Does the UJC really understand all the various reasons why this (the following article) was the case; where was their responsibility in countering this trend. And more important, how are they positioning themselves to help reverse it - because it is certainly endemic of a larger issue. from today's Jerusalem Post: GA largely ignored by Hebrew press All but ignored by the Hebrew-speaking press as they gathered in Jerusalem this week, American Jewish professionals and activists have lashed out at the Israeli media and society for failing to notice - and learn from - another Jewish community nearly as large as their own.. "They don't understand the community, the day-to-day work of charity and volunteering, people devoting their whole lives to these things," agreed Malcolm Hoenlein, … Continue Reading
One People. One Destiny. Jerusalem 2008
This year's GA opened in Jerusalem on Sunday night. With a plenary that saw a mix of lay and professional leaders from North America, communal professionals and invited guests from both Israel and the WZO, hundreds of young people from various MASA programs, KolDor, Hillel and young Israeli adults currently serving in the IDF all gathered together. And, in the view of many the musical parts of the program were the highlight of the night. Over the past two days, long attending GA participants from North America expressed a very different take to me than Israeli's and NextGen participants attending for the very first time. There is no question that a visitor's perspective to this GA was colored by 'where you are from'. But, let's hold that thought and go back to the preceding 24 hours. The … Continue Reading
Over 3,000 American Jews to Convene in Jerusalem
We know some of our readers are not familiar with the GA, which returns to Jerusalem tonight after five years. Here's a brief introduction. In the first major American Jewish conference following the historic election of President-elect Barack Obama, 3,000 American Jews will convene in Jerusalem November 16 - 19, to discuss the impact of the American presidential election and pending election in Israel on the global Jewish community, the state of philanthropic giving within the Jewish charitable network, the world economic crisis and America and world Jewry's continued partnership with the State of Israel. United Jewish Communities (UJC), the North American umbrella organization for the Jewish federation system, will host over 3,000 Jewish participants from North America and Israel for the … Continue Reading
The NextGen – R.I.P.
"The NextGen is no longer. They are the NOWGen". So spoke Johanna Arbib, the passionate and dedicated JAFI Board member (representing Keren Hayesod) as she introduced Friday morning's Assembly plenary, Tomorrow Happens Now: The Assembly Hosts the Now Generation. Emphasizing the time is now, Joanna told us this generation (defined as roughly 25-40) "will lead thru cooperation, collaboration, creativity, energy and global dialogue". Despite the small number of Assembly registrants in attendance it was an incredibly positive session, complete with small group dialogue, among the three generations represented in the room. A great deal of time was spent discussing the real challenge today for most organizations, the transition in leadership - that what needs to take place is evolutionary, not … Continue Reading
Birthright Israel, The Book
Sunday night was, once again, a Mega event. Then last evening, at the Jerusalem office of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, we gathered for the launch. Introducing... Ten Days of Birthright Israel: A Journey in Young Adult Identity I sat Sunday morning with Professor Len Saxe of Brandeis, co-author of this remarkable story of Birthright Israel. He stressed that the over-riding goal is to tell the story of Birthright Israel. Why 10 days are important and the impact being created. And, to begin a conversation that needs to be had. "Although Birthright Israel's emphasis is on Jewish identity, the program provides a fascinating social laboratory in which to understand young adults religious/ethnic identity and the impact of educational experiences. As a study of ethnic identity … Continue Reading
Baruchim HaBa’im
Welcome to eJewishPhilanthropy.com, a resource dedicated to educating and advancing the use of the Internet in the world of Jewish Philanthropy. Today marks a conclusion, but also a beginning and a continuation. A conclusion of almost a year, connecting and learning from many friends and colleagues on how best to proceed. Valuable suggestions have come from so many to bring us to where we are today, a beginning. As we look to the future, eJewishPhilanthropy.com has ambitious plans; this will be our continuation. We invite you to visit us frequently as we share helpful tips on using the Internet to advance the causes we are all dedicated to. We also plan to keep you updated on the latest happenings in our global Jewish community, introduce you to the scores of mostly young activists … Continue Reading
Minding the Generational Gap
This past summer, Jerusalem played host to a variety of international conferences with the common topic, the Jewish People and the Future. These gatherings addressed sometimes overlapping issues but were markedly different in both the age groups targeted and the tone set for the Jewish future. In reflecting on two of the larger and more public events, it is clear older, more established institutions in the Jewish world are unfortunately still often closed to emerging leaders; this in spite of the constant bemoaning the dearth of future leadership. At the same time there are hundreds of young, passionate and talented Jewish activists, eager to take on serious leadership roles. They are not waiting for an invitation, but are already taking on the challenges of the Jewish world in the 21st century. It … Continue Reading
Rethinking the Business Model of Jewish Community
Most people treat Jewish community work like a casual non-profit. But perhaps there’s a more effective, more business-like way to encourage innovation within a responsible, results-oriented framework? PresenTense Editor and Publisher Ariel Beery and his frequent business partner Aharon Horwitz think so, and tell you all about it in their new article in Ha’aretz, “Investing in Value." To save our community from the boom-and-bust dynamic, we need to prioritize value over image, and encourage young entrepreneurs to seek out value-enhancing opportunities that will allow them to generate returns on investment. To do so, the model of today’s Internet start-ups might be instructive: Start-ups now begin with a prototype and seek small seed investment. When a prototype is deemed to work, the … Continue Reading
Habitus, issue 2, Has Arrived
Habitus, A Diaspora Journal is part of a new breed of Jewish magazines being created by young Jews and defining Judaism and their involvement on their own terms. With funding from the Dorot Foundation and focusing on Diaspora literature and culture the editors tell us "Habitus is not simply a magazine about Jews--it is a Jewish magazine about the world. Habitus takes its shape from the elusive concept known as the Diaspora – that untidy mix of longing and belonging, past and place." With the first two issues focusing on European cities, first Budapest and now Sarajevo, the magazine speaks to contemporary readers "who wrestle with what it means to be truly at home." If you are in Manhattan, check out the Lit Cafe at the JCC next week featuring Habitus. … Continue Reading
Au Revoir Nashville
The Jewish Week got it. So did Gary Rosenblatt and Haviv Rettig. As Gary wrote, "Whether out of pragmatism, devotion or desperation — or a combination of all three — the leadership of UJC, the Jewish federation movement of North America, chose to feature the next generation at this GA, front and center." Judging from the multitude of comments heard over several days, this was the right decision. Because despite the anxiety of the baby boomer generation, this new generation wants and deserves an equal seat at the table. So, as we move away from the GA, some random and final comments picked up in various sessions and hallways in Nashville: "...great young talent here at the GA..." (Joe Kanfer, UJC Board Chair) "Definitely lots of hip, young, hot Jewish entrepreneurs, professionals and … Continue Reading
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