USCJ Begins Implementation of Strategic Plan
USCJ CEO Rabbi Steven Wernick has addressed a letter to the community explaining how the plan will be implemented:
June 14, 2011
"Chaverim,
This is a moment of great change within our community.
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism has taken the next step in the aggressive implementation of our new strategic plan, an exciting and dynamic initiative intended to create the framework for a new United Synagogue and to build a more vibrant Conservative movement.
Conservative Judaism in North America is at a crossroads. As we move forward into uncharted territory, the vital religious center must become stronger and more vibrant. As Conservative Jews, we represent that center. We accept the challenge. We are committed to helping our kehillot – sacred communities – transform themselves into places of ever-increasing spirituality and meaning..."
You can read the entire letter at http://uscj.org/Strategic_Plan_Lette8635.html.
USCJ Passes Resolution on Fatah-Hamas Reconciliation
On May 22, 2011, the USCJ General Assembly passed a resolution on the reconciliation of Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas. The resolution was sent to President Obama and Prime Minister Harper, accompanied by letters thanking them for their support of Israel and the two-state solution, as well as asking the two leaders to withdraw financial support from the Palestinian leadership until all members accept the return to negotiations without preconditions. You can download the documents in PDF format by clicking on the links below:
Mazal Tov to the 124 graduates of The Jewish Theological Seminary’s Class of 2011!
JTS Chancellor Arnold M. Eisen's commencement speech.
On May 19th, 2011, the Jewish Theological Seminary held a graduation ceremony for its 124 graduates. JTS also bestowed four honorary degrees, including to writer Mitch Albom, now a Doctor of Humane Letters.
You can check out Chancellor Eisen's commencement speech at the right, or click here for more information.
USCJ Leadership Responds to Speeches at AIPAC Conference
May 24, 2011
We thank President Obama, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and members of Congress for addressing the delegates to AIPAC’s convention in Washington. We are grateful that Mr. Netanyahu was offered the great honor of speaking before Congress and we congratulate him on his speech.
Almost half of AIPAC’s delegates are members of Conservative kehillot, and half of all the rabbis there are members of the Conservative movement’s Rabbinical Assembly. This is a strong expression of our movement’s long-term and continued support of Israel. We know that Israel’s strategic importance to the United States and the United States’ strategic importance to Israel means that our interests as Jews and our interests as Americans both lead us to strengthen the relationship between our country and our ancestral homeland.
Check out the Podcast of "Through a Jewish Lens: The Hows and Whys of Choosing a College, Jewishly."
Rabbi Elyse Winick
Rabbi Elyse Winick, Associate Director of KOACH/College Outreach, recently hosted a interactive presentation for High School sophomores and juniors, parents, synagogue/day school educators, youth group advisors/directors, etc. If you missed the initial broadcast, feel free to download the podcast for free by clicking here for Episode 1 or here for Episode 2..
Hosted by Howard Goldberg, Assistant Director, Northeast District, the program deals with subjects like Kosher food, Jewish studies classes, and Israel advocacy, as well as teaching you what questions to ask - of yourself and of the schools you are considering, as you build your sense of the most fitting match.
JTS Chancellor Eisen Launches New Blog: “Conservative Judaism: A Community Conversation.”
JTS Chancellor Arnold M. Eisen's new blog can be found at jtsa.edu/CJblog.
According to Eisen, "the blog features a series of short essays on various topics related to the nature and distinctiveness of Conservative Judaism, such as covenant, community, mitzvah, and tefillah. The essays will be accompanied by responses from invited dialogue partners as well as a wide-ranging community discussion. Why have we launched this blog now? My strong sense is that Conservative Jews want to hear from us, and from one another, about the ideas that we have for moving forward, our best thinking about what distinguishes Conservative Judaism from other forms of our tradition, and how we can most effectively translate the singular insights of our Movement into institutions that meet the needs of contemporary Jews."
METNY/UXY Alumni Reunion Picnic- July 10, 2011
METNY and UXY are throwing a Reunion Picnic for all alumni and their families to celebrate USY's 60th Brithday. The event is July 10th, 2011 from 10am - 5pm in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, Long Island (Parking field 6A).
Activities will include softball, DJ, games for families, raffle, 50/50 and more. Please bring your own dairy food. Cost is $5 per person, maximum $20 per family. Please RSVP to USYreunion@yahoo.com by June 20th.
To view a flyer for the event, please click here. For more info, you can visit UXY's Facebook page.
USCJ Supports Nechama in Tornado and Flood Disaster Recovery
We have all been saddened by the recent devastation faced by people living in the communities damaged by tornadoes, floods and other natural disasters.
United Synagogue has recently made a donation of $10,000 from their Disaster Relief Fund to Nechama, a Jewish community disaster response organization that deploys volunteers to help communities damaged by floods, tornadoes and other natural disasters. This donation will be used to help people return to their homes in communities in Alabama and Mississippi that were devastated by the recent tornadoes and floods. In this way, USCJ has played an instrumental role in allowing NECHAMA to fulfill its mission to serve disaster victims who are most in need: the poor, the sick, the disabled and the elderly.
In the spirit of "tikun olam", those wishing to support the efforts of USCJ and Nechama in their efforts to "heal the world" one family in need and one storm-damaged home at a time, may do so by sending contributions to Nechama and please mention that you hear about the program through USCJ.
Mazal Tov to the Newly Ordained Rabbis from the Ziegler School at American Jewish University!
Congratulations to new Rabbinic School Graduates Nadav Caine, Jordan Gerson, Justin Goldstein, Adam Greenwald, Ari Kaiman, Michael Knopf, Noam Raucher, Avi Taff, and Adam Titcher!
2011 Grants and Internship Opportunites from KOACH
The KOACH Campus Enrichment Grant program will be continued for the next academic year. Once again the grants will provide up to $1000 per campus, for the growth and enrichment of the Conservative community. Learn More & Apply for a Grant at http://www.koach.org/grants.htm.
But before you decide to apply for a grant, please consider the KOACH Intern Program, returning, renewed and refreshed, from a one year hiatus.
Similar to the KOACH Campus Enrichment Grant program, the intern program will provide grant monies to campuses, plus training and supervision for the student intern. Any student in your Conservative community is welcome to apply (with your endorsement); special incentives and enrichment for those who are also staffing at one of the Ramah Camps this summer. Learn More & Apply for an Internship at http://www.koach.org/interns.htm.
United Synagogue Partners With Alban Institute
Rabbi Wernick
Rabbi Steven Wernick, CEO and executive vice president of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, announced an innovative partnership with the Alban Institute of Herndon, Va., that will bring the expertise of Robert Leventhal, an Alban Institute senior consultant, to a United Synagogue team working to create a new continent-wide leadership development program.
The program will launch in June with web-based training materials and resources for current leaders. Later this year, the new leadership program will be expanded with a pilot group of 20 synagogues; it will be open to emerging leaders, people who are not yet serving on committees or synagogue boards. United Synagogue’s new leadership program will expand Sulam, the organization’s current program for synagogue presidents. Like all components of United Synagogue’s strategic plan approved earlier this year, the leadership program seeks to strengthen and transform kehillot – sacred communities – that make up its membership across North America.
For more information on this exciting initiative, please follow this link.
Schechter Day Schools Reinvent Identity
Schechter School's New Logo!
Solomon Schechter Day School Association introduces renewed focus on how its schools prepare students to engage the world.
The Solomon Schechter Day School Association – rebranded as the Schechter Day School Network – is proud to announce the launch of a renewed sense of purpose as it embarks on a future that will further engage parents and alumni in Schechter students’ learning process and the overall Schechter experience and attract new enrollment. With a history of quality education and critical inquiry inherent to Conservative Judaism, Schechter schools foster a commitment to lifelong learning and create an educational environment tailored to individual students’ needs that encourages students to discover their strengths and talents and become actively involved, invested Jewish citizens. At Schechter, children are educated holistically – academically, spiritually and emotionally – and prepared to become leaders in their own communities and advocates for Israel.
Eleven Schechter schools in the Tri-State area formed a collaborative consortium involving Schechter schools in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. They teamed up Wednesday to launch an initiative honing in on the schools’ signature pedagogy: preparing students to engage the world. Along with developing its new identity, the association changed its name to the Schechter Day School Network.
On Wednesday, association leaders gathered at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America to explain in greater detail Schechter’s exciting new focus to an audience of Schechter parents, alumni, board members, staff and faculty, friends in the field of Jewish education and supporting partnering agencies. From last night forward, the association will continue to introduce Schechter schools across the continent to this initiative.
“This exciting grassroots initiative is great for all the Schechter schools in the consortium,” said Dr. Elaine Cohen, executive of the Solomon Schechter Day School Association. “Though we’re launching our revitalized message and new branding in the Tri-State region, we invite Schechter schools across North America to join us in this project. The high quality work of the consortium demonstrates effective collaboration among various agencies including the Jewish Education Project, UJA-Federation of New York, United Synagogue and the Jewish Theological Seminary, and exemplifies a very positive partnership between the Schechter Association and its member schools. We are continuing the important work of revitalizing the essential principles of Conservative Judaism as we make our day schools ever more welcoming environments for a wide spectrum of families and their children.”
Elaine Suchow, a member of the Tri-State Consortium’s steering committee and director of development for Solomon Schechter School of Queens said, “After a long, comprehensive exploratory process, mah tovu – how good it is – that we can share one voice and one vision to benefit all Schechter schools collectively. Working together for the future of our children, we have learned, discovered and become strengthened. Welcome to Schechter.”
Rabbi Steven Wernick, chief executive officer and executive vice president of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the school network’s parent organization, said the schools provide an integral foundation for many future Jewish and civic leaders.
“To be the people of the book has always meant that we value education,” Wernick said. “Jewish education, however, is more than just the acquisition of facts; it is also the acquisition of timeless values for sacred living. The Schechter Day School network continues to be a prime source for Jewish education at its very best. This branding initiative will go a long way in communicating that inspiration for a broader audience and will inspire many more to be meaningfully engaged in the highest forms of Jewish learning.”
Ramah's Inspirational Special Needs Family Camps
United Synagogue Alumni Association Invites You for Baseball, Dinner and Drinks in Support of USY’s 60th Anniversary
On Wednesday, June 15, 2011, you are invited to join the United Synagogue Alumni Association in Washington DC's "Nationals Park" Stadium for a game between the Washington Nationals and St. Louis Cardinals!
The event is VIP all the way; executive box seating, catered food and complimentary parking. Minimum donation is $500 per person.
Please RSVP ASAP to Wendy Glick, Director of Alumni Affairs at usy60@uscj.org or 646-519-9260. For more info on this exciting event, please click here.
