Update from The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey • March 2018 • Volume 7
Strengthening the Jewish community locally and around the world
Inclusion: essential to our mission
“Welcome the stranger into your midst. Because you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” This fundamental tenet of Judaism is the most often repeated commandment in the Torah and it underlies the Jewish Federation’s very mission. Strengthening the well-being and future of the whole Jewish community requires Jews of all backgrounds, leanings, and lifestyles pull together – both with those they perceive to be like them and those they see as different. This newsletter highlights some of the people and programs empowered by the Federation to carry out these values in caring for the vulnerable, connecting people of all ages to community, responding to crises,
and broadening commitment to each other. Those featured include:
• A Rutgers student who broke boundaries, empowering students like herself to improve their lives through Jewish sensibilities
• A man who saw a need others missed, summer camp for children who had few to no other options
• An Israeli crisis center that helps teachers, parents, and kids get past stigma and address sexual abuse
• An international program for teens expanding its focus beyond local borders
• A series of programs bridging interfaith interests to combat hate. This Jewish Federation is proud of its ability to combine what exists with what is on the horizon, continually forging new paths to an inclusive community for every Jew. These go hand in hand with its role as a convener within the Jewish community and as a leader in the wider community. And all depend on the participation — through donations as well as actions — of the people who live in the heart of NJ. Your actions, your words, your dollars make a difference every day in the lives of people near and far — including you.
Teens put their stamp on JServe this year On April 22, when hundreds of teens from Monmouth and Greater Middlesex counties come together for JServe – an international day of Jewish youth service combining fun and social action – they’ll be doing it their way.
Summer Scholarships In addition to scholarships for special needs camp, the Federation also awards One Happy Camper incentive grants for first-time Jewish campers, need-based camp scholarships for struggling families who can’t afford childcare when school is out, and grants for teens traveling to Israel on peer trips. In partnership with NJ Y Camps, the Federation also promotes short-stays to try camp for those who aren’t sure they are ready. Applications are processed and a limited number of grants awarded on a first-come, firstserved basis. For more information, go to jewishheartnj.org/youth or contact lauras@jewishheartnj.org
This year, a dedicated group of teenage planners from different denominations and youth groups took the leading role making the day fit teen interests. The Federation joined with BBYO, NCYS, and others to convene the teen leaders. Recognizing that JServe is just after the 70th anniversary of Israeli independence on April 19, it will focus on the needs of the Jewish community at home and in Israel. A keynote speaker will address why Israel matters to young people and the day’s community service electives will benefit people locally and in Israel. JServe is one day, but its impact will last far into the future – making a difference for the beneficiaries of community service projects, making participants more aware of humanitarian issues at home and in Israel, and inspiring many to remain involved in
Jewish community and causes as adults. JServe is one of many programs for youth at every age supported by the Federation. Others include: •
PJ Library, free books and music for kids six months to eight years, and PJ Our Way for nine to 11 year olds
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One Happy Camper and other summer camp scholarships, including need-based, special needs, and NJ Y Camp shortstay camp trials
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Teen Israel travel grants, connecting teens to Israel, their Jewish heritage, and peers
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JTeam Teen Philanthropy, leadership development program about making philanthropic choices
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Fresh Ink for Teens, an online literary magazine written by and for Jewish teens
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Write On for Israel, a competitive, 2-year program honing teens’ advocacy skills.
For more about JServe or the other programs go to jewishheartnj.org/youth or, contact inbars@jewishheartnj.org
Get to know the real Israel. Whether your first trip or your fifth, don’t miss this chance to experience Israel from the north, south, east, and west. The Federation’s upcoming journey, October 14 – 22, 2018, explores Israel’s “four corners.” At each stop, travelers will meet people linked with Israel’s past, present, and future. Among the first: a person who escaped the Holocaust on a ship like the Exodus. Whether exploring ancient pathways or centers of innovation, you’ll spend time with Israelis: Kabbalists, Bedouins, Arabs, and IDF soldiers, to name a few. You’ll hear from artists and winemakers, entrepreneurs and historians as you absorb the sights, smells, tastes, and charm of Israel. And you’ll do it with your own friends and neighbors from Monmouth and Greater Middlesex counties, forming lasting bonds and meaningful memories together. For more information go to jewishheartnj.org/missions, or contact danr@jewishheartnj.org.
