At a ribbon cutting ceremony for its Medicare Part D Help Center, Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI) presented an award to Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), in recognition of his staunch support of the Council's extensive senior citizen, vocational, educational and technical assistance programs. JCCGCI is a community-based organization with a citywide scope which assists thousands of frail elderly, vocationally disadvantaged poor, educationally at-risk youth and needy immigrants throughout New York City. In addition, JCCGCI's "Nonprofit Helpdesk" division provides technical assistance to hundreds of nonprofit organizations, helping them enhance their management capacity. In presenting this award, Rabbi Moshe Wiener, who is about to mark his 25th anniversary as Executive Director of JCCGCI, praised Congressman Nadler for his strength of conviction based on intellectually inspired positions and courageous commitment to advocate for those policies he sincerely believes are for the benefit of his constituency.

William and Elizabeth Shatner Partner with JNF, Visit Israel

By Ronald S. Lauder, JNF President

Photo: William Shatner.

Hollywood star William Shatner, a.k.a. Captain James T. Kirk, a.k.a. Denny Crane, just returned from a trip to Israel where he spent a week assessing the needs of therapeutic horseback riding centers across the country. He was there with his wife, Elizabeth, as he took on the role of celebrity spokesperson for The William and Elizabeth Shatner/Jewish National Fund Therapeutic Riding Consortium Endowment for Israel -- a $10 million campaign. Interspersed with visits to historic sites and JNF projects, the Shatners visited four riding centers across the country, were impressed by what they saw and moved by the people they met. Shatner is no newcomer to the benefits of therapeutic riding; for nearly two decades he has supported it in the U.S.  Now, he is looking to advance it internationally and, "by helping one child, one person at a time," to foster better relations between different nations in the region. Long involved with a few of the therapeutic riding centers that exist in Israel, JNF of America, together with Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, wanted to do more than just fund one or two centers. The William and Elizabeth Shatner/Jewish National Fund Therapeutic Riding Consortium Endowment for Israel will fund the many therapeutic riding programs that exist throughout Israel. The goal is to raise $10 million to support these unique programs and provide scholarships so that no one who would benefit from a therapeutic riding center is denied that opportunity because of the cost. Through the endowment, funds will be raised for riding centers across Israel and scholarships provided for children of all religious and ethnic backgrounds and from all walks of life.  It is an ideal way to facilitate cooperation between Israelis of all backgrounds, Jordanians and Palestinians.  The endowment will be overseen by a board of trustees who will evaluate expenditures and provide hands-on guidance for the programs. The benefits of riding for those with disabilities have been recognized for over 3,000 years, since the time of Hippocrates. Therapeutic riding has been widely used since the early 1950s as a tool for improving the lives of individuals with physical disabilities. Individuals with almost any cognitive, physical and/or emotional disability can benefit from therapeutic riding, driving, vaulting, competition or other purposeful, safe and supervised interaction with horses. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in verbalization, flexibility, balance, muscle tone, strength, posture, coordination, motor development and emotional well being. For individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem. The sense of independence and acceptance found through these activities with the horse benefits all.

JNF has just launched a number of new tours and missions. Visit www.jnf.org/travel to view the new trips and all JNF travelopportunities. Below are the dates for upcoming JNF Missions to Israel. For pricingand itinerary information, please call JNF Travel and Tours at (877) JNF-TOUR (563-8687). link: http://www.jnf.org/site/R?i=qFgRFSXQCTzfLxYHH_swng.. June 18-28, 2006 (B'Yachad Mission)link: http://www.jnf.org/site/R?i=myKG4eFdK2CHO7GopJzdLQ.. Nov 7-15 (Heart & Soul Mission)  link: http://www.jnf.org/site/R?i=3ObchX19PPyGSGpgPMb9dA.. Nov 18-28 (L'Dor V'Dor Mission) link: http://www.jnf.org/site/R?i=sa0sPOS0ypqdGxJnhlsj0Q..
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A GREAT LEADER: RABBI MOSHE WIENER, CHOSEN "MAN OF THE YEAR"

By Ilil Arbel, Ph.D.

