Jewish Future Initiative: Chabad of El Paso

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JEWISH FUTURE INITIATIVE

Chabad of El Paso

2014 ACTION PLAN

Dear Friend, Chabad of El Paso is part of a dream. It is a dream of the Rebbe to give a sense of belonging to every Jew, regardless of location, education, or affiliation. It is a dream fueled by brotherly and sisterly love, a dream that inspired thousands of Chabad families to build centers around the world.

As part of this vision Rabbi Yisrael and Chana Greenberg moved to El Paso in 1986 with a dream of their own: To build a vibrant center and Jewish community.

Chabad of El Paso was born. The Greenbergs helped spearhead what has become a warm and inviting community that strives to be inclusive and hosts meaningful programs and services.

Their son, Levi, grew up in El Paso, and has always been proud of what his parents and his community accomplished. After moving away to study at various yeshivas, traveling to various places to assist with Jewish outreach activities, and receiving rabbinical ordination, Levi dreamed of coming back to El Paso and contributing to the success and growth of the community. Marrying Shainy, who has a background in education, only strengthened and encouraged this dream. In 2011, we decided to bring our experience and passion for sharing Judaism to El Paso.

With a solid community infrastructure already in place, our focus is specifically on programs that contribute to the future flourishing of our community: Children’s education, youth programs, Jewish knowledge for adults, and social services. We hope that you, too, will see the tremendous potential and value in these programs, and that you will partner with us in building a vibrant and active future for our community.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Levi and Shainy Greenberg

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS strengthening Jewish identity through interactive, hands-on education and fun

HEBREW SCHOOL

CAMP GAN ISRAEL

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

Every Sunday, children ages 2 to 10 spend one hour enhancing their Jewish education through activities, song, dance, art and more.

A two-week Jewish summer camp experience for boys and girls ages 3 to 10 where Jewish learning, life skills and community come together.

Four times per year, children enjoy baking and cooking traditional Jewish seasonal and holiday foods while learning to appreciate the mitzvah of kosher.

“I wanted my daughter to have a Jewish education. Six or seven weeks later, she now recognizes almost all the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Even more impressed and happy are we with the Jewish concepts that are increasingly the subject matter of our conversations.”

Our children’s lives and identities have been greatly enriched by their experiences at the Chabad Hebrew School and Camp Gan Israel. The classroom, the shul, the playground, the Matzoh Bakery, and the Sukkah are but a few places at Chabad that have become like an extension of their home.

Having Jewish friends with whom they can learn and grow and play with has been invaluable. The kindness and knowledge shared by the Rabbi’s and teachers are not only applied in their daily lives and appreciated now, but will be a part of the children’s lives wherever they may be in the future.

– Marcelo and Rebecca Korc

– Collin Shuman

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YOUTH PROGRAMS engaging young people through experiential events and social connections

JEWISH YOUTH ZONE

CHANUKAH PLAYLAND

YOUTH NETWORK

During each holiday season, Chabad organizes a diverse and exciting program featuring a collection of entertainment and food (BBQ or pizza), together with holiday-themed treats, crafts, activities games, and displays:

Chanukah Playland is a big deal in El Paso, featuring great food, awesome rides, games, art and gifts. The highlight is the lighting of a giant novelty Menorah (in the past we had a candy menorah and a balloon menorah) by a special distinguished guest, politician or celebrity.

El Paso is home to a large and growing Jewish youth population. Many participated in community activities as children, and we intend to create a space where students and young adults can continue to explore their connection to Judaism and Jewish life, and foster the social connections that strengthen Jewish identity and a sense of community. This Jewish Youth Network will ensure that Judaism remains an engaging part of young people’s lives during their formative years, and will help them transition into independent exploration of what Judaism means to them as they go to college, build careers, marry, and raise families of their own.

