P4 / MATZAH IN JAPAN N J O P

Transcription

1 P2 / EVER LOYAL NJOP takes a look at the success of SAA/C and why synagogues sign on year after year. 25 P3 / TWENTY-FIVE YEARS! NJOP s Annual Dinner was a celebration marking NJOP s 25th year of positive, joyous Jewish experiences. P4 / MATZAH IN JAPAN PASSOVER ACROSS AMERICA crossed the ocean as Jews in Tokyo joined together in a communal festivity. P7 / YOUR CHANCE Find out how you can help in NJOP s vital mission to inspire North American Jews. N J O P JULY 2013 l AV 5773 R E P O R T A Walk with NJOP into the Future by Ephraim Z. Buchwald When NJOP was founded over 25 years ago, our goal was to reach the largest number of Jews in the most cost-effective manner, and provide them with basic Jewish information so that they could make an intelligent choice of whether they wished to be part of Jewish life or not. We felt that if we provided them with positive, joyous Jewish experiences and exciting educational opportunities, Judaism would sell itself, and that they would certainly choose to embrace their most meaningful heritage. Over the last 25 years, NJOP has had many successes and has positively influenced hundreds of thousands of Jews. Today, NJOP s goals remain more-or-less the same, but the environment has changed dramatically. NJOP prides itself on always being at the cutting-edge, sensitive to the new winds that are blowing, and to the new realities of Jewish life. The marketing strategies that NJOP employed in those early years were nothing less than revolutionary at the time: toll-free numbers, like HEBREW, SHABBAT, radio jingles, subway advertising, and billboards. NJOP was always at the forefront of introducing the newest and most effective marketing methods. When the internet era dawned, NJOP was among the first Jewish groups to use the web, developing a most sophisticated website. As the internet evolved, NJOP was always in lock step with new programs. In the age of social media, under the Jewish Treats brand, NJOP has become one of the leading Jewish presences on Facebook and Twitter, amassing record numbers of followers and reaching record numbers of young Jews. Today, in addition to its broad array of heralded conventional campaigns and programs (SHABBAT ACROSS Todah, and thanks for making everything possible. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

2 SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA AND CANADA 2013 Sponsored by the Melohn Family, in memory of Mrs. Martha Melohn, z l WITH US FROM THE START SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA AND CANADA (SAA/C) is NJOP s muchacclaimed cross-continental campaign to promote a greater appreciation of the holy day of Shabbat. SAA/C has been hosted at over 2,434 different locations over the course of the last seventeen years. Of those locations, only 45 can boast an unbroken tradition of running SAA/C every single year. It is obvious that SAA/C has a special and unique meaning for each of them. NJOP asked their representatives to share their unique perspective with us: Rabbi Howard Morrison, Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue, Toronto, Ontario Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda has participated in SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA AND CANADA since the program's inception in One of forty-five shuls to do so, our synagogue has done so without interruption for a number of reasons. First, Our par ticipation enables individuals and families in the local Jewish community to deepen their appreciation for the beauty of Shabbat in their lives. -Rabbi Howard Morrison believing in the primacy of Shabbat, our participation enables individuals and families in the local Jewish community to deepen their appreciation for the beauty of Shabbat in their lives. Second, in an era of increased fragmentation in the Jewish world, our shul's involvement helps to remind the Jewish world that what unites us is far greater than what divides us. Third, there is very little activity in the Jewish community that reaches out beyond geographical or ideological boundaries. SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA AND CANADA is one of the great success stories that transcends geography and ideology. Keyn Yirbu - May the success of SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA AND CANADA continue to grow for years to come. Jack Kaufman, President, Congregation B'nai Torah, Westminster, CO "Congregation B'nai Torah has participated with NJOP for the past sixteen years. It is my understanding that we were the first in Colorado, a fact about which we are extremely proud. SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA is, for us, a way to gather our Jewish community, members and non-members, together, to celebrate who we are. It is a demonstration of pride in who we are and what we stand for." Are You A Jewish Treats Fan? When the very first Jewish Treat was ed on June 1, 2008, there were only 5 people on the subscription list. Today, that list is over 3,350 subscribers long, and ten times that number read about the daily Jewish Treat via JewishTweets on Twitter. Readers of Jewish Treats consistently tell us how they enjoy the daily material that makes Judaism both more interesting and more accessible to all Jews. Five years after NJOP entered the social media world, JewishTweets has over 37,000 followers on Twitter and Jewish Treats has 7,000 Facebook fans. Between Jewish Treats, JewishTweets and their fans on Facebook and Pinterest, NJOP s Jewish Treats social media brand has consistently been recognized as a prime-mover. Aware of the importance of connecting Jewish life to current events, Jewish Treats was on top of key events over the past year. D i s a s t e r R e l i e f JewishTweets announced volunteer and donation opportunities, provided Psalms to be recited and highlighted individuals, organizations and communities that offered relief to the victims of both Hurricane Sandy and the Moore, OK, tornado. To add Jewish Treats to your inbox, jewishtreats@njop.org. O l y m p i c G a m e s JewishTweets helped orchestrate a Social Media Minute of Silence on Twitter and Facebook corresponding with the Olympic Opening Ceremonies to honor the Munich 11. N e w Ye a r s JewishTweets created a well-regarded list of 2012 s Top 10 Jewish Social Media Moments. 2 F e s t i v a l s a n d H o l i d a y s Jewish Treats holiday eguides have received continuous download popularity. From informative Jewish Treats s to popular Pinterest posters, Jewish Treats has helped followers celebrate everything from Passover and Shavuot to Yom Ha atzmaut to secular holidays such as Earth Day and Memorial Day.

