Shana Tova! All your latest news from MasortiUK

Noam Summer Camp 2013 a massive success! With over 200 young people involved in 5 camps in both Wales and France, Noamnikim enjoyed a summer full of creativity, engaging education and a chance to meet new friends for life. Camp is a chance to push boundaries and create experiences that will last for a lifetime. The success of the camps was down to our phenomenal Madrichim and Roshim who ensured that everyone involved felt part of another amazing Noam Summer. "Summer 2013 was a truly rewarding experience for all of us involved in making it happen. The Noamnikim enjoyed themselves and had a great time both doing fun activities and engaging in some meaningful educational events too! Bring on the next Camp!", says Sam Schryer, Mazkir, Noam. This year, we are celebrating 25 years of Noam and we all hope that the magical memories of Camp can be replicated for many years to come. Thanks to everyone who attended! Kelim class of 2013 Kelim 2013 - a never to be forgotten experience! This years Kelim programme took 9 UK students to study at the Conservative Yeshiva, Jerusalem. Students on Kelim 2013 enjoyed 3 weeks studying at the Yeshiva, immersed in its summer course and 1 week processing the experience together. They also journeying through the 4 main areas which make up Jerusalem's identity, accompanied by key Jewish texts, experiencing Israeli life and culture. The Kelim participants lived together in a communal flat for the 4 weeks, which enabled a strong group dynamic and support to be formed. The majority of the group had been participants of Noam's gap year programme in Israel – Drachim, the previous year. Kelim is a natural progression in developing their connection to their Jewish identity, this time focusing on academia - their ability to grapple with Jewish texts, learn Hebrew and develop their skills in prayer. A large percentage of the group also attend universities with very few Jewish students, which limits their ability to practice and further their Jewish education. Kelim provides them with this amazing opportunity of a once in a lifetime experience. Kelim - studying at the Conservative Yeshiva Click to book Your Timetable: 09.45-10.15 - Registration 10.15-11.00 - Introduction & Welcome from Clive Sheldon QC, Co Chair, Masorti Judaism & Liz Oppedijk Keynote: Michael Wegier, UJIA Chief Executive - What is a Jewish Leader? Select from 5 sessions in three different time slots: 11.15-12.15 Rabbi Jeremy Gordon – Purpose Driven Synagogue Matt Plen – Power, Relationships, Strategy: How to Get Things Done Andy Zneimer – How to Woo the Press: On Getting Editorial Masorti Europe Board Meeting Chazan Jacky Chernett, Chazan Jason Green & Laurence Jacobs – Music of the Soul: Engaging our Communities in Prayer 13.30-14.30 Rabbi Joel Levy – Catastrophic Failures of Leadership Dina Ben Ezra – Group Dynamics & Communication (in French) Miriam Benchetrit – Developing a Strategy for Local Fundraising Stephen Ross – We're All in This Together: Rabbis, Professionals and Lay Leaders David Leigh – Increase Your Impact: Getting the Most Out of Your Community Leadership 15.15-16.15 Rabbi Chaim Weiner – The Answers Rabbis Give to Rabbis Phil Austin – Does Change Have to Be Painful? Jason Caplin – Social Media & How to Harness Its Power Charlotte Fischer – Developing Volunteer Leaders Nick Gendler – What is Coaching and What is Your Coaching Style? 16.15-17.00 - Final Panel Session This session will include a panel of guest speakers from Israel who will discuss the challenges of Zionism, Aliyah and leadership within the Masorti movement. Copy this link into your browser to book: http://tinyurl.com/metyujl Cost £20 (includes lunch and tea) - £10 low income concessions Registration closes Monday 30 September 2013 Contact enquiries@masorti.org.uk for more information Click to book For more information click here Can you help Jewish Genetic Disorders UK (JGD UK)? JGD UK is a charity that works to improve the awareness, diagnosis and management of Jewish genetic disorders. We are holding an education event at NNLS on 14 November 2013 to inform and raise awareness for the first ever community screening day. The screening session will allow people to come and get genetic testing for 9 severe Jewish genetic disorders. To offer the screening effectively we need to raise awareness about the relevance and importance of genetic testing in the community, and hope to do this through our education event on the 14th Nov. Please come along and tell everyone you know about this important charity and this key event. Email: info@jgduk.org Postal Address: Jewish Genetic Disorders UK PO Box 65520 London N3 9BU Telephone: 020 8123 5022 For more information about the charity please see our website http://www.jewishgeneticdisordersuk.org/ Thank you. ©2013 Masorti Judaism | Alexander House. 3 Shakespeare Road. London N3 1XE