USCJ Statement on the Death of Osama bin Laden
May 2, 2011
We are grateful to hear about the death of Osama bin Laden. The news of the successful American operation was given even more resonance for Jews around the world as we marked Yom HaShoah. We well know the heartrending grief and pain that a man of impure evil spewing rabid hate can cause. Our tradition warns us not to celebrate the death of any human being, even of our worst enemies, but it does not stop us from gratitude that some measure of justice has been exacted. The world continues to be a dangerous place, but thanks to the resolve of President Obama and the courage of the anonymous American agents, it is slightly less so today than it was yesterday.
Ramah Service Corps in Action
Ramah Service Corps program at Temple Sinai, Dresher, PA
The Ramah Service Corps, an initiative generously supported by the Foundation for Jewish Camp to introduce camp to thousands of Jewish children and to bring Ramah-style programming to synagogue life during the school year, is up and running in 17 communities across North America.
Interns serving local synagogues are planning religious school and Shabbat programs, as well as working to bolster recruitment and outreach for Jewish camping. Thus far, interns have run dozens of programs--ranging from maccabiah (sports and games) events, to mezuzah making, to "Ramah Fun" days filled with singing and dancing. Coming soon are Israel-related programs, many of which will coincide with Yom Ha'atzma'ut, Israel's Independence Day.
Through this unqiue program, many USCJ Kehillot are coming alive in interactive, joyful ways in the hands of the creative interns. Ramah Berkshires staff member Arielle Nissenblatt recently ran a "Jewish Jeopardy" game at Ohav Shalom in Albany, NY, that had religious school students energized and out of their seats, already asking about future programs. Of his Pesach game show at Adath Israel in Merion, PA, Ramah Poconos staff member Adam Waxman noted, "I think the program exemplified the creative and fun way in which Judaism is weaved into activities on a daily basis in the Ramah experience."
To read the rest of this exctiting article, please click here.
Don't Miss Out! Only a Few Spots Still Available on Select USY Programs
Great opportunity to make the most of your, or your child's, summer! Limited spaces are still available on selected USY Summer Programs, including:
- Israel Adventure Plus
- Italy/Israel Pilgrimmage
- Israel/Poland Seminar
- Israel Adventure
- L'Takyan Olam
- USY on Wheels
For more information on any USY Summer Program, please visit www.usy.org/escape or email youth@uscj.org.
Jules Gutin, former USY Director, is Transitioning to a New Position
Jules Gutin
April 1, 2011
Dear Friends,
July 1 will mark my fortieth anniversary as a member of the USY staff, and my twentieth as director. The years have been filled with challenges, uplifting and inspiring experiences, and cherished friendships. Working with the young people of our movement, as well as with our incredibly dedicated and talented staff and lay leaders, has been a true privilege.
The leadership of United Synagogue has asked me to accept a new position, and so I will become senior education advisor as of January 1. This is a unique opportunity; I will be able to teach both adults and USYers and continue to interact as an educator with our Nativ-ers. It also offers me the chance to help generate financial support for our important programs. I look forward to these new opportunities and challenges.
I am only the fourth person to have served as USY’s director during its first 60 years, and I was lucky enough to have been a USYer during the tenure of each one of my predecessors – Dr. Morton K. Siegel, Dr. Joseph I. Cohen (z”l), and Rabbi Paul Freedman. I had the opportunity to learn important lessons from all of them throughout my years on the USY staff. I hope that I can be as much of a support to my successor as they were to me.
I look forward to my continued association with United Synagogue, knowing that I will continue to contribute to our important work.
Sincerely,
Jules Gutin
USCJ Condemns Jerusalem Bombing
March 23, 2011
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism deplores the bombing in Jerusalem this morning as we assert our strong and constant support for Israel. We hope that it does not herald a return to the dark hopelessness of the intifadas. We long for the time when we all can live together in peace.
We are relieved to be able to report that all our staff in Israel, all our participants on Nativ and all the travelers on the Hazak trip there are safe.
Sincerely,
Great Opportunity for an Masters Degree in Jewish Education
The William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education, part of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, is now accepting applications for a new masters degree in Jewish Experiential Education as well a masters in Jewish Education with a focus on Day School Education and Synagogue School Leadership.
The Davidson School offers full-tuition fellowships, one of the leading Jewish education faculties, an incredible practicum experience for hands-on training, and a week-long seminar in Israel with opportunity for a semester in Israel during which you can earn a certificate in Israel education. Other offerings include a dual-degree option with The Graduate School in Bible, Talmud, Jewish History and many other areas of Jewish studies as well as distance learning master's degrees.
The priority deadline is May 1. Applications and details are available here. Please contact admissions director Abby Eisenberg at abeisenberg@jtsa.edu for more information.
Donate to Help victims of the Earthquake/Tsunami in Japan
March 16,2011
Hevre,
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism is horrified by the devastation caused by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the ongoing nuclear threat that continue to plague the country. We encourage everyone who wants to donate money to help the victims to do so through the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. We pray that the survivors and those affected by the ongoing nightmare will find some measure of comfort.
Sincerely,
USCJ Strategic Plan Accepted!
On Sunday March 13, 2011, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s board of directors voted to accept a new strategic plan. Work will begin immediately on forming a committee to lay out its implementation.
The plan was produced by a joint commission representing United Synagogue and Hayom: The Coalition for the Transformation of Conservative Judaism. In February, the group released a draft strategic plan designed to chart a new course for United Synagogue that will change and strengthen the experience in Conservative congregations and in the many kehillot that share their values. Since making the draft public, Rabbi Steven Wernick, United Synagogue’s chief executive officer and executive vice president, and other members of the strategic planning commission have discussed it with Conservative congregations across North America. The plan accepted Sunday reflected those discussions.
Rabbi Wernick released the following statement: "This is a historic moment both for United Synagogue and for Conservative Judaism. This vote recognizes that the future requires a different focus and declares boldly that we’re prepared to meet the challenges."
USCJ CEO Rabbi Wernick Meets with president Obama
Photo Courtesy of Haaretz.com.
The following is a letter written by Rabbi Wernick following his meeting with President Obama, as part of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, on March 1st, 2011.
Hevre,
Yesterday {March 1} I had the privilege of attending high level political meetings in Washington, DC with the Conference of Presidents of which USCJ is a member. As a major Jewish organization representing over a million Conservative Jews we are honored to be invited to such important gatherings and to add our voice to those of the larger Jewish community.
Attached is a summary from the Conference of Presidents of the day’s meetings and events. The highlight was an hour long meeting with President Obama in the White House. I found the President to be totally in command of the issues and was struck by his understanding of the nuances. Like many others, I was also pleased by his consistent and strong support for Israel as the only democracy in a region currently crying for that type of freedom, and his continued advocacy for assuring Israel’s security needs. Whereas reasonable people may disagree on tactics, I am disappointed by the others in present that seem to be garnering a lot of negative press on the meeting. Having been there, it seems to me that those who have been critical of the President are those who were his political opponents to begin with and who continue to be. They took advantage of a gracious invitation and an open and candid discussion and used it as an opportunity to score political points. I believe the President understands the issues and presented a well reasoned approach to bringing both sides back to the table and working to conclude a peace that continues to be too long elusive. Does he believe Israel can do more to accomplish this? Yes. Does he believe that the Palestinians have responsibility toward the same? Yes. In fact, I asked a question specifically to that topic and was satisfied with his answer. (The JTA picture is of the President responding to my question.)
We understand that these issues get much debate, and that is the hallmark of our democracy. As Jews, we strive for the tone and tenor of that debate to be b’shem shamayim – for the sake of Heaven. I look forward to discussing these matters further with you.
B’shalom,
Rabbi Steven C. Wernick
Thank you Canada, for boycotting Durban III
February 23,2011
Dear Prime Minister Harper:
On behalf of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, which represents synagogues across North America, we would like to thank you for your courage, forthrightness, and clarity of vision in boycotting the hatefest that will be the conference called Durban III.
Your decision to boycott Durban II in 2009 proved to be correct, and we appreciated your insight then as we do now.
We hope that other governments across the world will learn from your incisive and far-sighted understanding that anti-Semitism is vile, no matter how respectably dressed up it might appear to be. We salute you for your ability to see this truth and act on it.
We are attaching a copy of the resolution that United Synagogue's board passed unanimously, commending your government and asking the United States to take a similar stand.
We know that members of our synagogues across Canada join us in thanking you.
Sincerely,
It's time for the Sollies again! (Solomon Schechter Awards)
The Solomon Schechter Awards (“The Sollies”) reward extraordinary characteristics and certain unusual and outstanding aspects or achievements that go beyond the expected norms of synagogue programming. The program, one of United Synagogue's longest-running, was named after Dr. Solomon Schechter, and it is a fitting tribute to him.
Award winners deserve recognition for the originality and quality of their programs, for their presentations and achievements, and will be honored at the USCJ Kallah 2011, being held in San Diego, CA from December 1-4, 2011. Please click here for guidelines and instructions how to register. Good luck!
Kettubot Exhibit at Jewish Museum in NYC
The Library of The Jewish Theological Seminary is pleased to provide 30 kettubot from our extensive collection to The Jewish Museum for their upcoming exhibit, The Art of Matrimony: Thirty Splendid Marriage Contracts from The Jewish Theological Seminary Library. The exhibit runs from March 11 to June 26, 2011.
New Ramah Service Corps Initiative Brings Ramah to Local Communities
The National Ramah Commission is aiming to create year-round experiences that bring the magic and spirit of Ramah to communities across North America. Eighteen interns from across North America, who are working in synagogues, Jewish day schools, religious schools, or youth groups, have been selected to infuse their settings with Ramah spirit and encourage more families to send their children to Ramah and other Jewish camps.
Interns will organize at least two Ramah-style Jewish learning programs in their communities; reach out to prospective camper families, encouraging them to explore Ramah and other Jewish camps; and maintain relationships with current Ramah families. Click here to read the full article.
METNY Reunion Picnic 2011 planned for Sunday July 10th
The Reunion is being planned by USY METNY Alumni and UXY (a Facebook dedicated to METNY reunions). Apart from a date, no information is yet available, but you can check out the event's Facebook page for more information.
A USCJ Tribute to Debbie Friedman
United Synagogue joins the rest of the Jewish world in mourning the death of Debbie Friedman. The song of her life was joy and light and deep soulfulness, and it drew many Jews closer to the community, to each other, and perhaps even to God. There is not a Conservative synagogue in North America that has not used something she wrote, and most likely there are few synagogue-going Conservative Jews who do not have some of her melodies in their hearts, even if they do not know she wrote it. She is gone far too soon but her music remains, playing in the hearts of the millions of Jews she touched.
