Discover the Power of Jewish Women I M PA C T R E P O R T 2 017
#ItStartsWithWomen
With deep gratitude to our generous donors, including:
Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs
Visionary $500,000+
Trailblazer $100,0000 – $499,999
Pioneer $50,000 – $99,999
Mayberg Foundation
Andrea and Stuart Hytman
Anonymous
Michelle Leader
Debra and David Magerman
Cheri Fox
William Davidson Foundation
Helen and David Zalik
Cindy and Rick Zitelman
Lauren and Ezra Kest
Cindy and Larry Halpern
Pamela and Aba Claman
Debra and Dennis Berman
Solomon Margolis
Jeanie Milbauer and William Knapp Anonymous
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ABOUT THE JWRP // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
To Our Partners and Supporters,
At the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project, our mission to empower women to change the world through Jewish values that transform ourselves, our families, and our communities is taking hold! This year, over 2,750 Jewish individuals participated in the JWRP's Momentum Year-Long Journey, an immersive experience that empowers individuals to connect to Jewish values, engage with Israel, take action, and foster unity, not uniformity.
We collaborated with 183 Partner Organizations from 26 countries. To serve our growing needs, we hired six new professional staff members, welcomed three new outstanding board members, Betty Grinstein, Mahra Fox Pailet, and Helen Zalik, and moved into a brand new office space in Rockville, Maryland. This year was a year of firsts. We launched the pilot of Grand Momentum, a trip for women outside of our usual demographic, and Media Magnets, which welcomed 30 leading North American Jewish women influencers to Israel.
Cindy Zitelman Board President, Co-Founder
To expand and impact each participant’s experience after their return home, we created the Year of Growth curriculum. Our first-ever Latin American Conference, Conferencia Momentum, took place in Buenos Aires. Through the Momentum Fellowship, 16 women are turning their passion into action. Our JWRP community in Israel blossomed with ongoing events to reconnect and inspire our Israeli sisters, and a historic Israel Public Council of top Israeli women leaders was formed. As we continue to grow, we’re thrilled to receive more recognition from other Jewish organizations. We were a proud sponsor of the Jewish Funders Network and we hosted a successful event at the AIPAC Policy Conference. As you read our annual report, we hope that you’ll enjoy learning about the JWRP’s spectacular year. It is because of you that thousands of Jewish people from around the world are connecting to Jewish values and inspiring their families and communities to improve the world in countless ways. Thank you for your generosity, vision, and partnership. We could not do it without you!
Lori Palatnik Founding Director
Ben Pery Executive Director
ABOUT THE JWRP // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
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Our Mission
Our Goals
To empower women to change the world through Jewish values that transform ourselves, our families, and our communities.
1. Connect to Jewish values
ABOUT THE JWRP // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
2. Engage with Israel 3. Take action 4. Foster unity, not uniformity
Why Women? Women are the heart and soul of the family. We imbue a home with values. We make the decisions that matter most. We can impact our family for generations. #ItStartsWithWomen
Inspire a woman, you inspire a family. Inspire enough families, you inspire a community. Inspire enough communities, you can change the world. ABOUT THE JWRP // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
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Our Story • The Utah 8 create the JWRP
2008
• Partner Organizations double from 12 to 24 • JWRP expands to Latin America
2009
• First JWRP Leadership Conference in Washington, DC
2011
• Inaugural Momentum Trip with 300 women
2010
• Israeli women join Momentum
2013
2012
• First MoMENtum Men’s Trip
Back Row (left to right): Dana Sicherman, Lori Palatnik, Rebecca Dorfman, Cindy Zitelman Front Row (left to right): Manette Mayberg, Michelle Leader, Lara Novack, Jeanie Milbauer
2009, we have welcomed over 15,000 participants
Since launching our trips in 6
ABOUT THE JWRP // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
• Official Partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs • During Israeli military operation Tzuk Eitan, women join Momentum in solidarity with Israel — only 48 hours before their trips begin
• First Influencer Trip ‒ Fashion Trip
• 15,000 participants reached
• 10,000th Momentum participant
• North American Momentum Conference
• Year of Growth curriculum is published • Over 20 Jewish Federations partner with the JWRP
2015
2017
• 2 new Grand Momentum Israel Experiences • Israel and FSU Momentum Conference
2018
2019
• Inaugural Momentum Fellowship
2014
2016 • JWRP expands to FSU and Eastern Europe
1A0nthniversary
• Grand Momentum is launched • First Latin American Conference Conferencia Momentum • Second Influencer Trip - Media Magnets • JWRP community in Israel blossoms
from
26 countries in partnership with 200 organizations, while impacting 24,540 children. ABOUT THE JWRP // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
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JWRP’s Core Jewish Values Our Core Jewish Values are at the center of our movement. These values guide us in our Momentum Year-Long Journey and in our movement’s growth.
Unity & Mutual Responsibility / Achdut & Areyvut / אחדות ועריבות
Realizing that we are all interconnected and responsible for one another.
Generosity
/ Chesed & Tzedakah / חסד וצדקה Acts of kindness and giving uphold our world.
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ABOUT THE JWRP // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
Peace & Wholeness in the Home
Courage
Gratitude
Boldly stepping out of one’s comfort zone to help others.
Acknowledging and appreciating the good in others, ourselves, and our blessings.
Human dignity
Faithfulness & Trust
Learning & Growth
Each person is made in God’s image, infinitely valuable, and deserving of dignity.
A relationship with God can anchor us in every aspect of our life in the present and can drive us toward our future.
As the “People of The Book,” we approach everything as learners, internalizing the learning to build our capacity to do good.
/ Azut De’kedusha / עזות ד׳קדושה
/ Shalom Bayit / שלום בית
/ Hakarat Hatov / הכרת הטוב
Family relationships provide a living laboratory for growth.
