JFED CONNECTSAN UPDATE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING AT JEWISH FEDERATION

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

As this issue of JFED Connects goes to press, there is still no cease fire between Israel and Gaza. As of today, more than 1,400 rockets have been fired into Israel, reaching as far north as Hadera and Zichron, and threatening the security of Tel Aviv. Most of these

rockets have landed in the towns nearest the border with Gaza in Israel’s south, towns that many of us have visited over the years as we have tried to convey our support for those living under the constant barrage of hostilities from Hamas militants.The psychological impact for the residents living there is enormous: literally thousands of adults and children are traumatized by daily sirens and explosions, spending much of their summer vacation days in shelters or in safe rooms in their homes. I doubt that any of us living here can even begin to imagine what these families have been through, but thank goodness we CAN help facilitate their recovery. It is often said that Israelis are very resilient, and while that is true, they also suffer from the inevitable effects from these bombardments.And that’s where we come in. Jewish Federation has begun a special fundraising effort with some

JFedSTL.org

INSIDEFrom Jane Roodman Weiss............................ 2

Israel Emergency Fund...... 2

Author Cissy Lacks ............ 2

Presidents’ Circle .............. 2

NORC Celebrating 10 Years........................ 3

YPD Thirsty Thursday........ 3

Millstone Boot Camp........ 3

“Open Your Heart” ........... 3

Film Commemorating Tisha B’av..................... 3

JFed Annual Meeting ....... 4

Hannah Arendt Screening ..................... 4

Millstone Coaching Academy...................... 4

2014 Annual Campaign .... 4

very specific humanitarian goals: • To transport children in the south to camps

in the north of Israel where they will be safe, and have respite from the bombing;

• To provide psychological services to the traumatized, especially in the south;

• To provide needed services to the homebound and elderly;

• And to provide immediate financial aid to those who have suffered material losses.

Our fundraising effort is part of a national effort to raise these much needed additional funds. I am especially pleased that our own Heschel Raskas, a past president of St. Louis Federation, will serve as national co-chair of the committee allocating the funds raised. Heschel has extensive knowledge of and experience with our partner agencies in Israel: the Jewish Agency, the JDC, the Israel Trauma Coalition, and the Fund for Victims of Terror. We are grateful to him for taking on this enormous responsibility.Thank you in advance for helping with this critical effort. Every gift — and I mean every gift, large and small — will make a difference in the lives of those we serve. For more information or to contribute to the Israel Emergency fund, visit JFedSTL.org/IsraelEmergency.

In Tel Aviv, you can see the missiles being shot down. The Iron Dome stands as an amazing testimony to the close alliance and commitment of the US government to protect Israel’s citizens from harm. And the technology is amazing. But the Iron Dome is not “Star Wars” where enemies like Darth Vader are vaporized. When a rocket is struck down by the Iron Dome, its heavy fragments still fall to the ground creating a new kind of terror from which to flee.

A group of senior staff and lay leadership were in Israel during the first week of the most recent 2014 crisis and saw this first hand. Staying in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, we had to flee for protection each day as rockets reached deep into the country. We also had to flee during a meeting with Mayor Simon Alfassi of our partnership city, Yokne’am, when their first siren of the current missile crisis sounded. Sharing a cramped bomb shelter in the city’s municipal building brought a new meaning to our long standing partnership.Thanks to the efforts of the Israeli government, civil preparedness in Israel has saved hundreds, if not thousands of lives. But the fact that civil preparedness has minimized the material threat of the rockets in no way minimizes the sheer alarm and terror that can accompany an incoming missile. If you are a child or someone

with limited mobility, the trauma of the sirens announcing an attack can be intense and constitutes its own material harm. At the same time that Israel’s citizens are facing this terror, there is no doubt that the suffering in Gaza itself is intensifying, including the loss of hundreds of lives. Earlier in the month, I reflected on why we as a community memorialized the deaths of the three kidnapped Israelis, even in the face of so much other suffering. In our tradition, I said, we say shiva for those with whom we have a connection. The fact that we don't say shiva for our neighbors should never be seen as a diminishment of their own loss. The same is true here. We as a Jewish community have a responsibility as Jews to come to our mutual aid even as we recognize the very real and significant tragedy experienced in Gaza or elsewhere in the world.I continue to be hopeful that there will be international efforts to relieve the suffering in Gaza that Hamas’ leadership has brought upon them. And I continue to be inspired by our own community’s coming together to support our people wherever they may face a need. Thanks to each of you for all you do to keep our community strong.

