UJA Makes Connections Like No Other

by Scott Krieger, UJA Campaign Chair

Most people do not like asking others for money. It doesn't matter the purpose or cause, it simply feels invasive. Money, we tell ourselves, is a personal matter. How much we make, and how much we spend is private. To ask another for money, it follows, simply isn't our business. For UJA, asking others for money has been our business for years. We do this so that others may benefit. >>more

Shabbat in the Ra'anana Park, Israel

by Rabbi Tamar Kolberg

A festive mood hung over the Ra'anana Park as evening approached and 200 people gathered to welcome the Shabbat amongst the trees and blue and white holiday flags anticipating Independence Day. It was a special Shabbat marking the transition from the dark days in Europe to the wonder of the birth of the state of Israel. >>more

The Jewish Volunteer Network — A New Way for Jews to Help Jews

Jews helping Jews — United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ is the conduit for Jews reaching out to other Jews. That support between Jews is more than just financial, more than just donations through the UJA Annual Campaign, or planned giving and endowments through the Jewish Community Foundation. It is also personal involvement, community service and one-to-one help that people offer those in need, by volunteering their efforts to other members of the MetroWest Jewish community, and other Jewish communities in Israel and around the world. >>more

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?
Helping students with special needs transition from school to careers

by Peggy Himsl, JVS Associate director of Rehabilitation Services

"These young people are wonderful, talented and able to give so much to this world. They just need some help today finding their special niche and acquiring the life skills necessary to succeed." This is the request of the mother of an 18 year old son with developmental disabilities. The transition from school to careers is difficult for many young people, but for teenagers with special needs and their parents the transition can be an extremely challenging process. >>more

Moments That Make Life Magical and Summers Memorable

by Diana Ackerman

SUMMER CAMP: Two simple words whose meaning can only be understood by those lucky enough to experience their magic. Summer camp exemplifies sportsmanship, emulates friendship, embodies leadership, and understands kindness. At camp, any dream is attainable and any goal reachable. In fact, its effects are endless and immeasurable, and if you're really lucky, summer camp is life changing. >>more

Female Orthodox Rabbis?

by Rabbi Menashe East

These past number of months have been stressful times for the Orthodox Jewish community. We witnessed public debate, critique and recriminations about an issue, which for most of the Jewish world means very little. Should Orthodoxy ordain women? Now, I think this means little for the majority of the Jewish community, particularly in the United States, simply because the point is moot. After all, the major Jewish denominations already ordain women. >>more

CRC in Action
Become an informed and active advocate

Take Action: Participate in Iran Disclosure Project & Urge Honeywell to Stop Doing Business with Iran — UANI is currently calling on the Pentagon and the U.S. Government to debar Honeywell from all U.S. government contracts. Honeywell does more business with the U.S. Government than any other company that is active in Iran. To learn how to support this initiative click here.

Support Security Assistance for Israel — President Obama has requested $3 billion in security assistance for Israel for fiscal year 2011. This aid reflects the third year of a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the United States and Israel in 2007 to gradually increase U.S. security assistance to the Jewish state in order to meet increasing threats, including a potential nuclear-armed Iran. Please urge your members of Congress to support security assistance to Israel and the overall foreign aid bill. To take action, click here.

To learn more about the CRC and sign up to be on their emailing list click here.

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