Updates: Bring it In – Israel, Venturing Out, TAMID, Israel-Asia Center, JCLE issue fourteen
MEET THE FELLOWS
www.presentense.org
CJP’s PresenTense Fellowship: Boston Tribe 12 Fellowship: Philadelphia NYC Fellowship: New York Jerusalem Fellowship: Jerusalem Tel Aviv-Jaffa Fellowship: Tel Aviv
JTS NYC Study where Judaism is lived as well as learned, surrounded by the excitement and opportunities of New York City. Become immersed in the ancient texts of Judaism and communal issues of contemporary significance. The Jewish Theological Seminary offers undergraduate, graduate, cantorial, and rabbinical degrees to prepare religious, academic, educational, and lay leaders for the Jewish community and beyond.
3080 BROADWAY NEW YORK, NY 10027 (212) 678-8832 • www.jtsa.edu Albert A. List College of Jewish Studies The Graduate School H. L. Miller Cantorial School and College of Jewish Music William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education The Rabbinical School
Look into it.
nyc co-coordinator & magazine editor Deborah Fishman coordinator, cjp/presentense boston fellowship Abby Goldenthal coordinator, tribe12/presentense philadelphia fellowship Ross Berkowitz coordinator, jerusalem fellowship Yaron Edel coordinator, tel aviv fellowship & socialstart Erez Marchini coordinator, cleveland fellowship Karen Baker boston editor Reni Gertner nyc editors David Krantz, Samantha Pohl, Dalia Wolfson philadelphia editor Farrah Green jerusalem editors Alex Kadis, Scott Krane tel aviv editor Benji Lovitt copy-editors Miriam Bader, Josh Fialkoff, Scott Frankel, Aimee Weiss art director Jerrin Kay photo credits Yocheved Amrami, www.yochevedamrami.com (NYC); Brian Goldfarb, etsy.com/shop/paintswithlight (NYC); Adam Tilove, adamtilovephotography.com (NYC); Lisa Seidel, portraitsbylisa. com (Boston); Eli Reichman, www.eliphoto.com (Boston); Jerrin Kay (Jerusalem); Erez Marchini (Tel Aviv); Ross Berkowitz (Philadelphia) co-director and ceo Ariel Beery co-director Aharon Horwitz director, israel fellowships Brachie Sprung associate director Hila Lipnick russia programs director Michael Podberezin director, online community Simi Hinden office manager Elinor Kaufman This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5 License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 543 Howard Street, 5th Floor, San Francisco, California, 94105, USA. Creative Commons: We think the Creative Commons approach to content is smart because it gives creators flexibility in their licensing choices and it allows for seamless sharing of content. At PresenTense, our exclusive rights to content expire after no more than 120 days. At that time, we encourage our authors and photographers to adopt a CC license for their work. www.presentense.org ISSN:1939-249X PresenTense is an international grassroots effort to inspire and enable socially-minded pioneering amongst the Jewish People, and this Magazine is made possible by a network of volunteers around the world. PresenTense Magazine is an all volunteer effort with 501(c)3 nonprofit status, and supports itself by selling advertising and group subscriptions. If you would like to reach a young Jewish audience through our pages, subscribe to our publication, or purchase a bulk order for your organization or event, please contact Simi Hinden at simihinden@presentense.org. If you would like to support PresenTense in its mission to enrich Jewish life, please make checks payable to the PresenTense Group, Inc. noting “magazine� in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to: PresenTense Group, Inc. 131 West 86th Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10024. PresenTense accepts submissions, pitches, and letters to the editor by email: editor@presentense.org.
1
contents Launch Book presentense.org/fellowship 2011
4
CJP/PresenTense Boston Fellowship
12 NYC FELLOWSHIP 19 TRIBE 12 FELLOWSHIP 25 Jerusalem FELLOWSHIP 32 Tel Aviv-Jaffa FELLOWSHIP 2 TO L AUN CH > shelby zitelman 3 WHY INVEST IN SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS? cjp reflects on young adult engagement > karyn cohen and abby goldenthal
C O N T E N T S + masthead
nyc co-coordinator & venture resources coordinator Shelby Zitelman
10 M e et a C oach q&a with boston coach, stacy goodman 11 M ento r s h ip lessons learned from jewish education > dr. donald a. sylvan 18 rather be living in Philadelphia > morris levin 24 M e et a m ento r q&a with philadelphia mentor, michael rosenzweig > laurel klein 38 P o ppi ng Up in T e l Av i v steering committee member inbal baum > stephanie tenenbaum 40 P h oto e s say 42 VEN TURE U P DATES bring it in - israel > david lasday venturing out > baillie aaron jcle > madeline bleiweiss israel-asia center > rebecca zeffert tamid investment group > max heller 1
TO LAUNCH
W
2
hat happens when a cohort of young social entrepreneurial creatives mixes with a community of committed individuals with a variety of talents, passions, and fields of expertise? If our experience is any guide, such a meeting of the minds, hearts, and hands generates untold opportunities for a community, serving as a springboard for a better future. It all starts with Launch Night—the communal celebration of innovation and creativity for which this magazine has been compiled. At Launch Night, the community comes together to recognize the achievements of our innovators and to discover ways to join their pursuits and advance their inspiration. But why do we call it Launch Night? What exactly does it mean “to launch”? According to wordnetweb.princeton.edu, “to launch” can be defined as: to establish; set up or found; propel with force; plunge: begin with vigor; get going; give impetus to. And that is exactly what Launch Night is designed to do. For five months, 64 community entrepreneurs from Boston, Jerusalem, New York, Philadelphia, and Tel Aviv have experienced intensive brainstorming, applied learning, group participation, networking, mentorship, and coaching to get their ventures off of the page and into the community. And
Launch Book 2011
over 200 professionals of all ages have donated between an hour a week and an hour a month to help these entrepreneurs build ventures that are, with this issue, launching into the world. This magazine is both a reflection and a celebration of their work. It is also an invitation to all of us to think what we too can contribute to these new efforts on behalf of the Jewish People and the world, and what other ventures are yet to be launched that can produce for us a better future. Thank you for sustaining your commitment to PresenTense and for launching your participation with our Fellows’ ventures. We thank you for investing your capital. Introductions, ideas and investments are all plentiful, and we thank you for giving generously. Thank you for establishing, propelling, invigorating and/or getting going our Fellows and their visions for a better community for all of us. PT Shelby Zitelman, Incoming North American Program Director, on behalf of the PresenTense Staff
WHY INVEST IN SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS? boston’s cjp reflects on young adult engagement >> karyn cohen and abby goldenthal
W
hy should CJP, Boston’s Jewish Federation, invest in young social entrepreneurs? Some suggest direct programming to engage large numbers of young adults is a better use of resources. Some point to Boston’s entrepreneurial network and ask why we need something specifically for young Jewish innovators. Through working with many of the thousands of young adults in their 20’s and 30’s in Boston, we’ve learned that they don’t only want to meet and network with each other for a date, a friend, or a job (although all three are important!). They want to help solve problems that face the Jewish community. Moreover, we believe that engaging young adults in Jewish life includes engaging them in defining and creating Jewish life. Through CJP’s PresenTense Boston Fellowship, we are developing leaders and ideas that will influence Boston’s Jewish community—and the broad community through a Jewish lens. In the past two years, 24 fellows, roughly 100 volunteers, and the community as a whole have been engaged in a meaningful process of innovation. This process itself is crucial. A scholar in the field of memorials once explained that a memorial—a sculpture, a plaque, a concrete reflection of a moment in
3
Launch Book 2011
time—is not the only means to the end of remembering. More important can be the act of deciding what to remember and how to remember it. In the case of developing social entrepreneurs, giving them skills and resources and helping them network are just as critical as creating a number of successful ventures. If a venture is not successful, a social entrepreneur can continue to contribute to the community with another idea or through applying leadership skills to improve existing efforts. The nature of this process ensures that the fellows themselves are not the only beneficiaries of the Fellowship. The 100 volunteers who have been engaged as steering committee members, coaches, mentors, and teachers have found PresenTense to be a rewarding way to help the community by leveraging their skills. For many, this is the first time they have found a meaningful volunteer experience within the Federation, one that not only allows them to utilize their expertise, but also enables them to directly impact the community through helping address its needs. The Boston Jewish community is perhaps the greatest beneficiary of the Fellowship. Working with the 24 fellows has exposed our community to 24 new ventures and all the ideas that inspired
each one of those ventures. It has connected us to local and global networks of innovators sharing ideas, thinking about the next best thing, and learning how to mobilize individuals to bring social venture concepts to fruition within Jewish and non-Jewish communities. We are noticing trends and best practices across fellowships. Jewish education is being redefined as fellows collaborate from Boston to New York to Jerusalem to London. Boston fellows are communicating with each other about such areas as sustainability and urban farming and learning from PresenTense fellows in Israel and China. These new ideas are incorporated into existing community partner organizations, and the community as a whole is benefiting from their courage and persistence. CJP has identified engaging young adults in their 20’s and 30’s in Jewish life as a priority. CJP’s PresenTense Boston Fellowship engages those young leaders in shaping their community today and gives them the skills to continue to innovate and impact the Jewish community in the future. Karyn Cohen is the CJP Director of Strategic Plan Implementation Abby Goldenthal is the CJP Planning Associate and PresenTense Boston Coordinator
NYC Fellowship
3
BOSTON FELLOWS
Learning from Case Study Teacher Idit Klein. Photo by Abby Goldenthal.
WHO WE ARE Executive Team Eva Heinstein (Co-Chair), Eric Ritvo, (Co-Chair), Michelle Black, Erin Fogel, (Marketing Team Lead), Josh Plavner (Coaching Team Lead)
Mentors Michael Carmen, Richard Dale, David Fine, Dana Gershon, Stephen Kramer, Lori Lefkowitz, Jon Levitt, Scott Levy, Andy Merken, Joe Reimer
Coaching Team Gary Altman, Geoff Bernstein, Benjamin Davies, Rachel Eisenberg, Stacy Goodman, David Gordon, Eva Heinstein, Gregg Levin, Jared Orkin, Jorey Ramer, Shirah Rosin, Ed Spivak
Subject Matter Experts Josh Fialkoff, Ariella Lis
Marketing Team Reni Gertner, Meggan Levene, Lisa Pollack
Staff Abby Goldenthal, CJP Planning Associate and PresenTense Boston Coordinator; Karyn Cohen, CJP Director, Strategic Plan Implementation
Case Study Teachers Ed Case, Richard Dale, Idit Klein, Mitchell Leiman, Jerry Rubin
Curriculum Team Nir Buchler, Jillian Constantine, Jamie David 4
CJP/PresenTense Fellowship bostonfellowship.com
Sonni Bendetson
Dan Brosgol
Gateways to College is a Jewish educational program for young adults with special needs taking place at Hillel centers on college campuses. It provides a unique opportunity for this population to engage in Jewish life in an inclusive setting with a community of peers.
Making Jewish Men builds community with adolescent Jewish boys in a uniquely male-only context to keep them engaged in Jewish activities, through regular study outside of class, sports, vacation programming, and retreats.
Inspiration to innovate: I grew up with a younger brother who is hard of hearing, and it only took witnessing one bullying comment from another kid to ignite my passion for advocating for people with special needs. When I began working at Gateways, I thought more about the role of Judaism in my life and realized that of all the ways I was connected to the Jewish community as a young adult, none of these opportunities were available to people with special needs. Something needed to change.
Challenges in the field: Making Jewish Men is not just about adolescents and teens; it’s about filling a void for a generation of men who haven’t participated in Judaism for varying amounts of time. My biggest challenge is how to reach and engage men who have already opted out versus touching the lives of those who are still in the systems, including schools and camps.
Changes you hope to effect in the next 10 years: For Jewish young adults with special needs, there are simply not enough programs that combine Jewish learning, community building, and socializing in an inclusive setting. By creating programming to address this need, I hope to expose young adults to the idea of inclusion and inspire them to recognize and value Jewish communities that are accessible to and inclusive of all Jewish people.
Where project will be in one year: I’m currently talking with five sites about operating Making Jewish Men programming for boys in grades 6-11. In 2012, I’d like to be talking about the success of the different sites and the potential for operating programming in additional locations for the coming year. Dan is an intrapreneur through Kesher Newton.
Sonni is an intrapreneur through Gateways: Access to Jewish Education.
BRIAN FOX On Both Feet is a consulting company that integrates improvisational theater techniques with lessons from the Jewish tradition to create interactive training and experiential education programs. Photo by Lisa Seidel. The company uses these techniques to help organizations identify and strengthen competencies in the areas of communication, teamwork, and leadership. Inspiration to innovate: I have always been drawn to creating things from the ground up. There is an excitement in gen-
CJP/PresenTense Fellowship bostonfellowship.com
erating new ideas, a bit of anxiety during the development stage—“Will this thing succeed?”—and, even if it doesn’t all work out as planned, there is pride in pursuing a vision to the best of your abilities. Person you have met at CJP/PresenTense that has made the biggest impact on your project: My coach, Stacy Goodman, has been instrumental in helping me process the Fellowship deliverables. Equally important, she challenged me to go beyond the “homework” and work through other ways of analyzing my business model. Her business expertise, passion for excellence, patience, warmth, encouragement, and humor have been such a vital part of this experience.
