2016
JWRP Annual Report
#ItStartsWithWomen
Jewish women's renaissance project // Annual Report 2016
With gratitude for the generosity of so many, including: Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs The William Davidson Foundation Michelle Leader Charitable Fund The Mayberg Family Charitable Foundation Dr. Stuart and Andrea Hytman Julis Family Ezra and Lauren Kest Debra and David Magerman Cheri Fox and Pamela Claman
Our Board of Directors Executive Committee Cindy Zitelman Manette Mayberg Jeanie Milbauer Michelle Leader Lori Palatnik Board Members Betsy Friedlander Dana Sicherman Andrea Shlipak Mail Ellen B. Kagen Waghelstein
To Our Supporters and Partners
When the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project began in 2009, we dreamt of a time when our movement would reach women in communities near and far, partner with diverse organizations, inspire new Jewish leadership, and touch thousands of Jewish individuals. In 2016, those dreams became our reality. This year, the JWRP continued to bring participants to Israel from at-risk communities - places where the Jewish populations have dwindled in recent years. A highlight was when we brought our first cohort of women from Cuba, one of the world’s most isolated Jewish communities. We partnered with 50 new organizations from across the Jewish spectrum, creating strategic partnerships with organizations that include Hadassah and NCSY, and we launched our first Special Industry Trip. Our MOMentum Fashion Trip to Israel brought together 35 Jewish women from seven countries, including Israel, who work in the fashion industry. We connected them to the fashion scene in Israel, and took them on a Jewish journey to explore the beauty within. We planted more seeds in Israel, expanding the JWRP’s activity to four Israeli Partner Organizations, which brought 140 local Israeli women on our trips. The Israeli women enhance our values of ‘achdut’
(unity) and collaboration. For the first time, a group of women living in Los Angeles came to Israel with the Israeli American Council (IAC) and created another special angle of the Israel-Diaspora connection. As we say, “the last day of the JWRP MOMentum Trip is just the beginning of your journey,” and continuing with education after the trip is important to the success of all JWRP participants. Our Fourth JWRP Leadership Conference attracted hundreds of JWRP sisters, and featured renowned speakers and inspirational leaders. Lihi Lapid, who received the Pamela Claman Leadership Award with Rachelle Fraenkel, said, “We are all much more similar than we were told.” Of course, one of our greatest milestones was bringing our 10,000th participant to Israel this December. As you take the time to read through our annual report, we hope you’ll agree that 2016 was quite a year! Because of you, we are making it possible for thousands of people to experience Momentum Trips to Israel, to welcome Jewish values into their homes, and to make the world a better place. Thank you for your wisdom, generosity, and partnership.
Cindy Zitelman
Lori Palatnik
Ben Pery
Board President, Co-Founder
Founding director
Executive director
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Jewish women's renaissance project // Annual Report 2016
Why women? Inspire a woman, you inspire a family. Inspire enough families, you inspire a community. Inspire enough communities, you can change the world.
Our Story
The Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP) was founded in 2008 by eight diverse women from the Washington, DC area. They came together to develop a plan to strengthen Jewish values in a tumultuous world. The first flagship program, MOMentum, brought three groups of 100 women each to Israel for a highly-subsidized, life-changing experience. Top (from left to right): Dana Sicherman, Lori Palatnik, Rebecca Lambert, Cindy Zitelman. Bottom (from left to right): Manette Mayberg, Michelle Leader, Lara Lakenbach, Jeanie Milbauer.
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The most important decisions a family will ever make are primarily in the hands of women: where they live, who they socialize with, and which schools the children attend. These are decisions that can impact a family for generations.
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Jewish women's renaissance project // Annual Report 2016
Our Mis sion To empower women to change the world through Jewish values that transform ourselves, our families, and our communities.
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OUR GOA L S
#1 Connect to Jewish Values #2 Engage with Israel #3 Take action 7
Jewish women's renaissance project // Annual Report 2016
The Momentum Experience: A Year-Long Journey THE JOURNEY BEGINS
THE ISRAEL EXPERIENCE
Participant recruitment through Partner Organizations Team building
Touring Israel
Leadership development
Learning about Jewish wisdom and values
Community action
Special experiences you can only have in Israel
Education about Israel & Jewish values
My overall perception of myself has changed as a result of this experience. I see myself as having more power than I realized to affect, in positive ways, my family, and even my community as a whole. Nicole G. (Baltimore, MD) MOMentum Participant October 2015
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Israel engagement Jewish education MoMENtum Men’s Program
Preparation for the Israel experience
“
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
”
“
Many times on this trip, I have felt such a strong connection not only to those other Jewish mothers who are on this week’s journey with me, but also to those Jewish mothers who stood in these same places throughout our people’s history. Leisah W. (Phoenix, AZ ) MOMentum Participant December 2016
”
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outline of the journey
Jewish women's renaissance project // Annual Report 2016
DAY 2 // TZFAT
Keeping the Spark Alive
DAY 1 // TIBERIAS
Chesed Visits
The JWRP’s flagship program is the MOMentum Trip, an eight-day, highly-subsidized Israel experience. Women pay only for their own airfare. The target audience is mothers with children at home. Over 10,000 women have participated in this life-changing trip. The MOMentum Trip is the beginning of the JWRP sisters’ year-long journey.
