NETWORK NEWS / Summer 2019 NETWORK NEWS SUMMER 2019 5779

1 / NETWORK NEWS / Summer 2019 NETWORK NEWS SUMMER 2019 5779

JEWISHFEDERATIONS.ORG/NETWORK 2 / NETWORK NEWS / Summer 2019 3 / NETWORK NEWS / Summer 2019

NETWORK NEWS 25 Broadway, Suite 1700, New York, NY 10004 JewishFederations.org/Network facebook.com/JFNANetwork A FROM Network News is a publication of The Jewish Federations NOTE OUR LEADERSHIP of North America. It helps to inform Network Jewish communities and their leadership on the issues, opportunities and available resources to help strengthen and sustain Jewish life and Jewish peoplehood.

MARK WILF Chair, Board of Trustees JODI J. SCHWARTZ Vice Chair, Board of Trustees DAVID BROWN Chair, National Campaign SHELLY KUPFER Chair, National Women’s Philanthropy HAROLD GERNSBACHER Treasurer JULIE PLATT Secretary JERRY B. SILVERMAN President / CEO DANIEL H. NATHANSON Executive Director, Network of Independent Communities LESLIE DANNIN ROSENTHAL Advisory Committee Chair, Network of Independent Communities

NETWORK ADVISORY COMMITTEE Lauren Bandari Julie Bercow e are all connected. That’s why I visited Puerto Rico in January with leaders from the Jewish Federation of ne of the strengths of the Network is our willingness to partner with others to Susan Weiss Firestone Cheryl Fishbein Greater MetroWest NJ. It was an amazing opportunity to see the difference that a small number of people can respond to the critical needs of the Jewish people. When poor elderly Jews in the former W O Daniel Frankel make when they are determined to engage in tikkun olam, repairing the world. Our expert and scholar-in-residence was Soviet Union are desperate for help, we work with JDC to secure funding for them. When it’s urgent to Beth Grode Edward Finkel, a regional director for the Network, who has worked tirelessly with the Puerto Rico Jewish community for years. rescue Jews living in distressed places like Venezuela and Ukraine, we collaborate with The Jewish Sharon Janks Sam Kimelman We arrived with duffels filled with medical supplies for clinics in remote, impoverished areas, as part of our partner Afya Agency for Israel to raise the dollars to bring them home to Israel. When the Network community of Linda Klein Foundation’s Luggage for Life program. We first worked with a team of marvelous young volunteers from NECHAMA, Puerto Rico is ravaged by major hurricanes, we reach out to IsraAID, NECHAMA, the Afya Foundation Tom Kramer Ann Pava an American-based Jewish organization that responds to disasters in the U.S. They are still repairing homes across the and the Foundation for Puerto Rico to provide assistance (see Leslie’s column). Steven Roosth island, many of which are covered with blue tarps. NECHAMA’s work is funded in part by a grant from the JFNA Caryn Rosen Adelman Hurricane Maria Emergency Relief Fund. When security issues emerge in states like Virginia, we meet with the local Federation and Secure Don Sawyer Andy Schneider We headed with IsraAID, an Israeli NGO that works in disaster relief around the world, to Patillas, a small community Community Network to come up with solutions. When colleges and universities in Network communities Marc Slotnick are challenged by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement, we cooperate with local Hillels and Steven Slutsky that had no electricity or clean water for over six months after Maria. Immediately after the hurricane, IsraAID distributed Howard Stein home-use water filters to about 1,400 people whose homes are not connected to the Puerto Rican water system. IsraAID, the Israel Action Network (IAN) to deal with the problem. We work with Moving Traditions to engage Andre Tarraf a grant recipient of JFNA’s Emergency Relief Fund, is now working on a long-term solution. Jewish teenagers, and connect our kids with their counterparts in Israel through The Jewish Agency’s Gwen Wallace Global School Twinning Network. I could go on and on, from partnering with Birthright Israel to Elliott Weinstein At Temple Beth Sholom in San Juan, we were briefed by Rabbi Norman Patz, one of its visiting rabbis, who was in Julie Wise Oreck transform Jewish lives to collaborating with the Jewish Community Legacy Project to help synagogues Mark Wright Puerto Rico with his wife Naomi when Hurricane Maria hit just before Rosh Hashanah. The synagogue’s rooftop water thoughtfully plan for the future. cistern blew off, and they lost electricity—right before Rosh Hashanah, making the facility nonfunctional for many NETWORK STAFF weeks. A JFNA grant, in part, helped fund a new solar energy system. CONTACT INFORMATION: Partnership is in the Network’s DNA, which is also why our fundraising efforts have been so successful. Daniel H. Nathanson, Executive Director On our final day, we took a look into the future with Jon Borschow, founder and chair of the Foundation for Puerto Rico We don’t only partner with agencies, organizations and programs, we partner with our donors and 818.219.7948 [email protected] and a leading member of the local Jewish community. In the days following Maria, the Foundation’s building had electricity community leadership. When our campaign was down in 2018, we all felt the loss of funds. When we Andrew Feuerstein, Regional Director and internet and was able to host Jewish community organizations and other NGOs to enable them to get in contact with were incredibly successful in 2017, we all shared in the accomplishment. We can be proud that our 212.284.6734 [email protected] those needing assistance, providing JFNA with a way to get emergency cash assistance to displaced Jewish families. The combined total for 2017 and 2018 was $10,445,000 in annual and supplemental giving, $3,836,000 Edward J. Finkel, Regional Director Foundation also received an Emergency Relief Fund grant. 212.284.6530 [email protected] in planned giving and endowment commitments, and $158,000 for hurricane relief. Partnership really Abby Levine, Regional Director We later visited a very moving Holocaust memorial, built opposite the capitol building on land given by the government. does matter. 212.284.6746 [email protected] We could feel the determination of the Puerto Rican Jewish community and government to zachor, to remember and Rachel O. Levy, Regional Director 917.533.8097 [email protected] never forget. We ended by visiting the beautiful new Chabad of Puerto Rico, where Rabbi Mendel Zarchi and his wife, I want to welcome our two new regional directors, Abby Levine and Andrew Feuerstein. Abby, a Jacquelyn Shapiro, Regional Director Rachel, gave us a tour. The building, which was completed months before the hurricane, sustained significant damage. former day school and synagogue executive director, is based in Charleston, SC. Andrew comes to 212.284.6727 [email protected] The Zarchis described how they, their children and members of the community huddled in a storage closet as the wind us from BBYO and AEPi and is based in NYC. Both are deeply committed to Jewish communal Erica Heisman, Network Assistant pounded the building. JFNA provided assistance to replace the destroyed external security camera equipment. work and have already made a positive impact on their communities. 212.284.6584 [email protected] Erica Loiacano, Accounting Assistant Although Puerto Rico is currently a recipient, this Network community has a proud history of helping itself and 212.284.6602 [email protected] donating to our overseas partners. Each of the extraordinary people we met in the course of our short visit took action, On behalf of all of us at the Network, I wish you a Shana Tova U’Metukah. and their individual acts combined to bring repair to Puerto Rico and to the world. It was a privilege to encounter them, NETWORK NEWS to work with them, and, in some small way, to make a difference ourselves. Lisa Kleinman, Editor Jeanine Davis, Designer Danny Erica Loiacano, Christina Long, Leslie Daniel H. Nathanson, Executive Director, Network of Independent Communities Mara Silver-Smith, Proofreaders Leslie Dannin Rosenthal, Advisory Committee Chair, Network of Independent Communities For general inquiries about the Network, email [email protected] or call 212.284.6595 On the cover: Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mission participants volunteering in Puerto Rico, a Network community. 4 / NETWORK NEWS / Summer 2019 5 / NETWORK NEWS / Summer 2019

