A Community Cares

By Jodi Elkin
Mitzvah Day Committee Member
Jewish Volunteer Connection

Upon my return home from The Associated-sponsored mission trip for 12 Jewish teenagers from Baltimore to Odessa, Ukraine at age 17, I knew my involvement with the JVC had only just begun. That upcoming holiday season became my first time volunteering at JVC’s annual Mitzvah Day at the Park Heights JCC. I encouraged my parents and my sisters to attend the event and help out as well. That was six Mitzvah Days ago, and we haven’t missed one since.

Every year, thousands of items are donated to JVC for the event, and on Christmas day, hundreds of volunteers from the Jewish community gather together to assemble winter care packages for people in need. Following an entire year of planning, the event is filled with a variety of volunteer activities for families, fun music and holiday cheer. All of the planning committee’s hard work pays off when approximately 1,500 care packages are delivered to various shelters and soup kitchens by the end of the day.

As a recent college graduate who just moved home to the Baltimore area to attend grad school, this was the first year that I was able to join the Mitzvah Day committee myself.  My dad, who has been on the committee for several years, was the Chair this year. Now, not only was I able to play my part as a volunteer, but I helped organize the behind-the-scenes aspects of Mitzvah Day as well.

While the rest of my Jewish friends wake up on Christmas morning with plans for movies and Chinese food, I get to put on my Mitzvah Day shirt and “Ask Me” name tag, head to the JCC, and prepare for the day’s events. In the past, I have had various roles such as handing out different colored ribbons as a code to where the bags are heading, restocking the donated items as they disappear into these bags and even videotaping the event to create short movies.

I have loved every minute of my involvement with the program, and hope to continue to be a part of it for years to come. It always feels good to volunteer in the community, but there is something extra special about doing a mitzvah during the holiday season. To know that we, as a community coming together, have the potential to put a smile on someone’s face who is facing difficult times is a truly precious holiday gift.

See Jodi’s video from 2011′s Mitzvah Day>>

‘In Our Own Backyard’ Welcomes an Eclectic Group of Israeli Entrepreneurs

Nearly 150 people from the Baltimore-Washington corridor turned out for the Maryland/Israel Development Center’s (MIDC) premiere corporate networking program last week. ‘In Our Own Backyard: A Showcase of Israeli Companies in Maryland and Washington, D.C.’, held on October 18 at the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center at Howard County Community College, showcased Israeli companies that have decided to plant roots in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas. Company focuses ranged from information and medical technology to development in the defense technology field.

Among the companies was Pango, which developed a high-tech pay-by-phone parking management system. NowForce demonstrated its innovative platform of standard mobile phones transformed into life-saving networks. Through deployment on this technology, emergency response teams are able to overcome the ‘Last Mile” problem. Integrated Systems Research Corporation (ISR) offered a look at its breakthrough technology of mapping and tracking. ISR installed custom fleet management systems for government and commercial customers worldwide. Also showcased were EL AL, Israel’s national airline and the Mamilla, David Citadel and Carlton Hotels.

“The world is in need of tremendous innovations coming out of Israel and we’re lucky to be surrounded by companies that find business value in our area. This was a terrific opportunity for investors to get in on the ground floor of the powerhouse that is Israeli innovation,” said Rob Frier, In Our Own Backyard chair.

The program also included presentations from Lior Shilat, Embassy of Israel’s Director of Investments and Roni Einav, author of From Nordau to Nasdaq and mega-entrepreneur of Israeli high-tech companies.

“Roni is one of the first and most successful entrepreneurs of the Israeli high-tech industry and Lior knows everything there is to know about what makes Israel the ‘start-up nation’ – it was a great pair,” said Abba David Poliakoff, MIDC Chairman of the Board.

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. MIDC is supported by several leading government and private companies in the Rockville and D.C. area, including the Montgomery County Department of Business and Economic Development. The Jewish Federation of Howard County and the Howard County Economic Development Authority partnered with the MIDC and played a large role in working with Howard County Community College.

