Flex Your Jewish Muscle

By Elizabeth Schuman

The old joke used to be that the term Jewish athlete was an oxymoron.

Except for the stalwart go-to names, subjects of countless Hebrew School reports — Marc Spitz, Sandy Koufax and Hank Greenberg — as a people, we weren’t so much into sports.

Instead, we were people of the book, more intent on college, graduate school, careers and academic accomplishment.

Things have changed.

At the recent Summer Olympics in London, being Jewish was, well, cool.
Never mind the negligence of the Olympic organizing committee banning opening ceremony recognition of the 40th anniversary of the Munich massacre, when 11 Israeli athletes were gunned down. On social media, people fought back – posting images and words acknowledging the solemn anniversary and skewering Olympic officials. NBC’s Bob Costas denounced the decision during his broadcast, taking to the air for his moment of silence in honor of the slain athletes. The Israeli athletes, 37 proud, marched in during the 2012 opening ceremonies as if to say, “Heneini – I am here.”

And we had Aly Raisman.

Small, powerful – like Israel itself – 18-year-old Aly went about her business of athletics. To the jubilant tune of Hava Nagila, Aly leaped, twirled and soared through the air, earning a gold medal for floor exercises and a bronze on the balance beam, in addition to helping her team earn an all-around gold medal.

With the lilting musical strains resonating in the virtual air, Aly said later: “Having that floor music wasn’t intentional, but the fact that it was on the 40th anniversary is special and winning the gold today means a lot to me.”

And then this petite teenager, born decades after the Munich Olympics, stuck it to the International Olympic Committee:
“If there had been a moment’s silence, I would have supported it and respected it.”
That’s the future of Jewish, yes?

We honor the past. And we soar toward the future, confident in who we are and what we need to accomplish.

Like the Olympics, THE ASSOCIATED’s Annual Campaign marks time. Instead of four years between Summer or Winter games, our work in Baltimore begins anew each fall. And like the elite athletes, our work demands power, determination and just a little chutzpuh.

On our winner’s podium?

A strong community. One that inspires, educates, innovates. One that responds to needs and builds Jewish connections. In short, a winner.

The 2012 Summer Olympics are over. The athletes are home. Israel Diaspora Affairs Minister Yuli Edelstein invited Aly and her family to make their first visit to Israel. With a few simple words, he said, Aly demonstrated a critical Jewish value:
Kol Israel Arevim Zeh Lazeh: All Jews are responsible for one another.
We may not dance on the edge of a four-inch balance beam. Likely we won’t somersault through the air. No matter. When we take a stand for our community, we are all winners.
Just like Aly.

For Leadership Training and Learning Turn to Dor Tikvah

By Randi Hertzberg
Chair, Dor Tikvah, 2010-12

“Dor Tikvah has been a great experience for me.  It really opened my eyes to THE ASSOCIATED and the enormity of what they do in Baltimore and around the world.  It also gave me the opportunity to meet many great leaders in the area to hear about what they do and what is needed to be a leader myself.  I really enjoyed getting to know the women in my group who share my passion for the Jewish people and desire to be involved in their future.”
- Cheryl Abrams, Dor Tikvah Class 2010-12

This spring, 19 women from Jewish Baltimore will graduate from Dor Tikvah, a transformative women’s leadership program through THE ASSOCIATED.  No, they won’t be wearing caps and gowns. And they won’t march down an aisle to Pomp and Circumstance.

Instead, they will celebrate their two-year journey—one that took them from discussions about leaders and leadership to discovery about their Jewish identity.  For two years, I’ve had the privilege of leading this group, which met monthly from September 2010 through May 2012.

I’ve watched these women who started as individuals from diverse backgrounds and different stages of their lives grow into a cohesive group with common goals:  to leave the world better than how they found it, to teach the importance of tikkun olam to their children and to lead by example.  They have become more confident in their thoughts and ideas about philanthropy, Judaism, and making change in the world.

Each class provided something new and different to explore. During a leadership personality program, our group learned about their distinct personality styles – one that defines how each woman interacts and works with others. Other sessions delved into the meaning of leadership, from both Jewish (Biblical) and practical perspectives.

We shared our stories, always with laughter and frequently with tears. I’ll never forget hearing how each of us create rituals in the home – from a pair of Shabbat candlesticks once belonging to a grandmother to holiday menus and treasured photographs.

