The Pleasure of Your Company is Requested... To commemorate 13 years since the establishment of Mavoi Satum, and in honor of "Yom HaAguna," which takes place on the Fast of Esther, Mavoi Satum continues their annual tradition of co-sponsoring the "Women and Religion" film festival with the Jerusalem Cinematheque. This two-day festival will include film screenings, lectures, and discussions. The films that will be screened at the festival present different facets and aspects of the interaction between women and religion, including: women's place in the religious sphere; women's struggles with religion and the dilemmas women face in religious contexts; religion as a source of inspiration and creativity for women and more.

You are all warmly invited ...

Here at eJewish Philanthropy we've spent months speaking about online fundraising and social networks. Little did I know some in our Jewish world are still finding validity with radio to reach their target audience! Take a peak at a current AJC initiative. And keep in mind the use of this line in the advert: Charity Navigator and the American Institute of Philanthropy give AJC the highest grades for integrity and efficiency.

 

March 4, 2008 - New York - Israelis are enduring daily rocket attacks from Gaza and need your help, says American Jewish Committee Executive Director David A. Harris. “People near the border have been killed, houses damaged, and children scarred for life,” he says ...

As part of the celebrations for Israel's 60th, the JNF is aiming to raise $500,000 for residents of the Negev desert. The plan: an 18 day rally, during which drivers will meander on a pleasant route through continental Europe before crossing the Mediterranean by either boat or cargo plane. The convoy will be made up of several prominent members of the U.K.'s Jewish community, along with participants from Ireland, Switzerland and the U.S. Being a fundraising event, participation in the rally will not come cheap. Cost per person is about $35,000, with the honor of leading the convoy - and being the first person to drive through the Knesset gates - a cool $100K. However, the ...

“The involvement of business people is the Zionism of today." So says Kiryat Shemona Mayor Haim Barbivai as he speaks about the Israel Venture Network. One of IVN's core values is their belief in the untapped potential of the business community for improving the State of Israel in the 21st century. With a focus on three pillars, strengthening the education system in Israel, investing in social leadership and creating economic opportunities, IVN leverages their investments by partnering with leading non-profits and government agencies. But who is IVN? According to Laura Goldman, writing today for Israel21C... "They're the movers and shakers behind Israel's recent entrée into the international business arena - the innovators, entrepreneurs, and executives who ...

The Jewish Funders Network and Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education announced they have awarded 199 grants – totaling over $15 million – to Jewish day schools across North America through its 2007-2008 MATCH donor incentive program. This year’s program attracted 76 first-time donors and 123 previous donors. MATCH funds support Jewish day schools across all denominations, including Conservative, Reform, Orthodox, as well as non-denominational community schools. “Supporting Jewish day schools that provide an outstanding general and religious education has proven to be a good return on investment for philanthropists,” said Rabbi Josh Elkin, executive director of PEJE. “The MATCH program offers a unique way to identify and motivate new donors, whose contributions assure ...

In light of the security situation in Sderot and the Gaza perimeter, the Jewish Agency is giving $1.7 in scholarships to the Sapir College in Sderot. The scholarships of $1000 each will be given to 1,700 students studying at the college. The funds were raised by the UJC. This significant assistance for the college will help Sapir continue to function and grow. The scholarships will be available in the coming weeks to students currently enrolled. Hundreds of students receiving scholarships are also involved with volunteer work in the local community, particularly assisting children and young people. According to JAFI Chairperson Zeev Bielski "the best answer to the murderous attacks on the college is to support the college by providing an incentive ...

Speaking yesterday afternoon at JAFI's Board of Governor's meeting in Jerusalem, Israel's Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni warned of an erosion of the Zionist idea, a trend advanced by the growing de-legitimization of Israel in the international community, and said that Israel and Jewish communities abroad must redouble their efforts to reverse this (trend). Livni pointed to the common challenge that is facing both Israel and world Jewry. "Today there is worrying erosion and a process of de-legitimization against Israel in the world -- it appears as if the Zionist idea is losing its importance. What was understood 60 years ago is no longer understood today. This trend is not just taking place within the international community ...

One of the biggest conversations in the Jewish world today is the interaction between the Diaspora and Israel. Or, if you are sitting on this side of the ocean, between Israel and the Diaspora. Therefore, with JAFI Board Members beginning to congregate in Jerusalem for their upcoming meetings, it was no surprise that a closed-door session at the Prime Minister's Office late Wednesday, was leaked to the press last night in time to be THE headline splashed across the Israeli press this morning (this one from JPost)...

Olmert's task force aims to revolutionize Israeli-Diaspora ties;

"U.S. Jewry is in crisis, and we can help"

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has established an unprecedented high-level government task force charged with ...

The Non-Profit Times reported today, More and more, women are making up the donor pool of estate gifts, leaving large bequests to one or two charities that do not necessarily reflect any prior giving history with the recipient organizations. According to Russell F. Robinson, chief executive officer of Jewish National Fund in New York City, the organization raises several million dollars each campaign year from bequests. "The demographics are always surprising," said Robinson. "We have received bequests of more than $1 million from donors who previously only planted $18 trees with us and we have even received $1 million from people who never gave us anything. Individuals may often make their most significant gifts through their ...

As the central hub in which most affiliated Jews express their sense of Jewish commitment and belonging, the synagogue is a natural place to deepen the relationship to Israel.

And so, a new endeavor began in Jerusalem yesterday as a group of American participants have come together to discuss, What does it mean to be an Israel-engaged synagogue. Their five day itinerary brings together key people, professionals and lay leaders, from throughout the Jewish community whose work and passion are committed to Jewish life and the synagogue.

Abraham Joshua Heschel writes that "The land is a text." Their journey begins with the belief that the Land of Israel embodies Judaism, and stands as a dynamic and living Jewish text. ...