Executive Director, Barry Bogage said MIDC uses ‘In Our Own Backyard’ as a platform to fulfill its mission of fostering bilateral economic development between Israel and Maryland. He said MIDC’s Board of Directors, members and staff actively assist Israeli businesses in successfully accessing Maryland and other U.S. market opportunities, concurrently identifying appropriate business prospects for Maryland companies in Israel. This is the second year MIDC has held ‘In Our Own Backyard.’

For a full list of MIDC preferred providers, to learn more about the organization, membership and its upcoming events, visit www.MarylandIsrael.org.

Be A Part of the Upcoming GA in Baltimore

By Marisa Danto
Campaign Associate
THE ASSOCIATED

What is the General Assembly (GA) you might ask? Chaired nationally by Baltimore’s own Genine and Josh Fidler and Linda and Steven Hurwitz, the GA is an annual conference hosted by Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and is the largest Jewish philanthropic conference. The last time the General Assembly was in Baltimore was in 1991. Twenty-one years later, this is our opportunity, as Jewish young leaders, to show the rest of the Jewish world what makes Jewish Baltimore so strong.

We are the future leaders. We are the future philanthropists. And, at this conference, we will discuss the critical issues facing the global Jewish community today while learning and networking with today’s leaders in workshops and plenary sessions. The GA also provides an opportunity for socializing and connecting with new and old friends, colleagues and decision-makers.

As a Baltimore Jewish young leader there are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved. On October 24, you will have an opportunity to meet Genine Fidler, co-chair of the GA and register to attend or volunteer for the conference, while attending THE ASSOCIATED’s Business and Professionals Group panel discussion “How Red and Blue Affect your Green.”

On Sunday, November 11, join other Jewish young leaders for a meaningful learning opportunity with Brian Mandell, Director of the Harvard Kennedy School of Negotiation Project. Mr. Mandell teaches about the theory and art of negotiations and writes about contentious disputes. Previously, he was a strategic analyst for the Canadian Department of National Defense, specializing in UN peacekeeping and the implementation of arms control agreements.

Following the wonderful Baltimore Community Event, Monday evening, November 12, at the National Aquarium, hosted by THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, where you will mix and mingle with GA attendees, dine on local cuisine and listen to live music, young leaders will make their way to an after-party at Power Plant Live to socialize, network and continue the party!

If hands-on volunteering is of interest to you, THE ASSOCIATED will be partnering with Jewish Volunteer Connection, a local program of THE ASSOCIATED, and Ruach Tova, an organization in Israel that sponsors a nationwide Good Deeds Day. We will pick two set times during the GA to participate and two to three volunteer projects to showcase.

There are opportunities for everyone to explore the GA! Attend the Conference (at a discounted rate of $349 for Baltimore attendees and a one-day only registration option for $199).

Or, become a volunteer. Hundreds of volunteers are needed to serve as community ambassadors to GA participants from all over the world.  Volunteer for a three hour shift at the Convention Center or one of the hotels and show participants why we are called Charm City.  We hope to see you there.

Check out ways to volunteer>>

Register now>>

Eleven Days

By Sophia Goldman
Diller Baltimore Teen Fellow, 2011-2012

Eleven days was all it took for me to make 19 new best friends. And when I tell you that I could write a whole book describing the North American Seminar (NAS) much less a blog post, I’m telling the truth. At a glance, 11 days seems like such a short amount of time, and looking back, I definitely wish we all had more time. However, the 11 days we got together were packed full of community service, Judaism, seminars, pictures, laughs, smiles and hugs (there were a lot of hugs). And while the Israelis were jet-lagged for most of their stay, they rarely showed it and instead were full of spirit and excitement, which only pumped up the Baltimore cohort more. By the end of our first weekend together spent at a retreat at Capital Camps, we had completely achieved “Ashkemore,” our perfect blend of Ashkelon and Baltimore.

While the Israelis toured Baltimore, we were able to tag along when possible. And while it was usually troublesome to get out of our school activities, it was always worth it. Even the small trips, like going to Quarry Lake, were so much fun for the sole reason we were together. However, we each had responsibilities too. The Baltimore teens were broken into groups of four and were responsible for certain parts of the week, like the opening seminar, or the retreat at Capital Camps. Likewise, the Ashkelon teens were broken into groups of four and were responsible for explaining certain parts of their tour, like when we visited Washington, D.C.

