2021 November Newsletter

NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2021 | jewishpmb.org

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Dear Friends, Chanukah is right around the corner and is the perfect time to reflect on the impact of even small miracles. As we celebrate the miracles of the Maccabees - tiny jar of oil burning for eight full days, we want to thank you for your generous support. You help us create everyday miracles right here at home.

Daniel Herscovici President, Board of Trustees

We started the year off by asking - what do you feel are the greatest needs in our community? And you answered. Combining your feedback along with insights from partner agencies, experts and leaders, we identified 5 pillars to focus on this year (see bottom graphic).

Thanks to all who support us and give with such full hearts to make small, but mighty differences in our community. Your generosity matters. Please join us in celebrating Creating Miracles Together - the theme of this year’s campaign.

Looking forward to a great year!

Mark Merkovitz Executive Director

CARING FOR THE VULNERABLE Ensuring our most in-need community members have access to food, nursing care, and mental health support.

STRENGTHENING JEWISH IDENTITY & CONTINUITY Engaging children, teens, families, and adults in Jewish tradition, education, and community celebrations.

Our focus is finding, selecting and funding programs that support the following pillars:

COMBATING ANTISEMITISM Eradicating hate in Mercer County through education and awareness building.

SECURING OUR JEWISH COMMUNITY Allowing us to live, socialize, and worship freely and safely as Jews.

CONNECTING TO & SUPPORTING THE STATE OF ISRAEL Funding on-the-ground initiatives both locally and in Israel reinforcing Jewish identity and providing for Israeli citizens in need.

With your help, we can work together to build a sustainable Jewish future for generations to come.

GET TO KNOW THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT MARK MERKOVITZ Executive Director Princeton, NJ “I believe the Federation is the hub of the Jewish Community and that we are in the best position to facilitate and convene various entities in our community. We have the ability to bring the community together in times of celebration, need, and crisis.”

Mark Merkovitz has been the Executive Director of The Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks for the last 4 years. Prior to working at the Federation, he was involved as a Federation volunteer and contributor. Mark is married to Wendy and belongs to The Jewish Center. They have 2 sons: Max (married to Ali), is the Director of Worldwide Pricing for Texas Instruments and lives in Dallas and their younger son, Sam, just started a Technology Leadership Development Program at Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick.

LEN ZIMMERMAN Director of Development Allentown, PA “This is the 3rd Federation that I have worked for. I believe in the Federation model.

Working in fundraising allows me to build relationships with donors who believe in supporting the Jewish community as a whole. Working for the Federation allows me to help individuals realize their philanthropic goals and dreams.”

Len Zimmerman has been a Jewish professional for over 30 years, working for such organizations as the Federation, Middle East Forum, JCC, Gratz College and State of Israel Bonds. His primary focus has been on fundraising and management. He is an avid supporter of the State of Israel, having visited more than 15 times. His wife, Jeri, who is currently the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, was the first Executive Director of the Princeton United Jewish Appeal 30 years ago. They have 5 children, two of whom are married, and 3 grandchildren.

LARISA LEFFEL Director of Marketing Englewood, NJ “I’m so excited to join the Federation team and work together to benefit our Jewish community! What we do matters and I’m proud to work for an organization whose purpose is to strengthen who we are, support us when we feel the loneliest, and protect us from hate.”

Larisa Leffel brings years of nonprofit marketing experience to the Federation, having previously worked as the Marketing Director at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, strategically focusing on brand awareness, communication, strategic planning, community program attendance and participation and overall family engagement. Larisa is married to Matt and they have two boys, David and Dylan, and a Norwegian Forest cat named Boobles. jewishpmb.org | 3

WELCOME DANIEL HERSCOVICI President and Campaign Co-Chair Princeton, NJ

CARLI MASIA Community Engagement Co-Chair Lawrenceville, NJ

“The Federation is a special place where we all work to unify and bring this community together.

