THANKS TO YOU we are strengthening and building a vibrant Progressive Jewish Movement around the world.
DEAR FRIENDS, THANKS TO YOU, the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) expanded our reach and impact around the world in 2018. In new and emerging communities, rabbis, Jewish educators, and leaders formed vibrant, caring hubs of Jewish life in places where Jews never lived or found their way back to after centuries. In rabbinic training programs in Moscow and Buenos Aires, inspiring young rabbinic students neared their goal of reaching ordination, poised to provide exceptional rabbinic leadership for their communities. In regions where Progressive Judaism has already been going strong for years – Australasia; Europe; the UK; Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine; South Africa; Latin America; and North America – rabbis deliberated on vital issues facing our Progressive congregations including protection of religious freedom, intermarriage, conversion, and fighting antisemitism. Although we live far from each other, we came together this year as members of the same global family to share our successes in regional biennials. Although we speak many languages, we share the same values of inclusivity, compassion, and unity. And because we know that the next generation is central to our growth and strength, we focused on our youth and young leaders, expanding camps and fellowship programs, strengthening schools while reaffirming our commitment to social action, justice, and equality. Reflecting on a year of achievement and impact reminds us how deeply our global family is both connected and committed to growth. We thank you for your invaluable partnership and contribution and look forward to your continued – and even increased – involvement in our movement’s communities and causes, and in our global work. L’Shalom,
Carole D. Sterling Chair
Rabbi Daniel H. Freelander President, 2014-19
Ambassador Rabbi David N. Saperstein President, 2019-20
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WHO WE ARE The mission of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) is to strengthen Jewish life and values in Israel and Jewish communities throughout the world by supporting and advancing a progressive approach to Jewish tradition. Since its inception in London in 1926, the World Union has grown to represent 1.8 million Reform, Progressive, and Liberal Jews across six continents, 50 countries and 1,200 congregations in seven regions: Australia, New Zealand, Asia; Europe and the UK; Israel; Latin America; North America; Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine; and South Africa.
A TRULY GLOBAL MOVEMENT 2018 Annual Report
Argentina Aruba Australia Austria Belarus Belgium Brazil Canada
Chile China Costa Rica Curaรงao Czech Republic Denmark Ecuador England
France Germany Guatemala Hong Kong Hungary India Indonesia Ireland
Israel Italy Japan Luxembourg Netherlands New Zealand Panama Peru
Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Russia Scotland Singapore South Africa Spain
St. Thomas Suriname Sweden Switzerland Thailand Ukraine United States Wales 05
THANKS TO YOU YOUR SUPPORT MEANS THE WORLD TO US $50,000 AND ABOVE
Soref-Breslauer Texas Foundation
Rabbi Jonathan Blake
Nani and Austin Beutel
Carole and Jay Sterling
Rabbi Barry H. Block
Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation
Women of Reform Judaism
Merle and Stephen Brenner
$5,000 - $9,999
Cantor Benjie Schiller and Rabbi Lester Bronstein
Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York Golden Family Foundation
The Associated Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore
Melissa Cohavi
Betty B. Golomb, z”l Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta
Ina and Steven Bauman
Rabbi Mark Cohn
Sue and James Klau
Barbara and Mark Brookner
Rabbi Amy and Gary Perlin
Linda and James Cherney
Cantor Mia Fram Davidson and Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson
The Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh
Joan and Ron Cohen
Elizabeth and Arthur Roswell
Barbara and Stephen Friedman Family Foundation
Naomi K. Shapiro, z”l
Steven J. Cohen
Dr. Israel and Edith Putnam Edelstein Charity Foundation Rabbi Dennis J. Eisner
United Israel Appeal-Progressive Trust*
Generations Fund/Audrey Morris
Lois and Richard England Family Foundation
Nancy and Dennis Gilbert
Fadem Family Foundation
$10,000 - $49,999
Rabbis Elaine and Brenner Glickman
Frances Sweeney and Francis L. Fraenkel
Cherie and Fred Half
Joseph Fidanque, Jr.