During the trip, we learn about:
Words Can Create or Destroy Gifts to Soldiers
Marriage Parenting Personal Potential Wisdom Empowerment and More
DAY 3 // TEL AVIV
The Old New Land: Eternal Values in a Modern State
Dancing at the Western Wall
DAY 8 // TEL AVIV
Mega Event DAY 4 // JERUSALEM
Dreams and Responsibility
“
DAY 5 // JERUSALEM – SHABBAT
Body and Soul
DAY 6 // JERUSALEM – SHABBAT
Gratitude - 'Hakarat Hatov'
DAY 7 // MASADA/DEAD SEA
Creating a Legacy
Jewish “Naming” Ceremony 10
Although we have seen some incredible places, laughed, sang, danced, ate, and ate some more, this trip is not a vacation. This trip requires you to be engaged and dig deep into your soul. This trip challenges you to be a better mom, partner, Jew, and person.
”
Rachael T. (Columbia, SC) MOMentum Participant December 2016
Momentum in Numbers
3,100
“
The MOMentum Trip embodies the Israeli Government’s commitment to Diaspora Jewry. It presents all women from every background with the exceptional opportunity to strengthen their Jewish identity and their connection to the State of Israel. As a Minister in the Israeli Government, I see the partnership with the JWRP as a central component in our vision of empowering women. Uniquely equipped to educate the next generation, women can secure a prosperous future for the entire Jewish people.
”
Naftali Bennett Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs
2,800 Lauren Buchwald (Phoenix, AZ) MOMentum Participant, December 2016
Celebrating our
10,000
187
th
300 11 3
A Powerful Partnership with the Israeli Government
Participant!
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Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs has partnered with the JWRP to invest in bringing 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.
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Ministry of Diaspora Affairs
Creating a common Jewish future
2009 Our First Year
2016 Participants partner organizations Countries
Our Funding Model
**Local partner
$3,100 = $2,550 + $550 JWRP
organization
2017 planned
JWRP’s investment Foundations in each participant * Private Donors Israeli Government
* Participants pay only airfare and incidentals. ** Partner Organization initially pays $550 and then receives $100 as incentive credit.
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“
The MOMentum experience has allowed us women to connect with who we really are, with that spark inside all of us. Corin W. (Boca Raton, FL) MOMentum Participant December 2016
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#1
Connect to Jewish Values Our values are what unite us
#1 Connect to Jewish Values // #2 Engage with Israel // #3 Take action
Impacting Women’s Lives Third party evaluation experts at the Henrietta Szold Institute found a statistically significant increase in Jewish practice and behavior in the home.
Three months after the MOMentum trip:
81%
Of the women participated in Jewish study lectures/classes
One Year after, survey results showed a 100% increase in:
Synagogue services attendance Lighting of Shabbat candles Financial support of a Jewish organization or cause
One year after their MOMentum Trip, JWRP sisters said:
92% 93%
The JWRP has contributed to my growth and development
87% 88%
My connections with other Jewish women in my community have become stronger
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87% 88%
Jewish values are more relevant to my life
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Jewish Community Centers
CANADA
International Organizations
Aish Thornhill Community Shul Aish Toronto BAYT Beth Torah Congregation Chabad Romano Centre Forest Hill Jewish Centre JInspire - Toronto The Family Shul Village Shul NCSY - TJJ for Moms Toronto
Toronto
Day Schools Jewish Federations Outreach Organizations Community Kollels
Halifax
Synagogues
Montreal
Thornhill
Jewish Experience Montreal Sisterhood (JEMS) JPPS Bialik
Vancouver Kitchener
Edmonton
Dynamic Jewish Women of KW
Ekaterinburg Jewish Community of Ekaterinburg
Calgary
Edmonton Kollel
Moscow
Ohaley Yaakov
Vancouver Torah Learning Centre
Shaarei-Beth El Congregation
ROMANIA
UKRAINE
Bucharest
Odessa
Eshet Chayil, JDC
Calgary Community Kollel
Ottawa
RUSSIA Kolel Torah
70 Windows Turkish Jewish Community
Chabad of Markham Westmount Shul & Learning Center
Oakville
TURKEY Istanbul
Jewish Federation of Ottawa JET Ottawa
St. Petersberg Jewish Family Center Adain Lo Jewish Community of St. Petersburg
Chabad Odessa
Kharkov
Jewish Agency
BELARUS
Halifax Jewish Community
Minsk
Chabad of Minsk
HUNGARY Budapest Tikvah
23
Prague
Chabad of Prague
UNITED KINGDOM London
Mizrachi, UK
Enlarged in opposite page
5
MEXICO Mexico City Aish Centre Mexico Comunidad Sefaradi Kehila Ashkenazi de Mexico Shaarei Bina
GUATEMALA
Guatemala City
Cancún
JAFI Germany
SPAIN Madrid
CUBA
Comunidad Judia De Cancun Neve Shalom
CIS Costa Rica
1
1
2
4
COLOMBIA Bogota
1
ISRAEL
GREECE
Alexander Muss HS in Israel (AMHSI) Mothers with Meaning Poreshet The Jewish agency Partnership2Gether
Athens
Wizo Greece
ECUADOR Comunidad Judia del Ecuador
CHILE
Santiago
Aish Chile
1
1
5
URUGUAY
our Partner Organizations Creating unity, not uniformity
7 SOUTH AFRICA Cape Town
Professional Beit Midrash for Women United Herzlia Schools