From our CEO, Andrew Rehfeld

From our Chair, Patricia Croughan

AUTHOR CISSY LACKS TO SPEAK AT BRODSKY LIBRARY

On Sunday, August 10 at 1:30 pm, Cissy Lacks will discuss her popular book, Miriam’s Way, at the Saul Brodsky Jewish Community

Library. This event is part of the Saul Brodsky Jewish Community Library’s “Holocaust Literature Series”, sponsored by Bill Solomon in memory of Karen Solomon. Miriam’s Way is a moving account of a young girl’s will to survive and her ability to live with loneliness and the constant threat of death. This novel is based on the true life experiences from 1941 through 1946 of Miriam Kenisberg Poster, who is scheduled to be at the program.

The program will be held at Jewish Federation Kopolow Building, 12 Millstone Campus Drive. There will be coffee and a book signing following the program. Admission is $5.00 per person; free to Friends of the Library. Reservations are required by August 8. For more information or to make a reservation, call 314-442-3720 or email Brodsky-library@jfedstl.org

Pray for all, be kind to all, and do for all, but do not forget who you are. Keep together and your togetherness will keep you. The Sages of the Talmud

The Millstone Institute’s biannual Presidents’ Circle will take place on Monday, August 11 from 5:30 – 7:00 pm at the Frontenac Hilton. All current board presidents, presidents-elect, clergy, executives and CEOs are invited. The Presidents’ Circle is the only program of its kind in the country bringing together leadership from across the spectrum of the entire Jewish community to build relationships, share information, and promote community unity.

Mont Levy, community leader and past president of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, will be honored as the Founding Chairman of the Millstone Institute (2010-2014). International consultant, Noomi Melchior Natan, will share remarks on The Forgotten Art of Leadership. The program is hosted by the Millstone Advisory Committee with Paul Flotken, who recently assumed the Chairmanship of the Millstone Institute. All Millstone Institute programs are made possible by the support of the Lubin-Green Foundation, a supporting foundation of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, the Millstone Foundation, Mont and Karen Levy and Bill Solomon and family. To RSVP, contact Marci Mayer Eisen at meisen@jfedstl.org, 314-442-3810.

It has been my pleasure to have been involved with Jewish Federation of St. Louis for the past 20 years, most recently serving on the board as Vice Chair of Financial and Human Resource Development. In my current role, I raise awareness about legacy

giving, educate people about the reasons to give, and provide options to benefit different family situations. In doing this work, I feel that my story is my most powerful tool.

I grew up as a Reform Jew with a limited Jewish education. However, when I became involved with Federation, I met many people who were like-minded and felt the same passion that I did about being Jewish. Through these connections, I learned about the Jewish values of tzedakah and tikkun olam, things I never knew as a child. When I learned what they meant and that those were such strong Jewish values, I knew being a part of Federation was what I wanted to do.