Eleven days and we had a new family. And everyone could feel it, from each teen in the groups, to our junior counselors. When asked in our maagals (circle discussions we had after an event) if we had been experiencing any problems our groups were silent. It was simple, we were too happy with each other and with how perfectly everything was managing. And another reason the NAS was so special was the bonding our Baltimore group experienced. I am counting down the days until our turn to venture to Israel to connect with our second family again!

Learn more about THE ASSOCIATED Teen Programs>>

What I learned from TGI

By Hanna Fiddle
TGI Fellow 2011-2012

This year, I wanted to get involved and help make a difference in the lives of others.  THE ASSOCIATED’s Teen Giving Initiative (TGI) has been that opportunity for me this year.

TGI is filled with 20 nice and amazing teens who wanted to make a change like I did.  We bonded so much over the year with a lot of fun activities.  We had a blast at the overnight, grew together in the day-long retreat at Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center, and made so many memories along the way.  This whole program has been a wonderful experience.

In addition, I strengthened my leadership skills.  I feel confident in being able to do such great things on my own now.  Not only was this fun, but we raised a lot of money that we are going to donate to organizations focused on either education, domestic abuse or homelessness.  We raised money through various efforts including letter writing to out-of-town family and friends, a phon-a-thon where we called teens in Baltimore, and two fundraisers.  Our fundraisers were “Make Maggie Moo’s a Mitzvah,” an ice cream event at Maggie Moos and the Krav Mag-Auction.  The Krav Mag-Auction – part Krav Maga class, part Silent Auction – was one of my favorite parts of the program.  I had so much fun in the class getting a workout, and even won a prize at the auction!

I am so proud of what this year’s TGI cohort has accomplished under the leadership of Amy Steinberg.  She was such a wonderful person to have as our guide throughout the year.  While I am sad that our year is almost over, I know that this will not be the end of our actions.  Thanks to TGI, I have realized how important it is to be a leader and how much I love it.  One day, I hope to have my own organization for kids with Tourettes.  I will continue to help others and I hope that everyone else does the same.  It certainly has been amazing!

Learn more about teen programming>>

Ve’ahavta Lereacha Kamocha

By: Maayan Jaffe
Communications & Marketing Manager
THE ASSOCIATED

May 6 is going to be an active day for the Baltimore Jewish community – especially for those living in our neighborhood. CHAI’s “Good Neighbor Day” will refocus the organization’s annual spring event as a day of community giving, specifically by and for those living in the Glen, Cross Country, Fallstaff, Mount Washington and Cheswolde neighborhoods. It is becoming a day exactly as it sounds, a day of working together to strengthen and beautify our neighborhoods, as well as to help our senior residents prepare their homes for the summer. But it will still be a day to roll up your sleeves and have some fun!

CHAI board member Doni Greenwald says that for the past four years he and his family have volunteered on CHAI Weatherization Day and Senior Home Repair Day. He doesn’t consider himself a “handy guy,” he says with a smile, but he really gets into the work: raking leaves, trimming hedges and changing batteries in smoke detectors.

“It’s a great family event. I usually bring my kids, and they love it!” Doni says. “The seniors we visit appreciate seeing the kids as much as they appreciate the work we do.”

This year, the day will be even more meaningful for him and his family, says Doni. Volunteers are being encouraged to rally their neighbors to action, to inspire and encourage them to organize their own neighborhood projects, with the help and support of CHAI and the neighborhood associations. Examples of group projects could include park clean-ups, bulb/tree/community garden planting, yard and storm drain cleaning, alley/synagogue/church clean-ups, and assisting vulnerable members of the community.

“No one wants to take and not give,” says Doni. “The frum community is one of CHAI’s primary beneficiaries. Good Neighbor Day presents an opportunity for members of the frum community to show their appreciation for what CHAI does by giving back – to the organization and to each other.”

