Connections winter 2011 / choref 5771

Counselors Adam Olstein, Sonia Robiner and camper Zach Sain enjoy a paddle at Camp Butwin

CAMPAIGN CHAIR SUMMER CAMP BUILDS UPCOMING EVENTS OVERVIEW JEWISH IDENTITY AND OPPORTUNITIES P 2 P 4 P 10 A Message from the UJFC BENEFICIARY AGENCIES Local Agencies General Campaign Hillel at the University of Minnesota Chair Jewish Community Center of the Greater St. Paul Area Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas Jewish Family Service of St. Paul Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest Polly Saxon, Lubavitch Cheder Day School Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company General Campaign Chair Nechama Jewish Response to Disaster Rochester Chaplaincy Sholom Community Alliance Dear Friends, Talmud Torah of St. Paul

Recently, a friend sent me a fascinating article on the science of Overseas Agencies giving. It discussed a study that shows our bodies release endorphins American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee – chemicals that produce a sense of well-being – when volunteering. Jewish Agency for Israel Another study looked at brain activity of subjects who were given World ORT the choice to donate or receive money. It showed that brain activity involved in personal satisfaction was present whether subjects chose to donate or receive, providing evidence that there is an anatomical THANK YOU FOR GIVING basis for the joy of giving. TO THE MAX This got me thinking about what I receive when I give to the Jewish On Nov. 16, Give to the Max Day 2010, generous community. It’s always given me a sense of well-being because I know friends donated $25,786 to UJFC. Thank I’m part of a community that I can count on. Just as we have done for you for joining in the “great Minnesota give over 75 years, we come together to care for each other, sustain our together” and supporting the UJFC. traditions and rally in a crisis.

Our 2011 Campaign is well underway and already more than 1,000 members of our community have pledged $1.4 million to ensure the Connections St. Paul Jewish community remains strong and vibrant while caring Connections is a publication of the for Jews in 70 other countries. Thank you to Phil Goldman, Men’s United Jewish Fund and Council Campaign Chair and Marsha Schoenkin, Women’s Philanthropy Chair, 790 Cleveland Ave., South and a dedicated team of 150 volunteer solicitors for your tireless Suite 227 efforts. St. Paul MN 55116 651-690-1707 If you made your pledge, thank you! If you have not, please join your www.JewishStPaul.org friends and neighbors who are generously supporting the work of the UJFC. To make a pledge or to find out how your support makes a Julie Swiler, editor difference, go to www.jewishstpaul.org or call Ted Flaum, campaign 651-695-3109 director at 651-695-3185. [email protected] Getting involved, donating and volunteering – it is a great feeling – it Contributors: Ted Flaum, Sharyn Effress Pesses, really is what being Jewish feels like. Dan Mogelson, Alisa Warshavsky

Thank you for your continued support,

Get involved. Donate. Volunteer. Polly Saxon It’s what being 2011 Campaign Chair Jewish feels like.

2 haiti – one year later

Within days of the earthquake the global Jewish community generously responded to this disaster. One year later, we have helped improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of Haitian earthquake survivors.

One year after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), a beneficiary agency of the United Jewish Fund and Council, has helped 240,000 Haitians and is paving a path toward better lives for the disabled and children. Through $7.7 million dollars JDC and its partners have delivered medical services to more than in donations from the Jewish Federations of North America and 53,000 Haitians and additionally aided more than 800 people tens of thousands of individual donors, JDC’s collaboration with and fitted more than 70 prosthetics. JDC also ran 10 schools in Haitian, Israeli, and other NGOs has fed, clothed, provided state- tent camps in Port Au Prince and ensured that 150,000 displaced of-the-art medical treatment, job training, and education for the Haitians had access to 80 emergency water tanks. country’s recovering population. In 2011, JDC will focus on physical and psychological rehabilita- “Within days of the earthquake the global Jewish community tion for the disabled and schooling for Haitian children. JDC’s generously responded to this disaster. One year later, we have ongoing services for Haitian amputees will include professional helped improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of Haitian training for local medical and paramedical staff and treatment by earthquake survivors. Whether we’re getting people walking again a team of Haitian/American/Israeli doctors, physiotherapists and at our rehab clinic and prosthetic lab or ensuring educational occupational therapists. outlets for Haitian children, we do so inspired by tikkun olam and our unwavering commitment to the potential of every human life,” said JDC CEO Steven Schwager. WORLD ORT AND KIRYAT YAM LAUNCH $18M SCIENCE Kiryat Yam Mayor Shmuel Sisso told a CITY PROJECT dedication ceremony at the high school, “This campus integrates values, culture, World ORT, an overseas partner of the science and knowledge in a unique way United Jewish Fund and Council, and and also combines and showcases the the Israeli town of Kiryat Yam recently character of its initiators.” launched an $18 million science city project, with support from Jewish Federa- The campus will reinvigorate the tions. The high-tech education and sports largely blue-collar community of 45,000 — Students study electronics campus boasts resources like a science comprised of many Russian and Ethiopian center, library, performing arts auditorium immigrants — where the average income is at new education center and planetarium, open to residents of the about 25 percent lower than the national coastal city. average. your support makes a differencE