Marion and Stanley Bergman
Daniel Kirwin
Vicki Reikes Fox and Rabbi Steven Fox
Stanley, Marion, Paul, and Edward Bergman Family Foundation
Lynn Magid Lazar and Dale Lazar
Bobette and Lowell Friedman
Seymour Lipton
Karen and Todd Galinko
Central Synagogue, New York
Diane Marcus
Sharon and Gary Glick
Congregation Beth Am, Los Altos
Lenore and Daniel Mass
Sonja Guentner and Günther Ginzel
Congregation Emanu El, Houston
Susan and Charles Rothschild
Goldberg Family Foundation
Isabel Dunst
Wendy and Ken Ruby
Patricia and Louis Grossman
Moses Feldman Family Foundation
Nancy and David Solomon
Daryl Messinger and James J. Heeger
Freelander Family Charitable Trust
B.J. Tanenbaum, Jr.
Lindie and Kenneth Henderson
Caroline Shapiro and Peter Frey
Jane Taves
Jemma and Rabbi Jordan Helfman
Albert B. Glickman Family Foundation
Linda and Larry Vogel
Ronne and Donald Hess
Sally Gottesman
Dolores K. Wilkenfeld
Bette and Joseph Hirsch
Robert G. and Ellen S. Gutenstein Family Foundation
Shelley and Marc Willner
Isaac M. Wise Temple, Cincinnati
Linda and Richard Zoll
Howard G. and Samita B. Jacobs Foundation
Dee and Leslie Bergman
Carol and Carl Hess
Rabbi Howard L. Jaffe
Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh
$1,000 - $4,999
Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago
Shelly and Rabbi Nathan Alfred
Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee
JKMS Williams Family Foundation
Ching Jet Heng and Peter Allen
Lillian Kowalski
National Center to Encourage Judaism
Sherri and Rabbi Robert Alper
Andrea Kulikovsky
Laura and Stephen Olson
Ayelet Tours, Ltd.
Moshe Katz
Rosenthal Charitable Lead Trust
Joan Garson and David P. Baskin
Rabbi Marc A. Kline
The Schulich Foundation
Rabbi Philip Bazeley
Miriam and Stephen Kramer
Sandra and L. Tadd Schwab
Jennifer and Stéphane Bédèr
Leo J. and Roslyn L. Krupp Family Foundation
Deane and Paul (z”l) Shatz
Karen Kerness and Rabbi Peter S. Berg
Audrey and Michael Laufer
*The World Union is grateful to our many donors from Australia who significantly added to our income, many of whom preferred not to be named. Donations to UIA-PT totaled US $657,970 in 2018. 2018 Annual Report
Loren Lerner Loren Deckelbaum and Rabbi Leigh D. Lerner
Rabbi Dan E. Levin Rabbi Robert N. Levine Sandra and Jack Levitt Rabbi Alan E. Litwak Rabbi Steven Stark Lowenstein F. Lurie Anita and Edward Marks Lizbeth Plagnol and Daniel J. Miller Alicia Felton and Sherrill Neff Jane E. Oppenheim Pearlstein Family Fund
WUPJ LEGACY SOCIETY The WUPJ Legacy Society represents generous supporters who have made us aware that they plan to include WUPJ legacy gifts in their wills, insurance distributions, and IRAs. Their generosity will help secure the future of Reform Judaism around the world by providing assured funding to continue our efforts for years to come.
Jo-Ann and Michael Price Pruzan-Abrams Charitable Foundation Rabbi Debra J. Robbins Jasmin Berke and Scott Roseman Barbara and Gregory Rosston Barbara and Rabbi John Rosove Leslie and Beverly Rothschild Kerry and Rabbi Peter Rubinstein Phyllis and Michael Shankman Tracy and Marc Schwimmer Jane and Rabbi Barton Shallat Ava and Robert Silvers Margery Simkin Jessica M. Jacobson and John E. Sorkin Rabbi David Spinrad Rabbi David Straus Simon Vine Judith and Saul Wasserman Lenore K. Wax Melody Howe Weintraub and Jerry Weintraub Judith Wiley Betty Wright Rabbi Irwin A. Zeplowitz Rabbis Rayna Gevurtz and Gersh Zylberman UNDER $999
We are deeply grateful to all our friends who gave gifts in this category. With thousands of contributors we are not able to list all donors.
