Community First Foundation and FirstBank have partnered together in an effort to increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving. Colorado Gives Day will take place during a 24-hour period on December 6, 2011. Donations to local charities will be accepted through the website GivingFirst.org, Community First Foundation’s online giving resource.

What’s even more interesting is that the participating non-profit organizations will each receive a “boost” – a proportionate share of a pool of $300,000.

Stepping Stones, Jewish Family Service, CAJE, Ramah of the Rockies and Rose Community Foundation are participating agencies – among many others.

This also gives us the opportunity to gently remind readers that the many organizations we enjoy in the greater Boulder Jewish community – arts, cultural, educational, social justice and more – could use a little gelt at year-end (yes, year-round, but particularly at year-end).

If you don’t find the organization listed on the GivingFirst.org website, you can give directly on organization websites and on other places like Givv.org, JustGive.org and NetworkforGood.org (we like to search “Boulder Jewish” on these sites). For links to the websites of Boulder-area organizations, look to the right side of your screen. That’s the sidebar. Look for the word “Find” in a blue box. Click on it. You’ll see a list that includes:

• Education, Youth and Camps
• Israel Organizations
• Jewish Community-Wide Organizations
• Synagogues and Communities

Each of those is a link to a directory page – and those pages have the links to the organization websites. However you get there, we hope you’ll take a moment to participate in the mitzvah of tzedakah and talk about it with your family.

David & Cheryl

Hint to local organizations: sign up now so you’re ready for next year: GivingFirst.org.

Although the Palestinians spread the lie to the world media that Israel committed a massacre against the Palestinian civilian population (the UN subsequently verified that no such massacre occurred), and the level of destruction was limited rather than widespread as also depicted in the media, an important and telling incident during that battle showed the difference in the mentality between the warring sides.

An IDF unit chose to do an on-the-ground house-by-house search for terrorist combatants rather than call for F-16 strikes which might kill innocent civilians as collateral damage. One should understand that Palestinian civilians often offered themselves as human shields, knowing that Israelis will avoid harming them while in pursuit of their compatriots, and that the Palestinian side booby-trapped the houses and streets with explosives. Knowing this, the IDF still decided to choose “boots on the ground” rather than air power.

A Palestinian commander during the battle, Tabaat Mardawi, told CNN from prison in Israel, that after learning the IDF was going to use troops, and not planes, “It was like hunting … like being given a prize… The Israelis knew that any soldier who went into the camp like that was going to get killed… I’ve been waiting for a moment like that for years”. [CNN.com, August 23, 2003, "Palestinian fighter describes 'hard fight' in Jenin"]

The result of this “boots on the ground” decision was the deaths of thirteen Israeli soldiers in one incident, all killed by the explosion of a booby-trapped home and the subsequent ambush by Palestinian militias in what became known as “the bathtub.”

Such decisions are not unique and the IDF soldiers are constantly and in numerous incidents called on to choose life over death. In fact, the entire Israeli operation in Jenin was deliberately slowed down just in consideration of possible civilian casualties.

Why? And does the answer matter?

The answer demonstrates the difference in mentality between the warring sides. The Palestinian side makes it honorable to lie, to encourage death, to slaughter its enemies. Let me be clear, I am not saying this is the mentality of the Palestinian population; I am saying this is the attitude of the Palestinian militants and a large segment of the Palestinian population. This is different with the Israelis. Armies kill and wars are brutal, but the difference in attitudes is none the less telling and distinctive.

It is not that Israeli soldiers harbor no hate or desire to kill, it is that they are educated differently in handling their response and the rules under which they can engage Palestinians.

And one can see this by observing the difference in their training from the primary, secondary and university educational institutions in distinction to the culture of radical Islamism. All that even before we get to that which comes from soldiering.

But soldiering, the training of a soldier, is telling too.