I believe that we are more than a collection of religious congregations, unaffiliated families and charitable organizations. We are a strong and vibrant community, and my hope is to reinforce and strengthen what we already have through the hard work and efforts of our Federation.”

“I chose to get involved with the Federation to deepen my engagement and bonds with the local Jewish community as well as to help provide for Jews in need. To me, the Federation sparks Jewish pride. The programming the Federation sponsors provides meaningful experiences for our local Jewish community.

The partners we support care for our most vulnerable both here and in Israel. We have our pulse on this community. We are not only on the lookout for exciting and innovative programming and partners to support and bring Jewish joy to our area, but we also have our eyes open and can mobilize quickly to provide relief where needed.”

JUDY AXELROD Campaign Co-Chair, Women’s Philanthropy Chair Newtown, PA “It was a no-brainer to get involved with the Federation. I believe that there is no better way to round out my social and philanthropic Jewish life. The Federation is central to Jewish funding, bringing together diverse elements of our Jewish community through programming, communications & resources. As a local chapter, we contribute to the larger national and international network, where together the whole is far stronger than simply the sum of its parts.”

STACEY BIALOW Community Engagement Co-Chair Princeton, NJ “I had some friends who were involved with the Federation when I moved to this area and it seemed that Federation could help me make some new friends. The Federation is positioned in a way that brings Jewish organizations and communities together. There is an ‘umbrella’ associated with the Federation and this gives peace of mind that donations are being directed to where they are needed most.”

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JEREMY BLACK Vice President, Allocations Plainsboro, NJ “I joined the Federation because I wanted to give back to the local Jewish community by providing my support and time to help those in need. I believe that the Federation plays a very important role as a convener in the community and facilitates funding of very important local and Israel-based initiatives. It also helps the community build a Jewish identity and strengthen Jewish values for people of all ages. I want to help the Federation build a sustainable future for my children and future generations.”

BRANDON ABELSON Vice President, Marketing “I’m excited to be a part of the Federation that is serving the needs of Jews in our community.”

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NEW BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks welcomes a new Executive Board and Board of Trustees. We asked our new executive team to share a few thoughts on why they chose to get involved with the Federation and why the Federation’s role in the community is important.

MICHAEL FELDSTEIN Vice President, Israel/Overseas Princeton, NJ

JERRY NEUMANN Immediate Past President West Windsor Township, NJ

“I was asked to join the Federation because I was a synagogue president at the time. That was 12 years ago. It’s like Hotel California. I checked in but never left. The Federation does more to bind our community together, from programs to grants to the community calendar to spirit, than any other organization.”

“Federation is the only Jewish charity that supports ALL aspects of the Jewish community in the greater Princeton-Mercer-Bucks area as well as in Israel and around the world. It is the central address for the Jewish community, serving as the leader and spokesperson and providing a community response to unexpected events impacting the Jewish world, such as antisemitic incidents or military attacks in Israel.

I chose to get involved in Federation in order to both volunteer my time and to donate funds to support all aspects of the Jewish community.”

BRIAN CHEVLIN Vice President, Administration Princeton Junction, NJ “I wanted to be part of a Jewish community organization with people that I respect, that could identify and fund people and organizations in need in the local community and in Israel.”

MARK JANOFSKY Treasurer Monroe Township, NJ “I joined the Federation because it gives me a chance to apply a lifetime of experience as a CFO/Controller to a new venture.”

DON LEIBOWITZ Secretary/JCRC West Windsor Township, NJ “I am involved with the Federation because I want to make our world a better place, to live the values of tzedakah and tikkun olam. The Federation provides a way to bring together and strengthen our community, assist those in need, and help us all in our Jewish journeys.”