Craig Taubman Takes on Wilshire Blvd. Temple Critics

Posted by JewishJournal.com -- August 21, 2013 | 1:11 am

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Craig Taubman

A heated Facebook debate has broken out over whether the $120 - $150 million rennovation of Wilshire Blvd. Temple in Los Angeles is worth it.
A front page New York Times story on the campaign led by Rabbi Steve Leder to restore the grand synagogue in L.A.'s Koreatown neighborhood and turn its adjacent property into a community social service center promped Rabbi Charlie Savenor, director of congregational enrichment at the United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism, to post a criticism on his Facebook page.
"Intriguing article about a synagogue facelift," Savenor wrote.  "While I respect their leadership's conviction and sense of purpose, $150 million can buy a lot of Shabbat dinners and hire an army of engagement/outreach professionals. What do you think?"
Dozens of Rabbi Savenor's Facebook friends weighed in, most of them equally critical of the project.
That prompted Craig Taubman, the Los Angeles activist and musician, to send an e-mail to rabbis and other Jewish professionals taking issue with the critics.  Taubman, who requested his message be quoted in full, wrote:

From where I sit in sunny California - reading the critiques of Rabbi Steve Leder’s $150 million project…I read "envy".
From where I sit, I see a visionary man leading his flock,  raising millions and inspiring a community to create a center of healing, hope and promise in the heart of Los Angeles.
From where I sit, I question how people can question whether the money can be used more wisely?

Some other thoughts:

1.  It's his vision and charisma that has motivated his people to pony up. He’s banking on the future and I say Kol Hakavod - all honor to him and his generous trusting flock!

2. The USCJ by it's own admission  “according to a financial audit obtained by JTA, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism reported back-to-back losses of $3 million in 2012 and $2.7 million the previous year” Assuming this information is accurate, the USCJ just might be bankrupt possibly before Wilshire Blvd completes it’s historic build out.

3. If I were an investor in the futures market, I’d bank on Rabbi Leder before the USCJ.  He has a vision of the future and based on his portfolio it seems likely he will be in business for at least another 100 years (Since its founding in 1862 when Abraham Lincoln was President)

4.  From where I still sit in sunny California, while I know the convention planner are working like dogs with nothing but the best intentions, I question the value of the USCJ hosting yet another “conversation of the century" Franky I think it's time we (us, you, me) take action and make gutsy "movement" that informs the future rather then yet another talk about the future.
Why? Because long after the newspaper articles and Facebook critiques have been written and read.  Weeks, months and years after the "conversation of the century" has taken place, Rabbi Leder will have created a model and a foundation that will speak far more loudly than our words.  He will have laid the foundation for his truth based in the conviction of his actions. A truth that reflects his spirit of hope, and his faith in the potential that we all have reverberate today, tomorrow and perhaps even into yet another glorious century.
Talk is cheap.  Ought we not walk the walk?

Craig Taubman

(In sunny California)

Taubman's wasn't the first defense of the grand vision behind the rennovation (see this Jewish Journal column here), but it is definitely, judging by the numbers on Facebook, in the minority.
To quote Rabbi Savenor: What do you think?

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Multi-Generational Families on Staff at Ramah Camps 2013