For that reason four local, pro-Israel organizations (Stand By Israel, Stand With Us, Americans Against Terrorism and Action Israel) are sponsoring a visit to the Denver-Boulder area of Sergeant (Res.) Nadav Weinberg, who served in the Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Unit of the IDF.  Having recently finished his service in the IDF, Weinberg is touring outside Israel and addressing the whole issue by describing the training of the Israeli soldier in his and her ethical duties.

The title of his talk is,“Ethics and Israel: Gilad Shalit and the Israel Defense Forces.” Weinberg will be speaking on successive days in Boulder on November 30th and at Colorado Christian University on December 1st . The Boulder event begins at 7:00 pm at the CU Boulder  Chabad House, 909 14th St.; CCU talk begins at 6:30 pm at the CCU School of Music, 9200 West Ellsworth Ave., Lakewood.

The opening Plenary session featured Rabbi Elie Kaunfer, the GA’s scholar in residence, who asked the question “What is Jewish continuity about, if not to continue Torah and Torah values?”  Kathy Manning, Chair of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)’s Board of Trustees, talked about the GA’s theme as the original Jewish social network: “Social connections are one of the things that bind us together as Jewish people” and drive us to be a part of something deeper, the Jewish need to show care and compassion for Jews in need.

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz also spoke at the opening plenary, and lauded the vital role of the Jewish Federations, saying “the amazing work you all do embodies the notion that the world will be a better place when each of us does our own small part to make a positive impact.”  Together the Congresswoman and JFNA have launched Jewish American Heritage Month, challenged insurance companies who denied life insurance for people who travel to Israel, promoted breast cancer education for young women, supported the over 125,000 elderly, low-income Holocaust survivors in the US so they can live in dignity, and led the effort to build a Jewish Chaplains memorial in Arlington National Cemetery.

She also praised the Obama administration’s commitment to the special relationship between the U.S. and Israel, pointing to how the administration has increased foreign aid during a challenging budget era. But she also emphasized bipartisan backing for Israel, saying that “Democrat or Republican, we can all agree on the importance of strong U.S. support for Israel.”

The GA continues through Tuesday in Denver.

Pictures from our photographers covering the GA (Bruce Shaffer and David Fellows):

DENVER – Oct. 18, 2011 –Judaism Your Way (JYW),

The Slingshot guide is used by philanthropists, volunteers, not-for-profit executives, and program participants to identify trailblazing organizations grappling with concerns in Jewish life such as identity, community, and tradition.

Lolly Gold, JYW’s executive director said:

Our inclusion in Slingshot ’11-’12 is a tremendous honor and a strong validation of our approach to outreach. We believe that what’s needed is a Judaism that goes beyond welcoming, and opens a gateway for all Jews and their loved ones. They may be interfaith, LGBT, single, too young, too old, too free-spirited, too poor, or too something to fit into or feel welcomed by other Jewish institutions.”

Judaism Your Way offers low barrier, innovative opportunities for unaffiliated, disengaged or disaffected Jews and their loved ones of all identities looking for opportunities to explore and expand their experience of Judaism in personally relevant and meaningful ways.

If the Jewish people are going to grow, then inviting the richness offered by all Jews and those who love and support them can only make the soil more fertile,” said JYW’s Rabbi Brian Field.  “JYW’s outreach not only seeks to gather people from multiple constituencies, but in fact successfully attracts them.”

JYW was chosen for inclusion in Slingshot ’11-’12 for the first time by a panel of 36 foundation professionals from across North America. Finalists are chosen based on their strength in four areas: innovation, impact, leadership, and organizational efficiency.

According to Will Schneider, executive director of Slingshot:

Slingshot highlights those organizations that work to ensure that Jewish life isn’t left behind as the world moves forward.  We had more applications than ever this year, with a wider variety of missions.  In order to be selected by our evaluators, innovations and their impact had to resonate more than ever.”