When I was younger, my family fell on hard

ISRAEL EMERGENCY FUNDJewish Federation has created a relief fund to help our partners deliver immediate services and assistance on the ground to those affected by the emergency situation in Israel. 100% of all money raised in St. Louis will support trauma relief through JFNA’s fund that will:

· Offer relief from the line of fire for 20,000 children· Help 20,000 of Israel’s most vulnerable citizens· Provide trauma support for 12,000 Israelis· Deliver assistance for 10 communities hit hardest by the conflict

The work of the Israel Emergency Campaign would not be possible if we did not have the infrastructure support that our community’s annual campaign provides. We thank you for your continued support of our community and the Jewish people worldwide. To make a contribution to the Israel Emergency Fund, visit JFedSTL.org/IsraelEmergency

times and sought help from Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JF&CS). I was struggling emotionally and our family’s resources were limited at that time, but JF&CS was there to provide much needed counseling services. Many years later, I learned that the dollars raised at Federation support programs like JF&CS that help so many community members in need. At that point, it all came full circle for me.

Today, being in a position to give back, I knew I wanted to do something for the Jewish community. Volunteering gives me a chance to put my feelings about being Jewish into action. As a board, we are moving in a direction to engage the next generation in creative ways. Additionally, we go out to the mature community to make sure they are thinking about Federation when making their planned gifts.

I think it’s our responsibility as human beings and as Jews to take care of those who aren’t able to take care of themselves. Federation makes that possible. We thank you for helping to sustain our Jewish community and build a brighter future for our children and all the generations that follow.

From our Vice Chair, Financial and Human Resource Development, Jane Roodman Weiss

THE MILLSTONE INSTITUTE’S BIANNUAL PRESIDENTS’ CIRCLE

The St. Louis NORC hosts the final 10th Anniversary Year event on August 7 at the JCC. The star-studded “Celebrating a Decade of Success” party will feature the first ever St. Louis NORC Star Awards, a short video reflecting on the program’s impact for the past ten years, presentation of the MO House of Representatives and Governor’s Resolution and Proclamation respectively by State Representative Jill Schupp, keynote address by internationally renowned Gerontologist Nancy Morrow-Howell, all followed by music by Sarah Jane and the Blue Notes, a six piece jazz/blues ensemble. A crowd of at least 200 is expected to celebrate this important milestone. Thanks to Bill Solomon and his generous underwriting of the entire anniversary year.

YPD CONNECTS AT THIRSTY THURSDAY

CELEBRATING A DECADE OF SUCCESS WITH NORC

Are your board members in shape for the coming year? Jewish Federation of St. Louis and the Millstone Institute are committed to supporting and strengthening the work of all nonprofit boards throughout the St. Louis Jewish community. Join Leslie Peters, MBA, CEO of Elements Partnership on Wednesday, August 20 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm to review how to create an enthusiastic shared vision, clarify the work of volunteers with the responsibility of the board as-a-whole, explore dynamic

decision making and work together so that everyone is focused and engaged. A light dinner is included. To register, contact Marci Mayer Eisen at 314-442-3810.

MILLSTONE BOARD BOOT CAMP

OPEN YOUR HEART TO DEEPER MEANING: “BUILDING A SOUL-FULL COMMUNITY”The St. Louis Jewish community is sponsoring “Building a Soul-Full Community,” inspirational workshops and events featuring the internationally known Mussar scholar, Alan Morinis. Seven different programs will take place from Wednesday, September 3 through Sunday, September 7. "Mussar" literally means 'correction' or 'instruction' and can be translated in a more modern sense as 'ethics.' Jews of all backgrounds around the world have found profound meaning in learning how this spiritual discipline and ethical philosophy can be applied to everyday life. Topics include a Jewish Path to Being a Mensch, the High Holy Days as a Wake Up Call, the Importance of Character, Ethics and Awakening, and Qualities of Leadership. The program begins with Alan Morinis sharing his new book, With Heart in Mind: Mussar Teachings to Transform Your Life and also includes a Shabbat Dinner where Alan will discuss his personal journey to soul-guidance. “Building a Soul-Full Community” is presented by CAJE/Jewish Federation and open to the entire community in collaboration with CRC, Congregation Shaare Emeth, Millstone Institute and JProStl, Next Dor, St. Louis Jewish Book Festival, Left Bank Books, Traditional Congregation and United Hebrew Congregation. For details go to www.cajestl.org or contact Cyndee Levy at clevy@cajestl.org or 314-442-3752.

