CHAI Brings Hope and Help to Clients with Disabilities

Through its Senior Home Repair and Housing Benefits Services

By Rona Gross
Home Benefits Coordinator
CHAI: Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc.

Framed in my office here at CHAI is a photograph of three purple crocuses breaking through the snow and ice-covered ground, the first sign of spring and all its potential. This picture is an apt metaphor for the life challenges of CHAI clients with disabilities. Often faced with environments that seem ill-suited for their needs and which present obstacles to realizing their potential, these individuals look to CHAI to assist them in chiseling away at the encroaching challenges and working to create a home environment in which they can flower.

CHAI currently serves individuals with physical disabilities, such as those resulting from progressive neurodegenerative disorders or other illnesses, accident, injury and trauma, as well as those living with blindness or deafness. We are assisting clients struggling with psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD as well as hoarding disorders. We also provide services to families with developmentally disabled adult children, suffering from Asperger’s or other conditions along the autistic spectrum, whose living situation is no longer workable or appropriate. At the present time, about 15 percent of vulnerable Senior Home Repair clients are non-elderly disabled or elderly individuals whose primary presenting problem is their disability as distinct from other age-related changes.

CHAI clients with disabilities usually are grappling with challenges in multiple areas of their lives simultaneously. The problem with which they come to us and which is in the forefront of our work often pertains to the suitability and safety of their home physical environment. At the same time, more often than not, they are attempting to meet these challenges within a context of significant financial constraint and often with cognitive and/or emotional responses that are counterproductive and cause further complications.

We assist individuals with disabilities in a number of ways. Through the SHR program, we provide home repairs, done by our own repairman or outside contractors. We may fix concrete to even out the walkway for a client with an MS-like illness or secure a handrail down to the basement for an individual whose disability includes an unsteady gait. We also provide home repairs unrelated to the disability with the goal of maintaining a home environment which is safe and in good condition.

We facilitate occupational therapy referrals and assist financially and practically in purchasing and installing safety equipment such as grab bars and hand-held showers. When a client’s condition has resulted in their being overwhelmed or confused regarding their bills and paperwork, we consider providing professional organization services. We offer assistive devices to enhance safety, such as reachers. One of our clients can now open her bathroom window using this device from the safety of the floor, rather than climb onto the edge of her bathtub. At times, we assist with appliance purchases, researching products that maximize our client’s access and independent usage.

Secondary to our work on the physical environment, we often need to become involved in some of the financial quandaries of individuals with disabilities. In assessing their eligibility for low income home modification programs, we often find that they have failed to take advantage of other government and private programs for which they may be eligible. At times, we assist them in application completion for these benefits as well.

Finally, we refer our clients with disabilities to the Baltimore Cash Campaign, Jewish Community Services, Ahavas Yisroel and Mesila for in-depth assistance with benefits eligibility, budgeting and related issues as well as financial assistance. At times, I have referred individuals to our Foreclosure Prevention Program, when their disabilities have resulted in their inability to pay their mortgage and the beginning of foreclosure proceedings on their home.

CHAI clients with disabilities – physical, psychiatric, and developmental – face a number of challenges in accessing, maintaining, affording and modifying their home environments to meet their needs. We work as their advocate, in the words of one professional, recognizing the disabilities, but emphasizing the possibilities.

Although the soil in which these clients have been planted often seems cold and unyielding, CHAI’s Senior Home Repair &Modification program strives to cultivate and maintain a safe and accessible haven where our clients can continue to blossom and grow.

Volunteer for Good Neighbor Day April 21 and help seniors and individuals with disabilities maintain their properties>>

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.

Honey, Honey!

By Esther Apt
Jewish Community Center

‘Tis the season to dip your apples… and make new friends!

With the crisp air and fall weather around the corner, I am anticipating the start of one of my favorite food seasons as well.  In just a few short weeks at our Rosh Hashanah tables, a delicious pairing of foods will take place- the magic of apples and honey.

