Lawrence
Charles Harary**
Yehuda Neuberger
Gary Torgow
Michael Davis, Vice Chair Investment Committee
David Gerstley, Vice Chair
Nominating and Board Resource
Ari Fuchs**
Emanuel Adler
Committee
Ari Kadish
Pace Cooper
Howard Tzvi Friedman**
Steve Landau
Fred Ehrman
Howard Balter
Yehuda Spindler
Dr. Stanley Frohlinger
Elliot Gibber Allan Jacob Etta Brandman Klaristenfeld Chuck Mamiye Henry Orlinsky Menachem Schnaidman Esther Williams
Legal Services Committee Emanuel Adler** Harvey Blitz Ben Hoffer Ari Kahn Etta Brandman Klaristenfeld Naomi Rotblat
Finance Committee
Henry I. Rothman
Avery Neumark**
Michael Wimpf heimer
Mitch Aeder David Belsky Rose Bernstein Harvey Blitz Howard Tzvi Friedman Ari Fuchs
OU Israel Dr. Michael Elman** Yitzchak Fund Dr. Simcha Heller Stuart Hershkowitz
Eli Genauer Shukie Grossman Ari Kahn Rabbi Joseph Karasick Rena Kwestel Deborah Schick Laufer Dr. Murray Leben Vivian Luchins Harry Peled Toby Macy Schaffer Barbara Lehmann Siegel Evan Silver Dr. Marian Stoltz-Loike Jacob Weichholz Esther Williams Michael Wimpf heimer
103
O U
C O M M I T T E E S
&
C O M M I S S I O N S
Synagogue Standards
Vivian Luchins
Kashrut
Michael Wimpf heimer**
Jeff Mandel
Gary Torgow**
Emanuel Adler
Isabelle Novak
Raphael Benaroya
OU Advocacy Center
Harvey Blitz
Miriam Pfeiffer
Avraham Berkowitz
Jerry Wolasky**
Laurie Cooper
Ari Shabat
Max Berlin
Harvey Blitz
Eli Genauer
Joseph Stechler
Julius Berman
Allen Friedman
Dr. Michael Wiederkehr
Harvey Blitz
Howard Tzvi Friedman
Rabbi Joseph Karasick
NCSY – Summer Programs
Yosef Fink
Amir Goldman
Dr. David Luchins
Elizabeth Kurtz**
Rabbi Yosi Heber
Dr. Allan Jacob
Martin Nachimson
Miriam Pfeiffer**
Fred Horowitz
Dr. Marian Stoltz-Loike
Henry I. Rothman
Jessica Kornwasser
Eli Levitin
Dr. David Luchins
Barbara Lehmann Siegel
Miriam Lightman
Azi Mandel
Matt Maryles
Dr. Marian Stoltz-Loike
Vivian Luchins
Hillel Moerman
Yehuda Neuberger
Rabbi Dr. Tzvi H. Weinreb
Isabelle Novak
Henry Orlinsky
Amanda Nussbaum
NCSY – Behavioral Skills
Israel Free Spirit
Sam Sutton
Dr. Murray Leben**
Birthright / Birthright
Shira Yoshor
Charles Harary
Heshy Wengrow Yachad/ National Jewish Council for Disabilities (NJCD) Mitch Aeder** William Auerbach Lauri Barbanel Elliot Gibber Tziril Goldman Esti Kaminetsky Ira Kellman Dr. Isaac Klein Shalom Klein Aaron Malitzky Miriam Pfeiffer Binyamin Reider Rabbi Eli Rubin Youth/NCSY Avi Katz** Josh Rozenberg, Vice chair Moshe Bennaroch Laura Goldman Freda Greenbaum Elizabeth Kurtz Dr. Murray Leben
Yaron Reich
Jewish Action Gerald Schreck** Binyamin Ehrenkranz David Olivestone Dr. Rosalind Sherman Rabbi Gil Student OU Press Julius Berman** Jonah Kupietzky Stephen Neuwirth Jerry Schreck Rabbi Gil Student Joel Schreiber Financial Resource Development Azi Mandel** Howard Tzvi Friedman Avi Katz Henry Orlinsky Shukie Grossman
Follow-Up Esther Williams**
The Women’s Initiative
Beryl Eckstein
Etta Brandman
Jenny Felder
Klaristenfeld**
Joyce Friedman
Miriam Greenspan
Sharon Frieling
Dr. Rivki Hirt
Chani Klein
Rebecca Katz
Adam Mermelstein
Dr. Marian Stoltz-Loike
Henry Orlinsky
Barbara Lehmann Siegel
Michael Sage
Esther Williams
Eytan Weiner Ronnie Wilheim OU-JLIC Morris Smith** Emanuel Adler Srulie Feuerstein Leah Lightman Henry Orlinsky Henry I. Rothman
** Committee/ Commission Chair The Executive Vice President serves as an ex-officio member of all committees and commissions, except the Audit, Nominating, and Board Resource Committees. The OU President is an
Deborah Schick Laufer
ex-officio member of all
Menachem Schnaidman
committees and commissions,
Barbara Lehmann Siegel
except the Nominating, and
Dr. Shimmy Tennenbaum
Board Resource Committee.
104 O U B O A R D , O U C O M M I T T E E S & C O M M I S S I O N S , S E N I O R S T A F F
S E N I O R
S T A F F
Allen Fagin
Rabbi Menachem Genack
Arnold Gerson
Shlomo Schwartz
Executive Vice President /
OU Kosher Rabbinic
Chief Institutional
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Professional Officer
Administrator /Chief
Advancement Officer
/ Chief Administrative
Executive Officer
Officer
Rabbi Moshe Elefant
Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh
Rabbi Steven Weil
Lenny Bessler
OU Kosher Executive
Weinreb
Senior Managing Director
Chief Human Resources
Rabbinic Coordinator/Chief
Executive Vice President,
Operating Officer
Emeritus
Rabbi Dave Felsenthal
Sam Davidovics, Ph.D.
Gary Magder
Rabbi Micah Greenland
Chief Innovation Officer
Chief Information Officer
Director of Marketing &
International Director of
Communications
NCSY
Officer
Rabbi Adir Posy
Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman
Rabbi Ilan Haber
Rebbetzin Dr. Adina
National Director of Pepa
International Director of
Director of Heshe & Harriet
Shmidman
& Rabbi Joseph Karasick
Yachad
Seif Jewish Learning
Director of Women’s
Initiative on Campus
Initiative
Department of Synagogue & Community Services
Rabbi Simon Posner
Nathan Diament
Maury Litwack
Rabbi Avi Berman
Executive Editor of OU
Executive Director of OU
OU Chief of Staff /
Executive Director of OU
Press
Advocacy Center
Executive Director of Teach
Israel
Advocacy Network
Barbara Flumen
Sharon Darack
Rabbi David Pardo
Nechama Carmel
Director of Public Relations
North American Director of
Director of Bring Israel
Editor in Chief of Jewish
Israel Free Spirit
Home
Action Magazine
Shoshana Polakoff
Jenna Nelson Beltser
Matt Williams
Allison Deal
Director of Facilities
Director of OU Impact
Director of OU Center for
Director of Resources for
Management and Logistics
Accelerator
Communal Research
National Kosher Food Distribution Program
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