Annual Highlights2010-2011/5771

BEKEF.............................................................................................................................................................................

This year Bekef, BJ’s initiative to organize social activities for 35+ singles and couples (both members and nonmembers) sponsored numerous events, including a collaboration with the JCC in Manhattan.

• AShabbatsinglesdinnerwasattendedbymorethan90people.

• Tze’irimandBekefteameduptoholdabrunchandaShabbatdinnerattendedbyover80peopleeach.

• AwalkontheConeyIslandboardwalk,andagrouptourtotheMuseumatEldridgeStreetandwalkthroughtheLowerEastSidewereorganized.

• VariouslectureswereheldattheJCCinManhattanaspartofacollaborationbetweenBekefandtheJCC’s40s&50sgroup.

BIKKUR HOLIM.............................................................................................................................................................................

Bikkur Holim, the committee for visiting the sick, had an exceptional year of growth, outreach, and training; it also increased the levels of support, assistance, and loving-kindness provided to fellow BJ members at times of great need.

Committee members:• visitedmorethan50BJmemberswhoweresufferingfromorrecoveringfromillness,providingassistancewithpracticaltaskssuchasmeals,shopping,anderrands;

• visitedtenBJmemberswhowereinthehospital;

• escorted25memberstoservicesandmedicalappointments;

• madecallstomembersandtheirfamiliesontheMiSheberakhlist;

• madeShabbatcallstohome-boundcongregants;

• wroteande-mailedthequarterlynewsletterHadashotto150BikkurHolimmembersandBJstaff;

• attendedtheannualBikkurHolimConferenceoftheJewishBoardofFamilyandChildren’sServices;

• sponsoredateachingfortheentirecommunitytitled“TheGiftofGrief:FindingPeace,TransformationandRenewedLifeAfterGreatSorrow,”whichwasattendedbyover50people;

• coordinatedwithInternationalHousetoprovidevolunteerTze’irimescortsforamusicalperformanceattheJewishHomeandHospital;

• plannedacurriculumfortheHebrewSchoolchildrentoacquaintthemwithBikkurHolim.

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5771 witnessed an event in the history of BJ that the word “highlight” does not do justice to; it deserves a spotlight here at the beginning of our annual highlights. This event, of course, was the successful campaign to purchase BJ’s original Community House on 89th Street.

This enormous accomplishment was made possible only by the devotion and commitment of our amazing community. It is just one of many BJ accomplishments, as detailed in the pages that follow, but it is of special significance for our future. This building, directly connected to the 88th Street Sanctuary, our spiritual center, will once again be a hub of BJ activity, where celebratory, educational, ritual, volunteer, meeting, and administration activities will go on under the same roof.

Next year at this time we hope to be sharing with you the renovation plan and a projected date for moving in. Yasher Koah.

Roly, Marcelo, Felicia, and Ari

COMMUNICATIONS.............................................................................................................................................................................

The BJ website content was enhanced, BJ print publications improved, and a new online Toolkit for BJ leadership was developed.

• TheBJwebsitewasenhancedbythefullincorporationofthepreviouslyseparateTze’irimsite,whichreduceddemandsonTze’irimvolunteersandmadethegroup’sprogrammingmorevisible.AllBJCD’sandpiyutimbecameavailableforstreaming,asdidDivreiTorah,beginningwiththoseof2011.Thestaffpageaddedphotographsofallstaffmembersincludingtheircontactinformation.Newcontentincludes:EventsofInterest;HolidayInformation;NewMembers;Visitors’Welcome;BJintheNews;andslideshowsoftheBJIsraeltrip,teentrips,andPurimcelebrations.

• Acompletesiteredesign,withthegoalofmakingthiswonderfulcontentmoreaccessible,isscheduledtolaunchintheFallof2011.

• ThebimonthlyKol HadashbeganfeaturingmoreandincreasinglydiversecontributionsbyandaboutmembersandinSeptember2010beganpublishingincolor.

• AnonlineToolkitforBJvolunteerleadershipwasdeveloped,makingvaluableandinteractiveresourcesavailabletothisgroupmoreeffectivelyandefficiently.

• TheBJphotoarchiveonFlickrhasswelledtoover8,000photoswiththecooperationandassistanceofBJstaffandseveralvolunteerprofessionalphotographers.

• TheCapitalCampaignwaspublicizedonthewebsiteandviaemailtothecommunity.

• Agraphicdesignerjoinedthecommunicationsteam,greatlyincreasingourabilitytocreatedynamicandhigh-qualityprintandonlinebrochures,flyers,andothermaterials.

