Impact Report 08 2018 Dec12.Indd

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Impact Report 08 2018 Dec12.Indd 1 United Jewish Appeal Impact Report 2017/18 3 HOW WE WE CARE FOR WE BUILD WE EMPOWER WE PROMOTE OUR ALLOCATE OUR MOST JEWISH ISRAEL & ADVOCACY PARTNERS 5 FUNDS AND 6 VULNERABLE 12 IDENTITY & 20 GLOBAL 24 TO FIGHT 28 LEVERAGE EDUCATION JEWISH ANTISEMITISM, YOUR DOLLARS COMMUNITIES BUILD SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL AND ADVANCE SOCIAL JUSTICE 5 UNITED JEWISH APPEAL HOW WE ALLOCATE FUNDS IMPACT REPORT 2017/18 & LEVERAGE YOUR DOLLARS It is thanks to the philanthropic leadership of our generous donors that we are able to fund the many programs and services that strengthen our Jewish community. We are delighted to share the impact of these initiatives with you in the following pages and look forward to your continued support. UJA CAMPAIGN ALLOCATIONS 2017/2018 Strengthening Jewish Identity Empowering Israel and $9.0M (17%) Global Jewish Communities in Need $12.4M (24%) Total Strategic Priorities Advocating on Behalf Distribution of Israel and the Jewish People $51.6M (CIJA) $3.8M (7%) Fortifying Jewish Education $17.3M (34%) Fighting Poverty and Improving Wellbeing $9.1M (18%) UJA Federation corporate infrastructure and fundraising expenses represent 13.3% of combined revenues of $153M, inclusive of Annual Campaign (unrestricted and restricted), special campaigns, designated gifts, capital project donations, bequests and endowments, and sundry revenue. For our complete audited financial statements visit https://jewishtoronto.com/financials 7 WE FIGHT POVERTY & CARE FOR OUR MOST VULNERABLE As a community, we have a responsibility to help those in greatest need. For thousands of years, the concept of charity and tzedakah has sustained, enhanced and strengthened Jewish life. UJA Federation, with the help of the community, embraces Torontonians in need at every age and life stage. Together with our network of partner agencies, we work to improve the lives of our community’s most vulnerable. We help those who live in poverty, people with mental and physical illnesses, individuals with disabilities, new immigrants, seniors, Holocaust survivors and others who might need a hand up. PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR SENIORS Over 30,000 Jewish seniors live in the Greater Toronto Area and approximately 5,000 of them live in poverty. Almost 10,000 are Holocaust survivors. Together as a community, we care for our elderly and ensure they live their lives with dignity, through the following services and programs. HEALTHY AT HOME FACILITATING TRANSPORTATION Healthy at Home focuses on creating supportive Circle of Care provides more than 120,000 rides environments, building social networks and to nearly 4,000 frail seniors living on their own, connectivity for low-income, isolated seniors transporting them to doctors’ appointments and in our community. The program seeks to enrich recreational activities. these seniors’ lives by providing recreation, socialization, cultural enrichment, health KOSHER MEALS & SOCIALIZATION promotion, kosher meals and connections to other programs, serving them where they live. Over the The Bernard Betel Centre provides more than past five years, Healthy at Home has grown from 4,900 seniors and survivors with social, recreational one location to 16, with two more opening in the and education programs, as well as kosher meals. fall of 2018. These locations are now reaching This included more than 2,300 Russian-speaking more than 1,000 isolated seniors. members. 9 DOORTODOOR DoortoDoor is a collaborative initiative launched in 2018 designed to specifically address poverty among survivors and INTEREST-FREE LOANS Jewish seniors. DoortoDoor brings together Jewish Free Loan Toronto offers interest-free loans a coalition of social service agencies, along to financially-challenged individuals in the Jewish with other partners, to help seniors and community to meet educational and personal needs survivors access help for a wide variety of and to create business opportunities. This past needs, including housing, food, clothing, year, 234 personal, education and business loans health services, transportation, safety and valued at more than $1.25 million were provided to personal care. Support is also provided to members of the community. ensure social inclusion to help lessen the devastating effects of social isolation. In its initial three-month pilot phase, DoortoDoor has