Guest Post: Maybe Next Year by Paul Warhit

I spent last week with 5,000 Jews at the URJ biennial in San Diego, California and I came away with 2 observations.  The first observation is that nobody in his right mind would return to New York in December after spending 4 days in sunny San Diego.  Yet here I am back in New York.

The second observation is that while I am extremely comfortable being a Jew in Westchester in 2013, that comfort level reaches new heights when I am surrounded by thousands of other Jews all learning, singing, eating, and praying together.  As vibrant as our Westchester Jewish community is, we are still a minority population.  It is incredibly empowering when 5,000 Jews take over a convention center and become the majority for a few days.  It's nice to know that wherever you look, you'll see YOUR people.

Of course, that euphoria quickly dissipated as soon as the cab dropped me off at the airport Sunday morning and I became part of a religious minority once again.  It's not like I was discriminated against or anyone looked at me funny.  It was just that I was no longer surrounded by MY people and that absolutely changed things for me.  I had lost that confidence; that swagger that I had back in San Diego.  Coincidentally, when I landed at JFK airport and left my gate, I passed a gate with a group of passengers on line to board a flight to Tel Aviv on El Al.  I thought to myself, "My bags are already packed.  I could be in Eretz Yisrael in a mere 12 hours.  I could be surrounded by millions of MY people and soak in the feeling that I longed for."  I actually stopped walking and thought about it for a moment.  Then reality hit and I continued walking toward the exit.

I love living in Westchester with all our wonderful neighbors.  I appreciate the ethnic and religious diversity our community offers.  At the same time, I do enjoy being surrounded by MY people.  Maybe one day.  Maybe next year in Jerusalem.

Guest Post: Breaking Bread and Breaking Down Barriers by Paul Warhit

I just returned home from the Thanksgiving Diversity Breakfast at Manhattanville College, sponsored by the American Jewish Committee (AJC), the Duchesne Center, and the Westchester Jewish Council in addition to an impressive list of community partners.  They were the most enjoyable three hours I've spent in a long time.  We started by enjoying a delicious breakfast while giving honor to 3 deserving recipients for their efforts in promoting diversity throughout Westchester County.  That was followed by scintillating conversations with my tablemates discussing what each of us is doing to improve relations among different racial/ethnic/religious groups in our community and how we can collaborate to do even more.  The best part of this discussion is that it took place with people I did not know who looked and prayed differently than I do.  And that is a VERY GOOD thing.

The program's theme was "Building the Mosaic" and the event did just that.  Benzinger Hall was filled with 300 people of all colors, religions, nationalities, and sizes with three objectives in mind. 

#1- To greet each other and enjoy our company.
#2- To celebrate the level of success we've achieved in the area of diversity in Westchester County.
#3- To acknowledge that there is still much work to do and to discuss ways to cooperate to make sure no individual or group is left out of our welcoming community.

I left the Diversity Breakfast energized and thankful.  I was energized by the level of mutual respect and commitment to improve on a community that cherishes our diversity.  We acknowledge our differences and embrace the beauty that each of our communities brings to the larger table.  And I was thankful that Ilissa and I are able to raise our three children in an environment where people of all backgrounds treat each other with respect and recognize that we are all created in God's image and are deserving of each other's appreciation.

The message shared by those in attendance was a simple one, but one that can never be repeated enough.  Now it is time to return to the good work that we've begun.

Guest Post: Zero Tolerance by Paul Warhit

We tell our children that they should neither bully others nor allow themselves to be bullied. We hold instructive classes teaching our children how bullying is a destructive practice that can only lead to bad things. In extreme instances, children and young adults end up taking their own lives after relentless bullying either in person or via the internet pushes them beyond the limits of rational thought.

The news of Miami Dolphins' offensive lineman, Richie Incognito, bullying teammate Jonathan Martin should come as no shock. While it is true that neither Richie nor Jonathan are in middle school or high school, serious bullying behavior was going on to the point that Martin had to distance himself from Incognito by leaving the team and missing last Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

I'm not surprised that this bullying went on between grown adults. I'd bet that to varying degrees, bullying behavior goes on in workplace environments more than we'd like to believe. What I'm surprised about is that Martin's teammates did nothing to stop the bullying. It is almost impossible to miss the signs of bullying in a close-knit environment like a team locker room. Whether Martin's teammates decided not to step in to defend him against Incognito or if they actively participated in the bullying, they must be held responsible for the torment Martin went through.