• TheprivateBJLinkedInGroup,thepublicBJFacebookpage,andthe“bjnyc”TwitterfeedcontinuedtodrawnewparticipantsandfollowersandtopresentBJanditsactivitiestothelargerworldthroughsocialmedia.

DEVELOPMENT.............................................................................................................................................................................

The Development Department has worked hard to bridge an anticipated shortfall in funding. It is with immense gratitude to the generous members of this congregation that we have met and exceeded our fundraising goals for this year.

• TheKolNidreAnnualAppealsurpasseditsgoalbyalmost10%,raising$1.85millionwiththeparticipationofover60%ofourmembership.

• Wehaveraisedanadditional$290,000thisyearthroughadditionaldonationstovariousfundsthatsupportthemanyBJprogramshighlightedinthisbrochure.

• 76%ofthisincrediblecongregationcametogethertocollectivelyraise$22milliontopurchasethe89thStreetbuilding.

EMPLOYMENT HELP.............................................................................................................................................................................

The BJ Mastermind group continued addressing the needs of community members who have become under- or unemployed.

• Morethan100membersparticipatedinthesecondBJNetworkingeventandcontinuedtonetworkinensuingmonths.

• Morethan200membersattendedtheUJA-FederationInitiativeofConnect2Careevents,includinglecturesandajobfairassistedbyBJstaffandvolunteers.

• TheprivateLinkedIngroupforBJmembersgrewtoover520memberswhoaresharingemploymentopportunities(over400thisyear)andotherjobassistance.

• TheBJMastermindgroup,whichsupportsmemberswiththeirbusinesses,continuedtomeet.

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HEVRA KADISHA.............................................................................................................................................................................

The Hevra Kadisha Committee, which comforts mourners, provided important services to members who are dealing with the loss of a loved one. The committee used new technologies to improve its coordination.

• BJvolunteersofferedsupportto52familiesinmourning.

• Shivaminyanimfor25familieswereorganized,andHevraKadishavolunteersattendedminyanimforsevendifferentfamilies.

• BeforePesah,memberscalled65mournerswhohadlostsomeonesincethepreviousPesah;membersalsocalledmournersattheendoftheShloshimperiod.

• TaharawasperformedbyteamsofmenandwomenforfourBJmembersandfamilymembers.

• 50HevraKadishamembersattendedtheAnnualZayinAdarAppreciationdinner,inmemoryofHelenRadin,z”l.Theprogram,adiscussionco-sponsoredwiththeInterfaithCommitteeandtitled“ThoseLeftBehind,”drewover100communitymembers.

• HevraKadishasponsoredaviewingofthemovieDepartures.ThisfilmaboutJapanesetraditionsconcerningdeathwonthe2009AcademyAwardforBestForeignLanguageFilm.Morethan30membersattended.

INTERFAITH.............................................................................................................................................................................

Dedicated to interfaith understanding, collaboration, and action, the Interfaith Committee expanded opportunities for interfaith dialogue and education.

• Revivingtheannualinterfaithclasses,theInterfaithCommitteeofferedaComparativeLiteratureclasstaughtbytwoprofessorsfromtheNewSchool.DiscussionswerebasedonreadingsfromtheearlyfoundationaltextsofChristianityandJudaism.

• TheInterfaithMusicFeastbuiltcommunityamong150Jews,Muslims,andChristiansfromBJ,SPSA,WestParkPresbyterianChurch,ASMASociety,andtheMuslimConsultativeNetwork.

• CoordinatedbyWestSidecongregations,theannualInterfaithThanksgivingServicedrewover200peopletoatouchingmultifaithservice.

• JewishandMuslimwomengatheredforawinterRoshHodeshcelebrationoffood,texts,andintimateconversation.

• MembersparticipatedwithChristianandMuslimgroupsinatourofthe“ThreeFaiths”exhibitattheNewYorkPublicLibrary.

• VisitingstudentgroupsinteractedwithBJmembersininterreligiousdialogue.

ISRAEL.................................................................................................................

The BJ Israel Steering Committee continued its focus on strengthening the synagogue’s connection with Israel and engaging with Israelis about critical political and social issues. Engagement with Israelis is essential to providing us with the necessary tools to take stances on the following issues: the future of Zionism; peace between Israelis and Palestinians; and social change within Israel.

Over 1,000 people attended the following Israel-related events:• Filmscreeningsof“MyBrother”(atBJ)and“OkefLod”(attheJCCaspartofTheOtherIsraelFilmFestival)followedbydiscussionswiththefilmmakers,YulieCohenandOrnaRaviv,respectively.

• Apaneldiscussionrepresentingdiverseviewpoints,“LovingIsrael,DebatingIsrael:BetweenDebate,DemocracyandDelegitimization.”