One man’s good deeds reached across generations Aliza’s oldest son, Marc, is not like her others. And knows it. The 17-year-old is on the Autism spectrum. Aliza says, “He’s not really high functioning, and not really non-verbal. He’s in the middle. ” For most of the year, Marc attends a state-funded private school. Summers, however, have always been a challenge with no other activities that are safe and affordable. That challenge was answered when the whole family went to visit one of their other children at a Jewish overnight camp and the director showed them its camp within a camp, for children with special needs. Finally, Aliza hoped there’d be a summer activity for Marc, and Marc was thrilled he might get to go to the same place as his sibling.
“My grandfather was incredibly generous and philanthropic. But he wanted no credit. He did everything quietly.” But caring for a child with special needs is costly and the family soon learned they could not afford it. Aliza contacted the Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ, and learned the Stolzer Family Fund for Children with Special Needs could help. Begun in 1999 by Herbert Stolzer, the fund has helped more than 225 children with special needs be part of the joyful Jewish community of camp – now including Marc. Aliza says, “He’s so happy at camp, and when he gets back, he has more confidence. He even Skypes with his counselors.” Aliza and Marc never met Herb Stolzer, who died in 2013 at the age of 87, but they know their lives are better because he left a legacy gift to the Jewish Federation so young people of all abilities would have a place in the Jewish community.
One of Herbert Stolzer’s eight grandchildren, David Stolzer, says, “My grandfather was incredibly generous, but he did everything quietly. We only learned of his philanthropy from eulogies at his funeral and stories during shiva.” The grandchildren wanted to find a meaningful way to continue their grandfather’s legacy. So they agreed that each would make an annual contribution to the Stolzer Family Fund for Children with Special Needs. “We live all over the globe, so we don’t get to see each other often,” said David. “This is something we do together even though we’re apart.” For information about supporting the fund, or how to set up your own legacy gift, contact susana@jewishheartnj.org.
Meeting even secret needs This Federation looks to fill unmet needs in Jewish life – especially caring for the vulnerable in under-served populations wherever they may be. In Israel this year, we supported long-standing 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, living in a small town, was 10-year old Avigayil – and she had a terrible secret. Avigayil’s uncle, who everyone loved, had been molesting her for years. She dreaded his visits, but couldn’t tell anyone because no one would believe her.
That’s how Avigayil learned the difference between a good secret and a bad one – and how to share bad secrets with an adult who listens.
According to Debbie Gross, Director of the Tahel Crisis Center, victims like Avigayil, torn between ending their nightmare and bringing shame to themselves and their families, rarely report abuse.
Shortly after the workshop in her classroom, she gathered the courage to confide in her best friend’s mother, who alerted Tahel. The Tahel team helped Avigayil and her family through all that followed.
Israel’s only rape crisis center specializing in working within religious communities, Tahel began with one hotline. Now, thanks in part to support from the Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ, it also conducts safety and prevention workshops in schools throughout Israel.
Soon after, the uncle was arrested and Avigayil and her parents continue to receive support from Tahel. Abuse can happen to anyone. If you or someone you know has a terrible secret, contact Jewish Family Services of Middlesex (732) 777-1940 or Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Monmouth (732) 935-1881. For more information about Tahel or the Federation’s impact in Israel, contact danr@jewishheartnj.org
Rutgers student uses Jewish Sensibilities to reach others Fedline Saintina took enrichment classes offered by each Jewish denomination at Rutgers, and realized none of them fit her quite right. “I wanted a class that was relevant to a college student’s life,” she said. “I wanted purpose, meaning… soul food.” Her friends, many without traditional Jewish educations or backgrounds, wanted that too. Online, Fedline found a curriculum called Jewish Sensibilities, linking Judaic values to campus realities.
The 10-week, non-credit course developed by students at another Hillel, focuses on lessons for college students, such as dealing with failure (Sevirah), understanding what they owe (how to treat) each other (Brit), and celebrating responsibly (Simcha). Fedline recruited students, but needed funding for presenter stipends and class supplies. The Federation stepped in with a grant. Rabbi Victor Appell, Rutgers Hillel Senior Jewish Educator, says, “Feldine had everything organized. She had written and gotten the grant,
knew who she wanted to lead each session, and had outlined goals.” Rabbi Appell saw the class inspire many students to become more involved in Jewish activities on campus. He added, “Fedline is a leader who doesn’t let boundaries limit her.” The Federation is proud to support the spirit of innovation and resourcefulness that inspired Fedline to connect her college age peers with Jewish Sensibilities. For information about grants for innovative programs, contact lauras@jewishheartnj.org.
