2017 Annual Report

e Why?

WE CARE, CONNECT, COMMIT

2017

ANNUAL REPORT

THRIVING TOGETHER The entire Jewish community thrives together when Jews of all backgrounds, leanings, and lifestyles pull together.

In 2017, the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey empowered people and partners to do just that.

• Caring for those who are vulnerable, • Connecting as many Jews as possible – especially young people – to a vibrant community offering appealing and meaningful Jewish experiences, • Responding to crises affecting Jewish life, and

Dear Friends,

• Building commitment among those who can help in achieving shared goals.

Together we met today’s pressing needs and invested in a strong Jewish future through a combination of social services, advocacy, emergency response, education, financial resource development, and much more.

As Federations have traditionally done, we provided breadand-butter support to an array of partners’ programs and services, from Kosher Meals on Wheels for needy seniors to leadership development workshops for teens who are not otherwise engaged in Jewish activities.

Increasingly, we also played a role incubating innovations and directly delivering programs and services to fill critical gaps. This type of strategic innovation will enable our Jewish community to continue meeting the challenges we face, even in the face of continuing change.

Thank you for supporting these efforts every step of the way.

With your help, this community will continue thriving together.

Jeffrey B. Schwartz, President

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CARE

beca We empower the community to care for those who are vulnerable

We promote crisis prevention and preparedness, and respond when crisis strikes 4

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

CRISIS

C

ause We enable all Jews to connect to Jewish life and community

CONNECTION

COMMITMENT

We cultivate communal commitment to shared needs and goals 5

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Highlights

2017

BECAUSE WE CARE…

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Hebrew Free Loan made 10 times more loans in 2017 than each of the three previous years, including its first Building Jewish Families interest-free loan defraying the cost of adoption, fertility treatments, and surrogacy for families looking to raise Jewish children.

Erez, who had turned to life on the streets when his parents could no longer care for him, finished school and got himself back on track with help from Gesher El Hanoar’s psycho-social and educational program.

We increased the number of teens receiving Israel travel grants. Experiencing Israel connects teens to their identity, history, and a community of peers.

BECAUSE WE FOSTER CONNECTIONS We gave our 120th scholarship enabling children with special needs to attend summer camp tailored to them – and connecting them to the joyful family that forms at camp.

We sponsored more than 105 partner events, such as the Axelrod Israeli Film Festival, for Jews of all backgrounds and interests to find their path to and place in a diverse and inclusive Jewish community.

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Highlights

more 2017

BECAUSE WE BUILD COMMITMENT

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

We led 10 Jewish organizations in acquiring the skills and tools to cultivate legacy giving – and secured endowment commitments with future value of more than $7 million – for a strong Jewish future.

We involved teens in leadership development training where they engaged in philanthropic grant making, learned how to evaluate communal needs and social services impact, and more.

We made crisis preparedness training available throughout the Jewish and interfaith communities.

BECAUSE CRISES CAN OCCUR

We partnered with interfaith leaders to stem bias incidents.

We responded when crisis struck, helping the Jewish community in Houston get back on its feet after Hurricane Harvey.

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Heartbreak beyond news headlines

CARE Among the most basic of all Jewish tenets is caring for those who are in need. Federations were founded in the spirit of the kupah – this was typically a village’s community chest – connecting those who can help with those who need help in a way that promotes justice (tzedakah) and preserves the dignity of all.

The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey promoted tzedakah in 2017. We partnered with social service providers to assess and address our community’s most pressing needs. We provided philanthropic funding for essential programs, and advocated with public and private sources to bring additional resources to social service programs.

Support for Local Holocaust Survivors and Seniors Working with partners, Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County, Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Monmouth County, and Jewish Social Services of Middlesex County, the Jewish Federation supported essential programs and began an evaluation process to ensure those who need help most get it. This includes: •

• • •

Kosher Meals on Wheels Socialization activities Home health aid Counseling for survivors • 250 Holocaust survivors received aid • 400 seniors received in-home mental health counseling • 35 clients received emergency aid • 600 seniors took part in socialization

This Federation looks to fill unmet needs in Jewish life – especially caring for the vulnerable in under-served populations. In Israel this year, we supported longstanding partners, The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), as well as making 19 targeted overseas grants.