The Slingshot guide contains information about each organization’s origin, mission, strategy, impact and budget, as well as details about its unique character. The book, published annually, is available in hard copy and as a free download at www.judaismyourway.org and www.slingshotfund.org.

Inspired five years ago by Slingshot, a group of next-generation philanthropists launched the Slingshot Fund, a collective giving mechanism to support innovative Jewish life.  In just five cycles, 55 members of the Slingshot Fund have contributed more than $1.8 million to innovative Jewish not-for-profits.

Denver, CO, September 19, 2011…In response to the reported vandalism of three school buses with swastikas and anti-gay slurs at Grant Family Farms, three civil rights and community organizations condemned the hateful messages and expressed gratitude toward the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office for its quick and responsive actions investigating this incident as a bias-motivated crime.

The following statement was issued by Scott L. Levin, the Anti-Defamation League’s Mountain States Regional Director; Brad Clark, One Colorado’s Executive Director; and Gregg Drinkwater, Keshet’s Deputy Director for Research and Special Projects:

We condemn this hateful act. Hate crimes send a message to their targeted audience and to the entire community that all are not welcome and safe. We call upon all Coloradans to declare that everyone, of any race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, or ability, is equally protected and included in our society.

“We are grateful to the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office for its quick and responsive actions investigating this incident as a possible bias-motivated crime.”

 The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. Learn more at adl.org/mountain-states. 

One Colorado is a statewide advocacy organization dedicated to securing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Coloradans. Learn more at one-colorado.org. 

Keshet is a national grassroots organization that works for the full inclusion of LGBT Jews in Jewish life. Learn more at Keshetonline.org.

Stan Kamlet, Regional Director & Gene Kay, Board Chair of the JNF Mountain States Region

Gene Kay, Mountain States Region Chair and Stan Kamlet, Regional Director participated in a groundbreaking ceremony of Israel’s first carbon neutral dormitory at the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies located at Kibbutz Ketura in the Negev. The dormitory, designed by Israeli architect Avner Simon will be based on principles currently at the forefront of environmentally sustainable architecture & will serve as a prototype for energy efficient buildings in Israel & around the world. The dorm will house thirty-two researchers, academics, students and practioners interested in how cutting edge technology can help advance a critical common cause: a sustainable future for the region’s human and natural resources.

The Colorado Carbon Neutral Dormitory is being built through a $1 million fundraising effort by the Mountain States Region of the JNF and a grant from the Israeli government. The dorm will include the Butch Weaver Courtyard & Desert Gardens as well as the Norm Brownstein Student Housing Module.

In recent years, the Jewish National Fund has been a major partner of the Arava Institute, a premier environmental teaching and research institute in the Middle East where Jewish and Arab students study together.

Others from Colorado attending the groundbreaking ceremony were Alan Cohen, Louan Kamlet, Lee Kay, Lyle and Pam Laverty and Bob Rensink.

Denver

The Anti-Defamation League applauds the decision of the Denver District Court halting the unconstitutional voucher program instituted by the Douglas County School District. We are gratified that the Court ruled that taxpayer funds cannot be unconstitutionally diverted from public education to religious education.”

Colorado’s constitution means what it says: public funds should not go to support religious education.

The Court found that Douglas County’s pilot “Choice Scholarship Program” violated several provisions of the Colorado Constitution and the state’s school finance laws.

 The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

The award recipients are:

• Judy Robins—Lifetime Achievement Award
• Elaine Asarch—Volunteer of the Year
• Bruce L. Plotkin—Special Leadership Recognition Award
• American Jewish Committee—Partner of the Year
• Daniel Feiner—Ruth and Warren Toltz Young Leadership Award
• Lisa W. Perlmutter—Charlotte Tucker Young Leadership Award

Lifetime Achievement Award

Judy Robins | Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to the individual who has devoted continuous time, energy, leadership and talent to building and sustaining Jewish life in Colorado, Israel and around the world.