• TheYomHazikaron/YomHa’Atzma’utcommemorationandcelebrationwithIsraeliphotographerGilLavi,whichincludedashowingofhisworkandafestivedinner.

• 20thAnniversaryofOperationSolomonwithguestspeakerDr.RickHodes,anAmericandoctorwhowasresponsibleforthecareof25,000EthiopiansduringthatOperation.

• BirthrightShabbatwithco-founderMichaelSteinhardspeakingabouttheBirthrightprogramataFridaynightdinner.

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• TheIsraelDayParade,withitstheme“InTunewithISRAEL!”forwhichBJ’scontingentworeT-shirtswiththetheme“BJ—PlayingJudaism’sSoundtrack.”

LIFE-CYCLE EVENTS.........................................................................................................................

It has been a year filled with both joyous and sad occasions for our community. We strive to support our members through all their life-cycle events and to make sure members feel connected to their community.

• ABJonesieandShabbatdinnersweresentto14familieswhohadbabies.

• NamingceremonieswereconductedforfournewbabiesofBJmembers.

• FivecoupleshadAufRufsduringShabbatmorningservices.

• BJRabbisofficiatedat13weddingceremonies.

• 88thStreetwasrentedforfiveweddingsand20b’naimitzvah.

• Noticestothecommunityweresentregardingthedeathsandshivaarrangementsfor52membersandextendedfamilymembers,andtheBJRabbisofficiatedatthefuneralsfor10ofthese.AsdetailedunderHevraKadisha,thisgroupofvolunteersprovidedsubstantialassistancetothesefamiliesinmourning.

• Agroupwascreatedtocookamonth’sworthofShabbatmealsforfamilieswithnewbabies.Twentypeoplevolunteeredtocookanddeliver.

LIMUD.............................................................................................................................................................................

This year we had the privilege of learning from our Rabbis, from visiting scholars, and from one another during classes, workshops, and retreats.

• BJRabbisandMTMFellowstaughtmultisessionclassesontopicsincluding:AbrahamJoshuaHeschel’sHeavenly Torah;TheRabbinicMindandImagination:PirkedeRabbiEliezer;StoriesoftheTalmudicRabbis;andParashatHashavu’a.

• VisitingscholarsDanielMattandRabbiChaimSeidler-FellergavetheDivreiTorahandtaughtonShabbatafternoons.

• BookreadingsanddiscussionswereledbyTomSegev,AdinaHoffman,PeterCole,andRabbiDavidSilber.

• RabbiMarcelofacilitatedatsixBeitMidrashSalonsformorethan250membersatmembers’homesonthemesfocusedonIsrael.

• ThesevenMen’sHavurahgatheringsfeaturedguestspeakersDavidWeiser,RonTaffel,EstherPerel,YulieCohen,RabbiChaimSeidler-Feller,J.J.Goldberg,andRobertPollack.

• RabbisFeliciaandMichelleled78womeninaweekendofprayerandstudyduringtheBJwomen’sretreatattheIsabellaFreedmanJewishRetreatCenterinConnecticut.

MEMBERSHIP ....................................................................................................

Serving as a web of connection that runs through the BJ community, the Membership Department and the Membership Steering Committee and its Teams support all aspects of community life.

• Membershipreached1,860households,withatotalof3,800people(2,800adults,1,000children).

• Over1,600householdsrenewedtheirmembershipsfromlastyear.

• 220newmemberhouseholdsjoined,including50whotookadvantageofthespecialintroductoryrateforfirst-timemembersages20to29.

• Inthethirdyearofitsfive-yearstrategicplan,theMembershipSteeringCommitteecontinuedtoexpanditsteamsandincorporatenewvolunteers.

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ISRAEL, continued from page 4

• Thecommitteecoordinatedtwomuseumgatherings,includingprivatetoursoftheMuseumatEldridgeStreetandtheMuseumofJewishHeritage,forSteeringCommitteeandTeammemberstogettoknowoneanother.

• TheNewMembersTeamgreetednewmembersofourcommunitybycallingtowelcomethemandinvitethemtoeventstailoredtoacquaintthemwithBJ.

• Inthefallandwinter,thecommitteehostedalargeNewMemberShabbatdinnerandconvenedthreeNewMemberOrientationProgramsattendedby120newmembers.

• Throughouttheyear,newmembersparticipatedineventshighlightedinacalendartitled“ATasteofBJ,”craftedbytheNewMembersTeam.TheseeventsincludedcookingfortheBJ/SPSAshelter,servingatthelunchprogram,attendingmorningminyanim,meetingwiththeMen’sHavurah,experiencingRoshHodesh,andotherBJactivities.