Buenos Aires
Comunidad Maguen Abraham Menora Noar Shaare Sion
Córdoba
4
Montevideo
Yavne
ARGENTINA
16
1
Maccabi
PANAMA
Shevet Ahim
2
1
Comunidad Judía de Madrid
Quito
Panama City
1
La Havana
COSTA RICA
San José
1
1
Comunidad Hebrea
1 1
Comunidad Judía de Guatemala
1
Berlin
1 1
1
GERMANY
114
USA
5
CZECH REPUBLIC
Kehila de Valle
Johannesburg Aish South Africa King David Schools Sydenham Shul
Sandton
Ohr Somayach - Sandton Sandton Shul
AUSTRALIA Sydney JWA Sydney
Melbourne JWA Melbourne
Perth Perth Hebrew Congregation
St. Ives Orah - Sydney North Shore
OREGON
PENNSYLVANIA
Portland Portland Kollel/NCSY The Gan-Portland Jewish Preschool
Allentown Jewish Federation of Lehigh Valley Bensalem Bensalem Jewish Outreach Center Fort Washington Lubavitch Center of Montgomery County Rydal Chabad Lubavitch of Rydal
WASHINGTON Seattle JMOMS Spokane TBS & CEE Congregations
NEW YORK
Philadelphia Aish Philadelphia Beit Harambam CBS Community Center Etz Chaim Philadelphia Jewish Life Seminars Pinemere Camp
Brooklyn JInspire - Brooklyn Harrison/Riverdale JInspire - Harrison Long Island Jewish Heritage Center / JFI JInspire - Long Island Manhattan JInspire - Manhattan Westchester Jewish Renaissance Experience
TENNESSEE Memphis Jewish Community Partners Memphis
OHIO
NEBRASKA Omaha Jewish Federation of Omaha
Akron Jewish Community Board of Akron Cincinnati Sarah's Place Cincy Columbus Columbus Kollel-Mikvah
Cleveland Aish Cleveland Jewish Family Experience (JFX) Jewish Federation of Cleveland
Jewish Federations
New Rochelle JInspire - New Rochelle Queens/North Shore JInspire - Queens Rochester Light of Israel Rockland Chabad of Suffern JInspire - Rockland
New in 2016 New in 2017
RHODE ISLAND
MASSACHUSETTS
Providence Providence Kollel
Boston Eim Chai
MICHIGAN Detroit Aish Detroit
2
NEW JERSEY
2
2
11
1 3
5 CALIFORNIA
2
1
2
9
2 1
MARYLAND Baltimore Etz Chaim Baltimore NCSY - TJJ for Moms Baltimore The Associated Berlin Temple Bat Yam
Charlotte Charlotte Torah Center Greensboro Greensboro Jewish Federation
6
Henderson Ahavas Torah Las Vegas Kollel of Greater Las Vegas JWI Las Vegas
Colorado Springs Temple Shalom of Colorado Springs Denver Jewish Colorado The Jewish Experience The Jewish Life Center Greenwood Village KANSAS JOI/Aish Denver Kansas City Kansas City Kollel TEXAS Dallas JET Dallas The Jewish Learning Center Houston The Bellaire Jewish Center Plano DATA (Dallas Area Torah Association) of Plano San Antonio Congregation Rodfei Sholom Jewish Federation of San Antonio
MINNESOTA Minneapolis Aish Minnesota St. Paul Chabad of Greater St. Paul
MISSOURI St. Louis Aish St. Louis Jewish Federation of St. Louis
GEORGIA
SOUTH CAROLINA
Atlanta Atlanta Scholars Kollel
Columbia Beth Shalom Synagogue
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ILLINOIS Chicago Chicago Torah Network L'Chaim Center
KENTUCKY Louisville Jewish Federation of Louisville Kentucky Institute for Torah Education
INDIANA Indianapolis Indy Jewish Exerpience South Bend Midwest Torah Center
Rockville Aish of Greater Washington (GW) Bender JCC of GW Charles E Smith JDS Jewish Federation of GW Gaithersburg Shaare Torah
VIRGINIA
1 COLORADO
Phoenix Jewish Connection of Phoenix Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix
NORTH CAROLINA
2 1
NEVADA
ARIZONA
South Windsor Mitzvah Mamas
4
2
Livingston Jinspire - Livingston J-MAC NCSY Metro West Marlboro Torah Links of Monmouth Manalapan Chabad of W Monmouth & Friendship Circle
CONNECTICUT
2
6
Calabasas Calabasas Shul Irvine Beth Jacob Congregation of Irvine Los Angeles Aish LA EdJewcate Los Angeles ISRAELI American Council (IAC), LA San Diego Adat Yeshurun
10
6
1
10
1 1 1
Bergenfield JInspire - Bergen County Cherry Hill Jewish Federation of Southern NJ East Brunswick Torah Links of Middlesex County Princeton Princeton Hadassah L’DOR V’DOR
Fairfax NOVA Jewish Experience Falls Church Temple Rodef Shalom Norfolk Tidewater Jewish Journeys Richmond Keneseth Beth Israel
FLORIDA Boca Raton JEC of South Florida Liumi Israel/BRJE Jacksonville Etz Chaim Federation of Jacksonville Jupiter Chabad Jewish Center of Jupiter Lake Worth Chabad of Lake Worth Miami Aish South Florida JEM Miami Plantation Temple Kol Ami Emwnu-El
Orlando Jewish Federation of Orlando J.O.IN Palm Beach Gardens Gardens Jewish Experience Palm Beach Palm Beach Synagogue Palm City Chabad Jewish Center of Martin and St. Lucie Sarasota The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Stuart Temple Beit Hayam West Palm Beach Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County
South Florida 17
#1 Connect to Jewish Values // #2 Engage with Israel // #3 Take action
UNITY WITHin COMMUNITIES
If we work together, we can do so much more One year later:
82%
82%
of respondents say that “the Momentum Experience contributed to strengthening my involvement in my local Jewish community” (Szold’s Report, 2016)
Washington, DC Partners
“
The JWRP’s premise is both foundational and inspirational. Based on the age-old and crucial role played by the Jewish mother, the JWRP has turned this cornerstone concept of a strong family into an inspiring program for strengthening the community. Its brilliance is its simplicity. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is proud to partner with the JWRP.