What makes a religious leader a great person? Is a holy man one who sits on a distant hill, meditating, ignoring the world? Is he a man who leads his people in an isolated monastery or other religious community, engaging in constant prayer for the good of all mankind? Is he the one who is ready to sacrifice lives, including his own, for his deity? These concepts may transcend the religion itself, since such leaders had appeared in many different sects and religions since the beginning of time. So all I can work with is my own concept – I must decide what seems to make a man (or, of course, a woman) a great religious figure to me. And that is an easy task, because I have always known the answer. To me a great religious figure does not sit on a mountain, does not live in an ivory tower, and does not devote himself or herself entirely to G-d. This is because the greatest people of G-d have no time for that. They are too busy helping their fellow men and women to be able to devote their lives to prayer and solitude, no matter how much they may long for it. That does not make them less devoted to their religion. If anything, we Jews know that it makes them more devoted, because the entire concept of Judaism is based on helping each other, on supporting the weak, on relieving the pain of those who suffer. Many rabbis these days who are considered great religious figures have deviated from this high standard, but we have a shining example in one man – Rabbi Moshe Wiener. It would surprise him to realize how well-known he is, since Rabbi Wiener is a very humble man despite his great learning and scholarship, his accomplishments, and his many followers. Rabbi Wiener is the Executive Director of SJCC and the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island, or JCCGCI. He is also a member of the Senior Advisory Council for the Department of the Aging, appointed by the mayor of New York.

Photo: Rabbi Wiener at the gala of the welcoming of the ancient scrolls of Torah, hidden in Russia for decades. Rabbi Wiener was chosen for this great honor, because of the important position he occupies in our society and his remarkable contributions to the Jewish world and Jewish immigrants from the Soviet Union.

The JCCGCI is a not-for-profit organization, founded in 1973, and supplying the community with a staggering array of social services. Rabbi Wiener was appointed to it in 1981, and developed it into what it is today. This amazing organization helps the entire community – not just the Jewish residents – of Southern Brooklyn. It helps the elderly, the illiterate, the vocationally disadvantaged poor, immigrants, and such young people that have lost their way. Their work have stabilized the entire community, and some services are now offered far beyond South Brooklyn and reach the entire city. The work done for the elderly alone is beyond praise. Over a thousand meals a day are delivered, not to mention transportation for medical appointments and shopping, help with housekeeping, and visiting and telephone checkups to make sure everyone is okay.

And Rabbi Wiener is the soul of this organization. A true scholar, the author of many books in both Hebrew and English, he is a fountain of deep Judaic philosophy and knowledge. But unlike other philosophers, he is totally connected to the needs of this day and age. His “Dignity Through Employment” program, which is exactly what it sounds like, retrains individuals in need in every modern computer program that can be mastered and teaches business skills as well. A job placement assistance is included. This program has saved a large number of people from dire poverty and misery, taking them to a life of true dignity and prosperity.  No wonder Rabbi Wiener is the recipient of the distinguished Brooklyn Angels Award, but even this very well deserved tribute was acknowledged by him as an honor to his organization, not himself. Reading this list of accomplishments, it may seem to you that Rabbi Wiener is a busy head of an organization, where the individual is swallowed by the sheer number of people that need help. This would be a wrong concept. He is always ready to help the individual who calls or writes for help. He goes out of his way, every day, to talk to those in need, and personally makes recommendations and references so as to help anyone within his power. And his power is considerable, even if he is too humble to admit it, and he has helped and encouraged enough souls to assure him universal love and esteem. I highly respect scholarship, I admire great political skills and leadership, I value great books authored by a brilliant mind, and I honor true and honest faith. But these are not the qualities that makes Rabbi Wiener a great man of G-d to me. What makes him that is his love of humanity.

The Board of Directors of the World Jewish News Agency, Inc.,  the Editorial Board of The WJNA News Service, and the Syndicated Journalists of the New York Monthly Herald Magazine (Formerly, the New York Jewish Herald) unanimously elect Rabbi Moshe Wiener “Man of the Year”. Read the in-depth article about Rabbi Wiener in the May Issue of the New York Monthly Herald. Read

THE WORLD JEWISH NEWS AGENCY SELECTS THE MET COUNCIL "CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR"

 

The Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty is a divine blessing!