GREETINGS JEWISH AGENCY PROGRAMS FROM THE HAVE GLOBAL IMPACT VOLUNTEERING BUILDS COMMUNITY NEW CHAIRMAN BY NIR BUCHLER, VP, ISRAEL & GLOBAL PHILANTHROPY, THE JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL AND IN THE OF THE LIFTS SPIRITS FSU THE JEWISH AGENCY OPENS NEW JEWISH AGENCY PROJECT TEN CENTER IN PUERTO RICO BY ALEXANDRA SHKLAR, DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, AMERICAN JEWISH JOINT DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE FOR ISRAEL In May, a group of 22 Cornell students, accompanied by 5 Israeli volunteers, headed to Puerto Rico to spend three months helping at-risk children on the island. They are the first cohort to staff a new Project TEN center in San Juan. Project TEN, a Jewish Agency for Israel program, empowers young adults to create sustainable change for vulnerable communities around the world. espite working for more than 40 years as an economist, 67-year-old Liliya Braga struggles to survive on a Dear Friends, The Jewish Agency is partnering on this project with PR4PR, a nonprofit group founded in Dmeager pension of just over $2 a day. She lives alone in Rybnitsa, Moldova, one of the more than 98,000 It has been exhilarating to become part of a 2004 by a Jewish philanthropist to help break the cycle of poverty in Puerto Rico by working Jews who rely on JDC for lifesaving assistance in the former Soviet Union (FSU). truly incredible organization, The Jewish with children from low-income and high-risk communities. Agency for Israel. “If not for JDC, I wouldn’t survive,” says Lilya, who turns to the organi- The Project TEN center is located 30 minutes from San Juan in the Loiza district, home zation for medicine, winter relief, holiday food and a bank card to I embark on this mission with a deeply to many young families who are among the poorest in Puerto Rico. Forty percent of local purchase groceries. rooted sense of purpose instilled in me by children have not attended school since the hurricane. The volunteers will conduct day my family. I am the grandson of the first camps and work on rehabbing abandoned homes and restoring schools. But don’t imagine that Lilya sits at home and waits for help to arrive. Chief Rabbi of Israel; the son of the sixth She seeks out opportunities to give back to her community and to help President of Israel, Chaim Herzog z”l, and Project TEN Puerto Rico has a wish list of needed items. For more information, contact those who are even less fortunate than she. She now volunteers with a the nephew of Abba Eban z”l, diplomat and Shulamit Cohen, the center’s director, at [email protected]. program called “Peer to Peer,” visiting elderly Jews and people with statesman. I see it as my responsibility to disabilities to lift their spirits and keep them connected to Jewish traditions. follow in their footsteps in the service of the Jewish people, in Israel and around the world. SCHOOL TWINNING BUILDS “When you visit them, they’re so happy just to see a human face,” she ISRAEL EDUCATION BRIDGES said. “I’m a lonely person myself, but a little younger, so I try to support The rise of anti-Semitism across the world others.” In 2017, she was honored as the volunteer of the year by JDC’s underscores the significance of strengthening volunteer center in Chisinau—one of 37 such centers across the FSU. our resolve to keep our people safe and JDC volunteers of all ages bring help and warmth to Jewish elderly unified. The Jewish Agency, together with Lilya is one of more than 5,300 volunteers of all ages—including many in the former Soviet Union. our partners, is prepared to tackle this teens—who magnify JDC’s impact on the lives of fragile, elderly Jews scourge of anti-Semitism by ensuring the throughout the FSU. Volunteers bring food, help with household tasks FSU ELDERLY RELIEF MATCH unity of our people and reinforcing the and visit on special occasions. They often bring a Jewish connection relevance of Israel as a vibrant democracy into the homes they visit, lighting Shabbat candles or sharing challah. BOOSTS YOUR IMPACT for the Jewish people. We have already “Every time we visit an elderly Jew, they just light up, they thank us,” begun building bridges between Israel and Once again this year, thanks to the generosity of multiple said Pavel Kramarenko, a teen volunteer from Moldova. “It’s really donors, JDC is offering a match opportunity for Federations world Jewry by engaging opinion leaders, sweet, and we can really see that we’re making a difference.” Another and Network communities. The Network was involved in the community leaders, political figures and Moldovan teen volunteer, Eva Stupka, added, “Participating in this project first and second phases of a JDC 1:2 match for FSU Elderly rabbis in dialogue stemming from respect makes our community stronger. As teenagers, we’re already taking on Relief, with commitments in phase two from communities for one another. When American and Israel schools are paired through The Jewish Agency’s Global School responsibility for the older generation. That’s what Jewishness means to me.” and donors in Charlottesville, VA; Corpus Christi, TX; Erie, PA; There is most certainly more that unites us Twinning Network, everyone benefits. Students and educators on both sides of the ocean Gainesville, FL; Johnstown, PA; Kalamazoo, MI; Petersburg, In May, near Kiev, JDC held its largest-ever volunteer conference for VA; Williamsport, PA; Winston-Salem, NC and York, PA. We than divides us. Our problems will not be interact, bond, share and collaborate with each other. Everyone develops a deeper understanding Jews across the former Soviet Union. The three-day conference, have been asked by JDC to participate in the third phase of solved immediately, but it is crucial that we of what it means to be part of an international Jewish community. including a traditional Shabbat experience, brought together more than this challenge campaign for FSU Elderly Relief. work hand in hand to face them. Global School Twinning is now fully funded, as a result of a generous private donation 250 Jewish volunteers and professionals from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, The matching pool available is $1 million. Renewed gifts will combined with funding from The Jewish Agency and the Israel Ministries of Education and Thank you for your support of The Jewish Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Georgia. The majority of be matched 1:2; increases and new gifts will be matched 1:1 Diaspora Affairs. The program connects local and Israeli Hebrew school students in grades 4 Agency as we continue to serve the needs the sessions were led by local volunteers themselves. (this applies to the amount of the increase). Gifts/pledges to 12 based on their needs, abilities, and interests. To date, 720 students from around the world of Jewish people around the globe. must be designated for Elderly Relief in the FSU, and they “We’re proud of our role in fueling a trend among Jews in post-Soviet have participated in the program, and now it’s expanding so even more schools can benefit. can be general or specific to a region or program. There is Warm regards, countries to enthusiastically give back and build community,” said The Network is partnering with The Jewish Agency on this program because we believe that no minimum gift level. Pledges must be made before Isaac Herzog Michal Frank, JDC’s director for the former Soviet Union. “As we December 31, 2019 and paid by December 31, 2022. Chairman of the Executive it’s a wonderful opportunity to forge deeper connections with Israel. If your community has a work to strengthen Jewish life worldwide, we have much to learn The Jewish Agency for Israel Hebrew school that is interested in participating in the program this fall, please contact your from their example.” regional director. 6 / NETWORK NEWS / Summer 2019 7 / NETWORK NEWS / Summer 2019 Vermont Jewry Gathers for Jewish Learning and LEADERS BRAINSTORM Community Building KEEPING BY RACHEL LEVY, REGIONAL DIRECTOR AT ANNUAL ABE THE JEWISH COMMUNITY BRENNER NETWORK SECURE CONFERENCE BY MICHAEL MASTERS, NATIONAL DIRECTOR AND CEO, SECURE COMMUNITY NETWORK (SCN) BY RACHEL LEVY, REGIONAL DIRECTOR