• TheCurrentMembersTeamhonoredmembersofthecommunitythroughspecialaliyotforwomenwhobecameB’notTorahatBJandcoupleswhometand/ormarriedatBJ.

• CapturingOurStories,amajornewprojecttorecordanarchivetheoralhistoryofBJ,wasinitiatedinresponsetofocusgroupinput.Ateamofmorethan10peopleworkedtodevelopastrategicplan.

• ThenewgroupMekusharim,meaning“connections,”wasinitiatedthisyearforourolderadultmembers.Threelargeeventsdrewover200membersranginginagefrom54to88.Thepremiereeventwasascreeningof“Yoo-Hoo,Mrs.Goldberg,”followedbydiscussiongroupsbasedonneighborhoodswherepeoplewereraised.ThenexteventfeaturedapaneldiscussionaboutfoodsoftheLowerEastSidewiththeauthorof97 Orchard.Theteamalsocoordinatedsmallereventswiththemissionofcreatingmeaningfulconnections.

• TheFormerMembersTeamreachedouttolapsedmembersandsurveyednon-renewingmembersinanefforttobettermeettheneedsofthecommunity.

• TheEducationandCommunicationsTeamcompiledaBJspeakGlossary,whichdefinesHebrewandYiddishtermscommonlyheardwithinourcommunity.Thisglossarywillbeaninvaluableresource,facilitatingcountlessconversations.TheteamalsobeganothernewinitiativesincludingaYasharKoahcolumnintheKol Jeshurun,aimedathighlightingmembers’recentachievements.

• Anewteamofvolunteersnamed“KabbalatPanim:ABJHostWelcomesYou”wascreatedandnowreceivesvisitinggroupsonFridaynightwithanintroductorypresentationaboutthevariouscustomsofoursynagogue.ThispresentationenablesvisitorstofullyengageinourKabbalatShabbatserviceandbecomecomfortable,activeparticipants.

PRAYER SERVICES.............................................................................................................................................................................

Prayer is one of the central activities at B’nai Jeshurun, reflecting our need to praise, to thank, to question, and to wrestle with God. Under the direction of our Rabbis and Hazzan, BJ offered its inspiring services and drew large numbers of worshippers to our community.

• BJ’sShabbatservices(Fridaynightservices,theFamilyKabbalatShabbatservices,theSaturdaymorningShabbatservices,andtheChildren’sServices)wereattendedbymorethan1,500peopleweekly.

• DuringtheHighHolyDays,morethan4,500prayedtogetheratthreeadultservicesandservicesforfamiliesatfourlocations.

• Morethan150peopleparticipatedinChildren’sServiceseachweek.

• JuniorCongregationserviceswereheldtwiceamonthduringtheschoolyearandwereregularlyattendedby100to200people.

• Over150members,including68b’naimitzvah,chantedTorahandHaftarahduringtheyear.

• BJ’sMorningMinyan,ledbyvolunteers,ourMarshallT.MeyerRabbinicFellow,andourrabbinicandcantorialinterns,metdailyand,withthehelpofpostcards(andnowemails)tomembersaboutmorningminyan,includedparticipationfromabroadcross-sectionofthecommunity.

MEMBERSHIP, continued from page 5

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• Therewere17ShabbatCommunityMinhaservices.

• ServiceswereheldforallholydaysandspecialdaysincludingSelihot,Sukkot,SheminiAtzeret,SimhatTorah,Purim,Pesah,YomHaShoah,YomHa’atzmaut,Shavuot,andTishaBe-Av.

• TheInvitationtoPiyut–NorthAmericaretreatwasheldinNovemberfor80rabbis,cantors,synagoguemusiciansandeducatorsfromtheUS,CanadaandIsrael.Participantsexploredpiyutim(liturgicalpoems)fromallovertheworldanddiscussedissuesrelatedtoprayerandtheleadingofprayer.

• TheinauguralBJMusicians’retreatgaveserviceleadersanopportunitytoworkthroughthestructureoftheprayerservicesandtoplayoldandnewmusic.

PROGRAMMING..........................................................................................................

A wide array of interesting, joyful programming took place, mostly of the musical, educational, and gastronomic varieties, attracting capacity crowds.

• FivecommunityShabbatdinnerswereheld,includingadinnerwithTeacher-in-ResidenceDanielMatt;amusicallyinspiredHanukkahdinnerfeaturingHazzanAriPrivenandCantorialInternShoshiRosenbaum;adinnerwithTeacher-in-ResidenceChaimSeidler-Feller;andaYomHa’atzmautdinnerwithBirthrightIsraelandMichaelSteinhardt.