 

Photo: Met Council CEO William E. Rapfogel greeting President Bush as he disembarks Air Force One.

 

Most people do not expect “Jewish poverty” to be an issue in America. Why, most Jews are well-educated, highly employable, and generally good citizens who pay their taxes and send their children to school and feed them well, right? Wrong. And they are always close families, so the elderly is always well cared for, right? Wrong.

There are thousands of poverty stricken Jews in America. In New York alone, there are 145,000 Jews below poverty level. And are in dire need, but they have to be earning less than $16,050 for a family of four to even qualify for government aid – and the government has been systematically cutting their programs. In addition, poverty stricken Jews are invisible. No one knows about them, they are not concentrated in specific neighborhoods. They are spread all over the city. They are young, they are old, they are people who had been devastated by health issues, or divorce, or of the loss of their jobs. Many are refugees from other countries. Some are single, many are married with children, some are widowed and completely alone. And they are too proud to ask for help, they starve and freeze in their apartments, and eventually are evicted because they cannot pay the rent. A Jew living on the street? Homeless? You bet. And that includes children and the very frail elderly. Often they would rather die than ask for help.

           

Met Council CEO William E. Rapfogel (r) joined with Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Councilman Simcha Felder in delivering 100 Shaloch Manot to seniors at Brookdale Senior Center in Brooklyn.

 

Who is to help, anyway? The government, federal or local, is not doing much, as we all know. Local congregations are not doing anything at all in many cases. Therefore, thirty years ago, an amazing organization stepped into the gap and has been creating miracles ever since. The miracle makers work for The Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, or as they are now called by everyone, The Met Council. It is a hub of services that range from housing to job training and placement, and they are very strong on crisis intervention. They help the elderly, the mentally disabled, and victims of domestic violence. They have saved thousands from eviction or from having their utilities cut off. Children are given an opportunity to go to camp. Health services are provided. It is a very large and thriving organization. But the people who work for this big organization have not forgotten the individual in their service of the community. A person in need, when he or she either contacts them or more often, is found by them, is treated with respect and understanding. The social worker will ask you  to bring your outstanding bills, and then will pay all the creditors and give you a breathing space. They would even send furniture if you lost your belongings to flood, fire, or simply lack of funds. Beds, tables, chairs. Simple and basic needs are met, and in this manner, one by one, lives are saved. This kind of help, one on one and with dignity preserved, is not a common commodity in this day and age

 

 

 

Photo, from L to R: Met Council CEO William E. Rapfogel; President Joseph C. Shenker; Speaker Sheldon Silver; Met Council's Man of the Year, Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton; and Met Council Chair Merryl H. Tisch.

 

THE MET'S MISSION

"Met Council is a not-for-profit organization representing and coordinating the efforts of grass roots Jewish Community Councils and citywide and national Jewish organizations. It is the primary advocate for the needs of poor Jews, reaching out to the isolated Jewish poor and elderly, and increasing public recognition of the extent and nature of poverty among Jews through legislative and social advocacy. Dedicated to the alleviation of social, economic, housing, and related problems of the Jewish poor, working poor, elderly and recent immigrants in the New York City area, Met Council delivers needed services to thousands every day. Our most important task is to ensure that the hungry are fed, that the weak and frail are cared for, that the homeless are sheltered, and that those who are able to work are helped to find employment. Met Council establishes linkages between Jewish groups, non-Jewish groups and government agencies. It helps stabilize and preserve neighborhoods with substantial Jewish population by assessing needs and bringing resources to those areas. The sacred mission of Met Council has not changed since its founding three decades ago. Anyone who needs our help will find us there for them."