Launch Book 2011
5
BOSTON Elisha Gechter The Jewish Teacher Corps sends recent college graduates from the Boston area to teach for a year in nonurban Jewish community day schools across the country. All graduates receive intensive training before teaching and continue to be mentored by a local contact during their year of teaching. Changes you hope to effect in the next 10 years: I want day schools to be as much fun as summer camps. I want everyone to feel excited about the education that they get from day schools and
to graduate with a strong Jewish identity and a desire to give back to their community. I want all schools in small, non-urban areas to have Jewish Teacher Corps fellows on their staff. I want Jewish education to be fun, affordable, and transformative. Vision for the future of CJP/PresenTense: I would love for all PresenTense fellows in different cities to feel more connected to each other and our projects. I would like to see the Fellowship run a retreat for all fellows, and I would like to formally be introduced to alumni to learn how their ventures are going and what they wished they had done during their fellowship.
SARAH GOGEL The inner-city youth empowerment nonprofit Global Potential (GP) will expand to Israel and the Palestinian Authority for its summer cultural exchange and service learning. GP Israel/PA will engage the Jewish community in youth empowerment and community-building based on Jewish and humanistic values. Changes you hope to see/effect in the next 10 years: I would like to see shine the latent strengths of the half a billion youth who live in poverty today worldwide. This means alleviating poverty
and creating quality educational opportunities in a sustainable way, in collaboration with youth, their families, and communities. Through intercultural exchange and social entrepreneurship, the unleashed potential of these young people will create high-impact global economic and social prosperity. Most valuable thing learned from the CJP/PresenTense community: CJP/PresenTense has provided me a forum of caring individuals and a community I can rely on. I learned about 12 other fascinating ventures and ideas, and I hope to remain connected with them, as well as to my coach and mentors, to further bounce ideas and inspiration off each other.
Danielle Herzberg
Photo by Lisa Seidel.
Elder News Feed is a simple computer screen that provides useful information such as weather reports, bus routes, and coupons through an easy-to-use digital interface to restore autonomy for older members of the Russian community.
Big question she is struggling with right now: My current struggle with this venture is teasing out the benefits of creating something from scratch versus avoiding the common
6
Launch Book 2011
mistake of trying to reinvent the wheel. More specifically, I am debating whether it would be more efficient for my venture to create a specific platform that could be uniquely useful to the Russian-Jewish community that I hope to serve or to create a program using more general software platforms that already exist. Most valuable thing learned from the CJP/PresenTense community: CJP/PresenTense’s community has encouraged me to see Judaism through a new lens. Until recently, I saw business and religion as two very separate entities, but the Fellowship has challenged this notion.
CJP/PresenTense Fellowship bostonfellowship.com
Boston Fellows at a Workshop.
Rina Hoffman The Binah School is a new Orthodox middle and high school for girls in Sharon, MA. Combining the best of contemporary, researchbased educational methods and traditional text-based Photo by Lisa Seidel. Jewish studies, The Binah School offers a rigorous, personalized academic experience. Changes you hope to effect in the next 10 years: Projecting ahead 10 years, I see The Binah School becoming a model that has been replicated around the country, with a network of small Orthodox day schools that offer an integrated,
project-based curriculum designed for a wide variety of learning styles. I believe that Orthodox education is poised to make the leap into student-centered, 21st-century educational models that engage young Jews in vibrant and life-affirming study of Judaism and academics. Most valuable thing learned from the CJP/PresenTense community: CJP’s PresenTense Fellowship has been instrumental in helping me develop the language to convey to the world how truly remarkable The Binah School is as an Orthodox educational institution. The seminars and deliverables have given us an opportunity to develop and refine our message.
DAVID LIST Prozdor@Home students will be engaged in 21st century learning using 21st century tools. Prozdor@Home is an innovative way to reach the larger Jewish community of adolescent learners who
CJP/PresenTense Fellowship bostonfellowship.com
are not able to access Jewish learning in real time. Prozdor@ Home will harness the power of the online community and help students connect on and learn about various topics regarding Jewish communities, Jewish identity, social justice, philosophy, ethics, arts, Israel, and text. David is an intrapreneur through Hebrew College
Launch Book 2011
7
BOSTON ELYSE RAST G.I.R.L.S. engages the next generation of Jewish women, using ritual, text, and study to explore issues such as gossip, body image, friendship, and consumerism.
of this work. We look back on teenage years as a struggle. Wouldn’t it be great if our daughters could look back on fond memories? The skills they learn now will help them for the rest of their lives People she can relate to in Jewish history: I relate to our Jewish foremothers who believed in something and made a difference. In addition, many amazing Jewish women have paved the way for me to be here today such as Gloria Steinem, Catherine Steiner-Adar, and Susannah Heschel.
Challenges in the field: Teenage girls are in a state of crisis and need our help. After working with more than 300 girls, I learned that an overwhelming majority feel alone and powerless in making adult decisions. They need help, but their schools and communities need to recognize the importance
Michael Reichman The Sounding Board (TSB) creates offbeat music productions to engage audiences in social, cultural, and political dialogue. TSB infuses each production with a mix of classical and Photo by Eli Reichman. popular music, multimedia elements, guest contributors, and audience participation, both live and online. Challenges in the field: Myopia. People seem to have a limited idea of an artist’s capabilities in society. Conventional wisdom
is one of our biggest obstacles to overcome, and it’s extraordinarily difficult to think progressively while maintaining our artistic integrity. I consider it a life-long journey to push boundaries and participate in the evolution of music and the arts. Changes you hope to effect in the next 10 years: I hope that musicians and artists will have cultivated a new mindset for their occupation and be able to make an exponentially greater impact on their community, making their product relevant to social dialogue and change. Equally, I hope that society and the market will come to expect those very same things from artists.
RACHEL SILVERMAN Homegrown Judaica is a website where artists and patrons can interact with one another, learn from one another, and create community together. Visitors to the site will find a myriad of art pieces for sale—and soon, will also find resources for learning more about the Jewish ritual objects available. Big question she is struggling with right now: Should I be a for-profit or a not-for-profit organization? Without a
8
Launch Book 2011
doubt, I want to be focused on building community and expanding education, but within the context of a marketplace that helps artists increase their sales. I straddle the line between for-profit and not-for-profit. Where project will be in one year: I’d love to see a flourishing online marketplace and an offline, in-person community complete with educational opportunities and an expanding sales market. I hope to have a team of people working with me on website design, educational content, and more.
CJP/PresenTense Fellowship bostonfellowship.com
Participants in G.I.R.L.S. Photo by Elyse Rast.
MORRIS SINGER
Photo by Lisa Seidel.
Boston Haifa Legal Partners is a program for young lawyers in Boston and Haifa who collaborate on academic, professional, and social justice projects that impact the legal communities and improve the justice systems in both America and Israel.
Challenges in the field: This project is about volunteers. It is run by lay leaders and works with a community of professionals
Fantastic caption goes here....
who are, with any luck, gainfully employed within the legal industry. Therefore, this project must find a way to subsist within the free time of all participants, including myself. Nevertheless, free time is the most limited resource of most attorneys.
Where project will be in one year: My sincere hope is that in one year, we will have a thriving community of lawyers in Boston and Haifa who grow together professionally and find that they have a great deal to learn from one another. Morris is an intrapreneur through CJP’s Boston-Haifa Connection.
SAMI STEIN
Photo by Lisa Seidel.
Chadash: A New Young Adult Community creates a vibrant and accessible community of pluralistic, welcoming young Jewish adults specifically adapted to the Cambridge/Somerville community.
Challenges in the field: How do we really engage our target audience when there are such varied backgrounds? What will happen when the generation of individuals that starts the young adult communities gets older? Will these non-synagogue communities turn into multi-generational groups so easily?
CJP/PresenTense Fellowship bostonfellowship.com
Where project will be in one year: We will be having bimonthly Shabbat dinners and several programs per month centered around the graduate and young adult population in the Cambridge/Somerville area. Most valuable thing learned from the CJP/PresenTense community: I have really enjoyed viewing entrepreneurship as solving a problem in comparison to Jews leaving Egypt and arriving at the Holy Land. The people I have worked with so far have helped expand my horizons in terms of the target audience I am looking to reach with my venture. I have also enjoyed the integration of Jewish texts in the framing of each our deliverables.
Launch Book 2011
9
Q & A with Stacy Goodman, Boston Coach
MEET a Coach
Stacy Goodman Business Transformation Consultant
Role in CJP/ PresenTense: Coach
Tell us about your background. I am an independent management consultant specializing in mergers & acquisitions, including post-merger integration, operations excellence, business transformation, and talent management. Up until just over two years ago, I was an executive with Deloitte Consulting, traveling 100 percent of the time and living nowhere. Then I decided I wanted to live in one place and truly be a part of a city where I could invest myself in becoming a part of the community. So I left that life, took a longterm project with one of my clients, and moved to Boston. I love it here and plan to stay. I’m currently living in West Roxbury and I’m a newlywed—I married my wonderful husband, Ingolfur Agustsson, in October. In the community, I have taken a role on the Board of Directors of JVS—a hard-working and impactful Boston organization that I admire—and I’ve become very involved in CJP and the organizations and causes it supports.
What are you enjoying most about your role as a PresenTense Coach? I most enjoy that I can be a material part of the creation of a valuable social venture that will have an impact on Jewish non-profits. The one-on-one time spent with the fellow I coach allows me to dig my hands in and help build this venture.
10
Launch Book 2011
How is it going so far? Is there something about your fellow and his venture that you are particularly excited about? The fellow I work with is Brian Fox, CEO and Founder of On Both Feet. I am very excited about this venture because it provides high-value consulting services that address the pervasive organizational issues affected by communication and leadership skills. I love that Brian is using both improv and Jewish wisdom as the vehicles for delivering value.
Do you have any tips for future PresenTense coaches? I have some advice for future coaches. I believe there are two critical things to provide a fellow. The first piece of advice concerns templates and examples. Before each task, we meet to talk about the best way to approach the thinking and the deliverable. I share examples of similar deliverables that are outputs of my consulting work and we talk through them. We speak about what’s involved in the business decisions in that part of the process and start the strategic thinking. Then, together, we decide what the culminating deliverable should look like and I provide templates and materials that support its creation. My other advice is that a coach should be willing to critically assess a fellow’s venture. Nothing is more valuable to a fellow than someone who can give him the straight story. Get to the root of the issues and give advice on what will work and what will not. Have the difficult discussions about how much effort it might take to make the venture work and whether the effort of building the venture will pay off, and be real about the level of success the fellow should expect.
Would you recommend that others get involved as a coach? Why? Absolutely! Being a PresenTense coach is a very interesting and rewarding experience. It is a fabulous opportunity to contribute on many levels—to give one-on-one assistance to an individual entrepreneur, to help build aninnovative and valuable program like PresenTense, and to ultimately take part in building a venture that makes an impact in the community. PT
CJP/PresenTense Fellowship bostonfellowship.com
MENTORSHIP: LESSONS LEARNED FROM JEWISH EDUCATION >> dr. donald a. sylvan
P
resenTense is justifiably proud of its focus on mentoring Jewish social entrepreneurs. As a PresenTense NYC Mentor as well as President of JESNA, I would like to share some key empirically-based lessons presented in an analysis of Jewish education mentoring programs, JESNA’s 2008 publication “Making Jewish Education Work: Mentoring Jewish Educational Professionals.” The fruitful application of these lessons by the PresenTense mentorship community strengthens the program and the development of relationships. Lesson 1: Mentoring relationships are most beneficial when orientation and training are provided to both to mentors and mentees. PT follows through on this step both with a session bringing mentors and mentees together and with periodic guidance through electronic newsletters. Fellows and mentors might want to refer back to the orientation materials regularly, to obtain the benefits of this lesson. Lesson 2: Mentoring relationships are most beneficial when mentor and mentee pairings are thoughtfully coordinated. While serendipity can deliver a productive match, it does not make sense to rely on that path. So, in the entrepreneurial context as well as the educational one, areas of expertise, personalities of fellow and mentor, and willingness to engage in an open dialogue should all be considered. However, chemistry between mentor and mentee can never be reliably forecast in advance of conversations getting underway. Fellow and mentors who find themselves in suboptimal pairings should concentrate on the areas of dialogue that have proven most fruitful in their pairing.