The Holocaust Museum and Learning Center will screen a special film, commemorating Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av, Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 2:00 pm in the HMLC theatre, Jewish Federation Kopolow Building, 12 Millstone Campus Drive. This date in the Hebrew calendar marks the destruction of both the first and second temples in Jerusalem, and several other tragic events in Jewish history.

V’nikdashti (and I Will Be Sanctified), a documentary directed by Rabbi Dovid Bernstein and distributed by Torah Umesorah, is comprised of survivors sharing powerful testimonies regarding acts of faith and courage during the Holocaust. V’nikdashti is in English with some subtitled Yiddish and has a running time of 45 minutes.

Rabbi Ze’ev Smason of Nusach Hari-B’nai Zion Congregation will lead a discussion following the screening. This program is free of charge and open to the public. For information please call 314-442-3711 or email agoldfeder@jfedstl.org.

HMLC TO COMMEMORATE TISHA B’AV WITH SPECIAL FILM PROGRAM

Know a grad student or professional in their 20’s and 30’s who is new to Saint Louis? Check out the Young Professionals Division’s monthly Thirsty Thursday happy hour series, taking place at hot venues around St. Louis. For more information on the next happy hour, visit www.ypdstl.org/thirstythursday.

MILLSTONE COACHING ACADEMY How do coaching skills advance the impact of leaders?

• Help others reach their full potential

• Learn to ask questions that unleash powerful new perspectives

• Boost productive work relationships

• Assist teams to adapt to rapidly changing situation

• Enhance your own ability to inspire and motivate others

Coming this November through the Millstone Institute is Jewish Coaching Academy’s Coaching Skills Training Program for volunteer leaders, board members and professionals throughout the St. Louis Jewish

Community. Please apply by August 15, 2014.

Learn more at www.millstonestl.org/coaching or call Marci Mayer Eisen at 314-442-3810.

HANNAH ARENDT TO SCREEN AT THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUMThe next film in the Sandra and Mendel Rosenberg Sunday Afternoon Film Series will be Hannah Arendt, screening at 1:00 pm on August 24, 2014, in the Holocaust Museum’s theatre in the Jewish Federation Kopolow Building, 12 Millstone Campus Drive. Barbara Sukowa gives a dynamic, nuanced performance as Hannah Arendt, the German-Jewish philosopher and political theorist. Arendt created controversy and notoriety with her writings on the role of Jewish councils during the Holocaust and Adolf Eichmann and the “banality of evil.” Directed by Margarethe von Trotta, Hannah Arendt, will

screen in English with some subtitled German, French and Hebrew, with a running time of 113 minutes.

Introductory remarks and a post screening discussion will be facilitated by Erin McGlothlin, associate professor of German and Jewish Studies at Washington University. In 2006, Dr. McGlothlin published Second Generation Holocaust Literature: Legacies of Survival and Perpetration. Films in this Sunday series are free and open to the public. For further information, call 314-442-3714 or email dreich@jfedstl.org.

2014 ANNUAL CAMPAIGNJewish Federation of St. Louis’ 2014 Annual Campaign is under way. Federation strengthens and enhances the Jewish Community in St. Louis, in Israel and around the world thanks to the continued generosity of you, our donors. Together, we are greater than the sum of our parts; and by making donations, we rekindle our commitment to our traditions and community. Please donate today at jfedstl.org/donate or by calling 314-442-3793.

Save the date for the 2014 JEWISH FEDERATION OF ST. LOUIS

ANNUAL MEETING Monday, September 22, 2014

6:00 pm Hors D’oeuvre Reception7:00 pm Meeting

JCC Staenberg Family Complex, Arts & Education Building 2 Millstone Campus Drive, 63146

Dietary laws observed

KEYNOTE SPEAKERSteven H. Lipstein, BJC President and CEO

For more information, contact Amy Pakett at 314-442-3840 or apakett@jfedstl.org