Ina and Steven Bauman Nani and Austin Beutel Stephen Breslauer Elaine and Peter Buchsbaum Joan and Ron Cohen Ruth Cohen Edythe Day Robert L. Dreyfus, z”l Rabbis Elyse Frishman and Daniel H. Freelander Betty Golomb, z”l Deborah and Rabbi Paul Golomb Jane and Mike Grabiner Evelyn and Rabbi Roberto Graetz Ilene Greene Cherie and Fred Half Audrey and Michael Laufer Leila Levine, z”l Seymour Lipton Diane F. Marcus Lenore and Daniel Mass Anne M. Molloy and Henry Posner III Audrey Morris Elizabeth and Arthur Roswell Susan and Charles J. Rothschild Carolyn Polowy and Carl Silverman Judy and Gordon Smith Duchess Philecia I. Soltz Carole and Jay Sterling Jane Taves Dolores K. Wilkenfeld Linda and Richard Zoll
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Program Income | 4%
Drawn Down from Reserves | 1.6%
Beit Shmuel Guest House and Conference Center | 37%
Donations and Grants | 47%
Zionist Institutions | 12% (World Zionist Organization, Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael Jewish National Fund)
TOTAL INCOME $7,620,564
2018 Annual Report
Management and General Administration | 11%
Beit Shmuel Guest House and Conference Center | 36% Fundraising | 8%
Rabbinic Salaries and Capital Needs in Israel | 9%
Emerging Congregations and Regions | 6% Leadership Training and Education | 2%
Camping and Youth Programs | 12%
Former Soviet Union Programs | 16%
TOTAL EXPENSES $7,620,564
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WHAT WE DO | COMMUNITY SUPPORTING NEW AND EMERGING PROGRESSIVE CONGREGATIONS WITH RELIGIOUS TOOLS AND GUIDANCE NEW CONGREGATIONS The World Union was thrilled to welcome its newest congregation member, the Jewish Congregation of Beit Rambam of Andalusia in Seville, Spain, to its regional affiliate, the European Union for Progressive Judaism (EUPJ).
THE GIFT OF TORAH The Jewish Liberal Union (ZLU) Reform congregation in Prague received a Czech Torah scroll, one of the many scrolls collected by the Nazis as they deported Jews to concentration camps. Found after the war, the scroll was passed to the Hendon Reform Synagogue in England where it spent many years. As part of the EUPJ Biennial Conference in Prague in April, the scroll was given to ZLU reflecting the renaissance of local Jewish life in Prague.
HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICES AROUND THE WORLWD In September, World Union rabbis led services and activites for congregations in Bali, Indonesia; Mumbai, India; and Bangkok, Thailand.
BIENNIALS Across our seven regions, regional biennials collectively brought together thousands of Progressive Jews to learn, pray, explore best practices, and connect to each other. All focused on the future of our movement while acknowledging historic milestones and achievements.
GLOBAL ADVOCACY The World Union is in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), allowing representatives direct access to commissions, meetings, and committees. The World Union has five representatives active at the UN’s New York location, as well as one in Geneva, and one in Vienna. The World Union also has two representatives on the board of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (“Claims Conference”); and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture. 2018 Annual Report
In June, Yael Cobano, President of the Comunidad Judía Reformista de Madrid (CJRM), received a new Torah for the emerging congregation, made possible by the generosity of the Spivak family from Southern California and Mevakshe Derech Congregation in New York. When founded in 2014 by three young women, CRJM didn’t have much: they rented space for prayers and gatherings, borrowed siddurim, and met once a month for Shabbat services. Two years after their first Shabbat together, CJRM joined the European Union for Progressive Judaism (EUPJ) and, through them, the World Union. Today CJRM is the second largest Progressive congregation in Spain.