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ADELE AGIN DAN BRENT HOWARD COHEN MARSHA FREEMAN CAROL POLLARD ELLIOT SAMBOL MARCY SAMET MARISSA TREU STEPHANIE WILL RABBI BEN ADLER Board of Rabbis/Ex-Officio

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Q

DANIEL HERSCOVICI

Newly installed President of The Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks

Dan grew up in a Conservative Jewish family in Queens, NY, attended the Solomon Schechter School of Queens through sixth grade, and was active in United Synagogue Youth throughout high school. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University, an MS in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering from Drexel University, and an MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Currently serving as a partner at Edison Partners, a growth stage investment fund in Princeton. Dan previously held leadership positions at Comcast and Motorola Mobility. He moved with his family from Manhattan to Princeton Junction in 2007 and to Princeton in 2016.

Q: For anyone who is not familiar with what The Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks is or does, how would you describe it?

A: Historically, the Jewish Federation has allocated its dollars to agencies in support of their Jewish and communal programming. In my mind, that model is fading away. Today, the increasingly easy access to the internet enables anyone with interest to find a charity they believe in and donate directly.

In 2019 the board drew up a strategic plan with the sole purpose of evolving the way the organization has operated for 30 years by transforming the way we allocate funds, the way we communicate, and what we expect of grantees that receive our money.

Our mission moving forward is to fund best-of-breed programs that will measurably impact our local Jewish community. jewishpmb.org | 6

Q: What do you feel are the biggest strengths of the Jewish Federation right now?

A: The services that Federation can provide and will provide moving forward in this reinvention of who we are: We work hard every day to more deeply understand our community needs regarding food and housing insecurity, antisemitism and challenges to Jewish continuity for youth and families. We do so by engaging with experts, lay and religious leaders and the community at large and then using their feedback to inform our areas of focus.

Armed with this knowledge, we are constantly on the hunt for the best programs out there regardless of who delivers them. Equally as important, we take the time to identify metrics of success, require reporting on those metrics, and develop appropriate follow-up

Q&A funding decisions based on performance and impact.

This is our value add. This is why we exist. We have the ability to find, fund, hold accountable, and double down investment in those programs that deliver or redirect investment from those that are not meeting the expected metrics. This is the power of the new Jewish Federation model. We do not run programs, we identify those that are best and fund them and bring them to our community.

Our hope is to improve our Greater Mercer County Jewish community and bring a sense of unity. We are more than a collection of religious congregations, unaffiliated families and charitable organizations. We are a strong and vibrant community, and our hope is to reinforce and strengthen what we already have.

Q: What can you do better?

A: There is a very long list for sure. We are very selfaware of our past mistakes and I want everyone to know we take our responsibility to this community and to our donors very seriously. I would call out a need to dramatically improve transparency in an effort to demonstrate that we are a responsible steward of donor dollars.

Q: Why did you want to become the President of the Federation?

A: The Federation is a unique and long-standing organization that the community has come to rely on and it should be able to rally this community to make a significant material impact. I played a significant role in developing our strategic plan and, while COVID delayed its implementation, I think the board is ready for that transformation and they asked me to lead it. I am here to simply shepherd

us through and make sure it happens. But we need the larger community to join with us. I believe once everyone better understands the mission and approach, they will.

Q: What other goals do you have for the Federation?

A: For me, it is important to actively engage a younger demographic. This includes the types of programs we fund as well as the people who have a voice on our committees and will eventually join our Board of Directors. One of our goals is to introduce new programs that focus on the needs of Jewish families with children under 18. We want Greater Mercer to be a welcoming home to young Jewish families in order to build a diverse, strong, and unified Jewish community.

Q: How has COVID impacted the Federation?

A: COVID and the implications of COVID - procuring personal protective equipment, subsidizing or supplementing people who are recently unemployed and have food insecurity, and making sure our agencies had what they needed to open up safely drove where we focused our charitable efforts and what community needs required urgent attention.

The Jewish Federation will always be here to respond to a crisis and COVID is a crisis we responded to, and we did it well.