Lesson 3: Mentoring relationships are most beneficial when roles and expectations are clearly defined. This must be done both externally (by PT) and in person by the fellow and mentor. The multiple dimensions of advice needed for entrepreneurs to succeed make this a complex task. PT fellows’ projects would typically benefit from advice in the areas of business acumen, Jewish content, communication strategy, and many other foci. The chances of one mentor having expertise in each of those areas are slim. Fellows should know in what domains the mentor can offer expert advice, and in what domains the mentor and others should be seen as connectors to others with appropriate expertise. Lesson 4: Mentoring relationships are most beneficial when multiple avenues of frequent communication and feedback are available. The JESNA publication emphasizes such elements here as the crucial role of giving frequent and sensitive feedback, as well as the mentor paying careful attention to the content of communication as well as the frequency. This, in turn, includes setting a positive tone by using open and supportive communication skills, as well as giving direct and honest feedback. The balancing act outlined by these points seems applicable in the PT world, too, but is no less daunting a challenge for the earnest mentor. Intense fellowmentor interaction seems more likely to succeed on this count. Lesson 5: Mentoring relationships are most beneficial when mentoring programs are thoughtfully managed and evaluated in an ongoing and systematic manner. PT should systematically evaluate each
mentoring cohort process and implement any changes going forward. Most importantly for those involved in the
Don Sylvan speaks on mentorship at the NYC Mentor-Fellow Dinner at JESNA.
mentor-mentee relationship, mentors and fellows should reflect periodically throughout the process on whether the particular mentoring relationship is working as constructed, devoting a few minutes at the end of each session to reflect on the process underway and implementing process lessons from one session in the next session. These five lessons learned from JESNA’s work in Jewish education mentoring will strengthen the PresenTense mentoring process. PT Dr. Donald A. Sylvan is the President of JESNA and a Mentor in the NYC Fellowship.
Read the JESNA publication “Making Jewish Education Work: Mentoring Jewish Educational Professionals” www.jesna.org/ component/mtree/professional-development-and-education/making-jewish-education-work-mentoring-jewish-educational-professionals
presentense.org/fellowship
Launch Book 2011
11
NYC FELLOWS
IMPACT
I N N OVAT E
C R E AT E
PIONEER
CHANGE
NYC Fellowship workshop
WHO WE ARE Co-Coordinators Deborah Fishman, Shelby Zitelman Coaches Alec Borenstein, Gabrielle Carlin, Laurie Davis, Jordan Elpern-Waxman, Peter Feldman, Jon Gantman, Aryeh Goldsmith, Josh Goldstein, Daniel Ilkovich, Michelle Laytner, Becca Linden, Rachel Perten, Evan Rosenstock, Will Schneider, Jason Sherwin, Marci Soifer Mentors Jill Abramson, Dan Caligor, Gali Cooks, Corey Cutler, Ruby Gottlieb, Joseph Hyman, Marc Kramer, Richard Marker, Michael Miller, Gary Rosenblatt, Ruth Salzman, Mark Segall, Jane Slotin, Nancy Schwartz Sternoff, Don Sylvan
12
Executive Steering Committee Jennifer Gertman, Jonah Halper, Justin Kadis, Mamie Kanfer Stewart Steering Committee Shira Berenson, Tammy Hepps, Jonathan Horowitz, Jenny Kibrit Smith, Alicia Post, Elke Reva Sudin Entrepreneur Roundtables Scott Belsky, Behance; Michael Galpert, Aviary Case Study Teachers Mirele Goldsmith, Marker Goldsmith Consulting; Jeremy Hockenstein, Digital Divide Data; Amichai Lau-Lavie, Storahtelling; Dave Levy, Tigerbow; Richard Marker, Marker Goldsmith Consulting; Russ Pomeranz, Fiscal Management Associates; Aliza Mazor, Bikkurim NYC PresenTense Fellowship nycfellowship.com
MIRIAM BADER
Photo by Brian Goldfarb.
Owen Gottlieb
Located within the Landmark Eldridge Street Synagogue in the heart of the old Jewish Lower East Side, the Museum at Eldridge Street is an ideal setting for the exploration of Jewish history and culture and is a fantastic resource for learning.
ConverJent is transforming Jewish learning using digital games, game design, and table-top Games for Learning. We excite, engage, and delight Jewish learners and educators through live events, technolPhoto by Brian Goldfarb. ogy, and teaching collaborative design techniques. Through the fun and excitment of games, we spread a love of Jewish learning.
Challenges she sees in her field: There is no comparison between learning from the authentic object in a museum gallery and learning from a textbook. Yet, with so many competing pressures and limited resources, schools today are often not able to utilize museums as a resource for learning.
Inspiration to become an innovator: A clarity that the path to transmitting my love of Jewish life and Torah is best served through another love: today’s vernaculars of new media and games. Big question he’s working on right now: What are the coolest core game mechanics for pre-B’nai Mitzvah learning? The mechanics should delight learners, instill an active curiosity for Torah learning, and encourage collaboration within the Jewish community.
Most valuable thing learned from the PresenTense community: I have learned that an amazing network and a quality framework is a fantastic tool for motivation and guidance. These resources will empower me to think more critically about my work and implement my ideas thoughtfully.
What he hopes to see change in his field in the next 10 years as a result of his work: A variety of Jewish game designers creating Jewish Games for Learning, and educators using games in the classroom to create deeply engaging, rich learning environments.
Big question she’s struggling with right now: What role should American-Jewish history have within the Jewish dayschool curriculum?
Sharon Haberman JS Matchpoint aims to establish an umbrella organization with highly trained professionals which will train specialized matchmakers, guide volunteers on how to match and coach singles through Photo by Adam Tilove. the dating process, and implement a complete educational curriculum for matchmakers, singles, communal leaders, and parents. Inspiration to become an innovator: My husband and I have been hosting singles, young-leadership events, matchmaker meetings, and classes in our home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for the past 15 years and have watched the singles’
NYC PresenTense Fellowship nycfellowship.com
issue grow exponentially. Yet there is no umbrella organization addressing this issue in a professional and systematic way. I am inspired to fill that need. Where her project will be one year from now: My project will have initial funding, name recognition, and a team of trained, specialized matchmakers who are successfully setting up singles. Additionally, curriculums will be in place for a matchmaker-certification program and workshops for parents, singles, rabbis, communal leaders, and volunteers. Finally, research and studies will be underway on what is causing the singles’ issue and how to educate our young adults to establish happy, fulfilling, and long-lasting relationships.
Launch Book 2011
13
NEW YORK CITY
Rocking out at a Punk Jews event.
HART LEVINE Heart to Heart is a grassroots movement of Jewish college students sharing their vibrant Jewish lives with their peers on college campuses through simple friendships integrated with Photo by Brian Goldfarb. initiatives such as intimate Shabbat dinners, explanatory learning, and holiday programming. The challenge he faces: We can’t leave it to philanthropists or Chabad to build Jewish community, to reach out and
do something about the rising rate of apathy among young Jews. These issues are intrinsically tied to the identity and the future the Jewish people, and not enough people realize they can, and have a responsibility to, contribute. A mass empowerment and mobilization of the Jewish people is lacking, and overturning that mindset remains an uphill battle. Vision for the project: If all goes as planned, one year from now I won’t have to worry about drumming up enthusiasm. Self-sustaining groups of students on a dozen campuses will be building communities around sharing their Jewish selves and experiences with other Jewish students.
EVAN KLEINMAN Punk Jews is a documentary series showcasing Jewish artists, musicians, and activists expressing Jewish culture and spirituality in unique and unconventional ways. We also Photo by Brian Goldfarb. organize events and have an interactive website where people from any Jewish background as well as non-Jews can come together. Who he can relate to in Jewish history: Lots of people credit Joey Ramone (who also happened to be Jewish) with
14
Launch Book 2011
embodying the original punk spirit. However, thousands of years before him lived a man named Abraham, both the original Jew and, in my opinion, the original punk. He refused to worship idols, which went against the mainstream practice of the time, and he stood up for what he believed in. The most valuable thing he’s learned from the PresenTense community: The simple concept of “how to lead the Israelites from slavery into the Promised Land” has given me the clarity I need on a physical, mental, and emotional level to approach a proposed venture and carry it out effectively.
NYC PresenTense Fellowship nycfellowship.com
JOSH NELSON The Warehouse, an alternative Shabbat experience, provides a point of re-entry for underserved and unaffiliated young Jews in New York City. Held monthly in an unconventional physical space, the venture will Photo by Adam Tilove. utilize innovative music, new media, and a fresh look at contemporary worship.
CYNDI RAND
Photo by Adam Tilove.
and Jewish life.
The YM/YWHA’s Jewish education project, Yedidot, creates and sustains Jewish connections for young adults and families in Washington Heights and Inwood, who have had minimal or no prior connection to Jewish culture
Who at PresenTense has made the most impact on his project: Ariel Beery opened up my eyes to logistical methodologies I had never considered. When he teaches, I feel like a sponge, trying to soak up this incredible stream of information.
Inspiration to embark on the path of an innovator: When you are bitten by something you know is so amazing, lifealtering, and indescribably positive, you need to share that with others. What is the use in keeping it to yourself?
Where his venture will be one year from now: We will have launched in NYC, moved to a higher-capacity venue to accommodate the growing numbers of attendees, and be laying the groundwork for a national launch. More importantly, we will have had a significant, tangible impact on young people seeking a Jewish spiritual connection but otherwise lacking a venue where they might find it.
Challenges she sees in her field: It’s hard to convince individuals on an intellectual level that Judaism is for them. It’s about getting people to think out of the box and enabling them to see what is possible.
Photo by Brian Goldfarb.
Who she can relate to in Jewish history: I relate to Tzipporah, wife of Moses. Despite all the difficulty surrounding her, passion and connection to God gave her great conviction.
ADAM SCHELDT
ELISSA SHEVINSKY
The Jewish Teachers’ Network will offer a forum for the exchange of ideas, lesson plans, curricular development, and teaching information in a way that allows users to organically contribute content and receive feedback from their peers.
ElissaBeth SEO is a marketing firm which provides training and employment in digital marketing for housewives (and househusbands) seeking meaningful and lucrative work.
Inspiration to Innovate: Growing up on a small Midwestern farm, my family always taught me to cultivate what’s important, to be mindful about what I do, and that with hard work, there is no end to what anyone can accomplish. Because of these tenets, I have been lucky enough to experience an amazing life filled with learning. Most valuable lesson learned from the PresenTense community: It is the coming together of so much talent, collective experience, and excitement that ultimately brings me undeniable value. The most important “thing” I’ve learned from PresenTense is the community itself—reaping the benefits from the interaction of so many worthy people.
NYC PresenTense Fellowship nycfellowship.com
Motivation to Innovate: The way I see it: If you’re going to be working anyway, why not work on the most interesting projects? From the perspective of a social entrepreneur, innovative solutions are often necessary to effectively address social issues. Vision for her project: A year from now, ElissaBeth SEO will provide training and employment for housewives (and househusbands) seeking interesting and relatively well-paying Shomer Shabbat work. Many Jewish housewives face the impossible task of providing income for their families while also staying at home and taking care of their (often quite large) households. The community benefits are obvious: Jewish housewives will have the opportunity to receive both career training and employment meeting their unique needs.
Launch Book 2011
15
NEW YORK CITY ADAM SOCLOF
Photo by Brian Goldfarb.
GeltRush is an online resource that aggregates funding opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and fellowships. GeltRush helps dedicated Jewish individuals find funding to further their Jewish identity and/or initiatives.
Inspiration to embark on the path of an innovator: I have participated in Jewish programming my entire life. Day school, synagogue, summer camp, Israel programs, service learning trips, and professional fellowships have helped me
to forge a strong Jewish identity. My goal as an innovator is to make information about these opportunities more readily available and more affordable for Jewish people of all backgrounds, including those with little prior Jewish communal involvement. Most valuable thing he’s learned from the PresenTense community: PresenTense has taught me the importance of participating in a community where sharing good information is the norm. That includes networking, productivity tools, and progress reports. The open-source philosophy of PresenTense was definitely an inspiration for my venture.
SARAH SOKOLIC Arts by Day utilizes Artist -in-Residency programs and an original curriculum to transform Jewish day schools into hubs of Jewish exploration via the arts. Each program fosters diaPhoto by Adam Tilove. logue and identity-building, inspiring day school teachers, students, and parents to lead the next generation toward a revitalized Jewish future. Inspiration to embark on the path of an innovator: Ever
since I was a child, I’ve thought that I would do “one great thing” in life. I realize now that I’ve done many great things already. Each new chapter of life brings new opportunities. You just have to be open to the possibilities and follow your heart. Inspiration is everywhere. What she hopes to see change in her field in the next 10 years as a result of her work: Jewish day schools will continue to be thriving hubs of innovation, culture, learning, and community. They will be viable educational options for all Jews, not only for those with great financial means.