The unique taste of sweet honey with fresh apples evokes memories of previous Rosh Hashanah’s spent with dear family and friends. Many of us reminisce of holiday food and apples of all types and colors picked fresh from the trees. Just like different apples have different tastes, honey has its own breed of distinct tastes and flavors as well!

But, did you know that there are three different categories of honey?

•  Comb honey from a honeycomb
• Liquid honey which has been extracted, creamed or granulated honey
• Chunk honey found in a jar

All together there are over 300 unique types of honey available in the United States. In general, light-colored honey is much milder in taste and dark-colored honey is stronger.

Want to learn more?
Join us on Sunday, September 9 at 11:00 a.m. at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills Jewish Community Center for a Bagel Brunch & Honey Tasting. Singles ages 55+ can enjoy bagels with all the fixings while they get a chance to meet and mingle.

Make this a start of a sweet new year by trying different flavored honey with a tasting and conversation led by local food maven, Eli Schlossberg, president of a consulting company specializing in gourmet and kosher marketing and distribution.  Want to strike up a conversation with that special someone? Impress them with some fun facts about this sweet Rosh Hashanah treat!

Stop by our Rosh Hashanah Luncheon, Wednesday, September 12 at 12:00 p.m. at the Weinberg Park Heights Jewish Community Center to start a sweat year. Enjoy a delicious holiday meal and a honey tasting. Conversation about Jewish foods and traditions will be led by Eli Schlossberg. Share your traditions with lifelong friends and new friends.

Prior to Yom Kippur, explore the origins, evolution and manifestations of the Kaddish prayer on Wednesday, September 19 at 7:00 p.m.at the Gordon Center for Performing Arts. Join us for A Discussion with BSO Maestra, Marin Alsop & Chazzan Emanuel Perlman of Chizuk Amuno Congregation and learn the story behind the composition of Bernstein’s Symphony No. 3 Kaddish and find out how the BSO will perform it. Then meet us at the Meyerhoff on Sunday, September 30 at 3:00 p.m. to watch the performance together.

For more information on singles programs at the JCC for ages 55+, contact Melissa at 410-559- 3593 or mberman@jcc.org.

Overcoming Barriers to Employment

By Mary Blake
Senior Manager, Career Services
Jewish Community Services

Searching for a job in this current economic climate is still not easy, but if you have special needs, the job search could feel like climbing Mt. Everest. The unemployment rate in Maryland remains close to seven percent, but the rate is often double if you have any additional challenges.

Finding accurate statistics on the current unemployment rate for persons with special needs is hard since it can be difficult to determine who fits in this category. A person who wears glasses or a hearing aid could be considered disabled, as could someone who uses a wheelchair or has Down Syndrome.

But what about those individuals with invisible disabilities? Mental health issues like depression and anxiety or learning disabilities like dyslexia and attention deficit disorder may not be readily apparent. But it can make finding and keeping a job more challenging.

If you do not have any barriers to employment, you might not realize the additional work it takes for a person with special needs to compete. Many struggle silently and alone which can make matters worse. Depression can affect anyone who remains unemployed and underutilized for too long. For those with obvious challenges such as impaired speech, you can imagine the added anxiety an interview creates.

Others struggle with whether to disclose a disability that is not initially obvious to potential employers. Even though the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted over 22 years ago, many individuals still worry that employers will discriminate against them — and with good reason. There are many unanswered questions about what is an “equal playing field” when it comes to finding the best person to fill a position and what constitutes a “reasonable accommodation.”

If you are a job seeker with special needs, you must focus on your skills and strengths and identify the essential qualifications for the job. Unfortunately, many people who do the pre-screening or initial interviewing at companies do not have a clear understanding of what is most needed to be successful in a particular position. That is why it is important to reach the person who actually supervises the position or makes the final hiring decisions. That supervisor is most concerned about finding someone who can do the job well and independently.

To identify the person in charge, you can search LinkedIn by employer and department and look for managers’ names and job titles. You can also consult a Career Coach, who can help you with that process.