I think the next crisis, sometimes hidden in the shadows, is the rise of antisemitism locally, which I feel is underappreciated by the community at large.

It has had a major impact on our middle and high schoolers in public and private schools. jewishpmb.org | 7

CALLING ALL WOMEN TO

Lead Advocate Inspire Support Mobilize Give Back

JOIN WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY AND BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE COMMUNITY jewishpmb.org/wp

‫תיקון עולם‬

What is Women’s Philanthropy?

The Jewish Federation engages women as leaders, volunteers, contributors and donors at all stages of life for a better, stronger, Jewish future. Sisters, friends, moms, daughters, and grandmothers come together socially to lead community, inspire change, and practice Tikkun Olam, making the world a better place for generations to come. jewishpmb.org | 8

IMPACT NEWS

{ { Everyday your generous support helps us unlock programs that meaningfully impact the lives of Jewish individuals in the greater Mercer area. Our approach is extensive and powerful. We research, analyze, plan and fund the best programs that drive change, unify and strengthen our community. Our network of partners, lay leaders and experts work hand-in-hand with us to find and deliver the best programs. We are grateful to our generous donors for their unwavering support. With your help, we are serving senior citizens, children, and the community at large.

THANK YOU

The following programs are all funded by The Jewish Federation of Mercer Princeton Bucks jewishpmb.org | 9

“The Jewish Holiday experience supported by the Federation’s generosity makes Greenwood House not just a home but a spiritual home. ” – Norbert Shapiro, Abrams Resident

HIGH HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING FOR SENIORS

delivered by Greenwood House 65 Jewish residents at the Greenwood House Senior Healthcare facilities had a welcoming start to the 5782 Jewish New Year. They celebrated Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Azeret and Simchat Torah.

The High Holiday services for The Abrams Residence seniors, an assisted living facility, was conducted by Francesca Axe. The services for the Greenwood House residents, a skilled nursing facility, were zoomed in from the Park Avenue Synagogue in NYC. Previously the services were led by Murray Gendzel at the Greenwood House dedicated synagogue, but due to COVID it is currently closed.

Seniors enjoyed many High Holiday festivities in addition to the meaningful services. On Rosh Hashanah they partook in the mitzvah of hearing the shofar blowing.

Burt Sutker, friend of Greenwood House, volunteered his time to visit the residents and blow the shofar several times over the two-day celebration. Apples and honey were distributed following the services to welcome the sweet new year in a traditional Jewish way – dipping the apple in the honey!

During Sukkot, seniors got crafty and made beautiful sukkah decorations. They also flexed their brain muscles with a fun lunch and learn program called “Shake Your Lulav” led by Rabbi Leizerowski. They learned about the holiday, customs and traditions.

“Greenwood House is grateful for the generosity of the Federation which supports our Jewish Holiday programming.”

– Neil Wise, Development Director, Greenwood House jewishpmb.org | 11

JOSHUA ZINDER, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, is founder and managing partner of Princeton-based firms JZA+D and Landau|Zinder. His firms blend an affinity for traditional materials with a commitment to appropriate design, allowing every project to reflect a sense of purpose, place and context. With a career spanning more than 30 years, Joshua’s diverse design portfolio includes local, national, and overseas designs for hospitality venues, cultural and educational institutions, private homes, retail locations, mixed-use development, multifamily residences, and government and municipal facilities. Currently serving as President of AIA-New Jersey, the Chapter honored Zinder as Architect of the Year in 2013, and JZA+D as 2014 Firm of the Year.

His active involvement in the Jewish community has included The Princeton Jewish Center Board of Directors; Family & Children’s (JFCS); the Architecture, Culture & Spirituality Forum (ACSF); and an Executive Board position and current board membership at the Solomon Schechter Day School of Raritan Valley. He has lectured extensively on synagogue and educational space design and is known for his personalized and unique architectural contributions that have enhanced many Jewish institutions. Joshua’s work is recognized both locally and internationally for design excellence.