JORY STILLMAN Shalom Kids Yoga is an innovative Jewish educational initiative that engages the whole child: body, mind and neshama. The first project is based on the Six Days of Creation Photo by Yocheved Amrami. and Shabbat, with each class combining yoga/movement, Torah, Hebrew, and original Jewish song. Included in the DVD will be a guide for parents, day school teachers, supplementary school teachers, and Jewish camps.
16
Launch Book 2011
Most valuable thing she’s learned from the PresenTense community: Passion, persistence, perseverance, and the value of collaboration are essential to see an idea become a reality. Where her project will be one year from now: If all goes well, my project will be almost complete and ready to release to the world! Teachers and children will be practicing my media-based Shalom Kids Yoga program in homes and schools around America. I will also be designing and planning the filming of the next Shalom Kids Yoga series based on Noah’s Ark!
NYC PresenTense Fellowship nycfellowship.com
“Beau Jest” by James Sherman, directed by NYC Fellow David Winitsky. Photo by Josh Benghiat.
ADAM TILOVE
positive Jewish role models.
Hashpa’ah – The Jewish Mentor Project brings together Jewish professionals in their 20’s and 30’s to mentor teenagers from Jewish day schools in their field of expertise, at the same time providing students with
Inspiration to Innovate: I love the Jewish people and wish to do whatever is in my power to help them grow, learn, and
succeed. I teach in a Jewish day school, donate to Jewish charities, and participate in Jewish communal life. But sometimes, that’s not enough: I have innovative ideas that could invigorate the Jewish community and I am determined to see them come to fruition. PresenTense was the perfect opportunity to learn about best practices in Jewish communal innovation. Most valuable lesson learned from the PresenTense community: PresenTense has been like business school-lite. I have learned how to build an organization, do an environmental scan, build a website, and create an online presence.
DAVID WINITSKY The Jewish Plays Project (JPP) celebrates and develops Jewish identity through the study and production of Jewish plays. His motivation: The opportunity to spend the next decade sharing my reconnection to Jewish identity through art while supporting the work of other great Jewish artists inspires my dreams for the JPP.
Photo by Adam Tilove.
NYC PresenTense Fellowship nycfellowship.com
The challenge in his project: The theater is a mirror on our lives and our experiences, and it is also a magical place of community. It’s astonishing: In this cynical, faith-challenged age, we still have a place where people can come to believe. For unaffiliated Jews, the Jewish theater can be a place to have Jewish faith, without needing a high level of Judaic literacy. Once we discover the power of communal Jewish faith, we are on the road to a re-engagement with our people and our religion. The challenge is to get them in the door and away from their other mirrors.
Launch Book 2011
17
I would rather be living in Philadelphia >> morris levin
E
arly in 2011, the US Census Bureau reported that from 2000-2010, for the first time since 1950, the City of Philadelphia’s population had increased. The increase was modest overall, but an increase was an increase to proud city boosters. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Jewish Federation‘s 2009 Jewish Population Study of Greater Philadelphia showed other changes, including the contraction of the Conservative Movement and the growth of the population identifying as Reform or Orthodox, and the rise of the estimated intermarriage rate. PresenTense’s Social Entrepreneur Fellowship educates and equips innovators developing new community opportunities that respond to today’s patterns of Jewish life. In Philadelphia, the Fellowship is organized through Tribe 12, whose 2011 inaugural Fellowship’s 11 fellows’ projects speak of the multiplicity of ways in which young professionals in Philadelphia are identifying and creating Jewish community among shifting patterns: Two of the fellows are integrating health and wellness with a Jewish social orientation, Kyle Spinrad—building on degrees in health and exercise as well as his professional fitness experience to en-
18
Launch Book 2011
vision a holistic approach to nutrition— and Michal Waldfogel, who is integrating her yoga instructor’s certification with baking challah for Shabbat to cultivate efficient bread kneading together with Jewish meditation practices. Michal’s proposal is also one of four projects based in traditional Jewish engagement points. Danielle Selber is programming Shabbat retreats around group dinners at non-traditional locations to give Jews in their 20s and 30s new models for integrating Shabbat practices into their weekly lives. Todd Baylson, a manager with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, is bringing greening efforts to established Jewish religious institutions. And Jonathan Dickens seeks to assist individuals and families to be mutually supportive of each other as one or more members take on more ritual religious practices. Jonathan is one of three fellows seeking to reach across the boundaries of religious demographics in their Jewish work. Evan Levitt is bringing teenagers of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish backgrounds together in a trip to Israel to create sacred space in the dialogue between faiths. Randy Schulz is bridging the American-Israeli divide
by bringing Israeli clean-tech companies to Philadelphia. Jared Jackson has created a peer-led program that provides a safe space for people from interfaith families to explore their identities as mixed heritage Jews. Also passionate about the creation of community, Laurel Klein will operate a re-imagined locavore pub and onsite brewery alongside a performance and community space and co-working space. Sara Landman’s project engages Philadelphia’s Jewish community to increase the literacy skills of urban students and their parents. Dima Moverguz is building a community for young Russian-speaking Jews. Philadelphia has been changing, and with the city, its Jewish community, reconfiguring itself to new presentations of assets and needs. This is the multi-colored picture of Philadelphia in 2011 and where this generation of Jewish community organizers sees soil ripe for cultivation. PT Morris Levin worked at PNC Bank until December when he left to start his own firm, Elysian Fields Baseball LLC, to invest in minor league baseball. He is a Coach with the Philadelphia Fellowship.
NYC Fellowship
PHILADELPHIA FELLOWS
Fellows at Boston’s Pitch Night
WHO WE ARE Coordinator Ross Berkowitz Executive Steering Committee Elijah Dornstreich, Rachel Dukeman, Rebecca Karp, Rachel Meyer, Dustin Seidman Steering Committee Brad Abramson, Ariel Ben-Amos, Michael Bronstein, Josh Cline, Jason Conn, Kari D’Amora, Dawn Harvey, Josh Katz, Ari Kushner, Lauren Prager, Michael Schiffman, Sagi Shkedy, Michael Stallbaum, Jeffrey Weisberg, Shelby Zitelman Coaches Brad Abramson, Scott Aronow, Lorin Decker, Rachel Dukeman, Matt Hoffman, Lisa Kagel, Rebecca Karp, Morris Levin, Tamar Shiffman, Barak Zimmerman, Shelby Zitelman Mentors Dan Bernstein, Debbie Buchwald, Beth Cohen, 19
Jon Erlbaum, Terri Gelberg, Steve Gold, Michael Leibowitz, Allison Pokras, Michael Rosenzweig, Adele Schneider, Bob Seltzer, Alice Solomon, Alex Stroker, Leon Vinokur Case Study Teachers Jordan Epstein, Volunteer Big; Linda & Jeffrey Gloss, Institute for Social Innovation, Temple University; Alex Hillman, Indy Hall; Josh Kopelman, First Round Capital; Robert Landman, RSM McGladrey, Inc; Laura Solomon, Laura Solomon Esq. & Associates Subject Matter Experts Josh Cline, The Cline Group; Josh Druck, Out to Own Business Consulting; Matt Handel, Shire Pharmaceuticals; Brian Lipstein, Henry A. Davidsen; Scott Slomowitz, Caesar Rivise Bernstein Cohen & Pokotilow, Ltd; Mimi Stillman, Dolce Suono Ensemble; Ellen Weber, Robin Hood Ventures; Gabriel Weinberg, DuckDuckGo.com; Lisa Weinberger, Masters Group Design Launch Book 2011
19
PHILADELPHIA TODD BAYLSON Green Religious Campuses seeks to plant trees and green the land occupied by Jewish religious institutions. Todd’s vision is to engage needed younger constituents in these sorts of green activities which will, hopefully, create
Through the use of conflict resolution and open communication tools, Welcome to Your Home strives to bridge the gap that often grows between those who choose a different Jewish path from their loved ones, Photo by Ross Berkowitz. thereby upholding one of the most important Jewish values, shalom bayit (peace at home).
Most valuable thing he’s learned from the PresenTense community: Stick with it!
Person he can relate to in Jewish history: I could relate to Theodor Herzl because he had a dream and did what it took to make it a reality. Although he never saw his dream come to fruition, I am determined to see my venture succeed.
Photo by Ross Berkowitz.
greener, sustainable cities.
Big question he’s struggling with right now: How should I talk simply about a complex idea? What structure should I utilize to bring my venture into being and how will it best offer partnerships in exchange for financial support? What he hopes to see change in Philadelphia in the next 10 years as a result of his work: I would like to see a greener Philadelphia with more engaged young people.
JARED JACKSON Jews in ALL Hues is a peer-led program that provides a safe space for people from interfaith families to explore their identities as mixed-heritage Jews, to feel accepted as a whole person and a part of the multi-cultural tapestry of the Jewish People. Big question he’s struggling with right now: How do I fuel the fires of change without burning out in the process? How he’d like to see the PresenTense Fellowship grow in the future: I would like to see video conferencing between all of the fellows around the world. There is much that can be learned, but email can be problematic. Ideally, there would be a PresenTense fellow conference that would convene once a cycle, incorporating past fellows too.
20
JONATHAN DICKENS
Launch Book 2011
Most valuable thing he’s learned from the PresenTense community: I have learned that I cannot be afraid of failure. It is OK if my venture does not work this time. It might work in the future if not now.
LAUREL KLEIN Café Olam integrates arts, music, an ethically kosher locavore menu, and community fostered social action programming. Café Olam offers a relaxed environment conducive to making Jewish connections, opportunities for leadership, and networking. For young adults, Café Olam promotes reclaiming Jewish identity on their own terms. Inspiration to embark on the path of an innovator: I decided that it was up to me to create the kind of community that I want. What she hopes to see change in her field in the next 10 years as a result of her work: I hope that Jewish institutions aiming to connect with young adults will feel like they have access to this demographic and are able to provide services in a meaningful way. My venture will provide an entry point to a progressive, intentional, and modern Jewish community, creating pride, commitment, or a deeper connection to Judaism.
Tribe 12 Fellowship tribe12fellowship.org
Deep Breath Baking believes “rest is in the recipe.”
SARA LANDMAN
Photo by Ross Berkowitz.
Uniting Through Literacy seeks to increase the literacy skills of urban students and parents, encourage literacy at home, and target retired Jewish educators as reading specialists.
Challenges she sees in her field: As an inner-city educator, I’m disturbed by the notion that urban education is a “lost cause.” Instead of trying the same thing year after year unsuccessfully,
we have to innovate and adapt our curricula to address societal changes and the uniqueness that each child brings to the table. Most valuable thing she’s learned from the PresenTense community: I’ve learned how helpful it is to break up the large, daunting task of creating an entire organization into smaller monthly tasks. The monthly deliverable assignments have encouraged me to create a more systematic approach as I build my program, encouraging me to be more detail-oriented and more conscience of how each aspect of the program relates to the next.
EVAN LEVITT Common Ground gives Christian, Jewish, and Muslim students the opportunity to explore Israel together while learning about the common roots of their respective faiths. Upon returning to their home communities, each will be an ambassador of tolerance, understanding, and peace.
Tribe 12 Fellowship tribe12fellowship.org
Who he can relate to in his field: Russell Robinson, CEO of JNF. I think he is an amazing visionary. How he would like to see PresenTense grow in the future: I would like the fellowship to offer fellows connections to potential partners and to have the coaches and mentors be from these partner organizations.
Launch Book 2011
21
PHILADELPHIA Dmitriy Moverguz DAVAI! creates opportunities for Russian-speaking Jewish young professionals in the Greater Philadelphia area. DAVAI! seeks to develop the Russian Jewish community, Photo by Ross Berkowitz. enhance Jewish self-identity, bridge the gap between Russian-American Jews and greater American Jewry, help participants develop leadership skills, and engage in volunteer service. Inspiration to embark on the path of an innovator: Jewish history, culture, and texts along with established Russian-
speaking Jewish organizations like Ezra, COJECO, and RJeneration sparked my interest, as well as seeing an important need within my local community. Perhaps more importantly, my father inspired me by setting an amazing example of always helping people, especially the Russian-Jewish and American-Jewish elderly in the Buffalo community. Who he’s met at PresenTense who has made the most impact on his project: Shelby Zitelman gave the great idea to build an intranet for purposes of volunteer coordination and internal informationsharing and it’s really worked out well so far.
RANDY SCHULZ The American Israel Business Lab will be a program of the business development company Nova-Comm Strategy Group that acts as a representative for and incubator of American affiliates of Photo by Ross Berkowitz. Israeli clean-tech companies; the program will work to commercialize products, increase sales in the US, secure financing, and/or identify partnership opportunities. Most valuable thing he’s learned from the PresenTense
community: I learned to measure everything, workshop ideas, and talk through issues. I also learned the importance of developing a prototype (minimum viable product) before jumping head first into a major initiative. What he hopes to see change in Philadelphia in the next 10 years as a result of his work: I hope to see more Israeli entrepreneurs base their US operations out of the Philadelphia Navy Yard and contribute to the vitality and diversity of the GPIC initiative there. I hope this will encourage more Israeli cultural activity in the city. I would like to see greater access to Hebrew language activities and Israeli culture in the Philadelphia mainstream.