 

HADASSAH RECEIVES ADVOCACY AWARD FROM GENETICS POLICY INSTITUTE AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY

Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, received the 2006 annual National Advocacy Award presented by the Genetics Policy Institute at its annual policy institute awards dinner held last night at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA. Hadassah was awarded the prestigious honor for its continued work in advocating for favorable stem cell legislation and funding at both the federal and state level, since August, 2001 when the Administration placed federal funding limitations on stem cell research. In Spring, 2005, Hadassah mobilized its grassroots membership to participate in SOS: State of Stem Cell, an effort that saw Hadassah delegations visit legislators in all 50 state capitals. In accepting the award, National President June Walker expressed gratitude from Hadassah, which "with the 300,000 women in every state and every age group is 'the every woman's organization,' and stem cell research is an issue that touches everyone.... The most recent poll I've seen shows that nearly three quarters of Americans support stem cell research. If our experience at Hadassah is any indication, we can easily transform this support into a groundswell, " she said, adding "The past few years have been frustrating politically in terms of gaining federal support for our research. You all, like me, were ready years ago to see the President's stem cell policy overturned and we wait every day for Congress to act." Walker explained that Hadassah originally became involved in stem cell advocacy because "We think that it is important to bring the Jewish perspective to this debate.  As Jewish women who are committed to the Jewish imperative of tikkun olam - repairing the world - we think it is essential to make clear that religious voices are not monolithic.  Every major stream in Judaism supports stem cell research.  This is in part because of the Jewish religious obligation to save lives." The award was presented within the framework of the Genetics Policy Institute's second, annual "Stem Cell Policy and Advocacy Summit: Empowering the Pro-Cures Coalition," this year hosted by the center for Biomedical Ethics at Stanford University and co-chaired by Bernard Siegel, J.D., executive director of the Genetics Policy Institute, and Christopher Thomas Scott, Ph.D., executive director of the Stanford Program in Stem Cells and Society. According to Siegel, "The National Advocacy Award goes to the organization that has made the greatest impact in promoting awareness of the lifesaving cause of stem cell research. Hadassah has earned the gratitude of patients around the world for its effective leadership on this issue. GPI is pleased to provide Hadassah recognition at this annual summit meeting of the "Pro-Cures" community."  In presenting the award, Siegel told Walker: "Scientists know about you [Hadassah], you are making such an incredible impact." Founded in 1912, Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, is the largest women's, largest Zionist, and largest Jewish membership organization in the United States. In Israel, it supports pacesetting medical care and research, education and youth programs, and reforestation and parks projects.  In the US, Hadassah promotes health education, social action and advocacy, Jewish education , volunteerism and leadership skills, Young Judaea and connections with Israel.

Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty.

30^th Annual Legislative Breakfast

Senators Schumer and Clinton to present, Mayor Bloomberg and Attorney General Spitzer to speak; Record Attendance Expected. This Sunday marks Met Council’s Thirtieth Annual Legislative Breakfast.  As is the case every year, the breakfast will bring together New York’s governmental and community leaders who share Met Council’s commitment to alleviate poverty and serve the needy across New York City.  The program will highlight the caring and compassionate work of Met Council and will honor City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Congressman Anthony Weiner, Assemblyman Vito Lopez, Assemblywoman Michele Titus, Deputy Secretary to the Governor Adam Barsky, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Small Business Services Commissioner Robert W. Walsh, and Rabbi Yechiel Kaufman, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Council of Borough Park. More than 500 Jewish community leaders and key officials will be in attendance.   Sunday, June 11, 2006,  8:30 am, at The Roosevelt Hotel, Grand Ballroom, Madison Avenue at 45^th Street, New York City

Davis faces felony charges of molesting three Indiana boys last year and failing to register as a sex offender. He was convicted of child molestation in 1992. Davis, arrested by FBI agents, was in jail, awaiting an extradition hearing to return to Indiana. Miller was in shock after learning of her neighbour's background. She had helped care for him since he broke his leg in a car accident a few weeks ago. "I've been cooking for him; I've been doing his laundry," she said.