3 Silver Anniversary Dinner Honors Founders and More Carl and Sylvia Freyer Young Leadership Award Leslie Nelkin Special Service Award THE DIALOGUE The highlight of the Dinner was a dialogue between NJOP s Director, Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald and Mr. Michael Steinhardt, one of NJOP s most significant early supporters and Founders, on the State of American Jewry. The dialogue was moderated by renowned author Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. Despite Rabbi Buchwald and Mr. Steinhardt s differing views and approaches in their work to engage more Jews in Jewish communal life, they are both passionate leaders of the fight for Jewish continuity. Members of the Board Clockwise from top left: Bunny Escava, Sam Domb, Sylvia Freyer and Dr. Joseph Frager 2) Dr. Ellie Carmody and Daniel Stone 3) Alec Ellison and Brandon Dunn 4) Bonnie and Rabbi Gideon Shloush In October 2012, NJOP celebrated its 25th anniversary. On February 5, 2013, this milestone was celebrated at NJOP s Annual Dinner at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City. The evening opened with a tribute to the Founders, the 26 men and women who helped Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald realize his vision of providing positive, joyous Jewish experiences to unaffiliated and marginally-affiliated Jews. Among those who have played a critical role in support of NJOP, Mr. Sam Domb is in a category of his own, not only personally contributing significant funds to enable NJOP to further its efforts, but soliciting many others to contribute as well. In acknowledging Mr. Domb s achievements at this year s Dinner, Rabbi Buchwald also announced the recently released English edition of Mr. Domb s autobiography, He Hath Not Let Me Die. Congratulations to Renee Erreich, NJOP s Event Coordinator, on NJOP s extraordinary 25th Anniversay Dinner. Quotable Quotes From The Dinner Rabbi Buchwald, your wisdom gives us guidance, your compassion gives us heart and your vision gives us Jewish spirit. -Mr. Sam Domb I wanted to learn how to create a Jewish home and an enviroment for my children that would enhance their own sense of Jewish identity. -Dr. Ellie Carmody [It is] remarkable...to come and see an organization like NJOP that lives and believes in this ideology. -Rabbi Gideon Shloush... Judaism should be less about conveying a revelation and more about forming a relevance. To me, this is the essence of NJOP. -Mr. Alec Ellison Mr. Steinhardt, a self-declared atheist, believes that the key to Jewish continuity lies in fostering a sense of Jewish pride. To this end, he has enabled tens of thousands of young Jews to visit Israel as one of the founders of the Birthright Israel program. Despite Birthright s popularity and resounding success, he candidly questioned the trip s long-term effects in inspiring unaffiliated Jews to become more committed Jews. Rabbi Buchwald, on the other hand, focused on passion rather than pride. He was emphatic that a strong Jewish identity is best fostered in a home where a passion for Judaism is demonstrated. Rabbi Buchwald also held fast to his assertion that observing Jewish rituals and educating unaffiliated Jews about the profound meanings of these rituals, is the key to raising children with a strong Jewish identity, fighting assimilation and ensuring Jewish survival. 3