$18 $36 $50 $180 $300 $1,000 $5,000 A food package to an individual in Four Kosher Emergency One week of childcare financial Four days of emergency One month of A year’s rent and expenses for a need in the former Soviet Union Meals on Wheels medications assistance food and shelter adult day care new Ethiopian immigrant family to Israel

3 SUMMER CAMP MIXES JEWISH VALUES WITH LOTS OF FUN

Mari Prauer remembers her first summer at Herzl Camp in Webster, Wis. She was a scared nine-year-old who wasn’t sure she wanted to stay when her parents dropped her off. But when they picked her up on the last day she exclaimed, “It’s my favorite place ever – I’m going back until I’m the director!” Now 19 and a student at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla., Mari still goes back to Herzl each summer – as a counselor. She credits her experience to the camp’s hamish atmosphere and wants to help new campers have the same experience. She also says Herzl Camp helped develop her identity as a Jew. “I’m much more involved in the Jewish community than I would have been,” said Prauer, who is president of the Hillel at her school. “I would not Mari Prauer (center) have gone to Israel or been involved in Hillel, and I wouldn’t have made so with friends Molly Korman (L) many wonderful life-long friends.”

and Arnina Blumenreich (R) Mari’s experience is echoed at camps all over the country. As the Jewish community wrestles with the question of how to instill Jewish values and love of Jewish life in children, summer camp is one of the answers. “Most of us don’t live in Jewish neighborhoods anymore, we’re spread out,” said Anne Hope, Herzl Camp director. “Our campers have the experience that in past Studies bear out that Jewish generations, Jewish children found just around the corner.” adults who attended summer camp are more likely to have According to research compiled by the Foundation for Jewish Camp, studies a sense of Jewish identity bear out that Jewish adults who attended summer camp are more likely to and be involved in the Jewish have a sense of Jewish identity and be involved in the Jewish community. community. They are: • 30 percent more likely to donate to a Jewish charity • 37 percent more likely to light Shabbat candles • 45 percent more likely to attend synagogue monthly or more • 55 percent more likely to be very emotionally attached to Israel

“At Camp Butwin, kids are part of a Jewish community and they take that home with them,” said Alyssa Golob, director at Camp Butwin, the St. Paul JCC summer camp. “These children are the next synagogue board members, donors and institutional leaders.”

Shawn Bulgatz remembers Camp Butwin as a place where, as a young Jew, he felt he belonged. That is one of the reasons he now sends his own children there. “It was a place where I felt I could be who I was and feel supported and valued,” said Bulgatz.

He also sees camp as an important means to instill Jewish identity. “My kids don’t have a lot of Jewish friends. The more they are around other Jews Israeli Scouts the better it is for maintaining their Jewish identity. The great thing about Jewish life at camp is that it’s experiential and fun. They live Jewish values concert at Camp Butwin while they spend the entire day outside swimming, canoeing, riding horses and exploring nature.”