he Abe Brenner Conference is a highlight of the year for Network leadership. At this year’s conference, on February 23-24, attendees hailed from 10 communities, including ithin just six months, two synagogues were attacked. Hate crimes directed at the Jewish community have increased, T Tallahassee, FL; Huntington, WV; and Greenville, SC. The keynote speaker at the 22nd annual The Jewish Communities of Vermont (JCVT) Wanti-Semitism is on the rise. There is a frightening new reality to being Jewish in the United States today—and an conference, held in Winston-Salem, NC, was Gloria Borger, CNN’s chief political analyst. Borger spoke began in 2013 with a vision of linking Jewish increasing concern for members of every faith. on Saturday night at Temple Emanuel, with over 160 members of the Winston-Salem community in communities across the state. Today, just six attendance in addition to the conference participants. years later, Vermont’s 25,000 Jews, across 14 America’s Jewish community needs to take action to keep our IMPROVE: Where weaknesses exist, improvements must be made. synagogues, know what’s available to them and synagogues, day schools, community centers, campus organizations, It’s not hard to lock all doors except for one main entry, or to hold live On Sunday, Andrea Siegel, a Jewish educator Alexandra Shklar, JDC’s director of strategic how to access it. They feel more connected and senior centers and summer camps safe and secure. shooter drills that teach leaders and congregants what to do in case of from the University of Michigan, led the group partnerships, spoke about growing needs in the more aware of the vibrancy and diversity of an attack. Security constantly needs to be worked on, updated, drilled in a full-day workshop, “Leading with our former Soviet Union, where elderly Holocaust Jewish life in their state. Secure Community Network (SCN) was founded in 2004 by The and improved. Values.” She created a workbook that enabled survivors can’t afford a hot meal. She shared This past April, more than 100 Jews participated Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents each participant to journal about their Jewish pictures of young high school students learning in the JCVT Summit in Killington, which offered of Major American Jewish Organizations, as the official safety and DEPLOY: We deploy our team of experts into communities experiences, about Judaism security arm of the Jewish Federation system, including the Network to provide the training, planning and thinking necessary to help study and spirituality along with sessions on a concretizing the and celebrating variety of topics to strengthen Jewish engagement of Independent Communities. The current chair of SCN is Harold communities prevent attacks. values that make Jewish holidays and address issues of concern. Spiritual leaders Gernsbacher of Dallas, formerly the JFNA National Campaign Chair. them a strong together across SCN’s mission is to enable parents, children, seniors, rabbis and staff from all over Vermont provided attendees with SCN was established to keep communities safe and prepared, and leader. Partici- Eastern Europe. to worship and celebrate in peace, knowing that those with knowledge a wonderful and spiritual Shabbat. Rabbis and to provide guidance and resources to synagogues and other Jewish pants focused on synagogue presidents met to explore ways to and expertise have worked to address security issues, build a plan, and The conference institutions. We can also help your community access grants from their communal increase collaboration, share expertise and offer implement it, all designed to create the shield our community needs. is named for the Department of Homeland Security. priorities and more programming. Abe Brenner z”l, Every location where Jews gather today needs a detailed security plan. brainstormed SCN is a team of current and former military, law enforcement a leader from The JFNA Network of Independent Communities It needs to be realistic and it needs to be drilled, regularly. SCN can ideas to bring and homeland security experts. We are not volunteers or private Winston-Salem was a proud co-sponsor of the Summit. Several help you create and implement that plan in your community. Contact back to their consultants. We are professionals dedicated to serving and protecting who, along with sessions highlighted the vital resources and us directly at [email protected], or get in touch with your regional communities. critical work of The Jewish Federations of North the Jewish community—and we work on your behalf as a part of his wife Miriam director. We look forward to working with you. This exercise was America. Stephanie Hausner, deputy director of the Federation system. z”l, was one of Winston-Salem’s long-time used to create a document to pass down to JFNA’s Israel Action Network, led a session on philanthropists. Their daughter Wendy Brenner In Pittsburgh, the security director for the Jewish Federation of Greater future boards of their Network communities as the new anti-Semitism of the Boycott, Divest- Michael Masters was a homeland security and law enforcement official and shared stories about her experiences on a Pittsburgh trained the Tree of Life rabbi and many members just months a former captain in the Marine Corps before joining SCN. an Ethical Will representing their board’s values. ment and Sanctions (BDS) movement that is recent Jewish Federation mission to Ukraine. before the October 2018 attack that killed 11. Normally the rabbi would now spreading across Vermont, and addressed Doron Horowitz, senior national security advisor One of the highlights of her trip was joining the not have carried his cell phone to a Shabbat service. The security ways to create safer Jewish spaces, especially on at SCN (Secure Community Network), briefed Active Jewish Teens (AJT) conference. When director instructed him to do so in case of an emergency. As the attack college campuses. Eva Stern, JFNA’s director of the conference, and Steven Woolf, who staffs she saw Jewish teens from across Eastern unfolded, Rabbi Jeffrey Myers was the first person to call the police. Next Gen Engagement, led a lively discussion the JFNA Emergency Committee, provided an Europe meeting other teens and feeling excited about innovative and effective ways to connect The guidance we provide consists of three main actions: assess, update on our work in Puerto Rico and our about being Jewish, Wendy recalled her own with Jewish millennials and make Jewish improve and deploy—or AID. response to a range of natural disasters. daughter’s experiences as a BBYO participant. community life attractive and relevant to them. “She was so happy to see other Jewish kids from I also had the opportunity to share more about ASSESS: Jewish leaders need to assess the safety or vulnerability Nir Buchler, VP of Israel and Global Philanthropy places like Charlotte and Greensboro. Those kids JFNA’s global reach and impact. of their facilities. How do we balance being welcoming with being safe at The Jewish Agency for Israel, spoke about in Odessa really reminded me of our kids in To learn more JCVT and Jewish life in Vermont, and secure? Are there numerous doors that allow guests inside? Is some of the less-well-known places around the Network communities.” contact Susan Leff, Executive Director, at parking right next to the building? Are windows shatterproof? Who world where it is increasingly difficult to be Above: Featured speaker Gloria Borger of CNN, center, [email protected]. oversees security: lay leaders or professionals? Is there a good security Jewish. He emphasized that the Jewish Agency with Winston-Salem Campaign Chair Andy Schneider and plan in place? This is the first thing that SCN works on when we visit is prepared to rescue and resettle anyone who Nancy Schneider. Above: Rabbi Jan Salzman ran a beautiful havdalah where participants were joined by local teens and University of a community. wants to move to Israel —on any given day. Vermont students. Photo by David Punia. 8 / NETWORK NEWS / Summer 2019 9 / NETWORK NEWS / Summer 2019