Richard Skolnik
International President
Rabbi Steven Wernick
Executive Vice President and CEO
Jewish Youth Movements launch anti-bullying campaign
USY has joined with BBYO and NFTY Youth to participate in Keshet's “Jewish Community Pledge to Save Lives” campaign. Keshet is a national organization working for GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) inclusion in Jewish life. The campaign comes in response to the suicides this fall of a number of gay teens who were bullied by peers.
One goal of the program is to achieve 18,000 electronic signatures on the "Do Not Stand Idly By" petition. Click here to sign. For more information on the initiative in general, click here. There are also numerous education resources dealing with this challenging topic. Visit usy.org and scroll down to "Standing up against bullying, teasing, and harassment" to download.
Open Doors with DeLeT: Inspire the Jewish Future
DeLeT (Day school Leadership through Teaching) is a 13 month program that
prepares Jewish day school teachers by combining study with a yearlong
mentored internship. We have two sites, one based in Los Angeles at HUC
which offers CA state teaching credential and a certificate in Jewish Day
School Teaching and the other in Boston at Brandeis University, which offers
MA state teacher licensure and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Both programs offer:
* Guaranteed full tuition scholarships & stipend
* Year-long mentored internship
* Close integration of courses & fieldwork
* Placement assistance as a teacher
* Leads to state teaching certification
* Support during the first two years of teaching
* Membership in a growing alumni network
Visit www.brandeis.edu/mandel/delet or www.huc.edu/centers/DeLeT/ for more information or
contact us at delet@brandeis.edu
Check out the Conservative Movement's Sustainable Synagogues Initiative
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, in partnership with the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, Women’s League for Conservative Judaism and interfaith environmental coalition GreenFaith, have started The Sustainable Synagogues Initiative. The partnership is designed to educate and mobilize synagogues and members of the Conservative movement in North America on the environment. The ambitious project includes a plan to reduce the carbon footprint of all 652 Movement synagogues at one time!
The video on the right serves as a great introduction to the initiative, and features USCJ CEO Rabbi Steven Wernick, as well as Rabbi Charles Simon of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs. The relevant segment starts at 2:16.
For more information, check out the official press release.
USY Summer Programs are Open for Registration
Sign up now for exciting programs like USY on Wheels, Pilgramage to Israel, Eastern Europe, Italy and much more. Applications for all programs are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For find out more or to reserve a spot on one of the trips, please follow this link.
Registration is now open for Ramah Outdoor Adventure
Ramah Outdoor Adventure, the only Kosher Outdoor Adventure camp in the country, is expanding its program in 2011 to include campers entering grades 3-11. Ramah Outdoor Adventure is located 90 minutes from Denver, CO in the heart of Pike National Forest on a 350 acre alpine ranch. The program includes mountain biking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, horseback riding, farming, pioneer crafts, wilderness survival and much more! Visit them online at www.ramahoutdoors.org
New Institute for Religious School Directors
New religious school directors are invited to join our education staff in the Pearlstone Retreat and Conference Center for the intensive New Directors' Institute from June 21 through June 23, 2011. The four-day workshop is supplemented by conference calls and mentoring throughout the year. For more information, visit http://www.uscj.org/New_Directors_Instit6950.html or email Susan Wyner at wyner@uscj.org
Ramah Special Needs Programs in the Media
Forty years ago, Camp Ramah pioneered special needs programming with the establishment of the Tikvah program. Today, Ramah's special needs programs offer children, teens and young adults who are developmentally and intellectually challenged a full, integrated Ramah summer camp experience. Nearly 2,000 campers with special needs have passed through the program in 40 years, and Ramah's special needs programs now serve about 250 campers each summer.
We'd like to share with you excerpts from two articles that highlight the success and impact of our special needs programs. "Jews with Special Needs: Strengthening Community Through Inclusion" appears on ejewishphilanthropy.com website. Last week, Tom Fields-Mayer, a parent of a Ramah California Tikvah camper, wrote about his son Ezra and their family's search for Jewish educational experiences like those he finds at Ramah, in Toward Day School for all Children
In May 2011, Ramah will hold our inaugural Ramah Galil Ride to raise funds for special needs programs throughout the Ramah Camping Movement. Click here to learn more about the Ride, or click here to donate to any of the Ramah camps and Israel programs.
We invite you to learn more about Ramah's various special needs programs and hope that you will continue to ensure the success and vitality of our programs by sharing this information with other members of your community.
American Jewish University offers new program for Rabbis
The Rabbinic Management Institute (RMI) is a year-long certificate program in nonprofit management for Conservative rabbis at American Jewish University. The program includes comprehensive training in the skills needed to manage the challenges of complex institutions after a year of distance learning. For more information please contact RMI@ajula.edu.
It's Not So Hard Being Green
United Synagogue joins other Conservative movement groups, the Jewish National Fund, and the interfaith group GreenFaith in offering a series of six webinars called Judaism and the Environment. The first will be on Thursday, November 18; you can register or email education@jnf.org for more information.
“When they grow up, I want to tell my two grandchildren that our movement did its part to ensure a healthy environment for future generations,” said Rabbi Troster, a Conservative rabbi, leading Jewish environmentalist, and director of the GreenFaith Fellowship Program. “I’ve never seen a better chance to do that than the Sustainable Synagogues Initiative.”
Congregation Shir Chadash of New Orleans Celebrates 50 Year Anniversary
USCJ International President Richard Skolnik was there and wrote this letter:
Hevre,
Last Shabbat I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the 50th Anniversary of Shir Chadash in New Orleans, the only Conservative synagogue to survive Katrina.
As we all remember when the hurricane hit on that fateful Monday in August of 2005, we watched in horror and prayed for the waters to recede. When it was finally over families were displaced, there was over 81 billion dollars in damage, and over 1800 lives were lost. Many residents that left the city never came back.
The United Synagogue played a great part in the re-building of Shir Chadash, not only with dollars, but with our people. The visits by our staff and lay leadership were extremely important in keeping the congregants focused on their goal...To Rebuild!
It was brilliant of the planners of this 50th Anniversary celebration to plan this event on the weekend that we read the Torah portion Lech Lecha...as opposed to the week before when we read the story of Noah and the destruction of the Earth by a great flood. As God said to Abraham "Go Forward," so did the congregants of this wonderful community. They now have a dynamic new spiritual leader, Rabbi Ethan Linden, and his wife Leba who heads the hebrew school. They have a terrific and energetic president, Josh Force and an executive director, Sandy Lassen, who together with their congregants are "Going Forward." They just signed up 30 new members, 1/2 of whom are single, young adults.
I especially want to thank our GA member Lis Kahn and her husband Hugo; they were our personal escorts for the entire weekend. If any of you or anyone you know is visiting New Orleans, I would encourage you to partake in Shir Chadash's services on Friday nights or Saturday mornings . They also have a great Torah study class on Wednesday mornings.
I can only tell you all that you should be very proud of what USCJ did in the aftermath of Katrina to support the Conservative Jewish community of New Orleans. These are the things that make USCJ great.
Shabbat Shalom to you and your family,
Richard
For more information on Shir Chadash, and to see some amazing old photos, you can visit their Facebook page.
Enrollment Nearly Steady at North American Jewish Community Day Schools
Despite a challenging economic climate, enrollment at Jewish community day schools in the U.S. and Canada holds nearly steady with last year’s levels, according to a just-released annual school survey. Current school enrollment decreased less than one percent – 0.66 percent – from levels recorded during the 2009-10 academic year. The figure stands in sharp contrast to the 4.6 percent decline recorded a year ago.
The survey is conducted annually by RAVSAK: The Jewish Community Day School Network and is considered the most authoritative barometer of enrollment trends within the movement, covering 111 pluralistic, non-denominational day schools across the continent.
The full article is available on the EJewish Philanthropy Blog.
USCJ hires Rabbi Irit Printz to lead regional youth program & serve congregations in eastern Canada
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism is pleased to announce that Rabbi Irit Printz has joined our staff. On October 5 (27 Tishrei 5771) Rabbi Printz became the youth director for United Synagogue Youth’s Eastern Canada region (ECRUSY), and congregational consultant to the Canadian synagogues in United Synagogue’s Northeast district. Rabbi Printz, 41, was born in Bucharest, Romania. Her family made aliyah to Israel and settled in Bat Yam, a beautiful coastal town just south of Tel Aviv. After the Yom Kippur war, the family moved to Jerusalem.
The Printz family left Israel in 1985 and settled in Canada, where Rabbi Printz graduated from high school. She studied education and mathematics as part of a dual co-op apprenticeship program at the Universities of Waterloo and Western Ontario. Rabbi Printz worked for many years as a high school math and science teacher, and later earned a masters of science degree in curriculum development from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
When she lived in Vancouver, Rabbi Printz became a member of Beth Tikvah Synagogue, where she met her rabbi and mentor, Rabbi Martin Cohen (who now is at the Shelter Rock Jewish Center in suburban New York). Her experiences at Beth Tikvah, the warmth of the community, and the encouragement of her rabbi all were instrumental in her decision to enter the rabbinate. She began rabbinical school at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2000 as a recipient of the prestigious Crown Fellowship. She was ordained in May 2005 with an MA in Bible.
As a rabbi, her greatest passions are teaching Jewish texts and creating new opportunities for young Jews to socialize and study together in a Jewish milieu. She has worked with teenagers and young adults throughout her life and is particularly excited to be part of the USY/United Synagogue family.
Rabbi Printz will be based in the United Synagogue’s Northeast district field office in Toronto. The address is 1000 Finch Avenue West, Suite 508; Toronto, ON M3J 2V5. She can be reached by phone at 416.667.1717 (or 800.417.1332 outside of Toronto in Canada) and by email at printz@uscj.org. Rabbi Printz also is available to our congregations via Skype, ooVoo, and instant messenger. You can also find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001527462195.
We hope that you will welcome Rabbi Printz and invite her to learn more about your synagogue communities in the days ahead. For more information, please email the Northeast district director, Aaron Kischel, at kischel@uscj.org or call him at 617.964.8210.
"Ramah as an Incubator for New Ideas"
Philanthropic Dollars a Sign of Confidence in the Ramah Model of Jewish Camping and Staff, leadership Development.
"“All Jewish camps do development well. But some foundations and others invest specifically in Ramah for the staff development angle and our intense approach to Jewish education, leadership and community building.”