We teach our children to stand up to injustices and help those in need. We insist that the weak among us are protected against predators and that bullies are brought to justice. The Miami Dolphins organizations and Jonathan Martin's teammates let him down in an extremely profound manner. By not watching out for Jonathan Martin's back, they allowed Richie Incognito to prey on an emotionally weaker individual and failed to embrace their teammate and do the right thing. I am relieved that Jonathan decided to go public instead of dealing with his personal anguish privately and possibly hurting himself.

The Westchester Jewish Council is proud to take a "zero tolerance" position when it comes to bullying. Jewish tradition teaches us that it is our responsibility to care for the stranger among us and to protect the weak. This incident in the Miami Dolphins locker room should serve as an example of what not to do. We should take this opportunity to sit with our children and make sure they understand that there is no place for bullying in a civilized society and that we expect them to speak up when they witness this behavior among their peers. Our children should view Jonathan Martin as the victim and a hero for speaking up. They should view Richie Incognito as the bully and thug that he is. It should be Richie Incognito and the bullies like him who are ostracized from our society.

Responses to the Pew Report: A Portrait of American Jews

To read the Pew Report "A Portrait of American Jews" click here.

Responses to the Pew Report are below.  This list is not comprehensive nor in any particular author.  The views expressed in each article are those of its author and do not represent the views of the Westchester Jewish Council.

From the New York Times:  Poll Show Major Shift in Identity of U.S. Jews

From HaymHerring.com:  Beware as the Spin Begins:  Early Headlines on the Pew American Jewish Population Study

From Rabbis Without Borders via MyJewishLearning.com:  A New Spiritual Comfort Zone:  Reflecting on the Pew Study

From Ha'Aretz:  Reengaging American Jews, Before They Drift Away

From Religion New Service:  Winners and Losers in the Pew Research Poll on American Jews

From The Washington Post:  8 Fascinating Trends in How American Jews Think about Israel

From The Times of Israel:  Rise of 'Jews of No Religion' Most Significant Find of Pew Study, Director Says

From The Forward:  Jews Express Wide Criticism of Israel in Pew Survey but Leaders Dismiss Findings

From Commentary Magazine:  American Jews:  Laughing but Shrinking

2013 Day of Chesed

Westchester Jewish Council Board Members and staff were among those in attendance at the Jewish Community Center of Mid-Westchester on Sunday, September 15th, participating in the annual Day of Chesed.

WJC President Paul Warhit
with Board Member Harriet Zeller

Stuart Kolbert (pictured, below) remarked, "The Day of Chesed once again shows the Jewish community at work, helping and assisting the general community in anyway we can. The young participants are learning the importance of helping those less fortunate. As Jews we continue responding to world crisis. Why don't we get better press?"

WJC Board Member Stuart Kolbert
with Executive Director Elliot Forchheimer

Harriet (Gigi) Zeller (pictured, right) said, "An incredible day of Tikun Olam...it was heartwarming to see so many attendees of all ages working together for the benefit of so many here and abroad."

WJC Board Member Mark Reisman said, "I was moved to be in the presence of so many people of all ages
and backgrounds enthusiastically taking part in the Mid-Westchester JCC's Day of Chesed. Coming on the heels of Yom Kippur and springing from the ashes of a horrific national tragedy, the Day of Chesed helped me translate contemplation and sadness into inspiration and positive action. Yasher Koach to all who sponsored and participated in this terrific day!"

"Once again this year the Jewish Community Center of Mid-Westchester became the center of our community's expression of volunteerism in commemoration of 9/11," added WJC Executive Director Elliot Forchheimer.  "Thank you, JCC!"

Did You Know?

This fascinating article from Tablet Magazine details the story behind NBC's historic 1943 Yom Kippur radio broadcast - and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at AJC's past.

Jewish Teens Go "Clubbing" in Westchester

Interesting article from The Jewish Week about options for Jewish teens - and several of our member organizations are mentioned - along with the Westchester Jewish Teen Learning Initiative!

A New Crop of Yiddush Speakers

Not far from Westchester County, in nearby Goshen, NY, yiddish is flourishing on the farm.  Read more in this article from Gothamist.com.

More than Falafel...Israeli Chefs Make Their Presence Known in the United States

Hungry?  You will be after reading this article from Tablet Magazine about Israeli chefs influencing Middle Eastern cuisine in the United States!

Introducing Westchester Jewish Council's new Assistant Executive Director, Pam Goldstein!