• FourTze’irimdinnersbeganwithasit-downShabbatdinnerfor90peopleeach,followedbyz’mirotandsingingwiththeBJMusiciansandMTMFellow.

• 41communityKiddushimwereheld:

• KiddushimtookplaceinhonorofBoardMembers,BJBikkurHolimvolunteers,B’notTorah,peoplewhometand/orgotmarriedatBJ,allBJvolunteers,BJTeenShabbat,andRoma’s20yearsofserviceatBJ.

• Kiddushimwereheldinhonorofb’naimitzvah,babynamings,andsignificantanniversariesandbirthdays.

PRAYER SERVICES, continued from page 6

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• Studysessionsmet,ledbyB’notTorahatBJandtheCSAfarmers.

• BJmembersheld15home-hosteddinnerswelcomingover100membersforShabbat.

• TwomeetingsofBJCommitteeChairswereheldtoprovideworkshopsaboutleadershipdevelopmentandforleaderstosharebestpractices.

• ToursoftheHeschelSchoolbuildingwereheldinhonorofBJ’sreacquisitionofitscommunityhomeandwereattendedbyover250people.

• MusicofPiyutimfilledthesanctuaryataconcertfeaturingBJMusiciansinhonorofthe25thanniversaryoftherenewalofBJ;theeventwasattendedbyover350people.

• Over600participantsenjoyedthePurimserviceandparty.

• TheSecondNightPesahCommunitySederwasattendedby140people.

• AYomHaShoahprogram,withthetraditionalreadingofthenames,wasattendedby250people.

• TheYomHazikaron/YomHa’atzmautprogramwasattendedby200people.

SOCIAL ACTION/SOCIAL JUSTICE.............................................................................................................................................................................

The Social Action/Social Justice Department creates opportunities for congregants to respond effectively with a Jewish voice to social injustices in our local, national, and global communities and to develop meaningful relationships with our neighbors. Our main initiatives include the following:

• BJReads

• 40volunteersserved45childrenandprovideda“BirthdayBook”toeachchildintheprogram.

• BJ/RalphBuncheSchoolPartnership

• Tenvolunteersdidliteracyworkweeklywith20childrenfromthe1stthrough4thgrades.

• BJ/SPSAHomelessShelter

• 150volunteershostedandfed10-15homelessguestspernight,fivenightsperweek,atBJandtheChurchofSt.PaulandSt.Andrew.

• TheshelterincreaseditsadvocacyrolewithgovernmentalandotherorganizationstopushthecitytomaintainvitalservicesforourhomelessgueststhroughinvolvementwiththeEmergencyShelterNetwork

• ThesheltersponsoredShabbatlunchesforvolunteersandajointSukkotcelebrationwiththeChurchofSt.PaulandSt.Andrewtobuildinterfaithconnections.

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• BJHazorimCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)Program

• TheCSAsuccessfullyconcludeditsfirstseasonandlauncheditssecondyearwithaddedfruitshares.BJ’spartnershipwithFreeBirdFarminPalatineBridge,NY,providespasturedeggsandfresh,organicproduceover100peoplefromtheBJcommunityandsurroundingneighborsfromJunetoNovember.

• CSAmemberscontributetwotwo-hourworkshiftsduringtheseason.Theseshiftsarecommunity-basedactivitiesthatoffereveningvolunteeropportunitiesforBJmembersandfamilies.

• Diverseprogrammingaddressingfoodjusticeissuesandcommunitybuildingwasofferedtothecommunity,includingtextstudy,cookingdemonstrations,andacelebratoryShabbatdinnerusingalllocal,organicproduce.

• ThroughtheHazonCSANetworkofover50JewishCSAs,BJaccessededucationalresourcesandtrainingmaterialsandparticipatedintheannualHazonFoodConference.

• JudithBernsteinLunchProgram

• 40volunteersservedhomemadesit-downlunchestoabout100guestseveryThursdayand,forthesecondyearinarow,servedkoshermealsduringPassover.

• TheprogramwashighlightedinaCBSproductioncalled“FaithinAction”becauseofitsinvolvementwiththeYouthServiceOpportunityProject(YSOP).

• VolunteersfurtheredtheirJewishlearningwithteachingsfromtheBJRabbisandMarshallT.MeyerRabbinicFellows.

• BJResponds

• Hostedtwoblooddrivesandobtaineddonationsfromapproximately100people.

• BJteensplannedandfundraisedforthe2011AIDSWalkNYCinCentralParkand20teensattendedaworkshoponAIDS/HIVwithvolunteersfromtheorganizationGayMen’sHealthCrisis.