4 Dear Rabbi H., I have no place to keep the first seder. I don t know how much your seder is, but I have absolutely no money... Passover Across America Passover Inspiration Every year, Jewish clergy receive pleas like the one above to help Jews meet their spiritual hunger for a Passover seder. For the last nine years, NJOP has been helping synagogues across the continent to provide inspiring seders that are open to their entire communities. Through the generous and continuing support of Mr. Paul J. Taubman (in memory of his beloved father, Mr. Joseph L. Taubman, z l), PASSOVER ACROSS AMERICA (PAA) participating locations have been able to organize, promote, and in many cases, subsidize these welcoming seders. In 2013, 51 PAA seders were attended by more that 4,100 men, women and children. Tokyo Matzah The number itself is impressive, but what is more exciting is the great impact that these experiences are having on the participants. The numerous reports that NJOP has received from the PAA locations reveal a definitive trend of increased participation in Jewish life by many who have attended the PAA seders. We had a wonderful seder with close to 50 people, and some that had never been at a seder. From a conversation at the seder table, one family decided to rent the property next to the synagogue and start getting connected (Rabbi Yaakov Vann, Calabasas Shul, Calabasas, CA). Although Passover Across America originally began as a United States initiative, it has expanded beyond the U.S. borders. Not only were there locations in three Canadian provinces this year, but there was also an open, explanatory PAA seder in Tokyo, Japan! Over 160 people attended the Tokyo program, which was organized by Rabbi Binyomin Edery. According to Rabbi Daniel Aldrich, as quoted in Hamodia: Many of the participants were Jews who may not think often of their heritage the rest of the year, but they came in large numbers to eat matzah, to fulfill the obligations of Pesach, maror and maggid, and to celebrate with their co-religionists. Partner With Us DEDICATIONS in memory of a loved one are wonderful ways to support NJOP s important work. For more information, contact Larry Greenman at or lgreenman@njop.org. MULTIMEDIA CRASH COURSE IN JEWISH HISTORY (CCJH) Help NJOP use the unique tools of the digital age to create a new version of the CCJH that will bring Jewish history to life in a whole new way. CRASH COURSE IN JEWISH HISTORY COMPANION GUIDE Each student of the Crash Course in Jewish History receives a free Companion Guide, providing them with take-home insights into the Jewish people s 4,000 year old tradition. Your dedication of CCJH Companion Guides allows NJOP to continue presenting this vital and inspiring information to North American Jews. JEWISH TREATS Dedicate a dose of juicy bits of Judaism daily, and share the beauty of Jewish life by sponsoring Jewish Treats on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. JEWISH TREATS HOLIDAY EGUIDES Enable NJOP to continue enhancing the celebration of the Jewish festivals with Jewish Treats holiday eguides. See page 7 for further dedication opportunities. 4

