Diller Inspires

By Rachel Orlinsky and Reid Danels
Diller Baltimore Cohort, 2011-2012

We obviously love the Diller Baltimore Teen Fellow program so much that  becoming Junior Counselors and doing it another year as the new cohort’s mentors was a natural decision. Our love for Diller stems from the unique experiences that make up this amazing program.

During our time as Diller Fellows, not only did we participate in a life-changing trip to Israel – where we formed unbreakable bonds with our Israeli counterparts – but we also found that the program contributed to the people we are today. Through Diller, we made some of our closest friends whose Shabbat dinners we still attend weekly and whose houses have become our homes away from home.

We’ll never forget a Friday night service during the week-long International Congress when teens from all over North America and Israel came together, dressed in white, to welcome Shabbat. Seeing this sea of white and celebrating with teens from across the world was remarkable, and an image that we will never forget.

Going into the program we were leaders, but without the necessary skills to make an impact in our community. The seminars and retreats, as well as the rest of the program, helped us to develop into the strong, independent Jewish leaders we’ve become. Now, after completing Diller, we can say that we have gained confidence in ourselves, a strong sense of our Jewish identity and a commitment to the Jewish community, both locally and globally.

While the seminars, retreats and our own community service projects were certainly highlights, two parts of the program that were unforgettable were hosting an Israeli teen in our homes and our experience in Israel. While we hosted an Israeli teen for a little more than a week, we spent time together, took them to school, traveled to DC and formed a close connection with them and the entire cohort from Ashkelon.

As for the Israel trip, we can both confidently say that it was one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. The trip was broken up into three weeks, the first for traveling, the second for the International Congress, and the final for home hospitality and community week in Ashkelon.

Another special moment was our time in Jerusalem. As part of our welcome to Jerusalem, we were all blindfolded on a bus for about 10 minutes. When we got off the bus, lined up and took off our blindfolds to see the city, the golden dome came to life before our eyes.

Later on, during Shabbat, we walked from our hotel to the Kotel to celebrate and welcome Shabbat with hundreds of other people. Praying at the wall that our ancestors fought so hard for and dancing and singing with Jews from every nationality and background was a surreal experience that made us realize the unique connection that Judaism forms between people.

Also in Jerusalem, we spent one night walking around Ben Yehuda Street, awed by its vibrancy and life. Another day we had the opportunity to volunteer at Beit Canada and see how the Ethiopian refugees live, while brightening up the children’s days.

The other moment that stands out occurred during the International Congress with the other Diller cohorts from the U.S. and Israel. Other than the Shabbat service we spent together, we won’t ever be able to forget the phrase “Judaism is not a religion” which Avram Infeld, the President Emeritus, Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, boldly said — rather yelled — at least 17 times in order to get across the idea that Judaism is not only a religion but a family, a culture and an identity. Whether we were on the beach in Ashkelon or volunteering, this phrase was proven true as our Diller cohort truly became a family with its own traditions, connections and sense of belonging.

This is the Diller program in a nutshell, and we are so grateful and ecstatic to have been a part of it and to be able to continue our growth through Diller as Junior Counselors.

New Online Resource Library For Community Professionals

By Melissa Cordish

Vice-Chair, Center for Community Engagement & Leadership

 

Are you new to a Board? Have you just been asked to serve on another committee? Do you need to write a D’var Torah for your meeting tonight? Need advice on managing a hectic meeting? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you will probably find yourself researching “best practices” on Google, or another one of your favorite search engines.

Instead of relying on unknown websites, look no further than the ASSOCIATED’s Center for Community Engagement & Leadership’s (CCEL) new Online Resource Library. Whether you want to provide training to your board or are looking for an icebreaker or Jewish quote/story to use at a board retreat, the Online Resource Library is filled with valuable resources and tools that will benefit our dedicated community professionals and lay leaders.