”
Steve Rakitt CEO and Executive Vice President of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
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The Bender JCC of Greater Washington
Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
Rodef Shalom
The Bender JCC of Greater Washington
NOVA Jewish Experience
Aish DC
Temple Bat Yam
Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (CESJDS) When Washington, DC’s Jewish organizations first began bringing women to Israel with the JWRP, they met to discuss ways to both inspire Jewish women and to support each other’s organizations while maintaining their institutions’ individual integrity. Their kickoff event was a joint reunion for JWRP sisters. Since then, local organizations have worked together to find the best JWRP participants for each organization and to promote each other’s events. In 20172018, local organizations plan to collaborate on cultivating community leaders, and to create more joint events, including a mega event.
#1 Connect to Jewish Values // #2 Engage with Israel // #3 Take action
JOIN Orlando
Congregation Rodfei Sholom, San Antonio
San Antonio Congregation Rodfei Sholom Jewish Federation of San Antonio In 2016, The Jewish Federation of San Antonio and The Jewish Women’s Experience of Rodfei Sholom partnered to bring a group of women to Israel with the JWRP. While the Federation handles pre-trip logistics and provides post-trip Israel educational programming, Rodfei Sholom offers Jewish learning opportunities. In a small community, such fruitful and seamless partnerships are vital. The partnership will continue in 2017.
Orlando JOIN Orlando Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando The Jewish Federation of Orlando and JOIN Orlando partnered in 2015 to bring 16 women to Israel with the JWRP with great success. After the trip, SPARK, JOIN’s women’s division, was created to satisfy local JWRP sisters’ passion for women-specific Jewish programming. It now holds 5-7 events per month, including a Challah Club, speaker events, and weekly classes. Past MOMentum Trip participants have become co-presidents of a local Jewish day school and co-chairs of the Federation’s largest fundraiser, attended the JWRP Leadership Conference, and increased their gifts to the Federation’s annual campaign. This year, applications for the MOMentum Trip group from Orlando doubled.
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#1 Connect to Jewish Values // #2 Engage with Israel // #3 Take action
Impacting Jewish Families A rising tide lifts all boats
MoMENtum To truly impact families, we knew we needed to get husbands involved in the JWRP’s mission. 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. One year after their MoMENtum Trip, men said:
100%
The MoMENtum Trip has made being Jewish more meaningful
100%
96%
85%
77%
81%
81%
I’ve strengthened my connection to Israel since the MoMENtum Trip
I’ve increased my Jewish learning
I’ve increased my volunteer work
Supporting Israel is now more important to my Jewish identity
I’ve increased my giving of tzedakah/ charity
I’ve Increased my observance of Shabbat
“
This trip has made me feel closer to my wife and kids. I hope that they can learn and appreciate the love for Israel that I have, and that all four of us can be here in the near future - touching the Western Wall together. This is our home. Henry B. (Atlanta, GA) MoMENtum Participant June 2016
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#1 Connect to Jewish Values // #2 Engage with Israel // #3 Take action
What Wives Say after Their Husbands Return
Impact on Children Three months later:
88%
86%
It is now easier for us to grow in our Judaism
Children expressed an interest in going to Israel after hearing about their mother’s MOMentum trip experience
85%
My husband now wants to bring more Judaism into our home
One year later:
48% 61%
Since my MOMentum Trip, my husband and I feel closer to one another Pre-Trip
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
85
Three months later
240 300 350 400
Planned
88%
We see an increase in children’s enrollment in Israel-related educational programs (e.g., Birthright):
In addition, more women want to enroll or encourage their young adult children to enroll in Jewish activities in college
of women report that the MOMentum year-long journey enhanced their ability to raise children as Jews
My husband is now a better father
MoMENtum Trip Growth in Years
89%
24% 48%
of women report that the MOMentum year-long journey contributed to their role as mothers/educators of their children
Pre-Trip Three months later
14% 32%
“
While we were always dedicated to Jewish education for our children, my experience with the JWRP took it to another level. It became so clear that our children must not only learn about Jewish heritage, values, and practices, but that this education should shape their identities... that they must not only love Israel, but become true advocates for our homeland. Melanie A. (Denver, CO) MOMentum Participant June 2012
”
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#1 Connect to Jewish Values // #2 Engage with Israel // #3 Take action
Growing Educational Resources Year of Growth The Year of Growth is a year-long curriculum that guides women in their personal and spiritual growth, and supports them in exploring Jewish values, fostering a connection to Israel, and becoming involved in the community. Each month includes a leadership training webinar for successful co-facilitation.
What our partners are saying about Year of Growth: “The book is a hit! When asked individually, the ladies all said that they had gone home and done exercises in their books and then reviewed them!” Rachel White Temple Bat Yam (Berlin, MD) “We enjoyed it a lot! We liked the booklet because it was more conducive to conversation. It empowered the participants to take ownership and share responsibilities. They are stepping up!” Lynn Hierlihy Shaarei Beth El (Toronto, ON) “I just listened to the third webinar, and it is all so amazing. Such helpful tools. Thank you for this tremendous gift!”