Luckily there are many public and private resources that can be of assistance. In Baltimore these might include local governmental agencies such as:

• Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
• Unemployment Office (DLLR)

There are also not-for-profit organizations that can assist you:

• Jewish Community Services Career Services
• Maryland Works, Inc.
• Association of Persons in Supported Employment
• Maryland Disability Law Center

Once you contact the organizations you should be prepared with a few key questions. Make sure to take clear notes that you can refer back to later. There is a lot of good information, but it can become overwhelming if you do not stay organized.

This is also true for your job search. A clear plan and organized search can make a big difference in targeting the best employers and jobs for you. There are jobs available and many employers are hiring for multiple positions, so it is important not to give up. If you stay motivated in your job search, your hard work will pay off!

Learn how a JCS Career Coach can help individuals with developmental disabilities define and achieve their career goals>>

For more information, call 410-466-9200.

Giving Should Be a Personal Expression

By Abe Wasserberger
THE ASSOCIATED

Do you remember the days when economic and social persecution of Jews was commonplace and Jews were forced to stick together in order to preserve and strengthen the Jewish people and community? Thank G-d, it is not 1920 anymore and Jews are able to partake in all of the cultural and social activities that draw them. Our people learn at some of the best universities and hold professions and volunteer positions among some of the most important companies and organizations. Jews can be a part of whatever moves them.

This is cause for celebration! – unless you are the Jewish Federation. Jews no longer feel threatened in America and therefore their philanthropic behaviors no longer rely on giving for self-identity or preservation. In 1950, nearly every Jew in the U.S. gave to the Federation campaign. Today, Jews give to the general causes that move them. According to the 2010 Greater Baltimore Jewish Community Study, only 11 percent of Jewish Baltimoreans give only to Jewish causes. Over half of all households with incomes of at least $100,000 do not contribute to THE ASSOCIATED Annual Campaign.

As to one’s philanthropic behavior and distribution patterns, this implies that being American – being a Baltimorean – comes before being a Jew.

And, no, it is not a money issue. In a study conducted 10 years ago, of nearly $30 billion given by 865 Americans, $5.2 billion came from 188 American Jews, constituting 22 percent of all the mega gifts generated that year. Today, 157 Jewish Federations plus 300 network communities raise and distribute $1 billion through the Annual Campaign each year from just over 300,000 donors. This is still far less than the $5.2 billion given 10 years ago by 188 Jews.

Do we need the Annual Campaign? The testimonials (and data) from our service recipients indicate that we certainly do.

• Some 3,400 households sought assistance for a physical or developmental disability in the last 10 years, according to the Greater Baltimore Jewish Community Study. The Annual Campaign promotes awareness and appreciation for people with different abilities.
• Forty percent of seniors over the age of 65 who are living alone are in poor or fair health. ASSOCIATED programs and services seniors age with dignity and independence.
• One in three in Jewish Baltimore is just managing, including some who cannot make ends meet. Our foreclosure prevention and mortgage modification assistance guarantees these families remain in their homes.
• Only 14 percent of non-Orthodox 18-34-year-olds feel it is very important to be part of a Jewish community. THE ASSOCIATED Annual Campaign supports new grassroots, community-building opportunities for young adults.
• Only 21 percent of non-Orthodox 18-34-year-olds feel very emotionally connected to Israel. We connect hundreds of young Jews with the Land of Israel each year through allocations to Taglit-Birthright Israel and MASA.
• The costs of Jewish education are a significant barrier for households with children and incomes below $50,000. Non-traditional, immersive Jewish learning experiences for families with young children ensure these families stay connected.

Read our service recipients stories>>

As you can see, when we talk about the future of Jewish philanthropy, we are talking about the future of the Jewish people.

So here’s the challenge – and we need your help: How do we creatively engage in a life-long relationship with our major donors, their families, children, foundations and trustees.  How do we get new donors? How do we make THE ASSOCIATED more relevant to you?

Share your feedback on our Facebook page  or comment right here.

Jews can give to whatever causes they choose. We hope that you will choose a vibrant Jewish future. If you haven’t made your pledge yet, consider DONATING NOW.