Living Judaism while having fun and bonding with others is essential to the Jewish camp experience. At Camp Butwin, fun activities are also moments to instill Jewish values. Riding horses is also about learning to take care

4 The great thing about Jewish life at camp is that it’s experiential and fun. They live Jewish values while they spend the entire day outside swimming, canoeing, riding horses and exploring nature. INTERESTED of animals; a trivia game teaches about Israel; tidying IN JEWISH up the campsite on Friday is an opportunity to inspire the joy of Shabbat. SUMMER CAMP? Said Alyssa Golob, “At camp, children develop self-confidence Apply for a Jewish Overnight Camp and esteem as they learn new skills and master old ones in a setting that is friendly and fun. This goes hand-in-hand with Scholarship – deadline is April 1, 2011 building a strong sense of Jewish identity. It’s a combination that builds a sense of self that lasts a lifetime.” The United Jewish Fund and Council of St. Paul offers scholarships for Jewish overnight camp to Jewish children and Your support of UJFC benefits St. Paul-area campers. Camp young adults living in St. Paul. Butwin is a beneficiary agency of the UJFC through support of the St. Paul JCC. UJFC also offers camp scholarships for Awards Jewish overnight camp. In 2010, UJFC provided 70 scholar- Funding is limited, and amounts are subject to change. ships to Jewish children and young adults living in St. Paul. Scholarship awards are based on family need.

There are many overnight and day camp options to choose UJFC Participation from including: • At least one adult family member must make a pledge to the current year’s Annual Campaign. Camp Ramah in Oconomowoc, Wis., a coed, residential, • Families with past-due pledges to the United Jewish overnight summer camp affiliated with the Conservative Fund and Council of St. Paul Annual Campaign are not Movement and National Ramah Commission operating under eligible for scholarships until the past-due balance the educational auspices of The Jewish Theological Seminary. is paid in full, or arrangements are made with the www.ramahwisconsin.com. Financial Resource Director.

OSRUI in Oconomowoc, Wis., a coed, residential, overnight Payment summer camp affiliated with the Reform Movement and the The UJFC makes scholarship awards directly to the camp. Union for Reform Judaism. www.osrui.urjcamps.org. Apply by April 1, 2011 Herzl Camp in Webster Wis., a non-denominational, coed, residential, overnight summer camp. www.herzlcamp.org. Camp Scholarships United Jewish Fund and Council Camp Butwin in Eagan, the non-denominational, coed, day 790 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 227 camp of the Jewish Community Center of the Greater St. Paul St. Paul, MN 55116 Area. www.campbutwin.org. Phone: (651) 690-1707 Fax: (651) 690-0228 For a complete list of Jewish summer camp options, check online at www.onehappycamper.org. For more information, contact Sharyn Effress Pesses at (651) 695-3186 or email [email protected].

5 Seen around St. Paul

Jon Parritz, UJFC president, welcomed more than 300 people to the 2011 UJFC Campaign Gala at Temple of Aaron on Oct. 17.

Adam Fink and Galina Guterman at the Black & White Hanukkah Party.

Guests at the UJFC Gala enjoyed dinner and a performance by the Grammy award-winning Klezmatics. Bottom row (L-R): Steve Shaller, Steve Baldinger, Wendy Baldinger, Jon Garon, and Rabbi Alan Shavit-Lonstein. Top row (L-R): Michelle Shaller, Lisa Bernick and Alan Bernick.

In November, UJFC hosted a delegation from St. Paul’s Partnership 2000 region in Israel, the Sovev Kinneret. They met with synagogue and agency leadership to discuss ideas for new Partnership 2000 programs. Pictured are: Bottom row (L-R) Doron Lev, P2K; Gary Portnoy, Temple of Aaron; Top row (L-R) Alisa Warshavsky, St. Paul Shlicha; Malka Yanai, P2K; Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker, Mount Zion; Shay Shoshany, P2K; Riva Nolley, Talmud Torah; Sara Lynn Newberger, Talmud Torah; Young Leadership Black & White Hanukkah Party—Over 80 Rabbi Lynn Liberman, Beth Jacob; Barbie Levine, St. Paul JCC; people attended the UJFC Young Leadership Black & White Joshua Fineblum, Temple of Aaron; Levana Caro, P2K; Barry Hanukkah Party on Dec. 4 at the Talmud Torah of St. Paul. Glaser, Talmud Torah. Pictured are (L-R): Danielle Livon-Bemel, Young Leadership committee members Sarah Kaye and Masha Kushnir, and Andrea Buzzell.