National Ramah Commission, Inc. of The Jewish Theological Seminary www.campramah.org  August 15, 2013 9 Elul 5773 Multi-Generational Families on Staff at Ramah Camps 2013*   This summer, there were more than 50 families at Ramah camps with both a parent and a child working on staff, sharing a Ramah summer together. There was even one grandparent-parent-child combination! Here they are--some of them even told us that the best part of camp was being together. Enjoy! *If we've missed any families, please let us know!  Camp Ramah in Wisconsin (4 families)      Nina Harris (Yoetzet) and Jonah Harris (Rosh Nagarut)   Dr. Bob Karasov (Camp Physician) and Matan Karasov (Madrich)   Ralph Schwartz (Director of Special Needs Programs) and Aviva Schwartz (Madricha) Ralph and Aviva Schwartz David Sherman (Visiting Photographer) and Caleb Sherman (Rosh Edah)  Ramah Philadelphia Day Camp (3 families)    Sue Ansul (Director) and Liora Segal (Rosh Edah) (see photo in Poconos section) Michelle Ravitch (Rosh Edah) and Sara Ravitch (Rosh B'recha) Sara and Michelle Ravitch Nomi Shapiro (Rosh Omanut) and Elijah Ackerman (Madrich) Nomi Shapiro and Elijah Ackerman Camp Ramah in New England (3 families)      Howard Blas and Abigail / Dan Blas Dan, Abigail, and Howard Blas Talya Kalender and Aryeh Kalender Talya and Aryeh Kalendar Marcia Glickman and Hannah / Sarah Glickman Hannah, Marcia, and Sarah Glickman Ramah Darom (2 families)       Cathy (Rosh Yahadut) & Fred Berkowitz (Summer Business Manager) and Greg Berkowitz (Assistant Business Manager) / Leah Berkowitz (Madricha) Amy Wasser (Yoetzet) and Ayala Wasser (Rosh Edah) / Shira Wasser (Madricha) Amy and Ayala Wasser Amy: I have been so fortunate to watch Ayala develop from a chanicha to rosh edah. For 20 summers we have shared our love of Ramah and to see her now leading chanichim of her own is invaluable. Her energy and passion for instilling a love of Judaism and camp in all that she does is a credit to the exceptional experiences she had growing up at Darom. I am so lucky to have shared this with her and look forward to more summers with her and her siblings as we continue to reap the benefits of Ramah. Ayala: Most people would think having your mom at camp is lame. However, I have learned so much from my mother and see her in a different light. It is rewarding to see how she works with my peers and that she is able to help me develop as a leader in camp. My family has been at Darom together for the past 17 years, so having her here is pretty natural and has enabled us to bring Ramah home. Also, where else would a self-respecting 22-year-old be in a lip sync with her mom? Camp Ramah in Canada (3 families)     Rona & Dan Mink and Ahbra Mink Marlene Noveck and Yoni Goldstein Netta Zweig (Yoetzet) and Rachel Goldberg (Rosh Edah) Rachel Goldberg and Netta Zweig Camp Ramah in California (6 families)  Glenda & Aaron Amit and Shemaiah Amit Aaron, Shemaiah, and Glenda Amit  Jillian Berman (Nurse) and Lauren Berman Cari Cohen (Yoetzet) and Tali Cohen (Tikvah Educator) Cari and Tali Cohen Renee Fineman and Rachel Blatt Sue Hetsroni and Gil / Sivan Hetsroni Michele Lavin (Head Nurse) and Jonah / Ari Lavin  Camp Ramah in the Poconos (8 families)    Sharon Bromberg and Yonah Bromberg-Gaber Harriet Caplan and Shana Caplan Sarah & Michael Goldberg and Benjy Goldberg Bruce Lipton & Meryl Sussman and Rachel Lipton Nava Isseroff and Shani / Oz Isseroff Elise & Larry McAfoos and Ilana McAfoos Sue Schwartzman and Mark Schwartzman Dr. Sion Segal and Eliana Segal   Sue Ansul, Liora Segal, Eliana Segal, and Sion Segal Sion: During the past 15 years, I have watched my daughters grow up at the Ramah Philadelphia Day Camp and Camp Ramah in the Poconos, absorbing the values of Ramah, and embracing its mission as tzevet members. This summer, as camp psychologist, I have the pleasure of working with both Liora, Rosh Cochavim at the Ramah Day Camp, and Eliana, a madricha in Machon at Ramah Poconos. In addition to the "nachas" I experience from seeing the professionalism, dedication, warmth, and insight that they bring to their roles, it is amazing to work with them as members of the same team. Ramah Day Camp in Nyack  (16 families) Ramah Nyack Multi-Generational Staff Families  Arlene Cox (Office Staff--grandparent), Ellen Abrams (Rosh Gan--parent), and Mitchell Abrams (CIT--grandchild) Anat Atzmon (Omanut) and Achsaf Atzmon (EA) / Atad Atzmon (Madrich) Shari Brodsky (Office Coordinator) and Rachel Brodsky (EA) Amy Skopp Cooper (Director) and Eitan Cooper (Rosh Edah) / Yoni Cooper (Madrich) Amy and Yoni Cooper Mindy Fischer (Morah) & Adam Teitelbaum (Kitchen Staff) and Daniel Fischer (Migdal) Rachel Greenwald (Co-Rosh Chinuch) and Hannah Greenwald (Gan) Pam Greenwood (Rosh Sha'ar) and Liat Greenwood (EA) Carol Karlin (Ceramics) & Gary Karlin (Security Guard) and Michal Karlin (Gan) Gerri Kurland (Office Staff) and Ami Kurland (Madrich) Cindy Levine (Bishul) and Cara Levine (EA) Liz Marcus (Omanut) and Talia Marcus (EA) Sharon Rappaport (Yoetzet) and Josh Rappaport (Maintenance) Tova Shapiro (Morah) and Liav Shapiro (Rosh Edah) Kim Lori Sokol (Sports Staff) and Dana Sokol (CIT) Debby Tamir (Rosh Mayim) and Liat Tamir (EA) Debby: My kids grew up in this camp. We came when they were 2, 5, and 7. They are now 16, 19, and 21. Leadership skills, the ability to work as a team, to make decisions, to have patience and be creative--these are all skills that were cultivated and nurtured here at camp. Skills that stay with them for a lifetime! It doesn't take a village, it takes a camp! Paula Wolosky (Ceramics) and Ross (Teva) / Samuel Wolosky (Kitchen Staff) Ramah Day Camp - Chicago Area (2 families)     Linda Abrams (Office, Pottery) and Elana Abrams (Bishul, Teva) Elana and Linda Abrams Linda: When your child goes to school, you only get to see report cards. At work, you get to see how they're actually doing day to day. Everyone comes up to tell me what a hard worker she is. It's very gratifying. We also get to be a team. We get to talk after work and support each other. Because we share the camp experience, we can be more supportive and understanding. Leila Zuckerman (Lifeguard, Gardener, Bishul) and Tali Zuckerman (Madricha) Leila and Tali Zuckerman Leila: I get to spend a lot of time with her, which is especially nice because she lives in Israel now....She gets to see what I do. She supports me at work by encouraging her chanichim to follow the pool rules. Since I also do a lot of cooking here, she gets to enjoy my food too. The best part: It's great to see how much the chanichim and madrichim enjoy being with her. She gives me hugs during the day and calls me "Mommy" in front of her kids. That makes me feel proud and makes me smile. Camp Ramah in the Berkshires (7 families)  Rabbi Barry & Carol Chesler and Rafi / Aliza Chesler Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Didi Kalmanofsky Rabbi Elliot Malomet and Yaakov Malomet Rabbi Paul Resnick (Director) and Dori Resnick Rabbi Paul and Dori Resnick Paul: Having my third child work here for a second year makes my summer even more fulfilling. I am blessed to have had each of our children work on staff here over the past seven summers. Wendy Rosen and Sarah Rosen Karen Legman-Segal (Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives) and Orli Segal Leslie Tubul (Director, Breira B'Ramah) and Naamit Tubul