Abe Wasserberger is responsible for planning and implementing all current and yet to be cultivated revenue streams beyond THE ASSOCIATED’S Annual Campaign.  Abe came to the ASSOCIATED in November, 2011 with vast experience in development in North America and throughout the World.  Abe will develop and secure funding for projects that are critical to our community. Contact Abe>>

Faith, Community and Education

By: Autumn L. Sadovnik
Director of Professional Development
Louise D. and Morton J. Macks Center for Jewish Education

Congregational educators (Hebrew School teachers, to the layman) are not in the business for the money or the glory. They do it for the love of Jewish education. Some are career professionals in education during the week. Others are accountants, attorneys, artists, dentists, or stay-at-home moms. They take time out of their busy lives to contribute to their communities and engage young Jews.

On Sunday, December 4, 2011, nearly one hundred Jewish educators from across Baltimore traveled to the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia to learn about the history of Jews and Jewish communities in the United States. Teachers from Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, Beit Tikvah Kesher School, Beth Am Congregation, Beth El Congregation, Beth Israel Congregation, Chizuk Amuno Congregation, Gesher La Torah, Har Sinai Congregation, Temple Emanuel, and Temple Oheb Shalom toured the museum together, sharing questions, insight and experiences. One Temple Emanuel staff member even found her family’s flatware among the artifacts!

Learning about the earliest Americans and the earliest American Jews, a teacher from Beth El expressed, “It is important for students to see that Jews have always fit into the American setting in some way –we were also colonists, pioneers, explorers…”

A teacher from Temple Emanuel, reflecting on the model of the museum, praised its balance across over 350 years of history and stated, “There is a strong interest and need to educate about our (whole) Jewish past, not just the Holocaust.”

An educator from Temple Oheb Shalom felt that the experience impacted him as a Jew in America by helping him “understand that Judaism in America is an ongoing evolving experience of which [he is] a part and that [he has] an opportunity to shape it.”

Of course the experience was not without critique. Educators wondered about the balance between Sephardic and Ashkenazi influences, the limited religious content, and the modern multimedia museum model. Imagine the task of selecting just enough of the history of Jews in America to fit onto 3 floors! The thought-provoking conversation led to ideas about classroom applications and thoughts for further study and learning. The NMAJH also explained a bit of their mission as, “a place for all Americans to explore, offering a highly engaging and thought-provoking look at one ethnic group’s experience with freedom.” With this in mind, most agreed the museum achieved its own goal.

As Director of Professional Development at the Louise D. and Morton J. Macks Center for Jewish Education, I work with school administrators and teachers with the objective of embedding learning into every day. On my side, that doesn’t mean only students. It means educators, too. Teachers, assistants, madrichim, principals, and directors – all growing.

During this trip, the educators had an opportunity to invest in their Jewish and American learning as a collective. The classroom can be an isolating place, and gathering educators from all across the city provides an opportunity to share in the love of faith and community, all while emphasizing lifelong learning.

 

Read more about Jewish learning>>

Candy Castle Adventures

Candy Castle

By: Rabbi Miriam Burg

My son has decided that he is going to be a “candy man” when he grows up.  He wants to be someone who gives out candy to anyone who wants some.  Kind of sounds like a kid’s fantasy.  Too bad his parents are rabbis.  We did decide, though, to indulge his dream for a day.  So, for his fourth birthday we had a “candy party,” which meant, of course, that he received many candy themed presents.  One of them was a recipe book called Candy Construction which teaches how to build many amazing things out of candy.  A few weeks later, I realized that I had a precious few hours of an afternoon to spend with my children and we embarked on a candy adventure.  I bought all of the ingredients to build a candy castle.  We followed the instructions exactly.  And it was not working.  It is not often enough that I have time like that to indulge my kids’ crazy fun desires and I really wanted to build something spectacular with them.  As each wall and turret we tried to erect collapsed, my frustration grew.  I was about to totally lose it, declare the experiment a complete failure, and apologize to my kids for a wasted afternoon, when my six year old piped up, “Ima, we don’t have to build it their way.  We can design our own castle.”