Year of Growth
Shoshana Putney Phoenix Kollel (Phoenix, AZ) “The Year of Growth sessions and webinars are beautifully done and very important in guiding me. I watched the webinar several times, each time pulling out more ideas. The Israeli American women have returned with a spiritual yearning and are finding the learning so meaningful that they asked that I add additional learning sessions.” Luna Kadouri IAC (Los Angeles, CA)
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#1 Connect to Jewish Values // #2 Engage with Israel // #3 Take action
Podcasts To help women unpack the MOMentum learning, transforming it into action and practices in their daily lives.
Webinars To enable JWRP sisters to continue learning with JWRP Trip Leaders, and to help them take action.
AMA – Ask Me Anything with Adrienne Gold A new weekly feature on the JWRP’s Facebook page that gives JWRP sisters the opportunity to send their questions to Adrienne, get a response, and spark a live and international dialogue.
New Educational Leadership Announcing Our New Director of Education Our first Director of Education, Dr. Ronit Ziv-Kreger, is focused on generating impact through leadership development, fostering a learning organization, and tailoring educational resources to the needs of our participants and partners. Ronit earned her Ph.D. from MIT’s Sloan School of Management. She brings 20 years of experience in Jewish education and leadership developmet.
Adrienne Gold was a fixture on Canadian Television for well over a decade, as the host of her own daily fashion and style program and as a regular ‘expert’ on many other programs. She is a popular Trip and Education Leader for the JWRP.
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“
I have waited a very long time to come to this country. And there’s an immediate feeling upon arrival of contentment and peace. When people say, you’re home, you’re home… I’m a Jew and I’m home. Lindsey K. (Chicago, IL) MOMentum Participant November 2016
”
#2
Engage with Israel Welcome Home
#1 Connect to Jewish Values // #2 Engage with Israel // #3 Take action
connecting israeli women with Jews around the world Incorporating Israeli women in MOMentum Trips is now a core component of the experience. By seeing Israel through the eyes of non-Israeli women, our Israeli sisters strengthen their own Jewish identities and rediscover Israel. Our Israeli sisters, who represent the richness of local culture and society, also help the Diaspora women enhance their Israel experience.
One year after their MOMentum Trip, Israeli women said: 90%
90%
My connection and commitment to Israel are stronger
88%
88%
88%
88%
My connection to other Jewish women in the community is stronger
“
Jewish values are relevant to my life
The JWRP has a unique way to connect women. It has an authentic and positive values-based approach, aimed at bringing women together and uniting them. This approach works like magic.
”
Tzahit Levy Founder, Poreshet IDF Women Retiree Organization 26
Mifgash = a “living bridge”
to Israel and Jewish identity 4 Israeli women on each bus
#1 Connect to Jewish Values // #2 Engage with Israel // #3 Take action
In 2016, the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs expanded our partnership, and invested in bringing more Israeli women on MOMentum Trips. Following their MOMentum Trips, four local organizations created over 50 events for the 250 Israeli JWRP sisters and their communities, including monthly speaking events, volunteering opportunities, trips around the country, challah bakes, holiday celebrations, and more. Word has spread about the MOMentum experience, attracting hundreds of more Israeli women who want to get involved.
What women have said about having Israeli women on the trip:
66%
61%
It made me aware of our shared values and concerns as Jewish women, mothers, and wives
It was an important aspect of the trip for me
63%
58%
It strengthened my connection to Israel and the Israeli people
It allowed me to see aspects of Israeli life and experiences that I would have not been exposed to otherwise
54%
Encountering Jews from a different culture allowed me to explore my own Identity as a Jew
400 Israeli women participate in the 2016-2018 Israeli Program
“
One of the many amazing things I’ve been able to experience on this trip has been forging a connection with the Israeli women, talking to them, and hearing their stories about this beautiful country. Elisa O. (Toronto, Canada) MOMentum Participant July 2015
”
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“
It is impossible to describe how much I got in return over the course of these magical eight days: gratitude, pride, strength, serenity, happiness, and a deep sense of belonging. Orit Rome Co-Executive Director Alexander Muss High School in Israel
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#1 Connect to Jewish Values // #2 Engage with Israel // #3 Take action
Empowering Our Women STRATEGIC ALLIANCES to Stand Up for Israel IN ISRAEL Israel Advocacy On MOMentum Trips, JWRP sisters gain the tools to become confident advocates for Israel and to support their children in standing up for Israel. They participate in an Israel advocacy educational session in partnership with Jerusalem U, and take home Israel advocacy materials, created in partnership with StandWithUs. JWRP sisters also learn about Israel experiences for their college-age children, including TaglitBirthright Israel and Masa Israel Journey. Our women are empowered to make a difference for Israel — thanks to their MOMentum Trip.
2014 Mothers With Meaning
50
2015 Mothers With Meaning | Jewish Agency
2016 Mothers With Meaning | Poreshet | Alexander Muss | Jewish Agency
150 140
2017 Planned
200
Mothers With Meaning | Poreshet | Alexander Muss | Jewish Agency
IAC - Israeli American Council
Reconnecting Israelis in the Diaspora to their home in Israel The Israeli American Council (IAC) is one of the fastest growing Jewish organizations in North America. In 2016, an IAC pilot group of both Israeli-born and American-born women traveled to Israel on a MOMentum Trip. While they departed as a group from two distinct communities, they returned as one cohesive group, ready to support each other’s families and communities. The experience was such a success that four more IAC groups will be traveling to Israel with the JWRP in 2017.