The Knesset Christian Allies Caucus Explores Judeo-Christian Medical Ethics

Forty Pro-Israel Christian Students of the Robert Stearns' Third Annual Israel Experience College Scholarship Program Attend Meeting Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - The Knesset Christian Allies Caucus (KCAC) held its monthly meeting today on Wednesday, June 14, 2006, from 5:00-6:30 PM, in the Knesset Lecture Hall. In its monthly meeting, the KCAC discussed Judeo-Christian medical ethics and opened a dialogue between Jews and Christians in order to learn more about the tenets of their faith. Speaking on this topic was MK Rabbi Benyamin Elon; MK Elhanan Glazer; Robert Berman, the founder and director of the Halachic Organ Donor Society and Judith Nusbaum, a recent recipient of a kidney transplant.  "Saving lives and organ donation can unite us.  I extend my hand to any faith," said Mr. Berman, urging all at the meeting to become organ donors regardless of religion."  Malcolm Hedding, Executive Director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, speaking on the subject of Judeo-Christian medical ethics, said, "Jews and Christians can certainly converge and make a difference in the world and this is after all why the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus exists." The Knesset Christian Allies Caucus also hosted the third annual Israel Experience College Scholarship Program established by Robert Stearns' Eagles'
Wings.  These student activists from the United States took a VIP tour of the Knesset and joined MK Gilad Erdan and MK Amira Dotan to learn about the Knesset and Israel's political system. Now that they have completed this program, these young men and women will return to their college campuses to advocate on behalf of Israel.  "We would like to express our appreciation for taking time to invest in us.  We will go back and be representatives of the dream that is Israel," said a representative of the Israel Experience  Program.- By Miya Keren

Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty Honored

Presented With Senior Services Achievement Award For Health Promotion/Wellness Programs

Met Council’s Home Attendant Training Program (HATP) and Director of Health Care Services Joyce Traina, RN, were selected for the 2006 Senior Services Achievement Award in the category of Health Promotion/Wellness Programs by the NYS Coalition for the Aging.  A check for $250 was allotted to each of the awardees.  The check was graciously passed on to Met Council as a donation.  This award lends itself to Met Council’s dedication and commitment to New York’s aging population.  Congratulations to all of our staff on this well deserved honor.  The Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty is the voice of the Jewish poor and the first line of defense for our community’s needy.  We fight poverty through comprehensive social services and treat every individual with dignity and respect.  Our grassroots Jewish Community Councils network strengthens families and neighborhoods throughout New York City.

14th  Street Y's Bob Hawthorn, new aquatics director

Bob Hawthorn

Bob Hawthorn joined  the 14th Street Y as the new Aquatics Director. Bob, a resident of Stuyvesant Town and long time advocate for health and fitness, joined the 14th Street Y this fall. “Athletics and staying fit through exercise has always been a big part of my life”, he says. Since the fall, Bob has taught aqua aerobics, private swimming, child and adult instructional swim classes and has also worked in our fitness center. “I love teaching kids and watching them build their self-esteem by learning to swim. That’s what’s it all about” he adds. Bob was promoted to Aquatics Director earlier this month. When asked why he joined the 14th Street Y community, Bob attributes his decision to the 14th Street Y mission. “I saw the mission on the wall and began to think about Tikkun Olam, or repair of the world” he said. “I was struck by all the different classes being held in the building and all of the children here. The 14th Street Y is more than a place to come in and work out. It is a community center where so a many things are happening. It is a place where we build community and I am proud to be part of that.” And we are thrilled to have you here Bob!

They provide a variety of programs with a distinctive downtown point of view, emphasizing excellence, innovation, creativity and a questioning spirit. They are inspired by Tikkun Olam, or repair of the world, in all that they do: a value that represents and renews the vitality of our Jewish heritage and its place in our diverse and vibrant community. The 14th Street Y is part of a network of 80 programs at 22 sites provided by The Educational Alliance for all residents of Downtown Manhattan.

The Educational Alliance: Founded in 1889 as a settlement house, The Educational Alliance ("The Alliance") today is a network of vibrant centers extending social support and opportunities for cultural interaction to residents of Downtown Manhattan. Their 117-year record of success comes from keeping their finger on the pulse of the neighborhoods they serve, and then having the flexibility and strength of purpose to adapt and change. They are a Jewish agency, committed to serving people of diverse ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds, while maintaining our historic ties to the Jewish community. Via 85 programs at 26 locations, including the 14th Street Y and the main building at 197 East Broadway, The Alliance provides a wide range of services for people in all stages of life, including early childhood education programs, after-school activities for teens, classes and events for parents and families, mental health and substance abuse treatment, meals for the homeless, housing and extensive support for seniors, and arts, cultural and recreational programming for all. Their  current annual operating budget is more than $26 million.