DANIELLE SELBER The Shabbat Project seeks to provide Shabbat experiences in casual, no-pressure, and non-traditional settings, encouraging Jewish young adults in their 20’s and 30’s to incorporate Shabbat into their Photo by Ross Berkowitz. own lives and the lives of their future families in whatever way they choose. Inspiration to embark on the path of an innovator: In my city, many people will go to a Shabbat hosted by a Jewish organization, but almost no one hosts one. The Shabbat Project 22
Launch Book 2011
seeks to change this attitude and encourage people to embrace Shabbat, take it home, and make it their own. Who she can relate to in Jewish history: I have always admired Nachshon, the little-known biblical character who was the very first Hebrew to walk into the water when Moses split the sea in the Exodus narrative. The waters hadn’t quite shifted, and it was Nachshon’s faith that caused God to follow through with his miracle. I love the idea of fierce, limitless faith and a knowledge that God is always watching out for us.
Tribe 12 Fellowship tribe12fellowship.org
Fellows pitch their ventures.
KYLE SPINRAD ReJewvenation intends to improve the health of Jews. Leaving aside all the confusing information surrounding health and fitness today, ReJewvenation draws from our traditional writings on how Photo by Ross Berkowitz. to be a healthy Jew. We follow these in order to lead a life full of goodness in all areas, and health should be no exception. Challenges he sees in his field: It can be delicate to ap-
proach health issues, which may have mental and emotional ties within my target audience. The challenge is to reach my clients and change their lives without intimidation or supersaturation of information. Taking the effort and time to tailor my program to each person limits how many people I can reach. Most valuable thing he’s learned from the PresenTense community: To keep my values and inspiration for the venture close by at all times. I constantly remind myself why I am doing what I am doing, especially when the going gets tough.
MICHAL WALDFOGEL
Photo by Ross Berkowitz.
message: rest is in the recipe.
Deep Breath Baking gathers inspiration from the Jewish practice of preparing challah for Shabbat. Weaving in yoga practice and philosophy, the workshop offers people of all backgrounds an experience with a simple
Inspiration to embark on the path of an innovator: From early on, it was clear that creativity was a major part of my
Tribe 12 Fellowship tribe12fellowship.org
life. Ideas seemed to flow abundantly and the feedback (not just from my mom) was that many were pretty good. Finally I realized I needed to learn how to put them out into the world. Who she can relate to in Jewish history: I am quite fond of Rosalind Franklin, a Jewish scientist who contributed greatly to the discovery of the double-helix, though was not given credit for her discoveries. She was this creative, adventurous, funny person who pioneered her way in a field that did not accept her because of her gender.
Launch Book 2011
23
Q & A with Michael Rosenzweig, Philadelphia Mentor
MEET a Mentor
Ready to move on from a legal career, and wanting one more meaningful job before retiring, Michael heard about the National Museum of American Jewish History. Other than being in a different city, it was perfect. Michael has been at the museum since April 2009, initially overseeing completion of construction, exhibition design and installation, completing a $50 million capital campaign, and finally opening and running the museum. What is he most passionate about? What does he really love doing?
Michael Rosenzweig CEO, National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia.
Role in CJP/ PresenTense: Mentor Michael Rosenzweig is a mentor in the Philadelphia Fellowship, and this interview was conducted by his mentee, Fellow Laurel Klein. A bit about his background: Michael grew up in Detroit, attended the University of Michigan, and then graduated from Columbia Law School. Michael had a successful career in law which included practicing corporate law, teaching at the University of Michigan Law School, and serving as the VP for Corporate Development and General Counsel at Johns Manville. In 2007, Michael left corporate law to take on an interim position as the CEO at Hands On Atlanta, where he ran the AmericaCorps program at the nonprofit, which also focused on connecting volunteers to opportunities for civic engagement. During this time, Michael and others started the first transdenominational Jewish day school in the country, now called Weber School. After Weber’s opening, Michael did consulting work with other new trans-denominational schools. Michael has also served as President of the American Pardes Foundation, where he still serves as an officer, and has been involved with AIPAC, the Jewish Federation, and the American Israel Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta.
24
Launch Book 2011
ichael is a very accomplished and busy man, but his priority, M and what he is most passionate about, is his kids. Jewish life and continuity, and the vitality of tradition and heritage, are also high on his list. What is the achievement of which he is most proud? A continual source of pride has been starting the Weber School in Atlanta, seeing it thrive, and knowing that it has had a profound effect on the lives of the students and their families and on the world. What is the most important lesson he’s learned along the way that he would like to share with budding social entrepreneurs? What advice would he give to his younger self? With a rich past of leadership and community building, Michael has learned a great deal about working with diverse groups. His advice is to remember, “You’re not the smartest person in the room. Listen, but most importantly, be patient and tolerant, because at the end of the day the venture is nothing if you have nobody with you on board.” What is his vision or hope for Philadelphia and its community of social entrepreneurs in the future? ichael sees Philly has having incredible intrinsic M advantages and opportunities because of its location, sophistication, openness to new ideas, and because it’s not New York. Passionate individuals, he feels, can make a difference in this manageable city, as well as create a ripple effect elsewhere. PT Laurel Klein is a Fellow in the Tribe 12 Fellowship in Philadelphia.
Tribe 12 Fellowship tribe12fellowship.org
JERUSALEM FELLOWS
Fruitful conversations take root at PresenTense’s Jerusalem Hub.
WHO WE ARE Coordinator Yaron Edel Steering Committee Rani Applebaum, Yonathan Hirshfeld, Rachel Kaufman, Esti Kirmaier, Nadav Lachman, Ariel Levinson, Ravit Nakar, Ram Rivlin, Anat Slyper Mentors Yoav Armoni, Rina Bar-Tal, Adi Cohen-Levy, Richard Demb, Harry Edel, Amir Halevi, Taube Jamitovsky, Mike Levi, Tzippi Nachshon, Miriam Schwab, Barbara Shaw, Avi Warshavsky, Roni Yevin
25
Coaches Ziv Bar, Moriya Brott, Alexander Cohen, Elad Cohen, Hadas Eitan, Ariella Grinberg, Efrat Hakak, Dima Kashanovsky, David Kramer, Molly Livingstone, Eran Nidam, Yuval Peles, Guy Seeman, Romi Shamai Case Study Teachers Asaf Baner, Ilan Dar, Doron Erel, Alon Futterman, Tova Serkin, Eli Varon, Eliezer Yaari
Launch Book 2011
25
JERUSALEM Keren Apfelbaum The Alumni Community of Ein Prat is comprised of approximately 800 young people who have learned at Ein Prat over the last eight years, discovering the many complexities that exist in Israeli Jewish society—and how to live with them. It provides holiday and group learning activities around the Hebrew calendar and creates connections among cohorts of graduates.
Challenges she sees in her field: Community growth. Belonging to a community elicits feelings of visibility and intimacy. With increasing numbers of graduates (now 300 per year), we need to allow growth without sacrificing a sense of belonging. What she hopes to see change in the next 10 years: Many young people will share a spiritual home in Ein Prat, with educational and cultural centers throughout Israel. Ein Prat’s graduates will design a relevant educational model for Israel. Finally, graduates’ Kabbalat Shabbatot will take place in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva, open to the public.
David Bernstein As technology has advanced, Jewish education now has the opportunity to reach a wider audience. Alumni Outreach will reach Pardes alumni and others in an engaging and stimulating manner through distance learning. Inspiration to Innovate: To help Pardes enter the 21st century.
Challenges he sees in his field: Finding a way to replicate the dynamic of Pardes learning online. Where his project will be one year from now: Pardes will have a variety of online learning programs, and more than one way to reach our alumni and others. What he hopes to see change in Jerusalem in the next 10 years as a result of his work: Jerusalem will have more connected Pardes alumni, more recruitment for Pardes, and more Torah study taking place.
Shoshana Cohen Yeshivat Talpiot offers a unique full-time, egalitarian learning experience for Israelis in Jerusalem. By creating an open religious community that includes prayer, learning, and social action, we provide a space fusing traditional and academic modes of learning, where religious life and commitments shape our actions beyond the learning space. Inspiration to embark on the path of an innovator: Growing up in a Modern Orthodox progressive home, attending Conservative day schools, I always felt a dissonance between my sincere commitment to religious tradition and my
26
Launch Book 2011
sense of injustice in this very tradition’s treatment of women and other “others.” From a young age, I felt unwilling to leave the task of changing this world to others and felt inspired to come up with ways to create a model of community that is both critical of and committed to religious values. Yeshivat Talpiot is the next step in this fusion. Most valuable lesson learned from PresenTense: The switch from seeing the world as made of competitors to one made of collaborators. This view has allowed us to see ourselves as part of something much bigger. We have a product to provide that benefits a larger population than we previously allowed ourselves to imagine.
Jerusalem Fellowship presentensefellowship.org
Yizhar Cohen Tsedek Choola employs individuals with special needs in a positive workplace with decent wages, where they manufacture a unique product line of highquality wooden toys. Inspiration to embark on the path of an innovator: I became inspired during my stint as a rehabilitation carpenter at the Summit Institute, where I focused on helping young people with mental disabilities discover vocational therapy and get involved in the community.
The most valuable thing learned from the PresenTense community: Believing my project can create added value for the community through the work of mentally challenged people. Big question he’s struggling with right now: There are three major hurdles to pass: finding funds for my project, finding partners who share my vision, and leaving my current job at the workshop and having the financial confidence that I can support my family.
Aviva Harbater Single Mothers supports Jewish women who decide to start nontraditional families. It represents them to the relevant authorities, the general public, and the religious Jewish community, with the goal of enabling religious women who make this decision to feel like an integral part of the Jewish world.
27
Challenges she sees in her field: A major challenge is the women themselves. Many are afraid of taking this path because of social pressure, religious misconceptions, and financial considerations. What she hopes to see change in her field in the next 10 years as a result of her work: I hope that many older women will decide to start a family and have happy Jewish children. They will realize that it is possible to have a baby first and then get married.
Launch Book 2011 enjoying Choola’s wooden toys made by special needs workers. Children
NYC Fellowship
27
JERUSALEM Zvi Hirschfield The Peer Learning Program recruits and trains Pardes students to run learning sessions for other alumni and their peers upon their return to different North American cities, in a peer-led program during the course of their Pardes study. Big question he’s struggling with right now: The question of how young adults want to build community. Should
our focus be on creating groups in different cities in North America, or is cyberspace the answer? How much can virtual communities accomplish, and is there a way to blend technology with more traditional models of community-building and engagement? How he would like to see the PresenTense Fellowship grow in the future: I would to see a specially-designed track for those who want to develop programs or expand existing institutions. The program could include training in how to develop support among colleagues and engage current lay leadership.
Jo Mandel-Cohen Through the Mandel Leadership Institute, Jo is developing short-term leadership programs in Israel for senior Jewish educators and community leaders from Israel and the Diaspora. Who at PresenTense has made the most impact on her project: As an intrapreneur, it has been very valuable to share ideas with other intrapreneurs from other organizations in the field of Jewish education. Learning their ways of think-
ing, hearing their evaluation of my ideas, and seeing how they tackle similar problems will make an impact on my project. How she would like to see the PresenTense Fellowship grow in the future: Inspired by my husband, a dedicated high school teacher, I would like to see a version taught in Israeli high schools, beginning with an investment in talented teachers. Such a program would encourage teachers and students to think big, work hard, and develop their entrepreneurial spirit for themselves and the greater good.
Noam Melchior
settlements in these calculations.
Fair Pension will be a nonprofit providing advice, understanding, and guidance in reading annual updates of pension calculations from pension companies, and will help achieve optimal
Biggest challenge he sees in his field: To change the current situation. Most of the country has no idea of their pension status or if they are getting or will get what they deserve. The most valuable thing learned from the PresenTense community: It is very important not to jump into the project before you’ve been through the whole process and are really able to implement your goal.
Inspiration to embark on the path of an innovator: In everything I do, I try to do the best I can. I did not have very much knowledge about pensions, but it was clear to me from the experiences of family members and others that it was a very important issue.
28
Launch Book 2011
Jerusalem Fellowship presentensefellowship.org
Noy Mordekovitch Oil 4 Peace is an olive oil marketing initiative that builds trust and financial partnership activities between Israelis and Palestinians.
Most valuable thing learned from the PresenTense community: PresenTense’s work is testimony that a community can work more efficiently toward a goal than lone individuals, and that support and inspiration, both material and spiritual, can come from the most unexpected sources.
