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Celebrating 67 Years Panorama THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR Volume 67, Issue 1 FURTHERANCE OF JEWISH EDUCATION Fall 2007/5768 Dinner Date Sunday, November 18, 2007

incensed at the exclusion of dren’s Hospitals include Phoenix Chil- Jewish children from the hos- dren’s Hospital, Arkansas Children’s Toy Campaign pital’s recreation activities that Hospital, Miller Children’s Hospital, he returned with a cartload of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Goes National toys to cheer up the young- Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, oys for Hospitalized Children, a divi- sters. During the following Miami Children’s Hospital, Chris Evert Tsion of NCJFE, has expanded na- years he spearheaded the campaign Children’s Hospital, Joe DiMaggio tionwide. to bring gifts to hospitalized children all Children’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Since its formation in 1953 the program over New York. Hospital, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, has primarily served institutions in the In the seventeen years since Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Min- New York tri-state area. The expan- Hecht’s passing, Toys for Hospital- nesota, University of Minnesota Chil- sion will add eighty-six of the country’s ized Children has given out upwards of dren’s Hospital, Gillette Children’s Hos- Children’s Hospitals, which serve over 20,000 toys and gifts annually to ailing pital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. twenty-thousand of the most seriously ill children and seniors in nursing homes. NCFJE Chairman Rabbi youngsters. The program also arranges parties for said, “We are grateful to all of the do- Toys for Hospitalized Children was children in hospitals and seniors in ex- nors who give us the opportunity to founded by the late Rabbi Jacob J. tended care residences. help these children and expand on my Hecht, obm. Rabbi Hecht, while visiting Some of this year’s newly added Chil- father’s dream of giving toys to sick chil- a patient in a New York hospital, was so dren everywhere.” n Thank You Camp Emunah by Jill Lerner sent Chana to camp I this summer with great trepidation. After all, she had a horrific year at school and was known as a hard-to-handle child. Why would she be any different at camp? I was forthright with the camp I dreaded disappointing Chana, as her as I explained Chana’s self-esteem was at an all-time low due

past experience. to school and the constant negativity.

Address service requested service Address I was told repeatedly that Chana was

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Brooklyn, NY 11213 NY , Continue on page 3 brooklyn, ny brooklyn,

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Furtherance of Jewish Education Jewish of Furtherance