“
The IAC family is thrilled to partner with the JWRP, an extraordinarily innovative and dynamic organization. IsraeliAmerican women feel a strong connection to the State of Israel, and the JWRP has enabled them to rekindle their bond to their Jewish homeland and heritage. Adam Milstein National Chairman of the Israeli American Council
”
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“
The JWRP enables me to connect more fully to Judaism and Israel, and to share that connection with my family. AIPAC helps me exercise my support of Israel, and show my children what it means to turn values into action. Together, the JWRP and AIPAC inspire me to change the world through Jewish values, and strive harder to do meaningful work on Israel’s behalf. Mahra Pailet AIPAC Lay Leader and MOMentum Participant
”
#3
take action #ItStartsWithWomen
Building Women’s Leadership Our leadership program offers many opportunities. Some participants return from MOMentum Trips as leaders, helping to inspire a new cohort of women; others take on roles in our international organizations and participate in impressive initiatives, including the Global Leadership Council. Hundreds attend our Annual Leadership Conference, where they listen to experts share ways that they can impact their local Jewish communities, Israel, and the Jewish world.
“
This conference was a chance to hear others’ stories, obtain ideas, and meet new people. To a certain degree, it touched my soul the same way my MOMentum Trip did. I’m going to make a difference, and I’m going to stay determined, focused, and give back. Thank you. Paula Sandler-Avenaim JWRP Leadership Conference Participant September 2016
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#1 Connect to Jewish Values // #2 Engage with Israel // #3 Take action
4th Annual JWRP Leadership82%Conference
65
82%
Partner Organizations represented. 42% of these organizations were new to the 2016 conference
250
countries
of the attendees were first timers at the conference
JWRP LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES’ SCHEDULE:
participants September 2016
4th Annual North American Leadership Conference in Washington, DC
September 2017
1st Latin American Leadership Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina
March 2018
5th Annual North American Leadership Conference in Washington, DC
May 2018
1st European Leadership Conference in Israel
180 12
115 3
65
2013
5
2014
8
2015
2016
2016 AWARD RECIPIENTS
The Pamela Claman Leadership Award The Pamela Claman Leadership Award is given to international role models who have significantly impacted the Jewish world with inspired leadership. The award was presented to Lihi Lapid and Rachelle Fraenkel for the impact that they have made bringing greater unity to the Jewish people. Lihi Lapid is a well-known Israeli
author and journalist whose books and weekly newspaper column deal with contemporary women’s issues. Rachelle Fraenkel, born and raised in Israel, teaches Talmud and Jewish Law at educational institutions in Jerusalem. She is the mother of seven children, including Naftali, who was one of three boys kidnapped and killed by terrorists.
The JWRP Outstanding City Leader Award
The JWRP Outstanding Lay Leader Award
Batsheva Gelbtuch and Julie Silverman have created tremendous growth in Atlanta, GA. Their growth accelerated when they established a leadership team in Atlanta two years ago – the Jewish Women’s Connection of Atlanta (JWCA).
Nikki Shapiro attended the first JWRP Leadership Conference in 2012, and then helped create the Ottawa leadership team. She chairs JWRP’s Global Leadership Council. In 2016, she recruited the Federation of Ottawa as a new partner and led a group of their women to Israel.
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#1 Connect to Jewish Values // #2 Engage with Israel // #3 Take action
JWRP-Inspired Organizations These organizations and initiatives were created as a result of the JWRP experience: Atlanta, USA
Orlando, USA
Dallas, USA
Melbourne/Sydney, Australia
Santiago, Chile
Norfolk, USA
Portland, USA
Princeton, USA
Montreal, Canada
Indianapolis, USA
Johannesburg, South Africa
Los Angeles, USA
Indy Jewish Experience, created in 2012, is the JWRP’s partner in Central Indiana. Indy Jewish Experience has brought 60 individuals to Israel with the JWRP, and also provides women with educational programming once they return from Israel. “Our first trip to Israel was very powerful, and we were inspired to continue the JWRP’s work in Indiana.” - Judith Friedman
67%
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.
JWC Atlanta (Jewish Women’s Connection Atlanta) was launched in 2014 by women who had participated in some of the JWRP’s first trips to Israel. JWC Atlanta hosts weekly classes, monthly events, and Shabbatons that may include up to to 100 attendees.
“The JWRP lit my inner flame for spiritual growth. I received so much during my trip to Israel, and I felt like it was my responsibility to give back to our community.” - Lorena De Mizrahi
“We were motivated to create an organization for women, and by women in order to give Jewish women in Atlanta a place to connect to Jewish wisdom and to each other.” - Julie Silverman
of respondents say that “the activities of my Partner Organization compelled me to take action for the Jewish community.” (Szold’s Report, 2016) 34
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Four, South Africa encourages Jewish learning and women’s mitzvot through events held in casual environments and run in partnership with local partners. One hundred women attend classes each month. “My MOMentum Trip made me realize just how important my role is as a Jewish wife, mother, sister, and daughter.” -Hayley Haberer
As Jewish moms, you are the greatest leaders that there are. You’re leading your family, your friends, and your community. Rabbi Goldstein Chief Rabbi of South Africa JWRP Leadership Conference September 2016
”
Taking Responsibility Bringing Chesed (Kindness) Home Creating Kfar Yeladim David, New York “In 2010, I traveled to Israel on a MOMentum Trip, and visited Kfar Yeladim David (KYD), a home-away-from-home for disadvantaged children. The experience inspired me to begin fundraising for KYD. In February 2017, I will host my seventh Annual KYD Gala Dinner, and Lori Palatnik will be our keynote speaker.” Kathy Eshaghzadeh President of Kfar Yeladim David, New York
Creating Shalva Mexico “Three years ago, I participated in a life-changing MOMentum Trip to Israel, during which we visited Shalva, the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. Only months after returning home, I created Shalva Mexico, with the support of my JWRP sisters. Six hundred people attended our opening event. Shalva Mexico now includes 300 Mexican supporters.” Jennifer Stevan President of Shalva Mexico
Supporting At-Risk Jewish Communities Worldwide
#1 Connect to Jewish Values // #2 Engage with Israel // #3 Take action
Leave no Woman Behind In 2016, the JWRP opened its MOMentum Trips to women from six communities in countries where the Jewish populations are in crisis. As a result, the JWRP has begun positively impacting these communities, and spearheading a Jewish revitalization in the Former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.
