 |
“Saving Young Lives”
As of February 1, more than $5 million has been raised to help our Israeli family members — during the conflict with Lebanon, afterwards as they began to rebuild their lives and even today as they revitalize the North. The work has never stopped and your support continues to be crucial. In December, funding was approved to “adopt a school” in Kiryat Shmona. In coordination with our partners at the Sacta-Rashi Foundation, we aim to create an environment in which the children and teens of Kiryat Shmona can recover from the immense disruption and anxieties of the war, and move towards fulfillment of their potential. This involves setting up an all-embracing support system and strengthening the institutions which significantly impact the children — formal and informal education, welfare and health. We believe that such a comprehensive program and investment of resources will help to attract pupils to the school, improve scholastic achievements and reduce social gaps.
The following update was written by the Federation’s Israel Director Gila Noam after her recent visit to Ha-Maginim Elementary School in Kiryat Shmona, which has received an Israel Emergency Grant of $350,000.
My visit to the Ha-Meginim School last week produced a rush of emotions, but perhaps more than anything, a deep sense of pride. The program we are funding in the school is a great example of our overall work in Israel. We take on enormous challenges that others might shy away from. But we do so in a thoughtful and smart way, so that chances for success are excellent. We give hope to those who need it most.
The school is located in one of the most depressed neighborhoods of Kiryat Shmona. Many of the students’ families are struggling with major challenges: 15% are single parents; 25% are immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU). Every one of these families experienced the trauma of last summer's war. These were the families stuck in the shelters for weeks on end.
We arrived at the school during recess time. The school is fortunate to have a spacious outdoor area, full of potential, but currently very bare. By Israeli standards, the school is very small — only 200 students. Over the last year, as a result of a very intensive and comprehensive educational program implemented by the Sacta-Rashi Foundation, major progress has been made in student achievement. However, both the school staff and the Sacta-Rashi professionals reminded us that the starting point was very low and there is still much work to be done.
We are funding a smart and strategic program:
- We are providing a badly needed upgrade of the school’s physical structure and environment, and a major and comprehensive educational intervention.
- We are fulfilling the most basic needs: A nutritious lunch and a safe place to study and play until parents to come home from work.
- We are working with professionals to help kids with many needs and previously low achievement levels.
- We are giving the school and staff tools to continue the work we have begun. When the program is over, the teachers and principals will be fully capable of realizing our shared vision.
When we left, one of the teachers grabbed my hand and said: “Send our thanks to San Francisco. They are saving young lives.” |
 |
Barbara Rosenberg wins 2007 Judith Chapman Women’s Leadership Award
Each year, the Judith Chapman Women’s Leadership Fund of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund recognizes a woman who exemplifies significant and sustained volunteer leadership in the Jewish community, serves as a role model for others and values her Jewish identity and the importance of tzedakah in her life.
This year the Fund honors Barbara Rosenberg, a visionary community leader and philanthropist for over 40 years who has inspired others by the strength of her own commitment. Through the years, she has demonstrated consistent and creative dedication in leading fundraising efforts for our community. At the Jewish Community Federation, she is an energetic fundraiser for the Annual Campaign and for the Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE).
She has also participated in, and helped recruit for, many Federation-sponsored missions to Israel. Additionally, she is at the forefront of the Israel Education Initiative. Barbara believes deeply in Jewish tradition, the value of education and the importance of caring for the vulnerable in our society. She has held several important positions: president of both the Jewish Home and the Bureau of Jewish Education; board member of Lehrhaus Judaica and the Jewish Community High School of the Bay; and a trustee of Brandeis University. Barbara has also served as library commissioner for the City of San Francisco and on the advisory boards of the Jewish Studies department at Stanford University, San Francisco School Volunteers and Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS). She is the proud mother of two sons, Michael (married to Ellen) and Peter (married to Lisa), and has five grandsons. |
 |
Diller Teen Initiatives to reward teens who make a difference
This spring, the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards will recognize approximately five Jewish teens, 13-19 years old from throughout California, for their exceptional community service and outstanding leadership. Recipients will each receive an award of $36,000 for his/her college education or to help implement his/her vision for making our world a better place. Nominations were due February 15, and award winners will be announced in June 2007.
