WHERE LIFE SHINES — Village Shalom’s marketing slogan is “Where Life Shines” and its light was shining bright at its annual Ages of Excellence Celebration last week. Volunteer extraordinaire Sandi Lerner was honored that evening.
Proceeds from the event are going to Village Shalom’s financial assistance program. Because of that program, President and CEO Matt Lewis proudly pointed out that the continuing care community has never asked anyone to leave for lack of financial resources.
During his time on the stage, columnist and author Tom Friedman spoke about his new book published this week, “Thank You for Being Late,” (a book I’m looking forward to reading). Following his prepared remarks, he fielded questions from Steve Kraske, a political columnist for the Kansas City Star and host of KCUR’s “Up to Date.”
Although Friedman is a frequent political analyst and was on “Meet the Press” this past week, Friedman tried to steer away from the recent election as much as possible. He did provide a few words of wisdom, however, including these:
“Listening is the greatest sign of respect.”
“The way you get change is by partnering with human beings.”
“The cure for isolation is community.”
‘JUSTICE JUSTICE SHALT THOU PURSUE’ — A diverse crowd of about 550 people gathered at the Western Crown Center Sunday night for the 2016 Human Relations Dinner sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Bureau|American Jewish Committee. This year’s Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award was presented to Julia Irene Kauffman. During the speeches, I was reminded that while the word Jewish is part of JCRB|AJC’s name, the organization fights for justice for all people — not just Jewish people.
JCRB|AJC Executive Director Marvin Szneler noted that over the last year in our country and across the globe, the element of mutual respect and understanding has evaporated. He said our challenge today is to actively rebuild mutual respect and mutual understanding.
The award presented to Kauffman is named after Henry Bloch, who over the years has mentored Szneler in his position. To Bloch he said: “We respect you. We admire you. We learn from you and we love you.”
Kauffman, while accepting her award, summed up the mood in the room by restating her own version of the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you want to be treated.”
GIVING TUESDAY — Giving Tuesday, set for Tuesday, Nov. 29, is a global event to promote giving after an indulgent Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. According to my friends at The J, 45,000 organizations in 70 countries participate in Giving Tuesday. Last year $116.7 million was raised globally on this day, and this does not account for people that donated their time. My friends at HBHA describe Giving Tuesday as a special online day of giving that celebrates generosity by providing people everywhere with an opportunity to give. “This is about ordinary people coming together to do extraordinary things.”
For the first time, almost every single Jewish communal agency is participating in Giving Tuesday in some way or another. The J has provided #givingTuesday buttons and stickers for all its Campus partners to promote Giving Tuesday in the building.
HBHA will use funds raised on Giving Tuesday for students who are experiencing food insecurity. Funds will help purchase meals for children who cannot afford it, whether it’s for the school’s Wednesday hot meat lunches or an occasional Rams Café meal for a student to enjoy with friends. All lunches purchased through this fund are Vaad supervised.
JVS will get $1 donated to the agency for each “like” on its Facebook page from Monday, Nov. 21, to Monday, Nov. 28, for up to $500. Gifts will be doubled on Giving Tuesday with up to $500 in donations being matched.
The J, Midwest Center for Holocaust Education and the Jewish Federation will be promoting Giving Tuesday through its social media and/or email marketing. JFS is conducting another “Wipeout” campaign (see story on page 12).
So, don’t forget to think about your favorite charity on Tuesday, Nov. 29. Remember no gift is too small, or too big