“We are so thankful to our global Jewish family for the Torah scroll that traveled so far to bring us the sacred text that contains our story and our values.” Yael Cobano, President of Comunidad Judía Reformista de Madrid
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WHAT WE DO | LEADERSHIP PREPARING RABBIS, LEADERS, AND EDUCATORS TO INFUSE OUR COMMUNITIES WITH PROGRESSIVE JEWISH VALUES AND TEXTS AS THEIR GUIDES
CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION IN JERUSALEM
BEUTEL LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
BERGMAN JEWISH EDUCATORS SEMINAR
18
17
lay leaders from 13 countries
educators from 5 countries
RABBINIC TRAINING
In March, the World Union, together with its partner region the Union for Reform Judaism for Latin America (UJR AmLat), opened the IberoAmerican Institute for Reform Rabbinical Education (IIFRR) to train rabbis in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries with 20 students from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Spain.
Leo Baeck College in London ordained two Progressive rabbis in 2018. There are 19 students currently in the rabbinic training program.
Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) bestowed 112 degrees at graduation and ordination ceremonies in Cincinnati, Los Angeles, and New York to the class of 2018, including 28 rabbis.
2018 Annual Report
WILKENFELD INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
21
women leaders from 15 countries
Five years after its launch, the Institute for Modern Jewish Studies in Moscow continues to attract motivated, Russianspeaking educators and rabbis. In 2018, 21 students were enrolled in the four-year study program; five of whom have already been accepted for continued rabbinic study at Abraham Geiger Kolleg in Germany. In October, the Institute for Modern Jewish Studies in Moscow and its partners Russian State University, Abraham Geiger Kolleg, and Potsdam University, celebrated the opening of the Frances Aaron Hess Memorial Library sponsored by Temple Emanu-El in New York City, in memory of Frances Hess and her dedication to volunteerism and Jewish life.
“It is here that we shall continue the enormous task of contributing to the renaissance of German and European Jewish life and learning.” Carole Sterling, Chair of the World Union, at the dedication ceremony for a new building for Abraham Geiger Kolleg and the School of Jewish Theology in Potsdam.
The Pesach Project, a partnership of the World Union and Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion (HUCJIR), sends rabbinic students to lead Passover services for Progressive Reform congregations in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. In April, six rabbinic students joined Rabbi Grigory Abramovich and local educators in leading holiday services and activities for more than 1,500 Reform Jews in Belarus.
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WHAT WE DO | NEXT GENERATION CREATING ENTRY POINTS FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT LEADERS TO SHAPE OUR MOVEMENT’S PROGRESS NETZER OLAMI The International Zionist Youth Movement of the World Union is a platform for Progressive Jewish education and leadership training in Australia, Belarus, Brazil, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Holland, Israel, North America, Panama, Russia, South Africa, the UK, and Ukraine.
GLOBAL CAMPING The World Union operates a network of 31 summer and winter camps around the world through Netzer Olami that combine educational and experiential activities for a transformative experience that leads to a deeper commitment and sense of belonging to our Jewish people. In 2018 our camps welcomed more than 2,500 campers and trained 650 counselors in 10 countries around the world (not including North America).
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT LEADERSHIP Veida Olamit, the global summit of Netzer leadership, took place in January at the World Union’s international headquarters in Jerusalem, Beit Shmuel. This year, Veida welcomed participants from 11 countries. These dedicated young people serve as educators, lay leaders, movement workers, and volunteers in their home communities.
CONNECTING TO ISRAEL More than 400 young adults visiting Israel on summer programs came together for NetzFest, a celebration of the strength and voices of our worldwide young adult movement. In 2018, Netzer supported Israeli youth ambassadors (Shlichim) in Australia, Holland, and South Africa (short term). Their roles are to strengthen community relationships, Israel connections, and expand our global reach among local youth and young adults. 2018 Annual Report
The Roswell Klal Yisrael Fellowship, a partnership program of the World Union and the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), engaged young adult Jewish leaders from around the world in a year of learning, networking, and experiencing our global movement. Over three seminars - in Europe, Israel, and United States - participants developed social action projects that will impact their Jewish communities.