Glen-area resident David Brucker knows just how true Doni’s statements are. In his upper 80s, the retired registered nurse says that without the help of CHAI and its volunteers he would have long ago been moved into a geriatric facility. “When you get a little older and have been in the same home for a long, long time, it becomes a very comfortable place. It can be very traumatic to have to move to a new environment,” David explains, recalling how, during the fall’s Weatherization Day, a team of cadets from the area fire house performed basic yard work and removed debris to prepare the grass for the winter – something he could never have done on his own nor afforded to pay for.

“I live on social security – at least I try to live on social security. Maybe it is better to say I survive on social security. CHAI volunteers are a big help to me in many, many ways, and it is a wonderful thing to see they can do,” David says.

“It is clearly a part of our teaching to respect the elderly, to care for the elderly, but also to care for one another – for our neighbors,” says Richard Fradkin, an active CHAI volunteer. “This is doing for your neighbors as you would have done to you. It is wonderful to see the smiles on the homeowners’ faces, to see the people who live in our neighborhoods and need our help – and to do something about it. They can be the littlest things, but they make a big difference.”

CHAI executive director Ken Gelula agrees: “We are fortunate to live in our community. Let’s show our appreciation by taking time out of our busy lives to roll up our sleeves and help each other and our neighborhoods.”

Do you want to get involved, too? Visit http://www.chaibaltimore.org for more information about the May 6 volunteer day. You can also contact Chedva Rose at crose@chaibaltimore.org or 410-500-5325.

Small Loans, Better Lives

Medical emergencies. Late rent. Home improvements. School tuition payments. Where there is a need, Hebrew Free Loan is there.

The Hebrew Free Loan Association, HFLA, has been doing business in Baltimore since 1898. An agency of THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, its role is just as its name implies: an agency that has made thousands of no-interest loans to the people of Jewish Baltimore. Dovid Yisroel Katz, an accountant with Katz & Associates, P.A. in Pikesville, currently serves as the president. He says the agency sees three to four new applicants each week and typically more than half of those applicants qualify for a loan.

How does it happen? Each Thursday evening, between 7:00 and 8:30 p.m., the HFLA office, located at 5750 Park Heights Avenue in the Jewish Community Services building, is open. A team of dedicated volunteers from all walks of Jewish life see potential loan recipients, to hear about their plights and to determine if they qualify for funding.  As each applicant applies, he or she must present his or her need and demonstrate that he or she can repay the loan – HFLA is governed by the guidelines set forth by the Internal Revenue Service.  The recipient must provide a guarantor for approximately every $1,000 loaned.

Who makes it happen? The volunteers … and only the volunteers (with overhead support by The Associated). While many Federation free loan associations exist throughout the United States, HFLA is one of very few that has no paid professionals on staff. A voluntary board – with some members that have served for decades – does all the work. The board is proud to have fathers, sons, uncles and nephews on the board together.

What types of expenditures are covered? There’s a wide range, including medical and dental bills, down payments on automobile purchases, rent and utility bills. Loan applicants have received money for window replacements to make their homes more energy efficient. HFLA has provided funds to assist with tuition payments, including those for college books and living expenses. In addition, HFLA provides loans for weddings, funerals, bar and bas mitzvahs, for Pesach food and tickets to Israel.

How much can you get? As much as you need, but typically loans are around $3,000. Currently, there are about 150 to 175 loans outstanding, with around $250,000 due. However, the HFLA has the ability to fund substantially more loans.

Why not charge interest? It’s the Jewish way. According to Katz, the HFLA follows the mandate proscribed in parshas Mishpasim: “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge him no interest” (Shemos 22:25).

Does this really have impact? YES! The stories speak for themselves. Take the Scheer family. When they needed help with the medical bills that mounted after Roberta’s treatment for breast cancer, a neighbor suggested they seek help from the HFLA.

“The interest-free loan we were able to get enabled us to pay our bills and get our footing after a really trying time for our family,” Roberta says. “The loan officer treated us with compassion and respect. I am so grateful for having a place to turn when we really needed someone.”