FOUNDATIONS AND PHILANTHROPIC Emerging Leader Profile: Andre Tarraf FUNDS PROVIDE MAJOR SUPPORT DREAMING OF JEWISH COMMUNITY FOR JEWISH GLOBAL NEEDS BY DANIEL H. NATHANSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NETWORK OF INDEPENDENT COMMUNITIES ON FLORIDA’S TREASURE COAST The Network’s Annual Campaign receives Marcia travels to Israel frequently to visit the BY EDWARD FINKEL, REGIONAL DIRECTOR individual gifts from dedicated donors, which programs and get new ideas. On behalf of are pooled to support local and global needs. IAUJC, she is now investigating a program for But the Network’s mission also benefits from the elderly near Beersheva. generous grants awarded by foundations and A Congregant’s Bequest “to Benefit the Needy” funds, which often request our guidance in The Samuel J. and Mary E. Colef Memorial selecting programs to support. Here’s a look at Left: Andre Tarraf, center, in London with Fund was established when a congregant left three different foundations/funds that make fellow participants on a Jewish Agency his entire estate to the Congregation of Moses Emerging Leaders mission. grants to or through the Network. in Kalamazoo, MI, to be used to “benefit the The Onion King and his Support for needy.” This bequest is held in trust by the the Jewish State Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Carolyn The Jewish Agency for Israel and JDC, the Annette Cottingham’s father, Abe Katz, Kennedy, committee chair of the Colef Tzedakah impact it makes on improving lives and Above: One of the grants the Colef foundation made was the largest onion grower in the U.S. this year provides support to needy children in the committee, oversees the process, and last year building Jewish community. He is eager to former Soviet Union. A resident of Corpus Christi, TX, he was the fund distributed their first grants. experience Jewish life all over the world, find originally from Lithuania, where the family he Jews should help Jews, the ones who are most out what he can do to help, connect with other “We decided to look at need in our own left behind was murdered by the Nazis. Abe in need,” Annette said. “Whenever there’s a young leaders in the process, and bring what community, our state, the country and the was a staunch supporter of Israel—it was crisis, I want to help.” he learns back to his own growing Jewish world,” Carolyn said. With so many nonprofits important to him that Jews have a safe place community. to choose from, and such a broad mandate, to call home. He set up a foundation to A Generous, Anonymous Gift for the Negev the committee members turned to the perpetuate his support for Israel, which his An anonymous donor family gave the Ithaca f one person’s enthusiasm and commitment was enough to establish a community, He has big dreams for the Treasure Coast Network for guidance. daughter now administers. Area United Jewish Community (IAUJC) a IAndre Tarraf is that person. He saw the potential for dynamic Jewish life to flourish Jewish Federation, but he’s beginning by gift of $500,000, to be distributed over 10 For the second round of grants, the Colef taking small steps and building upon small Annette gives an unrestricted grant from her years for social service needs in Israel, with in his community, Florida’s Treasure Coast, and has committed resources to Tzedakah committee turned to the Network successes. His initial goals are to connect father’s foundation to the Annual Campaign an emphasis on southern Israel. IAUJC Chair again. The programs they chose to fund this establishing a Jewish Federation there. In time, he hopes to bring the full array of area synagogues and Jewish organizations, every year, and her Network regional director Marcia Zax wanted to make sure the grants year include The Jewish Agency’s Project TEN Jewish communal and educational services to the area. and establish forums where rabbis, Jewish also brings her proposals for programs she had an impact. “Our Network regional Puerto Rico and JDC programs that aid needy community leaders and young families might want to support. She has a passion for director came to meet with our board, families in Israel, Jews in Venezuela and Born and raised in Brazil, where the Tarrafs Many area residents were active in their can meet and discuss their needs. JDC’s work, and she continues her father’s bringing a list of ten programs we might be children in the former Soviet Union. “Work- were active members of the Jewish community, communities up north and moved to the area tradition of charitable giving and Jewish interested in,” Marcia said. Now each year, ing with the Network was a way for us to get Andre moved to the US with his family in the to retire. Now the demographics are shifting, Andre has seen and learned of the power of leadership. A Lion who has fully funded her IAUJC designates $10-15,000 to Lunch and our feet wet and learn what’s going on in the late 1990s. After a short stint in New York and it’s becoming a bedroom community the Jewish Federation to address every aspect Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE), she is a Learn and Youth Futures in Dimona, and world of Jewish aid. We saw that the projects (too cold!), they moved to Florida, where they for the influx of professionals who work in of Jewish life and engagement, and the value leader in Corpus Christi, encouraging others other programs. were worthy, and we wanted to support them.” settled in the area known as the Treasure Coast Greater Palm Beach. Many of them have of programs likes PJ Library and One Happy to become Network donors. “I believe that and maintained their commitment to Jewish life. young families and are seeking Jewish Camper to young families seeking a Jewish community life, just like the Tarrafs. connection. With JFNA Network guidance, he North of Palm Beach, the Treasure Coast has been meeting with key thought leaders who stretches over three counties: Martin, St. Lucie Looking for deeper engagement, Andre share a common vision to build community. JEWISH LIFE THRIVES IN MAINE and Indian River. The region has the potential turned to the Network for help. He is now a “Treasure Coast is a great place to live,” he Over 250 Jewish Mainers and leaders of other small Jewish communities is making an impact. Network Advisory Chair Leslie Dannin Rosenthal to be a vibrant place for Jewish life, although member of JFNA’s National Young Leadership said. “Once we establish structure, we’re convened in Waterville, ME on June 21-23 for the 6th Annual Maine and Regional Director Edward Finkel participated, engaging with it currently has limited Jewish communal Cabinet and serves on the JFNA Network going to be a powerhouse.” Conference for Jewish Life. The JFNA Network of Independent Maine’s Jewish communal leaders throughout the conference. infrastructure. The Jewish population is Advisory Committee. Through JFNA, he Communities co-sponsored the event with the Colby College Center To learn more about the emerging Treasure Coast The Center for Small Town Jewish Life, directed by Rabbi Rachel Isaacs, estimated at 5,000, and there are five syna- has travelled to London, Paris, Spain, Jewish Federation, contact Andre Tarraf at for Small Town Life. Several sessions spotlighted JFNA’s activities. [email protected] or Regional Director has been nationally recognized by The Covenant Foundation. To learn gogues over the three counties, but no Jewish Morocco and the former Soviet Union. Edward Finkel at [email protected] Doron Horowitz, senior national security advisor of SCN, presented on more about the Maine Conference for Jewish Life and the Colby College family services, community center, day school He has witnessed the reach of the Federation security preparedness, and Dr. Jane Karlin, The Jewish Agency’s senior Center for Small Town Jewish Life, visit www.colby.edu/jewishlife. or senior facility. movement, and through its global partners, VP for Israel and Global Philanthropy, shared how The Jewish Agency Please consider attending next year, June 12-14, 2020. 10 / NETWORK NEWS / Summer 2019