In April the Westchester Jewish Council made a smooth transition as we said a fond L'Hitra'ot (until we see you again) to Nancy Zaro and welcomed the newest member of our team, Pam Goldstein.

Pam, a Hartsdale resident since 1993, comes to the Council from Solomon Schechter School of Westchester, where she was the Co-President of the Parent-Teacher Organization from 2010 to 2012.  With her husband, Eric, she is the parent to three children, Melissa (Schechter '11), Jordan (Schecther '15), and Julia (Schechter '19).

Since joining the Council this Spring, Pam has been busy getting to know professional and lay staff at our member organizations and our partners throughout the County.  Most recently, she worked with WJC Board Member Gary Trachten and Musical Director Kenny Green to coordinate the Westchester Jewish Music & Arts Festival which, by all accounts, was a rousing success!

Pam is looking forward to fall as we begin our program year with the Jewish History & Heritage Month Celebration (hosted by the Westchester County Board of Legislators on Monday, September 23rd - mark your calendars!).

If you haven't had the chance to meet Pam yet, please feel free to drop her an email or give her a call at (914) 328-7001.  She'd love to get to know you!

Westchester Jewish Music & Arts Festival

Despite bad weather in surrounding towns, we had a beautiful afternoon at Kensico Dam Plaza for today's Westchester Jewish Music & Arts Festival!

Here are a few photos from today's festivities, courtesy of the Journal-News.  More photos and a complete write up of the event will be available later this week.

School and Workplace Accommodations for the Jewish High Holidays

Thanks to ADL for this timely resource detailing school and workplace accommodations for the Jewish High Holidays.

Who Loves You?

We're planning a fabulous evening of fun!  Here's a sneak peek at "Who Loves You?" - A Musical Tribute to Frankie Falli & The Four Seasons, our musical guests at the 37th Anniversary Gala honoring outgoing WJC President Ron Burton on Saturday, February 2nd.

Register now online!

A MESSAGE FROM THE WESTCHESTER BOARD OF RABBIS

A MESSAGE FROM THE WESTCHESTER BOARD OF RABBIS

The Westchester Board of Rabbis is shocked and saddened by the tragic events of December 14, at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and with the residents of Newtown, Connecticut.  Our tradition teaches that every human life is sacred for we are all created in God’s image.  We stand committed to this belief and will work toward insuring a better, safer world for all of God’s children.

We pray that the 20 children and 6 educators, who were so cruelly and senselessly killed, will be wrapped in God’s eternal embrace.  We pray that their memories will be come to be blessings.

The Westchester Board of Rabbis

President:  Rabbi Jaymee Alpert

Executive Committee:  Rabbis Morris Barzilai, Sandy Bogin, Lester Bronstein,

Jonathan Morgenstern, Mara Nathan, Gordon Tucker

Immediate Past President:  Rabbi Joshua Davidson

How Will You Light Your Chanukah Menorah This Year?

Enjoy this video from these inventive Technion students....and if you have a better way to light the menorah this year, we'd like to hear about it!

 

 

Having trouble viewing this in your browser?  Click here.

Random Roundup

Here are some articles, videos, and websites we've found interesting this past week...take a look and let us know what you think!

First up, click here to read the latest statements from local elected officials supporting Operation Pillar of Defense.  Our thanks to the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York for collecting them all in one place.

Take a moment to read this post from Robyn Faintich of JewishGPS who asks how we define - or how we SHOULD define - what it means to be part of the "organized Jewish community."  She raises some important questions and kicks off a valuable conversation (through social media and in the comments on her blog).

Donniel Hartman says "Thank you, Prime Minister" in this blog post at The Times of Israel.

At Forbes we found this interesting article entitled "3 Entrepreneurial Lessons from the Jewish Experience."

Westchester Jewish Council board member Larry Frankel shared this link where you can view his photos from the JNF President's Society Mission to Israel.

For a little fun, enjoy this article where Jewcy identifies what they believe might be the best Jewish marriage proposal video of the year. Be sure to watch the video - which includes a visit to White Plains!

And, finally, just in time for Chanukah, this new musical mash-up from four members of the Maccabeats is sure to put a smile on your face.

Westchester Stands with Israel - A Night of Solidarity

This Tuesday November 20, 2012

Temple Israel Center of White Plains, 280 Old Mamaroneck Road, White Plains

 

 Click HERE for event details and registration (requested, but not required).

Annual Westchester/Fairfield Thanksgiving Diversity Breakfast 2012

In partnership with AJC Westchester, the Duchesne Center at Manhattanville College, and many other area synagogues and organizations we were proud co-sponsors of this annual event, held Thursday, November 15, 2012.