With just those few words, my daughter transformed the candy castle experience for the rest of us.  We put the book away and began to play.  We played with cookies and frosting and candy.  We played with each other.  We laughed.  We experimented with which building materials tasted the best and which construction techniques would be most effective.  And we built a candy castle.

Current research about best practice in early childhood education demonstrates that children learn best through play.  As contemporary author Diane Ackerman Writes, “Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.”  Research also proves something that makes sense intuitively: engaging children’s curiosities is smart pedagogy.  When we – children or adults – are interested in something, we enthusiastically pursue our questions, we more easily retain what we learn, and we creatively integrate that knowledge into our lives.

Candy Construction recipe book

In my role as the Director of Educational Engagement at the Louise D. and Morton J. Macks Center for Jewish Education, it is my responsibility to seek out families with young children who are not yet solidly connected to Jewish learning or Jewish living and inspire them to grow.  We aspire to spark the curiosity of both parents and children.  We aim to creatively, thoughtfully and passionately inspire families to connect with Judaism and Jewish community through meaningful encounters with our tradition.  In order to do that, we make sure that our programs are both low-barrier and high-content.  They need to be easy to access, but they also need to include significant, relevant Jewish content that motivates people to deepen their Jewish commitments and heightens their sense of curiosity about Jewish life.  Parenting books about discipline often talk about the need for children to develop an internal locus of control.  In the world of Jewish educational engagement, we need to develop an internal locus of curiosity.

Take, for example, an initiative we are launching this month, “PJ on the Town.”  Each month between now and June we and a local synagogue are co-sponsoring an event at a cultural institution around town – The National Aquarium, The B & O Railroad Museum, The Walters Art Museum, The Sports Legend Museum, The Irvine Nature Center, and Spirit Cruises at the Inner Harbor.  The events are being held in places that are familiar to families.  At each one, families will have the opportunity to connect with each other, to enjoy quality time with their own family and to learn something Jewish that has the potential to make a difference in their lives.  They will also be encouraged to grow from one event to another and, for those not yet connected with a synagogue, to consider further exploration.  We hope that the experience will brighten whatever spark of curiosity brought them there in the first place and we hope that they have a great experience playing together.

And if you were wondering … the candy castle was delicious, made even sweeter by the opportunity to learn something from my daughter.

Learn more about PJ on the Town>>
Interested in PJ Library? Sign up now>>

Related Articles:
Meet Claire>>

Ptil Tekhelet (Threads of Blue)

By: Erika Schon
Baltimore Hebrew Institute and Towson University

I wrinkled my nose at the briny smell as I moved closer to photograph the clear plastic cup full of greenish liquid. Resting on the bottom of the cup were the dried glands of several chilazon, the Hebrew word most closely identified as the present day mollusk, murex trunculus.  As 25 curious students looked on, the guest presenter, Dr. Ari Zivotofsky from Bar Ilan University proceeded to dip a swath of pure white wool into the murky solvent.  Lo and behold, the soaked greenish-yellow wool slowly changed to a rich blue color, known in the Hebrew sources as tekhelet, the unique blue dye used to color the tsitsit (ritual fringes) and priestly garments of ancient Israel.

What a privilege it was to learn alongside these young adults who were enrolled in The Object is the Object, Dr. Barry Freundel’s freshman seminar at Towson University.   On Thursday, November 10, Dr. Zivotofsky expertly took the students on a journey from biblical to modern times, exploring the early textual references to ptil tekhelet, which are repeated daily in the Sh’ma blessing: “And it [ptil tekhelet] shall be for you as a fringe, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of G-d, and do them…” (Numbers 15:38-39).

The symbolism of ptil tekhelet is multifold; the rich blue colors recall the ocean and the infinite sky, reminding us of G-d’s presence in the world and of the bond between the wearer and G-d.

