A generation ago the classical-music industry in America saw its audience begin to drift away, and industry leaders asked themselves what they could do about it. Some of the current discussions in American Jewish life remind me of what they tried and what ultimately happened. It may seem counterintuitive to compare Jewish affiliation with involvement in a form of cultural expression. But there are a lot of similarities. Both of them, in the … [Read more...] about Is History Repeating Itself?
Readers Forum
Dropped Calls and the Challenge of Jewish Discontinuity
Perhaps one of the greatest aggravations in this era of high tech communications is the scrooge of the dropped call. It is a ubiquitous experience regardless of your phone or your service provider, and it can happen in the densest of cities and most rural of areas. Dropped calls often result from gaps in cell coverage but are also increasingly the result of high usage at certain times and places. Whatever the reason those conversations are lost … [Read more...] about Dropped Calls and the Challenge of Jewish Discontinuity
You Don’t Need to Be Rich to Be a Philanthropist
The other evening, at a wonderful benefit event, honoring two genuinely deserving people who represent a new generation of philanthropic leadership, I had another one of those predictable conversations. “How much money does one need to have to utilize someone like you?” they asked. A question I am asked, in one form or anther, all the time. [In my case it is an easy answer: it doesn’t matter. I charge everyone by the project, not by the depth … [Read more...] about You Don’t Need to Be Rich to Be a Philanthropist
As My Ancestors Planted For Me Before I Was Born…
...so do I plant for those who come after me (Ta-anit 23a). Two years, 1700 posts; thousands of opt-in subscibers and hundreds of thousands of site visitors later. eJewish Philanthropy has accomplished a great deal. But, there is so much more for all of us to do. As we begin year three, it is a time for reflection but also to look forward. Originally "envisioned as a Web 2.0 resource that would provide nonprofit management tools geared … [Read more...] about As My Ancestors Planted For Me Before I Was Born…
Fear of Change
Seriously… Seth Godin wrote a scathing blog post about fear induced institutional torpor found in established non-profit organizations: "These organizations exist solely to make change. That’s why you joined, isn’t it? … The problem facing your group, ironically, is the resistance to the very thing you are setting out to do. Non-profits, in my experience, abhor change … Take a look at the top 100 twitter users in terms of followers. … [Read more...] about Fear of Change
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