UPCOMING EVENTS FROM THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM AND LEARNING CENTER On the Destruction of Civil Liberties and Democracy in Modern Germany Sunday, October 18 at 1:00 pm Jewish Federation of St. Louis Kopolow Building 12 Millstone Campus Drive, 63146
They Risked Their Lives–Poles Who Saved Jews During the Holocaust Thursday, October 29 at 7:00 pm Jewish Federation of St. Louis Kopolow Building 12 Millstone Campus Drive, 63146
Dr. Warren Rosenblum will explore how German doctors in pursuit of “racial improvement” helped destroy the rule of law and laid the groundwork for mass murder under the Nazis.
This exhibit honors the Polish Righteous Among the Nations–men and women living in German-occupied Poland who risked their own lives and the lives of their families by rescuing Jews from the German Nazis during the Holocaust. The exhibition is a tribute to the rescuers who, by saving a single life, saved entire generations.
Warren Rosenblum is professor of history, director of European studies, and Chair of the History, Politics, and International Relations Department at Webster University. He is the author of Beyond the Prison Gates: Punishment and Welfare in Germany, 1850-1933 (Chapel Hill, 2009). He is currently preparing to write a history of mental disability in modern Europe. The presentation is open to the public and free of charge. Seating is limited, reservations required. Reception following program; dietary laws observed. To RSVP or for further information, please call 314-442-3711 or email AGoldfeder@JFedSTL.org. This program is generously sponsored by Dr. Arthur Gale and Family in loving memory of Marilyn Gale.
Greetings: Konrad Zielinski, Vice Consul, Culture, Education and Media, Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago Presentation: Remembering the Righteous Poles Former St. Louisan Felicia Graber will share her powerful story of surviving the Holocaust. Throughout the war years, her family was helped by Poles without whom their survival would have been impossible. The presentation is open to the public and free of charge. Seating is limited, reservations required. Reception following program; dietary laws observed. To RSVP or for further information, please call 314-442-3711 or email AGoldfeder@JFedSTL.org. This exhibition generously sponsored by the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago. The St. Louis installation supported by the Gloria and Rubin* Feldman Education Institute of the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center. *Of blessed memory.
APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR 2016 MILLSTONE FELLOWS CLASS Applications are being accepted through December 4 for the 2016 Millstone Fellows class, the Millstone Institute’s signature program for emerging and established leaders throughout the St. Louis Jewish community. Each year, approximately 20 men and women in their late 20’s to early 50’s, representing a diverse cross section of our community, are selected to participate in a series of programs that develop and strengthen skills to inspire meaningful experiences that will shape our community. Fellows deepen and define their personal commitments and build meaningful relationships by sharing perspectives and ideas, integrating Jewish values into decision making, and exploring relevant topics on the local, national and global scene. Many Fellows are already actively involved on community boards, several have assumed key leadership positions, and others are exploring how they want to prioritize their leadership. Key considerations for participation include: •Track record of personal and communal accomplishments that reflects a level of past leadership and deep commitment to the Jewish people.
•Potential to hold leadership positions in the community. •Possess vision, character, talent and motivation to lead and to act. •Open to new perspectives and ideas •Commit to attend all sessions. •Continued engagement with the Fellows Network alumni group (highly encouraged but not required). The program will comprise of eight monthly gatherings, including half-day Sunday retreats and three hour weeknight sessions from February through November 2016. Cost of the program is $350; scholarships are available. For more information or to download an application, please visit MillstoneSTL.org/Millstone-Initiatives/ Fellows or contact Karen Sher at KSher@JFedSTL.org.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM NORC– AN EVENING OF DANCING AND ENTERTAINMENT On September 9, the St. Louis Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) hosted a spectacular evening of dancing and entertainment for their members. Generously underwritten by Barry-Wehmiller Companies and its Chairman and CEO, Robert Chapman, the event was a smashing success. The room was beautiful, the band amazing and the 170 guests were up and dancing all night. The crowd was thrilled with the music of the Original Knights of Swing Band. Those that could not get to the dance floor moved in their chairs-no one could stay still. “Everything was so classy-it was grade A” said guest Alicia Rosenfeld. “What an elegant and delightful evening!” Visit STLNORC.org to view the gallery of photos from the evening.