Ramah’s focus and measurable successes in developing staff, from counselors to directors, makes for a natural pairing, leaders of Jewish organizations and foundations said." You can access the whole article at http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/ramah-as-an-incubator-for-new-ideas
An Open Letter to Conservative Jewish Teens and College Students
Tyler Clementi
Rabbi Steven Wernick
Executive Vice President and CEO of the
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Dear Friends,
Like many in North America I was saddened by the recent suicide of Rutgers University freshmen Tyler Clementi. I feel for his family and friends. May their memories of him be a comfort.
As I have been reflecting on the events that lead to his death and discussing it with my family, friends, and colleagues a few thoughts come to mind. I’d like to share them with you because I know you are also thinking about this tragedy.
It seems that the suicide might have been in reaction to bullying. Bullies pick on the people they think don't fit in, maybe because of how they look, how they act, their race or religion, or because the bullies think their targets may be gay or lesbian. Research shows that people who are abused by their peers are at greater risk for mental health problems, such as low self-esteem, stress, depression, or anxiety. They may also think about suicide more. Bullying is a form of abuse in which one person is picked on repeatedly by an individual or group with more power, either physically or in social standing. Bullying often happens in public, adding to the humiliation the victim suffers. Today, with instant communication through text messaging, Facebook, email, and YouTube the tools of bullying are ever more public, more humiliating, and more abusive. The consequences of that bullying – including suicide -- can be far greater than the bullies can imagine, and will scar the bullies as well as the victims for the rest of their lives.
Bullying is antithetical to Judaism. We believe that every human being is created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image and likeness of God. Bullying another person, therefore, is like bullying God.
When Rabbi Akiva asked for the Torah’s most important lesson, he said v’ahavta l’reekha kamokha. Love your neighbor as yourself. In other words, the entire Torah is intended to teach us how to be mentschen, how to get in the habit of civility and decency in our interactions with each other; how to act on the belief that each of us is created in the divine image. V’ahavta l’reekha kamokha and b’tzelem Elohim guide us to be ever vigilant in elevating each other toward holiness, not bringing each other down through
A second and related thought is about suicide. Because we are created in the divine image we are sacred and our lives are of infinite worth. We -- your parents, your teachers, your community -- want you to know that we love you unconditionally. You are sacred to us. You are our infinity. You are the embodiment of our past and our hopes for the future. Suicide is permanent. It does not resolve loneliness or hopelessness. It is just the end of everything. We want you to know that we take the feelings that may lead someone to consider suicide seriously. We are committed to do whatever it takes to assure that each of you has a support system and you know that you have the resources to work through whatever feelings and challenges you face. There is always hope. And we are always here for you.
It might help to remember these things:
- If you are being bullied or see someone else being bullied speak out. Ask for help from an adult you trust.
- If you are thinking about suicide talk to a parent, a teacher, a rabbi or another responsible adult.
- If you know someone who is thinking about suicide, don’t try to handle it yourself. Talk to a responsible adult.
- Or if you prefer seek help by calling a teen suicide hotline: In the USA: 1-800-Suicide (800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-Talk (800-273-8255). In Canada: 1-800-448-3000.
Posted on USY’s homepage, www.usy.org, are educational resource materials on bullying for you to consider.
If our reflections on Tyler’s life and death lead us to a renewed commitment to reduce bullying and to reach out to people who need help, then we will have turned his tragedy into an opportunity for growth. And we will all be the better for it.
B’Shalom,
Rabbi Steve Wernick
New Programming for Chicago Ramahniks in their 20's and 30's!!
We are excited to announce a new initiative for Ramah alumni, Kikar Ba’Ir: The Ramah City Project. Based out of Chicago, the program will bring together Ramah alumni in their 20s and 30s for a wide range of programs, from social and cultural events to professional networking, Jewish learning and social justice. Zachary Silver, a veteran of Ramah and current Rabbinical Student at the Jewish Theological Seminary, will coordinate the program.
Join us on Facebook and please feel free to contact Zachary Silver at zsilver@ramahwisconsin.com with thoughts, suggestions, questions or comments. For some of his thoughts and writings, see his blog: http://magashhakesef.blogspot.com/.
Boston's Congregation Mishkan Tefila is making big strides!
There has been a quiet revolution this year at Congregation Mishkan Tefila in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Newton. Since March, one of the oldest Conservative synagogues in New England has seen its leadership overhauled and its mission transformed.
The purpose of shifting the direction of the venerable 85,000-square-foot shul?
“To make sure we are here for the next 150 years,’’ congregation president Chuck Diamond said last week. “The status quo was not an option, and we didn’t want to look back years from now and wish we had done these things.’’
Check out the full article here
Come To Israel With United Synagogue!
Because we so firmly believe that we should go to Israel as soon and as often as possible, we present a range of travel opportunities, geared for synagogue leaders, families of every description, empty-nesters and older people, and people from 8 to 26 who have Aspergers. There is something here for just about everyone. We hope you will join us on at least one of these trips.
For more information, follow this link to the USCJ website and scroll down a bit.
Zemirot Database
Project Reconnect is partnering with the Zemirot Database to help create the web's largest user-generated collection of Zemirot, liturgy, and other Jewish songs. If you love to sing or enjoy zemirot, now is your chance to contribute and keep the memories of those special Shabbat and holiday moments and times spent in Israel, USY, Camp Ramah, etc., forever in your life!
KOACH News
Want to help shape Conservative Judaism? Want to make a difference on your campus? Think you've got the talent and enthusiasm it takes to change the world?
This is your chance!!
Registration is now open for the KOACH Internship Program. We're looking for campuses and candidates with a sense of purpose. Click here to learn more and discover if you're the one we're looking for!
KOACH
USCJ's KOACH program and Hillel are working together to help students make the transition from high school to college. We would like to encourage you to share the following item with your congregants:
Know an incoming college freshman?
Tell KOACH: The Center for Conservative Judaism on Campus, and Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, where the student is going to college and he or she will receive an invitation to an opening event at Hillel as well as information on KOACH programming and conferences. Click here!
If you are thinking 'Aliyah'
Step 1: Contact the Conservative Movement's Aliyah Shaliach Itamar Kremer,
(212) 533-7800 ext 2021 or (212) 339-6079, shaliach@mercazusa.org or
itamark@jazo.org.il, WITH A CC TO RABBI PAUL FREEDMAN at
rabbipaul@projectreconnect.org. Let our Shaliach help you throughout the
entire aliyah process.
Step 2: Open an Aliyah File with the Israel Aliyah Centers: Our Shaliach
will be able to direct you to one of the dozen offices located across North
America.
Step 3: Learn about available Aliyah assistance: Nefesh B'Nefesh works in
partnership with the Jewish Agency, providing olim with financial
assistance, group chartered aliyah flights, employment resources,
absorption support, social services and guidance through governmental
absorption, in order to help make each individual's Aliyah as successful as
possible. Contact Nefesh B'Nefesh, (866) 4-ALIYAH or or
consult the website www.nbn.org.il/index.php.
Step 4: Contact USCJ's Project Reconnect - Israel: Meet other Conservative
Movement alumni living in Israel who are looking forward to welcoming you
into your new home and helping with your klitah in Israel. Contact Rabbi
Paul Freedman, (011-972) 2-6256205, rabbipaul@projectreconnect.org.
Rabbinic Cabinet
Project Reconnect has formed a Rabbinic Advisory Board (Cabinet). Chaired by Rabbi Paul Freedman, it will offer input as to how our congregations can reach out to the thousands of alumni from USY, Atid, Koach, Nativ and the Conservative Yeshiva. The Advisory Board will meet via conference calls and in-person meetings, such as at the R.A. Convention in Houston. This Rabbinic group will provide input and guidance on the many programs and initiatives that Project Reconnect undertakes in both North America and Israel.
Yellow Pages
Project Reconnect now offer it's "Yellow Pages" services to ALL of its
members!
Have you or a family member relocated to a new area. Do you need a lawyer,
a doctor, or an architect, etc.? By being new to the area you may not know
someone who can provide a referral. So, why not look for someone with
a similar background to your own?
Member's existing profiles have sections for professional information.
You can choose how much (if any) of your professional information is
published in our new North America section of the "Yellow Pages".
If you haven't included professional info in your Project Reconnect
profile, and want to be included in our "Yellow Pages", update your
profile right away. There is no charge for this service.
Project Reconnect is an initiative of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) that seeks to identify and attract alumni of USY, Nativ, Koach, the Conservative Yeshiva, Atid, and related programs in order to reconnect with other alumni and with the USCJ.
The Project Reconnect website is dedicated to Jerry Gottesman (1936-2004) - Mentor, Mensch, Technical Guru and Advocate of Project Reconnect.
Photo Courtesy of Haaretz.com.
The following is a letter written by Rabbi Wernick following his meeting with President Obama, as part of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, on March 1st, 2011.
Hevre,
Yesterday {March 1} I had the privilege of attending high level political meetings in Washington, DC with the Conference of Presidents of which USCJ is a member. As a major Jewish organization representing over a million Conservative Jews we are honored to be invited to such important gatherings and to add our voice to those of the larger Jewish community.
Attached is a summary from the Conference of Presidents of the day’s meetings and events. The highlight was an hour long meeting with President Obama in the White House. I found the President to be totally in command of the issues and was struck by his understanding of the nuances. Like many others, I was also pleased by his consistent and strong support for Israel as the only democracy in a region currently crying for that type of freedom, and his continued advocacy for assuring Israel’s security needs. Whereas reasonable people may disagree on tactics, I am disappointed by the others in present that seem to be garnering a lot of negative press on the meeting. Having been there, it seems to me that those who have been critical of the President are those who were his political opponents to begin with and who continue to be. They took advantage of a gracious invitation and an open and candid discussion and used it as an opportunity to score political points. I believe the President understands the issues and presented a well reasoned approach to bringing both sides back to the table and working to conclude a peace that continues to be too long elusive. Does he believe Israel can do more to accomplish this? Yes. Does he believe that the Palestinians have responsibility toward the same? Yes. In fact, I asked a question specifically to that topic and was satisfied with his answer. (The JTA picture is of the President responding to my question.)
We understand that these issues get much debate, and that is the hallmark of our democracy. As Jews, we strive for the tone and tenor of that debate to be b’shem shamayim – for the sake of Heaven. I look forward to discussing these matters further with you.
B’shalom,
Rabbi Steven C. Wernick
Thank you Canada, for boycotting Durban III
February 23,2011
Dear Prime Minister Harper:
On behalf of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, which represents synagogues across North America, we would like to thank you for your courage, forthrightness, and clarity of vision in boycotting the hatefest that will be the conference called Durban III.
