D'Var Torah

Lee I. Sherman

President/CEO 

Last week, I was in Barcelona, Spain. On Shabbat, I had the opportunity to meander through the streets of the old Jewish ghetto in the Gothic Quarter. Barcelona had an active Jewish community for much of medieval times, but like the other Jewish communities in Spain, all of that had ended by the close of the 15th century. Between 1391 and 1492, all of the Jews of Barcelona either fled the country or converted to Christianity. Today, little remains of that vibrant Jewish community, although there is what may be the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe.

Jewish history is replete with examples of Jewish communities and individuals forced to leave their homes. Yet, there are also examples of relocation for positive reasons, culminating in the millions who have made aliyah to Israel in the past sixty-plus years. In this week's parashah, Lekh Lekha, we find the origins of the Jewish people's constant yearning and movement to a homeland. We are introduced to Abram, who is instructed by God to "Go forth from your native land and from your father's house to the land I will show you." And Abram left the comfort of his home and in an amazing act of faith went on a lifetime journey to establish a homeland for his people.

Today there is a reemerging Jewish community in Barcelona. There is a vital Jewish homeland in Israel. There are strong Jewish communities throughout the world. Whether we physically leave our homes like Abram, or go on the spiritual journeys that strengthen our lives, we are rooted in the absolute faith demonstrated by Abram when he accepted God's instruction and started a new life.

Shabbat Shalom

It's Long Term Care Awareness Month

Learn Who You Should Be Talking to About Long Term Care Insurance

AJFCA would be pleased to help your agency launch a Long Term Care Education Initiative. Learn how to empower your community. Teach individuals how to preserve their dignity, and protect their legacy. Visit the LTC portion of the AJFCA website to take the next step and begin a LTC Education Initiative in your community.

Affordable Care Act 101    

The Health and Human Services Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships for Faith and Community Leaders is holding a Conference Call Series Discussing the Benefits and Provisions of the Affordable Care Act.

Please RSVP by choosing from the dates below:

November 8th, 3:00pm EST

Phone: 866-705-5077

Passcode: 6149465 

(With special focus on the Affordable Care Act and Behavioral Health)

Idealware's November Tip - Defining Your Social Media Goals and Audience  

AJFCA Member Forums - Marketing & Communications Professionals

AJFCA's member forums are being utilized and we thank you for sharing questions, ideas and comments with one another. We are excited that our agencies' professionals have an opportunity to exchange ideas, information and insights.

As we continue to add individuals to forum(s) we are currently focusing on the Marketing & Communications Professionals forum. If you would like to join the Marketing & Communications Professionals forum, and are not already registered, please email Barbara Tapper your name, your agency and the name of the forum(s) you would like to join. Barbara will email you your username and password once you have been entered into the system. 

Tapping Social Networks for Nonprofit Success 

Convio's new educational Going Social guide, "Tapping Social Networks for Nonprofit Success" covers the fundamentals for getting started in social media, as well as strategies for weaving social media into existing communications programs.

This guide also includes:

• Social Media Fundamentals-Where to Start
• An Overview of Social Platforms, Strategies and Tactics
• Tips for Adding Social Media to Your Communications and Marketing Programs
• Case Studies Highlighting Successful Social Media Strategies  

Convio is a provider of constituent engagement solutions that enable nonprofit organizations to maximize the value of every relationship. Read the entire guide, "Tapping Social Networks for Nonprofit Success."