Joshua Zinder is a member of the United States Green Building Council, former AIA/ USGBC-LEED Study Group Facilitator, and Adjunct Design Professor at New Jersey Institute of Technology. Josh has also served as Co-Chair of Sustainable Princeton. He studied architecture at Columbia University and Syracuse University and resides in Princeton, New Jersey with his wife and four grown children. jewishpmb.org | 12

“The vision that Rabbi Feldman, of blessed memory, and I crafted would not have been possible without the Federation stepping up as our non-for-profit sponsor and so much more. They stepped into a leadership role right when we needed support and helped us craft the final form the event would take. The social media planning and development could not have happened without the Federation.”

- Joshua Zinder, Managing Partner of JZA+D

SUKKAH VILLAGE 2021 1 Extraordinary design exhibition 4 Social issues focused on: homelessness, food insecurity, sustainability and the struggles of refugees worldwide 6 Venues around downtown Princeton 10 Days of cultural experience 11 Beautifully designed sukkahs 22 Community Partners

If there was ever an event that transcended boundaries and brought together the entire community, this year without a shadow of a doubt, it was Sukkah Village 2021.

A brainchild of Joshua Zinder, a local architect, entrepreneur and managing partner of JZA+D, Sukkah Village highlighted how art, religion and social activism can spark joy, awareness, and conversation.

The holiday of Sukkot inspires a beautiful mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim – welcoming guests into your sukkah. The Torah tells us that we should welcome guests because we “know the soul of the stranger, having yourselves been strangers in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 23.9). The Sukkah Village 2021 event was open to the entire community, beautifully tying into the mitzvah. Hundreds of people of all ages, from near and far, came to Princeton to walk through and tour kosher, sustainable, and portable sukkahs, attend panel discussions, view a film screening and get artsy and crafty at the family event making Ushpezin invitations and sukkah decorations.

The event was held in honor of Rabbi Adam Feldman z”l, who encouraged Josh to follow his dream. With the Jewish Federation’s help, support, and expertise, the event grew into a momentous achievement uniting the Jewish community during one of the most festive Jewish holidays of the year. In addition, working together with other faith religious leaders, we built bridges and shared their insightful thoughts connecting the holiday of Sukkot to key social causes.

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“So appreciative of the Shabbat meals.

Thanks to the Federation’s funding for this program and helping JFCS to really take care of me.”

– Shabbat On Wheels Recipient

SHABBAT ON WHEELS FOR VULNERABLE JEWISH ADULTS

delivered by Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County When you are a senior citizen living alone, the time moves at a snail’s pace. The routine is set, the spirit wanes, depression sets in.

But then a doorbell rings. You open it. On the other side you are met with a warm hello and a beaming smile – and the mood flips instantly. This joy and connection to the human spirit is one of the by-products of the monthly Shabbat on Wheels delivery programsto the most vulnerable in our community that is supported by The Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks.

30 isolated Jewish seniors receive a delicious Shabbat meal, which includes a rotisserie chicken, side dish, dessert and challah rolls, on a monthly basis with the delivery help of 3-5 volunteers. The Shabbat on Wheels program provides Jewish continuity and brings Shabbat joy into the lives of seniors who have fond memories of making Shabbat and miss that experience in their lives. The delivery of the meal in non-COVID 19 times also provides an extended social interaction.

“Thanks to the Federation’s support, we are able to provide 30 local, Jewish older adults with a special comfort found in a traditional Shabbat meal. Particularly during the pandemic, maintaining traditions, such as enjoying a regular Shabbat dinner, bring an extra sense of stability to those we serve.”

– Michelle Napell, Executive Director, Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County (JFCS)

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“I have been attending the Israeli Fair for many years as a camper and now, as a staff member, I love experiencing it through my campers’ eyes.

It’s just magical.”