Yet, over time, the wearing of tekhelet became relegated only to royalty, placed under restrictions during Roman times, and ultimately banned after the Arab conquest. Thus, the source of this special dye was lost to modern knowledge, only to be rediscovered following research and exploration in the late 20th century.  Citing sources in the Talmud that referred to the special properties of tekhelet, researchers embarked on numerous diving expeditions off the coast of northern Israel that led to the identification of the most likely match for the chilazon.   As it turns out, the dye is derived from a relatively rare snail found in the Mediterranean.   This murex trunculus shellfish found off the coast of what was once ancient Phoenicia contains a special gland that produces the indigo-colored permanent dye. Today, the ancient dying process used to make tekhelet has been revived and wearers of the blue threads can be seen throughout the Jewish world.

At the end of last week’s class, students were intrigued by another challenging question posed by Dr. Freundel.  Why is Dr. Zivotofsky making history this week through his visit to the US?  Clearly, the answer was not in the tekhelet lesson just learned.  They will no doubt Google Dr. Zivotofsky and learn that he has sued the US State Department on behalf of his son, born in 2002 in Jerusalem at Shaare Zedek hospital.  His suit, now being heard by the Supreme Court, requests that the plaintiff’s passport records Jerusalem, Israel as the place of birth. Although this may seem obvious to some, the ruling on this seemingly benign passport case will have far-reaching implications on US foreign policy. Learn more about this>>

What interesting times we live in!  Students at Towson, from a variety of faith traditions, are learning to appreciate the “hows, whys and whens” of Jewish ritual and religious practice throughout history.  Courses such as Dr. Freundel’s tie ancient texts to modern traditions, while also demonstrating the inextricable historic link of the Jewish people to the modern land of Israel.  Yet, at the same time, students on college campuses throughout the world are barraged with messages that seek to undermine or at least call into question Israel’s very right to exist as a Jewish state.  As revisionist “historians” gain traction with naïve and impressionable audiences, Israel advocacy is more important than ever.

Which brings me to Israel Advocacy Day.

On Sunday, November 13, threads of blue were boldly displayed on the graphic design for the Israel Advocacy Conference.  Baltimore Hebrew Institute of Towson University was proud to be one of 18 communal organizations who sponsored this important event.  Attendees reflected the broadest spectrum of Israel advocates, from the far left to the far right, underscoring the importance of unconditional dialogue and engagement in the complex issues that affect Israel today.  Shoshana Cardin honored her parents’ memory as she introduced the day’s Sraiah and Chana Shoubin Memorial Lecturer, William Daroff, with recollections of her father.  Sraiah Shoubin had wisely taught her that it was ok to sometimes disagree with Israel and its policies, while also underscoring the critical and enduring importance of Israel to the Jewish people.  Daroff expertly presented a succinct review of Israel’s history vis-a-vis the Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the key facts that we need to remember in order to confidently advocate for Israel in a variety of settings.

At the Israel Advocacy event, I was energized by being in the room with community members who shared my passion, commitment and concern for Israel’s well-being.  However, the most encouraging aspect of the day was the presence of young adults, in high school, college and grad school, who were, like me, fine tuning the important messages and arguments that they will use in their own Israel conversations.  Their job will be harder than mine, for Israel is increasingly being delegitimized amongst the younger generation.  And so with a renewed sense of purpose, I will return to my job supporting the BHI-affiliated Judaic studies courses at Towson, which reaffirms our important mission of Jewish education.   Next week’s presentation in Dr. Freundel’s class will deal with the Jewish ritual objects the etrog (representing the heart) and the shofar (a call to action).  I cannot imagine two more fitting symbols to capture the emotion and necessity of the times.

RELATED ARTICLES:
Relationships Matter When it Comes to Israel>>
Honor Gilad’s Return with a Tree>>
How Well Do You Know Your Sister City?>>
How to Advocate for Israel When You Don’t Agree With All of Its Policies>>

Read more by Erika Schon>>

Defining Women’s Philanthropy

By Elizabeth Schuman
Senior Women’s Associate
Women’s Philanthropy

If you’re anything like me, the first time you heard the words “women’s philanthropy,” you may have paused. If you’ll pardon the pun, you may have thought: “What gives? Isn’t charity gender-neutral?” After all, when your family donates to a cause, you’ve made your statement, provided your support, and, in effect, voted thumbs up. That one check does it all.