/ Kevod Habryiut / כבוד הבריות
/ Emunah / אמונה
/ Limud & Hitlamdut/ לימוד והתלמדות
ABOUT THE JWRP // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
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The Momentum Year-Long Journey An experience of self-discovery
Our flagship program, the Momentum Year-Long Journey, is a life-changing, immersive experience that empowers women to connect to Jewish values, engage with Israel, take action, and foster unity. It includes a profound, personal 8-day journey in Israel, during which women experience the country with 200 other women from local cohorts all over the world. They soak up the Jewish homeland’s history and culture, take in inspiring Jewish wisdom, and join a global Jewish sisterhood.
How it Works
The Journey Begins • Participant is recruited by Partner Organization* • Learn about Jewish values and Israel • Cohort building • Create an action plan for personal growth • Prepare for the Israel experience
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ABOUT THE JWRP // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
The Israel Experience • Eight days in Israel: A personal, profound and transformative experience • Explore the land, its history, and its miraculous story • Soak in the wisdom of meaningful, relevant Jewish values • Engage with Israeli women • Connect to a new international sisterhood • Feel inspired to implement a personal action plan
The Journey Continues • Bring the inspiration home to families • Continue the learning and growth through weekly and monthly classes, webinars and gatherings • Build enduring relationships and a global sisterhood • Grow as leaders • Take action in the community • Deepen involvement with local Partner Organizations • Encourage husbands to go to Israel on MoMENtum • Choose Jewish engagement for children • Continue the personal, transformative journey
* Who qualifies? Jewish women with children at home who are under the age of 18.
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A Snapshot of Our Momentum Israel Experience Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Ben Gurion Airport
Tzfat
Tel Aviv
Jerusalem
Words Can Create and Destroy Words are so powerful that the world was created from them. As we begin our journey in Israel, we learn to choose our words — and how we say them — with meaning and care.
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Keeping the Spark Alive
Dreams and Responsibility
We discover Jewish wisdom and values about love and relationships. While exploring the mystical city of Tzfat, we consider how we can create stronger relationships and grow closer to our loved ones.
In Jerusalem, we share experiences that our ancestors only dreamt of. As we pray at the Kotel (Western Wall) and remember the tragedies that have befallen our people, we strive to be responsible stewards of this great gift that we have been given.
MOMENTUM YEAR-LONG JOURNEY // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
The Old New Land: Eternal Values in a Modern State A blend of old and new, Tel Aviv incorporates Jewish values in a modern city. We channel timeless Jewish values by giving gifts to the soldiers who defend us all.
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Jerusalem – Shabbat
Jerusalem – Shabbat
Masada/Dead Sea
Neve Ilan
GratitudeHakarat Hatov Body and Soul On Fridays, it seems like all of Jerusalem is preparing for Shabbat. As we physically prepare for Shabbat by shopping in the shuk, we also prepare our souls through learning and song as we welcome in Shabbat.
We are a grateful people, and our prayers and rituals remind us to say todah (thank you). Shabbat reminds us to pause, take stock, and say thank you for all the blessings in our lives.
Creating a Legacy As we celebrate our Jewish names and identities, we consider the legacy we want to leave to our children and grandchildren. We explore Masada and consider what our ancestors were willing to die for, and, even more importantly, the values and ideas that we want to live for.
Momentum Event Our last day together! We channel the growth and inspiration of the trip to impact ourselves, our families, and our communities.
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Our Partner Organizations
TURKEY ROMANIA
RUSSIA UKRAINE
CANADA GEORGIA BELARUS HUNGARY
25
UNITED KINGDOM
1
160
USA
6
MEXICO GUATEMALA
5
CZECH REPUBLIC
1 SPAIN
CUBA
3
1
1 2
2 1
1
GREECE
1 1
2
9
1
2 1 BRAZIL
1
COSTA RICA
PANAMA CHILE
1
1
7
URUGUAY
ISRAEL
7
AUSTRALIA SOUTH AFRICA
5
ARGENTINA
New Strategic Partners
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Israeli American Council
Hadassah
The Israeli American Council welcomes a group of Israeli-American women to MOMentum. During their Year-Long Journey, they explore Israel from a new perspective, strengthen their dual identity, and connect with Jewish women from all over the world.
Hadassah chapters bring cohorts of women to experience MOMentum. In Israel, they volunteer at Hadassah Hospital. When they return home, JWRP sisters enliven Hadassah chapters, and their chapters help them take action in their communities.