JFED CONNECTS AN UPDATE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING AT JEWISH FEDERATION OF ST. LOUIS
OCTOBER 2015
JFedSTL.org
FROM OUR CHAIR, Harvey N. Wallace
INSIDE
Adapted from Annual Meeting remarks given on September 3, 2015
Israel: Current Situation .........................2 The Internship Experience......................2 Jewish Coaching Academy ........................3 Soul to Sole ....................3
I am truly honored to have been elected to serve as the 41st Board Chair of Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Founded in 1901, I am sure each of my distinguished predecessors made an indelible mark on the community. I will do my best over the next two years to live up to the legacy I am inheriting.
trait from her. So early on, giving time to help others was ingrained in me. So, what am I going to do as Board Chair? You’ll forgive me, but I would turn Kennedy’s exhortation on its head. Jewish Federation of St. Louis is here not to ask, “What can you do for us?” but rather, “What can we do to help you succeed?”
My hope for the next two years is to continue to build our work as a community development Kranzberg Family I was exposed to volunteerism, as organization dedicated to a strong Foundation .....................3 compared to philanthropy, at an Jewish community, where the early age. My parents, Sydney and values of Judaism permeate our Mary, of blessed memory, did not HMLC Upcoming work and inspire individuals to have the financial means, but they Events.............................4 make Judaism part of their own did have their time and desire to lives well lived. That means give back. My father was a member recognizing our collective Millstone Fellows............4 of The Jewish War Veterans and obligations to one another and to B’nai B’rith, and was a volunteer our people wherever there is a Highlights from fireman in University City. My need-whether among our own mother, who worked out of the NORC .............................4 Jewish poor or the 300,000 Jews in home, could never say “no” when Ukraine who continue to live on the she was asked to help. I got that front line of a civil war. This community building mission is our first order of business. But, all great non-profit institutions need to inspire investors to give philanthropically. And while Jewish Federation of St. Louis must no longer be seen as a fundraising organization, it needs to continue to raise significant dollars in order to succeed. Having served as the Vice Chair for the campaign for the last two years, I do want to note that our community building work does require considerable fundraising. And this indeed will be an important focus of my coming tenure. So, while we will continue to work on raising our Annual Campaign, we need to shift our mindset and recognize again: we are not a fundraising organization, we are a community development organization, and it is that mission-to strengthen and build our Jewish community-that must continue to inspire in order to support a vibrant Jewish community.
FROM OUR IMMEDIATE PAST BOARD CHAIR, Patricia F. Croughan Adapted from Annual Meeting remarks given on September 3, 2015
Being the Board Chair of Jewish Federation of St. Louis for the past two years has been the most absorbing, stimulating and challenging volunteer job I have ever taken on, and I am grateful to have had this opportunity. At the beginning of my term, I spoke about the need of our community to widen our tent to become a more inclusive Jewish community.
I focused then on what I assumed was the increase in intermarriage within the community, and the need as I saw it to genuinely welcome the intermarried and their partners. Two short years later, having now completed the community demographic study, we have real numbers to back that assumption. We now know that the number of people living in Jewish Continued
Continued from page 1 households numbers over 90,000, a number that reflects the enormous increase in intermarriage since 1995. We also learned the disturbing news that 24% of Jewish households cannot make ends meet or are just managing financially, and that a quarter of these households experience food insecurity. Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ vision for our community is to meaningfully engage the next generation, to reach and inspire those who feel little connection, to welcome the intermarried, to include our gay, lesbian and trans members, to reach and provide care to isolated seniors, while we continue to support our schools, synagogues, and agencies-our vision is a widely ambitious one. It is also an exciting one. In just two years, this vision has been the impetus for an explosion of creative ideas, many funded now through our Innovation Grants and Strategic Program Grants.
The heart of all this work, of this vision, of these programs, the heart is the relationships that are formed. Community development is about people, after all, and people thrive in relationships, not in isolation from each other. Our professional team, our educators, our rabbis and our army of volunteers are people who build and sustain relationships. We are, after all, a communal people. I want to thank all of those people who I have met in my term as Board Chair. It has been a pleasure to learn from you and to work alongside you. Thank you for your wise counsel, your hours and hours of committed involvement, your patience and your passion. And thank you for allowing me the honor of being Board Chair of Jewish Federation of St. Louis. It has been an incredible journey, and while my time as Board Chair has come to an end, I look forward to being involved in the dynamic Jewish community of St. Louis.