AS THE LION OF JUDAH ENDOWMENT TURNS 25, TEXAS GETS A NEW LION BY LISA KLEINMAN, NETWORK NEWS EDITOR

t began the way it often does—someone spots a woman wearing a striking piece of Dvar Torah: Ijewelry and asks about it. But this time, it was a man who noticed the Lion pin. The Lion of Judah, worn by 17,500 women A TEST OF around the world who give $5,000 or more annually to Federation, brings together STRENGTH women of all ages and from many walks of BY RABBI EMILY LOSBEN-OSTROV life to play an essential role in creating social SPIRITUAL LEADER OF TEMPLE OF ISRAEL justice and building Jewish identity. More WILMINGTON, NC than that, it empowers women as leaders in philanthropy. There are many ways to test your strength. I don’t recommend it, but preparing for, living It struck Sam L. Susser that he had seen through and cleaning up after a Hurricane several Jewish women in Corpus Christi Sam and Catherine Susser is a great way to assess your fortitude. My wearing a Lion of Judah pin, and finally he community and I learned our strength last year asked a friend, Toby Shor, about it. “She to have a little ceremony to present the pin as a result of dealing with Hurricane Florence. spoke to me about the programming and the to her. I hope that she enjoys the community caliber of the women who participate in the and gets other women involved with her.” Last summer, we had no idea a storm of this meetings she’s attended,” Sam said, and he magnitude was heading our way. As we was even more intrigued. His wife Catherine This year, to celebrate the 25th anniversary finished the book of Numbers and began the is a powerhouse herself. She’s the president of the Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) the Sophie survived the terrors of the Holocaust. But decades later, her loneliness was too terrible to endure. book of Deuteronomy, part of our annual cycle of the Corpus Christi Independent School Jewish Federations have launched a new Then Rina, a caring volunteer, started visiting her. Today, Sophie says she’s not lonely on the of reading the Torah, we recited the traditional District board, and the chair of the Texas $100 million endowment campaign for

days Rina visits, and she no longer feels forgotten. words, “Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek.” Those Commission on Women, a position women, called LOJE25, to encourage more words literally translate as, “Strength, strength, appointed by the governor. women to strengthen their philanthropic  we will be strengthened.” power. There are 201 Lions and 26 LOJEs Your gift powers moments like these for thousands of Holocaust survivors and Sam decided to endow his wife’s Lion gift in the Network, including 3 LOJEs that other elderly populations in the former Soviet Union. right away, because it was convenient, What is so powerful about this tradition is its are already funded and generating because he trusts JFNA, and because he communal aspect. We shout to one another consequential annual income. Enclosed is my donation for: that we should all have strength and that we all could afford it. “We started with nothing,”  $500  $360  $180  $100  $36  Other ______ Check Enclosed  Charge my credit card  Visa  M/C  Amex strengthen each other. he said, “and we’re at a place now in life Catherine Susser would probably have Name of Cardholder Signature where we’re able to make some gifts each bonded with Wendy Block z”l from  I am interested in learning about the benefits of making a planned gift What we learned from the trials we faced year. Someday we’ll be gone, and our kids Wilmington, NC. Wendy, who served as from my estate plan. Email Telephone # during the storm—and in fact any of life’s will have to make decisions about philan- chair of the Network, was a proud LOJE. Please  send me information  contact me by phone  email me storms—is that when we have a community, thropy. This endowment will let them know She encouraged many women to become what’s important to us.” Lions of Judah and to endow their annual Address we are strengthened together and individually. Please detach form and mail with donation made payable to Lion gifts, and it’s because of her efforts that We in Wilmington are so grateful to all those As of this writing, Catherine has not The Jewish Federations of North America to: the Network has a concentration of LOJEs in City State Zip who reached out to give us support, whether received her pin yet. “I wrote her a letter JFNA/Network, 25 Broadway, Ste 1700, New York, NY 10004 by volunteering in town, sending money and the South. In Wendy’s memory, the Network is actively participating in the LOJE25 effort. Card # Card Validation Code* Exp. Date supplies or offering prayers. We have been for her birthday, and it made her very Or go to jfna.org/networkdonations to donate today. Please contact your regional director to strengthened. Together, let us go forth in strength! happy,” Sam said proudly. “We’re planning ® find out more. Employer (some employers have matching gifts programs)

