JFED CONNECTSAN UPDATE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING AT JEWISH FEDERATION

OCTOBER 2014

When our communications department suggested the tag line "Your story is our story" for this year's Annual Campaign, we were primarily thinking about all the individuals who make up our Jewish community; so many

generations, so many stories, so much richness and variety.And then came the strange summer of 2014, and the stories of people took on even more meaning.Three teenage boys needlessly killed in early July in Israel. A new war with Hamas.And with the war in Gaza came stories of children in Israel spending nearly the entire summer in shelters to protect them from rockets. Stories of disabled elderly needing to essentially live in safe rooms because they did not have time to

JFedSTL.org

INSIDEFrom Harvey & Rachel .. 2

The Holocaust, The Vatican, and The Jews... 2

Interfaith Mission .......... 2

4th Quarter Phone-a-thon ................ 3

Millstone Events & Fellows.......................... 3

Update on Israel Emergency Fund........... 3

Kranzberg Grants.......... 3

Noam’s Story ................ 4

JProSTL......................... 4

PJ Library...................... 4

seek shelter each time there was a rocket attack. Stories of young soldiers lost and families grieving. Stories of a profound response by the Federated system and our St. Louis community to raise emergency dollars to help relieve the trauma and suffering. Israel's stories are our stories.And then, in a heartbeat, the disturbing killing in Ferguson and renewed awareness of the deeply rooted problem of racism in our own St. Louis community. This is, sadly, also part of our story.Our stories as people and communities are inextricably entwined. As we look forward to the New Year, I hope not only for peace, but for renewed awareness of the responsibility we all share, for individual lives, for Israel, and for our neighbors right here at home.Shana tova.

The New Year that we celebrate this month—Rosh Hashanah—commemorates the mythical beginning of the world as retold in the Torah. Much like the secular New Year, we Jews use the period of the High Holidays to reflect upon our lives, to judge how we might be better people to those we love, and build a better world next year for all.And boy, what a year it has been. It’s been almost six months since the Kansas City shootings brought evil too close to

home. Prior to that, the three Jewish teenagers in Israel were murdered followed soon after by the Gaza war. Federation staff were in Israel during that time, seeing firsthand the terror of Hamas’ attacks and responding to the needs as they existed on the ground. And then, no sooner was the conflict over than the events of Ferguson brought out broad concern within our own community for the suffering of those close at hand.In all of these cases, our community responded. Federation was here in April coordinating community security protocols with our partners at the ADL and the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). We were here in June and July with JCRC to bring together our community in solidarity with the people of Israel and to express our hopes that the conflict would end quickly. Federation was here to raise over $470,000 from hundreds of donors to support civilian relief efforts in

Israel. And we remain here as a community partner as we hear the interest of our own community, acting on principles of tikkun olam to join other regional partners in work to effect change in our region. For all the emergencies it seems like we are responding to, Federation keeps moving in the right direction. We continue to innovate as the central fundraising organization of our community maintaining and extending the annual campaign. Next year, look for the development of a new targeted giving approach, re-energized corporate giving program and expanded endowment and planned giving program.We do these things because we recognize the power of a community to a life worth living. We recognize the responsibility we have to take care of others, whether independent seniors supported by Federation’s Naturally Occurring Retirement Community or the work of the JDC in Ukraine making sure Jewish seniors remain as safe as possible. And we do these things because we recognize that our Jewish tradition provides a platform to care for our own and for anyone based on Jewish values. It is indeed a time for reflection and judgment so that we may all do even better next year. May it be a year of health, happiness and prosperity for you and your family and all of the world in the New Year. Shana Tova!

From our CEO, Andrew Rehfeld

From our Chair, Patricia Croughan

INTERFAITH MISSIONBuilding on the success of the 2014 Interfaith Mission, Jewish Federation is excited to offer a unique opportunity for Jewish community members and their spouses or partners who identify as an interfaith couple to experience Israel as part of a special cohort.

This trip is designed to engage couples with the nuances of Israel through shared experiences with the culture, people, economy and the land. This highly subsidized trip is open for 9 to 11 couples. Rabbi Jim Bennett will accompany the 2015 mission. Applications are due by October 6, 2014 and should be submitted via email to Karen at KRader@CAJESTL.org. Participants will be notified of acceptance by October 14, 2014. For more information, visit JFedSTL.org/Interfaith.