6 michael waldman is new st. paul jcc executive director Michael Waldman joined the St. Paul JCC as executive director effective December 6, 2010. Waldman succeeds Dori Denelle who served in this position since 2002. A St. Paul native, Waldman brings 15 years of JCC experience to his new position, most recently as vice president and chief operating officer at the Jewish Community Center of San Antonio, Texas.

“Coming back to the St. Paul JCC is a sort of homecoming, both personally and professionally. I am looking forward to renewing old relationships and UJFC Women’s Philanthropy hosted building new relationships in the community,” said Waldman. “Pomegranates in the City,” January 18 at Mendoberri’s in Mendota Heights. The Waldman started his JCC career as a member of the St. Paul JCC’s evening featured a talk by Israeli Lior Zyser Youth department in 1995. He then worked his way from being the about women in the IDF, olive oil tasting and St. Paul JCC’s teen director to Camp Butwin director and finally, presentations on organic food and natural Youth Services director. The St. Paul JCC community and its staff beauty products. Pomegranate Society welcome Waldman’s return home to St. Paul. women give an annual gift of $1,800 or more to the annual campaign. For more information, contact Sharyn Effress Pesses at 651-695-3186 or [email protected]. Pictured are: (L-R) Jodi Saltzman and Lisa Bernick, Pomegranate event co-chairs; Polly Saxon; Marsha Schoenkin, Lion of Judah; and Phyllis Karasov.

In January, UJFC hosted Dr. Jonathan Fine, Israeli author and expert on arms control, conflict resolution and counter terrorism. Dr. Fine spoke about trends and changes in the Middle East at several venues. Pictured More than 500 local legal professionals are: (L-R): Jon Parritz, UJFC president; Holly Brod Farber; Dr. Jonathan and law students attended the Twin Cities Fine; Stephanie Brod Levine and Jacob Millner, JCRC. Cardozo Society Annual Dinner in October. Pictured are honorees Jennifer Benowitz and Ron Zamansky. Benowitz received the Arthur T. Pfefer Memorial Award and Zamansky received the Sidney Barrows Lifetime Commitment Award. Charlie Nauen, Cardozo Society Annual Dinner co-chair addresses the audience.