• 25BJmemberstookpartintheHazonNewYorkJewishEnvironmentalBikeRideontheBJRevolutionariesTeam,raising$29,259tosupportHazonbeneficiaries.

• 40BJmemberswalkedintheKomenBreastCancerRacefortheCure,raising$7,000.

• PanimelPanim:CommunityOrganizingandAdvocacyInitiative

• Membersmetwithlocalpublicofficialstobuildrelationshipsandaskforprogressonourissues.

• Over20BJmembersparticipatedinleadershipskillstraining,relationalmeetings,conversationfacilitation,andcommunityorganizingmethods.

• PanimelPanimhostedaCommunityWideListeningCampaignthatincludedthreeCommunityCafésattendedby180membersandfacilitatedby28leaders.Twonewissuesareasemergedasaresultofthecommunityinputinthesecafés:AginginNewYorkandEconomicJustice.

• MarriageEqualityHevra(MEH)

• 130communitymembersmadeupthelargestgroupatthe7thAnnualWeddingMarchacrosstheBrooklynBridgeandmarchedinsupportofMarriageEqualitywithhundredsofothercityresidents.

• 20BJleadersfacilitatedgroupsofNewYorkStateresidentsmakinglobbyvisitstoNewYorkStateSenatorsinAlbanyonEqualityandJusticeDay.

• 286congregantssignedtheKeshetJewishCommunityPledgetoSaveLivesthataskedustocommittotreateveryonewithdignityandrespectandtotakeactionifyouseesomeonebeingbullied.15%ofthesignatureswereobtainedbyabnaimitzvahstudent.

• LeadershaveestablishedconnectionswithrabbisattwosynagoguesinStatenIslandtoengagetheminMarriageEqualityadvocacy.ThesenatorfromStatenIslandisapivotalvoteonthisissue.

• ManhattanTogether

• 10leadersattendedaMetroIAFAssemblyonbehalfofManhattanTogetherandBJatSt.Paul’sBaptistChurchinBrooklynwhereaccomplishmentswereshared,goalsweresetforseniorissuesinallfiveboroughs,andweheardfromCongressmanAnthonyD.Weiner,SenatorCharlesE.ShumerandFormerChancellorofNewYorkCityPublicSchoolsCathyBlack.Therewereover1,000membersofNewYorkCitycongregationsinattendance.

• BJmemberswereonthenationalplanningteamforthe10%IsEnoughcampaignthroughManhattanTogetherandwereactiveparticipantsinthecampaignactionsbothlocallyandinWashington,D.C.

• BJmembershelpedtowriteaseniorsurveydistributedtohundredsofNewYorkCityresidentstoidentifywaystoimprovethequalityoflifeforolderadults.BJleadersarefacilitatingconversationswiththeNewYorkCityAcademyofMedicineontheAgingFriendlyCitycampaign.

• AttheCommunityCafésthisspringwefeltapalpablesenseofanxietyinourcongregationaroundmanyissuesrelatedtoaging,takingcareofagingparents,navigatingbenefitsandservices,accessibilitytopublicspacesandtransportation,andtheabilitytoretireandlivewithdignityafterwork.Asaresult,weformedanAginginNewYorkExploratoryTeamtoresearchtheseissuesanddevelopalocalandactionableadvocacycampaignoverthenext6months.

• AffordableHousingCampaignWorkingGroup

• AcampaigncalledNewYorkTenants’Taleswaslaunched,basedontheStoryCorpsmodel.Itwillbeconductingvideointerviewsoftenantslivinginrentregulatedhousing,andindoingso,puttingfacesandindividualstoriesontheissueofaffordablehousingpreservation.Membersplantousethemstrategicallywiththepress,ateventswhereelectedofficialsareheldaccountable,andwithcoalitionpartnerstogalvanizesupportforaffordablehousinginNewYorkCity.

• TheteamisworkingwithcitywideadvocacygroupsaspartoftheRealRentReformCampaigntosupportstatelegislationtorepealvacancydecontrolandreformtheNewYorkCityRentGuidelinesBoard,tofurtherthegoalofhousingpreservation.

• DomesticWorkers’Rights—BJEmployersforJusticeCampaign

• TheDomesticWorkers’BillofRights,forwhichthegrouphasstronglyadvocated,passedinNewYorkStateinthesummerof2010.

• 30membersoftheBJEmployersforJusticegroupcommittedtosupportingtheDomesticWorkersBillofRightsandhavepledgedtoprovideasalaryincreaseorspecificadditionalemploymentbenefitsforthepersonwhoworksintheirhomes.

