Jewish Federation
12 Millstone Campus Drive
Saint Louis, MO 63146
NY Rabbi to Address ‘Next Generation & Israel’ at Jewish Federation Annual Meeting
Rabbi Andrew S. Davids, Director of the Association of Reform Zionists of America, also will hold an open dialogue with local Jewish 20-30 somethings
A leading speaker, educator and author on the importance of strong Israel and Diaspora relations Rabbi Andrew S. Davids, executive director of the Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA), will deliver the keynote address at Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ 2008 Annual Meeting. His speech is entitled, “Engaging the Next Generation in the Israel Conversation.” The event begins at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008, in the Staenberg Family Atrium of the Jewish Federation Kopolow Building, 12 Millstone Campus Dr.
Rabbi Davids’ challenging talk is in recognition of Israel’s 60th anniversary and St. Louis’ Focus Israel initiative, which links local congregations to Israel. “This is significant because through such programs as Focus Israel, our community is working to overcome barriers that inhibit engagement with Israel, particularly among young Jews, and strengthen Israel’s place in com-munity life,” said Barry Rosenberg, Federation executive vice president. Rosenberg will emcee the event and introduce Rabbi Davids.
Rabbi Davids brings more than 20 years of experience in shaping the Israel education message for young Jews in ways that are both passionate and intellectually honest. He suggests a new approach and compelling, sometimes controversial, strategies to deal with issues critical to engaging the next generation. This past May, the Rabbi was in St. Louis at which time he spoke to four local Reform rabbis about the work of ARZA, specifically about the role of progressive movements in Israel, and did sessions for some Focus Israel/ Knesset Israel congregations and a group of school educators.
Prior to the Annual Meeting, Rabbi Davids will meet with a group of St. Louis Jewish young adults in their 20’s and 30’s to hold an open discussion about their thoughts and relationships with Israel.
Studies continue to show greater distancing between the next generation and core elements of Jewish identity such as affiliation, Jewish peoplehood and the State of Israel. Rabbi Davids believes that communities interested in reversing this trend must be prepared to rethink how to advocate for Israel, must reframe how Israel is presented as a communal focus and, most importantly, must create a safe environment for these age groups to engage in the Israel conversation.
Rabbi Davids was ordained at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, holds a Master of Public Administration degree with a focus in non-profit management and a B.A. degree in film and video. In addition, he’s served as Director of the Union for Reform Judaism’s Youth Division, a resident and day camp director and organizational management consultant.
“Federation’s Annual Meeting is an evening to address the community about our work this past year. The celebration of Israel’s 60th provides a perfect opportunity to examine the many roles Federation has undertaken – directly or through our funded agencies - to insure the strength and vitality of Israel. We’ve established a Global Jewish Unity and Peoplehood commission and worked to engage our entire community through a myriad of Kaleidoscope Israel programs that drew some 5,000 people and were extremely successful,” said Federation President Sheila Greenbaum.
Cost of Federation’s Annual Meeting is $15 per person. A dairy dessert reception immediately follows, with music by the band HaShemesh. Dietary laws are observed.
To attend, register online at www.jewishinstlouis.org/jfed08 or call 314-442-3814 or email sstarr@jfedstl.org.
Neil Sedaka ‘Live in Concert’ at Private Performance to Honor ‘08 Federation Annual Campaign Donors
Special matinee at The Touhill Center on Sunday, October 12
Jewish Federation of St. Louis will honor its 2008 Annual Community Campaign donors with a special private performance by Neil Sedaka on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2 p.m., at the Touhill Performing Arts Center, University of Missouri – St. Louis. Everyone who pledges or donates to the 2008 campaign is welcome.
Floor seats are $18 each and this seating is limited. Balcony seats are $10 each. Seats will be assigned on a first come-first served basis.
For more than four decades, Neil Sedaka's timeless standards have helped change the face of popular music. With countless hit singles, and platinum and gold records, he is recognized as one of rock and pop music’s legendary pioneers, and remains a vital force today.
A donation or pledge to the 2008 Jewish Federation Annual Campaign is required to attend this event. Give or pledge online at www.jewishinstlouis.org/donate.
Tickets may be purchased at www.jewishinstlouis.org/thankyou, or mail payment to: Neil Sedaka, c/o Jewish Federation, 12 Millstone Campus Dr., St. Louis, MO 63146, or call the hotline at 314-442-3705.
Lead sponsor of this donor appreciation event is U.S. Bank. Gold sponsors are AT&T, Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation and Emerson; Silver Sponsors are Berger Memorial and Morgan Stanley. Chairs are Andi and Steve Schankman.
Jewish Federation of St. Louis is the central community-building, fund-raising and planning address for the 60,000-member Jewish community of St. Louis. Founded in 1901, it is one of the area’s oldest and largest non-profit organizations.The Federation distributes funds to a family of 25 local, 20 national and three international agencies, programs and services to feed the hungry, educate people of all ages, care for young and old, fight anti-Semitism, promote Jewish culture and heritage and support Jews in Israel and around the world.