*3 digit, non-embossed number on back of a Visa or Mastercard or a 4 digit, non-embossed number on front of American Express. NNFSum19 12 / NETWORK NEWS / Summer 2019 13 / NETWORK NEWS / Summer 2019 ANYONE CAN CREATE A JEWISH LEGACY: 2019 HERITAGE SOCIETY THE FUTURE STARTS WITH YOU BY EDWARD FINKEL, REGIONAL DIRECTOR AND BOOK OF LIFE legacy gift is a demonstration of actively served all aspects of the York Jewish “I was raised by a Please Join Us. Create Your Legacy Today. Ayour belief in the continuity of community and beyond, including holding family that always Jewish life for generations to come. By leadership positions at Ohev Sholom Congre- gave to charity,” leaving financial resources to Jewish causes gation, the York JCC, Israel Bonds, AIPAC he said, “so when and The Jewish Federations of North America. I realized I had you care deeply about, you can ensure future Jacob S. Shiff and Fannie Okamiansky Shiff, Steven B. Goldfine, Duluth, MN funds available, he Heritage Society pays tribute to individuals who have generations have an opportunity to embrace To ensure that there’s a strong Jewish Duxbury, MA* Margaret Anne Goldsmith, Huntsville, AL our heritage. I wanted to do Tmade a bequest or other planned gift to The Jewish Louis H. and Cecille M.* Shornick, Jackson, MS Dr. Warren D. and Bobbie M. Goldstein, community for their beloved grandchildren something Adell Siegel, Colorado Springs, CO* Colorado Springs CO/Birmingham, AL to inherit, they have set up four funds Federations of North America. These gifts not only help to Mae S. Silver, Amherst, MA Aaron Goldweber, Pine Bluff, AR* With a little planning, you can make sure constructive with Sylvia and Samuel Simon, Williamsport, PA Aaron and Nancy Gottloeb, Petoskey, MI* through the Jewish Community Foundation your generous support of Jewish charitable my money.” After ensure that JFNA’s life-saving work will continue far beyond Rudolph Singer, Greeley, CO* Lynette S. Green, Fayetteville, NC causes lasts for generations by establishing of Central Pennsylvania, endowing their making sure his Jeffry Helicher the lifetime of these donors, they also inspire others to commit Dr. Wilbert P. Skirball, Greenville SC* Gail B. Greenblatt, Columbus, GA support for Penn State Hillel, AIPAC, the Sanford and Thelma Slutzker, Lorain, OH* Dr. Harry Gross, Pineville, LA an endowment, empowering you to continue only close family member, his brother, was themselves to the Jewish community in Israel, the United Fannye Smith, Waco, TX* Saul Harris, Stamford, NY* the work of your heart well into the future. York JCC and JFNA. Why did they choose provided for, he turned to Federation for Gail J. and Stephen Smith, Lorain, OH Dr. Jeffrey Helicher, Gainesville, FL Sam Stambor, Lima, OH* Dr. Stanley and Florence Hersh, Waco, TX to leave a legacy to JFNA? “We believe in help. “Federation has so many options, and States and throughout the world. The Book of Life affords special Network endowment donors Elliott and Sue everything JFNA stands for, and we know Margarethe Steiner, Fargo, ND* Rose Bagdon Hirsch, Ocala, FL* meets so many needs.” recognition to Heritage Society members who have created a Leona Stern, Asheville, NC* Dr. Alice M., Eve and Saul N. Isen* Weinstein and Jeff Helicher shared with us they do great work. It’s all about community.” Ben-Hagai* and Miriam Steuerman, Kenosha, WI Abraham Kadish, Santa Fe, NM* their reasons for establishing legacy gifts and With his love of international travel, JDC’s bequest or permanent endowment of at least $100,000 for JFNA. Sidney C. Sufrin, Amherst, MA* Doris Goodman Katz, Corpus Christi, TX* Grace Tikosen, Monterey, CA* Gretchen and Louis Klaff, Winston-Salem, NC* how they accomplished it. Providing future Jewish leaders with the work was especially inspiring to him. “On a resources they need is a priority for the Heritage Society: David and Lorraine Hoppenstein, Waco, TX* Dr. Howard and Gail Tobin, Abilene, TX Godfrey F. Klein, Keene, NH* trip to Ukraine, seeing a community that was Henry A. Alexander, Eugene, OR* Mr. & Mrs. Ted Jacobs, Lorain, OH* Julia S. Todd, Cheyenne, WY* Sylvia Kopeloff, Muskegon County, MI* “We’re part of a Weinsteins. “It’s what we believe. From almost wiped out coming back so strong gave Mayer Alpert, Sheboygan, WI* Florence James, Johnstown, PA* Faye Unger, Lincoln, NE* Chip Koplin, Macon, GA long chain” Florence T. Volk, Lancaster, PA* Mordehai Krakowski, Boonville, NY generation to generation, we’re part of a long me so much pride,” he said. So he made a Jill and Gary Altman, Colorado Springs, CO Betty R. Kalin, Spokane, WA* chain, and we have no right to break that chain.” Bernard Appel, Ft. Worth, TX Anne Kaplan, Jericho, NY Daniel Walden, State College, PA Bernice Lerner, Salisbury, NC* Elliott Weinstein legacy gift to JDC through Federation. He Rose Baer, Mountaindale, NY* Suzanne Rosenbaum Katz, Cedar Rapids, IA* Esther Wedner, Soquel, CA Dr. David H. Levin, Pensacola, FL* Harvey Weiner, Logan, WV* David and Mona Markell in honor of Ira and and his wife, Sue, also set up a Charitable Gift Annuity, and has Herman Balaban, Manitowoc, WI Gunther Kay, Santa Cruz, CA* “I’m doing as much as I can to have Dr. Michael Baron, Blountville, TN Philip A. Klein, State College, PA* Hedy Weinfeld, Monterey, CA* Irene Jacobs and William and Elaine Markell, met at Penn State greater impact” arranged for his IRA distributions to be Vivienne Baum, Taos, NM* Elizabeth Kohl, West Hurley, NY* Dr. Jack and Berthe Weitsman, Oak Ridge, TN* Tallahassee, FL and raised their directed to charitable causes. “I’m doing as Henry, Sophie, and Frank Bernhard, Columbus, GA* Sanford and Kathryn Kranich, York, PA* Dr. David Werner and Susan Ain Werner, Gerson and Judy May, Jasper, AL State College, PA Herman and Ella Medwin, Carmel, CA* family in Sue’s Jeffrey Helicher moved to Gainesville, FL, just much as I can to have greater impact.” Ida Blinkoff, Torrington, CT* Morris Krinsky, Andover, MA* Jack I. Blum, Steubenville, OH* Melvin Kruger, Macon, GA Norman Winer, Santa Fe, NM Sybil Stern Mervis, Danville, IL hometown, a few years ago, but when he was asked to Adele and Donald Langendorf, Carmel, CA Sylvia Wolfson, Honolulu, HI Dorothy Miller, Cincinnati, OH* You can ensure future generations have an Dr. Norman Bolker, Corvallis, OR York, PA. There join the board of the Jewish Council of North Anna Bohorad, Pottsville, PA* Myra Lebow & Frank Talenfeld, Wheeling, WV Faye Zabin, Sioux City, IA* Maurine Muntz, Tyler, TX* Central Florida, he said he would do whatever opportunity to embrace our heritage Irving S. Caplan, Malone, NY* Ada Lefkowitz, Hiawassee, GA* Martha Zeff, Stockton, CA* Susi Ohringer, Cape Cod, MA* he founded Jerry and Tac Caplan, Springfield, MO David Leibenson, Oshkosh, WI* Gerard Zelenke, Wilmington, NC Neil and Marilyn Port, Altoona, PA he could to help. After a career as a dentist in Weinstein Realty Please contact your regional director to find Andrea Carter, Monterey, CA* William and Sara Leon, Los Alamos, NM* Howard Zerden, Hickory, NC* Morris and Sharon Purcel, Macon, GA the military, and a second career in the travel Lucille Chasnoff, Carmel, CA* Samuel Letvin, Red Lion, PA Bernard Rapoport, Waco, TX * Elliott and Sue Weinstein Advisors. Elliott out how the Network can help you structure Norman Clinkston, Saginaw, MI* Jack Lindy, Mobile, AL Book of Life Morris E., William N., and Betty Rashkov, with their grandchildren industry, helping others is second nature. and Sue have your gift to fit your lifestyle, needs, and goals. David and Pearl Coe, Dothan, AL* Alice and Arthur May, Mulberry, FL Roger* and Deane Ackerman, Sumter, SC Spokane, WA* Louis L. Croy, Manitowoc, WI* Esther Mellinger, Tyler, TX* Charles Alpern, East Liverpool, OH* Murray and Janis Robbins, Columbus, GA* Mr. & Mrs. Edward Danuff, Tallahassee, FL Morton Meyers, Johnstown, PA Burton and Jessie G. Baig, Calais, ME* Edward E. and Hilda G. Rosen, Bangor, ME* Ruth Deckelbaum, Anne Arundel County, MD* Erna A. Miller, York, PA* Abe and Janet Beerman, Johnstown, PA* Alvrone Sater, Evansville, IN THE JEWISH FEDERATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA NETWORK ANNUAL CAMpAIGN Theodore Ehrenkranz, Los Alamos, NM Herbert Mishkin, Monticello NY* Wendy B. Block, Wilmington, NC* Helene P. Schewel, Lynchburg, VA Janice and Marvin Epstein, Bayonne, NJ Willene and J. George Mitnick, Jasper, AL* William G.