J e w i s h Po p u l a t i o n s o f A t- R i s k C o m mu ni t i e s
FORMER SOVIET UNION
1.71 MILLION JWRP Impact Stories
HUNGARY
from Moscow, Russia Lena sold her house to move into an apartment in the center of Moscow so that her children could attend the local Jewish day school. Lara returned from a MOMentum Trip, inspired to spread awareness of the breast cancer gene, which is common among Ashkenazi women. She is now working with two other JWRP sisters to create an organization that raises awareness of this issue, and to build a reliable genetic testing center in Moscow.
SPAIN
20,000
95,000 GREECE
6,000
CUBA
1,500
ARGENTINA Natalya encouraged her son to study in Israel, and has taken a big leadership role in her community in South Moscow, creating women’s events, including challah bakes. She has also created a popular WhatsApp group for Jewish women that shares Jewish and Hebrew educational content.
330,000
$350,000 raised in a matching grant campaign for women in at-risk countries
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The JWRP’s Fashion Trip took place in July 2016, with 37 women from seven countries
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#1 Connect to Jewish Values // #2 Engage with Israel // #3 Take action
First Special Industry Trip: Fashion
Influence Those Who Influence Others The trip was created to positively influence women who work in an industry that significantly impacts others. The goals of the trip also included: helping women deepen their relationship to Jewish life, Israel, and the Israeli fashion world; take responsibility for their Jewish community; and bring Jewish values to the fashion industry. While in Israel, participants met with Israeli fashion personalities and visited key spots on Israel’s fashion map. The trip attracted much media attention thanks to the trip’s high profile participants. Following the trip, some of the participants were inspired to take part in various Jewish initiatives, attending workshops and events, as well as blogging about their experiences. They have created partnerships with each other, and have forged new partnerships for the JWRP.
Coming up in 2017 Media Trip The JWRP, in collaboration with Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, plans to bring 35-40 media leaders, including bloggers, top Instagrammers, and lifestyle reporters to Israel. They will meet with top media influencers in Israel, and share their inspiration with their followers.
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Jewish women's renaissance project // Annual Report 2016
the JWRP In The News! J-Wire | May 18
“800 Jewish Mothers Celebrate Israel Journey” JTA | March 21
“Israeli Government Partnering with ‘Birthright for Jewish Moms’ Project” JNS | May 11
“Cuban Jewish Women Make Landmark Visit to Israel” Jerusalem Post | October 12
“'Birthright for moms' launches campaign for 'at-risk' Jewish women”
Beverly Hills Courier | December 23 “Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Returns Home to Los Angeles”
Headlines News | October 13 “Birthright for Moms Launches Campaign for At-Risk Jewish Women”
Falls Church News-Press (VA) | December 6 “‘Birthright for moms’ brings them home”
Kansas City Jewish Chronicle | October 13 “Impact of Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Goes Far Beyond a Trip to Israel”
New Jersey Jewish News | December 5 “‘Birthright’ for Moms” Jewish Standard (NJ) | December 2 “Inspire a Woman, Inspire a Family” Atlanta Jewish Times | November 28 “Briefs: Zalik Top Entrepreneur, Atlanta Women in Israel” Atlanta Jewish Times | November 25 “Atlanta Women in Israel” The Jewish Star (NY) | November 23 “In Jerusalem, It’s Challah for Israel’s Soldiers” Plano Star Courier (TX) | November 13 “10 Local Jewish Mothers Chosen for Trip to Israel” Times of Israel | November 11 “500 Jewish Mothers Bake Challah for IDF Soldiers” San Diego Jewish World | November 11 “500 Jewish Mothers Bake Challah for IDF Soldiers” Arutz 7 | November 10 אלף חלות לחיילי צה”ל באהבה אמא
Jewish Journal (FL.) | November 2
“Local women attend JWRP Leadership Conference” Chicago Woman | October 1
“A Global Movement for Jewish Women Everywhere” 40
Jewocity | November 10 “Fifteen New Rochelle Jewish Mothers Arrived Today in Israel for JWRP Momentum Trip” Jewocity | November 10 “500 Jewish Mothers from Around the World Bake Challahs in Jerusalem for Israeli Soldiers” Jewish Journal (FL) | November 2 “Local Women Attend JWRP Leadership Conference” Jewish Post & Opinion (Indiana) | October 21 “Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Leadership Conference”