Our grant recipients care for people living on or near the poverty line, with a concentration on children and at-risk youth. One such person was 10-year old Avigayil. Through your support and our Federation grant, we changed her life. Here’s how:

2017 was the year the term sexual assault, once uttered only in whispers, became a major media topic.

Beyond celebrity culture, where much of the news was centered, victims of these heinous acts included Jews… Jews in Israel… even observant Jews in Israel.

Avigayil was abused for years by her uncle. One day, when the Tahel Crisis Center for Religious Women and Children conducted a workshop in her class at school, Avigayil learned there are good secrets and bad secrets — and how to share bad secrets with an adult who listens. After the workshop, she told her friend’s mother, who immediately called Tahel. Tahel helped Avigayil and her parents through all that followed, the uncle was arrested, and now Avigayil and her parents continue to receive support from Tahel.

Israel’s Most Vulnerable Citizens In Israel, we contributed to programs helping more than 8000 of the most vulnerable members of society – with an emphasis on lifting them out from their circumstances to become healthy and successful contributors to society. These are: • • • • •

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2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Adult victims of domestic abuse People with special needs Young adults living on the streets Women living with poverty and mental health issues Child victims of sexual abuse

One of the main aspects of living a Jewish life is COMMUNITY. Many rituals require a group, traditions revolve around family; in good times and bad, community enables people to connect with each other and with the resources and experiences they value.

camp. Research shows the joyful and immersive experience of Jewish summer camp connects young people to their Jewish identity as well as Jewish memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

Calling all community members

In addition to our ongoing support for Jewish education locally and contribution to Birthright Israel, which provides free Israel trips for 18- to 26-year-olds, we sponsored dozens of engagement activities organized by partners and synagogues. These events serve as entry points for all Jews of every age, interest, and background to connect with a vibrant and inclusive community.

Engaging people in Jewish community has never been more important, especially young people. In 2017, the Federation expanded investments in engaging as many Jews as possible in community, including those 6-months-old through college.

From babies…

Our PJ Library program, which brings age-appropriate Jewish-themed books and music, free of charge, to kids 6-months to eight years, grew to nearly 2400 participants – a 66 percent increase over two years.

The program creates community among young families who gather for playdates, concerts, and events featuring crafts and story time.

Into adulthood

• • • • •

Through the teen years We awarded a significantly larger number of scholarships for teens to experience Israel for themselves, connecting them to their Jewish heritage and identity, and for kids from K-12 to experience Jewish summer

• •

PJ Library subscriptions grew by 28 percent The new PJ Our Way for 9-11 year-olds grew to 450 subscriptions Awarded 64 One Happy Camper camp incentive grants Gave 37 need-based scholarships Gave 12 special needs camp scholarships, the latest of 120 since the Federation’s Stolzer Fund established the program in 2004 Awarded 52 teen Israel travel grants Helped send 1042 18-26 year-olds from our community on Birthright Israel

CONNECTION 11

Connecting with Israel As changing ideological, political, and generational views shape perceptions of life in the Middle East, American Jews’ connection with Israel is no longer a given – and, in certain spheres, at historic lows.

The Jewish Federation is enabling more people from our local community to discover what Israel means to them and develop a personal relationship with its land and people.

Meet Fedline Coming to Rutgers, I participated in several extracurricular classes about Judaism ranging from the Orthodox perspective to Reform. Each was great in its own way, but nothing really gave me what I was looking for – and I learned I wasn’t alone. My friends and I wanted a class without denominational boundaries, with relevant, inspirational, and spiritual learning across the Jewish spectrum that would help us become our best selves and the best Jews we could be.

With the help of Rabbi Victor Appel, the reform Rabbi at Rutgers Hillel, a Hillel International curriculum, and funding from the Jewish Federation, I created a class called Jewish Sensibilities – meaning Jewish ways of thinking that guide our actions.

20 passionate Jewish students from traditional and non-traditional backgrounds participated. During the 10-week class, they could come, unwind, eat, socialize with Jewish peers and learn from great speakers about topics they relate to – from celebrating responsibly or dealing with failure, to how to treat each other.

Everyone was inspired to get more involved in Jewish life on campus and explore their own spirituality. Giving them the tools and motivation to do that has been one of the greatest accomplishments in my life so far.

I thank the Federation for believing that this was worth pursuing and supporting young people like me in connecting with the Jewish community.

We recognize life in Israel is complicated. We don’t weigh in on policy but, instead, strive to promote opportunities for individuals in our local community to become educated about and engaged with Israel.