non-profit org. non-profit National Committee for for Committee National PANORAMA |1| expressed their en- NCFJE thusiasm for the new 824 Eastern Pkwy. A New Campus site’s beauty and con- Brooklyn, NY 11213 1-800-33-NCFJE venience. Children (718) 735-0200 for Chai Tots enjoyed face-painting Fax (718) 735-4455 s the waiting list for Chai Tots and exploring the fea- A Preschool continued to grow, tures of the new center. OFFICERS Charles Kupferman a need for new and larger facili- The new center adds two classes Founding Executive Neil Kupferman ties became imperative. Thanks to Chai Tots. Plans for another Vice President Milton Kramer to Charles and Ruth Kupferman day-care room to open early 2008 Rabbi Jacob J. Shmuel Raskin this expansion was finally accom- are already underway. Hecht, o.b.m. Dr. Steven A. Rubel plished. Jerry Wartski HON. PRESIDENTS “Chai Tots is famous for offering Herbert B. Weiss Just in time for the 2007 school Hon. Joseph Fisch a home-away-from-home atmo- year, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting Milton E. Kramer ALTERNATE sphere and the best, professional Charles Kupferman TRUSTEE marked the grand opening of the care,” said Mrs. Hecht. “We view J. James Plesser Steven Mukamal, Esq. Kupferman Chai Tots Center and each of these children as a pre- its pristine, new playground do- CHAIRMAN SECRETARY nated by Greg & Abby Murjani of EXECUTIVE Scott Kupferman COMMITTEE Brooklyn. Chai Tots is famous DIRECTOR Rabbi Sholem B. Hecht OF DEVELOPMENT “We are so grateful for the wonder- for offering a BOARD OF TRUSTEES Rabbi Faivel Rimler ful partnership that was created home-away-from- Rabbi Shloma L. between Chai Tots and the Kup- DIRECTOR, CAMP Abramowitz home atmosphere EMUNAH ferman family, enabling us to edu- Rabbi Shea Hecht Rebbetzin Chave Hecht cate Jewish children in the heritage and the best, and traditions of their ancestors,” professional care NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR said Mrs. Sarah Hecht, Director FURTHERANCE OF JEWISH EDUCATION CHAIRMAN ADVISORY BOARD cious gem that we are privi- CHAIRMAN Joe Lovece Jr. leged to nurture in a warm ADVISORY BOARD David Mintz and stimulating environ- Rabbi Shimon Hecht William Newman ment.” Richard A. Parkoff ADVISORY BOARD Arnold S. Paster Chai Tots, is in its eighteenth Charles Alpert Abe Podolsky year of operation under Sam Baitner Stewart Rahr the auspices of of Dr. Mozzafar Bakhchi Benzion Raskin Alex Berkovitch Brownstone Brooklyn, a divi- Shmuel Raskin Edward Berkowitz sion of NCFJE. n Ira L. Rennert Joseph Bistritzky Faige Rubinfeld Eli Blachman Joseph Rubinfeld Murray Bresky Howard Rubenstein Dr. Laura Buchsbaum Dr. Jeffrey A. Sachs Benson Chanowitz Irving Schatz Irving & Estelle Cohen Steven Schwartz Irwin Cohen, Esq. Jack P. Schleifer Ronnie Domb of Chai Tots Dovid Smetana Sam Domb Preschool. Stanley Smith Mel Dubin Irving Seidman, Esq. The state-of- Mendel Duchman Benny Shabtai the-art cen- Mitchell Feldman Lori Shabtai Morris Gad ter, with its Bruce A. Solomon Harold Gold brand new Dovi Sperlin Arnold Goldstein, Esq. furniture and Fran Spilke Nosson Hecht Stanley Wasserman toys captured Benjamin Hirsch Aaron Weingarten the imagina- Adam Katz Scott Weingarten tions of adults Jason Katz David Weprin and children alike. Parents real difference was the way the Thank You Camp Emunah camp was run, and by whom. Continued from page 1 A day passed with no calls disruptive, uncooperative, and down- from the camp. I was cau- right chutzpadik. Sadly, I fell into the trap tiously happy. The next day I of reiterating this rhetoric at home, caus- called the nurse, who informed ing a strain in my relationship with my only me that Chana appeared child. happy and content. I contin- Amazingly, the camp director said she ued to call every day for the would accept Chana anyway! I could not first week, and received only believe it when her words came over the good reports. “What was hap- phone. Chana was ecstatic! She assured pening?” I thought. Where did me that she would succeed in camp and the trouble go? Where was the behave just fine. I hoped she was right. anguish? Trying to be upbeat, I drove Chana to No, there was no trouble. No, I did not the camp. The atmosphere there was need to pick her up immediately. Yes, she charged with excitement. The energy of was doing just fine. My gratitude to G-d the opening day allowed me to forget knew no bounds. I truly felt as though I my pessimistic viewpoint. Chana, on the was witnessing a miracle. When Chana other hand, wanted to jump right into the finally called, it was not with the expected commotion! She and I had just begun misery, but to tell me she had been se- opening her bags when she saw girls lected as “Camper of the Week…” jumping on a trampoline, and ran over to On visiting day, I joyfully entered the join the fun. campgrounds. After spending a lovely I hope that Chana, burgeoned by the Back home, I found myself jumping ev- day with Chana and witnessing first-hand summer success, will continue to make ery time the telephone rang. Over the the happy, contented, enthusiastic child strides with pride and understanding of past school year I had been called sev- I had been hearing about, I met the di- her innate goodness and self-worth. I, eral times in the middle of the day be- rectors to whom I expressed my utmost as her parent, must see to it that she is cause of Chana’s tantrums. This history thanks. Thankfully, the camp personnel provided with the elements she needs to set the stage for being a nervous wreck possess the ability to see the individual grow up healthy in mind and body. The at each ring. child with her strengths and needs and lessons I learned from my daughter’s I should have known that things were dif- work on her level to achieve a spectacu- camp experience have been truly em- ferent at camp. After all, the academic lar end result. powering. Thank you, thank you, thank stressors were absent, the schedule re- This summer has been a life changing you, Camp Emunah, for setting us on the laxed, the environment peaceful. But the event for both my daughter and me. right path. n