5 DEEP SOUTH DEDICATION Rabbi Hesh Epstein wears many hats. While his primary position is serving at the helm of Columbia, South Carolina s Chabad - Aleph House, he has also been providing spiritual guidance to the soldiers who come to nearby Fort Jackson. In both capacities, Rabbi Epstein has found his partnership with NJOP to be truly beneficial. As a congregational rabbi, Rabbi Epstein has implemented NJOP s holiday campaigns with great effect. He is particularly grateful for the financial subsidy he received for PASSOVER ACROSS AMERICA, stating that it has allowed us to lower the price, especially as many families are generally too proud to ask for a discount. This brought in 25-30% more people. For his work at Fort Jackson, Rabbi Epstein has found that the Crash We need to do things in ways that are elegant and attractive and makes [people] proud to be doing Jewish things. That is the key to getting them connected. -Rabbi Hesh Epstein Course format for Hebrew reading, which is comprehensive, yet brief, works perfectly with the transient status of the soldiers. At Fort Jackson, which is the hub of basic training, most soldiers stay for no longer than 12 weeks. Responsible for the Jewish services each Sunday morning, Rabbi Epstein uses this time to teach the soldiers about Jewish life. This year, Rabbi Epstein also took advantage of the Sunday celebration of Purim. The week before Purim, Rabbi Epstein used the beta version of NJOP s upcoming Purim Workshop and was delighted to find that at the actual holiday celebration the following week, the soldiers were able to enthusiastically participate in all four mitzvot of Purim! CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 A Walk with NJOP into the Future AMERICA AND CANADA, READ HEBREW AMERICA AND CANADA, Crash Courses, etc), NJOP is proud to be one of the most influential Jewish presences on Twitter. We are also thrilled by the over one million views that NJOP videos have amassed on YouTube. We are deservedly honored to have one of the most effective and recognized Social Media Professionals in the Jewish world (Susanne Goldstone-Rosenhouse). Tens of thousands of impressions are made through JewishTweets constant vigilance in sharing interesting, pertinent, moving and often humorous links, all of which serve to strengthen Jewish identity. Each workday draws to a close with the tweet-out and posting of the daily Jewish Treat, NJOP s original and highly regarded educational material. Looking into NJOP s future, we must make many major and challenging adjustments. No longer do we speak of outreach, a term some might mistake as demeaning. As a result, the National Jewish Outreach Program has changed its name to NJOP, and, instead of speaking of outreach, we speak of engagement. Today s young people are less inclined to respond to conventional programs like READ HEBREW AMERICA AND CANADA and SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA AND CANADA. They text, they tweet, and that s where NJOP is, right alongside them, providing them with interesting and important Jewish information that will, hopefully, impact on their lives. Our incredible professional team at NJOP, and especially the Social Media Team, are on top of every new trend. With your help, we will always be where the Jews are, providing both young and old with positive, joyous Jewish experiences and extraordinary educational opportunities. Todah, and thanks for making everything possible. 5

6 Thank You For Telling Us! People felt a sense of solidarity with the Jewish people... Many talked about their pride in being Jewish. From Rabbi Eric Milgrim: SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA at Temple B nai Shalom, East Brunswick, NJ Last week we began the History course and to my delight the class really was very stimulated by the way it was presented. The timeline is a wonderful tool and really keeps the class wanting to know more At the kiddush following the first Friday night service after last week s class, I heard the buzzing of the participants who attended telling those who did not that they should join the class. From Rabbi Brenda Weinberg: Crash Course in Jewish History at Congregation Bnai Torah, Greenwood Lake, NY This course has been a wonderful reminder of my Jewishness. Never having gone to Hebrew school, I felt a terrible lack in my life. Debra [Armstrong, our teacher] and NJOP have opened my eyes to so much. I am so comfortable in Temple now. Even if I lose my place, I can find it again. Not just reading but understanding the prayers. I now recite Modeh Ani every morning. I feel so proud and talk about this program to everyone who is amazed by my prayers. Thank you for making all of this possible. My connection to my community is so much stronger. From Etta Yospa: Hebrew Reading Crash Course at Temple Beth Shalom, Mechanicsburg, PA We did the NJOP Chanukah Workshop last night, and it went great! We had a nice turnout, and people seemed to enjoy it. From Rabbi Chaplain Aaron Kleinman: Chanukah Workshop on the USS Harry S. Truman NJOP 989 Sixth Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY l HEBRE(W) l info@njop.org l NJOP Board Members Marc Belzberg Ludwig Bravmann Valerie T. Diker Brandon Dunn Fred Ehrman Alec L. Ellison Adam E. Fine Sylvia Freyer Tracy Gerber Bernard Goldberg Hillel A. Gross Howard I. Hoffen Ilan Kaufthal Dr. Elizabeth Konecky Jack Nash, k z George Rohr Marc Rowan Eli Salig NJOP Staff Founder and Director: Ephraim Z. Buchwald Lawrence Greenman - Assistant Director Elly Krimsky - Program Director Florence Wiener - Hebrew Reading Specialist Evana Arazi - Donor Registrar Levon Arutyunov - Database Manager Chava Blumenthal - Regional Program Coordinator Rivka Bornstein - Production Coordinator Renee S. Erreich - Events Coordinator Sofiya Ginzburg - Financial Associate Amy Gugig - IT Director Sarah Rochel Hewitt - Publications Coordinator Beryl Levenson - Associate Director Emeritus Lawrence Saper Cyrus Schwartz Leonard Shaykin Saul Spitz Moshael Straus Jeffrey I. Zuckerman Lois Karp - Locations Coordinator Jessica Kavesh - Assistant to the Director Esther Langer - Financial Administrator Janice Marks - Production Associate Fabia Preminger - Programming Associate Yonah Ringlestein - Intern Naomi Robin - Regional Program Coordinator Susanne Goldstone-Rosenhouse - Social Media Professional Freeda Rudman - Senior Coordinator Lea Schulman - Regional Program Coordinator Avraham Silbergleit - Production Associate Yitzchak Rosenbaum - Associate Director Emeritus I appreciate the Treats I get from you over my phone. I sit here before class starts as tears fill my eyes because of the story you shared today. Thank you for helping me learn to honor Shabbat and thank you for teaching me how to honor those who have fought so valiantly for the State of Israel and perished. From David Lindsey: In response to the Jewish Treat, Heroine of the Old City 6