Jerusalem Fellowship presentensefellowship.org
Big question he’s struggling with right now: How to involve more people in Oil 4 Peace and to better understand how to inspire them, delegate more responsibilities, and empower them to act. Hopes for Jerusalem in the next 10 years: I sincerely hope many more enterprises, financial, social, or cultural, will sprout in our land and the light of hope and peace will reach even the corners that have long been shadowed by despair.
Launch Book 2011
29
JERUSALEM
Festigalgal participants in motion
Netanel Orbach Radio Downtown Jerusalem will broadcast from a café-bar amidst a young Jerusalem. Both a physical and virtual space, the café will be used for discussion and influence on the creative scene, enabling youth from across the country, as well as worldwide, to connect to a young, vibrant, and attractive Jerusalem.
Inspiration to embark on the path of an innovator: To produce a communications body to represent and act for the young people in Jerusalem. Looking at Jerusalem in the media, we’re painted a picture of the conflicts in the Holy City, rather than one of the city’s infinite cultural wealth. This image taints the city, and affects the identity and pride of its residents. Big questions he’s struggling with right now: First, how will the project look organizationally? How can I attain cooperation to achieve the best results? Also, how can my project answer deeper questions, like “What is ‘Jerusalem culture’”?
Jonathan Plitmann Festigalgal is a Jerusalem bicycling event first launched October 2010 with nearly 200 participants. In Jerusalem, buses and cars struggle to navigate roads originally created for camels, and there are problems with traffic, parking, gas prices, and air quality. Festigalgal encourages locals to lobby for an increase in services for bike riders. Inspiration to embark on the path of an innovator: After finishing my military service, I traveled throughout Central
30
Launch Book 2011
America. The sights I saw there made me reflect on societal problems in Israel. Big question he’s struggling with right now: How to keep the creative sting of the innovator while becoming more and more institutionalized. What he hopes to see change in Jerusalem in the next 10 years: Jerusalem should welcome bicycle use for transportation and leisure and offer safe bicycle paths and parking places. Car drivers should be aware of the two-wheelers on the side of the road and severely punished when risking cyclers’ lives.
Jerusalem Fellowship presentensefellowship.org
RUTHY BRACHA Beit Hachibukim will offer a daycare center, a crisis center for teenage girls, a foster home, and a medical center for alternative healing. Big question she’s struggling with right now: We’re in conversations about whether other institutions can cooperate with us to provide emergency services to children.
Where her project will be in one year: The daycare center will already be operating, and we will be renting an apartment over the daycare for our other services. I envision dozens of volunteers, including youth who will help us at the daycare. What she hopes to see change in her field of interest in the next ten years as a result of her work: I hope to see more projects emerge similar to mine: Ones that solve several different societal needs simultaneously. This way, each person who is receiving help can also donate and feel significant.
Joanna Shebson FunKey will be a new tool for the Israel tourism market that enables tourists to create personal profiles and then be given attraction and event suggestions that are right for them. FunKey will improve communication with returning tourists and let tourists and even local Israelis know about the fabulous attractions and events in this country. Inspiration for embarking on the path of an innovator: My needs as a new, English-speaking mom in Jerusalem were not being met. Once I started to do my own research, I realized
the information I gathered was valuable to other mothers in the area as well. Challenges she sees in her field: Being a new member of Israeli society, I need to learn the best ways to work with the local government and tourism offices while still keeping my options and creativity open. What she’s learned from PresenTense that has made the most impact on her project: PresenTense facilitators convinced me to take a step back and not fixate on the project, but rather focus on the general issue I am trying to solve. This helped open up my mind and caused me to change the direction of my project.
Poochy Shtorchan Equal Salary for Women will address the emotional, behavioral, and economic issues that may come with unequal salaries. We will work with employers, young women and students before they begin employment, and high-position women that sometimes adopt prejudices against other working women. Inspiration to embark on the path of an innovator: I wanted to continue conducting women’s groups dealing with female
31
Jerusalem Fellowship presentensefellowship.org
empowerment through outdoor activity, but I changed my target issue to equal salaries for women because I feel that this is an important source of inequality in Israeli society. Where her project will be one year from now: The project will actively facilitate groups that foster female empowerment. There will be seminars for women in high-level positions to increase their awareness of these issues. Also, I will work together on some of these ideas with other women’s groups that deal with similar issues in complimentary fields, such as the judicial system.
Launch Book 2011
31
TEL AVIV FELLOWS
Neta Korin, founder of Bakery 29, presents her case study to 2011 Tel Aviv fellows.
WHO WE ARE Coordinator Erez Marchini Steering Committee Kevin Nafte (Chair), Inbal Baum, Michael Freedman, Mati Gill, Neta Goldshtein, Shira Goldestky, Tess Lehrich, Marni Mandell, Michal Rubin, Marla Schuchman Coaches Romit Barratson, Michael Freedman, Carmel Gerber, Shira Goldetsky, Erin Kopelow, Andrea Kruchik, Maureen Meyer, Marla Schuchman, Freda Surka, Julie Wyler
32
Mentors Itay Ben Horen, Gidon Bromberg, Dafna Danenberg, Mati Gill, Terry Newman, Eli Novershtern, Eran Shafir, Jay Shultz, Oren Simanyan, Ruthie Sobel Luttenberg, Amir Mizroch, Debbie Stein, Lydia Wolf Subject Matter Experts Doron Biber, Accountant; Tomer Tveria, Gesher Al Hanoar Case Study Teachers Gidon Bromberg, Friends of the Earth Middle East; Esther Cohen, MyIsraelWineTours. com; Shuey Fogel, U Bank; Neta Korin, Bakery 29; Oren Magnezy, Laurus Consulting Group
Tel Aviv-Jaffa Fellowship presentensefellowship.org
Beverlyn Baer www.hemshech.org is an online directory of nonprofit organizations in Tel Aviv offering humanitarian aid and services free of charge. A booklet and hotline are also in the works to make existing resources even more accessible to those in need. Inspiration to embark on the path of an innovator: As an undergrad in sociology, I read many articles about the cycle of poverty and the lack of access to valuable resources that can help put an end to this cycle. While it seemed like becoming a social worker was the only way to spread the word about existing resources, I knew there had to be another option. What she hopes to see change in Tel Aviv in the next 10 years due to her work: I hope to read about a decrease in poverty in Tel Aviv and an increase in community involvement and development.
Moran Broza Bringing Eden Back to Israel will inspire and influence people to respect one another by first respecting nature. Inspiration to embark on the path of an innovator: As far back as I can remember, I’ve always dreamed up ideas and creative initiatives. I think I was inspired by science fairs. Challenges she sees in her field: The mere size of my project is intimidating. I expect to be challenged by the accuracy of the word ‘green’ as well. Most valuable thing she’s learned from the PresenTense community: That I am not alone. There are others like me, and we can help each other. Plus, I’ve realized that I need to become more internetproficient.
Gil Cohen & Nitzan Wolansky Challenges they see in the field: Making art accessible to all.
Shem Zmani – Pop Up Art Exhibitions is a temporary pop-up exhibition of contemporary art held in locations around Tel Aviv such as vacant storefronts and unused spaces. The project strengthens relationships between art, community, and businesses, providing access to contemporary art within the urban texture and enabling broad exposure for emerging artists.
Tel Aviv-Jaffa Fellowship presentensefellowship.org
Big question they’re struggling with right now: How to design a business plan that fits both our project and personalities. What they hope to see change in their field of interest in the next 10 years as a result of their work: We would love for all people to feel that art has a valid place in their lives. Just as someone may go to the post office or the bank, going to an exhibition can be a routine activity.
Launch Book 2011
33
TEL AVIV Jesse Fox
evolve into a policy think tank.
Open TLV is about making urban planning accessible to everyone by translating plans and policies into a simple, graphic language, while providing people with the tools to get involved. Over time, it will gradually
Big question he’s struggling with right now: I am struggling to refine my pitch. There are several different ways of pre-
senting this idea, and I want to communicate it in a way that allows different people to connect with it in their own way. What he hopes to see change in Tel Aviv in the next 10 years as a result of his work: I would like to see Tel Aviv become a truly sustainable city whose citizens are actively involved in urban planning and decision-making. I would like to see an evolution of the concept of municipal governance, a dynamic municipality that drives innovation, and a move toward complete transparency and active and engaged communities.
Efrat Haddad Smoke Free TLV will be a health education and health marketing campaign in Tel Aviv, particularly targeted at parents and children. Inspiration to embark on the path of an innovator: I noticed that despite growing global awareness of the harms of smoking and passive smoking, it is still accepted as a “necessary evil,” especially in public places.
Challenges she sees in the field: Changing the viewpoint of business owners and the public in asserting that health is a right, not a privilege. Where her project will be one year from now: The network of non-smoking establishments (non-smoking TAV certified) will grow substantially.
Abby Kolker Progressive Activism and Volunteering in Israel (PAVI, israelvolunteering.org) connects Englishspeaking students and young professionals with activism and advocacy opportunities in Israel and globally promotes organizations working for a more just, democratic, and peaceful Israel. Challenges she sees in her field: I know Israeli NGOs often have a difficult time utilizing English-speaking volunteers. A potential challenge is ensuring that
34
Launch Book 2011
organizations we recommend are able to give our audiences meaningful work. Most valuable thing she’s learned from the PresenTense community: I have learned the most from the evening lectures. I feel like I am in mini-business school. What she hopes to see change in Tel Aviv in the next 10 years due to her work: I hope that progressive organizations flourish with the help of English-speaking volunteers and recognition from abroad. I hope that there is a thriving culture of volunteerism and activism among English speakers in Israel and that more English speakers come to Israel to volunteer.
Tel Aviv-Jaffa Fellowship presentensefellowship.org
Temporary Art Exhibitions’ gallery opening at Dizengoff Center in Tel Aviv.
Anat Horowitz Harel Beta TLV is a cultural-educational center that will provide accessible information about architecture and city planning in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. The center will include a model of the city with existing and planned buildings; exhibitions on past, present, and future development; and educational programs for the public, such as workshops, lectures, and tours exploring the fields of architecture and city planning.
Tel Aviv-Jaffa Fellowship presentensefellowship.org
Inspiration to embark on the path of an innovator: My work with the Reut Institute focuses on addressing challenges and opportunities for Israeli society through working with committed individuals in government, municipalities, civil society, and the private sector. From that vantage point, I have understood the transformative effects that a bold vision can catalyze, even when it comes from a position of no formal authority. How she would like to see PresenTense grow in the future: I would like to see a network of entrepreneurs who join efforts and work to leverage local and regional assets.
Launch Book 2011
35
TEL AVIV
Site visit to Better Place.
Kate Rosenberg
36
Tov Lada’at will provide holistic support and community leadership training for African refugees and asylum seekers hoping to reach institutions of higher education in Israel.
Big question she’s struggling with right now: How do I make Tov Lada’at—which supports African refugees and asylum seekers in Israel—into a sustainable organization?
Most valuable thing she’s learned from the PresenTense community: That my challenge is not just to create something new, but to create a new way of thinking in the wider community.
What she hopes to see change in Israel in the next 10 years as a result of her work: Israeli society will not see the African refugee and asylum seeker community as a threat to itself or to Zionist ideology but as an extension of our Jewish and Zionist responsibility.
Launch Book 2011
Where her project will be one year from now: Public universities will support several Tov Lada’at fellows.
Tel Aviv-Jaffa Fellowship presentensefellowship.org
Site visit to Better Place.
Stephanie Tenenbaum
ness practices.
IdealTLV.com creates group buying deals providing large discounts at socially conscious businesses in Tel Aviv. IdealTLV also informs the public which businesses employ socially conscious busi-
Most valuable thing learned from the PresenTense community: The PresenTense community has taught me to challenge myself,
and my idea, in ways that never occurred to me previously. I have approached my idea from every possible angle and have changed it many times. What she hopes to see change in her field of interest in Tel Aviv in the next 10 years as a result of her work: My project will be part of the growing movement of socially conscious businesses in Israel. Israel is a place where great ideas develop, and I see Tel Aviv as a center for developing the next big socially conscious initiatives.
Avi Parsha and Avner Gvaryahu we bought a new pair of shoes, with which we took our first steps towards a certain and safe future. We believe that all humans were born equal, and we wish to see a society where the weak and poor can walk proudly and securely toward a viable future.
TOMS Shoes for Needy Children will bring TOMS Shoes to Israel and, through a “one-for-one” deal, donate one pair of shoes to a needy child for every pair bought on the TOMS website. Inspiration to embark on the path of innovators: Unlike many who live in poverty and hunger throughout the world, we both grew up in a world of prosperity. With each passing year
Tel Aviv-Jaffa Fellowship presentensefellowship.org
What they hope to see change in their field of interest in the next 10 years as a result of their work: We were fascinated by the TOMS idea that consumption doesn’t have to be negative. For instance, a tool like the “one-for-one” movement can elevate awareness towards others and brings us one step closer towards social equality. We hope that, as a result of our work, the community around us will be more aware of the power they hold to change their surroundings.