provided services to more than 120 seniors. Our goal is to provide much needed services to 300 seniors annually. NEWCOMER INTEGRATION THE TALMANS’ STORY UJA Federation provides funding to Jewish Immigrant Aid Services - an organization Mr. & Mrs. Talman* are Russian-speaking Holocaust survivors who had successful careers in Ukraine but committed to helping new immigrants with emigrated to escape anti-Semitism. Now 77-years-old and without a pension, Mrs. Talman suffers from resettlement and integration into Canadian and severe depression, anxiety and a host of physical ailments. Early childhood trauma from the Holocaust, Jewish community life. Last year, JIAS Toronto including evacuations, losing her parents and physical abuse, coupled with the difficulties of adjusting helped over 2,500 new immigrants settle in the to life in a new country as a senior, have severely impacted both her physical and mental health. In the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and gain access to PASSOVER ASSISTANCE past two years she has been hospitalized three times. The strain of caring for his wife was difficult and financial relief, language instruction, synagogue detrimental to Mr. Talman’s health, and he came down with pneumonia. participation, Jewish summer camp, Jewish UJA Federation ensures that the most holiday and life cycle events, community centre disadvantaged members of our community can Fortunately, DoortoDoor has provided multiple solutions to address their complex problems. The memberships and Jewish education. celebrate Passover through gifts of food and Bernard Betel Centre is now managing the Talmans’ case and coordinating services for them, including: financial support. This past year, nearly 1,100 clients of Jewish Family & Child received Passover boxes and an additional 730 clients received financial assistance at Passover to ensure they ASSISTANCE WITH could celebrate the holiday with dignity. EMPLOYMENT Application for Germany’s Provision of home care Delivery of kosher meals through Jewish Vocational Services offers job placement Claims Conference from Circle of Care. the Bernard Betel Centre’s Meals assistance and career counselling to Jewish job RENT SUPPLEMENT Holocaust Fund. on Wheels program. seekers through EMET employment. In 2017, close to 1,000 individuals improved their employability PROGRAM and financial self-sufficiency. The Kehilla Residential Programme administers a rent supplement program that allows those living below the poverty line to have affordable apartments along the Bathurst Street corridor. This past year, almost 800 clients were provided rent Connecting them to a ‘Healthy Financial help to Regular visits for supplements. at Home’ social program, which purchase a much-needed Mrs. Talman from should reduce their isolation and walker for Mrs. Talman. a psycho-geriatric nurse from Baycrest. provide social connections to their peers in the Jewish community. *Their names have been changed to protect their identities. 11 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT PROGRAM Administered by Jewish Family & Child, this program provides counselling, crisis intervention, development of a safety plan, advocacy, and practical assistance to victims of domestic violence. Over 500 women and children are served annually. CHAPLAINCY The Chaplaincy program provides spiritual and religious care to Jewish patients/residents of 133 hospitals, long-term care facilities and correctional institutions. In the last year, they had 8,300 contacts with clients, family members and SUPPLEMENTARY staff, a 30 per cent increase compared to last year. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SFAP) HOSPICE The Supplementary Financial Assistance The Jewish Hospice Program, coordinated by ELENI’S STORY Program, administered by Jewish Family & Child provides financial assistance to the Jewish poor Jewish Family & Child with Baycrest, Circle in the GTA. The program has three components: of Care and Mount Sinai Hospital, offers Supplementary financial assistance, counselling compassionate, home-centered programs to and rehabilitation. Last year, 945 individuals were those with life threatening and/or terminal illness. Eleni G.