MOMENTUM YEAR-LONG JOURNEY // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
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ARGENTINA Aish / NCSY Argentina Agudat Dodim Comunidad Maguen Abraham Menora Or Sinai Sucath David Kehila de Valle AUSTRALIA Orah - Sydney North Shore ORAH Sydney Queensland Jewish Women’s Network Jewish Women Awakenings Melbourne Perth Hebrew Congregation BELARUS Chabad of Minsk BRAZIL Aish Brazil CANADA Calgary Kollel Edmonton Kollel Schara Tzedeck Vancouver Torah Learning Centre Halifax Jewish Community Dynamic Jewish Women of KW Shaarei-Beth El Congregation JET Ottawa Jewish Federation of Ottawa Chabad of Markham Westmount Shul and Learning Center Aish Thornhill Community Shul Aish Toronto BAYT Beth Torah Congregation Chabad Romano Centre Forest Hill Jewish Centre JInspire - Toronto NCSY - TJJ for Moms Toronto Partners In Torah The Family Shul Thornhill Woods Shul Village Shul Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue JPPS Bialik JEMS QC, Canada CHILE Aish Chile COSTA RICA Aish Costa Rica Centro Israelita Sionista Costa Rica CUBA Comunidad Hebrea de Cuba CZECH REPUBLIC Chabad of Prague GEORGIA Kolel Torah GERMANY Jewish Agency Germany GREECE Wizo Greece GUATEMALA Comunidad Judía de Guatemala HUNGARY Tikvah ISRAEL P2G Ashkelon P2G Northern Galil Alexander Muss HS in Israel (AMHSI) Poreshet Mothers with Meaning P2G Ramat HaNegev P2G Yokneam Bibletherapy UJIA Israel
Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Cordoba St Ives Sydney Gold Coast Melbourne Perth Minsk Sao Paulo Calgary Edmonton Vancouver Vancouver Halifax Kitchener Oakville Ottawa Ottawa Thornhill Thornhill Toronto Toronto Toronto Toronto Toronto Toronto Toronto Toronto Toronto Toronto Toronto Toronto Toronto Montreal Montreal Santiago San Jose San Jose La Habana
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Prague Tbilisi Berlin
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Athens/Thessaloniki Guatemala City Budapest Ashkelon Galil Hod Hasharon Israel Jerusalem Ramat Hanegev Yokneam Megiddo Zichron Yaakov
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MEXICO Comunidad Judia De Cancun Neve Shalom Comunidad Israelita Guadalajara Aish Centre Mexico Comunidad Sefaradi Kehila Ashkenazi de Mexico Shaarei Bina PANAMA Shevet Ahim ROMANIA Eshet Hall RUSSIA Hesed Tikvah Jewish Community of Ekaterinburg Ohaley Yaakov Jewish Community of St. Petersburg Jewish Family Center Adain Lo Jewish Agency Russia Kolel Torah SOUTH AFRICA Professional Beit Midrash for Women United Herzlia Schools Aish South Africa King David Schools Ohr Somayach Sandton Sydenham Shul Sandton Shul SPAIN Asociación Solidaria Neder Comunidad Judía de Madrid Comunidad Judia de la Costa del Sol TURKEY 70 Pencere / Shvim Panim CC Turkish Jewish Community UKRAINE Chabad Odessa Kolel Torah UNITED KINGDOM Mizrachi, UK URUGUAY NETA Uruguay USA Jewish Connection of Phoenix Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix Valley of the Sun JCC Calabasas Shul Israeli American Council (IAC) Chabad of Chatsworth AISH LA / Jewish Women’s Initiative EdJewcate Los Angeles NCSY L.A. Beth Jacob Congregation of Irvine NCSY Silicon Valley Jewish Study Network Adat Yeshurun Aish San Diego Chabad Hebrew Academy Jewish Colorado The Jewish Experience The Jewish Life Center Denver Community Kollel JOI/Aish Denver Mitzvah Mamas Boca Women Inspired Jewish Education Center (JEC) of S. Florida NCSY South Florida Chabad of Greater Boynton Beach Temple Beth Emet Aish South Florida Etz Chaim Jacksonville Jewish Federation of Jacksonville Chabad of Lake Worth Temple Moses JEM -Jewish Experience for Mothers Miami
Cancun Guadalajara Mexico City Mexico City Mexico City Mexico City Panama City Bucharest Bryansk Ekaterinburg Moscow St. Petersburg St. Petersburg Mytischi
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Cape Town Cape Town Johannesburg Johannesburg Johannesburg Johannesburg Sandton
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Barcelona Madrid Malaga
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Istanbul Istanbul Odessa Kamenskoe
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London
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Montevideo
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Phoenix, AZ Phoenix, AZ Phoenix, AZ Calabasas, CA Canoga Park, CA Chatsworth, CA Los Angeles, CA Los Angeles, CA Los Angeles, CA Orange County, CA Palo Alto, CA Palo Alto, CA San Diego, CA San Diego, CA San Diego, CA Denver, CO Denver, CO Denver, CO Denver, CO Greenwood Village, CO South Windsor, CT Boca Raton, FL Boca Raton, FL Boca Raton, FL Boynton Beach, FL Cooper City, FL Hollywood, FL Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville, FL Lake Worth, FL Miami, FL Miami, FL
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Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando JOIN Orlando Orlando Torah Center Palm Beach Synagogue Gardens Jewish Experience Chabad of Parkland Temple Kol Ami Emanu – El The Jewish Federation of Sarasota - Manatee Temple Beit Hayam B’nai Aviv of Weston Jewish Women’s Connection of Atlanta Grow Jewish Savannah SAJE Chicago Torah Network L’Chaim Center NCSY Chicago Russian Jewish Pathways Hadassah Chicago - North Shore Indy Jewish Experience Midwest Torah Center KC - JEMS Wichita Jewish Experience Jewish Federation of Louisville Kentucky Institute for Torah Education Eim Chai - Boston Hadassah Boston Etz Chaim Baltimore NCSY - TJJ for Moms Baltimore Siman Tov for the Deaf The Associated Temple Bat Yam Shaare Torah Congregation Aish of Greater Washington Bender JCC of Greater Washington Charles E Smith Jewish Day School Jewish Federation of Greater Washington Aish Detroit The Shul-Chabad Lubavitch
Orlando, FL Orlando, FL Orlando, FL Palm Beach, FL Palm Beach Gardens, FL Parkland, FL Plantation, FL Sarasota, FL