Today, says Katz, the success stories are in the thousands. The most gratifying is when past borrowers become co-signers on loans for others. “Those are individuals who once needed help, but are now in a position to help others,” he says.

Do you or someone you know need assistance? Please contact the Hebrew Free Loan Association of Baltimore, an agency of THE ASSOCIATED, at 410-466-9200, ext. 216 or hfla@jfs.org. Learn more online at www.hebrewfreeloan.org.

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>>

A Times Square Promise to Strengthen Our Community

By Elizabeth Schuman
THE ASSOCIATED

Ten, nine, eight … in those last few seconds of a current year, anything seems possible for the next. Whether you watch the ball drop at Times Square or call it a night before 10 p.m., there’s something fresh and inviting about the first heady days of a new year.

Some of us make resolutions: Lose those 10 pounds. Start that exercise program. Organize that closet. Fix. Repair. Change.

If only it were that easy. As we all know, promises made in the turn of a calendar page dissipate as the days pass. The chocolate chip cookies are too tempting and it’s too cold to exercise. Sometimes, when we focus solely on the “I,” motivation can be tough.

There is another way to look at the promise of a new year. Instead of trying to fix what we believe is wrong with us individually, let’s look outward. Consider the power of a communal resolution.

Here’s one to start: Strengthen our community.

You might think why bother? After all, Baltimore is considered one of the strongest communities in the Federation system nationwide. The distinction is certainly due to the enormous generosity of donors and the outstanding array of community and volunteer endeavors accomplished under THE ASSOCIATED umbrella. From donor to service recipient, our appreciation for such a robust community only grows each year. (Read our donor and service recipient’s stories>>)

Still, there are people who may not know about our work of funding 14 agencies and hundreds of programs and services here and overseas. Our safety net ensures a Jewish tomorrow – from our leadership programs for volunteers and Jewish communal professionals to our on-the-ground services for impoverished Jews in the former Soviet Union.

What better time than now to make it count more? It’s our responsibility to reach outward and engage new people in the many programs, services and energy of THE ASSOCIATED.

Share your belief in what you do. Engage others in activities that touch their hearts. Reach out to involve those who are on the sidelines. Invite friends and family to join you. The beauty of THE ASSOCIATED is that all are welcomed: High-powered executives, entrepreneurs, stay-at-home-moms, teens, newlyweds, empty nesters, people who have been married for 50 years and people who have never been married. No matter how one observes Judaism, at THE ASSOCIATED there is a role one can fill, a place to go, a way to help.

Whether you involve someone in volunteering, learning more about ASSOCIATED programs, or giving to the Annual Campaign for a bright Jewish tomorrow, this is one resolution that affects us all. In this time of promising to do better, it’s time to make your communal resolution to build a stronger community.

Get Involved>>
Make a Contribution>>
Leave a Legacy>>

My Super Sunday: Jewish Teens Host Their Own Phone-a-Thon

By Lindsey Deitch

Last Sunday evening, teens from around the Baltimore area united for an event called Teen Super Sunday at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC. The teens learned about THE ASSOCIATED, the phoning process and gained pledges to help their campaigns. TGI alone earned over $1,600 for their campaign, and STAC, Diller, BBYO and Maccabi teens all raised money for THE ASSOCIATED’s Annual Campaign. I am a TGI fellow and helped run this year’s Teen Super Sunday. The entire process was very nerve wrecking, but also very exciting and fulfilling. Not many people feel comfortable asking for money, but after learning the correct way to call and ask for pledges, the teens were able to have fun and really be creative with the phoning process. Seeing how many kids in the Baltimore area cared and were eager to help with something they may not have even been directly related to really had an impact on me. It was great to see so many teens come out to help raise money and also so many willing to donate. Overall, Super Sunday was a success and a great experience to have as a Baltimore teen!!

The Teen Giving Initiative (TGI) is a program of THE ASSOCIATED’s Jewish Volunteer Connection.  Applications for the 2012-13 TGI program will be available in January, 2012.  For more information about TGI or other programs for teens, please contact Renée Goldfarb at rgoldfarb@associated.org or  410-369-9338.
Learn more about ASSOCIATED teen programs>>

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