* is a Russian immigrant with two young children who suffered Last year, 117 families were served. “I am so thankful to helped by SFAP. JF&CS for helping through an abusive marriage for 12 years before turning to UJA – funded Jewish Family & Child (JF&CS) for help. me and supporting me every step of the With financial support from the Supplementary Financial Assistance way,” Eleni explains. Program (SFAP), JF&CS helped Eleni escape domestic abuse and “I feel like JF&CS receive assistance to begin a new life. She received counseling, help with a subsidized housing application and funding to help pay first and is my family and last month’s rent. She was also given a great deal of emotional support whenever I have a and encouraged to take a course as a Personal Support Worker. problem, I always have an open door.” Social work visits, furniture for her apartment and assistance with applying and paying for summer camp for her children were provided. The impact on the lives of Eleni and her children, and others living under similar conditions, cannot be overstated. Today, because of your financial support,
Recommended publications
  • 2015 Annual Report.Indd 1 02/12/2015 10:49:03 AM Led by the Tireless Efforts of Campaign Chairs Andrea Cohen and David Matlow, with UJA
    In 2014/2015, UJA Federation of Greater REPORT 2014/15 ANNUAL FEDERATION UJA Toronto continued to strengthen its reputation as one of the strongest, committed and united Jewish communities in the Diaspora. Today, as it has done for close to a century, UJA Federation continues help the Jewish people in Toronto, Israel and across the Jewish world by providing for the most vulnerable; advocating on behalf of Israel and the Jews of the GTA, nurturing a strong and proud Jewish identity in our young, and supporting Jewish education – both formal and informal, considered the backbone of Jewish life. And, while we look to the year that was, UJA Federation, as always, continues to look to the future. We thank you for your ongoing commitment to UJA Federation and to the Jewish people. 2015 Annual Report.indd 1 02/12/2015 10:49:03 AM Led by the tireless efforts of Campaign Chairs Andrea Cohen and David Matlow, with UJA. Alison Himel at the helm of UJA’s Women’s Philanthropy, United Jewish Appeal’s Campaign 2015 demonstrated the outstanding generosity Helping and vision of Toronto’s Jewish community. Thanks to our extraordinary donors, UJA’s comprehensive network of more than 100 each other partner agencies and schools continue their collective mandate of providing support and care for the GTA’s most vulnerable; strenghtening the people of Israel and the Jewish world; advocating on behalf of the ANNUAL Jewish community and Israel, and, through a myriad of educational opportunities, building and nurturing a strong Jewish identity in our CAMPAIGN young people.
    [Show full text]
  • Jewish Summer Camping and Civil Rights: How Summer Camps Launched a Transformation in American Jewish Culture
    Jewish Summer Camping and Civil Rights: How Summer Camps Launched a Transformation in American Jewish Culture Riv-Ellen Prell Introduction In the first years of the nineteen fifties, American Jewish families, in unprecedented numbers, experienced the magnetic pull of suburbanization and synagogue membership.1 Synagogues were a force field particularly to attract children, who received not only a religious education to supplement public school, but also a peer culture grounded in youth groups and social activities. The denominations with which both urban and suburban synagogues affiliated sought to intensify that force field in order to attract those children and adolescents to particular visions of an American Judaism. Summer camps, especially Reform and Conservative ones, were a critical component of that field because educators and rabbis viewed them as an experiment in socializing children in an entirely Jewish environment that reflected their values and the denominations‟ approaches to Judaism. Scholars of American Jewish life have produced a small, but growing literature on Jewish summer camping that documents the history of some of these camps, their cultural and aesthetic styles, and the visions of their leaders.2 Less well documented is the socialization that their leaders envisioned. What happened at camp beyond Sabbath observance, crafts, boating, music, and peer culture? The content of the programs and classes that filled the weeks, and for some, the months at camp has not been systematically analyzed. My study of program books and counselor evaluations of two camping movements associated with the very denominations that flowered following 1 World War II has uncovered the summer camps‟ formulations of some of the interesting dilemmas of a post-war American Jewish culture.