Over 75 board presidents, rabbis and executives from 25 Jewish organizations came together to build leadership connection and learn more about the Jewish Coaching Academy. Deborah Grayson Riegel of MyJewishCoach.com will be returning to St. Louis to teach coaching skills to Millstone Fellows on October 11 and to professionals throughout the Jewish community on October 12. Coaching is a distinct methodology for being an inspiring and effective leader. The program teaches ways to enhance listening and discern the message underneath the words, skills to make a question powerful enough to unlock new thinking, ideas and perspectives, and tools to help others advance as leaders. Coaching increases credibility, deepens critical thinking and boosts productive work relationships. For information on Presidents' Circle and Jewish Coaching Academy, contact Marci Mayer Eisen at 314-442-3810 or MEisen@JFedSTL.org. Millstone Institute programs are made possible by the support of the Lubin-Green Foundation, a supporting foundation of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, Bill Solomon & Family and Karen and Mont Levy.
ISRAEL CURRENT SITUATION
MILLSTONE INSTITUTE’S PRESIDENTS’ CIRCLE HIGHLIGHTS IMPACT OF JEWISH COACHING ACADEMY
The Internship Experience for Future Community Leaders is proud to have completed a very successful summer with 10 college student interns. Each intern was placed at a local business or non-profit organization and paired with a community mentor. Additionally, each student participated in a robust series of leadership development sessions. We are proud to report that 100% of our intern participants would recommend the experience to a friend. 2016 applications are now being accepted at JFedSTL.org/The-Internship-Experience.
Andy Oberman, B’nai Amoona VP, explains a coaching skill to Presidents’ Circle participants.
Mimi David, Director of Women's Programming at Aish HaTorah and Teacher at Esther Miller Bais Yaacov, demonstrates a coaching skill from the Jewish Coaching Academy at the recent Millstone Institute Presidents' Circle.
KRANZBERG FAMILY FOUNDATION ACCEPTING APPLICANTS FOR 2016 GRANTS The Kranzberg Family Foundation, a supporting foundation of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, is accepting applications for its 2016 funding cycle from St. Louis area 501(c)(3) organizations and congregations. Established in 2007 through a generous commitment from Ken Kranzberg, the Foundation's purpose is to provide funds to benefit the Jewish community of St. Louis, specifically focused on the outreach to and engagement of the "Next Generation." In concert with Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ Strategic Priorities to ensure engagement of future generations and creation of a vibrant, embracing, local Jewish community that will help retain and be attractive to young adults and families with young children, the Kranzberg Family Foundation remains committed to their mission to fund innovative and experiential programs that work toward these priorities. In addition, the Foundation remains receptive to receiving grant applications for core funding from organizations that specifically target the Next Generation. The Foundation also strongly encourages collaboration between community agencies and organizations. For funding guidelines and to download an application, visit JFedSTL.org/Kranzberg-Family-Foundation. Applications will be accepted through November 11, 2015. For more information, contact Mindee Fredman at MFredman@JFedSTL.org.
KranzbergFamily FOUNDATION
In the past weeks there have been multiple terrorist attacks in Israel. You will find statements from our CEO, Andew Rehfeld, Ph.D., and JFNA (Jewish Federations of North America) as well as messages from our partners in Israel and updates on the current situation at JFedSTL.org/Israel-Current-Situation.
Women's Philanthropy presents L'Chaim! Soul to Sole, an evening of celebration, community and giving featuring Jane Weitzman, formerly of Stuart Weitzman Shoes. The event will take place on Thursday, November 19 at The Ritz-Carlton. Jane will inspire the audience by sharing her philanthropic work with the global Jewish community.
Jewish Federation of St. Louis has created a relief fund to assist The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) in providing Israel’s terror victims with direct, immediate financial assistance after an attack, complementing governmental relief and easing recovery. 100% of money raised through Jewish Federation of St. Louis will be transferred directly to JAFI’s Fund for the Victims of Terror.
A special pre-reception, Champagne with Jane, will take place at 5:15 pm, where attendees can meet Jane and receive a signed copy of her book, Art & Sole. Soul to Sole begins at 6:15 pm with cocktails followed by the program at 7:00 pm. A vegetarian dinner will be served; dietary laws observed. Guests will be given the opportunity to make a donation to Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ 2015 Annual Campaign and are encouraged to bring a pair of gently used shoes to donate to National Council of Jewish Women. Please contact Valerie Burch at WP@JFedSTL.org or 314-442-3751 if you have questions. To purchase tickets, visit WP.JFedSTL.org/SoultoSole. Soul to Sole tickets are $54 and Champagne with Jane tickets are $180 and include admission to Soul to Sole. The event is co-chaired by Angela Flotken, Galia Movitz and Sheri Sherman.