Aish Minnesota JSU/NCSY Minneapolis Chabad of Greater St. Paul Aish St Louis Jewish Federation of St. Louis Charlotte Torah Center Greensboro Jewish Federation Jewish Federation of Omaha JInspire - Bergen County NCSY - Bergen L’Dor V’Dor JCRC of Southern NJ Jewish Federation of Southern NJ Torah Links of Middlesex County Shalom Heritage Center J-MAC NCSY Metro West JInspire Lakewood JInspire Livingston Chabad of W Monmouth & Friendship Circle Torah Links of Monmouth JInspire - Passaic County Princeton Hadassah Kellman Brown Academy The Chabad Center of Passaic County Ahavas Torah NCSY Las Vegas JWI Las Vegas Kollel of Greater Las Vegas JInspire - Brooklyn JInspire - Harrison Jewish Heritage Center JInspire - Long Island NCSY - New York
Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis, MN St. Paul, MN St. Louis, MO St. Louis, MO Charlotte, NC Greensboro, NC Omaha, NE Bergen, NJ Bergen, NJ Central New Jersey, NJ Cherry Hill, NJ Cherry Hill, NJ East Brunswick, NJ East Windsor, NJ Essex & Morris, NJ Essex & Morris, NJ Lakewood, NJ Livingston, NJ Manalapan, NJ
Stuart, FL Weston, FL Atlanta, GA Savannah, GA Buffalo Grove, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Northbrook, IL Indianapolis, IN South Bend, IN Kansas City, KS Wichita , KS Louisville, KY Louisville, KY Boston, MA Boston, MA Baltimore, MD Baltimore, MD Baltimore, MD Baltimore, MD Berlin, MD Gaithersburg, MD Rockville, MD Rockville, MD Rockville, MD Rockville, MD Detroit, MI W. Bloomfield Township, MI
Marlboro, NJ Passaic County, NJ Princeton, NJ Voorhees, NJ Wayne, NJ Henderson, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Brooklyn, NY Harrison, NY Long Island, NY Long Island, NY Long Island, NY
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JInspire - New Rochelle JInspire - Manhattan J-Family of New York The Beis JInspire - Queens Light of Israel - Rochester Chabad of Suffern JInspire - Rockland Jewish Renaissance Experience Jewish Community Board of Akron Kollel Partners Aish Cleveland Jewish Family Experience (JFX) Jewish Federation of Cleveland Mandel JCC Columbus Kollel-Mikvah Chabad of Oklahoma City Portland Kollel/NCSY The Gan-Portland Jewish Preschool Jewish Federation of Lehigh Valley Bensalem Jewish Outreach Center Lubavitch Center of Montgomery County Aish Philadelphia Beit Harambam CBS Community Center Chabad of the Main Line Etz Chaim Philadelphia Kaiserman Jewish Community Center Pinemere Camp Sefirot Classrooms without Borders Chabad Lubavitch of Rydal Providence Kollel Brith Shalom Beth Israel Congregation Congregation Dor Tikvah Beth Shalom Synagogue S.E. Knoxville Jewish Day School Jewish Community Partners Memphis Shalom Austin The Jewish Learning Center JET Dallas JEEP Jewish Education El Paso The Bellaire Jewish Center Torch JSU Houston DATA (Dallas Area Torah Assoc) of Plano Congregation Rodfei Sholom Jewish Federation of San Antonio NOVA Jewish Experience Temple Rodef Shalom Bnai Israel Congregation Tidewater Jewish Journeys Keneseth Beth Israel Seattle Kollel JMOMS TBS & CEE Congregations Spokane The Shul Center
New Rochelle, NY New York, NY New York, NY New York, NY Queens, NY Rochester, NY Rockland, NY Rockland, NY Westchester, NY Akron, OH Cincinnati, OH Cleveland, OH Cleveland, OH Cleveland, OH Cleveland, OH Columbus, OH Oklahoma City, OK Portland, OR Portland, OR Allentown, PA Bensalem, PA Fort Washington, PA Philadelphia, PA Pittsburgh, PA Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia, PA Pittsburgh, PA Rydal, PA Providence, RI Charleston, SC Charleston, SC Columbia, SC Knoxville, TN Memphis, TN Austin, TX Dallas, TX Dallas, TX El Paso, TX Houston, TX Houston, TX Houston, TX Plano, TX San Antonio, TX San Antonio, TX Fairfax, VA Falls Church, VA Norfolk, VA Norfolk, VA Richmond, VA Seattle, WA Seattle, WA Spokane, WA Milwaukee, WI
• New in 2018 • New in 2017 • Jewish Federations
MOMENTUM YEAR-LONG JOURNEY // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
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MOMENTUM YEAR-LONG JOURNEY // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
Focus on what unites us, not what divides us.
A Powerful Partnership with the Israeli Government Since 2014, Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs has partnered with the JWRP to bring thousands of women to Israel. It believes in the JWRP’s vision that Jewish women can and will positively transform the world through Jewish values.
Dear Partners and Supporters, The Israeli Government is proud to invest in the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project for three reasons that set it apart from hundreds of other organizations. First, it has a multiplying effect. Impacting the mother affects the spouse, the children, and the entire family, transforming generations of Jewish people. Secondly, it has changed communities because the enthusiasm that it inspires is contagious and feeds upon itself. Lastly, the JWRP’s visionary leadership has created a uniquely strong organizational DNA and the organization operates with an extra ‘neshama’ – an additional heart and soul – while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. The movement continues to innovate with new educational programs and specialty trips, and it has been remarkable to see how much the JWRP has done in a very short time span.
I believe that the JWRP is the single most effective program in the Jewish world. It is just what the Jewish community needs. May we, together, continue to go from strength to strength.
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Ministry of Diaspora Affairs
Creating a common Jewish future
Naftali Bennett, Minister of Education and Minister of Diaspora Affairs
MOMENTUM YEAR-LONG JOURNEY // JWRP ANNUAL REPORT 2017
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Raquel Salame Mussali Mexico City, Mexico
““
After recovering from breast cancer, I craved a sense of spiritual and emotional closure. I knew that I’d find that in Israel with MOMentum. I loved seeing the way Israelis live. They are happy and strong people, who appreciate each and every day. It made me realize that though life can be hard, we can experience joy and create wonderful opportunities for ourselves. MOMentum revitalized me. It was empowering to be healthy and to experience Israel as a woman, mother, and wife. I returned home feeling stronger and more complete.