“The Holocaust, the Vatican and the Jews” will be the subject of a lecture by Dr. Susan Zuccotti on Tuesday, October 28 at 7:00 pm, presented by the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center. Dr. Susan Zuccotti will address the complex questions of how much Pius XII, Pope from 1939 to 1959, knew about the Holocaust as well as examine his and the Catholic Church’s actions and inactions during this period. While defenders claim Pius XII was directly or indirectly responsible for saving hundreds of thousands of Jews, detractors assert his lack of overt action and relative silence. Dr. Zuccotti will draw on her decades-long ongoing research on the role of the Pope and the Vatican during the Holocaust.

A light reception will follow this presentation in Jewish Federation Kopolow Building, 12 Millstone Campus Drive; dietary laws observed. This program is open to the public and free of charge but seating is limited and reservations are required. This program is generously sponsored by Doctor Arthur and Marilyn (in loving memory) Gale and Family. For further information or to RSVP, please contact Andrew Goldfeder at 314-442-3711 or AGoldfeder@JFedSTL.org.

Working on behalf of the Jewish community of St. Louis to raise money for our 2014 Annual Campaign is such an honor. We have an amazing Jewish community here that rallies together every year to raise much needed funds that benefit hundreds of thousands of lives.

The impact of the work we do at Federation is felt in every corner of the world. We help take care of seniors in the Former Soviet Union; we rally around world crises – be it in Israel, Ukraine, or in Ferguson; and we inspire Jewish life to happen at summer camps and day schools. We are able to do all of this because of wonderful, caring, generous people like you who contribute to our Annual Campaign.

The 2013 campaign raised about $9.4 million and we have even bigger plans for this year’s campaign to

raise more money and engage more people. It would bring us much satisfaction if we could bring in $10,000,000 in 2014. We are hoping that every member of our community will contribute in whatever way they can. Every dollar makes such a difference in the people’s lives that we touch. We know that there is a need for increased dollars, both in the St. Louis Jewish community and our global community, and our goal this year is to fund all of our communities’ needs.

We are well underway with this year’s campaign and have started off strong raising over $5 million dollars so far. Thank you to those of you who have already contributed. If you would like to help us reach our goal and support the Annual Campaign, you can donate at JFedSTL.org/donate or by contacting Rachel Pereles at 314-442-3809 or RPereles@JFedSTL.org.

Thank you again for the opportunity to raise money for the community on your behalf. We have a great community; you’ve responded to needs in the past, and we hope you will again this year.

From our Chair, Campaign, Harvey Wallace and our Campaign Director, Rachel Pereles

LECTURE ON THE THE HOLOCAUST, THE VATICAN AND THE JEWS

The Millstone Institute sponsored two events last month that drew participants from 30 different agencies, organizations, congregations and day schools. The Presidents’ Circle for board presidents, clergy and executive directors honored Mont Levy as founding chairman of the Institute and featured remarks on the “Forgotten Art of Leadership” with international consultant, Noomi Melchior Natan.

A Board Boot Camp with local non-profit trainer Leslie Peters of Elements Partnership highlighted the motivators for involvement, core skills for high level decision making, and ways to balance individual roles with the responsibilities of group governance. The Board Boot Camp will be offered twice yearly to provide support to all Jewish organizations in our community. For information, contact Marci Mayer Eisen at 314-442-3810 or MEisen@JFedSTL.org.

Jewish Federation of St. Louis is pleased to announce that our community has raised over $470,000 for the Israel Emergency Fund to provide trauma relief for our partners in Israel. We would like to thank over 350 donors in our community for making this possible. To make a contribution to the Israel Emergency Fund, visit JFedSTL.org/IsraelEmergency.

MILLSTONE EVENTS RECAP

UPDATE ON ISRAEL EMERGENCY FUND

The Kranzberg Family Foundation is accepting applications for its 2015 funding cycle from St. Louis area 501(c)(3) organizations and congregations. Established in 2007 through a generous commitment from Ken Kranzberg, the Foundation's purpose is to provide funds to benefit the Jewish community of St. Louis, specifically focused on the outreach to and engagement of the "Next Generation."

The Foundation is focused on ensuring engagement of future generations and creation of a vibrant, embracing, local Jewish community that will help retain and attract young adults and families with young children. For guidelines and to download an application, visit JFedSTL.org/Kranzberg-Family-Foundation.

The Foundation has budgeted $50,000 for this grant cycle. The minimum grant amount is $5,000. Grant applications are due by Friday, October 24. Contact Mindee Fredman with questions at 314-442-3734 or MFredman@JFedSTL.org.