Continued from page 1 households numbers over 90,000, a number that reflects the enormous increase in intermarriage since 1995. We also learned the disturbing news that 24% of Jewish households cannot make ends meet or are just managing financially, and that a quarter of these households experience food insecurity. Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ vision for our community is to meaningfully engage the next generation, to reach and inspire those who feel little connection, to welcome the intermarried, to include our gay, lesbian and trans members, to reach and provide care to isolated seniors, while we continue to support our schools, synagogues, and agencies-our vision is a widely ambitious one. It is also an exciting one. In just two years, this vision has been the impetus for an explosion of creative ideas, many funded now through our Innovation Grants and Strategic Program Grants.
The heart of all this work, of this vision, of these programs, the heart is the relationships that are formed. Community development is about people, after all, and people thrive in relationships, not in isolation from each other. Our professional team, our educators, our rabbis and our army of volunteers are people who build and sustain relationships. We are, after all, a communal people. I want to thank all of those people who I have met in my term as Board Chair. It has been a pleasure to learn from you and to work alongside you. Thank you for your wise counsel, your hours and hours of committed involvement, your patience and your passion. And thank you for allowing me the honor of being Board Chair of Jewish Federation of St. Louis. It has been an incredible journey, and while my time as Board Chair has come to an end, I look forward to being involved in the dynamic Jewish community of St. Louis.
Over 75 board presidents, rabbis and executives from 25 Jewish organizations came together to build leadership connection and learn more about the Jewish Coaching Academy. Deborah Grayson Riegel of MyJewishCoach.com will be returning to St. Louis to teach coaching skills to Millstone Fellows on October 11 and to professionals throughout the Jewish community on October 12. Coaching is a distinct methodology for being an inspiring and effective leader. The program teaches ways to enhance listening and discern the message underneath the words, skills to make a question powerful enough to unlock new thinking, ideas and perspectives, and tools to help others advance as leaders. Coaching increases credibility, deepens critical thinking and boosts productive work relationships. For information on Presidents' Circle and Jewish Coaching Academy, contact Marci Mayer Eisen at 314-442-3810 or MEisen@JFedSTL.org. Millstone Institute programs are made possible by the support of the Lubin-Green Foundation, a supporting foundation of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, Bill Solomon & Family and Karen and Mont Levy.
ISRAEL CURRENT SITUATION
MILLSTONE INSTITUTE’S PRESIDENTS’ CIRCLE HIGHLIGHTS IMPACT OF JEWISH COACHING ACADEMY
The Internship Experience for Future Community Leaders is proud to have completed a very successful summer with 10 college student interns. Each intern was placed at a local business or non-profit organization and paired with a community mentor. Additionally, each student participated in a robust series of leadership development sessions. We are proud to report that 100% of our intern participants would recommend the experience to a friend. 2016 applications are now being accepted at JFedSTL.org/The-Internship-Experience.
Andy Oberman, B’nai Amoona VP, explains a coaching skill to Presidents’ Circle participants.
Mimi David, Director of Women's Programming at Aish HaTorah and Teacher at Esther Miller Bais Yaacov, demonstrates a coaching skill from the Jewish Coaching Academy at the recent Millstone Institute Presidents' Circle.
KRANZBERG FAMILY FOUNDATION ACCEPTING APPLICANTS FOR 2016 GRANTS The Kranzberg Family Foundation, a supporting foundation of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, is accepting applications for its 2016 funding cycle from St. Louis area 501(c)(3) organizations and congregations. Established in 2007 through a generous commitment from Ken Kranzberg, the Foundation's purpose is to provide funds to benefit the Jewish community of St. Louis, specifically focused on the outreach to and engagement of the "Next Generation." In concert with Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ Strategic Priorities to ensure engagement of future generations and creation of a vibrant, embracing, local Jewish community that will help retain and be attractive to young adults and families with young children, the Kranzberg Family Foundation remains committed to their mission to fund innovative and experiential programs that work toward these priorities. In addition, the Foundation remains receptive to receiving grant applications for core funding from organizations that specifically target the Next Generation. The Foundation also strongly encourages collaboration between community agencies and organizations. For funding guidelines and to download an application, visit JFedSTL.org/Kranzberg-Family-Foundation. Applications will be accepted through November 11, 2015. For more information, contact Mindee Fredman at MFredman@JFedSTL.org.