7 You can make a tribute gift in honor of a friend To send a contribution in honor or or family member’s simcha or in memory of a commemoration of someone, call 651-690-1707 Did you loved one. Consider making your gift to the or visit www.jewishstpaul.org, click on “Donate Annual Campaign, the Women’s Fund or one Now” and select “Tribute/Memorial gift” on know? of the special funds below. the secure online donation form. Camp Scholarship Fund Polly & Mike Saxon Anita Geller Joy Lieberman *James Smith, *Arnie Pesses, In honor of your 80th birthday *Howard Gelb, In honor of his 92nd birthday In memory of your mother, Mickey *Sue & Harvey Kaplan, Ronna & Tom Sherman In honor of Michael & Heidi’s marriage General Campaign *Diane & Rick Smookler, Happy Anniversary *Sue & Harvey Kaplan, Carol & Gordon Altshuler Howard & Janet Tarkow In honor of David & Kaley’s marriage *Deborah Doy, In memory of your husband *Jon & Robin Parritz, *Barry Gersick, Jeri Glick Anderson In honor of Ari & Rachel’s engagement In honor of your special birthday *Debbie Goldenberg, Kay Weber *Diane Smookler, In memory of your mother, Sybil *Becky & Peter Chadzynski, My sincerest In honor of your special birthday *Bill Lipschultz, In memory of your wife, Sybil sympathy for both of you on your great loss *Stacy Birnberg & Family, Jeri Glick Anderson & Family Talmud Torah Students My condolences on your loss *Don & Rhoda Mains, *Ariel Lerner, In honor of your bar mitzvah *Ronna & Thomas Sherman, In memory of your sister, Mickey Best wishes on your new granddaughter *James Smith, Women’s Endowment Fund *Ronna & Thomas Sherman, Congratulations on In memory of your mother, Mickey In memory of Sharyn Effress Pesses’ Brother, the bar mitzvahs of Adian & Issac Maxine & Stuart Applebaum Harlan *Diane Smookler, *Ron Zamansky, In your honor *Sharon Benmaman & John, Daniel & Congratulations on your Lion of Judah award Ivan, Diane, Michael, Gregory & Haley Arenson Michael Allen Betty Sue & David Lipschultz *The Goldish Family, Our condolences on *Jeri Glick Anderson & family *Diane & Rick Smookler, On the occasion of the loss of your mother & grandmother *Naomi & Neil Arnold your 45th anniversary and mazel tov to Diane Sherm & Lois Devitt *Wendy & Steve Baldinger for her Lion of Judah award *Harold Smith & Family, In memory of Mickey *Rena & Barry Glaser Sandy Loewenstein Louis Newman & Rabbi Amy Eilberg *Frank & Cookie Gordon *Diane Smookler, In honor of your 65th birthday *Don & Rhoda Mains, *Karen & Fred Gordon Sharyn Effress Pesses In memory of your sister, Mickey *Nancy Greenstein *Diane Smookler, In honor of your 65th birthday Deborah Evans *Sally Lorberbaum *Debbie Goldenberg, In memory of your *Steve Kafitz, With thanks for your hard work *Toby Marcus mother, Sybil *Julie Swiler, With thanks for your hard work *Susan Minsberg Sharyn & Arnie Pesses Frank & Cookie Gordon *Polly & Mike Saxon *Rena Locke, In honor of your son Alex’s *Fred Gordon, In honor of your retirement *Stuart Bear & Marsha Schoenkin forthcoming commitment ceremony Steve & Rita Levin *Michelle Shaller *Earl Bailey, In memory of your mother & father *Gary Steinman, In memory of your wife, Jane *David & DeDe Smith *Orrin & Janie Kirschbum, In memory of your Joyce & Len Levitan *Diane & Rick Smookler dear mother, Bess *Leon Katz, In honor of your 80th birthday Naomi & Neil Arnold *Marietta Pitzele, In memory of your loving Don & Rhoda Mains *Arnie Pesses, In honor of your 80th birthday mother, Louella *Gerry & Inge Hirschhorn, David & Jane Broude *Diane & Rick Smookler, Happy anniversary In honor of your 55th anniversary *Arnie Pesses, In honor of your 80th birthday *Fred Gordon, Congratulations on your Ruth Olkon Cindy Gordon & Stan Davis retirement *Natalie Zelkind, In honor of your retirement *Arnie Pesses, In honor of your 80th birthday *Cantor Mitchell Kowitz, Aron & Ellen Rolnitzky *Gary & Susan Bloom, In memory of your father *Muriel Lachter & family, In memory of your mother *Rick Smookler, In honor of your 70th birthday In memory of your brother, Bernard Holly & Jon Brod Farber Judy Weinstine *Bill Lipschultz, In memory of your wife, Sybil *Diane Smookler, In honor of your 65th birthday

• Walk for Israel in Highland Park • Outdoor celebration at Talmud Torah Celebrate Israel with • Israeli music from Partnership 2000 • Israeli food region the St. Paul Jewish • Fun and games for all

Community! WATCH FOR DETAILS

Save the date: Co-sponsors: United Jewish Fund and Council, St. Paul JCC, Adath Israel, American Russian Jewish Project, Beth Jacob, Chabad-Lubavitch, Hillel at the University of Minnesota, Yom Ha’atzmaut Jewish Community Relations Council, Mount Zion, Sholom Community Alliance, Talmud Celebration Torah of St. Paul and Temple of Aaron.