The Online Resource Library includes information relating to: 

• Maximizing Board Effectiveness 
• Meeting Engagement 
• Board/Board Member Assessment 
• Navigating the Lay/Pro Relationship 
• Fundraising 
• Nomination & Succession Planning

Please visit the Online Resource Library and share with your networks by clicking here: www.associated.org/ccelresource.

THE ASSOCIATED’s Center for Community Engagement & Leadership (CCEL) strives to strengthen and enrich the Baltimore Jewish community by engaging individuals in meaningful opportunities for volunteer involvement and advancement throughout THE ASSOCIATED system. For more information about CCEL or to get involved with The ASSOCIATED please contact Erica Hobby at ehobby@associated.org.

 

Jammin’ After School at KIPP

By Corey Gold
Diller Teen Fellows program participant

Over the past few months, KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) students interested in expanding their musical horizons participated in an after school workshop. Using the skills they had achieved from the curricular music program at KIPP, sixth and seventh graders participated in the program to explore new ways of making music and genres such as jazz, rock, and pop. With a wide variety of instruments, including a piano, drum kit, flute, bass clarinet and trumpet, the group produced an upbeat sound, unlike that of an orchestral ensemble.

Overseeing this project, I had the chance to help these KIPP middle school express themselves through music in a way different than in a traditional band setting. After learning about the KIPP music program from Ms. Krystal Williams, I designed a program to introduce interested students to improvisation, the skill of producing music without preparation, extemporaneously in a group setting.

On Fridays, I came to the school with other teen volunteers to work with KIPP students.  With arrangements like Fun’s “Some Nights” and Kim Wilde’s “Kids in America,” KIPP kids became acquainted with this new type of thinking and playing. Together, the group listened to recordings of Miles Davis’s improvisation, and then worked to mimic his style over these pop songs. Some students even branched out to experiment with new instruments, like Kayla C., who learned to play with the group on a piano. In fact, clarinetist Josh F., who started to play trumpet at the beginning of the workshop, has since switched to play trumpet full-time for the school band.

Although this type of performance is not part of the traditional festival band setting, this type of experience can allow one to continue to explore music outside of the classroom.  With this ability, students can take their musical talents with them to high schools, college campuses and the future.

For information about THE ASSOCIATED’s teen programs, go to http://www.associated.org/teens.aspx.

Welcoming Women

By Ellen Macks

President of ASSOCIATED Women

When I became president of ASSOCIATED Women in July 2011, I spoke about the goals I hoped to achieve during my two-year term. What I wanted most was for women throughout our Jewish community to feel that they play a role as ASSOCIATED Women through their individual participation and interests.  My goal continues to be furthering the vision of my predecessor, Laura Black, who envisioned the evolution of ASSOCIATED Women from our former Women’s Department.

 
I am so proud that, during my term, we have continued to open doors to meaningful involvement to so many women in Jewish Baltimore.

 
We have hosted large-scale gatherings, like the Women’s Mosaic Project, at which hundreds of women from multiple generations created a beautiful piece of art which permanently graces the entrance hall at Sinai Hospital. Each woman who glued a tile in our glorious mosaic pomegranate tree added her own personal touch.  The pomegranate tree and the broad spectrum of women who created it were a fitting metaphor for the mission of ASSOCIATED Women.

 
We have encouraged small cohorts of women to learn together and grow as leaders through programs like Chapter Two and Dor Tikvah.  Our Jewish Women’s Giving Foundation  is celebrating its 10th anniversary after completing a comprehensive strategic plan involving many talented women.  We recognize that women from all segments of our community share common goals and can connect through ASSOCIATED Women.

 
We continue to provide opportunities for women to roll up their sleeves and volunteer together. On May 5, ASSOCIATED Women will gather at The Pearlstone Center to plant, cook for those less fortunate, and explore the Jewish values around food and social justice. This is an outstanding opportunity for women to come together to learn about a gem in our community and to experience the satisfaction that comes from hands-on volunteerism, especially with other like-minded volunteers.