    [Show full text]
  • Limud by the Lakerevisited: Growth and Change at Jewish Summer Camp
    e g n a h C d n a h t w o r G : d e t p i s m i a v e C R r e e k m a m L u Limud by the Lake Revisited: e S h t h y s b i d w u e J m Growth and Change i t a L r d e at Jewish n x a o l B e u w m e a Summer Camp h t S t a e l o M c i N , D h P , s e l a AMY L. S ALES , P HD S . L ICOLE AMUEL y N S m A and MATTHEW BOXER Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies Brandeis University Adar II 5771 March 2011 Limud by the Lake Revisited: Growth and Change at Jewish Summer Camp AMY L. S ALES , P HD NICOLE SAMUEL and MATTHEW BOXER Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies Brandeis University Adar II 5771 March 2011 Table of Contents Introduction 1 Limud by the Lake Revisited: Growth and Change at Jewish Summer Camp 3 Method 3 Changes Observed 2000-2008 4 Campers and their Families 11 Staff 13 Factors in Camper and Staff Retention 18 Gains from the Summer Experience 19 Lessons Learned 2000-2008 21 Into the Future 26 Conclusion 29 References 30 Research Team 31 Participant-Observation Field Workers 32 List of Tables and Figures Table 1: Total Excess Capacity 2008 6 Table 2: Child’s Denomination by Type of Camp 11 Table 3: Jewish Activities (% Occasionally or Frequently) 13 Table 4: Staff Denomination by Camp Denomination (All staff) 14 Table 5: Jewish Connections 15 Table 6: To What Extent Do the Following Define You and Your Life? 16 Table 7: Jewish Observance at Camp versus What the Parent Would Like for Child 19 Table 8: Camp Learning 21 Figure 1 : Jewish Observance at Camp versus Home 18 Introduction o learn about the field of Jewish overnight summer camps and explore its potential addition to our philanthropic portfolio, AVI CHAI commissioned Tleading researchers Leonard Saxe, PhD and Amy Sales, PhD from Brandeis University to spend time visiting 18 Jewish camps during Summer 2000 and report what they saw.
    [Show full text]
  • Migola-Legeula---Online-Viewing.Pdf
    ◆ Shabbat HaGadol Shabbat, April 13: Shabbat HaGadol Drasha Rabbi Brahm Weinberg Dinah and Rav Amnon were both born at Bikur Cholim Over the next 45 years, Rav Haramati led the Bible Rabbi, Kemp Mill Synagogue Hospital in Jerusalem within one year of each other. Dinah department at the Yeshivah of Flatbush and taught Rabbi Weinberg has been the rabbi of KMS since 2015, and also serves is the eldest daughter of Rabbi Shmuel and Bitya (Horowitz) thousands of students, also leading classes in the as the secretary of the Vaad Harabanim of Greater Washington. Rabbi Weinberg received his Semicha from RIETS. Prior to joining KMS, Eliezri. Her father left Russia with the Chafetz Chayim community. While Dinah first elected to Rabbi Weinberg served as rabbi of YI of West Hartford for six years. (Harav Yisrael Meir HaCohen) and came to Eretz Yisrael to In the aftermath teach at the Bialik School in Brooklyn, ◆ Pesach become Rav Kook’s principal student. Rabbi Eliezri served of the Holocaust in 1968 she transferred to the Yeshivah 2nd Day of Pesach, 8:45 Minyan as the first Rabbi of Bayit V’gan (to both Askenazim and and the rebirth of Flatbush to assume duties as chair of Raz Haramati Sefardim), later serving as the first Military Chaplain of the of the State of the Hebrew Department. Rav Amnon Son of Rav Amnon, zt”l & Dinah Haramati IDF in Jerusalem. Dinah’s mother was born a 6th generation Israel, our calling and Dinah also spent many summers A senior vice president at Fi-Tek, Raz is a graduate of the Yeshivah of Israeli, making Dinah a 7th generation sabra.