We are proud to award Judy Robins, Federation’s past Coordinating Council Chair, with our highest honor, Federation’s Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of her long-standing commitment to community service,” said Doug Seserman, Federation’s president and CEO.  “Judy is a role model for current and future leaders in the community and this award is a tribute to her dedication, leadership and volunteerism.”

Robins is a local business owner who has been actively involved in the Jewish community for over 30 years. She made the decision to become active in the community during the Yom Kippur war of 1973.  Since that time, she has served in a variety of lay leader roles for Federation including Coordinating Council Chair, Annual Campaign Chair, Young Women’s Campaign Chair, National Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) Officer and JFNA’s National Women’s Board.  She is also the founding chair of both the Lion of Judah division and the JFNA’s Young Women’s Leadership Cabinet for Federation.  In 1992, Robins was awarded Federation’s Gold Meir award.

In addition to Federation’s work, Robins is an active volunteer throughout the rest of our community, including Jewish Family & Children’s Services (JFCS) board member, a member of the executive committee of the American Friends of Livnot U’Lehibanot, a former board member of BMH-BJ Synagogue and a former Denver Art Museum board member.

Volunteer of the Year Award

Elaine Asarch | Volunteer of the Year Award

The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented annually to the individual who has demonstrated during the past year a truly extraordinary commitment to furthering the mission of Federation through fundraising, leadership, and other activities.

During the past year, Elaine Asarch has served as Federation’s Annual Campaign Chair.  In this capacity, she helped us to raise more than $10.5 million for the Federation’s 2011 Annual Campaign.  Asarch worked diligently to engage more lay leader volunteers and build awareness and understanding of Federation’s mission.

Judy Robins, chair of the Federation’s Coordinating Council, stated,

Elaine served as a catalyst helping us to deliver against Federation’s mission to build and sustain Jewish life in Colorado, Israel, and around the world.  She has built a cadre of new volunteers, who have dedicated time and energy last campaign season and who will continue to help us moving forward.  Elaine’s warmth, passion, commitment and leadership are truly exemplary.  She has devoted countless hours of her time and energy to help Jews at home and around the world.  We are proud to honor her as Federation’s Volunteer of the Year.”

Asarch has served in a variety of lay leader position at Federation, including Women’s Department president, Womens’ Dept. Campaign chair, National Young Leadership Board, National Womens’ Philanthropy Board , Jewish Community Relations Council chair, and Israel, National and Overseas chair.  She also has been active in our community, serving on other committees including Anti-Defamation League board: Governors Holocaust Remembrance Program Chair, Allied Jewish Apartments board member and AIPAC National Leadership Council.  Additionally, she is the founder of the Community Help and Abuse Information, which is housed at Jewish Family Services, the Civic Center Conservancy and the Colorado steering committee for the Harvard Women’s Studies in Religion Program.

Special Leadership Recognition Award

Bruce L. Plotkin | Special Leadership Recognition Award

In recognition of extraordinary leadership efforts, Federation is proud to award Bruce L. Plotkin with the Special Leadership Recognition for three years of service, leading the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF).

We are extremely grateful to Bruce,” said Judy Robins, Federation’s Coordinating Council Chair.  “Not only did Bruce serve as the Foundation chair for three years, extending his two year term, but he took the helm in turbulent times during the worst recession in recent memory.  During his tenure, he helped to build and improve the Foundation, including designing a successful new investment platform.”

Plotkin, outgoing chair of the JCF, has been an active volunteer in Colorado and the Jewish community for over 15 years.  In January 2012, he will become President of the Colorado chapter of the American Jewish Committee.

In 1996, he became actively involved with Federation through fundraising and chairing various divisions including Federation’s Major Gifts campaign.  He also served as Federation’s Planning and Allocations chair, where he oversaw a three-year transition of Federation allocations to a system of grants based upon community priorities.  Plotkin was a member of the JFNA’s National Young Leadership Cabinet where he held several leadership positions.  A long time member of Federation’s endowment committee, he was a founding director of the JCF.