Your decision to boycott Durban II in 2009 proved to be correct, and we appreciated your insight then as we do now.
We hope that other governments across the world will learn from your incisive and far-sighted understanding that anti-Semitism is vile, no matter how respectably dressed up it might appear to be. We salute you for your ability to see this truth and act on it.
We are attaching a copy of the resolution that United Synagogue's board passed unanimously, commending your government and asking the United States to take a similar stand.
We know that members of our synagogues across Canada join us in thanking you.
Sincerely,
It's time for the Sollies again! (Solomon Schechter Awards)
The Solomon Schechter Awards (“The Sollies”) reward extraordinary characteristics and certain unusual and outstanding aspects or achievements that go beyond the expected norms of synagogue programming. The program, one of United Synagogue's longest-running, was named after Dr. Solomon Schechter, and it is a fitting tribute to him.
Award winners deserve recognition for the originality and quality of their programs, for their presentations and achievements, and will be honored at the USCJ Kallah 2011, being held in San Diego, CA from December 1-4, 2011. Please click here for guidelines and instructions how to register. Good luck!
Kettubot Exhibit at Jewish Museum in NYC
The Library of The Jewish Theological Seminary is pleased to provide 30 kettubot from our extensive collection to The Jewish Museum for their upcoming exhibit, The Art of Matrimony: Thirty Splendid Marriage Contracts from The Jewish Theological Seminary Library. The exhibit runs from March 11 to June 26, 2011.
New Ramah Service Corps Initiative Brings Ramah to Local Communities
The National Ramah Commission is aiming to create year-round experiences that bring the magic and spirit of Ramah to communities across North America. Eighteen interns from across North America, who are working in synagogues, Jewish day schools, religious schools, or youth groups, have been selected to infuse their settings with Ramah spirit and encourage more families to send their children to Ramah and other Jewish camps.
Interns will organize at least two Ramah-style Jewish learning programs in their communities; reach out to prospective camper families, encouraging them to explore Ramah and other Jewish camps; and maintain relationships with current Ramah families. Click here to read the full article.
METNY Reunion Picnic 2011 planned for Sunday July 10th
The Reunion is being planned by USY METNY Alumni and UXY (a Facebook dedicated to METNY reunions). Apart from a date, no information is yet available, but you can check out the event's Facebook page for more information.
A USCJ Tribute to Debbie Friedman
United Synagogue joins the rest of the Jewish world in mourning the death of Debbie Friedman. The song of her life was joy and light and deep soulfulness, and it drew many Jews closer to the community, to each other, and perhaps even to God. There is not a Conservative synagogue in North America that has not used something she wrote, and most likely there are few synagogue-going Conservative Jews who do not have some of her melodies in their hearts, even if they do not know she wrote it. She is gone far too soon but her music remains, playing in the hearts of the millions of Jews she touched.
Richard Skolnik
International President
Rabbi Steven Wernick
Executive Vice President and CEO
Jewish Youth Movements launch anti-bullying campaign
USY has joined with BBYO and NFTY Youth to participate in Keshet's “Jewish Community Pledge to Save Lives” campaign. Keshet is a national organization working for GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) inclusion in Jewish life. The campaign comes in response to the suicides this fall of a number of gay teens who were bullied by peers.
One goal of the program is to achieve 18,000 electronic signatures on the "Do Not Stand Idly By" petition. Click here to sign. For more information on the initiative in general, click here. There are also numerous education resources dealing with this challenging topic. Visit usy.org and scroll down to "Standing up against bullying, teasing, and harassment" to download.
Open Doors with DeLeT: Inspire the Jewish Future
DeLeT (Day school Leadership through Teaching) is a 13 month program that
prepares Jewish day school teachers by combining study with a yearlong
mentored internship. We have two sites, one based in Los Angeles at HUC
which offers CA state teaching credential and a certificate in Jewish Day
School Teaching and the other in Boston at Brandeis University, which offers
MA state teacher licensure and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Both programs offer:
* Guaranteed full tuition scholarships & stipend
* Year-long mentored internship
* Close integration of courses & fieldwork
* Placement assistance as a teacher
* Leads to state teaching certification
* Support during the first two years of teaching
* Membership in a growing alumni network
Visit www.brandeis.edu/mandel/delet or www.huc.edu/centers/DeLeT/ for more information or
contact us at delet@brandeis.edu
Check out the Conservative Movement's Sustainable Synagogues Initiative
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, in partnership with the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, Women’s League for Conservative Judaism and interfaith environmental coalition GreenFaith, have started The Sustainable Synagogues Initiative. The partnership is designed to educate and mobilize synagogues and members of the Conservative movement in North America on the environment. The ambitious project includes a plan to reduce the carbon footprint of all 652 Movement synagogues at one time!
The video on the right serves as a great introduction to the initiative, and features USCJ CEO Rabbi Steven Wernick, as well as Rabbi Charles Simon of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs. The relevant segment starts at 2:16.
For more information, check out the official press release.
USY Summer Programs are Open for Registration
Sign up now for exciting programs like USY on Wheels, Pilgramage to Israel, Eastern Europe, Italy and much more. Applications for all programs are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For find out more or to reserve a spot on one of the trips, please follow this link.
Registration is now open for Ramah Outdoor Adventure
Ramah Outdoor Adventure, the only Kosher Outdoor Adventure camp in the country, is expanding its program in 2011 to include campers entering grades 3-11. Ramah Outdoor Adventure is located 90 minutes from Denver, CO in the heart of Pike National Forest on a 350 acre alpine ranch. The program includes mountain biking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, horseback riding, farming, pioneer crafts, wilderness survival and much more! Visit them online at www.ramahoutdoors.org
New Institute for Religious School Directors
New religious school directors are invited to join our education staff in the Pearlstone Retreat and Conference Center for the intensive New Directors' Institute from June 21 through June 23, 2011. The four-day workshop is supplemented by conference calls and mentoring throughout the year. For more information, visit http://www.uscj.org/New_Directors_Instit6950.html or email Susan Wyner at wyner@uscj.org
Ramah Special Needs Programs in the Media
Forty years ago, Camp Ramah pioneered special needs programming with the establishment of the Tikvah program. Today, Ramah's special needs programs offer children, teens and young adults who are developmentally and intellectually challenged a full, integrated Ramah summer camp experience. Nearly 2,000 campers with special needs have passed through the program in 40 years, and Ramah's special needs programs now serve about 250 campers each summer.
We'd like to share with you excerpts from two articles that highlight the success and impact of our special needs programs. "Jews with Special Needs: Strengthening Community Through Inclusion" appears on ejewishphilanthropy.com website. Last week, Tom Fields-Mayer, a parent of a Ramah California Tikvah camper, wrote about his son Ezra and their family's search for Jewish educational experiences like those he finds at Ramah, in Toward Day School for all Children
In May 2011, Ramah will hold our inaugural Ramah Galil Ride to raise funds for special needs programs throughout the Ramah Camping Movement. Click here to learn more about the Ride, or click here to donate to any of the Ramah camps and Israel programs.
We invite you to learn more about Ramah's various special needs programs and hope that you will continue to ensure the success and vitality of our programs by sharing this information with other members of your community.
American Jewish University offers new program for Rabbis
The Rabbinic Management Institute (RMI) is a year-long certificate program in nonprofit management for Conservative rabbis at American Jewish University. The program includes comprehensive training in the skills needed to manage the challenges of complex institutions after a year of distance learning. For more information please contact RMI@ajula.edu.
It's Not So Hard Being Green
United Synagogue joins other Conservative movement groups, the Jewish National Fund, and the interfaith group GreenFaith in offering a series of six webinars called Judaism and the Environment. The first will be on Thursday, November 18; you can register or email education@jnf.org for more information.
“When they grow up, I want to tell my two grandchildren that our movement did its part to ensure a healthy environment for future generations,” said Rabbi Troster, a Conservative rabbi, leading Jewish environmentalist, and director of the GreenFaith Fellowship Program. “I’ve never seen a better chance to do that than the Sustainable Synagogues Initiative.”
Congregation Shir Chadash of New Orleans Celebrates 50 Year Anniversary
USCJ International President Richard Skolnik was there and wrote this letter:
Hevre,
Last Shabbat I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the 50th Anniversary of Shir Chadash in New Orleans, the only Conservative synagogue to survive Katrina.
As we all remember when the hurricane hit on that fateful Monday in August of 2005, we watched in horror and prayed for the waters to recede. When it was finally over families were displaced, there was over 81 billion dollars in damage, and over 1800 lives were lost. Many residents that left the city never came back.
The United Synagogue played a great part in the re-building of Shir Chadash, not only with dollars, but with our people. The visits by our staff and lay leadership were extremely important in keeping the congregants focused on their goal...To Rebuild!
It was brilliant of the planners of this 50th Anniversary celebration to plan this event on the weekend that we read the Torah portion Lech Lecha...as opposed to the week before when we read the story of Noah and the destruction of the Earth by a great flood. As God said to Abraham "Go Forward," so did the congregants of this wonderful community. They now have a dynamic new spiritual leader, Rabbi Ethan Linden, and his wife Leba who heads the hebrew school. They have a terrific and energetic president, Josh Force and an executive director, Sandy Lassen, who together with their congregants are "Going Forward." They just signed up 30 new members, 1/2 of whom are single, young adults.
I especially want to thank our GA member Lis Kahn and her husband Hugo; they were our personal escorts for the entire weekend. If any of you or anyone you know is visiting New Orleans, I would encourage you to partake in Shir Chadash's services on Friday nights or Saturday mornings . They also have a great Torah study class on Wednesday mornings.
I can only tell you all that you should be very proud of what USCJ did in the aftermath of Katrina to support the Conservative Jewish community of New Orleans. These are the things that make USCJ great.
Shabbat Shalom to you and your family,
Richard
For more information on Shir Chadash, and to see some amazing old photos, you can visit their Facebook page.
Enrollment Nearly Steady at North American Jewish Community Day Schools
Despite a challenging economic climate, enrollment at Jewish community day schools in the U.S. and Canada holds nearly steady with last year’s levels, according to a just-released annual school survey. Current school enrollment decreased less than one percent – 0.66 percent – from levels recorded during the 2009-10 academic year. The figure stands in sharp contrast to the 4.6 percent decline recorded a year ago.
The survey is conducted annually by RAVSAK: The Jewish Community Day School Network and is considered the most authoritative barometer of enrollment trends within the movement, covering 111 pluralistic, non-denominational day schools across the continent.
The full article is available on the EJewish Philanthropy Blog.