Jerusalem Post | October 12 “‘Birthright for moms’ launches campaign for ‘at-risk’ Jewish women” The Jewish Star | October 11 “No Jewish Mother Left Behind” Jewish Link (CA) | October 10 “‘No Woman Left Behind’ Campaign Aims to Bring Jewish Mothers from Disadvantaged Countries to Israel” Jewish Journal (CA) | October 10 “Moving and Shaking: Israel Cancer Research Fund, Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project and more” Atlanta Jewish Times | October 7 “11 Atlanta Women Learn Leadership” Chicago Woman | October 1 “A Global Movement for Jewish Women Everywhere” Westchester Jewish Life | October Issue “Linda Barat Attends JWRP Global Leadership Conference” Heritage Florida Jewish News | September 30 “Five Orlando Women Attend JWRP Global Leadership Conference” Jewish Link (NJ) | September 29 “Jewish Mothers Attend JWRP Global Leadership Conference” Jewish Home LA | September 22 “Local Moms Attend JWRP Global Leadership Conference” Yediot America | September 22 ליהיא לפיד מחפשת קונצנזוס Yediot America/Ynet | September 22 כבוד ללפיד
Tel Aviv Times | September 21 “ רכילות עסקית:“הטריבונה Yedioth Achronoth | September 21 “”בועות
Baltimore Jewish Life | September 21 “5 Baltimore Jewish Mothers Attended JWRP Global Leadership Conference in MD” Jewish Exponent (PA) | September 21 “Jewish Mothers Assemble in College Park, MD” Ottawa Jewish Bulletin | September 21 “Ottawa’s Nikki Shapiro Receives Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Lay Leader Award” Jewocity | September 9 “Rachel Fraenkel and Lihi Lapid to Receive JWRP Leadership Award” The Pulse | September 9 “ לרחל פרנקל:עיטור הכבוד של ארגון הנשים היהודיות ”וליהיא לפיד Arutz 20 | September 7
The Jewish Voice | July 13 “New Yorkers Join Jewish Fashionistas on Unique Israel Trip” J-Wire (Australia) | July 13 “Sydney to join fashionistas on 1st-of-itskind delegation to Israel” St. Louis Jewish Light | July 13 “No place like home” Patch (Framingham, Mass.) | July 12 “Framingham Fashion Designer Going to Israel” Voice of Israel (Radio) | July 10 “English News” Broadcast at 8:30 p.m. IDT The Pulse | July 29 “Jewish Fashionistas from Around the World Arrived in Israel for Special Fashion Show” Ynet | July 8 “Jewish Fashion, There is Such a Thing”
עיטור הכבוד יוענק השנה לליהיא לפיד:״נשים פורצות דרך ורחל פרנקל״
Jewocity | July 7 “Top Global Jewish Fashionistas to Arrive in Israel on 1st-of-Its-Kind Delegation”
J-Wire (Australia) | September 2 “Four Australian Jewish Women to Participate U.S Project”
NRG | May 25 “”החגורה שהצילה את מאיר הקטן באושוויץ בישראל
Jewish Link (NJ) | August. 11 “Livingston Designer of Adaptive Clothing Takes First Trip to Israel” San Diego Jewish World | August 10 “Profile: Lori Palatnik, the driving force behind JWRP”
Algemeiner | May 24 “Cuban-Jewish Women ‘Lit Up Their Souls’ in Israel” Jewish News (AZ) | May 23 “Cuban-Jewish Women Visit Israel in Latest Effort to ‘Light Up Their Souls’”
IBA News (TV) | August 10 Reporter: Arieh O’Sullivan
JNS | May 22 “Cuban-Jewish Women Visit Israel in Latest Effort to ‘Light Up Their Souls’”
ISRAEL21c | August 7 “Global Fashionistas Meet Top Israeli D esigners”
NRG | May 19 ” נשים יהודיות בארץ הקודש800 ,’“’תגלית נשית
Jewish Business News | August 7 “Global Fashionistas Meet Israel’s Fashion Leaders” IBA News (TV) | August 7 Reporter/Host: Eylon Aslan-Levy
5 Towns Jewish Times | May 19 “800 Jewish Mothers Celebrate Their Israel Journey” Israeli Channel 1 (TV) | May 18 “IBA English News”
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Jewish women's renaissance project // Annual Report 2016
Two-Year Financial Overview 2014 & 2015 Audited Statements of Activities
2016 & 2017 Revenue & Expenses Budgeted
Revenues
Revenues
7,576,559
Donations & Grants
Impact - Programming
2,516,158
Impact - Programming
4,605,767 4,025,290
Grants from the State of Israel
836,220
Grants from the State of Israel
Other Revenue
331,138
Other Revenue
Total Revenues
$11,260,075
Total Revenues
$12,251,649 2017
Donations & Grants
Fundraising Goal 2016-2017
12,251,649
347,042
$21,229,748
$8,189,396
Raised to date Expenses
Impact - Program Services Marketing/Communications General and Administrative Development
Total Expenses 42
Expenses
7,980,384 416,796 2,048,810 854,300
$11,300,290
Impact - Program Services
14,244,120
Marketing/Communications
1,185,112
General and Administrative
3,949,232
Development
1,247,402
Total Expenses
$20,625,867
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That is the essence and purpose of the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project: to influence mothers, and now fathers, to embrace Jewish values and traditions as fundamental to their family life. This emphasis on parents recognizes the important and loving role they have within their families for fostering support for Israel, the Jewish people and, through their children, future generations of practicing Jews.
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Karen Davidson William Davidson Foundation
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Jewish women's renaissance project // Annual Report 2016
Jewish Women's Renaissance Project 6101 Executive Blvd, Suite 126 Rockville, MD 20852 info@ jwrp.org | 240-283-6371
Marni K., MOMentum Participant 2016
www.jwrp.org 44
Design: Ira Ginzburg
“Your generosity is making a real impact on the Jewish world. Thank you.”