 
As philanthropists, we have made an enormous impact in Baltimore, Israel and around the globe. Women account for 25 percent of THE ASSOCIATED’s Annual Campaign, contributions which are often above and beyond their family giving. Generous donations ensure that our community is able to meet critical needs today and pave the way for a strong and vital future. The role women play in making their household’s philanthropic decisions cannot be overstated. As more and more women become engaged in our community, the more they understand and appreciate the power of their contributions of time and resources to THE ASSOCIATED.

 
My term as president ends on May 30 at THE ASSOCIATED Women’s Annual Meeting. There, we will celebrate the strides that women in our community have made as philanthropists and volunteers and hear the inspirational and entertaining words of Nancy Lublin, the founder of Dress for Success, which helps disadvantaged women receive the proper attire needed for job interviews and the workplace.

 
I will also pass the presidency of ASSOCIATED Women to Rina Janet.  In Rina’s capable hands, I know that ASSOCIATED Women will continue to reach out to our sisters throughout the community and welcome them in. We will strive to prepare the leaders of tomorrow and to ensure that our community remains prepared to face challenges and opportunities in the future. As always, our Jewish values will guide the very important work we undertake together. I hope you will join us.

Building Your Business Network

By Renee von Gonten
Senior Associate, Business & Professionals

For healthcare providers (physicians, hospitals and other health professionals), networking offers opportunities to improve communication, develop innovative ideas and share best practices. Though each medical division may have its own challenges and successes, much of the conversation has been limited through the budgetary constraints of most medical practices. In today’s world, fewer doctors are given the opportunity to attend conferences, symposiums and gala events where they’ve previously networked with local and international colleagues.

The first question when networking is “What’s the best place to start?” For Harel Turkel, President of SOS Technology Group, that question was answered through his involvement with THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore.

“I first got involved in THE ASSOCIATED as a young adult on their IMPACT committee. Now I am joining an agency board. It’s important to me to set an example for my children that helping others should always be a priority in life. And as a business owner, I have to make sure my time is well spent. THE ASSOCIATED and its agencies empower me to put my Jewish values into action while growing my business through leadership development and professional networking,” he says.

A recent Baltimore Business Journal article by Harvey Mackay, “Nothing Can Replace a Professional Network,” emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people that are like-minded, but smarter. “All of us together are a lot smarter than any one of us… Networking is a skill you must develop. A network replaces the weakness of the individual with the strength of a support system. You don’t have to know everything as long as you know the people who do.”

In general, a strong network can enrich your life personally, professionally and communally. Having smart connected people enables you to work in a chosen team to achieve goals that you may not reach professionally. It enables you to help others and to learn from them.

While social media networking is a new requirement for professionals, the traditional network will never be replaced. For example, here are some benefits of working with a business & professionals group, like the one at THE ASSOCIATED:

• An opportunity to brainstorm and discuss innovative ideas that benefit personal business goals and general community development
• Access to professional development and business education from leading experts and mentors in various fields including financial services, technology, real estate, sales and marketing, legal and medical
• Small business owners gain exposure to a broad base of like-minded community members who feel good about supporting a community stakeholder
• Varied backgrounds of event participants enable junior professionals to meet business leaders and philanthropists the general community doesn’t have access to
• Participants are able to develop new relationships and expand their network with personal referrals from events, lunch and learns and through mentor connections

THE ASSOCIATED Business & Professionals Group doesn’t just attract individuals and business owners. The corporate world also takes advantage of the leadership development, philanthropy and networking opportunities offered by THE ASSOCIATED system. M&T Bank has been a regular sponsor of THE ASSOCIATED’s Planned Giving Round Table, Business & Professionals main event and the Keynote Event which attracts 600 people. More and more, local and national companies are encouraging professionals to get involved in their community and are now seeking job candidates with ties to charities.

