As past president of a small congregation with mainly working-class members, we are totally ignored by our local Federation, except for Jewish Family Service which does help individuals in need. Our Rabbi, who is an accomplished scholar, writer of two published books on theology, and a superior speaker, is not included as a speaker or teacher in Federation adult education programs. He is also the son of a Holocaust survivor, yet he has not been included in Federation Yom Hashoah events. We even have trouble getting our events posted in the monthly Federation e-newsletter. It seems to be a situation of “he who has the gold makes the rules,” and we don’t have the gold.
Danny Krifchersays
Hi Idit – – The GA can certainly be improved, but here are a few snippets of my experience at the GA. The Covenant Awards dinner on Sunday night: three extraordinary Jewish educators were honored – – not for their wealth or their fundraising prowess – – but for their exceptional work on behalf of the Jewish people and the way that they inspire Jews in their teens, twenties and beyond. The Jewish Futures Conference on Monday afternoon: three hours of dynamic, inspirational, risk taking Jewish social entrepreneurs sharing their work and their ideas. Interactions with college students from Michigan, Brown and other schools who were funded to attend by Hillel and who were inspired by their attendance and more than willing to share their point of view on what’s working and not working. I can’t judge how you feel, but I can say that their are other ways to experience the GA!
As past president of a small congregation with mainly working-class members, we are totally ignored by our local Federation, except for Jewish Family Service which does help individuals in need. Our Rabbi, who is an accomplished scholar, writer of two published books on theology, and a superior speaker, is not included as a speaker or teacher in Federation adult education programs. He is also the son of a Holocaust survivor, yet he has not been included in Federation Yom Hashoah events. We even have trouble getting our events posted in the monthly Federation e-newsletter. It seems to be a situation of “he who has the gold makes the rules,” and we don’t have the gold.
Hi Idit – – The GA can certainly be improved, but here are a few snippets of my experience at the GA. The Covenant Awards dinner on Sunday night: three extraordinary Jewish educators were honored – – not for their wealth or their fundraising prowess – – but for their exceptional work on behalf of the Jewish people and the way that they inspire Jews in their teens, twenties and beyond. The Jewish Futures Conference on Monday afternoon: three hours of dynamic, inspirational, risk taking Jewish social entrepreneurs sharing their work and their ideas. Interactions with college students from Michigan, Brown and other schools who were funded to attend by Hillel and who were inspired by their attendance and more than willing to share their point of view on what’s working and not working. I can’t judge how you feel, but I can say that their are other ways to experience the GA!