For more information about the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards, please contact Nicole Sasson-Miller, National Director of Diller Teen Initiatives, at NicoleS@sfjcf.org or 415.512.6206, or visit www.sfjcf.org/diller. The National Diller Teen Initiatives program is funded by the Helen Diller Family Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties.
Endowment embraces educator excellence
Don’t miss the March 15 deadline to nominate an exceptional teacher for the Helen Diller Family Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. If you know an excellent educator, be sure to tell his/her supervisor to submit a nomination for this important award. Teachers will be recognized in each of the following categories: Early Childhood, Day School, Congregational/Community School and Informal Education.
JCEF invests in youth philanthropy
Sue Schwartzman, who originally served as regional coordinator of teen philanthropy and project director of the Peninsula Jewish Community Teen Foundation, has been hired to fill a newly created full-time position as director of youth philanthropy for the Endowment Fund. In addition to leading the effort to establish teen foundations in San Francisco, the North Peninsula and Marin and Sonoma counties, Sue is responsible for coordinating and supporting seventh-grade philanthropic projects in local Jewish day schools and congregations. She will also work with Judy Bloom, director of Imprint Giving, to expand individual philanthropic opportunities for children and teens throughout the Federation service area.
|
 |
PJ Library brings home the magic of storytime
Reading stories and listening to music are among the most powerful and nurturing early childhood learning experiences. The Federation is following up its successful Chai Baby! outreach program with PJ Library, a new initiative which sends a book or music CD each month to Jewish families in the Federation’s region. This is an entirely free service; families do not pay any fees.
PJ Library books and CDs have been specially chosen by children’s literature and music experts because they communicate Jewish stories, heritage and values. Along with the gift of books and music, families receive parenting books and reading guides. Titles include the books Before You Were Born and The Blessing of a Skinned Knee and the music CD Oy Baby!
The PJ Library is funded by the Jewish Community Endowment Fund. For more information, please visit www.PJLibrary.org.
|
 |
JCF and Lehrhaus team up to bring Jewish scholarship to South Pen
On January 25, an audience gathered for the first installment of the South Peninsula Leadership Learning Seminar series. Author and founding director of Lehrhaus Judaica Fred Rosenbaum discussed the history of the Jewish community in the Bay Area from the Gold Rush to the present. “Fred was fantastic, and really brought the topic to life,” commented one of the organizers. “He gave anecdotes and specifics, rather than talking in generalities.” The study group is the joint effort of the Jewish Community Federation and Lehrhaus Judaica, and is made possible through the generous support of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund. To date, nearly 30 people have registered to study with six of the most dynamic Jewish scholars in the Bay Area. This provocative series is conducted in private homes and explores an eclectic collection of topics, from the ethics of speech to decisive moments in both ancient and modern Israel. Each evening is unique, and the group is enthusiastically awaiting the next gathering in late February. Please contact Teresa Lanz at 650.919.2100 or teresal@sfjcf.org for more information. |
 |
Other Events
Wednesday, February 21, 2007,
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Noa Sattath, executive director of the Jerusalem Open House (JOH), will discuss the important advocacy and human rights work the JOH is doing with LGBT people in Israel.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007,
7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. “Healing a Broken World” presented by keynote speaker Dr. Brilliant, executive director of Google.org.
Thursday, March 1, 2007. The Maimonides, Kohn, and Jewish Community Endowment Funds are now accepting applications for grants.
Thursday, March 8, 2007, 7:00 p.m. From the people who brought you Latkes & Vodka… Join us for a fabulous Purim Party at the Endup club. Music, dancing, munchies, and cozy schmooze zones for all moods.
Thursday, March 15, 2007,
8:00 p.m. The editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post provides a distinctive view of Israeli current affairs. |
|
|
 |