We build bridges between the heart of NJ and the heart of the Jewish people with a focus on caring for vulnerable members of our extended Jewish family – including in Israel.

Thousands of meaningful connections In 2017, the Federation made it possible for thousands of community members from Monmouth and Greater Middlesex counties to learn about, think about, and connect with Israel in a way that was personally meaningful to each.

Among the many local events, online platforms, and travel experiences in Israel that the Federation sponsored, highlights included: Being There Making it possible for more people to experience Israel first-hand, the Federation conducted a family trip, provided teen grants for summer programs, and supported Birthright Israel free trips for young adults.

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2017 ANNUAL REPORT

CONNECTION A Fresh Voice The Federation introduced our local community to a fresh voice in the world of Israel engagement, Chloe Valdary, who served as a Tikvah Fellow under Pulitzer Prize winner Bret Stephens at the Wall Street Journal. At two separate, sold-out speaking engagements, Valdary, who is Black and Christian, riveted audiences with her “Theory of Enchantment,” which she describes as creating a more relatable and constructive conversation about Israel.

Remembrance and Revelry Dozens of synagogues and Jewish organizations throughout our area conducted events open to the public to commemorate Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, and celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day. In addition, an epic Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, event marked the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem.

Cultural Connection The annual Axelrod Performing Arts Center Israel Film Festival presented a dozen international films that shine a light on the Jewish experience, Israel, and Israeli filmmakers, with most of the films having received awards at major film festivals around the world. Coupled with filmmakers’ talks, book signings, and culinary events, the festival drew record crowds.

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Being there for individuals or families in times of need is central to the Federation’s mission. When crisis strikes an entire community, from hurricanes to hate crime, we are there too.

Natural Disasters In 2017, our local Federation came to the aid of communities spanning Texas, Florida and the Caribbean affected by a series of fall hurricanes.

Hurricane Harvey, for example, displaced much of the Jewish community from its synagogues, JCC, schools, and homes. Our Federation’s emergency response ranged from raising $150,000 in two weeks to teen volunteers making mezuzahs and candle sticks for families whose homes were destroyed. Together with Federations across North America, we helped get the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, Houston, up and running again. It is Houston’s hub of social services such as Kosher Meals on Wheels and Jewish preschool.

Anti-Semitism When a former spokesperson for a Syrian dictator became a professor of international human rights law, and concerns arose about two other professors’ anti-Semitic comments, Rutgers University was thrust into the national news. The Federation coordinated an effective response that included elected officials, human rights advocates, law enforcement, student organizations, and media. With progress beginning to be made, a series of constructive conversations

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2017 ANNUAL REPORT

CRISIS continued to take place into 2018. The Federation remains committed to ensuring Rutgers, which boasts the second-largest Jewish student population among public universities in the U.S., upholds the hallmarks of quality education and rejects the bias that tears at the fabric of a community.

Preparedness In August, the Federation convened hundreds of interfaith community leaders with representatives of the Middlesex and Monmouth County Prosecutors’ offices, the NJ Department of Homeland Security, NJ Office of the Attorney General, the FBI, several municipal police departments, and private security consultant, Secure Communities Network, for a day of education enhancing preparedness for security threats and bias incidents affecting all faith communities.

A Pledge Dr. Ali Chaudry, Founder of the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge, along with Rabbi Marc Kline of Monmouth Reform Temple, Tinton Falls, described some of the interfaith efforts supported by the Federation to stem hate in all its forms. Dr. Chaudry noted that Attorney General, Chris Porrino, and Homeland Security Director, Jared Maples, had taken a PLEDGE TO STAND UP FOR THE OTHER. He then led the entire group in the pledge:

While interacting with members of my own faith, or ethnic, or gender community, or with others, if I hear hateful comments from anyone about members of any other community, I pledge to stand up for the other and speak up to challenge bigotry in any form.

S

Holocaust, Human Rights, and Genocide Education This Community Preparedness conference took place one week after the Federation-supported Chhange (Center for Holocaust, Human Rights, and Genocide Education) Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) Training Program. During the two-day LEO program, local police officers met local Holocaust survivors to better understand how hate crime can begin with seemingly subtle forms of societal bias. The officers then embarked on a trip to Washington, D.C., for a private educational tour of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

“I am happy to be here for this conference. I find the topics discussed and presented very appropriate with the present situation of hate regarding race, color, and religion. I was very happy to take the pledge.”