* and Eleanor Brant, Terre Haute, IN Rosel H. Schewel, Lynchburg, VA* Jerome S. Epstein, Northbrook, IL* Herbert Moskowitz, Bayside, NY Abraham Brenner and Miriam Prystowsky-Brenner, Maxine Schiffman, Columbus, GA David Feldman, Yorktown, IN Ruth Naftaly, Howard County, MD Winston-Salem, NC* Barbara S. Schwartz, Wilmington, NC Pursuant to state regulations regarding charitable solicitations, we are required to include certain disclosure language on printed solicitations. Dr. Eugene W. Feldman, Lewistown, PA Dr. & Mrs. Sol Neidich, Beaufort, SC* Frances Brenner, Winston-Salem, NC Nathan and Louise Schwartz, Wilmington, NC* A copy of the latest Financial Report and Registration filed by this organization may be obtained by contacting Joseph Stalbow at The Jewish Federations of North America, Inc., 25 Broadway, Suite 1700, New York, NY Drs. Paula and Henry Feuer, West Lafayette, IN* Joe Oliner, Macon, GA* Mike and Wendy Brenner, Winston-Salem, NC Jerome Shain, Wilmington, NC* 10004-1010, 212-284-6500, or by contacting any of the state agencies: Harold and Barbara Fox, McAllen, TX Anne Parrish, Kerhonkson, NY* George Caplan, Wilmington, NC* Stephen and Cheryl Shapiro, Wooster, OH Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES Opal Gefon, Heber Springs, AR* Dr. Martin and Elaine Pearlman, East Lansing, MI Jean Fishel-Caplan, Hilton Head, SC Morton and Eva Shavit, Petersburg,VA* Harriette Oliner-Carter, Macon, GA Dr. Richard M. Shiff, Plymouth, MA* NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. CH-951 Sara C. Ginsburg, Steubenville, OH* Mathilde H. Piatt, Pensacola, FL* David Cohen, Hickory, NC* Sol Slotkin, Lancaster, PA* Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401. Fred Glosser, Johnstown, PA Alina Rechnic, Evansville, IN* Marvin Glyder, Biloxi/Gulfport, MS Milton B. Recht, Weirton, WV* Elliott Cohen, Watertown, NY* Bucky Stein Family, Wilmington, NC Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of The Jewish Federations of North America, Inc. may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by Willard L.* and Lois Cohodas, Marquette, MI Abraham and Rhea* Stern, Sumter, SC the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement. Martin and Ethel R. Goldman, Plattsburgh, NY* Wynn Reynolds, Stone Ridge, NY Elias and Estelle Goldstein, Stroudsburg, PA* Ben Rogers, Beaumont, TX* Annette Katz Cottingham, Corpus Christi, TX Dr. David L. Rowe, Stuart, FL New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT Morris Gorden, Baldwyn, MS Yetta Rosenberg, Pawtucket, RI* Mirrel Davis, Titusville, PA* Abram Rubin, Stamford, NY WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING 973-504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT http://www.njconsumeraf- Florence Green, Johnstown, PA* Pearl Rosenshine, Steubenville, OH* Rebecca Davis, Titusville, PA* Louis H. and Cecille M. Shornick, Jackson, MS* fairs.gov/ocp.htm#charity. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. Frada and Walter W. Green, Danville, IL* Albert S. Rosman, Lancaster, PA* Linda Diamond, Johnstown, PA* Mose Sumner, Baytown, TX* New York: Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, New York 10271. David Greenberg, Texarkana, TX* Babette M. Rothschild, Columbus GA Ruby Diamond, Tallahassee, FL* Sam L. and Catherine G. Susser, Corpus Christi, TX North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Section at 1-888-830- Barry and Edith Greene, Martinsville, VA Dorothy Rubin, Stamford, NY Edward Effron, Princeton, WV * Max and Sara Swartz, Durham, NC* 4989. The license is not an endorsement by the state. Dr. Harry Gross, Pineville, LA Julian Saul, Dalton, GA Robert and Charlotte Effron, Princeton WV* Terri Union, Fayetteville, NC Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of The Jewish Federations of North America, Inc., may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, Sybil Barsky Grucci, State College, PA* Dr. Joel Schiffenbauer, Gainesville, FL David Eisenberg, Vestal, NY* Florence T. Volk, Lancaster, PA* 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Trina and Arthur Harrison, Williamsport, PA* Ferdinand Schoenfeld, Portage, PA* Joe and Reva Engel, Jasper, AL* Emanuel Volkin, Steubenville, OH* Virginia: State Division of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, PO Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. Michelle Louise Hendy, Sandy, UT Yale Schulman, Altoona, PA Samuel Epstein, Warren, PA* Elliott and Susan Weinstein, York, PA Washington: Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504-0422, 1-800-332-4483. ® Harvey Herzog, Pueblo, CO Samuel W. and Marilyn Seidel, Salisbury, MD* John and Catherine Farahi, Reno, NV Berry J. Zander, Greenville, SC West Virginia: Residents may obtain a summary from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Dr. Herb Hindler and Cynthia Wood, Gretl Sender, Erie, PA* Gusti W. Frankel, Winston-Salem, NC Rachel Zarks, Macon, GA* Registration with any state agency does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. San Luis Obispo, CA Jerry and Florence Shapiro, Wooster, OH* Dr. David Frolich, Macon, GA Rose Zarks, Macon, GA* Dr. Erich and Hildegard Hirsch, Geneva, NY Morton and Sylvia Sheiman, Williamsport, PA* Larry Furth, Sparks, NV* *of Blessed Memory Around Our Communities Top Row L-R: Guest speaker Avi Melamed and Howard Stein at the UJA of Wilmington Annual Banquet in Wilmington, NC; Rabbi Emily Losben-Ostrov, Regional Director Abby Levine, Top Row L-R: Regional Director Abby Levine with Terri Frolich and Macon, GA Past President Dr. David Frolich; Dr. Adam Levy, Dr. Davida Buxton, Macon, GA President Samantha Janice Kingoff, Executive Director Danny Nathanson, Alan Gerberg, Rita Katz, Alan Katz, guest speaker Avi Melamed, Bucky Stein, Rita Reibman, and Sheldon and Sharyn Rosenberg at Friedman; Dr. David Frolich, Rabbi Aaron Sataloff of Temple Beth Israel, Regional Director Abby Levine, Regional Director Rachel Levy and Samantha Friedman in Macon, GA; the UJA of Wilmington Annual Banquet; Jewish Communities of Vermont Executive Director Susan Leff and Regional Director Rachel Levy in Burlington, VT. Rabbi Bob Alper and Regional Director Rachel Levy in Manchester, VT. Second Row L-R: Susan's House Director Avital Goel, Gail Bretan, Winston-Salem, NC, Melanie Piha, Susan's House, Linda Klein, Huntington, WV, and JDC's Avi Narrow-Tilonsky visiting Second Row L-R: Regional Director Edward Finkel congratulates Colby College Center for Small Town Jewish Life staff members Melanie Weiss, Rabbi Rachel Isaacs and Rabbi Erica Asch Susan's House in Jerusalem, run by JDC to engage teens at risk; Cape Cod Synagogue President Dr. Marc Silverstein and Rabbi David Freelund join Regional Director Edward Finkel in on a phenomenal 6th Annual Maine Conference for Jewish Life in Waterville, ME; Executive Director Danny Nathanson with community leaders Bucky Stein and Rita Reibman at the UJA welcoming Hyannis Sound to its first performance in a Cape Cod synagogue; Regional Director Jacquelyn Shapiro with Ulster Board President Harriet Miller at a partnership Federation of Wilmington Annual Banquet in Wilmington, NC; Elliott and Sue Weinstein with Regional Director Edward Finkel in York, PA; Community leaders Reba Alper and Jon Alper with Campaign event for the Columbia, Greene, and Ulster County communities in Catskill, NY. Executive Director Danny Nathanson at the UJA of Wilmington Annual Banquet in Wilmington, NC. Third Row L-R: Executive Director Danny Nathanson, Committee Member Phyllis Stahler, Treasurer Gary Altman, Committee Member Larry Stahler, Chair Don Kraft, Honoree Arnold Third Row L-R: Event Hosts Harold Kane and his wife Karen at campaign event in Corpus Christi, TX; President Barry Greene, Regional Director Rachel Levy, guest speaker Connecticut Simon, Speaker Jeff Goldman, Committee Member Trudy Taxman, Committee Member Jill Altman, Rabbi Jay Sherwood of Temple Shalom, and Committee Member Allan Davidson College Professor and Author Andrew Pessin, and Eydie Greene in Martinsville, VA; Regional Director Edward Finkel with new York JCC CEO Dani Fessler in York, PA; Left to right: Oak Ridge at Colorado Springs, CO Annual Campaign Brunch; Guest speaker JDC Oksana Galkevich at campaign event in Corpus Christi, TX; Regional Director Andrew Feuerstein with Annette Campaign Committee Member Zane Bell, Jewish Congregation of Oak Ridge Rabbi Victor Rashkovsky, Regional Director Edward Finkel and Campaign Committee Member Jim Bogard at Cottingham at campaign event in Corpus Christi, TX; Jewish Community of Greater Stowe (JCOGS) Rabbi David Fainsilber, Regional Director Edward Finkel, President Oak Ridge, TN Annual Campaign kickoff. of JCOGS Emily Rosenbaum, Regional Director Rachel Levy in Stowe, VT. Fourth Row L-R: Gail Norry, JFNA Emergency Committee Chair, and JFNA Network Regional Director Edward Finkel visit with JCC of Puerto Rico religious school class and teachers Fourth Row L-R: Barbara Minsky, Jewish Federation of Central Alabama Executive Director Tzlil B. McDonald, Leon Minsky, Georgia Solomon at Deli Day in Dothan, AL; University of Iowa Hillel during recent Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Mission to Puerto Rico; JDC Mission to Ukraine Chair Wendy Brenner of Winston-Salem, NC, Jeff Helicher of Gainsville, FL, and Executive Director David Weltman, Regional Director Andrew Feuerstein, Rabbi Esther Hugenholz, President of Agudas Achim Kathy Jacobs in Iowa City, IA; Regional Director Jackie Shapiro other participants with a JDC recipient; Nico Apfelbaum, Dana Apfelbaum, Regional Director Edward Finkel, Rabbi Rose Durbin, Rabbi Matthew Durbin, Debbie Millner, Michael Millner, with Keshet campers in Kalamazoo, MI; Network Chair Leslie Dannin Rosenthal and Temple Beth Shalom San Juan Past President David Klau. Andre Tarraf, Treasure Coast, FL. Network News Network News 25 Broadway, Suite 1700 New York, NY 10004 MESSAGE FROM JERRY SILVERMAN