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Mexico City 18
MOMENTUM YEAR-LONG JOURNEY // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
Our Growth 2,703
2,752
2,800
26
26
26
183
200
1,835 300
800
Participants
Countries
Partner Organizations
3
11
9
50
20
90
98 Israeli women
142
136
175
93
2009 2012 2015 2016 2017 2018 Planned MOMENTUM YEAR-LONG JOURNEY // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
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One Year Later Survey Results of 2016 Participants
The Henrietta Szold Institute, an independent research center in Israel, surveyed participants three months before their 2016 MOMentum experience and one year after their 2016 MOMentum experience.
To what extent did your participation in the Momentum experience contribute to your:
Jewish Identity
94% increased relevance of Jewish values in their life
Connection to Israel
93%
strengthened connection and commitment to Israel
20
68%
59%
100%
66%
Felt connection to Jewish values increased
Increase in lighting Shabbat candles
Increase in attendance of Jewish classes
Felt knowledge about Judaism increased
Support of the Jewish Community
70%
78%
Felt knowledge about Israel increased
Felt connection and commitment to Israel increased
MOMENTUM YEAR-LONG JOURNEY // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
x3 Participation in activities related to Israel tripled
94%
Strengthened connection with other Jewish women in community
85%
48%
Participants who have shown continued engagement in their Partner Organizations
Increase in volunteering with a Jewish organization
x2.5 Involvement in local Jewish community more than doubled
Increase in Jewish activity for kids
94%
2011
Brandeis University Study on Millennial Children of Intermarriage, 2016
Enhanced ability to raise children as Jews in today’s world
Moved their children to Jewish day school
10%
“
26%
20% 2013
Jewish mothers are more likely than Jewish fathers to impart a Jewish identity through religion.”
What women have said about having Israeli women on their trips
90% 2017
Strengthened my sense of connection with Israel and the Israeli people
93%
84%
88%
Made me aware of our shared values and concerns
Allowed me to explore my own identity as a Jew
Allowed me to see aspects of Israeli life and experiences
Sent their teen on a trip to Israel
26% 22%
2011
2013
24%
2017
“
U.S. adults are far more likely to say mothers rather than fathers took primary responsibility for their religious upbringing.” Pew Research Center’s Religious Landscape Study, 2016
MOMENTUM YEAR-LONG JOURNEY // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
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JWRP-Inspired Organizations and Initiatives MOMentum inspired JWRP sisters to take action and create the following organizations in their communities.
Torah Quest After MOMentum, Luba Bar-Sef and Lara Troyanovsky felt inspired to share Jewish wisdom with Russian speakers throughout the world. Together, they launched Torah Quest, a video blog that covers the weekly Torah portion in Russian. The videos have already reached thousands of viewers.
SPARK Orlando
Renaissance Chile
Four, South Africa
After the Jewish Federation of Orlando and JOIN Orlando partnered to bring 16 women to Israel with the JWRP, SPARK was created. SPARK hosts womenspecific Jewish programming for JWRP sisters, including a Challah Club, speaker events, and weekly classes.
Renaissance Chile was founded in 2013 after the JWRP brought three groups of Chilean women to Israel. The organization was formed to unite the JWRP’s Chilean sisters and offer them opportunities for spiritual growth, social activities, and volunteer projects.
This JWRP sister-launched organization encourages Jewish learning through events held in casual environments and run in partnership with local partners. One hundred women attend classes each month.
Other organizations and initiatives created: JWC Atlanta | The Jewish Women’s Connection | JWA | Tidewater Jewish Foundation | Shine | L’Dor V’Dor | JEMS | The Jewish Women’s Initiative
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IMPACT // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
Rita Assor
Tallinn, Estonia
““
Growing up, only my grandparents had Jewish names. My family had lost touch with its Jewish roots. Because of Soviet times, we were disconnected from each other, from religion, and from having pride in our Jewish identity. During MOMentum, I chose the Hebrew name, Ora, which means light. I want to bring light to my family, my community, my friends, and my business partners. I don’t yet know exactly who I am. But I do know that I want to reconnect and empower my Jewish and feminine self.
”
Tallinn, Estonia
IMPACT // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
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Marina Ostrowicki Pearland, Texas, USA
““
After my husband traveled to Israel with the MoMENtum Men’s Trip, he introduced me to MOMentum. We wanted to deepen our Jewish knowledge so that we could share it with our children. I'm incredibly thankful for the experience. It was unforgettable. The women I met on MOMentum have become my Jewish community. We continue to get together, share our lives, and inspire one another.
”
Texas, USA
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IMPACT // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
Stories of Growth and Impact NCSY Moms on MOMentum
A Perfect Partnership While NCSY teenagers want to grow Jewishly, their parents do not always understand why. In 2017, the JWRP partnered with eight NCSY chapters to bring these teens’ mothers to Israel. Since experiencing MOMentum, their mothers have embraced Jewish values and welcomed them into their homes. NCSY honored the JWRP with its national partnership award.
Spotlight on Atlanta
“There’s a natural connection between NCSY and the JWRP. It’s like experiencing one big Shabbaton. We’re connecting to our Judaism and we’re experiencing the land of Israel, just like our kids. This experience will open up the doors to allow more Judaism into more homes.”
A JWRP Success Story
Courtney Talmoud, Silver Spring, MD
In 2014, JWRP sisters and the JWRP Partner Organization, Atlanta Scholars Kollel, launched the Jewish Women’s Connection Atlanta (JWC). Today, JWC Atlanta has a strong partnership with the Jewish Federation of Atlanta, and hosts weekly classes, monthly events, and Shabbatons that include up to 100 attendees. In 2017, Atlanta brought two MOMentum buses to Israel, hosted a successful Unity Event, and welcomed local JWRP sister, Helen Zalik, to the JWRP Board.
JWRP was awarded NCSY’s National Partnership Award for 2017 IMPACT // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
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Betina Salmun Jacqueline Volin
Repairing a Marriage with Jewish Values Before Jaqueline Volin’s MOMentum experience, she felt lost. She had divorced her husband of 10 years and was searching for meaning. With the JWRP, Jacqueline discovered Jewish views on love and marriage and dreamt of incorporating them into her life with her ex-husband. Seven years following their divorce, they celebrated their new marriage with a Jewish ceremony under a chuppah in Mexico City.