potatoes, carrots and Thanksgiving Giveaway rice from the NCFJE foodbank will be given to his Thanksgiving will mark the third Rabbi Chanoch help create a complete Thanksgiving Tyear that Mr. Joe Lovece Jr. of North Hecht with meal. Star Contracting and NCFJE have Joe Lovece pooled their resources to help spread Mr. Lovece is a man dedicated to im- the true spirit of Thanksgiving and build proving race relations and eradicating a harmonious community. poverty. He has taken many humanitar- The devoted staff at NCFJE headquar- ian trips to impoverished countries in ters will once again distribute thou- Africa towards this end. sands of pounds of kosher turkey to Last year’s giveaway was joined by Ni- all needy families of Crown Heights, ger Innes of CORE (Congress of Ra- verse community. This year New York Brooklyn. cial Equality), who volunteered his time City officials are expected to partici- Additionally, cranberry sauce, sweet help promote unity within this racially di- pate as well. n

PANORAMA |3| Emunah Touring Camp Special amp Emunah is receiving rave thanks in the Creviews of its Summer Touring catskills Camp, a young leadership program for teenage girls. The campers embark For decades, the communities of up- state New York have been home to some of the groundbreaking programs, “Touring Camp camps and summer retreats that have been the hallmark of NCFJE. really inspires these On July 8, 2007, Congregation Agudas young ladies in Achim was the site of NCFJE’s Annual such a profound Empowerment Breakfast, celebrating way and helps to over a half-century of community ser- vice in Ulster County. give them the tools The annual breakfast honored elected they’ll need to take officials, public servants and business charge of their lives leaders who play a vital role in shaping and become future the growth of Ulster County. leaders.” Rabbi Yitzchok Hecht, spiritual leader of Congregation Agudas Achim and Chabad of Ulster County, said “This upon a once-in-a-lifetime, cross- breakfast is the way we show a hako- country trip to explore and experience ras hatov—acknowledging gratitude to the famous sights, attractions and the individuals and organizations who communities in various regions of the are constantly going above and be- country. yond our expectations in their service to the communities of Ulster County The founder of this innovative program and our organization.” is Rebbitzen Chave Hecht, Director of Camp Emunah which has been All spoke in praise of the NCFJE and its at the forefront of overnight camp- affiliated camping programs, highlight- ing for girls since 1953. Its coor- ing how the organizations camps and dinators, Rabbi and Mrs. Shaya & retreats are geared towards serving Goldie Gansbourg, travel with the low-income families, bringing summer campers and devote their best ef- opportunities to children who might forts to maximizing the experience otherwise not have the chance. for the girls. Rabbi Sholem Ber Hecht, Chairman of Rabbi Gansbourg said, “Introduc- the Executive Committee said, “Many ing these girls to new places and people think that camp is a luxury, communities is an educational expe- but the weeks of outdoor activity, the rience which cannot be taught in a camaraderie and away-from-home classroom.” experiences of the summer are an important part of a child’s growth and Emunah Touring Camp, which runs education.” during the month of July, this sum- mer took a West coast tour to Jewish Rabbi Shea Hecht, Chairman of the communities from Canada to Mexico, Board of NCFJE, said, “All the honor- including Washington, Oregon and ees give of themselves to the com- California, giving them the opportunity munity. Since NCFJE is a community to experience many new places and organization we value these individu- people. The trip is well-balanced be- als and their service, which is why we tween education and fun. The campers are giving them the recognition they deserve.” n Continue on page 7 wedding, and a scribal Remembering The Experience