Dr. Ranganath Krishnan of Om Sri Sai Balaji Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of Monroe

“I want to thank the Federation for convening this gathering. Ultimately, information about the laws that protect us and relationships with fellow faith communities around us are the most powerful tools we have to keep our communities safe.”

Rabbi Eric Rosen of Congregation Neve Shalom, Metuchen

“The best way we can increase security in this world is to take care of each other.”

Rabbi Marc Kline, Monmouth Reform Temple, Tinton Falls, and head of Jewish Federation Interfaith Initiatives

SECURITY GRANTS For the second year in a row, the Jewish Federation helped bring another $1 million in Homeland Security grants to Jewish organizations in the heart of NJ – for a total of $2 million over two years. Combined with the training and assessments spearheaded by our Security Task Force, we are continuing to help make Jewish gathering places safer and more secure..

“I’m very impressed with the community the Federation brought together, with a willingness to work together and share concerns. Bias is a problem for every one of us... today it’s against Jews, tomorrow against Muslims. If we don’t come together to cooperate, outsiders who want to spread bigotry will divide us. As human beings, we must overcome our fears. We all have the same interest in making our communities safe so we can all flourish together.”

Dr. Ali Chaudry, Founder of the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge

“All of us need to stand up. Do it respectfully, peacefully, lawfully. But please do it. When you need help pushing back, you know who to call.

And we will stand by you.”

Attorney General Porrino

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Grants to Partners CARE

CONNECTION

JCCA Soldiers

Axelrod Performing Arts Center

Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Monmouth County

DSN

Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County

Temple B’nai Shalom

Jewish Social Services of New Brunswick and Highland Park

Chabad of the Shore Monmouth University

Wilf Transport Yachad Friendship Circle Hand in Hand Bridge Academy at SEAD Deborah Heart & Lung Foundation of Wilf Campus National Jewish Health St. Bernard Project Dental Volunteers Hadassah Hospital Israel Arts & Sciences Israel Humanitarian Foundation Jerusalem Shelter

JCC of Middlesex County

Hillel Yeshiva Netivot Montessori Rabbi Pesach Ramon Yeshiva Rutgers Jewish Experience Rutgers Hillel Solomon Schechter Day School Yeshiva at the Jersey Shore Jerusalem U One Happy Camper Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple B’nai Brith Hadassah East Brunswick Jewish Center

Reuth

COMMITMENT

Yemin Orde

BBYO Impact DC

Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI)

Teen Leadership

Weizmann Institute

Grad school in Israel

Pavlovsky fund in grades 7-12

Rabbinic Assoc. in the Heart of NJ

“Warm homes” in Tel Aviv that serve high-risk youths Assistance, aide and support to child victims during trial for family and domestic matters

JTeam recipients 2017:

Educational reinforcement and mentoring to youth from underprivileged backgrounds

Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen

Help for children from junior-high tutors mentored by local teachers Clubs supporting and motivating children to improve their school performance

The Chron’s and Colitis Foundation Friends of Kishnev Jewry JBI International

CRISIS

Workshops for children designed to prevent abuse

Jewish Federations of North America hurricane and crisis relief

Training program for vulnerable youth to become dog handlers of a canine search and rescue unit

Chhange – Center for Holocaust Human Rights and Genocide Education

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2017 ANNUAL REPORT

and Programs

Overseas Partners Amit Shikum ATID - The Israel Down Syndrome Organization Dror Israel ELI: Israel Association for Child Protection Eretz-Ir (formerly Tor HaMidbar) Ethiopian National Project (ENP) JAFI Kedma for Social and Educational Equality in Israel Keren Gimmel Machshava Tova Noar Connecting Youth & Families Reut Sderot Association Shutaf Inclusion Programs Tahel Crisis Center for Religious Women Warm Home for Every Soldier YEDID Crossroads Gesher El Hanoar (The Bridge for Youth) ZAKA - Search and Rescue

Synagogues Receiving Grants and Sponsorships Ahavas Achim Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple Center for Jewish Life Chabad of Western Monmouth Congregation Beth Mordecai Congregation Beth Ohr Congregation B’nai Israel, Rumson Congregation Kol Am Congregation Neve Shalom Congregation Torat El Congregation Torat El JCC Freehold Jewish Center Highland Park Conservative Temple Congregation Anshe Emeth Marlboro Jewish Center Monmouth Reform Temple Temple Beth Ahm Temple Emanu-El Temple B’nai Shalom Temple Rodeph Torah Temple Shalom, Aberdeen Torah Links of Middlesex Young Israel of East Brunswick