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IMPACT // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
Acts of Kindness in Buenos Aires After MOMentum showed Betina Salmun the power of women, she felt inspired to make a difference in her community. When she returned to Buenos Aires, Betina launched two programs to support impoverished elderly Jews. In addition to running a free arts and crafts class, she recruited a group of 20 women to deliver 250 packages of kosher canned food and dry goods once a month. They call themselves the Ladies of Ahava, meaning, the Ladies of Love.
Angela Krozy
Talie Zaifert
Inspired and Inspiring
Committed to Jewish Summer Programs
After Angela Krozy’s father died, she spent the year in mourning and felt the need for inspiration. MOMentum gave her a jolt of meaning and motivation and led her to help launch J-WoHoCo, a group dedicated to connecting women in Columbia, Maryland to Jewish values. She also encouraged her husband to participate in a MoMENtum Men’s Trip. While in Israel, he called her to say, "I'm so sorry! I didn't realize what you felt and wanted to share with our family.”
As a young mother in Saint Johns, Florida, Talie Zaifert never imagined prioritizing Jewish summer programs for her children. But after returning from MOMentum, Talie was set on giving her children Jewish summer experiences. Together, Talie and her husband prepared their children for their upcoming adventures. Only months later, their son headed to Camp Ramah Darom, while their daughter traveled to Israel with a Jewish teen program. IMPACT // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
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A Flourishing Community in Israel
With almost 500 JWRP sisters in Israel who have experienced MOMentum, we established an official JWRP community in the Jewish homeland. Our robust programming focuses on connecting Israeli women of all backgrounds, encouraging social action and community involvement, creating a bridge between Israeli women and their sisters in the Diaspora, and delving into Jewish values.
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IMPACT // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
14 Jewish Learning Sessions in Tel Aviv 150 attendees Founding Mothers Steering Committee 13 Israeli JWRP sisters 6 Holiday Celebrations and Lectures Average of 80 attendees per event Active Online Community 300 members 1,300 interactions per month
JWRP’s Public Council in Israel In 2017, the JWRP formed its Public Council in Israel. Composed of distinguished Israeli women of all religious, political and professional backgrounds, the council supports the JWRP’s efforts in promoting ‘Unity, Not Uniformity’ in Israeli society and in the Jewish world.
Orna Hozman-Bechor
Prof. Rivka Carmi
Sonia De Moskitto
Mehereta Baruch-Ron
Imi Eiron
Racheli Ebenboim
Limor Rubin
Bat-Sheva Moshe
Rivka Ravitz
Lihi Lapid
Miriam Peretz
Rachelle Sprecher Fraenkel
Tali Lipkin Shahak
Adi Altschuler
Michal Cohen
Chairwoman of Ashdod Port
Entrepreneur and Activist
Israeli Educator
President of Ben-Gurion University
Program Director of Israel-American Jewish Relations at the Ruderman Family Foundation
Torah Educator and Director of Matan’s Hilkhata Institute
Director of Programs, World Jewish Congress
CEO of Unistream
Senior Editor and Host on Galei Tzahal Radio
Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv
CEO of Saloona
Chief of Staff to the President of the State of Israel
Social Entrepreneur
Author and Journalist
CEO of the Rashi Foundation
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Conferencia Momentum Latin American Momentum Conference Our first-ever leadership conference for Spanish speakers took place in Buenos Aires with over 100 JWRP sisters from Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala, and Panama. The two-day conference was packed with inspiring and informative sessions about leadership training, community building, development and more.
Buenos Aires
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Lorena De Mizrahi
JWRP Lay Leader Award Winner After experiencing MOMentum, Lorena helped launch Renaissance Chile, an organization that supports local JWRP sisters in their personal growth by offering an array of Jewish classes, volunteer projects, and social events.
Sari Romano
JWRP City Leader Award Winner Since 2012, Sari has coordinated MOMentum Trips in partnership with Aish Mexico and has served as a City Leader six times. In addition to her exemplary work as a City Leader, she has promoted cooperation between Mexico’s other Partner Organizations, mentored new City Leaders, and supported fundraising events in Mexico City.
Here’s what our conference attendees said:
60%
I gained tools that are crucial to my personal growth
62%
I gained tools that will help me contribute to my family
69%
I gained tools that will help me contribute to my community
Jael Toledo
JWRP sister, therapist, author and speaker IMPACT // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
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Enriching Educational Resources Momentum Journal JWRP sisters receive this beautiful journal at the beginning of their MOMentum experience. The journal was completely redesigned to allow participants to process their journey. Filled with space to reflect and prompts to strategize their post-trip action plans, the journal is a springboard for our sisters’ growth.
Year of Growth The Year of Growth is a year-long curriculum encapsulated in a stunning book. During monthly meetings, it guides JWRP sisters in their personal and spiritual growth, and supports them in exploring Jewish values, fostering a connection to Israel, and taking action in their communities. The Year of Growth also includes monthly leadership training webinars for facilitators.
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AMA: Ask Me Anything with Adrienne Gold Davis A weekly feature on the JWRP’s Facebook page, AMAs give JWRP sisters the opportunity to send their questions about parenting, careers, and Jewish values to Trip Leader Adrienne Gold Davis, get a response, and spark an international dialogue.
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Melissa Gerstein New York, USA
““
I am forever changed and on a new spiritual path with life. Thank you for lighting my soul on fire. Thank you for your honesty. Thank you for your passion. Thank you for selecting me.