USCJ hires Rabbi Irit Printz to lead regional youth program & serve congregations in eastern Canada
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism is pleased to announce that Rabbi Irit Printz has joined our staff. On October 5 (27 Tishrei 5771) Rabbi Printz became the youth director for United Synagogue Youth’s Eastern Canada region (ECRUSY), and congregational consultant to the Canadian synagogues in United Synagogue’s Northeast district. Rabbi Printz, 41, was born in Bucharest, Romania. Her family made aliyah to Israel and settled in Bat Yam, a beautiful coastal town just south of Tel Aviv. After the Yom Kippur war, the family moved to Jerusalem.
The Printz family left Israel in 1985 and settled in Canada, where Rabbi Printz graduated from high school. She studied education and mathematics as part of a dual co-op apprenticeship program at the Universities of Waterloo and Western Ontario. Rabbi Printz worked for many years as a high school math and science teacher, and later earned a masters of science degree in curriculum development from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
When she lived in Vancouver, Rabbi Printz became a member of Beth Tikvah Synagogue, where she met her rabbi and mentor, Rabbi Martin Cohen (who now is at the Shelter Rock Jewish Center in suburban New York). Her experiences at Beth Tikvah, the warmth of the community, and the encouragement of her rabbi all were instrumental in her decision to enter the rabbinate. She began rabbinical school at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2000 as a recipient of the prestigious Crown Fellowship. She was ordained in May 2005 with an MA in Bible.
As a rabbi, her greatest passions are teaching Jewish texts and creating new opportunities for young Jews to socialize and study together in a Jewish milieu. She has worked with teenagers and young adults throughout her life and is particularly excited to be part of the USY/United Synagogue family.
Rabbi Printz will be based in the United Synagogue’s Northeast district field office in Toronto. The address is 1000 Finch Avenue West, Suite 508; Toronto, ON M3J 2V5. She can be reached by phone at 416.667.1717 (or 800.417.1332 outside of Toronto in Canada) and by email at printz@uscj.org. Rabbi Printz also is available to our congregations via Skype, ooVoo, and instant messenger. You can also find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001527462195.
We hope that you will welcome Rabbi Printz and invite her to learn more about your synagogue communities in the days ahead. For more information, please email the Northeast district director, Aaron Kischel, at kischel@uscj.org or call him at 617.964.8210.
"Ramah as an Incubator for New Ideas"
Philanthropic Dollars a Sign of Confidence in the Ramah Model of Jewish Camping and Staff, leadership Development.
"“All Jewish camps do development well. But some foundations and others invest specifically in Ramah for the staff development angle and our intense approach to Jewish education, leadership and community building.”
Ramah’s focus and measurable successes in developing staff, from counselors to directors, makes for a natural pairing, leaders of Jewish organizations and foundations said." You can access the whole article at http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/ramah-as-an-incubator-for-new-ideas
An Open Letter to Conservative Jewish Teens and College Students
Tyler Clementi
Rabbi Steven Wernick
Executive Vice President and CEO of the
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Dear Friends,
Like many in North America I was saddened by the recent suicide of Rutgers University freshmen Tyler Clementi. I feel for his family and friends. May their memories of him be a comfort.
As I have been reflecting on the events that lead to his death and discussing it with my family, friends, and colleagues a few thoughts come to mind. I’d like to share them with you because I know you are also thinking about this tragedy.
It seems that the suicide might have been in reaction to bullying. Bullies pick on the people they think don't fit in, maybe because of how they look, how they act, their race or religion, or because the bullies think their targets may be gay or lesbian. Research shows that people who are abused by their peers are at greater risk for mental health problems, such as low self-esteem, stress, depression, or anxiety. They may also think about suicide more. Bullying is a form of abuse in which one person is picked on repeatedly by an individual or group with more power, either physically or in social standing. Bullying often happens in public, adding to the humiliation the victim suffers. Today, with instant communication through text messaging, Facebook, email, and YouTube the tools of bullying are ever more public, more humiliating, and more abusive. The consequences of that bullying – including suicide -- can be far greater than the bullies can imagine, and will scar the bullies as well as the victims for the rest of their lives.
Bullying is antithetical to Judaism. We believe that every human being is created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image and likeness of God. Bullying another person, therefore, is like bullying God.
When Rabbi Akiva asked for the Torah’s most important lesson, he said v’ahavta l’reekha kamokha. Love your neighbor as yourself. In other words, the entire Torah is intended to teach us how to be mentschen, how to get in the habit of civility and decency in our interactions with each other; how to act on the belief that each of us is created in the divine image. V’ahavta l’reekha kamokha and b’tzelem Elohim guide us to be ever vigilant in elevating each other toward holiness, not bringing each other down through
A second and related thought is about suicide. Because we are created in the divine image we are sacred and our lives are of infinite worth. We -- your parents, your teachers, your community -- want you to know that we love you unconditionally. You are sacred to us. You are our infinity. You are the embodiment of our past and our hopes for the future. Suicide is permanent. It does not resolve loneliness or hopelessness. It is just the end of everything. We want you to know that we take the feelings that may lead someone to consider suicide seriously. We are committed to do whatever it takes to assure that each of you has a support system and you know that you have the resources to work through whatever feelings and challenges you face. There is always hope. And we are always here for you.
It might help to remember these things:
- If you are being bullied or see someone else being bullied speak out. Ask for help from an adult you trust.
- If you are thinking about suicide talk to a parent, a teacher, a rabbi or another responsible adult.
- If you know someone who is thinking about suicide, don’t try to handle it yourself. Talk to a responsible adult.
- Or if you prefer seek help by calling a teen suicide hotline: In the USA: 1-800-Suicide (800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-Talk (800-273-8255). In Canada: 1-800-448-3000.
Posted on USY’s homepage, www.usy.org, are educational resource materials on bullying for you to consider.
If our reflections on Tyler’s life and death lead us to a renewed commitment to reduce bullying and to reach out to people who need help, then we will have turned his tragedy into an opportunity for growth. And we will all be the better for it.
B’Shalom,
Rabbi Steve Wernick
New Programming for Chicago Ramahniks in their 20's and 30's!!
We are excited to announce a new initiative for Ramah alumni, Kikar Ba’Ir: The Ramah City Project. Based out of Chicago, the program will bring together Ramah alumni in their 20s and 30s for a wide range of programs, from social and cultural events to professional networking, Jewish learning and social justice. Zachary Silver, a veteran of Ramah and current Rabbinical Student at the Jewish Theological Seminary, will coordinate the program.
Join us on Facebook and please feel free to contact Zachary Silver at zsilver@ramahwisconsin.com with thoughts, suggestions, questions or comments. For some of his thoughts and writings, see his blog: http://magashhakesef.blogspot.com/.
Boston's Congregation Mishkan Tefila is making big strides!
There has been a quiet revolution this year at Congregation Mishkan Tefila in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Newton. Since March, one of the oldest Conservative synagogues in New England has seen its leadership overhauled and its mission transformed.
The purpose of shifting the direction of the venerable 85,000-square-foot shul?
“To make sure we are here for the next 150 years,’’ congregation president Chuck Diamond said last week. “The status quo was not an option, and we didn’t want to look back years from now and wish we had done these things.’’
Check out the full article here
Come To Israel With United Synagogue!
Because we so firmly believe that we should go to Israel as soon and as often as possible, we present a range of travel opportunities, geared for synagogue leaders, families of every description, empty-nesters and older people, and people from 8 to 26 who have Aspergers. There is something here for just about everyone. We hope you will join us on at least one of these trips.
For more information, follow this link to the USCJ website and scroll down a bit.
Zemirot Database
Project Reconnect is partnering with the Zemirot Database to help create the web's largest user-generated collection of Zemirot, liturgy, and other Jewish songs. If you love to sing or enjoy zemirot, now is your chance to contribute and keep the memories of those special Shabbat and holiday moments and times spent in Israel, USY, Camp Ramah, etc., forever in your life!
KOACH News
Want to help shape Conservative Judaism? Want to make a difference on your campus? Think you've got the talent and enthusiasm it takes to change the world?
This is your chance!!
Registration is now open for the KOACH Internship Program. We're looking for campuses and candidates with a sense of purpose. Click here to learn more and discover if you're the one we're looking for!
KOACH
USCJ's KOACH program and Hillel are working together to help students make the transition from high school to college. We would like to encourage you to share the following item with your congregants:
Know an incoming college freshman?
Tell KOACH: The Center for Conservative Judaism on Campus, and Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, where the student is going to college and he or she will receive an invitation to an opening event at Hillel as well as information on KOACH programming and conferences. Click here!
If you are thinking 'Aliyah'
Step 1: Contact the Conservative Movement's Aliyah Shaliach Itamar Kremer,
(212) 533-7800 ext 2021 or (212) 339-6079, shaliach@mercazusa.org or
itamark@jazo.org.il, WITH A CC TO RABBI PAUL FREEDMAN at
rabbipaul@projectreconnect.org. Let our Shaliach help you throughout the
entire aliyah process.
Step 2: Open an Aliyah File with the Israel Aliyah Centers: Our Shaliach
will be able to direct you to one of the dozen offices located across North
America.
Step 3: Learn about available Aliyah assistance: Nefesh B'Nefesh works in
partnership with the Jewish Agency, providing olim with financial
assistance, group chartered aliyah flights, employment resources,
absorption support, social services and guidance through governmental
absorption, in order to help make each individual's Aliyah as successful as
possible. Contact Nefesh B'Nefesh, (866) 4-ALIYAH or or
consult the website www.nbn.org.il/index.php.
Step 4: Contact USCJ's Project Reconnect - Israel: Meet other Conservative
Movement alumni living in Israel who are looking forward to welcoming you
into your new home and helping with your klitah in Israel. Contact Rabbi
Paul Freedman, (011-972) 2-6256205, rabbipaul@projectreconnect.org.
Rabbinic Cabinet
Project Reconnect has formed a Rabbinic Advisory Board (Cabinet). Chaired by Rabbi Paul Freedman, it will offer input as to how our congregations can reach out to the thousands of alumni from USY, Atid, Koach, Nativ and the Conservative Yeshiva. The Advisory Board will meet via conference calls and in-person meetings, such as at the R.A. Convention in Houston. This Rabbinic group will provide input and guidance on the many programs and initiatives that Project Reconnect undertakes in both North America and Israel.
Yellow Pages
Project Reconnect now offer it's "Yellow Pages" services to ALL of its
members!
Have you or a family member relocated to a new area. Do you need a lawyer,
a doctor, or an architect, etc.? By being new to the area you may not know
someone who can provide a referral. So, why not look for someone with
a similar background to your own?
Member's existing profiles have sections for professional information.