May 15/11 Iyar Rain or Shine 11:00 a.m. Contact: Alisa Warshavsky, Israeli Emissary: (651) 353-2670 or [email protected]

8 “Call marjorie” Help for Older Adults is a Phone Call Away Joe*, in his early 70s and retired, recently lost The “Call Marjorie” helpline is confidential and his wife of more than 40 years. Suddenly, he available to anyone 55 or older. Callers receive found himself alone in the home where they had help from a seasoned mental health profes- raised their children. Feeling depressed and sional with whom they can discuss personal overwhelmed, Joe withdrew from family and aging issues or concerns about an aging family friends. Yet he knew he did not want to remain member or neighbor. Marjorie can assist callers isolated. Joe saw a notice for “Call Marjorie,” a in finding the resources that are needed to call line for older adults and caregivers dealing resolve a situation. Since launching in June with stress, change and loss in their lives 2010, “Call Marjorie” has received calls relating sponsored by Jewish Family Service of St. Paul to grief about the death of a spouse, social isola- (JFS) and made the call. tion, conflicts with adult children, challenges around care-giving and loneliness. In addition to That single contact helped Joe through one of phone consultation and referral, mental health the most difficult periods of his life. The “Call home visits can also be arranged. Marjorie” counselor recognized that what Joe needed most was the opportunity to talk “Call Marjorie” is a NORC (Naturally Occurring about his life and find strength and comfort in Retirement Community) initiative. NORC offers meaningful memories. After just a few sessions, a holistic approach to helping older adults live Joe re-engaged in life. and thrive in their neighborhood or building of choice by coordinating community social “Call Marjorie” (651-690-8907) is a one-stop service programs. For more information about resource for seniors and their caregivers. It was NORC go to: www.norcstpaul.com. launched by Marjorie Sigel, LICSW, a clinical social worker at JFS, who wanted to provide an If you or someone you know could benefit from easy way for seniors and their families to find the services offered by “Call Marjorie”, call help. “Depression in elderly people often goes 651-690-8907. untreated because many people think that it is a normal part of aging, or people don’t ask for JFS is just one of a family of beneficiary agencies help because they are embarrassed,” said Ms. which rely on funding from the UJFC to provide Sigel. “We looked at how we could meet the vital services to Jews in St. Paul, in Israel and in needs of seniors by focusing on the best way 70 other countries. to address the questions and challenges people face as they grow older.” *Joe is a pseudonym

Natalie Zelkind retires from jewish family service Natalie Zelkind Jewish Vocational Service helped Natalie support, translating papers for health insurance, remembers the find her first job and when it ended, she had scholarships and other documents. day she and her the opportunity to work at JFS helping other family arrived in St. immigrant families get settled. In December, Retirement will enable Natalie to spend more Paul 30 years ago to after 21 years of service, Natalie Zelkind retired time with her children and 11 grandchildren. She begin their new life in from JFS. and Eduard are tournament chess players and America. Jewish Family Service (JFS) staff have played all over the world. This year they greeted them at the airport with stuffed animals “Natalie has an enormous heart and a talent will participate in the World Senior Champion- for her three children. Then they drove her for helping people feel supported,” said Ruth ships in Croatia. And, she works from time to family to their new apartment on Cleveland Olkon, JFS assistant director. “Her own experi- time at JFS as a contractor. Said Natalie, “I’m Avenue. It had two bedrooms – more space than ence fuels her desire to make sure people feel not going to be a stranger. I will help them they were accustomed to – and was completely welcome.” whenever they need help.” furnished. “We were surprised because we had Throughout her career, Natalie helped no idea strangers would do this for us,” recalls hundreds of people resettle here. She drove Natalie. “We left everything in Russia and didn’t people to sign up for school and see the doctor. know what to expect. It was unbelievable.” She helped recent arrivals get information and referrals for jobs and provided bilingual

9 Greater St. Paul Community Calendar Log on to www.jewishminnesota.org/calendar for details on the events below and many more.