Laura Black, 2009-2011 President ASSOCIATED Women

Wake up. This isn’t 1955, or for that matter, 1985. It’s no longer solely a man’s charitable world. In fact, women at nearly every income level are as much as 40 percent more likely than men to contribute to charity, found Women Give 2010, a headline-making report from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. Not only are women more likely to give, women give more, said the report, which compared giving between men and women across income levels. For example, a female-headed household with a family income of at least $103,000 is likely to donate nearly $1,910, or some $1,000 more than in a household headed by a man.

As I pondered the statistics and learned more about THE ASSOCIATED’s reach, I kept thinking about the term, women’s philanthropy. By then, I had met many of the leaders within ASSOCIATED Women. Committed, energized, passionate, they kept espousing the importance of a woman’s gift.  Laura Black, last year’s president of ASSOCIATED Women, emphasized the importance of every woman taking a stand, becoming partners with the organizations they support, and combining the gift with activism. Last year, ASSOCIATED Women gave nearly $7 million to the campaign, with more than 2,900 individual women donors.

Women give differently. Some compelling statistics: The Center for Women’s Business Research found that almost half, 47 percent, of women, versus 39 percent of men, feel giving is a moral imperative. Women explore what they are passionate about and what is important – it goes beyond writing a check.  A woman’s gift, Laura Black pointed out, allows a woman to direct where her money goes, and connect directly to the organization that matters most to her. It’s that passion that drives the gift.

The concept of women’s philanthropy has become more real to me thanks to a longtime donor. Giving for years in her husband’s name, she opened her conversation with me with these words, “I would like to make my own gift. In my name, at this level. So, I know that I’ve made my stand.”

And she did.

As a woman, how do you begin to give? How do you begin to get your heart around women’s philanthropy? Not surprisingly, the answers encompass education, engagement, and commitment.

Your gift matters more when you learn about THE ASSOCIATED and its myriad of agencies and programs caring for children, families, and seniors living here in Baltimore and overseas. Become involved in programs that speak to you. Participate in an agency. Join other professional women looking to strengthen their networks. Build leadership skills in special classes and programs. Volunteer in the community. Lend your expertise on a committee.

Commit. Every gift is meaningful and of value. Special ASSOCIATED Women giving levels range from a $1 a day at the Community level ($365 a year) to transformational gifts of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Your gift matters.
As we begin our 2012 Annual Campaign, your voice can be heard. That’s the real meaning of women’s philanthropy.

Give a little time, get a BIG reward

By Karen Schloss

• Can you give four to six hours of free time a month?
• Is having fun and sharing your interests or hobbies something you would enjoy?
• Does giving back to the Jewish community appeal to you?
• Do you know about Jewish Big Brother Big Sister, a program of Jewish Community Services (JCS)?

Scott Jacobi answered, “yes” to all of the above and contacted JCS to learn more about becoming a volunteer mentor.

Our program appealed to him and Scott made the one-year commitment to become a Big Brother. He was matched with a 7-year-old boy who lost his father when he was 3-years-old.  They’re having fun and benefitting from this mutually rewarding friendship.  Scott is sharing his love of animals, hiking and computers.  Jason is excited to have new experiences with a great guy whose big heart and compassion have opened his world.

Children and teens who have Big Brothers or Big Sisters are less likely to drop out of school, less likely to use alcohol and drugs and more likely to have positive relationships.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters are provided with an orientation, trainings, free passes for museums, movies, mini-golf, the Science Center, the Jewish Community Center, and more. In addition, ongoing support during your match relationship is available.

To inquire about Jewish Big Brother Big Sister contact, Katie Cohen at kcohen@jcsbaltimore.org or 410-843-7462 or visit http://www.jcsbaltimore.org/volunteer.