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SOCIAL ACTION/SOCIAL JUSTICE, continued from page 8

• HighInterestDebt/PredatoryLendingExploratoryTeam

• ABJUsury/PredatoryLendingExploratoryTeamformedtoreachouttointerestedBJmembersandhearpersonalstoriesaboutthosestrugglingwithhighinterestdebt.

• BJmemberssharedmanystoriesandconcernsattheCommunityCafésthisspringthatreflectedaninterestineconomicjusticeandstruggleswithunemploymentandothereconomicpressures.TheEconomicJusticeExploratorywillresearchissuesincludinglivingwages,unemployment,ethicalbankingpractices,highinterestdebt,financialeducationneedsforBJmembersandmuchmoreinordertoassesswhatcampaignoptionsareviable.Wehopetodevelopaspecificcampaignoverthenext6months.

TZE’IRIM.............................................................................................................................................................................

This year Tze’irim established itself as a solid community of singles and couples in their 20s and 30s. Our wide variety of programs continue to attract people from all over the Upper West Side and NYC.

• MembershipandEngagement

• 1,306peoplearecurrentlysubscribedtotheTze’irimweeklyemaillist,a30%increaseoverlastyear.

• Tze’irimwasintegratedintothemainBJwebsiteandbeganusingtheBJemailformat.

• Tze’irimincreaseditspresenceandnetworkingonFacebook.

• Workonthedevelopmentofnewleadershipcametofruitionwithanewexecutiveteam.

• Tze’irimwentthroughacarefulprocessofstudyingandchoosingitsthreecorevalues:kavannah,kehillah,andhakhnasatorhim.

• Shabbat,Holidays,andSocialPrograms

• ShabbatdinnerswereheldmonthlyinFrankelHallwith80-150peopleinattendanceateach.Thedinnerswerefilledwithsong,goodfood,andgreatcommunityhelpingtoengagenewTze’irimparticipants.

• Tze’irimhostedaFridaynightoflearningwithShlomoMollafromtheIsraeliKnesset.

• Tze’irimhostedthreeShabbatlunchesandorganizedthreehome-hostedShabbatmeals.

• Throughoutthesummer,Tze’irimhostedShabbatafternoonpicnicsfilledwithsinging,food,UltimateFrisbee,andoutreachtomanynewmembers.

• TZoutdoorsorganizedkayakingandtripstoseetheStatenIslandYankeesandShakespeareinthePark.

• Holidayprogrammingincludinghome-hostedRoshHashanahdinners,aSukkahDessertParty,apre-SimhatTorahandPre-PurimL’Hayim,andHanukkahandPassoverbarnights.

• Socialeventsthisyearincludedice-skatinginBryantPark,aHanukkahparty,dessertinthesukkah,Maimuna,amovienight,andmore.

• RabbiFeliciataughtatwo-partseriesonShabbatathome.

• Tze’irimco-sponsoredtheannualSukkahfestretreatandhostedtwoseparatemeditationandyogaopportunities.

• SocialAction/SocialJustice

• MembersofTze’irimcontinuedtobeinvolvedwithHabitatforHumanityBuilds.

• Tze’irimbegananewprogramtocookfortheelderlyandcontinueditsmonthlycookingfortheshelter.

• Tze’irimengagedseveralnewSA/SJleaders.

SOCIAL ACTION/SOCIAL JUSTICE, continued from page 9

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USHERING.............................................................................................................................................................................

Our volunteer ushers ensured a safe and welcoming environment for our members and visitors at services.

• Morethan200ushersdonatedtheirtimeatallofBJ’sShabbat,festival,andYamimNora’imservices.

• UshershelpedBJtowelcomeover100groupsfromallovertheworld.

YOUTH AND FAMILY EDUCATION.............................................................................................................................................................................

The Youth and Family Education Department had an exciting year, including retreats, Junior Congregation, a growing Bim Bam program, Hebrew School, holiday celebrations, and teen service learning trips.

• ShabbatandHoLidays

• Morethan150peopleparticipatedinChildren’sServiceseachweek.

• JuniorCongregationserviceswereheldtwiceamonthduringtheschoolyearandwereregularlyattendedby100to200people.

• 35children,grades3-8,participatedinthefirsteverHanukkahplay,writtenanddirectedbyMichaelKelbergandJerryKorman.

• TheBJPurimCarnivalwasasmashhit,followedbythePurimplay,writtenanddirectedbyMichaelKelbergandJerryKorman,andbothwereattendedbymorethan300people.

• Community

• Twelve7th-gradersmetmonthlyforasecondyearofRoshHodesh:It’saGirlThing!tocelebratethenewmoonandexploreissuesoffeminism,adolescence,andJewishidentity.

• MomsoftheRoshHodesh:It’saGirlThing!groupmettwicetobuildcommunityamongtheparents.