Throughout our community, he has been involved with several other Jewish organizations including the American Jewish Committee, Temple Emanuel and BBYO.  He also has been an active fundraiser for select national and local political candidates.  As a participant in the Wexner Foundation’s Heritage Program for lay community leaders, the American Jewish Committee’s Comay Fellowship program, and Federation’s Leadership Institute, Plotkin has continuously taken an active role leading the Jewish community.

Partner of the Year Award

American Jewish Committee | Partner of the Year Award

AJC helped convene the community and coordinate efforts of civil discourse after some community members expressed opposition to Pastor John Hagee’s scheduled appearance at a Federation event.

Doug Seserman, president and CEO of Federation, said,

We are proud to partner with the American Jewish Committee, a global advocacy organization that promotes democratic values and societies where all minorities are protected. With the help of AJC, we worked to improve civil discourse in our community.  They helped us to facilitate discussions between community members with different perspectives of the same issues in an environment of mutual respect.  We sincerely appreciate their partnership.”

Accepting the award for the AJC are Don Schlesinger, AJC Director and David Seserman, AJC President.

Ruth and Warren Toltz & Charlotte Tucker Young Leadership Awards

The Ruth and Warren Toltz Young Leadership Award is presented annually to a male, and the Charlotte Tucker Young Leadership Award is presented annually to a female, who have met the following criteria:

• Be between the ages of 25 and 40
• Demonstrated a commitment to Federation, as well as the broader the Jewish community
• Demonstrated the ability to bring constituents together for committees, programs, events, and/or fundraising campaigns
• Possess the potential for greater leadership responsibility in the future
• Participated in a meaningful way in the Federation’s Annual Campaign

Daniel Feiner | Ruth and Warren Toltz Young Leadership Award

Daniel Feiner, recipient of the Ruth and Warren Toltz Young Leadership Award, began his involvement with Federation in 2007. He has worked on campaign, fundraising and young adult activities.  He is a third year member of the Federation National Young Leadership Cabinet (NYLC), serving as Federation’s chair of NYLC.  As such, Feiner holds a seat on the Federation’s Coordinating Council.  He also is a member of the Federation’s Allocations Task Force, the Jewish Resource Center Board, the Financial Oversight Group, and the Reimagining Design Team.  In the community, Feiner is a member of AIPAC’s Washington Club, and recently worked with the Rose Community Foundation in their Roots and Branches program.

Lisa W. Perlmutter | Charlotte Tucker Young Leadership Award

Lisa W. Perlmutter, recipient of the Charlotte Tucker Young Leadership Award, has been involved with Federation for more than 15 years. Locally, she has served in a variety of roles for the largest women’s philanthropic event for several years including CHOICES Outreach Committee and as a table captain.  She has been a member of the Women’s Campaign Committee in 2010.  Nationally, Perlmutter is a current member of the JFNA National Young Leadership Cabinet serving as the Ritual and Judaic co-chair from 2011-2012.  Additionally, she served as the recruitment co-chair for JFNA’s TribeFest in 2011.  She is involved with the community as a board member and co-chair Keshet of the Rockies, board member for The Jewish Experience and a co-chair for Denver Jewish Day Schools Parent Ambassador Committee.

Please join us to honor these deserving award recipients at the Federation and JCF’s Annual Meeting.  There is an $18 cost to attend.  For more information or to make a reservation to attend, please contact events at 303-316-6443 or events@ajfcolorado.org.  Reservations can also be made online at www.jewishcolorado.org/annualmeeting.

About the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado
For more than 60 years, the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado has been building and sustaining Jewish life across Colorado, in Israel, and around the world. Each year Federation mobilizes the Jewish community to raise the crucial funds required to provide food, refuge, comfort, education, and emergency assistance to millions of people in-need. Last year, Federation raised $10.1 million that benefited dozens of charitable agencies, both locally and worldwide.