7 It only takes a few moments to invite your friends and colleagues to an opportunity that will transform their world. Lunchtime In Your Offi ce Never Looked So Good Dedicate To... DEDICATIONS in honor of someone important in your life is an excellent means of supporting NJOP s vital work. For more information, contact Larry Greenman at or lgreenman@njop.org. REISHITH BINAH Dedicate a printing of Reishith Binah, NJOP s FREE, widely-acclaimed Hebrew Reading primer used in conjunction with the Hebrew Reading Crash Course. HEBREW READING CRASH COURSE TEACHER S GUIDE Facilitate the printing of NJOP s Free Teacher s Guide, which has allowed hundreds of volunteers around the world to effectively teach Jews how to read Hebrew. Can you make a difference? Absolutely! NJOP s newest campaign takes support to a whole new level. Non-profit organizations rely on their supporters for far more than just financial support, although financial support is anever critical need. Non-profits also depend on their supporters to help spread the good name of their organization and to participate, whenever possible, in their events. As part of a new Hebrew reading initiative, NJOP is reaching out to all of its supporters to provide one, or both, of two critical needs. The first is providing a location for those who find it difficult to attend evening classes. In an unprecedented effort, Rabbi Buchwald is encouraging supporters who have available conference rooms or office space, to host a Hebrew Reading Crash Course (HRCC) for busy colleagues and acquaintances in nearby buildings. Rabbi Buchwald also asks supporters to assist in the vital mission of NJOP s work by going one step further and offering to teach the Hebrew course as well. To offer an HRCC as part of READ HEBREW AMERICA AND CANADA this fall, contact Rabbi Elly Krimsky, NJOP's Program Director, at or ekrimsky@njop.org. RABBI BUCHWALD S WEEKLY VIDEO ON YOUTUBE Every week, Rabbi Buchwald shares fascinating insights connecting Jewish life with contemporary and timely topics. SOCIAL MEDIA POSTERS Enable NJOP to create more inspiring virtual posters to be shared on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter. These Jewishthemed graphics generate thousands of shares, while instilling Jewish pride and spreading both inspiration and the Jewish Treats brand. See page 4 for further dedication opportunities. 7

8 Do You Have A Story? Has NJOP touched your life? Did a Hebrew Reading Crash Course lead you to join a synagogue? Did attending a SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA celebration inspire you to try celebrating Shabbat at home? Did a Jewish Treat give you a new perspective on Jewish life? Tell us your story. Visit and share with us today. Here s Where You Can Find NJOP Online FACEBOOK.COM/JEWISHTREATS JEWISH TWITTER.COM/JEWISHTWEETS YOUTUBE.COM/JEWISHTREATS NJOP 989 Sixth Avenue, 10th Floor New York, NY NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Brooklyn, NY Permit No.1235