Disabilities & Our Community
Disabilities support is essential to the creation of decent and just communities. Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1991, all aspects of American society have been sensitized to these issues. Our sidewalk curbs are cut to allow greater mobility, we formally seek to accommodate those with disabilities into our workforce and, more broadly, disabilities are accommodated rather than shunned. These are legal reforms—and any particular provision is likely to have its opponents–but overall they are motivated...
read moreThrive Live Recap
On Sunday, April 28, Federation held the “Thrive LIVE!” gala, thanking donors and celebrating the community, with entertainment by Jason Alexander (from Seinfeld). The event also marked the retirement of my predecessor, Barry Rosenberg. Barry devoted 35 years in service to the principles and values of Jewish life, first in Northern New Jersey and, for the last 20 years, as the chief executive of our own Federation. His leadership has been instrumental in building an inspiring, caring and united Jewish community. (Click here to see a video...
read moreA Conversation With St. Louis Magazine
Shortly after I was chosen as President and CEO of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, St. Louis Magazine asked to interview me. The interview was published in the May issue of the magazine. Click through this link to learn a bit more about why I decided to pursue the position and some things I’m hoping to accomplish. A Conversation With St. Louis Magazine
read moreSt. Louis Stands With Boston
In the aftermath of Monday’s deadly attack at the Boston Marathon, the Boston Jewish community has established the Boston Relief Fund to support those affected by the tragedy. The fund is administered by the Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)–the Jewish Federation of Greater Boston. The Boston Relief Fund will serve as a central place where people can make secure donations. One hundred percent of collected funds will be used to aid those who need it most. Click here to donate now. I also want to share with you the moving reflections...
read moreRunning in Israel
When I was a Professor at Wash U, our family lived for two years in a small apartment in a dorm on campus. During that time I met Marc Hendel, an undergraduate and an avid runner. Marc organized a student-running group and would berate me each day to join as they went on their morning run. Apart from the fact that I probably could not keep up with a bunch of undergrads, I find running to be a solitary, meditative activity. (I also find it really annoying to try to talk when I’m just huffing to get through my 4 miles!) I was, however, very...
read moreIsrael Trip Highlights
Last week, I returned from my first visit to Israel in my new capacity as Exec. My visit had three main objectives: to introduce me to key policy decision makers and strategic partners in Israel; to attend the Jewish Agency Board of Governors meeting; and to meet those in our partnership region of Yokne’am and Megiddo. Additionally, the visit was timed to overlap with a small mission from our community organized by Diane Katzman. The trip was enormously successful and, perhaps needless to say, packed with meetings and engagement. I had...
read moreBuilding our Community
Dear Friends, I want to draw your attention to three recent articles that appeared this month on e-Jewish Philanthropy by Barry Rosenberg, Joel Frankel, and Marci Mayer Eisen. The first two involve the centrality of Israel experiences to the engagement of our community; the last shows how a commitment to professional excellence can have dynamic results. All of them showcase the tremendous work of Federation to build our community. Barry’s article, “Building Community Leadership Step By Step,” focuses on the transformational...
read moreFollow up on the Gaza Crisis
Below, I share with you the recent summary of JFNA’s relief efforts in the south of Israel during the Gaza crisis in November. Our community raised over $61,000 in emergency relief to support these efforts. For more information on the projects that were funded, please follow this link. For information on the allocation process itself, co-chared by Heschel Raskas, follow this link. JFNA’s response illustrates the value of preparedness. Thanks to work over the last year, JFNA was able to quickly support the work of its partners...
read moreThe Situation in Gaza
Dear Friends, The situation emerging in Israel is very fluid, and I want to bring the community up to date as quickly as possible. An earlier statement has been issued by our partner agency JCRC. After four days of rocket attacks by Hamas in southern Israel, the IDF struck back, killing the head of Hamas’s military wing and striking military installations inside of Gaza. As of Friday afternoon, Hamas had continued its barrage, striking just outside of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. These rocket attacks not only destroy lives and...
read moreTo Jews As Jews and As Jews to All
Dear Friends, Soon after Superstorm Sandy hit the eastern seaboard, Jewish Federation of St. Louis opened a relief fund to support its victims. As we have described in our appeals, every dollar sent to us will be distributed to organizations that have been identified by Jewish Federations of North America as serving those most in need. Given the general scope of the disaster, and given the other avenues for giving (including to the American Red Cross), some have asked me why Jewish Federation is providing yet another way to support the...
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