KranzbergFamily FOUNDATION
In the past weeks there have been multiple terrorist attacks in Israel. You will find statements from our CEO, Andew Rehfeld, Ph.D., and JFNA (Jewish Federations of North America) as well as messages from our partners in Israel and updates on the current situation at JFedSTL.org/Israel-Current-Situation.
Women's Philanthropy presents L'Chaim! Soul to Sole, an evening of celebration, community and giving featuring Jane Weitzman, formerly of Stuart Weitzman Shoes. The event will take place on Thursday, November 19 at The Ritz-Carlton. Jane will inspire the audience by sharing her philanthropic work with the global Jewish community.
Jewish Federation of St. Louis has created a relief fund to assist The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) in providing Israel’s terror victims with direct, immediate financial assistance after an attack, complementing governmental relief and easing recovery. 100% of money raised through Jewish Federation of St. Louis will be transferred directly to JAFI’s Fund for the Victims of Terror.
A special pre-reception, Champagne with Jane, will take place at 5:15 pm, where attendees can meet Jane and receive a signed copy of her book, Art & Sole. Soul to Sole begins at 6:15 pm with cocktails followed by the program at 7:00 pm. A vegetarian dinner will be served; dietary laws observed. Guests will be given the opportunity to make a donation to Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ 2015 Annual Campaign and are encouraged to bring a pair of gently used shoes to donate to National Council of Jewish Women. Please contact Valerie Burch at WP@JFedSTL.org or 314-442-3751 if you have questions. To purchase tickets, visit WP.JFedSTL.org/SoultoSole. Soul to Sole tickets are $54 and Champagne with Jane tickets are $180 and include admission to Soul to Sole. The event is co-chaired by Angela Flotken, Galia Movitz and Sheri Sherman.
UPCOMING EVENTS FROM THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM AND LEARNING CENTER On the Destruction of Civil Liberties and Democracy in Modern Germany Sunday, October 18 at 1:00 pm Jewish Federation of St. Louis Kopolow Building 12 Millstone Campus Drive, 63146
They Risked Their Lives–Poles Who Saved Jews During the Holocaust Thursday, October 29 at 7:00 pm Jewish Federation of St. Louis Kopolow Building 12 Millstone Campus Drive, 63146
Dr. Warren Rosenblum will explore how German doctors in pursuit of “racial improvement” helped destroy the rule of law and laid the groundwork for mass murder under the Nazis.
This exhibit honors the Polish Righteous Among the Nations–men and women living in German-occupied Poland who risked their own lives and the lives of their families by rescuing Jews from the German Nazis during the Holocaust. The exhibition is a tribute to the rescuers who, by saving a single life, saved entire generations.
Warren Rosenblum is professor of history, director of European studies, and Chair of the History, Politics, and International Relations Department at Webster University. He is the author of Beyond the Prison Gates: Punishment and Welfare in Germany, 1850-1933 (Chapel Hill, 2009). He is currently preparing to write a history of mental disability in modern Europe. The presentation is open to the public and free of charge. Seating is limited, reservations required. Reception following program; dietary laws observed. To RSVP or for further information, please call 314-442-3711 or email AGoldfeder@JFedSTL.org. This program is generously sponsored by Dr. Arthur Gale and Family in loving memory of Marilyn Gale.
Greetings: Konrad Zielinski, Vice Consul, Culture, Education and Media, Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago Presentation: Remembering the Righteous Poles Former St. Louisan Felicia Graber will share her powerful story of surviving the Holocaust. Throughout the war years, her family was helped by Poles without whom their survival would have been impossible. The presentation is open to the public and free of charge. Seating is limited, reservations required. Reception following program; dietary laws observed. To RSVP or for further information, please call 314-442-3711 or email AGoldfeder@JFedSTL.org. This exhibition generously sponsored by the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago. The St. Louis installation supported by the Gloria and Rubin* Feldman Education Institute of the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center. *Of blessed memory.
APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR 2016 MILLSTONE FELLOWS CLASS Applications are being accepted through December 4 for the 2016 Millstone Fellows class, the Millstone Institute’s signature program for emerging and established leaders throughout the St. Louis Jewish community. Each year, approximately 20 men and women in their late 20’s to early 50’s, representing a diverse cross section of our community, are selected to participate in a series of programs that develop and strengthen skills to inspire meaningful experiences that will shape our community. Fellows deepen and define their personal commitments and build meaningful relationships by sharing perspectives and ideas, integrating Jewish values into decision making, and exploring relevant topics on the local, national and global scene. Many Fellows are already actively involved on community boards, several have assumed key leadership positions, and others are exploring how they want to prioritize their leadership. Key considerations for participation include: •Track record of personal and communal accomplishments that reflects a level of past leadership and deep commitment to the Jewish people.