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Financial Efficiency 59%

grants for partners’ programs and services

20% Federation programs and services

21%

administration and fundraising

The Federation manages nearly $21 million annually, with approximately $4.5 million in our annual operating budget and greater than $17 million in endowments. Our goal is to spend 50% or more of our budget funding other partner programs and services, 25% or less on Federation-based programs, and 25% or less on administration and fundraising — a level deemed by Charity Navigator to be appropriate and financially efficient.

In 2017, we exceeded our targets on all three goals.

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2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Financial Resources $2,861,000

annual campaign

$709,000

designated and foundation gifts

$1,210,000

endowment contributions

The Jewish Federation cultivates and marshals financial resources from a range of sources to identify and address the community’s most critical needs. This chart shows total financial resources for 2017.

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Leadership 2017

OFFICERS Jeffrey Schwartz, President Amy Mallet, 1st Vice President Michelle Fields, 2nd Vice President Murray Katz, Treasurer Cheryl Markbreiter, Secretary Keith Krivitzky, Chief Executive Officer Susan Antman, Executive Vice President

STANDING COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP Lauren Reich Financial Resource Dev., President Elect Joel Krinsky Governance Adrienne Ross Impact Naomi Lasky Community Relations Mitch Frumkin Immediate Past President

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE APPOINTEES Sheryl Grutman Joe Hollander

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2017 ANNUAL REPORT

TRUSTEES Ruth Bash Linda Benish Linda Block Jennifer Bullock Sandy Cohen Elise Feldman Jay Fields Joan Fischer Deborah Friedman Wendy Friedman Linda Gotlib Cindy Gittleman Sheryl Grutman Edward Guttenplan Marlene Herman Sheryl Horowitz Liran Kapoano Alex Kemeny Rosanne Koenigson Laurie Landy Rhonda Levy Louisa Liechtung Maxine Macnow Leslie Ostrin Devorah Pava Ken Philmus Jodi Reich Jeremy Renna Larry Rosen Rabbi Ronald L. Schwarzberg Francine Semaya Eliot Spack Roy Tanzman Rabbi David Vaisberg Robin Wander Michael Wasserman Phoebe Wofchuck

What’s Ahead Going forward, the Jewish Federation will continue working to strengthen the wellbeing of Jews in need as well as the Jewish future. Immediate priorities include: • Connecting the next generation to their Jewish values and community through joyful, meaningful, and inspiring experiences • Enabling members of our community to develop a personal understanding of and relationship with Israel • Meeting our aging population’s increasing needs for social services

In 2018, watch for: Educating Against Hate The opening of the Center for Holocaust, Human Rights, and Genocide Education (Chhange) new permanent exhibit, for which the Federation helped secure funding. The new exhibit is designed to ensure the world never forgets the perils of hate and indifference.

Interfaith Initiatives The Federation’s second interfaith clergy journey to Israel, enabling community faith leaders to see first-hand, that the Israeli-Arab dynamic transcends one-dimensional interpretations and one-sided solutions.

Israel @ 70!

Community-wide celebrations of Israel’s 70th birthday. The milestone occasion provides a powerful platform for connecting more people with what Israel means to them.

Incubating Ideas Federation is exploring direct programming to augment our fundraising and grantmaking supporting partner programs, and more directly incubating and delivering needed programs and services.

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Thank You 22

The board, leader’s council, and professional staff of the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey thank all the generous donors, sponsors, volunteers, event attendees, and partners who made it possible for the Federation to change so many lives in 2017. Thank you for helping make this Jewish community vibrant and inviting for Jews of all ages and walks of life throughout Monmouth and Greater Middlesex counties.

Going from strength to strength, solving our biggest challenges, and looking to a strong and beautiful future, we are thriving together.

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

The Jewish Federation connects the heart of NJ with Israel

The Jewish Federation cultivates communal commitment to shared needs and goals

The Jewish Federation connects young people to their Jewish identity and community

because The Jewish Federation connects all Jews to a vibrant and welcoming community

The Jewish Federation cares for the vulnerable

The Jewish Federation leads in crisis prevention, preparedness, and response