Thanksgiving Message

Last Shabbat, as I was driving out of the parking lot after services, I saw an elderly woman waving at me from the side of the driveway. She clearly had something she wanted to say to me. I pulled over to her and as she approached the car, I could see that she was nicely dressed for Shabbat, but not overly elaborate. In a heavy Russian accent, she asked in what direction I was headed. I asked her where she needed to go and she told me. It was a little out of my way, but not very far. I invited her into the car.

As she got into my car, I asked her whether she regularly attended Shabbat services. She said she did, but that none of her regular rides were there that day. She was used to fending for herself, but she was worried that she might have to walk the several miles to her home. She told me where she was from in Russia and that she had only been in this country for ten years. "It was not good for the Jews where I come from. There were pogroms in 1905 and The Second World War was very difficult for my family." Most of her family that is left lives in Israel, and some in New York, but she is the only one in Baltimore. Nevertheless, she said she is so thankful to be living in this country. I told her a little bit about my family and by then we were at her home.

As she got out of the car, she thanked me profusely for performing such a "mitzvah" by going so far out of my way and wished me much "mazel" for my children. I wished her a good Shabbat and told her I hope we see each other again soon. I could only think how fortunate I was to be given the opportunity to give her a brief ride and hear just a few tidbits from her life.

This Thanksgiving, I know I have much to be thankful for. And, because of those few minutes last Shabbat, I will include in my thanks that I live in a country that would welcome my passenger, a Jewish community that would provide her with the necessities to live an enriched life, and our Jewish social service agencies that resettled her with the compassion and dignity so she can remain independent for as long as possible.

Lee I. Sherman

President/CEO  

Human Resources and the Holidays

'Tis the Season, Idealist.org, November 10, 2011, HR Connections 

With the end-of-the-year fundraising and event push for nonprofits as well as the general holiday frenzy that swirls around us, we wonder if this offers an opportunity for a timely HR initiative. Considering the evolving HR profession and its increasing focus on staff management, establishing organizational culture and supporting overall morale, there might be some opportunities to revamp or instill an office tradition.

Instead of a potentially stomach-knotting office gift exchange, perhaps the following activities might drum up the giving spirit, spark a renewed sense of teamwork, uncover some hidden talents, and energize staff as the year ends. If you're lucky, maybe this season of appreciation (for material items and for the skills, talents and personalities staff bring to the table each day) will last the whole year through, and might even lead to a new benefit.

Read more about Idealist.org's holiday HR initiative ideas here.

What's Best for Your Agency-Nonprofit State Unemployment Taxes

Option B:  Self-Reimburse (pay state only for claims) 
Benefit:
- Reimburse state only for actual claims.