March 5 – March 27 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company presents “Goats” JCC Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert By Alan Berks 7 p.m. @ St. Paul JCC, 1375 St. Paul Avenue, St. Paul @ Hillcrest Center Theater, 1978 Ford Parkway, St. Paul Free and open to the community. In this nearly unbelievable yet true story, a 20-something guy from Chicago takes a job tending to 160 goats for a farmer in a secluded For more information, contact Jeffrey Richman, Jewish Cultural Arts area outside of Jerusalem. Each day he treks into the mountains Director, at 651-255-4752 or [email protected]. where he must wrangle with the goats, and each night he struggles to understand the language of a cheesemaker who barely speaks. Monday, April 4 To order tickets call 651-647-4315. Twin Cities Adult Education Committees Consortium Pre-Passover Workshop THURSDAY, MARCH 10 7:00 p.m. @ Bnai Emet Synagogue, 3115 Ottawa Ave., S., St. Louis Park Israeli Rock Legends: Shalom Hanoch and Moshe Levi 7:30 p.m. @ The Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave., S. The Adult Education Committees Consortium of the Twin Cities Minneapolis. Synagogues will be holding a Pre-Passover workshop at Bnai Emet Tickets: $16 in advance, $21 at the door. Synagogue. A wide variety of classes will be offered. Participating synagogues are Adath Jeshurun, Beth El, Beth Jacob, Bnai Emet, and Shalom Hanoch, considered the father of Israeli rock, teams up with Temple of Aaron. Moshe Levi, one of Israel’s major music composers. Presented by the Israel Program Center of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation and For more information call 952-927-7309 or email co-sponsored by UJFC, the St. Paul JCC and the Consulate General [email protected]. of Israel to the Midwest.

For more information, contact Alisa Warshavsky at Sunday, May 8 (651) 353-2670 or [email protected]. Jewish Family Service 100th Anniversary 6:30 p.m. @ James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul SUNDAY, MARCH 13 Israeli intelligence: Reflections of an An evening of food, St. Paul memories, entertainment and fun IDF officer celebrating 100 years of JFS service to the community. 1:00 p.m. @ St. Paul JCC. 1375 St. Paul Avenue For details, contact: Debbie Vertelney, 651-698-0767 or Free and open to the community. [email protected]. A presentation by Guy Shahar. Guy served five years in a top unit of the intelligence branch of the IDF and discharged as a lieutenant.

For more information, contact Alisa Warshavsky at (651) 353-2670 or [email protected].

Enroll in Talmud Torah for Next Year Now

Enrollment for Talmud Torah of St. Paul’s Preschool, K-5 Jewish Day School and Afternoon Hebrew School/Midrasha programs for the 2011-2012 school year is in progress. For more information, contact Sara Lynn Newberger, Head of School at 651-698-8807 or [email protected] for more information.

stay connected

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10 Upcoming UJFC Events Call 651-690-1707 or log on to www.jewishstpaul.org for details on any of the events below.