”
New York
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Yifat Bachar
Rishon Lezion, Israel
““
MOMentum gave me the opportunity to meet hundreds of Jewish women from all over the world, to learn about their lives, and to share my own. We sang at the Kotel together, cried at Yad Vashem, and developed lifelong connections. My experience showed me why Israel is so important to Jewish people everywhere. It is the Jewish homeland, and no matter where we live, we will always have a home in Israel.
”
Rishon Lezion, Israel
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JWRP Momentum Fellows Momentum Fellowship
The Momentum Fellowship is a leadership development program that supports JWRP sisters in creating Jewish-focused projects, deepening their bonds and facilitating their Jewish learning and community involvement. The fellowship kicked off at a Momentum Fellowship conference.
Israel
Toronto
Washington, DC
Denver
Facilitator: Dana Sender-Mulla
Facilitator: Ilana Rubenstein
Facilitator: Orlee Turitz
Facilitators: Ellen Goldstein, Susan Kramer
Yonat Nagler
Jori Lichtman
Kyla Hartunian
Jamie Pines
Jewish Women Heritage: Meet Our Past, Create Our Future
The Shabbat Club: Light Up Your Shabbat Dinner Experience
Light Up the Circle: Training Local Families to Become Community Connectors
Unity Event Playbook: A Guide for JWRP Lay Leaders
Luba Bar-Sef
Sharon Neiss Arbess
Sheryl Frank
Lisa Perlmutter
Torah Quest: Russian-Language Video Series about the Weekly Torah Portion
Brave The Waves: Programs for Building Resiliency
Psychotherapy and Judaism: How Jewish Wisdom Can Enhance Emotional Well-Being
Middot for Everyday Living
Yael Shafir Garibi
Ariella Eben-Ezra
Joni Lucas Shapiro
Ilana (Eileen) Lowey
Bibletherapy Program
B’not Israel: A Program for Jewish Mothers and Daughters
Jewish Wisdom on Marriage: Invigorating Jewish Couples
The Bubbie/Zayde Project
Judi Horowitz
Lisa Black Meddings
Sheryl Etelson
X-Factor for Leadership: To Inspire Unity, Not Uniformity
Tools for Tolerance: Learning From Our Past
Pause@Shabbat: Bringing JWRP Moms and their BBYO Teens Together on Shabbat
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Momentum Trip for Men
To inspire families and transform communities, we knew we needed to make Jewish husbands part of the JWRP lifestyle. Our MoMENtum Trip for Men — an effective complement to our MOMentum Trip for Women - is a boot camp for living awesome lives that are guided by Jewish values.
“I truly hope to incorporate the lessons learned to make me a better man, a better husband, a better father, and a better physician all through a Jewish lens.” Harvey Kasner, Owing Mills, Maryland
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In Loving Memory of Greg Fox z”l
One year after their trip, here’s what our men said:
94%
Being Jewish is now more meaningful to me
85%
85%
I’ve strengthened my connection to Israel
Supporting Israel is now more important to my Jewish identity
Here’s what their wives said:
80%
It is now easier for us to grow in our Judaism.
85%
My husband now wants to bring more Judaism into our home.
78%
The MoMENtum Men’s Trip has had a major impact on our family.
Momentum MEN’s TRIP GROWTH IN YEARS 600
240 "Greatness is a choice. You have to choose to unlock the greatness within.”
85
Charlie Harary, MoMENtum Trip Leader
2013
2014
300
300
2015
2016
330
2017
2018
Planned
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Influencing the Influencers Grand Momentum Designed for women who are not eligible for MOMentum, Grand Momentum is a non-subsidized and exclusive nine-day journey to Israel, during which women get up close and personal with Israel’s top leaders, participate in behind-the-scenes tours, and experience inspiring Jewish classes.
“I wanted women like myself to have the opportunity to come and experience what I’d experienced because they’re at a different point in their lives. They have more time and more resources to really invest in doing good in this world.” Betsy Friedlander, JWRP Board Member
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Media Magnets The inaugural Media Magnets brought 30 leading North American Jewish women influencers to Israel, in partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Tourism. They included TV stars, bloggers, authors, social entrepreneurs, and media moguls with well over 10 million followers. The goal of the trip was to take these extraordinary women to the place where it all began, to enrich each experience with Jewish values, and to empower the women to share Israel’s story — and their own place in that story — with their fans and followers all over the world. Their posts garnered over 20 million views on social media.
“The impact can be seen in reports where the trip generated over 20 million impressions on Instagram and Twitter alone during the trip days, reaching millions.” PRWeb
27,509,120 Impressions
661,979 likes
25,448 comments
“There were so many moments on our JWRP Media Magnets Trip that were just so meaningful. I am changed forever. I will definitely be back in the land of Israel and I will revel in it. For the bonds that were made and ones that were strengthened, I am grateful.”
4,695,299 reach
*Analytics supplied by Hashtracking.
Nancy Johnson Horn, @themamamaven — 112,000+ followers IMPACT // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
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Lea Sofer
Panama City, Panama
““
Only 10 days before MOMentum, my daughter needed a blood transfusion. I decided that it wasn’t the right time for me to travel to Israel, but my husband and mother both pushed me to go. My mother said that I needed the experience more than ever — and she was right. Meeting marvelous women from all over the world and hearing their stories was so motivating. I realized my value as a Jewish woman, and I learned that when we mothers feel good about ourselves, the people in our lives feel good, too. I returned home feeling completely refreshed.