For health professionals, THE ASSOCIATED Maimonides Society has reintroduced the Doctors’ Division brunch. Last held five years ago, the Doctors’ Brunch unites Jewish ideals with health care concerns in a unique forum — encompassing educational, service, philanthropic and social resources in Jewish Baltimore. The brunch on Sunday, April 14, is open to all healthcare professionals and will feature a presentation by Nir Gamliel, President and CEO of PharBeyond. Mr. Gamliel will discuss the changing trends of the pharma industry as it affects healthcare professionals and their patients.  For information, go to Associated.org/brunch.

Contact Renee von Gonten at rvongonten@associated.org or 410.369.9220 in our business and professionals group.

Maryland/Israel Development Center Host Presentation on Israel’s Iron Dome

By Nancy Boguslaw
Director of Programming and Development
Maryland/Israel Development Center

Nearly 150 people from the Baltimore-Washington corridor turned out on Thursday evening to hear from the brains behind the Iron Dome.  The Maryland/Israel Development Center’s (MIDC) event, which was held at ELTA North America featured Dr. David Machuga of ELTA Systems, Ltd., the designers and producers of Iron Dome’s radar system and Gideon Weiss of Rafael Advanced Systems, the developer of the Iron Dome. Both companies have offices in Maryland.

“I know everyone left here tonight with a greater understanding of these two outstanding companies, the important contributions the country of Israel offers the world and the vital role that the MIDC plays in fostering relationships between Israeli and Maryland companies,“ said Alvin Katz of KatzAbosch, the sponsor of the evening. “I think we all left knowing that Israel and the world are safer thanks to these two companies.”

Not only do companies like these work to keep Israel safer, ELTA and Rafael do a lot for Maryland’s economy.  According to the MIDC, ELTA, whose office opened last year in Howard County, has already hired more than a dozen people for high-tech, high-paying jobs and has plans to recruit as many as 75 more people in the new four years. ELTA and Rafael also benefit from Maryland in that the state is a leader in engineering and technology.

“These are big, big companies that do a lot of work with the major defense contractors in the area,” said Barry Bogage, Executive Director of the MIDC and who has worked closely with ELTA and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development to bring ELTA to the state.
Because of the impact that these companies have in Maryland and Israel, the program also included addresses from Ken Ulman, County Executive of Howard County and Oren Marmenstein, Diplomatic Head of Regional Affairs at the Embassy of Israel to the United States.

Due to the sensitivity and nature of the topic, the presentations could not be photographed or videotaped but Weiss was able to describe Rafael’s role in the Iron Dome’s development and deployment and how it fits into Israel’s multi-layered missile and rocket defense. He also noted the many companies that contributed to the development and helped make its deployment possible. “Tonight’s program is just one example of the exciting opportunities offered by the MIDC,” Katz concluded.

The MIDC is a non-profit membership organization that promotes trade and investment between Maryland and Israeli companies. It is a partnership of the Baltimore Department of Business and Economic Development, Israel’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore. The MIDC relies on the strength and support of its members.

Learn more about MIDC and its membership opportunities >>

2013 Advocacy Day: Community in Action

By Rabbi Ron Shulman
President, Baltimore Jewish Council

Here’s what I discovered the first time I met with an elected representative in her office. She was truly interested in what I had to say and sincerely open to my presentation. Respecting my passion and willingness to be an advocate, she wanted to know why I cared so deeply about the issues we were discussing. She also wanted the information I came to bring her because she was not yet closely following those issues.

These are the purposes of Advocacy Day. We enthusiastically represent the Jewish community and inform our State Delegates and Senators about our community’s views on pending legislation. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic advocates are vital to democracy and the legislative process. Our Jewish heritage values this, urging us to participate in creating a just and decent society.

In our conversations with them, we provide a context for our elected representatives’ decisions and a reminder of whose interests they serve. We also represent our community with pride and awareness of our priorities for the greater good.

When we seek funding for the Sinai Hospital Medical Home Extender program, we seek to provide medical care for the uninsured and underinsured. When we seek funding of Supportive Care Networks we allow community members to “age-in-place” and receive the social services they require. Advocating for these initatives we act on the Jewish imperative of hesed, compassion, for all people.