    [Show full text]
  • Israel in Jewish Summer Camps David Friedman, Director UAHC Eisner Camp; Director, Camping and Youth, New York Council of Reform Synagogues Dr
    Israel in Jewish Summer Camps David Friedman, Director UAHC Eisner Camp; Director, Camping and Youth, New York Council of Reform Synagogues Dr. David Zisenwine, Professor of Education, Tel Aviv University Israel in Our Lives is a project sponsored by The CRB Foundation, The Joint Authority for Jewish Zionist Education Department of Jewish Education and Culture in the Diaspora, and The Charles R. Bronfman Centre for the Israel Experience: Mifgashim. In cooperation with Jewish Education Service of North America and Israel Experience, Inc. Israel In Our Lives Online was funded in part through a generous grant from the Joint Program for Jewish Education of the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Ministry of Education and Culture of the State of Israel. The editors would like to thank all the authors, advisors, and consultants of the Israel In Our Lives series— educational leaders who have brought their considerable insights and talents to bear on this project. In addition to those already mentioned in these pages, we extend our appreciation to those who helped in shaping the project concept: Dr. Zvi Bekerman, Gidon Elad, Dr. Cecile Jordan, Rachel Korazim, Clive Lessem, Caren Levine, Dr. Zev Mankowitz, Dr. Eliezer Marcus, & Susan Rodenstein. Part 1 The two and a half million Jews who arrived in the United States between 1881-1914, the peak period of mass immigration to America, began their collective life in the tenements of the country's major urban centers. Seeking a better future for themselves and their children, these immigrants organized activities and institutions that would enable them to attain a higher quality of life.
    [Show full text]
  • Next- Generation University President’S Report 2019
    NEXT- GENERATION UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2019 CREATIVE. URBAN. BOLD. ENGAGED. BOLDLY ADVANCING 2 NEXT-GEN EDUCATION This 2019 President’s Report tries to capture some of the incredible progress our community has made over the past year. You will read about successes that signal our place as one of Quebec and Canada’s major universities. As I near the end of my mandate as Concordia’s president, I am proud of our achievements and excited about the university’s future. We have really come into our own. 3 Enjoy the read! Alan Shepard MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT FROM MESSAGE President ABOUT CONCORDIA oncordia University, located in the vibrant and multicultural city of Montreal, is among the top-ranked C universities worldwide founded within the last 50 years and among the largest urban universities in Canada. Concordia prepares more than 50,000 students for a world of challenges and opportunities. As a next-generation university, Concordia strives to be forward-looking, agile and responsive, while remaining deeply rooted in the community and globally networked. Our nine strategic directions exemplify a bold, daring, innovative and transformative approach to university education and research. Our more than 2,300 faculty and researchers collaborate with other thinkers, Montreal-based companies and international organizations. concordia.ca/about CONCORDIA AT A GLANCE* 11th largest university in Canada, 83% of final-year undergraduate students fourth largest in Quebec satisfied or very satisfied with the overall quality of their Concordia
    [Show full text]
  • Camps for Children with Disabilities
    The following is a list of residential summer camps that can accommodate youngsters with disabilities, Below is a list of Jewish overnight camps currently serving children with disabilities. Please note that all camps require individual intakes and determine eligibility on a case by case basis, and as such, this is not an exhaustive list. There may be camps in your area not listed here who would accept a camper with a disability. Additionally, some of the camps below may accommodate children with other types of disabilities not listed next to their name. Specific services vary at each camp. Please contact camps directly for more information. CAMP SERVING CONTACT (Teen Program) Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Developmental Aryeh Adventures Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Contact: 