A dynamic group of 25- to 35-year-olds from 15 countries came together for a special Youth Leadership Seminar ahead of the EUPJ Biennial in Prague. As leaders within their communities, participants spent time sharing challenges, ideas, and developing new skills. The EUPJ passed a resolution affirming their commitment to the next generation of the movement’s leadership. The Youth Leadership Seminar was made possible by the generous support of ARZENU, KKL-JNF, WZO, and EUPJ.
“United with those from more established communities, we are a force. Attending this biennial was an enriching experience to me. I met people with whom I particularly bonded and I returned to Milan full of ideas for my community.” Tzvi Tosetti, a Board Member of Beth Shalom in Milan.
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WHERE WE ARE Australia, Asia, and New Zealand The Union for Progressive Judaism (UPJ) brings together 27 congregations, schools, and Netzer groups in Australia, Asia, and New Zealand.
AUS TRA LIA Progressive rabbis
congregations
Netzer members
Shlichim (emissaries) from Israel
of Australian Jews identify as Progressive
Reflecting its close relationship to Israel, Australia’s United Israel Appeal-Progressive Trust (UIA-PT) is one of our largest and most important benefactors, supporting the World Union, and the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ), and promoting religious pluralism, refugee causes, and Reform Judaism across Israel.
ASIA
Progressive communities
2018 Annual Report
Progressive Jews
Progressive clergy
NEW ZEA LAND
congregations
Europe and the UK The European Union for Progressive Judaism (EUPJ) comprises 170 Liberal, Progressive, and Reform congregations in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK.
Progressive rabbinic seminaries
Netzer members in the UK
Ten years after its first lay leaders paved the way for a Reform congregation in Copenhagen, and then eight years later in Stockholm, the Progressiv Judendom Stockholm has a new prayer book, Siddur Kol Haneshama. The first Progressive Siddur in Sweden since 1877, it has user friendly, gender neutral text, and acknowledges the ambiguity in tradition and interpretation. All texts are presented in parallel layout with Hebrew transcription and a modern Swedish translation.
South Africa The South African Union for Progressive Judaism (SAUPJ) is the national representative body of Progressive Reform Jews in South Africa and protects Progressive Jewish interests in the South African community.
Netzer members
Progressive rabbis
congregations
of South African Jews identify as Progressive
17
Israel The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) supports Progressive values through community life, political advocacy, and its youth movement. The World Union supports rabbinic salaries in many of the congregations.
Reform rabbis
young leaders
of Israeli Jews identify as Progressive
congregations
Latin America Union for Reform Judaism for Latin America (UJR AmLat) congregations focus their practices on respect for human rights, pluralism, equality, inclusion, social justice, caring for the planet, and studying Jewish tradition and culture.
rabbis
congregations
The Tamar Tikkun Olam Seminar, with the Instituto Unidos Pela Vida and UJR AmLat, helps improve the lives of children living around Rio Doce where a toxic mud flooded the region and destroyed crops and communities. What started in Brazil in 2016 with ten Reform Jewish young adults has grown into a social action network with more than 60 activists.
2018 Annual Report
North America Founded in 1873, the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) represents Reform congregations in the United States and Canada.
rabbis
summer camps
members
congregations
Canadian Friends of the World Union supports the work of the WUPJ through outreach and fundraising efforts across the country.
Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine The Religious Union of Progressive Jewish Communities in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine is the umbrella organization supporting Progressive Jewish growth in Russian-speaking countries. The renaissance of Progressive Jewish life in the FSU began close to 30 years ago and has been growing steadily since.
congregations
Netzer members
Progressive rabbis
youth and young adults on wait lists for camps
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BEIT SHMUEL - MERCAZ SHIMSHON Our International Headquarters in Jerusalem Beit Shmuel – Mercaz Shimshon serves as international headquarters of our global movement in the heart of Jerusalem. An historic and picturesque complex, shared with the campus of Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR), Beit Shmuel is home to the World Union, the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ), and the Israel Reform Action Center (IRAC). It is also a hotel and hostel, as well as a cultural center hosting performances, seminars, conferences, and visitors from across our movement.