When we seek funding for Elder Abuse Centers, a collaborative project of Associated agencies, we help provide treatment and prevention to some of the 80,000 Marylanders over the age of 60 experiencing or at risk for abuse. In asking for the continuation of Northwest Hospital’s Domestic Violence Prevention Program, we act on the mitzvah of respecting our elders and everyone’s dignity.

When we ask the State of Maryland to divest from Iran or invest in Israeli companies doing business here, we foster security for Israel and economic development for both Maryland and Israel. When we represent Jewish values in public policy debates we give voice to our ideals and build relationships with other Maryland citizen groups.

All of this demonstrates the impact of Adocacy Day. Yet, as I learned in my first meeting some years ago, none of this reflects the personal satisfaction that comes from being part of the process, making a difference in people’s lives, cultivating relationships with those we vote for, and affecting tangible outcomes for the Jewish community and values we cherish.

Join in Advocacy Day on Tuesday afternoon February 26, 2013. Meet with our legislators in Annapolis and discover for yourself the spirit of our community in action.

Learn more and register now>>

Our Priorities – the 2013 Maryland General Assembly

By Cailey Locklair
Director of Government Relations, Baltimore Jewish Council

For the 2013 legislative session in Annapolis, the Baltimore Jewish Council will be lobbying for many items in the budget that will benefit the Jewish community. Three brand new items on their long list include: The Hillel Center for Social Justice, The Elder Abuse Center and Sinai Hospital’s Medical Home Extender Program.

The Baltimore Jewish Council, along with the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, will be seeking a total of $2 million over FY14 and FY15 for the construction and renovation of the Hillel Center for Social Justice. The expansion and renovation of the current facility will help alleviate a decrepit, cramped space that can no longer support the amount of students it serves.

Over the past decade the facility has increased student participation by 150 percent, which translates to about 1,000 students each week. With the new expansion, the facility will be able to serve up to 3,000 students per week. Hillel serves as a magnet for the University of Maryland, College Park as it attracts students from across the country.

Due to rising cases of elder abuse in our community and across the country, the Baltimore Jewish Council will be lobbying for $150,000 over FY14 and 15 to create the State’s first Elder Abuse Center. Each year, it is estimated that 80,000 Marylanders experience some form of elder abuse; child to parent, caregiver to senior or instances of domestic violence. The Center is a collaborative ASSOCIATED agency effort between Jewish Community Services, CHANA and Levindale, which will create an effective and coordinated response for victims, perpetrators and their families and will provide prevention education for the entire community.

The final new item on the Baltimore Jewish Council’s budgetary agenda this year is Sinai Hospital’s Medical Home Extender Program. The Council is seeking $500,000 over FY14 and 15 which will create a total of five brand new positions at Sinai hospital: four community health worker positions responsible for coordinating primary care services for uninsured and underinsured patients, as well as a Masters level, supervisory nurse position to oversee the community health workers. This model fits into the Affordable Care Act and Health Enterprise Zone legislation that passed at the state level last year as it creates additional practitioner related resources.

Community involvement and input is critical to ensure these, and many other items, remain in the budget. The Council’s annual Advocacy Day will be held this year on February 26th with legislator meetings beginning at 5 p.m., followed by a reception with speakers from the executive branch.

Please visit http://www.baltjc.org for more information on how you can participate in Advocacy Day.

The Gift of Jewish Camp

By Adam Broms
Assistant Director
Capital Camps

Imagine a scene: approximately 600 individuals sitting in a room together. The “learners” are no older than 16; the “mentors,” university-age or recent college graduates. They’re seated in small circles on the floor throughout the room.

In the circle, there are candles, one for each participant, flickering in the darkness. The sound of voices, quiet at first, but growing with intensity, fills the room with the beautiful sound of Hashkiveinu, the prayer with which we conclude each day. On this night, we conclude more than a day – we conclude a successful summer, reflecting on four weeks of fun, friendships, laughter and Jewish journeys.