- Staff Member, JCC Princeton Mercer Bucks & Abrams Camps

ISRAEL PROGRAMMING delivered by JCC ABRAMS Camps

Imagine going on a journey through Israel visiting many sights and cities and experiencing the culture with all of your senses. Thankfully, 280 campers and 70 counselors and staff at the JCC Abrams Camps didn’t have to use their imagination. They were fortunate to participate in an amazing Annual Israeli Fair planned by JCC Abrams staff.

Children got a chance to “travel on planes” and enjoy stops at Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and the Golan Heights. They purchased souvenirs (handmade bracelets from the teen and older campers), tasted falafel, wrote postcards to Israeli soldiers, visited the shuk, signed the friendship ketubah, “married” their friends under the chuppah, looked for treasures in the archaeological dig, wrote wishes at the Western Wall and tried to break a record on the IDF training course.

JCC Abrams Camp’s Annual Israeli Fair is always a “fan favorite” for campers and staff. It’s an important tradition and for some families it is their only exposure to Israel. Campers get to learn about culture, traditions and the land of Israel in a very fun and creative way.

Programming at the JCC Abrams Camps, like the Annual Israeli Fair, is vital to connecting children, teens and their families to their Jewish identity. Those who experience a Jewish summer camp are more likely to engage in Jewish life as adults and support Jewish causes. They are also more likely to join a local synagogue and value their Jewish heritage as well as take on Jewish leadership roles in their communities. JCC Abrams campers and young adults are the future communal leaders and through innovative Judaic programming they instill an appreciation for what it means to be Jewish.

“Thanks to the Federation’s support, our JCC Abrams Camp community has a deeper love and connection to Israel and leaves them wanting to discover and learn more.”

- Wendy Soos, Executive Director, JCC Princeton Mercer Bucks & Abrams Camps To learn more about the JCC Abrams Camps summer experience and take advantage of their Early Bird rates, visit www.jccabramscamps.org.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ‫חסד‬

We are in search of volunteers for a variety of opportunities throughout the year. If you are interested, please email us to be added to our volunteer database.

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29 Holocaust survivors received homecare, medicine, & medical assistance

‫ניסים‬

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Help us create more as we exit the pandemic and head to recovery...together

Our Federation is the eyes and ears of the community. We connect deeply, mobilize, and respond quickly in times of crises. We make sure that our Jewish community, young and old, is strengthened and secured.

We connect to and support our brothers and sisters in Israel. And we work together to build bridges with our neighbors to provide a better, equitable place for everyone in our community.

To donate, visit jewishpmb.org/donate or contact Len at (609) 524-9911 You can also mail a check to 213 Carnegie Center, Box 2157, Princeton, NJ 08543

NON PROFIT INSIGNIA 213 Carnegie Center Box 2157 Princeton, NJ 08543

Larisa Leffel 90 Address Street City, State 07631

presents:

H IT W N IO T A S R E V A CON F O N A M S E T T O G ARCHIE 0 WED, NOV 10, 7:3

PM, ON ZOOM

Archie Gottesman is the co-founder of JewBelong.com, a groundbreaking organization and web-based platform focused on rebranding Judaism to make it more warm and welcoming for all, no matter where they are on their Jewish journey. Using awareness campaigns, including billboards in Times Square, NYC, JewBelong also focuses on ending the antisemitism growing in the US.

Join us for an intimate and candid conversation with Archie Gottesman, the co-founder of JewBelong. Archie and JewBelong are bringing attention and initiating a dialogue on Jew hate and antisemitism with witty, modern and thought-provoking messaging.

The campaign helps raise awareness among non-Jewish populations and inspires Jewish people to speak out against hate. We believe it also enhances Jewish pride!

REGISTER: JEWISHPMB.ORG/JEWBELONG #CombatAntisemitism #EndJewHate

Princeton, NJ | E-Newsletter: info@jewishpmb.org |

2021-22 CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF EVENT

/JewishPMB | jewishpmb.org | (609) 524-9911