A Challenge to Israel’s Elite

Posted on May 22, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

by Shimon Arbel

Three years ago, Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates formed the “Giving Pledge”, enlisting America’s billionaires to commit a majority of their wealth to nonprofit institutions either during their lifetime or following their demise.

Over 100 billionaires have signed on to the “Giving Pledge” since its initiation. The signatories include a significant number of highly identified American Jews known for their great generosity toward institutions both in the United States and Israel.

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Filed Under: Inside Israel, Opinion / Letters, Philanthropy in Israel

The Kids Still Sing and Dance

Posted on May 22, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment
USY_Pilgrimage_2011

USY Pilgrimage 2011; courtesy

by Rabbi Dave Levy

The Jewish community has been abuzz about the recent Jim Joseph Foundation study “Effective Strategies for Educating and Engaging Jewish Teens.” This important study highlights 10 key areas of learning, as well as another 10 implications for strategy development. I am grateful for this study and the structure it provides for an important conversation about our future work. The study encourages us to create a community of peer organizations that, while already existing informally, could really take flight with more coordination and effort. We at United Synagogue Youth (USY) immediately convened meetings to discuss the study and its impact on our work with USY. I look forward to sharing our findings and action plans in the future and I am looking forward to great outcomes for all of us working with teens.

As my staff and I reviewed the study, we noticed one key strategy that was not mentioned in the report: creating true, deep, JOY in celebrating and living Jewish lives.

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Filed Under: The American Jewish Scene Tagged: , ,

If We Can Do It, So Can You! One Small School’s Journey to the Center of 21st Century Learning

Posted on May 22, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

[eJP note: This article is part of a series focusing on new ideas emerging from the day school field with relevance for Jewish professionals in Jewish education and beyond. The post contributes to the conversation on the topic of Leadership.] by … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: Education Tagged:

Be Nimble, Be Quick: The Paralysis of Large Scale

Posted on May 22, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

by David Behrman In a provocative piece in the Huffington Post, Hildy Gottlieb argues for faster-moving, decentralized, and opportunistic program development, taking advantage of communities, relationships, and resources that already exist. She … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: Opinion / Letters

Not Your Grandmother’s Aliyah

Posted on May 22, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment
aliyah

by Michael Hoffman Nefesh B’Nefesh (NBN) has made the move from North America to Israel easier than ever. For those ready to make Aliyah, NBN provides all the information and logistical support needed. Many of those who made Aliyah before NBN … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: Opinion / Letters Tagged: ,

Rethinking Engaging Volunteers

Posted on May 22, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

Volunteers are essential to nonprofit organizations, but they can only contribute to an agency’s services when their role has been thought through and fully developed. Of course, over time and with experience, organizations should make appropriate … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: Managing Your Nonprofit Tagged: