by Helen Chernikof The resignations of the top executives at the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society come just weeks before the release of a survey showing that an “overwhelming majority” of almost 450 Jewish executives have no succession plan prepared in the event of their departure. The Jewish community must do more formal succession planning and leadership development, said leadership expert and executive coach Steven Noble, who conducted the survey and wrote the accompanying report. Both will be made public on June 5 under the auspices of the Jewish Communal Service Association at its annual meeting in Baltimore. “This is really a call for change,” said Noble, a former director of the Jewish Federations of North America’s … Continue Reading
A Hidden Jewish Gem in the Midwest
by Smadar Bar-Akiva "You are going where?" was the question asked time and again when I said I was leading a WCJCC delegation from five countries to the JCC of Milwaukee. While not as exotic as some of our recent travel destinations, we found a JCC that exemplifies community building and Jewish education at its best. At the conclusion of three intensive days we learned a thing or two on how to do things right: A strong Jewish core: While Milwaukee's JCC is similar to many North American JCC with 40% of the members not Jewish, the Jewish vision and mission of the JCC is apparent in every department and in almost every program. Two full-time senior Jewish educators - Jody Hirsh and Rabbi Shari Shamah - infuse the J in the JCC in so many different ways. From the common Kabbalat Shabbat services … Continue Reading
On Chicago, Hillel and the JDC
The bitter controversy in Chicago involving University of Chicago Hillel may be off the front page, but isn't going away. We're told the Jewish Federation simply does not care - they continue to have the support of local donors and apparently this is where their interest lies. But what the good folks over at the Federation are missing is the concern expressed by many a national organization that partners with Federation on local programs - if it happened with Hillel it could happen with them. And, this is not such a good reputation to have. Over at JDC, life is also interesting these days. Friday's unexpected announcement that Steven Schwager, the organization’s Executive Vice President and CEO, retirement has raised more questions than answers. Schwager, who led many to believe he would stick … Continue Reading
A Call for Jewish Innovation Month
In a seemingly parallel world to the political messes of recent months, a new world is being born right before our eyes: a world born out of the visions of young Jewish social entrepreneurs around the world, over a hundred of which will be launching their ventures this June. So I hereby propose: let us declare June Jewish Innovation Month. If the upcoming events in the month of June go smoothly, the reports of a disconnected, past-tense Federation and JCC system will prove to be unfounded. Starting on May 31st in Boston, six communities across North America - and five others worldwide - will host a total of eleven Launch Nights to showcase the 117 new Jewish social ventures that PresenTense partners have catalyzed over the past year. These 117 social ventures, in fields as diverse as education, … Continue Reading
JDC’s Steve Schwager to Retire
New York, New York, May 11, 2012 - The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) today announced that Steven Schwager, the organization's Executive Vice President and CEO, will step down as CEO as of June 30, 2012 and will retire from JDC on January 31, 2013. Schwager, who has served as CEO since 2002, has worked with distinction for JDC since 1989, including as the organization's CFO and COO. "It's been my very great privilege to have helped JDC address some of the most pressing challenges facing the Jewish people. Following careful soul-searching, I concluded that after nearly 23 years serving this marvelous organization, it was time for me to retire. I do this with the deepest of pride, knowing that the work we have done together has helped ensure that Jews around the world face their … Continue Reading
In an Uncertain Europe, Jewish Leaders’ Survey Reveals Much
by Marcelo Dimentstein In the wake of groundbreaking elections in France and Greece, with the specter of social unrest and increasing economic decline, the top concerns facing a variety of European Jewish community leaders might seem inconsequential. However, in the Second Survey of European Jewish Leaders and Opinion Formers, a project of the JDC International Center for Community Development, economic strife, the rise of right-wing parties, and the demographic decline/assimilation of their co-religionists were cited among those concerns facing these Jewish leaders as of the end of 2011. Performed every three years, the survey was conducted between June and October 2011 by a research team under Dr. Barry A. Kosmin from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. The survey reflects the … Continue Reading
What’s Missing from Real Dialogue between Israel and Diaspora Jewry?
by Rabbi Uri Regev Yonatan Ariel’s detailed response to my op-ed regarding the Global Jewish Forum’s seminar about Haredim and the Jewish Collective almost had me convinced. I might have accepted his assessment that the matter had been fairly considered, had I not had close acquaintance with the Jewish Agency’s dealing with religion and state in Israel, or had I not read Robbie Gringras’ praiseworthy post regarding the considerations which shaped the JGF seminar. But, I did have the benefit of these things, as well as the State Comptroller’s recent report, and therefore remain unconvinced. In some sense, Ariel’s reply further confirms my feeling of unease with this program and others like it; it exemplified the reluctance of broad Jewish leadership to touch this hot potato in a … Continue Reading
1000 Gather in Moscow for Limmud FSU
Moscow's seventh Limmud FSU conference for Russian-speaking Jews opens today at the Klyazma retreat center near Moscow. One of the central themes will focus on Russia as a society undergoing change, both in general and in particular for its Jewish citizens. Limmud FSU conferences are considered to be the most prestigious of Jewish cultural events in the former Soviet Union and one thousand participants have registered to attend, both the largest ever Limmud FSU event in Moscow and, the flagship event on the Limmud FSU calendar. Chaim Chesler of Limmud FSU, speaking on the eve of the Moscow event, said, “Our dream was to present to the new generation of young Russian-speaking Jews throughout the world, topics which are close to their hearts and excite their imagination, such as Jewish history … Continue Reading
A Trip to India Touches A Jewish Soul
by Daniella Alhadeff Local legend says that when the first Jews of India arrived by ship on the Konkan coast of India, they were accompanied by Prophet Elijah. Escaping persecution in the Galilee, it is believed to be thanks to Elijah that the Jewish families survived a shipwreck and subsequently settled in the region. 2,100 years later, locals watch curiously as a group of nineteen Australians disembark from a large white bus and enter the nondescript gates of the oldest synagogue in the remote Panvel village in Southern India. A young man pours chai into a large silver vat by the dusty narrow street, tuk-tuk drivers wait for custom in their parked vehicles and goats wander languidly through the village. "Jews in India? Really?" This was the common response from our social circles in … Continue Reading
Fisher FLIGHT Turns High-Net People into High Powered Givers
by Abigail Pickus Six years ago, the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation of Detroit put their heads together. What was the best way to reach young, high-net individuals who were not necessarily focused on Jewish philanthropic giving? The answer was Fisher FLIGHT, a nine-month initiative that brings together people between the ages of 40 to 55 with a net worth of over $10 million. Likened to a Jewish “YPO” (Young Presidents’ Organization), which connects young chief executives from across the globe, Fisher FLIGHT brings together young, successful couples from across North America for two domestic seminars and one overseas mission - Israel is always included in the equation - to really “hone in on their philanthropic message and who … Continue Reading
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