Launch Book 2011
37
Popping Up in Tel Aviv tel aviv steering committee member inbal baum >> stephanie tenenbaum
“Never lose sight of your vision, keep it fun, and keep the energy positive! Let the fun and good energy be what defines the project.” Tell me a little bit about yourself. My name is Inbal Baum and I am one of the members of the Steering Committee of the Tel Aviv Fellowship. I made aliyah in March 2009 and have been involved in Tel Aviv’s budding social entrepreneurship scene ever since. My interest in social entrepreneurship has its roots in my high school days in Maryland, when I was an Tel Aviv Steerting Committee active member of BBYO. member, Inbal Baum At an early age, I was able to take on leadership roles (I served as international vice president), which taught me a lot about creative thinking, reaching out to broad demographics, and getting people interested in programming. I have carried the lessons I learned with me to other leadership roles throughout my life. What prompted you to get involved in the social entrepreneurship scene in Tel Aviv? Israel is well-known as a capital of entrepreneurship, but there is not yet as much attention to the full range of “social” efforts in entrepreneurship, so I figured I could add my 38
Launch Book 2011
knowledge and enthusiasm to the mix. When I moved to Israel, I realized that most of my social entrepreneurship activities had centered around pro-Israel programming while studying at University of California, Berkeley during the Second Intifada. As an Israeli citizen without a strong attachment to any particular political party, I searched for an outlet to enable my passion to bring people together with a meaningful purpose. I found the Tel Aviv International Salon, an initiative started two years ago by a few friends with the simple goal of bringing together the Israeli and international young professional communities to listen to informative, high-level speakers address relevant topics. Part of this consists of a networking and a social component of meeting people beyond standard nightlife. Recently, the Salon hosted MK Tzipi Livni, Reut Institute Founder Gidi Grinstein, and Senior Vice Prime Minister Silvan Shalom. Tell me about your latest venture, the Pop-Up Café. Last month, Kinneret Yifrach and I co-founded Israel’s first pop-up café. Riding on Tel Aviv’s famous café culture, we envisioned a community café that would be a meeting place and center for meaningful interaction for city residents. We took the concept of a temporary space that “pops up,” popular in New York and abroad, and brought it here in the form of a café. For one week at Café Bograshov, we hosted around the clock events on the theme “interactions,” including morning meditation, speed dating, a community shabbat dinner, film screenings, and a bluegrass concert by Holler!. presentense.org/fellowship
What makes social ventures so important? Both the Salon and the Pop-Up Café bring communities together for meaningful interaction. After the organized community of college disappears, we often move to big cities and lose the community life and framework that college provided for us. Facebook is great, but the offline versions are important for real face-to-face collaboration. From my personal experience as an olah chadasha (new immigrant to Israel), I value community events as opportunities for networking with people who have gone through similar transitions and challenges. Through social ventures, I am working to create a social, cultural, and educational environment for sabras (native Israelis) and new Israelis to enjoy together. What challenges have you faced? Keeping focused. One of the visions of the Pop-Up Café was for people in Tel Aviv to come and pay for events—and people came, so in that sense it was a success. One of the best things about PresenTense is the extensive visioning and planning process. In any venture, social or otherwise, it is critical to be very aware of your vision and keep it as a guiding star.
What is your advice to budding social entrepreneucrs? Never lose sight of your overall (personal and professional) vision, keep it fun, and keep the energy positive! One of my role models, Jeff Pulver, taught me the importance of channeling fun and positivity, even during the stressful moments. During the Pop-Up Café events, I would sometimes get stressed that people were not going to show up to an event, and at those moments I would try to channel Jeff’s positive spirit and remember that it is up to me to have fun. It made it all the more exciting when people actually showed up and my vision came to fruition. It is also important to keep the situation in proportion and to let the stress or fear become part of the experience and not define you. Let the fun and good energy (and good intentions) behind the venture be what defines the project. PT Stephanie Tenenbaum is a Fellow in the Tel Aviv Fellowship.
The “PopUup Café.”
39
presentense.org/fellowship
Launch Book 2011
39
Fellows in the Field the presentense impact Clockwise from upper left: “The Dybbuk,” directed by NYC Fellow David Winitsky. Photo by Michael Ryzcek. Trying out Jory Stillman’s Shalom Kids Yoga. Festigalgal bikers ride through the center of Jerusalem. Jewish day school students benefiting from Sarah Sokolic’s Arts by Day project.
40
41
Launch Book 2011
NYC Fellowship
sporting community
David Lasday
Bring It In - Israel, Founder 2010 PresenTense Global Fellow
bring it in - israel >> david lasday
S
VE N T URE U P DAT E s
port is a powerful tool to connect people and build community. Bring It In – Israel’s sports-service learning program was created to give young Jews from outside of Israel the opportunity to utilize sports to connect with Israeli children and share that experience back home. Prior to founding Bring It In – Israel, I worked in Israel with PeacePlayers International – Middle East (PPI-ME), a program that uses basketball to unite and educate children and their communities. PPI-ME always received more volunteering requests than it could handle. The volunteers who had the opportunity to take part in
PPI-ME found it very rewarding, made meaningful connections with the children, and brought their experiences back home with them. I founded Bring It In – Israel to supply more opportunities for sports-service learning in Israel. PresenTense was an excellent launching point for my venture. PresenTense connected me to my first client and provided me a forum to market Bring It In – Israel’s successes. I also have had the opportunity to partner and bounce ideas off the fellows from my PresenTense cohort. My PresenTense mentor recently was very helpful with a related program with which I am involved, Netanya Hoops For Kids. Netanya Hoops For Kids utilizes sports and the status of professional athletes in Israel to build community and teach children life skills. During Bring It In – Israel’s 2010 Winter Fellowship, we were able to work with Barak Netanya, Netanya’s professional basketball team. I look for Bring It In – Israel to partner with the Netanya Hoops For Kids program again next year, offering young Jews on long-term Israel programs the opportunity to do sports service in Netanya with schools, afterschool programs, and youth sports leagues. Bring It In – Israel was recently recognized as one of the causes of the National Hillel Basketball Tournament composed of 350 players from 22 universities. With the help of The iCenter, we conducted our first fellowship this past winter, composed of eight North Americans from five different longterm Israel programs. These fellows are currently completing their long-term Israel programs. Upon their return, we hope they will run Israeli sports-education activities for children in their communities. The main challenge I face with Bring It In – Israel is finding a sustainable business model. While the Bring It In – Israel program lends itself to several different business models, I have yet to settle on one. My advice to graduating fellows is to utilize the PresenTense community. The community of coaches, mentors, and former fellows has a wealth of knowledge, and it offers a network of individuals and programs with whom to partner. PT
Contact David with any ideas or questions at david@bringitinisrael.com. For more information, visit www.bringitinisrael.com
42
Launch Book 2011
presentense.org/fellowship
the Rain can’t stop us enthusiasm and creativity save the day
>> gabi p. remz
T
he clouds were dark as rain came down in sheets from the heavens. Sure, it was good for the water-deprived country of Israel, but for a dozen rowdy Sudanese children waiting for David Lasday and his team of coaches in a small classroom at the Bialik School in Tel Aviv, the rain spelled trouble. How would they be able to play basketball? Our creativity led us to run the practice in a classroom. The coaching staff was comprised of pre- and post-college Americans and Canadians who received their training from David Lasday’s brainchild: the Bring It In – Israel coaching fellowship, which runs sports days for disadvantaged children throughout Israel. Fellows gain the skills to use sports as a vehicle to teach Israel while connecting with different Israeli regions and populations, whether on a beautiful court at a school in the Katamon neighborhood in Jerusalem, a community center in Jaffa, or in this classroom in South Tel Aviv. With a few claps and a whistle, David and his coaches corralled the students and started practice. Kids were sprinting left and right alongside coaches shouting Hebrew words of encouragement in their thick American accents as the players slid, dribbled, and bounced between the walls. The darkness outside disappeared in that room, as children who had suffered far too much relished the joy of a team experience. As a coach in the Bring It In – Israel fellowship, I was able to develop a bevy of valuable skills. Of course, I could better teach the game I had loved since I could
presentense.org/fellowship
Bring It In - Israel Fellows train with Wingate Institute basketball instructor, Vito Gilic.
walk. The fellowship provided numerous training sessions on coaching with some of Israel’s top experts in the field. But the emotional parts of coaching and teaching proved to be the most important to learn. From our first meeting, David both preached and practiced the value of enthusiasm. After we had a coaches-only session, David would slap his hands together as his face settled into an accomplished grin. Yet the experience of working with Israel’s amazingly diverse population delivered some serious obstacles. For instance, when coaching at the Yad B’Yad School in Jerusalem, I needed to coach both Arabic– and Hebrew– speaking students, who could not easily communicate with each other, let alone with the coaches. I quickly learned to count to 10 in Arabic, but that was not enough.
As a few misunderstandings could lead to frustration for everyone, I needed another solution. Using all my enthusiasm, I utilized non-verbal communication, just as David had in our training sessions. I clapped and cheered with every dribble, and demonstrated skills through physical example rather than verbal explanation. It wasn’t always easy, but through the Bring It In – Israel fellowship, I have seen that, through enthusiasm, creativity, and perseverance in inspiring the future of Israel, its youth, we could truly achieve success. Even in the form of 12 overwhelmingly boisterous kids bouncing balls all over a Bialik School classroom. PT Gabi P. Remz is currently spending a gap year in Israel where he spends his time studying and volunteering. He will attend Northwestern University in the fall.
Launch Book 2011
43
Observations of a 21 st Century ENTREPRENEUR
VE N T URE U P DAT E s
venturing out >> baillie aaron
44
Photos by Dominick Reuter.
E
ntrepreneurs are an integral part of America’s history and culture; “rags to riches” stories continue to inspire individuals to pursue self-employment and the American dream. Entrepreneurs can transcend class structures and break through glass ceilings; innovate where growth has stagnated; and effect change where it is desperately needed. In today’s economy, we need enterprising individuals more than ever to develop businesses and create new jobs—as well as mentors, who can invest time and resources into encouraging budding entrepreneurs’ visions for social and economic change. As a 2010 CJP/PresenTense Boston Fellow, I started one successful organization, Venturing Out, and am now moving on to found a second business. Venturing Out Launch Book 2011
is a response to two critical problems. First, people coming out of prison struggle to find jobs because employers are dissuaded by criminal records. Second, unemployment is one of the leading reasons for reoffending. However, people in prison have higher than average entrepreneurial aptitude. I came to the realization that if we could teach people in prison how to start their own businesses, we could enable them to become economically self-sufficient—and help reduce their chances of reoffending. Thanks to the work of our volunteer team and under the guidance of our executive director, Laura Winig, Venturing Out is currently running comprehensive entrepreneurship courses at multiple prisons and community-based sites for adults and youth.