arts demonstration, to kosher consumer Rabbi Hecht’s education, all facets of of a Lifetime Judaism were properly Legacy t the Jonas M. and Sadie Rennert studied and then expe- A Ivy League Study Experience rienced. Enrichment activities such as Rabbi (ILTSE), young women spanning the Judaica art and kosher gourmet were Yaakov globe came together in a quest for learn- favorites of many, providing recreation Yehuda ing about their Jewish identity. A Scot- as well as spiritual enhancement. Hecht tish law student, a Parisian economics The highlight of the program was the obm major, and a psychology fellow from the Tour of Jewish Living, a week spent in Upper West Side, all shared a common Monsey, NY, experiencing life in a vibrant goal—discovering what it means to be Jewish community. The students visited truly Jewish. points of interest including a mikveh and Classes given by world-renowned To- the Holocaust Museum as well as being he life, teachings, accomplish- rah scholars were the stage for animat- hosted by many different families, across Tments and burning love for Mankind ed discussion, challenging and heated the Jewish spectrum. Most noteworthy of Rabbi Yaakov Yehuda Hecht, obm, debate, all the while infused with warmth was a tour of the New Square Hasidic were brought into focus for hundreds and humor. Rabbi Dr. Emanuel Shochat, community. The students got an insid- in attendance at the annual gathering Ph.D., world class author and lecturer, er’s view into the distinctive customs of commemorating his passing. took the students on intellectual jour- the people as well as the progressive In his fifty years as Executive Vice Presi- neys to places they never knew existed. institutions they have established. dent of the NCFJE, Rabbi Hecht be- Rabbi Chaim Miller, an Oxford gradu- The Ivy League Experience came famous as a tireless advocate ate and editor of the Gutnick Chumash is the only program of for world Jewry. Rabbi Hecht founded and other scholarly works, its kind. The program dozens of programs serving the edu- spoke to his students “Amazing, offers religiously unaf- cational and humanitarian needs of about having discovered rejuvenating, filiated college students Jew and gentile alike. Many of the insti- his own Jewish roots with the unique opportunity tutions that he founded, such as Hadar his humble beginnings as intellectually to explore their Torah HaTorah, , Camp Emu- a student at the Ivy League stimulating, heritage without finan- nah and Operation Survival were liter- Men’s program over a de- challenging, cial pressure, by spon- ally the first of their kind. cade ago. soring fellowships for refreshingly Over 67 years, the combined institutions An integral aspect of the the five week summer and charities of the NCFJE have brought ILTSE program is the live honest…” program of intensive relief and a variety of opportunities to hun- and learn component Torah study. dreds of thousands. These programs which turns study into action with hands- The program is coordinated by Rabbi were the instruments through which Rab- on workshops and memorable field Levi Kaplan, Mrs. Baila Hecht and bi Hecht expressed his deep concern for trips. From participating in a Chassidic Mrs. Cipi Junik, who tai- the welfare of his fellow man. lor the program to meet On July 30th, Rabbi Hecht’s 17th each student’s individual yartzeit which falls out on the Jewish needs. The program is holiday of Tu B’Av, was marked by hun- generously underwritten dreds of his family, friends and sup- by Mr. & Mrs. Ira & Inge- porters of NCFJE at his resting place at borg Rennert. the Old Montefiore Cemetery. Special As a former ILTSE student memorial programs also took place aptly said, “Ivy League at Camp Emunah and Camp Shaloh, is where it all began. It both founded by Rabbi Hecht. opened the door to a Numerous presentations were made high- new chapter in my life.” n lighting the life and legacy of Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht. May his memory be a blessing. n