You can choose how much (if any) of your professional information is
published in our new North America section of the "Yellow Pages".
If you haven't included professional info in your Project Reconnect
profile, and want to be included in our "Yellow Pages", update your
profile right away. There is no charge for this service.
Project Reconnect is an initiative of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) that seeks to identify and attract alumni of USY, Nativ, Koach, the Conservative Yeshiva, Atid, and related programs in order to reconnect with other alumni and with the USCJ.
The Project Reconnect website is dedicated to Jerry Gottesman (1936-2004) - Mentor, Mensch, Technical Guru and Advocate of Project Reconnect.
The Library of The Jewish Theological Seminary is pleased to provide 30 kettubot from our extensive collection to The Jewish Museum for their upcoming exhibit, The Art of Matrimony: Thirty Splendid Marriage Contracts from The Jewish Theological Seminary Library. The exhibit runs from March 11 to June 26, 2011.
New Ramah Service Corps Initiative Brings Ramah to Local Communities
The National Ramah Commission is aiming to create year-round experiences that bring the magic and spirit of Ramah to communities across North America. Eighteen interns from across North America, who are working in synagogues, Jewish day schools, religious schools, or youth groups, have been selected to infuse their settings with Ramah spirit and encourage more families to send their children to Ramah and other Jewish camps.
Interns will organize at least two Ramah-style Jewish learning programs in their communities; reach out to prospective camper families, encouraging them to explore Ramah and other Jewish camps; and maintain relationships with current Ramah families. Click here to read the full article.
METNY Reunion Picnic 2011 planned for Sunday July 10th
The Reunion is being planned by USY METNY Alumni and UXY (a Facebook dedicated to METNY reunions). Apart from a date, no information is yet available, but you can check out the event's Facebook page for more information.
A USCJ Tribute to Debbie Friedman
United Synagogue joins the rest of the Jewish world in mourning the death of Debbie Friedman. The song of her life was joy and light and deep soulfulness, and it drew many Jews closer to the community, to each other, and perhaps even to God. There is not a Conservative synagogue in North America that has not used something she wrote, and most likely there are few synagogue-going Conservative Jews who do not have some of her melodies in their hearts, even if they do not know she wrote it. She is gone far too soon but her music remains, playing in the hearts of the millions of Jews she touched.
Richard Skolnik
International President
Rabbi Steven Wernick
Executive Vice President and CEO
Jewish Youth Movements launch anti-bullying campaign
USY has joined with BBYO and NFTY Youth to participate in Keshet's “Jewish Community Pledge to Save Lives” campaign. Keshet is a national organization working for GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) inclusion in Jewish life. The campaign comes in response to the suicides this fall of a number of gay teens who were bullied by peers.
One goal of the program is to achieve 18,000 electronic signatures on the "Do Not Stand Idly By" petition. Click here to sign. For more information on the initiative in general, click here. There are also numerous education resources dealing with this challenging topic. Visit usy.org and scroll down to "Standing up against bullying, teasing, and harassment" to download.
Open Doors with DeLeT: Inspire the Jewish Future
DeLeT (Day school Leadership through Teaching) is a 13 month program that prepares Jewish day school teachers by combining study with a yearlong mentored internship. We have two sites, one based in Los Angeles at HUC which offers CA state teaching credential and a certificate in Jewish Day School Teaching and the other in Boston at Brandeis University, which offers MA state teacher licensure and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Both programs offer:
* Guaranteed full tuition scholarships & stipend
* Year-long mentored internship
* Close integration of courses & fieldwork
* Placement assistance as a teacher
* Leads to state teaching certification
* Support during the first two years of teaching
* Membership in a growing alumni network
Visit www.brandeis.edu/mandel/delet or www.huc.edu/centers/DeLeT/ for more information or contact us at delet@brandeis.edu
Check out the Conservative Movement's Sustainable Synagogues Initiative
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, in partnership with the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, Women’s League for Conservative Judaism and interfaith environmental coalition GreenFaith, have started The Sustainable Synagogues Initiative. The partnership is designed to educate and mobilize synagogues and members of the Conservative movement in North America on the environment. The ambitious project includes a plan to reduce the carbon footprint of all 652 Movement synagogues at one time!
The video on the right serves as a great introduction to the initiative, and features USCJ CEO Rabbi Steven Wernick, as well as Rabbi Charles Simon of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs. The relevant segment starts at 2:16.
For more information, check out the official press release.
USY Summer Programs are Open for Registration
Sign up now for exciting programs like USY on Wheels, Pilgramage to Israel, Eastern Europe, Italy and much more. Applications for all programs are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For find out more or to reserve a spot on one of the trips, please follow this link.
Registration is now open for Ramah Outdoor Adventure
Ramah Outdoor Adventure, the only Kosher Outdoor Adventure camp in the country, is expanding its program in 2011 to include campers entering grades 3-11. Ramah Outdoor Adventure is located 90 minutes from Denver, CO in the heart of Pike National Forest on a 350 acre alpine ranch. The program includes mountain biking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, horseback riding, farming, pioneer crafts, wilderness survival and much more! Visit them online at www.ramahoutdoors.org
New Institute for Religious School Directors
New religious school directors are invited to join our education staff in the Pearlstone Retreat and Conference Center for the intensive New Directors' Institute from June 21 through June 23, 2011. The four-day workshop is supplemented by conference calls and mentoring throughout the year. For more information, visit http://www.uscj.org/New_Directors_Instit6950.html or email Susan Wyner at wyner@uscj.org
Ramah Special Needs Programs in the Media
Forty years ago, Camp Ramah pioneered special needs programming with the establishment of the Tikvah program. Today, Ramah's special needs programs offer children, teens and young adults who are developmentally and intellectually challenged a full, integrated Ramah summer camp experience. Nearly 2,000 campers with special needs have passed through the program in 40 years, and Ramah's special needs programs now serve about 250 campers each summer.
We'd like to share with you excerpts from two articles that highlight the success and impact of our special needs programs. "Jews with Special Needs: Strengthening Community Through Inclusion" appears on ejewishphilanthropy.com website. Last week, Tom Fields-Mayer, a parent of a Ramah California Tikvah camper, wrote about his son Ezra and their family's search for Jewish educational experiences like those he finds at Ramah, in Toward Day School for all Children
In May 2011, Ramah will hold our inaugural Ramah Galil Ride to raise funds for special needs programs throughout the Ramah Camping Movement. Click here to learn more about the Ride, or click here to donate to any of the Ramah camps and Israel programs.
We invite you to learn more about Ramah's various special needs programs and hope that you will continue to ensure the success and vitality of our programs by sharing this information with other members of your community.
American Jewish University offers new program for Rabbis
The Rabbinic Management Institute (RMI) is a year-long certificate program in nonprofit management for Conservative rabbis at American Jewish University. The program includes comprehensive training in the skills needed to manage the challenges of complex institutions after a year of distance learning. For more information please contact RMI@ajula.edu.
It's Not So Hard Being Green
United Synagogue joins other Conservative movement groups, the Jewish National Fund, and the interfaith group GreenFaith in offering a series of six webinars called Judaism and the Environment. The first will be on Thursday, November 18; you can register or email education@jnf.org for more information.
“When they grow up, I want to tell my two grandchildren that our movement did its part to ensure a healthy environment for future generations,” said Rabbi Troster, a Conservative rabbi, leading Jewish environmentalist, and director of the GreenFaith Fellowship Program. “I’ve never seen a better chance to do that than the Sustainable Synagogues Initiative.”
Congregation Shir Chadash of New Orleans Celebrates 50 Year Anniversary
USCJ International President Richard Skolnik was there and wrote this letter:
Hevre,
Last Shabbat I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the 50th Anniversary of Shir Chadash in New Orleans, the only Conservative synagogue to survive Katrina.
As we all remember when the hurricane hit on that fateful Monday in August of 2005, we watched in horror and prayed for the waters to recede. When it was finally over families were displaced, there was over 81 billion dollars in damage, and over 1800 lives were lost. Many residents that left the city never came back.
The United Synagogue played a great part in the re-building of Shir Chadash, not only with dollars, but with our people. The visits by our staff and lay leadership were extremely important in keeping the congregants focused on their goal...To Rebuild!
It was brilliant of the planners of this 50th Anniversary celebration to plan this event on the weekend that we read the Torah portion Lech Lecha...as opposed to the week before when we read the story of Noah and the destruction of the Earth by a great flood. As God said to Abraham "Go Forward," so did the congregants of this wonderful community. They now have a dynamic new spiritual leader, Rabbi Ethan Linden, and his wife Leba who heads the hebrew school. They have a terrific and energetic president, Josh Force and an executive director, Sandy Lassen, who together with their congregants are "Going Forward." They just signed up 30 new members, 1/2 of whom are single, young adults.
I especially want to thank our GA member Lis Kahn and her husband Hugo; they were our personal escorts for the entire weekend. If any of you or anyone you know is visiting New Orleans, I would encourage you to partake in Shir Chadash's services on Friday nights or Saturday mornings . They also have a great Torah study class on Wednesday mornings.
I can only tell you all that you should be very proud of what USCJ did in the aftermath of Katrina to support the Conservative Jewish community of New Orleans. These are the things that make USCJ great.
Shabbat Shalom to you and your family,
Richard
For more information on Shir Chadash, and to see some amazing old photos, you can visit their Facebook page.
Enrollment Nearly Steady at North American Jewish Community Day Schools
Despite a challenging economic climate, enrollment at Jewish community day schools in the U.S. and Canada holds nearly steady with last year’s levels, according to a just-released annual school survey. Current school enrollment decreased less than one percent – 0.66 percent – from levels recorded during the 2009-10 academic year. The figure stands in sharp contrast to the 4.6 percent decline recorded a year ago.
The survey is conducted annually by RAVSAK: The Jewish Community Day School Network and is considered the most authoritative barometer of enrollment trends within the movement, covering 111 pluralistic, non-denominational day schools across the continent.
The full article is available on the EJewish Philanthropy Blog.
USCJ hires Rabbi Irit Printz to lead regional youth program & serve congregations in eastern Canada
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism is pleased to announce that Rabbi Irit Printz has joined our staff. On October 5 (27 Tishrei 5771) Rabbi Printz became the youth director for United Synagogue Youth’s Eastern Canada region (ECRUSY), and congregational consultant to the Canadian synagogues in United Synagogue’s Northeast district. Rabbi Printz, 41, was born in Bucharest, Romania. Her family made aliyah to Israel and settled in Bat Yam, a beautiful coastal town just south of Tel Aviv. After the Yom Kippur war, the family moved to Jerusalem.