FRIDAY, MARCH 11 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13 Guy Shahar: Leading soldiers in war Natasha Mozgovaya, chief US correspondent for Ha’aretz to 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. speak on current events Guy Shahar served five years in a top intelligence unit in the IDF. Natasha Mozgovaya, chief US correspondent for Ha’aretz, During his service, he was a key participant in a flagship project was born in the Soviet Union and made aliyah in 1990. In that was awarded the Israel Defense Prize in 2007. Guy was born 2000, Mozgovaya became a correspondent for Yediot in Ra’anana where he spent most of his life. Currently, he is the Ahronoth newspaper, covering a broad spectrum of young community shaliach for the Jewish Federation of Greater issues in Israel and all over the world, including immigration Indianapolis. and human trafficking; disengagement from Gaza and the Second Lebanese War; and hostage crises in the former Soviet Union and @ UJFC, 790 S. Cleveland Ave., #227, St. Paul. North Caucasus conflicts. In 2008, she became the Washington No charge. Complimentary breakfast sponsored by Bureau Chief for Ha’aretz and is located in Washington, D.C. JASCO Properties. Opportunities to hear Natasha Mozgovaya: Limited seating, RSVP today to [email protected] or 651-690-1707. 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 @ UJFC, 790 S. Cleveland Ave., #227, St. Paul. An outsider looking in... a personal story No charge. Light refreshments will be served. 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Limited seating, RSVP today to [email protected] or 651-690-1707. Rachel Cohen was born to a Jewish father and 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Presbyterian mother, herself a daughter of a minister. @ UJFC, 790 S. Cleveland Ave., #227, St. Paul. Rachel grew up singing in her church choir. She went $8 includes lunch. on a Birthright trip in the program’s first year — because it was a free Limited seating, RSVP today to [email protected] or 651-690-1707. trip abroad. Once in Israel, she lit Shabbat candles, saw Hebrew, and 7:00 p.m. stood at the Kotel for the first time. The experience led to Rachel’s @ St. Paul JCC, 1375 St. Paul Avenue, St. Paul lasting connection to her Jewish heritage. Free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by the St. Paul JCC and @ UJFC, 790 S. Cleveland Ave., #227, St. Paul. UJFC. $8 includes lunch. Contact Alisa Warshavsky at 651-353-2670 or [email protected] for more information. Limited seating, RSVP today to [email protected] or 651-690-1707. scholarship, travel and Volunteer Opportunities Join young Jews at UJFC Annual Campaign. Enroll through your ment and funds available. Scholarships are TribeFest in Las Vegas synagogue and each spring they will notify you awarded each spring and completed applica- when it is time to make your deposit in your tions, with all required attachments, are due at Over 1,800 young Jews will come together in child’s Passport account. The synagogue will the UJFC office by April 15. Las Vegas March 6-8 to explore why it matters send your deposit and the synagogue’s match For complete information on the scholarships to be Jewish and how they connect to their to the UJFC where the community match will and how to apply, contact Sharyn Effress Judaism and the larger community. TribeFest be added. Each year your child will have an Pesses at 651-695-3186 or [email protected]. will offer inspiring programming, music, food, additional $350 added into their account (plus arts and entertainment. Plus, there will be interest if any). opportunities for networking and mingling, as Gesher l’Kesher (Bridge to For complete details, check out Passport to well as hands-on community service. Connection) for Young Israel at www.JewishStPaul.org or contact Contact Dan Mogelson for subsidy informa- Sharyn Effress Pesses at 651-695-3186 or Philanthropists tion at [email protected] or 651-695-3189. [email protected]. Now there is a way for young people to create For complete details about Tribefest go to their own tzedakah fund – a fund they can use www.tribefest.org. UJFC Higher Education to make gifts to non-profit organizations they select every year. The Gesher l’Kesher fund We’ll help you save for Scholarship works by making a deposit at the UJFC with your child’s trip to Israel UJFC offers scholarships for undergraduate a minimum of $360. Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah and graduate students seeking two-year, Passport to Israel is a St. Paul Jewish community fund is a perfect time to get started. UJFC four-year, graduate and professional degrees. program that helps families save money invests the fund for you and you can add to it Minnesota residents are eligible, with to send their teens on educational trips anytime you like. Every year you choose which preference given to St. Paul residents. to Israel. It is a partnership between organizations you would like to donate to from Students attending Minnesota schools are families, participating synagogues and your fund. also given preference. Scholarship awards the United Jewish Fund and Council. For complete information, contact are based on financial need, scholastic UJFC matching funds are available Sharyn Effress Pesses at 651-695-3186 or performance, Jewish community involve- to families who make a gift to the [email protected].

11 Nonprofit 790 Cleveland Ave South Organization U.S. Postage Suite #227 PAID St. Paul MN 55116 Permit No. 2064 St. Paul, MN

UJFC Mission To unite, sustain and enhance the St. Paul area Jewish community and strengthen bonds with Jewish communities in Israel and around the world.

We fulfill this mission through financial resource development and planning, and by working in partnership with social service agencies, educational institutions and synagogues. www.jewishstpaul.org 651-690-1707

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Every gift makes a difference

Thank you to the more than 1,000 members of our community who have generously pledged a gift to the 2011 Annual Campaign. If you have not pledged yet, it’s not too late! Please make a pledge today and be part of a grassroots effort dedicated to strengthening and supporting our Jewish community.

Every gift makes a difference. It feeds thousands of elderly Jews in the former Soviet Union. It provides job counseling and emergency aid to those affected by the economic crisis here at home. And, it supports programming that inspires a young family’s love of Jewish life and culture. Get involved. Donate. Volunteer. It’s what being Jewish feels like. To Get Involved, Volnteer or Donate Please contact Ted Flaum, Campaign Director at 651-695-3185 or [email protected].