We learned about the hands-on work performed by the 14 different agencies and countless programs that receive ASSOCIATED dollars. It was fascinating to learn more about the challenging allocations process and try our hand at an exercise where we divided funds for a myriad of worthwhile programs. We went behind the scenes at the Jewish Museum of Maryland, delving into their archives of Jewish Baltimore. We saw agencies in action.

“I gained so many things by participating in the Dor Tikvah Program.  To begin, I gained a better understanding of what an incredible organization THE ASSOCIATED is and how fortunate I am to have them in my own backyard.  As a result of my experience, I became more connected because it provided me a sense of community and made me extremely proud to be a part of something so worthwhile.  Personally, it forced me to take the time to reflect on my own Jewish values and beliefs and what they mean to me….something I rarely (if ever) do and I am thankful for the opportunity.”
- Michelle Harf-Grim, Dor Tikvah Class 2010-12

Now, as they graduate from the program, many women in our Dor Tikvah class are gearing up for their next steps. Some are joining boards or committees within THE ASSOCIATED and its agencies. Some are taking active roles in next year’s Annual Campaign. Still others are taking what they have learned and assuming leadership roles within Jewish Baltimore.

Beyond the experience of learning about THE ASSOCIATED and themselves, our class gained another huge benefit. They became friends.  They have become their own community, caring and nurturing each other, celebrating the birth of a baby, a wedding, or finishing a marathon. When one needs a shoulder, these women know they have thirty-eight.

“I have found Dor Tikvah to be a very rewarding experience for many reasons.  It has been very enlightening to hear all of the “good” that THE ASSOCIATED does for our community and beyond.  I always came home very inspired by the meetings and wanted to share it with my family.  When you find something you are passionate about, you want to share your excitement.  I think this helped to also open my husband’s and children’s eyes to THE ASSOCIATED.  My oldest son found it all very interesting, and he is now in the midst of the application process for TGI and STAC*.   I think being a part of Dor Tikvah helps you feel more connected to the Jewish community in Baltimore, making you want to be more involved and do your part.  Dor Tikvah exposes women to all of the facets of THE ASSOCIATED so we can find our niche.  I feel our Dor Tikvah class was very fortunate to have such a unique and close-knit group of women.”
- Debbie Lubliner, Dor Tikvah Class of 2010-12

These 19 women are special in so many ways.  Their thoughtfulness and insights have taught me many things about myself as well.  I hope they have learned as much from me, as I have learned from them.  They are extraordinary and I feel so fortunate to have been a part of this group.  I know that these women will forever be connected by their Dor Tikvah experience.  And, I know that the Baltimore Jewish community is forever going to be changed as these women start making their footprints as the next generation of Jewish leaders.

I’m not going to say I’ll miss them because I am not letting them go.  We are all moving on to our next challenges and will continue to support each other.  And, the first Thursday of every month will forever be … Dor Tikvah reunion night on my calendar.

For information about the next Dor Tikvah class, please contact Liz Schuman at eschuman@associated.org or 410-369-9251 or visit our website.

*Teen Giving Initiative (TGI) and Students Taking Action for Change (STAC) are teen leadership programs for high school sophomores and juniors. Participants learn about leadership, fundraising and social justice and advocacy. For information, visit www.associated.org/teens.

Doing Good is Good for Business: Guide to Giving in the Workplace

By: ASSOCIATED Staff

In recent years, philanthropy has taken on an increasingly important role in the workplace.  Workplace giving campaigns vary in nature, size and scope but the benefits to employees are always the same: the ability and privilege to give back to the causes near and dear to one’s heart.

Charity Navigator offers a comprehensive guide to giving in the workplace, summarized by the six tips below:

1. Examine your values to determine which causes you want to support.
2. Review your personal finances to determine how much you can afford to give.
3. Learn how the participating charities were pre-screened and back it up with your own research.
4. Find out what percentage of your donation is going to the charities you’ve chosen.
5. Maximize the amount of money going to charity by reviewing your employer’s matching program.
6. At the end of the year, find out how your donations were put to use.

If you’d like to participate in THE ASSOCIATED’s Annual Campaign, visit us at www.associated.org/donate.  If your place of business has a United Way campaign, you can allocate your funds to THE ASSOCIATED by designating charity #108.

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>>