IN MEMORIAM May their Memories Continue to Inspire, Guide, and Lead Us Gerard Daniel z”l In December of 2018 the World Union mourned the death of Gerard Daniel at the age of 102. Gerry served as President of the WUPJ from 1980-1988 and his legacy of leadership and vision blesses us to this day. His leadership helped to change the landscape of Reform Judaism in Israel when, in partnership with WUPJ’s then Executive Director Rabbi Richard Hirsch, they orchestrated the design, funding, and construction of Beit Shmuel, the World Union’s headquarters in Jerusalem. Gerry and his wife, Ruth, were lifelong builders of Reform Judaism in Israel and North America and together created Beit Daniel in Tel Aviv, now the largest Reform congregation in Israel, and partnered with Rabbi Meir Azari to create Mishkenot Ruth Daniel in Jaffa.
Rabbi Aaron Panken z”l In May 2018, a leading and beloved member of our global family – teacher, mentor, friend, visionary, and partner, Rabbi Aaron D. Panken – died tragically and prematurely in a plane crash at the age of 53. Rabbi Panken served as the President of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) and was a stalwart and consistent supporter of the World Union. His travels took him around the world, always finding time to visit our congregations. He encouraged his students to explore new opportunities of serving Jewish communities in every part of the world.
EXECUTIVE BOARD CHAIR OF THE BOARD Carole D. Sterling, Canada
Stéphane Bédèr, France
Miriam Kramer, UK **
(Management Committee)
Lynn Magid Lazar, US
Austin C. Beutel, Canada *
(Management Committee)
Nani N. Beutel, Canada *
Gilbert Lederman, Belgium
Philip L. Bliss, Australia *
Yair Lootsteen, Israel
Dora L. Brenner, Brazil
Steven Lurie, South Africa
SENIOR VICE CHAIR Stéphane Bédèr, France
Stephen K. Breslauer, US *
Reuven Marko, Israel **
Graham Carpenter, UK
Roger Mendelson, Australia **
VICE CHAIR Phyllis O. Dorey, Australia and Israel
James A. Cherney, US
Daryl Messinger, US **
(Management Committee)
Anne M. Molloy, US
PRESIDENT Rabbi Daniel H. Freelander (2014-19) Ambassador Rabbi David N. Saperstein (2019-20)
Ruth Cohen, Israel * VICE CHAIR Sonja Guentner, Germany VICE CHAIR Lynn Magid Lazar, US VICE CHAIR, FINANCE David Robinson, New Zealand
David Robinson, New Zealand
Alexander Dembitz, Switzerland
(Management Committee)
Phyllis O. Dorey, Australia and Israel
Arthur Roswell, US *
(Management Committee)
Elizabeth B. Roswell, US *
Paula V. Edelstein, Israel Rabbi Lawrence A. Englander, Canada Raul Gottlieb, Brazil **
Charles J. Rothschild, US (Management Committee)
Leslie Rothschild, Canada L. Tadd Schwab, US
SECRETARY Charles J. Rothschild, US
Michael Grabiner, UK *** Rabbi Roberto D. Graetz, US
(Management Committee)
VICE CHAIR Yaron Z. Shavit, Israel
Sonja Guentner, Germany
Gordon Smith, UK **
(Management Committee)
Monica Solomon, South Africa **
OF COUNSEL Martin Jannol, US
Sharene Hambur, Australia Rabbi Jordan Helfman, Canada
Yaron Z. Shavit, Israel
Deborah Spector, US Carole Sterling, Canada
Rabbi Richard G. Hirsch, US *
(Management Committee/Chair)
Rabbi Walter Homolka, Germany ***
B.J. Tanenbaum, US *
Martin Jannol, US
Jane E. Taves, US
EXECUTIVE BOARD Fuad Aleskerov, Russia
(Management Committee)
Linda Thorn, South Africa
Rabbi Nathan Alfred, Singapore
Rabbi Deborah Kahn-Harris, UK ***
Steven M. Bauman, US *
Andrew Keene, US
EX OFFICIO James A. Cherney, US
Enrique Jurkowski, Argentina
John Wielgosz, US Dolores K. Wilkenfeld, US * Igor Zinkov, UK
* Honorary Life Member | ** Regional Chair/President | *** Ex Officio 21