Dear Friends:

Each week as Shabbat begins, we bless our children by summoning the merits of our ancestors. “May you be like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah” we bless our daughters, or “May you be like Ephraim and Menashe” we bless our sons. These were great leaders of our people, in good times and in difficult times, but at their core, they were just human beings. It reminds us that any of us can rise to address what the times demand of us—that we don’t need to be superhuman, but we do need to be present and ready to do what is necessary for our people, our community, and our world. We need to say “hineni”—here I am.

Each one of you has said hineni many, many times, and I am so grateful to have met many of you during my tenure as president & CEO of JFNA. The Network of Independent Communities is a jewel in the crown of the Federation system. You are compassionate, devoted members of the Jewish community who have made an iron-clad commitment to the well-being of the Jewish people in Israel and around the world. No matter how remote your residence, you have engaged in the sacred act of kiruv— of bringing the Jewish community closer together through your acts of kindness and generosity.

I am also thrilled to introduce you to the incoming president and CEO of JFNA, Eric Fingerhut, a stellar leader. I am certain he will be as proud of and inspired by your extraordinary support of Jews everywhere.

As I reflect on the past 10 years and prepare to move on from my position, I am moved and inspired by the Network, and will take your lesson with me wherever I go. It is not the place that honors the person, but the person that honors the place. You have made the Jewish people your place, and you have brought honor to us all. I am very grateful to you, as is the entire Federation movement, and I wish you continued strength and determination as you build upon your great and sustaining legacy of tzedakah.

With great appreciation,

Jerry Silverman