The Week That Was: December 11-17
In today’s world, no nonprofit organization would think twice about collecting, and hopefully analyzing, information about their donors. So too, with website traffic. For how else can one effectively judge site visitors’ demographics and interests?
Based on site and RSS feed analytics, here – in descending order – are the five most popular posts on eJewish Philanthropy last week:
Tapestry of Jewish Life: Jerusalem Welcomes New, Niche-Driven Yeshivot
by Abigail Pickus
Ariel Levinson looked around his native Jerusalem and wondered with sadness whether there would be any secular youth left. With ultra-Orthodoxy tightening its hold over the city, and brighter, more attractive lights beckoning from cities like Tel Aviv or abroad, what could this ancient and holy city Levinson loved so much offer its non-religious youth to convince them to stay and make it their own?
The Voice of a Woman Singing: Debbie Friedman
by Rabbi Daniel R. Allen
One of the gifts of America to the world is the separation of religion and the state. We must share that gift with Israel. One of the Reform movements gifts to American Jewish culture has been music. We must share this with Israel as well. Debbie Friedman was a pioneer of modern Jewish music. Today Cantors, song leaders and Rabbis with guitars are part of her legacy in the ruach of our davening. She exemplified the best of what Kol Isha – the voice of a woman – can add to our very souls.
The Symbiotic Relationship of the People of Israel and the State of Israel and what the Recent Ad Campaign Missed
by Misha Galperin
Much has been written about the recent, ill-fated advertisement campaign of Israel’s Ministry of Absorption. It has been said that the ads were insensitive, hard core, and offensive. I doubt the authors of the campaign intended to insult the American Jewish community. They were certainly focused on the Israelis living in North America, though they did use a heavy-handed tactic to get their attention and influence them to return home. One thing is for certain regarding this campaign that was ultimately canceled by the Israeli government – it struck a sensitive chord.
Reflections on Genesis and Revolution
by Ruthie Warshenbrot
An entire day of learning and exploring the many narratives surrounding gender, power, and authority in Jewish tradition cannot be distilled into a pithy promotional advertisement for change. While this presents a challenge, I am comforted by the diversity of interpretations offered to us in our tradition, and believe that this should inform at minimum the idea that there is no “one way” to understand power, authority, or gender in the Jewish community.
Women Drive Philanthropic Decisions in Wealthy Households
In nearly 90 percent of high net worth households, women are either the sole decision maker or an equal partner in decisions about charitable giving.
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