Applications are open for the 2015 Millstone Fellows, the Institute’s signature program for emerging and established leaders from throughout the St. Louis Jewish community. Rabbis, board leaders and senior managers are encouraged to nominate potential participants. For information, contact Karen Sher at 314-442-3824 or KSher@JFedSTL.org or visit MillstoneSTL.org/fellows

“There is a palpable energy and excitement from our Millstone leaders, which will serve our congregation well into the future. Their exposure to other Jewish organizations and those who serve them has forged new relationships and given everyone a newfound respect for what it means to be community-minded and work together for the betterment of our St. Louis Jewish community.” Rabbi Brigitte Rosenberg

MILLSTONE FELLOWS

FOUNDATION

KranzbergFamily

Federation invites you to join us for a “4th Quarter Huddle” as we close out the 2014 Annual Campaign. You can help make a big impact by joining this community phone-a-thon on Sunday, November 2 from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm at the Brodsky Library, 12 Millstone Campus Drive. Come for an hour or stay all day for this football-themed event that is sure to be a touchdown. Don’t like making calls? There will be letter writing, too! Bring your “A” game and help us close the Annual Campaign together. Lunch will be provided; dietary laws observed. RSVP by October 27 to Carmen at CKnowles@JFedSTL.org.

PJ LIBRARY: PJ OUR WAYPJ Library, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s popular national program that sends free Jewish-themed books and music each month to tens of thousands of children up to age 8, is launching a new edition: PJ Our Way. The new two-year multi-city pilot project, being launched in St. Louis in partnership with Jewish Federation of St. Louis, expands the PJ Library program to Jewish kids ages 9 to 11 and, for the first time, lets them choose the books they receive.

Every month, children can go online to pick from a selection of high-quality titles reviewed by a panel of PJ educators, parents and kids. They also will be able to write reviews, upload their own video trailers, and share ideas on the PJ Our Way website. Those who want to take an even more active role can apply to the National Design Team, where they will have early access to PJ Our Way books and work with PJ Library to create videos and reviews for the website.

All participants, including those who previously signed up for the original PJ Library program, must register for PJ Our Way. The website, PJOurWay.org, is now open for registration. For more information about PJ Library or PJ Our Way, contact Jennifer Lotsoff at JLotsoff@JFedSTL.org.

Noam was at a low place in her life when she met St. Louisan Diane Katzman, who was visiting Noam’s hometown of Megiddo. “Diane was in Israel with a group from Jewish Federation of St. Louis and we connected right away,” says Noam. She had been having trouble at home and at school, since her parents were going through a rough divorce. Noam eventually dropped out of high school with no hopes for the future. When Noam met Diane, she told her about the jeans she designed and how she wanted to be a renowned designer. Diane looked Noam straight in the eye and said, “You should pursue your dream. You can be anything you want to be.”

“That she would take the time to talk with me like that, that she would care enough to listen and give me advice, that was my wake-up call. People do care!” recalls Noam. Since meeting Diane, Noam joined the HILA program, supported by Federation, which helps teens with studying for their school exams. Noam’s jeans are a hit and are being sold online, and she is teaching peers how to design them. She is on her way to all kinds of wonderful things.

Noam is thankful for the support of Federation that helped her change her life and fulfill her dreams. “You never know how your donations will impact lives,” she says. Noam’s story is our story.

“Because of you,I'm in a safe place,

a good place.”

Noam, Age 17

Lives in Megiddo, Israel, in St. Louis’ partnership region

Participant in HILA, a program for teens who have dropped out of school, which receives Federation funding

Clothing designer, entrepreneur and peer mentor

Inspired by a St. Louisan who believed in her

A meeting with a volunteer from St. Louis changed Noam’s life forever and put her on the positive path she’s on now. Noam’s story is our story.

Learn more. Get involved. Give today.

JPROSTL STAFF ORIENTATIONJProSTL, the professional association for staff who work at organizations throughout the Jewish community, has announced opportunities for Fall 2014.

The Annual JPro New Staff Orientation will be held on Wednesday, October 29 from 8:30 am – 1 pm. Staff who have worked in the Jewish community less than two years are invited to build their networks, learn about trends, explore core Jewish values and hear about the history of Jewish life in St. Louis. Chaired by Randi Schenberg of the Crown Center for Senior Living.

For information, contact Karen Sher at 314-442-3824 or KSher@JFedSTL.org.