High Holiday Fun Day: Shofar Factory, Lulav and Esrog Workshop Purim Family Fun Day: Hamentash Baking, Craft, Games & Activities Passover Family Fun Day: Matzah Bakery Mid-Winter Family Fun Day: Havdalah Candle Workshop, Menorah Workshop at Home Depot, Torah Scroll Factory “Bella and I had a super time. Thank you for this event [Menorah Workshop @ Home Depot].” — Jan Wolf

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“I would like to thank you and Shainy for your energy and your creative methods that make Jewish Learning so fun for my children. I have an eight and ten year old who have attended numerous events throughout the year at Chabad Lubavitch of El Paso. They still talk about many of the events from past years to friends and family...

Riley and Ryan’s favorite event was building Menorahs at the Menorah Work Shop at Home Depot! When I posted the pictures on Facebook I had comments from all over the country. A lot of my friends and family were so impressed that we had this opportunity in El Paso, Texas. Thank you so much for all you do for my family” – Linda Miner

CHABAD OF EL PASO

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS building community through shared knowledge and values

TORAH STUDIES

WOMEN’S CIRCLE

SOCIAL SERVICES

A weekly series of timely classes that delve into the weekly Torah portion, focusing on wisdom relevant to contemporary society and personal growth.

A series of seasonal events for women that builds community bonds where participants experience hands-on workshops while exploring topics of discussion relevant to the modern Jewish woman.

Teaching and practicing Jewish chessed (kindness) through detention/hospital visits, seniors programs, counseling, outreach, and other initiatives.

LECTURE SERIES

No details were left untouched down to the last grain of salt... I know you are proud of Shainy, as we all are, for her dedication, enthusiasm, and professionalism in representing the best events Chabad offers the Jewish community in El Paso.

– Honey Phelps

In development: A seasonal lecture series that brings renowned lecturers to El Paso to share timely and inspiring messages and create must-attend events in our community.

My emotions during the day make me lose perspective and lose sight of our mission as Jews — to increase the understanding, the appreciation and love for G-d.

Torah Study at Chabad helps me clearly define that mission, rejuvenate my soul and energize me to continue to face life’s daily challenges!

– Dr. Terren Klein

FUTURE DREAM JEWISH CHILDREN’S LIBRARY With a seed grant of $50,000 from a generous community member or sponsor, Chabad hopes to renovate part of its space into a library where children can browse through and enjoy reading Jewish books, borrow Jewish books to take home, and enjoy a weekly Story Hour and other organized activities.

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FISCAL PLAN budget EXISTING PROGRAMS $25,000 Hebrew School $15,000 Camp Gan Israel $3,200 Kids in the Kitchen $10,000 Jewish Youth Zone $10,000 Chanukah Playland $12,000 Jewish Youth Network $13,800 Torah Studies $16,000 Lecture Series $8,000 Jewish Women’s Circle $20,000 Social Services $133,000 2014 Fundraising Goal

funding plan DONOR TYPE

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# OF UNITS

266 UNITS AT $500 PER UNIT VALUE

# OF DONORS

TOTAL

Contributor

1

$500

14

$7,000

Friend

2

$1,000

12

$12,000

Supporter

4

$2,000

9

$18,000

Sponsor

7

$3,500

8

$28,000

Guarantor

10

$5,000

6

$30,000

Benefactor

20

$10,000

2

$20,000

Partner

36

$18,000

1

$18,000

CHABAD OF EL PASO

sponsorship opportunities Jewish Children’s Library Dedication

$50,000

Camp Gan Israel Dedication

$15,000

Jewish Youth Zone Dedication

$10,000

Torah Studies Season Dedication

$3,500

Camp Gan Israel Co-Sponsor

$3,000

Jewish Women’s Circle Event Dedication

$2,000

Chanukah Playland Co-Sponsor

$1,000

Kids in the Kitchen Co-Sponsor

$250

Jewish Women’s Circle Event Co-Sponsor

$100

By giving to Chabad of El Paso Jewish Future Initiative, you become a partner in everything we do.

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Thank you for your friendship and support.

Chabad Lubavitch of El Paso

Rabbi Levi Greenberg, Director of Programs 6516 Escondido Dr, El Paso, TX 79912 915-584-8218 | 915-204-6580 | rabbilevi@chabadelpaso.com

www.ChabadElPaso.com