PANORAMA |5| Mitzvos and to be proud of their Jewish Fun and Smiles at MYDC heritage.” or 33 years, boys and girls ages with an emphasis on outreach to public Over the years, thousands of children F4-14, have been enjoying the excit- school and immigrant children through- have enjoyed the wonderful programs, ing programs and activities of Machne out the Borough of Queens. nutritious meals, exciting trips and week- end Shabbatons that have become the Yisrael Day Camp (MYDC). Over the MYDC Director, Rebbetzin Channah hallmark of this highly respected camp. d e c a d e s , Hecht said, “I find it a great privilege Recently, MYDC has collaborated with MYDC has to direct such a Rabbi Zalman Zvulonov, Direc- Not only do we help tor of the Queens Gymnasia School and Queens Institute for put big smiles on Torah Education, sponsored by hundreds of faces philanthropist Mr. Lev Leviev, to over the summer enable MYDC to use the new Gymnasia Campus as its home months, but we venue. also change so The counselors’ ensure that many lives forever all of the children enrich their knowledge of Jewish heritage, unique camp of such as well as their daily obser- wonderful children. Each vance—girls are taught to light Shab- year we have wonderful, bos candles, everyone performs the dedicated counselors mitzvah of tzedakah, and daily prayers and staff who put big are led by the children themselves to smiles on hundreds of experience Jewish tradition in a hands-on faces. Our campers’ in- way. Singing, trips and exciting activities spiring and fun-filled ex- make it difficult for the campers to end perience with Judaism help so many their day at MYDC. n served children of all backgrounds, of them go on to appreciate Torah and

be. The parade was a great unifier performed in front of Lubavitch World A Legacy of then, and remains so today.” Headquarters at ; The parade was led by representa- there was a concert by Jewish entertain- Pride and Joy tives of the US Army, New York City er Chaim Fogelman, followed by a fair n On Sunday, May 6, 2007, over Police & Fire Department and mem- O10,000 people from the New York bers of . tri-state area joined NCFJE and Tzivos The day’s events were particularly Hashem for an exciting Lag B’Omer geared to the kids. The Universal Circus Parade. The theme of the parade was On the Shoulders of Giants—A Journey through Jewish History. Children of many local public and private schools marched in the parade together with almost 20 original floats created by the children of the community. There complete with an exotic were depictions of Abraham, Moses, petting zoo and giant rides. the leaving Egypt and many A procession of Jewish more. motercyclists, led by Rabbi Rabbi Shimon Hecht, parade coordi- Zachary Betesh, founder of nator, said, “My late father, Rabbi Ja- Lions of Judea International, cob J. Hecht led the parade for many a global charitable foundation years alongside the Lubavitcher Reb- of Jewish bikers, especially Continue on page 7 67 Years of Released Time he 2007 school year marks the 67th Since its inception in 1941, the Re- Tyear of the Jewish Released Time leased Time Program has reached Program. The program reaches out over 250,000 Jewish boys and girls in to Jewish youngsters in New York City, Rockland public school and expos- County, Long Island, es them to Jewish heri- The program Massachusetts, New tage and tradition. Feder- reaches out to Jew- Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylva- al law protects the right of ish youngsters in nia and California. any recognized religious public school and Last year the pro- group to teach its ideol- gram serviced 75 ogy to public school stu- exposes them to sites in the New dents who elect to par- Jewish heritage and York metro area. ticipate in weekly classes. tradition More than 125 Classes are conducted dedicated young teachers went out every week to create a warm atmosphere of fun, learning and tradition for nearly 900 students. Rabbi Shazak Zirkind, director of the Released Time Program, said of the year’s accomplishments, “My great- est feeling of fulfillment is that again this year we have helped to enroll over 30 children in full-time yeshivos. The success of getting these children into is a testament of the dedica- outside of school property at a nearby these children with excitement and en- tion of our volunteers who reach out to synagogue or community center. thusiasm week after week.” n

