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Lee I. Sherman
President/CEO
Like many of you, I have been watching with interest the recent protests in Israel. Building momentum over the past month, small tent cities in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem grew into massive rallies this past Saturday night, involving as many as 500,000 Israelis in multiple cities - with over 300,000 in Tel Aviv alone. Participants represented a broad range of Israelis, across all religious, ethnic, and cultural lines, with a variety of specific issues, but united in the cause of giving a voice to those who do not want to be forgotten by the growing Israeli economy.
In this week's parashah, Va-ethannan, the people of Israel continue their preparation for entering their new home and their first view of Israel. They are just east of the Jordan River and no doubt anxious for their journey to end. But, despite the years of wandering in the desert, there is still some necessary preparation before they enter the land. This week's reading contains some of the most powerful language in Torah. The words of the Shema are read this week, a prayer that resonates with all Jews and which reinforces the covenantal relationship with God. This week's parashah also repeats the Ten Commandments, ensuring that this new generation which will build a nation in the Promised Land will remember and incorporate the laws revealed many years earlier at Mt. Sinai. The message is clear. The laws of Torah are personal for all, and each individual is equally responsible for the commitment to Torah and to one another.
There is much discussion in Jewish organizations these days about Jewish Peoplehood. How are Jews across the Diaspora and in Israel, across all denominational lines, connected to one another? What is it that we share, if anything? Certainly, it could be issues like those raised by the array of protesters in Israel this past week. And, as Moses instructs in this week's parashah, it is the mitzvot and their underlying values which were transmitted to us all at Mt. Sinai. We are all included in that people; we must all ensure that we forget no one.
Shabbat Shalom |
How Can Board Members Help a New Executive Get Started 
When a new executive is hired, a board usually works extra-hard for weeks or months. In addition to meetings about candidates to make the hire, board members often take on additional tasks, such as managing a fundraising event or overseeing the audit.
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How Should Nonprofits Approach the Arrival of Google+ ?
The new Google+ social network has been producing a lot of interest, attracting more than 25 million members during its first month. But for many nonprofits that are still learning how best to use established social networks like Facebook and Twitter, its arrival and rapid growth are anything but welcome news.
If they ignore it, they risk missing out on building strong connections with the early adopters who are flooding into the network. But if they invest time in developing a presence in Google+, they risk weakening their relationships in existing networks like Facebook and Twitter without the promise that Google+ will ever reach the same size and scale.
So how should nonprofits approach the arrival of Google's new network? Read more about how nonprofits can take advantage of Google+ in The Chronicle of Philanthropy's article, Should Nonprofits Dive In to Google+? |
Provide MORE Program Dollars for Your Agency
As unemployment in America has climbed to record heights, what agencies pay for state unemployment tax has risen dramatically. Are you aware that there are two ways you can satisfy your state's unemployment obligation? You can either stay with a state managed system or reimburse on your own.
A movement away from the state system can many times save you 1% to 5% on your total payroll. Heidi Posada at 501(c) Agencies Trust will be hosting a webinar that will review the advantages and disadvantages of each option and help you determine if this may be a good option for your agency.
FREE Webinar: Provide MORE Program Dollars for Your Agency
Thursday, August 18th
1:00pm EDT
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Project HEART's Comprehensive Archive of Jewish Holocaust Victims' Assets Now Contains 1.5 Million Records
The 1.5 million records contained in Project HEART's online database consist of property addresses, lists of homeowners, professions, lists of known confiscated properties, business directories, insurance policies, and other archival information that can assist potential applicants in their research.
"This is the first worldwide list of property confiscated, looted or forcibly sold during the Holocaust era to be made available to survivors and their heirs," stated Anya Verkhovskaya, Administrative Project Director, who added, "the response to the database has been overwhelming, with approximately 100,000 hits happening each week."
Since it was launched, details about Project HEART's purpose and the application process have been translated into 13 languages, and a 24-hour call center is operational in all languages. To date, the project has received tens of thousands of requests for additional information. |
Young Minds Competition
 Calling all game changers, innovators and inspirational young people! Young Minds is a competition to find twelve young people who have made or are trying to make a positive difference in the world. It's a platform to promote how young people are helping their communities and making a difference in the world. Win the chance to attend Google Zeitgeist Americas 2011, where you could learn from some of the world's leading innovators and inspirational people. The deadline for entries and submission is Thursday, August 25th. Enter today!
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2012 Annual Conference Call for Proposals
Last week AJFCA issued the guidelines and application form for workshop proposals for the 2012 Annual Conference. We are looking for engaging presentations and interactive sessions in concert with our theme, Leading with Vision: Strategies for Excellence. For further information please contact Ann Zeller. We look forward to hearing from you on or before Wednesday, August 31st. |
Legislative Updates from Washington
 On Tuesday, August 2nd Shelley Rood, AJFCA Washington Director sent out a legislative update on the debt ceiling. Moving forward you can expect to receive news and advocacy from Washington at least twice a month. Legislative updates will include (but are not limited to) action alerts, grants bulletins and updates from Washington.
Archived legislative updates can be found on the AJFCA website, on the About AJFCA page in the E-Newsletter Archives. If you are interested in receiving news from Washington please email Megan Myers and she will be happy to add your email address to the contact list. |
New JFS Orlando Executive Director
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Eric Geboff |
AJFCA is pleased to introduce Eric Geboff, the new Executive Director of Jewish Family Services of Orlando, FL, effective August 1st.
We are sad to see Barry Kudlowitz retire after 18 years of service, however we wish him all the best in starting a new chapter in his life. AJFCA and the Board and Staff of Jewish Family Services thanks Barry for his commitment and dedication to the Agency and wishes him much happiness in his retirement.
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JF&CS Pittsburgh Helps Abused Female Immigrants
Through a recently-awarded grant from the FISA Foundation, JF&CS will be able to further the efforts of their Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence Project.
Jewish Family & Children's Service of Pittsburgh's Legal Services for Immigrants & Internationals (LSII), Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence Project provides legal services to immigrant women, including referrals for other services that help them to escape their abusive situations; and outreach and cultural competency training to community leaders and medical professionals who come into contact with immigrant women. |
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