718-790-0528 (Teen Travel Program) Tourettes Syndrome and Mental Health Issues B’nai B’rith Beber Blindness, Autism Spectrum Winter contact: 847-677-7130 Camp Disorder, intellectual and Summer contact: 262-363-6800 (Mukwomago, WI) developmental disorders Physical and intellectual disabilities, B’nai Brith Camp Autism Spectrum Disorder, Winter contact: 503-452-3444 (Neotsu, Oregon) developmental disabilities and some Summer contact: 541-994-2218 medical conditions Moderate-high functioning Autism Camp Akiba Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Winter contact: 310-398-5783 (Culver City, CA) Pervasive Developmental Disorders Summer contact: 424-202-1792 and less severe physical challenges. Camp Barney Medintz Winter contact: 770-396-3250 Autism Spectrum Disorders
    [Show full text]
  • SUMMER CAMPS Adaptive Sports and Inclusive Recreation Accessible Recreation Facilities
    Recreation Resource Guide for the Gulf South Region SUMMER CAMPS Adaptive Sports and Inclusive Recreation Accessible Recreation Facilities Greater New Orleans Area Welcome! The Recreation Therapy program at Children’s Hospital New Orleans has developed a summer camp, adaptive sports, and accessible recreation resource guide for children with disabilities in the Louisiana area. This guide includes relevant contact information to get you started in your pursuit of recreation activities. Please keep in mind that the camps, sports, and recreational programs and facilities included in this guide are only a listing of the opportunities currently available and that the inclusion of a camp or program does not imply that we approve or recommend it. Always verify with the American Camping Association (http://www.acacamps.org/) and personally visit the camps and programs you are considering before deciding if it is right for your child. Also, it is recommended that you try your local fitness center, high school athletic department, or YMCA for opportunities to participate, as they may be able to make the necessary accommodations. Finally, as camps, adaptive sports, and accessible recreation programs are constantly opening and closing, some of these listings may change over time. If you would like to share any additional camps or leisure opportunities for children, please contact the Child Life Department at Children’s Hospital so that we can update the guide. We have made every effort to include every program available, but it is possible that some may have been overlooked. If you cannot find a program in Louisiana, contact national organizations and they may be able to help you get involved.
    [Show full text]
  • The Early Years, 1947-1952 Office When That Camp Opened in 1950
    numerous headings in various places. I suspect that materials on Ramah were not carefully preserved at the Seminary until the camps became a national concern. Since the early camps were local ventures, records were kept in the local offices. Yet, here, too, there were problems, particularly with regard to Camp Ramah in Maine, which was open for only two Camp Ramah: seasons (1948-49), then closed permanently; many of its records have disappeared. Some were transferred to the Camp Ramah in the Poconos The Early Years, 1947-1952 office when that camp opened in 1950. That office moved from Phila­ delphia to New York and then back to Philadelphia, and many of the Shuly Rubin Schwartz Maine records were probably lost or discarded at that time. Another valuable source of written information is the personal collections of yearbooks, educational outlines, and camp rosters saved by staff and campers. Needless to say, then, the selective nature of the preserved materials required much oral research. The number of people involved in. R.amah Introduction even during its early years is so large that I was forced to limit my A new chapter in the history of the Conservative movement began in 1947 interviewing to specific figures-directors, division heads, local rabbis, lay with the founding of Camp Ramah. Located in Conover, Wisconsin, people, and Seminary representatives-as opposed to choosing general Ramah was operated by the Chicago Council of Conservative Synagogues, staff and campers. the Midwest Branch of the United Synagogue, in cooperation with the In conducting research, an attempt was made to avoid the major pitfall Teachers Institute of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.