North America Advisory Board (NAAB) The members of the NAAB are among our most important North American leaders, focusing on significant personal philanthropy and on raising awareness - in their own communities and together with their clergy - of the necessity of strong, Reform Jewish communities around the world. CHAIRS
Dennis Gilbert, Boca Raton, FL
Leslie Rothschild, Toronto, ON
Charles J. Rothschild
Betty Golomb, z”l
L. Tadd Schwab, Delray Beach, FL
Jane Taves
Rabbi Paul J. Golomb, New York, NY
Sandra V. Schwab, Delray Beach, FL
Andrew Goodman, Scarsdale, NY
Jane A. Shallat, Bal Harbour, FL
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Rabbi Danny Gottlieb, San Francisco, CA
Rabbi Barton A. Shallat, Bal Harbour, FL
Tom Abelson, Shaker Heights, OH
Rabbi Roberto D. Graetz, Pleasant Hill, CA
Carl S. Silverman, Cockeysville, MD
Mark S. Anshan, Toronto, ON
Cherie G. Half, Palo Alto, CA
Nancy F. Solomon, New York, NY
Steven M. Bauman, Los Altos, CA
Fred M. Half, Palo Alto, CA
John E. Sorkin, New York, NY
Austin C. Beutel, Toronto, ON
James J. Heeger, Palo Alto, CA
Carole Sterling, Toronto, ON
Nani N. Beutel, Toronto, ON
Rabbi Jordan Helfman, Toronto, ON
B.J. Tanenbaum, Hot Springs, AR
Merle M. Brenner, Scarsdale, NY
Lindie L. Henderson, Gold River, CA
G. Leonard Teitelbaum, Tinton Falls, NJ
Stephen Brenner, Scarsdale, NY
Andrew Keene, Washington, DC
Larry Vogel, Oakton, VA
David Breslauer, Sugar Land, TX
James D. Klau, Greensboro, NC
Linda Vogel, Oakton, VA
Stephen K. Breslauer, Houston, TX
Michael H. Laufer, New York, NY
Joan Wachstein, Wilmington, DE
Leslie Brier, Bala Cynwyd, PA
Lynn Magid Lazar, Pittsburgh, PA
Helene H. Waranch, Baltimore, MD
Peter A. Buchsbaum, Stockton, NJ
Linda S. Levenson, Saratoga, CA
Dolores K. Wilkenfeld, Houston, TX
Hope A. Chernak, Atlanta, GA
Phyllis Levy, Voorhees, NJ
Marc Willner, Morganville, NJ
James A. Cherney, Wheat Ridge, CO
Ina Rae Levy, Sarasota, FL
Shelley Willner, Morganville, NJ
Joan Z. Cohen, Rye, NY
Diane F. Marcus, San Mateo, CA
Marilynn Yentis, Boca Raton, FL
Ron M. Cohen, Rye, NY
Blair C. Marks, Marietta, GA
Paul M. Yentis, Boca Raton, FL
Gerard Daniel, z”l
Lenore E. Mass, Chicago, IL
Linda Zoll, Houston, TX
Miriam Daniel, Chevy Chase, MD
Anne M. Molloy, Pittsburgh, PA
Isabel P. Dunst, Chevy Chase, MD
Stephen H. Olson, San Francisco, CA
Rabbi Lawrence A. Englander, Toronto, ON
Laura Z. Olson, San Francisco, CA
Stephanie Garry, Stamford, CT
Jane E. Oppenheim, Scranton, PA
Rabbi David J. Gelfand, New York, NY
Arthur Roswell, Bridgewater, NJ
Jay Gellman, Coral Springs, FL
Elizabeth Roswell, Bridgewater, NJ
Senior Staff PRESIDENT Rabbi Daniel Freelander (2014-19) Ambassador Rabbi David Saperstein (2019-20) VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS Eyal Ronder CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER Naomi Smook
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Danny Jaffe BEIT SHMUEL – MERCAZ SHIMSHON, GENERAL MANAGER Boaz Ben Chayim HEAD OF GLOBAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION Rabbi Steve Burnstein (Nov 2018)
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS IN BELARUS, RUSSIA, AND UKRAINE Rita Fruman RECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE FOR MODERN JEWISH STUDIES IN MOSCOW AND HEAD OF GLOBAL STRATEGIC PLANNING Dr. Alex Kagan
President’s Rabbinic Circle Members of the WUPJ President’s Rabbinic Circle help foster the development of global Reform Judaism by introducing our President to prospective benefactors in their communities, strategizing on approaches for educating congregants about the importance of our worldwide Reform Movement, and by engaging their rabbinic colleagues in our work.