Federation leads community strategy against anti-Semitism The Jewish community knows, when confronted by anti-Semitism and hate, it must respond. What many in the community don’t know, is the Federation leads the response. ON CAMPUS — Among its many
Baptist, Southern Baptist, Presbyterian, Church of God, Catholic, and Islam. Exploring the complexities of the Israeli/ Arab conflict, the group spoke with Dr. Chaudry; Rabbi Marc Klein of Monmouth Reform and head of Federation interfaith clergy engagement; and Jared Maples, director of Homeland Security and Preparedness — at a Federation bias event
“Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.” - Winston Churchill, paraphrasing George Santayana interventions, the Federation recently coordinated an effective response to concerns about professors at Rutgers University. The appointment of a former spokesperson for the Syrian dictator as professor of international human rights law – a man with a track record of anti-Semitic comments, combined with hate-speech by two other professors, thrust the school into the national news. The Federation, together with the school’s Federation-funded Hillel and Chabad, and the State Association of Jewish Federations reacted quickly. Letters, personal contacts, op-eds, and social media resulted in school actions returning to an atmosphere of healthy inquiry and mutual respect. INTERFAITH CLERGY — This past January, the Federation sponsored its second Interfaith Mission to Israel. More than 20 clergy members participated, representing such faiths as Jewish, Evangelical Lutheran, Episcopal, American
Palestinians and Israelis, visited Arab towns, and toured such sites as Jerusalem, Yad Vashem, and a Tel Aviv high-tech hub. A PLEDGE — In another bridge-building effort, the Federation is promoting the Stand Up for The Other Pledge (jewishheartnj.org/standup). Signers commit to speak up against hateful comments targeting any faith, ethnic, or gender community. M. Ali Chaudry, Ph.D of the NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Interfaith Advisory Council, created the pledge. It has been signed to date by more than 6000 people among the NJ State Senate and Assembly, several NJ school districts, leadership and staff of the Federation, and local synagogues. According to Federation Director of Community Programs, Amy Keller, “The pledge raises consciousness that every individual and group deserves respect.”
After returning from the Federation’s first interfaith mission in 2016, several of the non-Jewish clergy shared insights about and led follow-up trips to Israel with their congregants. They have continued spreading their newly acquired, more nuanced views of Israel through participation in local, Federation-sponsored bias-related programs. And they referred peers to take part in the 2018 interfaith journey. Many have become trusted partners combating hate in the heart of NJ, with the multiplier effect benefiting those of all faiths, enhancing connections with Israel, and further cementing the Federation’s leadership role in the broader community. The Federation encourages all area faith-based institutions to sign the pledge. For more information, go to jewishheartnj.org/ standup or contact amyk@jewishheartnj.org.
Federation Leadership Jeffrey Schwartz PRESIDENT Amy Mallet 1ST VICE PRESIDENT
230 Old Bridge Turnpike South River, NJ 08882
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID New Brunswick, NJ Permit No. 885
Michelle Fields 2ND VICE PRESIDENT Murray Katz TREASURER Cheryl Markbreiter SECRETARY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Joel Krinsky Naomi Lasky Lauren Reich Adrienne Ross Keith Krivitzky CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Susan Antman EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
You make everything possible Caring for the vulnerable, connecting people of all ages to community, responding to crises, and broadening commitment to each other – you make it all possible by:
Donating 230 Old Bridge Turnpike South River, NJ 08882 Phone: (732) 588-1800
Your donation to the Federation brings services to people in need. They would thank each of you who donate, whether online to address immediate needs or by setting up a legacy gift that will make a difference in the future to help people here in the heart of New Jersey, as well as in Israel and wherever else there is need. Please accept our thanks instead. Go to jewishheartnj.org/donate or call 732-588-1800.
Volunteering Many of Federation’s partners need help so they can assist more people in need. Don’t know what you can do? We can help! Contact lauras@jewishheartnj.org or call her at 732-588-1800.
Joining the fun For the experience of a lifetime, sign up for the Federation’s next mission and see the Four Corners of Israel, Oct. 14 – 22, 2018. Or participate in any of the terrific programs in the area. Contact danr@jewishheartnj.org about the mission. Go to jewishheartnj.org/calendar to see what’s happening near you.