    [Show full text]
  • Dugmah Report 2016
    About Ve'ahavta Ve’ahavta (Hebrew for “and you shall love”) is Ve’ahavta’s Community Engagement a Jewish charitable social service organization Department is developing the next dedicated to promoting positive change in the generation of Jewish changemakers. lives of people of all faiths who are Strengthening the interconnection between marginalised by poverty. We are committed to Jewish thought and modern day social justice engaging community members in a issues, we are realising the values of tikun meaningful and hands-on way to support our olam through volunteerism, public education, collective mission of tikun olam (repairing the leadership development and transforming world). community institutions. Our goal is to ensure that the leaders of today and tomorrow may Ve’ahavta delivers poverty alleviation pursue a more just and compassionate world. programs that break down barriers, restore human dignity, foster capacity-building, and Check us out at veahavta.org for more empower marginalized individuals to break information about how to to get involved the cycle of poverty. with Ve'ahavta programs and events such as our B'nai Mitzvah program, Tikun Workshops, T o s t a y u p - to-date about youth involved Mobile Jewish Response to Homelessness in tikun olam look for #TikunGen on Young Riders program and more! @veahavtanews Ve'ahavta visitng Camp Ramah 1 Impact of Dugmah Grants This report celebrates the actions Jewish summer Community Partners in 2016 camps across Canada are taking to engage youth Ontario Ministry of Environment in tikun olam and social action programming. In Canadian Roots Exchange 2016, Ve’ahavta was in its third year of providing Municipality of Muskoka (The Nest) micro-grants to Jewish summer camps to support Pines Long Term Care Home these activities.
    [Show full text]
  • Uja Federation of Greater Toronto
    UJA FEDERATION OF GREATER TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY 2019-2020 Momentum A Crisis that Calls for Leadership In reflecting on my term as Chair, I think back to some years As a Board, we realized that this was truly a crisis our Toronto ago when I never saw myself taking on this role. It didn’t Jewish community had never seen before. The needs were really appeal to me and felt too political for my liking. But growing rapidly and so many factors were unknown. But what after I saw the shifting challenges affecting our community was clear was that a focused and unprecedented strategy was and the broader Jewish world, I came to a key conclusion. essential, one in which the entire community was invited to The greatest contribution one can make is to give of one’s play a role. The validation came in the form of an overwhelming time and strive to offer leadership. response from the community to meet this challenge. While there is no one single issue affecting our community, There’s still a lot of uncertainty looking ahead to 2021, but I’m the common thread that runs through them is the optimistic. We have a strong plan and we’re ready to adapt importance of effective leadership. This requires confronting to meet the shifting needs of the community. Most of all, I’m problems rather than avoiding them and bringing together the hopeful for our community. Besides all the difficult challenges full resources of the community—our collective generosity, we’ve seen in 2020, we’ve also seen our community at its finest.
    [Show full text]
  • Connection, Not Proficiency: Survey of Hebrew at North American Jewish Summer Camps A
    CONNECTION, NOT PROFICIENCY survey of hebrew at north american jewish summer camps sarah bunin benor jonathan krasner and sharon avni with assistance from stephen brumbaugh AUGUST 2016 connection, not proficiency: survey of hebrew at north american jewish summer camps A About this Report This report is part of a larger study, “Hebrew at North American Jewish Overnight Summer Camps,” including observation and interviews, the results of which will be published as a book (Rutgers University Press, expected publication 2017). The study is a project of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education at Brandeis University, with funding from the Consortium for Applied Studies in Jewish Education (CASJE) and additional support from the Wexner Foundation, Hebrew Union College, and City University of New York. To Cite this Report Benor, Sarah Bunin, Jonathan Krasner, and Sharon Avni. 2016. “Survey of Hebrew at North American Jewish Summer Camps.” Waltham, MA: Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education, Brandeis University. http://www.brandeis.edu/mandel/pdfs/2016-Hebrew-in-camp-sur- vey-report.pdf. About the Authors Sarah Bunin Benor, Associate Professor of Contemporary Jewish Studies at Hebrew Union College (Los Angeles), has published many articles on American Jewish language and identity. Her first book, Becoming Frum: How Newcomers Learn the Language and Culture of Orthodox Judaism (Rutgers University Press, 2012), won the Sami Rohr Choice Award for Jewish Literature. She is founding co-editor of the Journal of Jewish Languages and creator of the Jewish English Lexicon. She sends her daughters to Ramah in California, Habonim Dror Gilboa, and Ramah in the Rockies.
    [Show full text]