•Potential to hold leadership positions in the community. •Possess vision, character, talent and motivation to lead and to act. •Open to new perspectives and ideas •Commit to attend all sessions. •Continued engagement with the Fellows Network alumni group (highly encouraged but not required). The program will comprise of eight monthly gatherings, including half-day Sunday retreats and three hour weeknight sessions from February through November 2016. Cost of the program is $350; scholarships are available. For more information or to download an application, please visit MillstoneSTL.org/Millstone-Initiatives/ Fellows or contact Karen Sher at KSher@JFedSTL.org.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM NORC– AN EVENING OF DANCING AND ENTERTAINMENT On September 9, the St. Louis Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) hosted a spectacular evening of dancing and entertainment for their members. Generously underwritten by Barry-Wehmiller Companies and its Chairman and CEO, Robert Chapman, the event was a smashing success. The room was beautiful, the band amazing and the 170 guests were up and dancing all night. The crowd was thrilled with the music of the Original Knights of Swing Band. Those that could not get to the dance floor moved in their chairs-no one could stay still. “Everything was so classy-it was grade A” said guest Alicia Rosenfeld. “What an elegant and delightful evening!” Visit STLNORC.org to view the gallery of photos from the evening.
JFED CONNECTS AN UPDATE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING AT JEWISH FEDERATION OF ST. LOUIS
OCTOBER 2015
JFedSTL.org
FROM OUR CHAIR, Harvey N. Wallace
INSIDE
Adapted from Annual Meeting remarks given on September 3, 2015
Israel: Current Situation .........................2 The Internship Experience......................2 Jewish Coaching Academy ........................3 Soul to Sole ....................3
I am truly honored to have been elected to serve as the 41st Board Chair of Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Founded in 1901, I am sure each of my distinguished predecessors made an indelible mark on the community. I will do my best over the next two years to live up to the legacy I am inheriting.
trait from her. So early on, giving time to help others was ingrained in me. So, what am I going to do as Board Chair? You’ll forgive me, but I would turn Kennedy’s exhortation on its head. Jewish Federation of St. Louis is here not to ask, “What can you do for us?” but rather, “What can we do to help you succeed?”
My hope for the next two years is to continue to build our work as a community development Kranzberg Family I was exposed to volunteerism, as organization dedicated to a strong Foundation .....................3 compared to philanthropy, at an Jewish community, where the early age. My parents, Sydney and values of Judaism permeate our Mary, of blessed memory, did not HMLC Upcoming work and inspire individuals to have the financial means, but they Events.............................4 make Judaism part of their own did have their time and desire to lives well lived. That means give back. My father was a member recognizing our collective Millstone Fellows............4 of The Jewish War Veterans and obligations to one another and to B’nai B’rith, and was a volunteer our people wherever there is a Highlights from fireman in University City. My need-whether among our own mother, who worked out of the NORC .............................4 Jewish poor or the 300,000 Jews in home, could never say “no” when Ukraine who continue to live on the she was asked to help. I got that front line of a civil war. This community building mission is our first order of business. But, all great non-profit institutions need to inspire investors to give philanthropically. And while Jewish Federation of St. Louis must no longer be seen as a fundraising organization, it needs to continue to raise significant dollars in order to succeed. Having served as the Vice Chair for the campaign for the last two years, I do want to note that our community building work does require considerable fundraising. And this indeed will be an important focus of my coming tenure. So, while we will continue to work on raising our Annual Campaign, we need to shift our mindset and recognize again: we are not a fundraising organization, we are a community development organization, and it is that mission-to strengthen and build our Jewish community-that must continue to inspire in order to support a vibrant Jewish community.
FROM OUR IMMEDIATE PAST BOARD CHAIR, Patricia F. Croughan Adapted from Annual Meeting remarks given on September 3, 2015
Being the Board Chair of Jewish Federation of St. Louis for the past two years has been the most absorbing, stimulating and challenging volunteer job I have ever taken on, and I am grateful to have had this opportunity. At the beginning of my term, I spoke about the need of our community to widen our tent to become a more inclusive Jewish community.
I focused then on what I assumed was the increase in intermarriage within the community, and the need as I saw it to genuinely welcome the intermarried and their partners. Two short years later, having now completed the community demographic study, we have real numbers to back that assumption. We now know that the number of people living in Jewish Continued