This scene is a perfect example of just one moment in time at Jewish overnight camp. Each summer, thousands of campers and staff flock to small towns around the country. Most people have never heard of these towns – towns with names such as Waynesboro, Kunkletown and Palmer. But we have. Not because of what occurs there between September and May, but for what takes place there during the summer, when a beautiful piece of land comes to life with a vivaciousness and energy difficult to replicate.

We tell parents that the best gift they can give is the “Gift of Camp” – that precious, unforgettable experience where one truly makes his/her best friends in the world and deepens his/her Jewish identity. And, it truly is a gift: the opportunity to try new things, take a few risks, meet new people and learn what it means to be independent.

In recent years, studies have shown that individuals who attend Jewish camp have a deepened sense of Jewish identity, a stronger sense of community and better developed independent living skills. We see it later in life when our campers become staff members, and when they head off to college and create their own Jewish communities.

Camp is about growth. It is about the opportunity to sharpen skills in activities like soccer, dance and drama. It is about trying new things among the support of friends, such as conquering a fear of heights in reaching the top of the climbing wall. It’s about learning the remarkable history of Jewish heroes by “meeting” them as they walk through a cabin full of inquisitive minds. Every activity is designed to inspire our campers – and our staff – to grow, to question and to learn. And, we do it all while having a great time.

Fun is an essential aspect of camp. I know camp is fun when I see the look of sheer joy on children’s faces, as they leap off the diving board, as they seal a game of basketball with a free throw, as they paint the last stroke of a mural, and as they cruise down the zip line over the lake. The combination of meaning, growth and fun begins to define who that individual is, as well as who he/she will become.

In the circles on the floor, 600 individuals reflect on four weeks of fun and friendship. They look at the person to the right, and to the left, close friends who have become another brother or sister.  They gaze across the room at someone who helped them play their first chords on the guitar. They stare into the flame, remembering the flicker of the Shabbat candles.

And, they resolve to be sitting here again, 11 months from today. The countdown begins now…

Take a tour of Capital Camps and learn more>>

Guide to Board Nomination and Selection Process

By Melissa Cordish
Vice-Chair
Center for Community Engagement & Leadership
THE ASSOCIATED

The selection, training and transition of Board leadership are deeply rooted in our Jewish tradition. A common theme throughout the Tanach (Bible) is the challenge of finding, sustaining and replacing good leaders.

In the Book of Exodus, G-d decides that it’s time to move the Children of Israel in a new direction. G-d selects Moses to lead His major change initiative. However, Moses doesn’t consider himself worthy of the position (“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should take the Children of Israel out of Egypt.” Exod. 3: 11). Second, he fears that the people will not accept him as a legitimate leader (“…But they will not believe me and they will not heed my voice, for they will say, ‘G-d did not appear to you.’” Exod. 4; 1). And third, he feels that he does not have the leadership skills necessary for the role (“…I am not a man of words…for I am heavy of mouth and heavy of speech.” Exod. 4: 10).

The concerns with which Moses struggles are common fears that incoming board members or committee chairs may share. The nomination and selection process can be exciting and rewarding to those that are looking forward to taking on a leadership position, but others can be hesitant or uncertain of the challenges it may bring.

To best meet the needs of the organization and its volunteer leaders, certain steps should be instituted:

• A nominating committee should be developed to bring on new board members and determine who will fill vacant offices each year. Professional and volunteer leaders or executive committee should discuss and determine goals and timelines, and they should appoint a nominating chair.
• The nominating committee should identify the needs of the organization in partnership with an assessment of current and potential board members.

An effective governance structure, which engages its leaders in meaningful work for the organization, is a critical part of the strategy to guarantee that there are knowledgeable and committed people in the pipeline for the top leadership position. However, every leader brings different skills and talents to the job. Therefore, succession planning requires foresight, to ensure that the right person is in the right leadership position at the right time.

The ASSOCIATED’s Center for Community Engagement and Leadership has created an online tool to help with your nomination and selection process.
Learn more>>