Tal Becker of the Shalom Hartman Institute: "Israel and the Constancy of Change"

Tal Becker: Israel and the Constancy of Change Hartman Scholars Explore the High Holy Days Hartman Institute scholars have many insights to offer for the High Holidays. Click here to access articles, essays, videos, and educational materials.   Tal Becker says that Judaism tells us that change is coming, the only question is whether we will be a part of it. Read his column: What is astonishing is that the pull of determinism remains strong even when evidence of change is all around us. As parents, our children grow and change before our eyes, and yet at each stage of their development we can find it hard to imagine them transitioning to the next. We are often drawn to seeing our current job, or our family life, or our emotional state, as fixed in stone even if our own very life experience points to the contrary.  When we look at the Middle East the same dynamic is often at play. In the last years we have watched the region undergo unprecedented change, and yet many find it hard to accept that more is yet to come. With each transition, many quickly persuade themselves that things have settled permanently into place. Read all of Tal's "Israel and the Constancy of Change" Support the Shalom Hartman Institute Your support helps Shalom Hartman Institute to continue to develop and deliver innovative, pluralistic programs which enhance thousands of Jewish lives in Israel and the world. Support us.

It's that time of the year when Craig n' Company offers you free Inspiration for the hoy days without the Guilt!

It's that time of the year when Craig n' Company offers you                                                                                                       free Inspiration for the hoy days without the Guilt!  

Jewels of Elul Vol IX, The Art of Welcoming 

is a booklet featuring Jewels from Rick Lupert, Frank Luntz, Donald Davis, Cantor Angela Buchdahl, Liz Creditor, Quincy Jones, Idit Klein, Rabbi Stuart Kelman, Rabbi David Saperstein, Clive Lawton, Rabbi B. Elka Abrahamson, Raychel Kubby Adler, Yael Unterman, Rabbi David Wolpe, Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot, Carrie Bornstein, Joan Glanz Rimmon, Sally Quinn, Herve Humler, Anat Hoffman, Dr. Ron Wolfson, Dr. Richard S. Vosko, David Brenner, Rabbi Simon Jacobson,  Mayor Eric Garcetti, Noa, Angela Sanbrano, Andrew Lustig & Rabbi Hayim Herring.

Elul starts this Wednesday. Sign up for your daily Jewels Here