Joel N. Abraham Richard F. Address Nathan Alfred Melanie W. Aron Ethan Bair Henry Bamberger Eliot J. Baskin Philip Bazeley Peter S. Berg Donald R. Berlin Amy B. Bigman Jonathan Blake Barry H. Block Adena Blum Lester B. Bronstein Paul F. Cohen Mark Cohn Karen Companez Joshua M. Davidson Ellen W. Dreyfus Denise L. Eger Amy B. Ehrlich Michael B. Eisenstat Dennis J. Eisner David H. Ellenson Lawrence A. Englander Michael Farbman Dena A. Feingold Marla Feldman
Steven M. Fink Karen L. Fox Steven Fox Elyse Frishman Steven H. Garten David J. Gelfand Everett Gendler George D. Gittleman Brenner J. Glickman Elaine R. Glickman Arnold S. Gluck Edwin C. Goldberg Jerrold Goldstein Paul Golomb Danny Gottlieb Bruce D. Greenbaum Frederick L. Greene Micah D. Greenstein Sheldon J. Harr Max Hausen Jordan Helfman Walter Jacob Howard L. Jaffe Bruce E. Kahn Samuel E. Karff Alan J. Katz Jan D. Katzew Marc A. Kline Ira L. Korinow
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Ziva Haller Rubenstein DIRECTOR OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT ENGAGEMENT Lior Argaman
Martin S. Lawson Dan E. Levin Robert N. Levine Alan E. Litwak Joshua Lobel Harold S. Loss Steven S. Lowenstein M. Bruce Lustig Jack A. Luxemburg Paula Marcus Janet R. Marder Simeon J. Maslin Sarah J. Messinger David J. Meyer Daniel Mikelberg Shira Milgrom Bennett F. Miller Jonathan A. Miller Eric Mollo Amy R. Perlin Rex D. Perlmeter Ferenc Raj Richard S. Rheins Debra J. Robbins John L. Rosove Peter J. Rubinstein Maurice A. Salth David N. Saperstein Dennis Sasso
Barton A. Shallat Howard Shapiro Robert A. Silvers Elizabeth J. Singer Jonathan L. Singer Adam V. Spilker David Spinrad Yael Splansky Peter Stein David E. Stern Andrew F. Straus David Straus Michael Stroh Lance J. Sussman Lennard R. Thal David Vaisberg Andrew Vogel Gerald I. Weider Michael Weinberg Thomas K. Weiner Michael A. White Stephen Wise Michael R. Zedek Irwin A. Zeplowitz Misha E. Zinkow Henry A. Zoob Gersh Zylberman
The World Union is grateful to the following photographers for capturing many of the wonderful moments and gatherings of our global family. The photographs featured in this report are © Courtesy of: Andrei Dorofeev, Dima Epstein, Elena Izmaylova, Roy Helman, Dale Lazar, and Anna Shatohina.
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