”
Panama City
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JWRP in the News
IMPACT // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
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Trending This Year at the
#JWRP 1,191
Reactions
663 Shares
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IMPACT // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
1,874 Reactions
13,908
People reached
389
Reactions, comments and shares
14
Shares
103
Reactions, comments and shares
IMPACT // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
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Three-Year Financial Overview Our Funding
Revenue *2016
**2017
***2018
Foundations & Private Donations
4,887,769
5,445,648
6,229,774
Partner Organization Fees*
1,885,749
2,601,236
3,239,647
Grants from the State of Israel
2,051,504
1,841,793
1,443,314
Other Revenue
143,897
147,709
69,824
Total Revenue
$8,968,919
Foundations 34%
Private Donors 21%
Partner Organization Fees* 17%
$10,036,387 $10,982,559
Other 7% Israeli Government 21%
Budget History
Expenses *2016
**2017
***2018
Program Expenses
7,712,556
8,048,596
8,512,291
General & Administrative
1,358,263
1,666,293
1,777,153
$ 6,274,158 $ 5,026,132 $ 1,731,443
Development Total Expenses
705,717 $9,776,536
630,303 $10,345,192
693,115 $10,982,559
$ 10,982,559 $ 10,392,293 $ 9,764,105
$ 1,712,084
$ 2,772,559
$ 1,728,238
$ 856,042
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015 Audited
* 2016 represents audited statement of activities. ** 2017 represents the revised budget as of August 2017. *** 2018 represents approved budget.
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FACTS AND FIGURES // JWRP ANNUAL REPORT 2017
2016
2017
2018
Approved budget
* The Partner Organization pays $550. This fee does not reflect our Partner Organizations’ full expenses to run this program.
2018 Program Expenses ($8,512,291) 4% Specialty Trips 9% Marketing & Communications
65%
7% Israel Community Programs
MOMentum Year-Long Journey*
15% MoMENtum Men’s Trip
$2,700*
+ $500 = $3,200
The cost to send a mother on a MOMentum Year-Long Journey **
* **
Other Program Expenses
Full Impact Cost Per Participant to the JWRP
Participants pay only for airfare and incidentals. Includes Year of Growth curriculum, Leadership Conference, educational programming, events and reunions. FACTS AND FIGURES // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
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Why Invest in the JWRP
““
[The JWRP is] bringing thousands of Jewish moms together to harness their mom-power for Israel. Impressive!” Tzipi Livni MEMBER OF K NE S SE T
““
It’s magic! Jewish women from all over the world meet for the first time in Israel thanks to the JWRP and immediately feel like sisters. It's incredibly moving.” Lihi Lapid
““
The JWRP is the single most effective program in the Jewish world.” Naftali Bennett ISR AEL’ S MINIS T ER OF EDUC AT ION AND MINIS T ER OF DIA SPOR A AF FAIR S
JOURNALIS T AND AU T HOR
““
"NCSY is so proud of our groundbreaking partnership with JWRP. There is nothing more impactful for an NCSY teen that is growing Jewishly than having a mom who is supportive and growing herself.” Rabbi Micah Greenland IN T ERNAT IONAL DIREC TOR , NC S Y
““
I realized you had started something truly extraordinary and transformative. When you take mothers to Israel and you bind them to the values of the Jewish people and you bind them to Israel, I know our future will be in good hands.” Lillian Pinkus AIPAC PRE SIDEN T
““
These trips instill in participants the importance of Jewish life and continuity; they are life-changing experiences.” Karen W. Davidson DIREC TOR , W ILLIA M DAV IDSON FOUNDAT ION
““
JWRP plays a critical role in catalyzing thousands of deep Jewish journeys, quite literally, that change the trajectory of Jewish families.” Dr. Erica Brown DIREC TOR OF T HE M AY BERG CEN T ER FOR JE W ISH EDUC AT ION AND LE ADER SHIP AT GEORGE WA SHINGTON UNIV ER SI T Y
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FACTS AND FIGURES // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
Together, we can do so much more.
““
With the JWRP, you take women in the midst of their very busy lives, mix them in the most unlikely combinations, and watch the miracle of hearts and spirits connecting. What an unbelievable gift!”
““
You have achieved what many had only dreamt: bridging the gap between education and transformation.” Dr. Zohar Raviv IN T ERNAT IONAL V P OF EDUC AT ION, TAGLI T- BIRT HRIGH T ISR AEL
Rachelle Sprecher Fraenkel TOR AH EDUC ATOR AND DIREC TOR OF M ATAN’ S HILK HATA INS T I T U T E
““
[The Momentum Event] is inspiring hundreds of women from North America and Israel. The JWRP is a unique project from the Diaspora. It’s too bad you could not be there to feel the incredible energy.” Ayelet Shaked ISR AEL’ S MINIS T ER OF JUS T ICE
““
I believe that the partnership between Hadassah and the JWRP is one of the most enriching experiences for our members. They have the opportunity to engage in learning, discussion, and spiritual exposure. Our work together enhances the sisterhood between Jewish women's organizations and the impact we have collectively.”
““
[The JWRP] enthused our members with a spiritual ambition and a desire to form a group of motivators. This has been extraordinarily healthy for our congregation.” Rabbi Yossi Sapirman BE T H TOR AH CONGREGAT ION (CONSERVAT IV E )
““
I know a good investment when I see it and the JWRP is a great one.” David Zalik GREENSK Y CEO
Janice Weinman CEO, HADA S SAH
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JWRP Board of Directors
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FACTS AND FIGURES // JWRP IMPACT REPORT 2017
E XECUTIVE COMMIT TEE
BOARD MEMBERS
Cindy Zitelman President of the Board, Co-Founder
Andrea Shlipak Mail
Michelle Leader Vice President, Co-Founder
Betsy Friedlander
Manette Mayberg Immediate Past President, Co-Founder
Betty Grinstein
Jeanie Milbauer Past President, Co-Founder
Dana Sicherman*
Lori Palatnik Founding Director
Helen Zalik
Ellen B. Kagen Waghelstein Treasurer
Mahra Fox Pailet
*Co-Founder
Jewish Women's Renaissance Project 6101 Executive Blvd, Suite 240, Rockville, MD 20852 240-747-7080 | info@ jwrp.org
www.jwrp.org
Design: Ira Ginzburg
Thank you! You make all of this possible. רבה תודה !תודה רבה