• BJ’selementaryschoolstudentsandtheirfamiliescookeddozensofmealsforthehomelessshelter.

• BJparticipatedinTheBrotherhood,asix-sessionpilotprogram(whichwillcontinueinthefall),whereteenageboysexploredissuesofadolescentJewishmasculinity.

• YoungFamilies

• BimBam,apre-Shabbatclassforbabiesandtoddlers,broughttogether50familieswithyoungchildrentocelebrateShabbatonFridaymornings.

• Over150familiestookpartinvariousYoungFamiliesactivities,includingholidaycelebrationsandmonthlyTotShabbatservicesanddinners.

• ThroughapartnershipwithPJLibrary,183familiesreceivedJewishchildren’sbooksintheirhomeseachmonthforfree.

• Storahtellingpresentedacreative,interactiveTorahserviceninetimesinChildren’sServices.

• HebrewSchool

• Over60familiesgatheredforclassShabbatdinnersatBJ.

• TwoBJHSteachersparticipatedinLOMED,ayear-longprofessionaldevelopmentprogramfocusedondevelopingrichandmeaningfullessonplans,andtheentirestaffmetmonthlyinfollow-uplearningsessions.

• HebrewSchoolstudentspreparedforalltheholidays:theycommemoratedYomHaShoah,celebratedYomHa’atzmaut,preparedforPesahthroughaModelSederandHarosetTastingCompetition,andenjoyedasneakpeekattheHanukkahplay.

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• HebrewSchoolstudentsperformedcommunityserviceatmanyplacesthisyear,includingtheAtria,theWestSideCampaignAgainstHunger,andtheJewishHomeandHospital.

• DuringweeklytefillahandatJuniorCongregation,over200HebrewSchoolstudentslearnedtoleadprayers.

• ParentslearnedtogetherabouttheJewishcalendar,Pesah,andchantingfromtheTorah.

• Togetherwithover85BJHSparentsandchildren,wespentarichShabbatatIsabellaFreedmanRetreatCenterforourfourthHebrewSchoolFamily“ReachforShabbat”Retreat.

• B’naiMitzvah

• Morethan200familieswithchildreningrades4,5,and6engagedincommunitylearningtogetheraspartoftheB’naiMitzvahFamilyLearningProgramsonShabbatmorningsandafternoons.

• BJpartneredwithStorahtellingtocreateFamilyLearningProgramsfocusingonthed’varTorahpreparationprocessusingStorahtelling’smethods.

• TheMitzvahFairhosted25groupsandorganizationsfromtheBJandJewishcommunity;morethan100studentsfromgrades5,6,and7attendedwiththeirparents.

• 70studentsbecameBar/BatMitzvah.

• TheannualB’naiMitzvahretreatwasattendedby15studentsfromBJHSanddayschoolsatCampRamahinNyack.

• Teens

• Morethan20teenageOzrimservedasassistantsintheHebrewSchoolandatchildren’sservices.

• 258th-and9th-gradersparticipatedinaservicelearningprogram,cosponsoredbyBJandJewishFundsforJustice,tovisitandrebuildNewOrleans.

• 2110th-,11th-,and12th-gradersengagedinservicelearningprogram,cosponsoredbyBJandVisionsServiceAdventures,tohelpbuildacommunitycenterinSanLuis,DominicanRepublic.

• ThethirdcohortinBJ’sTeenLeadershipTrackhadnineparticipants.

• TeenShabbatwasledbyover30teenagers.

• 15teensandfiveparentsparticipatedinaMidnightRun,packagingfoodandcollectingclothingandtoiletries,andthentravelingbyvanandparents’carsaroundtheUpperWestSideonaprescheduledrouteandwithaMidnightRunvolunteertodistributepackagestopeoplelivingonthestreets.

• BJ’sTeenLeadershipTrackledalloftheplanningandfundraisingeffortstoparticipateinAIDSWalkNewYorkfortheentireBJcommunity.

YOUTH AND FAMILY EDUCATION, continued from page 11

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PHOTO CREDITSCover, clockwise from top: Max Orenstein, Dara Schaefer, Max Orenstein. 3: Jacob Shemkovitz. 4: Belinda Lasky. 5: Denise Waxman, Lilli Platt. 6: Belinda Lasky. 7: Max Orenstein, Max Orenstein. 8: Ariel Schneider. 9: Ariel Schneider. 10: Jason Fruithandler. 11: Denise Waxman. 12: Emily Walsh.

2109Broadway,Suite203,NewYork,NY10023-2106tel: 212.787.7600 fax: 212.496.7600 web: www.bj.org