A Legacy of Pride and Joy Emunah Touring CamP Continued from page 6 Continued from page 4 made waves during the parade. spend one hour each day on Jewish powerful, positive effect on each Rabbi Yaakov Behrman, one of the pa- studies and gain from their sched- of these girls. Touring Camp really rade organizers said, “We’re very hap- uled discussions with community inspires these young ladies in such py that they’re taking leaders. a profound way and helps to give “The parade was a part in this event. I per- them the tools they’ll need to take The camp toured many fun and ex- sonally am impressed charge of their lives and become great unifier then, citing places that kids their age only with their dedication. future leaders.” n and remains These guys have trav- dream about. They visited Alcatraz, so today.” eled here from all over crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, the country because of and bargained in the shops of the love they feel for their Jewish breth- Tijuana, Mexico. Visits to amuse- ren, especially the children.” ment parks, rock climbing, white water rafting, sand duning, ice NCFJE has been sponsoring the Lag skating and dragon boating leave B’Omer Parade in the Crown Heights the girls with memories which last section of Brooklyn for over 50 years. a lifetime. Lag B’Omer is a joyous Jewish holiday which marks the passing of the Talmu- Of this unique camping program dic sage, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. n Rebbetzin Hecht said, “it has a

PANORAMA |7| they would share with others. Chaplain of the Brooklyn Developmental TWINS SHARE A As the time for the cel- Disabilities Service, to allow the twins and ebration neared, their their friends to have a party and give gifts SPECIAL BIRTHDAY parents, Dr. Michael and to the developmentally disabled adults in Feige Carciente, learned his care. rooklyn twins, Rochie and Toby Car- of Toys for “The party was a very spe- B ciente, prepared for their Bat Mitzvah Hospitalized Children, a “We want our cial success,” said Rabbi (when Jewish girls celebrate their 12th program that brings spe- Abramowitz, “the resi- birthday) with a special enthusiasm. cial gifts to hospitalized daughters’ Bat dents of the home were However, unlike most of their peers, the children and seniors in the Mitzvah to be more so overjoyed to share in twins shared a special excitement, not tri-state area and beyond. the girls’ celebration. On about what they would receive, but what than just a party,” The Car- the other hand, the mag- cientes de- nitude of the response, cided to use their daugh- the joy and gratitude that was shown by ters’ milestone birthday the patients really showed these young- celebration as a means sters the depth and the impact of their of imparting an important, kindness.” lifelong lesson: True hap- “Being involved with the program made piness is that which can a real life-long, positive impression on be shared with others. our girls about the significance of being “We want our daughters’ on the giving end,” said Dr. Carciente, “it Bat Mitzvah to be more was an inspiration to everyone involved, than just a party,” they told the whole family, their friends and class- director Rabbi Shloma L. mates.” Abramowitz, “Now is the Toys for Hospitalized Children is an on- perfect time for them to going humanitarian program of NCFJE learn to give back.” that has served hospitalized children and Rabbi Abramowitz im- seniors since 1953. For more informa- pressed upon Rabbi Dr. tion, call Director, Rabbi Abramowitz at Solomon Wulliger, Jewish 718-735-0200. n

The Romanian-born Israeli professor was Tech massacre, felt moved to publicize shot to death while resisting the gunman Dr. Librescu’s heroism. He contacted Courage so his students could escape. Rabbi Hecht who inspired him to fund Speakers included Rabbi Nissan Man- these events around the country. n Under Fire gel, Professor Harry Reicher, Rabbi Dr. n the wake of the tragic shootings at Immanuel Shochat, Dr. Judea Pearl, Dan I Virginia Tech last spring, the National Alon and others. Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Ed- ucation (NCFJE) sponsored the Dr. Liviu “Dr. Librescu displayed courage and Librescu Memorial Lecture Series. selflessness that few of us know or un- derstand,” said Rabbi Shea Hecht of More than thirty Chabad Campus Cen- NCFJE, “This cannot be fully appreciated ters received grants to host lectures without first understanding his experience highlighting the nature of self-sacrifice, as a child survivor of the Holocaust.” particularly as demonstrated throughout the Holocaust and times of crisis. Ironically, Dr. Librescu was killed as Jews throughout the world marked Holocaust The lectures ran on college campuses Remembrance Day. throughout the US and abroad, com- memorating the heroism demonstrated The program was sponsored by Mr. Joe by Dr. Librescu during the deadly ram- Lovece, Jr, of Northstar Contracting who, page on the campus of Virginia Tech. after learning of the events of the Virginia