Honored at this year's event were Reverend Sarah Henkel, Multi-Cultural Coordinator of the Hudson River Presbytery, Rabbi Rigoberto Emmanuel Viñas, Lincoln Park Synagogue, and Bishop Martin Nelson, Bezer Holiness Church.

Click the above links to view videos of interviews with each of the honorees.  A slideshow of photos from the breakfast is available here.

In Reponse to the latest Middle East events...

Below please find a small sample of some of the important information that has been created in response to the latest Middle East events. We thank the JCRC of NY, Dennis Monasebian of NOW Israel, Mona Abramson of the Westchester Jewish Council, the Jewish Federations of North America and the JCPA for their ongoing support and information sharing.

We also invite you to attend our long - scheduled Westchester County “Night of Music and Solidarity” this Saturday night, Nov 17, 7:30 PM at Temple Israel Center of White Plains, 280 Old Mamaroneck Road, White Plains.  The evening is produced by Kol Hazzanim (the Cantors of Westchester) and the Westchester Jewish Council with grant support from UJA-Federation of NY.  You may register when you get there (doors open at 7:00 PM) and the cost is $25 per person payable to the Westchester Jewish Council.  As of this email, we have 300 confirmed registrants.  The evening will serve as a community builder as 21 Cantors inspire us with song as we join together in response to the challenges of “Hurricane Sandy” and the unsettling situation in the Middle East.  If your schedule permits, we would love for you to join us.

Finally, we would be remiss not to mention the stalwart recovery efforts from “Hurricane Sandy” throughout the region.  It is nothing short of inspirational to see so many of our member organizations and synagogues involved in the disaster recovery.  UJA-Federation of NY continues to remain ready to assist you in your mobilization.  Visit their website for the latest information on how UJA-Federation is responding to the community’s needs.

   

ISRAEL ACTION ITEMS

:

Here are words of support conveyed by President Obama to Prime Minister Netanyahu in their telephone call last evening (readout below), as well as the statement issued by the State Department yesterday.

We are also gratified that Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) filed a resolution today expressing “unwavering” support for the State of Israel and reaffirming her right to “act in self-defense.”  In addition to this resolution, New York’s elected officials have issued many statements of support, including those from Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congress Members Rangel, Engel, Ackerman, King, Lowey, Maloney, Meeks, Nadler, McCarthy, Clarke, Israel, Bishop, and Congresswoman Elect Meng. New York State leadership has also spoken out, including: Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. New York City's leaders have issued statements as well, including: Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio, New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, District Attorney Charles Hynes, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Councilmembers Garodnick and Halloran and former NYC Comptroller William Thompson.  The list is growing each hour.

 Please click here for a listing of these important statements.
 

RESOURCES:

1. Readout of the President’s Phone Calls with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Egyptian President
2. Suggested messaging from the Ministry of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs

3. Backgrounder and talking points from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
4. Recording of yesterday's conference call briefing with Amb. Ido Aharoni, Consul General of Israel in New York
    

FOLLOW UP ITEMS:

1. Stay up to date by visiting the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs website as well as the Israeli Consulate in New York's Twitter and Facebook pages. 
2. Please share this story from Tablet Magazine with your networks.
3. Musician Alanis Morissette is now under a lot of pressure to cancel her upcoming visit to Israel, please like this page and encourage her to go. 
4. Two  additional articles of interest:

·        This op-ed by former URJ President Rabbi Eric Yoffie is recommended reading: “A call to U.S. progressive Jews: Support Israel's 'get tough' policy in Gaza”

·        Gaza Cyber-battle Almost as Fierce as Missile War

Day School Affordability

Rabbi Shmuly Yankolowitz writes in an article this week in The Jewish Journal about the affordability of day schools.

According to Yanklowitz, "Rising school costs along with a continuing recession have combined to create a crisis in the survival of Jewish day schools."  In his opinion, "The day school system is potentially the most powerful way of educating, empowering, and activating our Jewish youth base to grow as global Jewish leaders, and is therefore crucial to the future of the Jewish community."

Read the full text of the article here, then join us on December 4th at 7:00 p.m. at the Solomon Schechter School of Westchester as they co-sponsor a community forum on day school affordability in conjunction with the New York State Catholic Conference, UJA-Federation of New York, the Jewish Education Project, the Office of the Superintendant of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York, and the Westchester Jewish Council.

RSVP for the event by emailing Deb Merola.