The Printz family left Israel in 1985 and settled in Canada, where Rabbi Printz graduated from high school. She studied education and mathematics as part of a dual co-op apprenticeship program at the Universities of Waterloo and Western Ontario. Rabbi Printz worked for many years as a high school math and science teacher, and later earned a masters of science degree in curriculum development from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
When she lived in Vancouver, Rabbi Printz became a member of Beth Tikvah Synagogue, where she met her rabbi and mentor, Rabbi Martin Cohen (who now is at the Shelter Rock Jewish Center in suburban New York). Her experiences at Beth Tikvah, the warmth of the community, and the encouragement of her rabbi all were instrumental in her decision to enter the rabbinate. She began rabbinical school at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2000 as a recipient of the prestigious Crown Fellowship. She was ordained in May 2005 with an MA in Bible.
As a rabbi, her greatest passions are teaching Jewish texts and creating new opportunities for young Jews to socialize and study together in a Jewish milieu. She has worked with teenagers and young adults throughout her life and is particularly excited to be part of the USY/United Synagogue family.
Rabbi Printz will be based in the United Synagogue’s Northeast district field office in Toronto. The address is 1000 Finch Avenue West, Suite 508; Toronto, ON M3J 2V5. She can be reached by phone at 416.667.1717 (or 800.417.1332 outside of Toronto in Canada) and by email at printz@uscj.org. Rabbi Printz also is available to our congregations via Skype, ooVoo, and instant messenger. You can also find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001527462195.
We hope that you will welcome Rabbi Printz and invite her to learn more about your synagogue communities in the days ahead. For more information, please email the Northeast district director, Aaron Kischel, at kischel@uscj.org or call him at 617.964.8210.
"Ramah as an Incubator for New Ideas"
Philanthropic Dollars a Sign of Confidence in the Ramah Model of Jewish Camping and Staff, leadership Development.
"“All Jewish camps do development well. But some foundations and others invest specifically in Ramah for the staff development angle and our intense approach to Jewish education, leadership and community building.”
Ramah’s focus and measurable successes in developing staff, from counselors to directors, makes for a natural pairing, leaders of Jewish organizations and foundations said." You can access the whole article at http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/ramah-as-an-incubator-for-new-ideas
An Open Letter to Conservative Jewish Teens and College Students
Tyler Clementi
Rabbi Steven Wernick
Executive Vice President and CEO of the
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Dear Friends,
Like many in North America I was saddened by the recent suicide of Rutgers University freshmen Tyler Clementi. I feel for his family and friends. May their memories of him be a comfort.
As I have been reflecting on the events that lead to his death and discussing it with my family, friends, and colleagues a few thoughts come to mind. I’d like to share them with you because I know you are also thinking about this tragedy.
It seems that the suicide might have been in reaction to bullying. Bullies pick on the people they think don't fit in, maybe because of how they look, how they act, their race or religion, or because the bullies think their targets may be gay or lesbian. Research shows that people who are abused by their peers are at greater risk for mental health problems, such as low self-esteem, stress, depression, or anxiety. They may also think about suicide more. Bullying is a form of abuse in which one person is picked on repeatedly by an individual or group with more power, either physically or in social standing. Bullying often happens in public, adding to the humiliation the victim suffers. Today, with instant communication through text messaging, Facebook, email, and YouTube the tools of bullying are ever more public, more humiliating, and more abusive. The consequences of that bullying – including suicide -- can be far greater than the bullies can imagine, and will scar the bullies as well as the victims for the rest of their lives.
Bullying is antithetical to Judaism. We believe that every human being is created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image and likeness of God. Bullying another person, therefore, is like bullying God.
When Rabbi Akiva asked for the Torah’s most important lesson, he said v’ahavta l’reekha kamokha. Love your neighbor as yourself. In other words, the entire Torah is intended to teach us how to be mentschen, how to get in the habit of civility and decency in our interactions with each other; how to act on the belief that each of us is created in the divine image. V’ahavta l’reekha kamokha and b’tzelem Elohim guide us to be ever vigilant in elevating each other toward holiness, not bringing each other down through
A second and related thought is about suicide. Because we are created in the divine image we are sacred and our lives are of infinite worth. We -- your parents, your teachers, your community -- want you to know that we love you unconditionally. You are sacred to us. You are our infinity. You are the embodiment of our past and our hopes for the future. Suicide is permanent. It does not resolve loneliness or hopelessness. It is just the end of everything. We want you to know that we take the feelings that may lead someone to consider suicide seriously. We are committed to do whatever it takes to assure that each of you has a support system and you know that you have the resources to work through whatever feelings and challenges you face. There is always hope. And we are always here for you.
It might help to remember these things:
- If you are being bullied or see someone else being bullied speak out. Ask for help from an adult you trust.
- If you are thinking about suicide talk to a parent, a teacher, a rabbi or another responsible adult.
- If you know someone who is thinking about suicide, don’t try to handle it yourself. Talk to a responsible adult.
- Or if you prefer seek help by calling a teen suicide hotline: In the USA: 1-800-Suicide (800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-Talk (800-273-8255). In Canada: 1-800-448-3000.
Posted on USY’s homepage, www.usy.org, are educational resource materials on bullying for you to consider.
If our reflections on Tyler’s life and death lead us to a renewed commitment to reduce bullying and to reach out to people who need help, then we will have turned his tragedy into an opportunity for growth. And we will all be the better for it.
B’Shalom,
Rabbi Steve Wernick
New Programming for Chicago Ramahniks in their 20's and 30's!!
We are excited to announce a new initiative for Ramah alumni, Kikar Ba’Ir: The Ramah City Project. Based out of Chicago, the program will bring together Ramah alumni in their 20s and 30s for a wide range of programs, from social and cultural events to professional networking, Jewish learning and social justice. Zachary Silver, a veteran of Ramah and current Rabbinical Student at the Jewish Theological Seminary, will coordinate the program.
Join us on Facebook and please feel free to contact Zachary Silver at zsilver@ramahwisconsin.com with thoughts, suggestions, questions or comments. For some of his thoughts and writings, see his blog: http://magashhakesef.blogspot.com/.
Boston's Congregation Mishkan Tefila is making big strides!
There has been a quiet revolution this year at Congregation Mishkan Tefila in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Newton. Since March, one of the oldest Conservative synagogues in New England has seen its leadership overhauled and its mission transformed.
The purpose of shifting the direction of the venerable 85,000-square-foot shul? “To make sure we are here for the next 150 years,’’ congregation president Chuck Diamond said last week. “The status quo was not an option, and we didn’t want to look back years from now and wish we had done these things.’’
Check out the full article here
Come To Israel With United Synagogue!
Because we so firmly believe that we should go to Israel as soon and as often as possible, we present a range of travel opportunities, geared for synagogue leaders, families of every description, empty-nesters and older people, and people from 8 to 26 who have Aspergers. There is something here for just about everyone. We hope you will join us on at least one of these trips.
For more information, follow this link to the USCJ website and scroll down a bit.
Zemirot Database
Project Reconnect is partnering with the Zemirot Database to help create the web's largest user-generated collection of Zemirot, liturgy, and other Jewish songs. If you love to sing or enjoy zemirot, now is your chance to contribute and keep the memories of those special Shabbat and holiday moments and times spent in Israel, USY, Camp Ramah, etc., forever in your life!
KOACH News
Want to help shape Conservative Judaism? Want to make a difference on your campus? Think you've got the talent and enthusiasm it takes to change the world? This is your chance!!
Registration is now open for the KOACH Internship Program. We're looking for campuses and candidates with a sense of purpose. Click here to learn more and discover if you're the one we're looking for!
KOACH
USCJ's KOACH program and Hillel are working together to help students make the transition from high school to college. We would like to encourage you to share the following item with your congregants:
Know an incoming college freshman?
Tell KOACH: The Center for Conservative Judaism on Campus, and Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, where the student is going to college and he or she will receive an invitation to an opening event at Hillel as well as information on KOACH programming and conferences. Click here!
If you are thinking 'Aliyah'
Step 1: Contact the Conservative Movement's Aliyah Shaliach Itamar Kremer, (212) 533-7800 ext 2021 or (212) 339-6079, shaliach@mercazusa.org or itamark@jazo.org.il, WITH A CC TO RABBI PAUL FREEDMAN at rabbipaul@projectreconnect.org. Let our Shaliach help you throughout the entire aliyah process.
Step 2: Open an Aliyah File with the Israel Aliyah Centers: Our Shaliach will be able to direct you to one of the dozen offices located across North America.
Step 3: Learn about available Aliyah assistance: Nefesh B'Nefesh works in partnership with the Jewish Agency, providing olim with financial assistance, group chartered aliyah flights, employment resources, absorption support, social services and guidance through governmental absorption, in order to help make each individual's Aliyah as successful as possible. Contact Nefesh B'Nefesh, (866) 4-ALIYAH or or consult the website www.nbn.org.il/index.php.
Step 4: Contact USCJ's Project Reconnect - Israel: Meet other Conservative Movement alumni living in Israel who are looking forward to welcoming you into your new home and helping with your klitah in Israel. Contact Rabbi Paul Freedman, (011-972) 2-6256205, rabbipaul@projectreconnect.org.
Rabbinic Cabinet
Project Reconnect has formed a Rabbinic Advisory Board (Cabinet). Chaired by Rabbi Paul Freedman, it will offer input as to how our congregations can reach out to the thousands of alumni from USY, Atid, Koach, Nativ and the Conservative Yeshiva. The Advisory Board will meet via conference calls and in-person meetings, such as at the R.A. Convention in Houston. This Rabbinic group will provide input and guidance on the many programs and initiatives that Project Reconnect undertakes in both North America and Israel.
Yellow Pages
Project Reconnect now offer it's "Yellow Pages" services to ALL of its members!
Have you or a family member relocated to a new area. Do you need a lawyer, a doctor, or an architect, etc.? By being new to the area you may not know someone who can provide a referral. So, why not look for someone with a similar background to your own?
Member's existing profiles have sections for professional information. You can choose how much (if any) of your professional information is published in our new North America section of the "Yellow Pages". If you haven't included professional info in your Project Reconnect profile, and want to be included in our "Yellow Pages", update your profile right away. There is no charge for this service.
Project Reconnect is an initiative of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) that seeks to identify and attract alumni of USY, Nativ, Koach, the Conservative Yeshiva, Atid, and related programs in order to reconnect with other alumni and with the USCJ.
The Project Reconnect website is dedicated to Jerry Gottesman (1936-2004) - Mentor, Mensch, Technical Guru and Advocate of Project Reconnect.
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