Founding Venturing Out in order to enable aspiring entrepreneurs from all walks of life to realize their business visions has taught me that those of us who seek self-employment share certain traits. We tend to have a greater inclination for risk-taking; a more visionary, idealistic, and optimistic approach to problem-solving; and, of course, a greater passion for creating and founding new organizations. We also share a willingness to work hard and act on our ideas. The entrepreneurial dream is not an easy one to achieve—starting any project takes an immense amount of effort, and to paraphrase Roy Ash, entrepreneurs tend to bite off more than they can chew (hoping they’ll quickly learn how to chew it). To help in this process, I have some obserpresentense.org/fellowship
while we may be driven (at least in part) by the bottom line, we must not lose sight of the less quantifiable impact that our business can have on the economy, environment, and society. We should consider the mechanisms by which we can increase employment opportunities, decrease our carbon footprint, and create positive social change through our business model. Finally, just as coaches are recognized for winning championships, entrepreneurs often get the credit for their companies— but there is a team behind each success story. It is said that we are only as good as the people BAILLIE AARON around us; to be successful Venturing Out, Founder entrepreneurs, we need to and Board Chair identify our deficiencies, and RISE, Co-Founder surround ourselves with the best and brightest people that 2010 CJP/PresenTense complement our skillsets. Fellow Moreover, we should develop these individuals as leaders by building on their strengths, encouraging trials and pilots, targeted performance them to innovate, and showing our review, and innovative and reflexive adappreciation for their support. aptation should be ongoing. I hope my observations will help you Second, while entrepreneurs can as you move forward with your ideas easily lose sight of the big picture and ventures. Best of luck with your enand get caught up in mission statetrepreneurial journeys! PT ments and catchy slogans, what really matters is our purpose, values, and vision. Why do we exist—what is the For more info, visit fundamental role that we are fulfilling? www.venturingout.org And what, in an ideal world, would we be able to achieve in 30 or 50 years’ time? The answers to these questions are complex but shape the way in which we run our businesses. Our purpose and vision motivate employees to join and commit to our organizations, influence customers to purchase our products and services, and encourage funders to offer financial support. Third, recognition of the realities of entrepreneurship in the 21st century is critical for organizational success. For social entrepreneurs, this means considering alternative financial sources, besides donations. The traditional nonprofit approach is not always sustainable, and there are ways to strategically earn revenue without deviating from our core purpose. For all entrepreneurs, vations to share with up-and-coming entrepreneurs. First, successful entrepreneurs are flexible about the means by which they achieve their goals. As entrepreneurs, we perceive an unfulfilled market need—and we devise a way to address the mismatch. But what if our solution doesn’t fit the problem? We need to rigorously evaluate our performance to ensure that we are producing our expected outcomes and be prepared to come up with an alternative strategy as required. This process of
presentense.org/fellowship
Faced with what I perceived as already having two strikes against me, and determined not to allow what society may deem as a third strike (reared on a three-strike rule), I start my day as if those strikes don’t exist. Span Inc., a non-profit which assists people who have been in prison (societal strike) achieve productive lives, introduced me to Venturing Out. The lessons I have gleaned from that course have given me determination to move forward with plans to own my own business, and OnthaMark Productions has become a reality. OnthaMark Productions is a web-based umbrella company that provides marketing, promotional, and other services for upstart companies and unsigned artists. OnthaMark subcontracts other entrepreneurial individuals to assist in moving an OnthaMark client’s plans forward. OnthaMark also provides a monthly online talent showcase of videos by artists in different genres. I am confident with my determination and the encouragement of Baillie Aaron and Venturing Out, OnthaMark will be successful not only for me but for other entrepreneurs as well. Mark Gibson is the founder of OnthaMark Productions. onthamark@gmail.com
NYC Fellowship
CLEVELAND’S JCLE IMPACT
madeline bleiweiss JCLE, Founder 2010 PresenTense Global Fellow
jcle >> madeline bleiweiss
VE N T URE U P DAT E s
B
efore the PresenTense Institute, I had the potential for growth; however, I had little support and limited education about start-up business models and strategy. PresenTense helped me organize my thoughts and allowed me to begin brainstorming for the future in an efficient way. While at PresenTense, my yearning for professional development became strong, and I grew up. Upon arriving to Jerusalem in the summer of 2010, my venture was already running without branding or technique. As I work as an “intrepreneur,” creating JCLE for an already established nonprofit, I had the advantage of a year of practicing outreach, marketing tactics, and creating events. This advantage, however, wasn’t going to get me very far without a brand. With the help of incredible staff, a brilliant mentor and coach, and my own graphic designer, I branded JCLE at the end of my summer in Jerusalem. JCLE has evolved not only in branding, but in volume. While I began by billing JCLE as “hot, gigantic parties only,” considering extravagant programming the only option, JCLE now has sporting events, cultural events, and an upcoming co-sponsorship with the Jewish Film Festival in Cleveland. JCLE might even get its own movie theater for the night. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I hear 20somethings in town talk about JCLE’s events as if they are a core part of their social lives. It is so interesting and meaningful to hear what goes on outside of my desk, and how my venture has truly impacted a young community. The most valuable support I
received from PresenTense was learning the most effective means of communication. During the Institute, I developed talking points, terminology, and strategic thought. I picked up a business sense that somehow I never knew I had. PresenTense believed in my venture, and understood that every fellow’s venture is a part of the greater whole. They gave me the “umph” I needed to begin. That “umph” always comes right back whenever I talk to another fellow or staff person. PresenTense truly ignites. My advice to entrepreneurs starting the Fellowship is to stay focused and never let competition get the best of you. Competition can be fun because it allows your creative spark to come out of its shell. To fellows just ending the Fellowship: It’s not goodbye! PresenTense never makes you feel like you’re completely on your own. PT
Y JCLE PAST EVENTS JEWS GO COUNRTY by limo to the Rascal Flatts concert at Blossom Music Center JCLE PARTY BUSES tour the city’s four most popular neighborhoods STANDUP SUNDAYS at Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk downtown UNATTACHED Speed dating and mixer at Clyde’s Bistro and Barroom, cosponsored with the Jewish Federation’s YLD DODGEBALL at the Mandel JCC with an after party at Panini’s on Coventry HANUKKAH BLOW OUT at the Velvet Dog, 200 guests and prizes every 20 minutes, cosponsored with 2139 JOOZE CRUISE aboard the Nautica Queen Cleveland For more info, visit www.jclecity.org
JCLE’s Masquerade party. Photos by Sarah Bokone.
Fantastic caption goes here.
46
Launch Book 2011
presentense.org/fellowship
an EntrepreNEur’s Journey israel-asia center >> rebecca zeffert How did the Israel-Asia Center start out?
Israel-Asia Center founder and executive director, Rebecca Zeffert, meets with the Chinese Ambassador to Israel, Zhao Jun, at the ambassador’s residence. Photo by David Harris.
What was your inspiration to become an entrepreneur? In 2003, while working in public relations and public affairs in Israel, I noticed that no organization in Israel served as an educational platform to promote Israel’s broader strategic economic, political, and cultural interests and relations with Asia. How was Israel to catch up and prepare itself for this Asian Century with shifting economic and geopolitical realities? What would this mean for Israel in a Middle East with growing involvement and security interests by Asian powers? Unlike in Europe, North America, and Australia, where organizations had existed for decades focusing on Asia relations and education, Israel had been so westward-looking in its foreign and economic policy that there was little attention paid to established Asian tigers such as India and China and the emerging economies like South Korea and Vietnam.
At the end of 2008, the Israel-Asia Center started out with a website (www. israelasiacenter.org) and newsletters, providing news, features, and analysis covering economic, foreign policy, and cultural issues impacting Israel-Asia affairs. We soon acquired a following including members of Knesset, leading government officials, diplomats, business leaders, academics, foreign policy analysts, journalists, and Israel advocacy and Asia organizations. From there, it expanded to run seminars, panel discussions, and cultural events, advise universities on developing Asia programs and academic exchange, and provide the media with information and experts for comment on Israel-Asia affairs.
Describe some of the challenges of being a social entrepreneur. I don’t think anything can really prepare you for running and growing your own venture. It’s a very steep learning curve—but by pushing yourself to limits you never previously knew existed, you learn what you’re really capable of achieving with very few resources. That is very empowering.
What has been PresenTense’s role in your development? Although the Israel-Asia Center was already underway when I became a fellow on the 2009 PT Global Fellowship, PresenTense provided me with the tools, resources, and the support network to help ensure our continuing growth.
Also, just a few months ago, the IsraelAsia Center was the first venture to be accepted onto the PT Investments portfolio, which has since been providing us with strategic and operational support.
What’s the next step for you? We are just getting ready to launch an Asian Leaders fellowship program for Asian students in Israel—building the next generation of leaders in Israel-Asia relations. The eight-month program will provide students with the high-level access, contacts, skills-set, and support network necessary to build long-term, strategic partnerships with Israel through their professional careers once they return to their home countries.
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs finishing the Fellowship and just starting out? Ask yourself: How much do I really want this? You’ll need to know how far you’re willing to go and what you’re willing to invest to make it happen. Get all your facts and figures. Try to find out as much as possible beforehand what you’re getting yourself into. And of course, make sure to surround yourself with great, talented people who share your vision and will work with you to realize it. PT REBECCA ZEFFERT Israel-Asia Center, Founder and Executive Director 2009 PresenTense Global Fellow
The Israel-Asia Center is a Jerusalem-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting understanding and furthering cooperation between Israel and Asia. www.israelasiacenter.org. For more info on how to sponsor an Asian Leaders fellow, e-mail rebecca.zeffert@israelasiacenter.org.
presentense.org/fellowship
Launch Book 2011
47
New Leadership for TAMID TAMID israel investment group >> max heller
T
VE N T URE U P DAT E s
e TAMID Israel Investment h Group is a comprehensive, three-phased program that connects American business-minded students with the Israeli economic landscape. The initiative aligns the next generation of philanthropists, leaders, and investors in Israel through education, hands-on investment experience, and meaningful professional opportunities. The program was piloted at the University of Michigan in 2008 by PresenTense 2008 Global Fellow Eitan Ingall and is in the process of expanding nationally starting in the fall of 2011. Current TAMID Executive Director Max Heller shares some insight on TAMID’s trajectory and future plans.
TAMID’s 2011 Executive Board shortly after being elected.
What’s new with TAMID?
Where’s TAMID going next?
TAMID took an important step this past semester in its leadership transition. The current executive board is made up entirely of non-founding members, a first for the organization. In addition, TAMID members successfully completed consulting projects for five Israeli start-up firms, conducting market research, holding focus groups, and performing competitive analysis according to each firm’s needs. Finally, in their most active semester yet, student members of TAMID’s Investment Fund presented Israeli market updates, pitched stocks, and discussed potential investments for TAMID’s Fund each week, gaining tremendous insight about Israel-related investing in the process.
This summer, TAMID’s Fellowship Program will send students to intern with nine Israeli firms—including Alvarion, Arba Finance, and Giza Venture Capital—an 80% increase in size from last year’s program. Follow their blogs via TAMID’s website (www. tamidgroup.org). Additionally, TAMID is expanding to six new American campuses this fall—Yeshiva University, Harvard University, the University of Illinois, the University of Wisconsin, Penn State University, and the University of California at Berkeley—where classes will familiarize members with the Israeli economy and help them to develop business skill-sets. In preparation, student leaders at have been working with TAMID’s executive directors for several
For general inquiries: info@tamidgroup.org For support opportunities: support@tamidgroup.org For more info: www.tamidgroup.org
48
Launch Book 2011
months, including running ‘mock’ programming sessions.
What’s your biggest challenge right now? As TAMID expands nationally, it is important for the organization to develop relationships with business professionals around the country who could potentially become guest speakers for seminar series. Additionally, TAMID is seeking individuals willing to financially sponsor individual Fellows as the summer internship program is set to expand exponentially in the summer of 2012. In managing these needs, TAMID is pursuing a controlled growth strategy, making sure that TAMID’s quality programming is reflected on each participating campus. PT Max Heller, originally from Potomac, Maryland, is a rising junior at the University of Michigan and is executive director of TAMID.
presentense.org/fellowship
OUR PARTNERS >> We are honored to work with the following present and past sponsors in pursuit of our mission to build a future of creativity, innovation, and leadership for Israel, the Jewish People, and the world: Current Local Community Entrepreneur Partners (CEP): Boston: Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) Cleveland: Jewish Federation of Cleveland Moscow: The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Philadelphia: Tribe 12 and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Tel Aviv: Tel Aviv Municipality WORLD: World Confederation of Jewish Community Centers and the UJA Federation of New York’s Commission on the Jewish People
Chair Sponsors, enabling individual entrepreneurs to join the Fellowship: The American Zionist Movement, supporting Zionist education The AVI CHAI Foundation, founding a New York Cluster in Day School education The Covenant Foundation, supporting Jewish education through technology and gaming The Gorlin Family Foundation, supporting Jewish Leadership and innovation
World Zionist Organization, supporting Zionist education Yeshivat Ein Prat, building intrapreneurship for alumni community
General Sponsors, supporting PresenTense: The AMITAI Foundation The AVI CHAI Foundation Virginia Bayer & Rabbi Robert Hirt The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation MADAV IX The Immerman Foundation Israel Venture Association The Morningstar Foundation The Joyce & Irving Goldman Family Foundation The Lippman Kanfer Family Foundation The Nathan Cummings Foundation The Oregon Jewish Community Youth Foundation The Professional Leaders Project The Salesforce.com Foundation The Wohl Family Foundation
>> Want to sponsor a fellow in a field of your choice or help PresenTense grow? Contact invest@presentense.org
The Gottesman Fund, supporting Jewish leadership The iCenter, supporting innovation in Israel education JDC Europe and South America, supporting local Jewish leadership JFN Philanthropic Services, supporting Jewish Education and Philanthropy education Jim Joseph Foundation, supporting North American Jewish education
OUR PARTNERS
The Kopelman Foundation, supporting the integration of technology into Jewish community The Mandel Leadership Institute, supporting intrapreneurship for Jewish leadership Natan Fund, supporting Peoplehood education and economic development education Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, building intrapreneurship for alumni community PELIE, supporting complementary Jewish education The Rosenbloom Philanthropic Fund, supporting Jewish leadership in Uruguay and around the globe Sharon Ungerleider, supporting the enrichment of young Jewish life in the Pacific Northwest The UJA-Federation of New York, supporting the Washington Heights YMHA and Israeli leadership
Launch Book 2011
49