xt7m901zh61r https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7m901zh61r/data/mets.xml Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Kentucky Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass 2008-09 Newspaper of the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass, previously named the Central Kentucky Jewish Association and Central Kentucky Jewish Federation. Published ten times annually. The Federation seeks to bring Jewish community members together through holiday parties, lectures, Yiddish courses, meals, and other celebrations of Jewish heritage and culture. They also host fundraisers and provide financial assistance for Jews in need, both locally and around the world. This collection is part of the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass records, 2016ms010. newsletters 2016ms010 English Central Kentucky Jewish Federation Inc  Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass records Jews -- Kentucky -- Lexington Jews -- History Shalom, September 2008 text image Shalom, September 2008 2008 2008-09 2025 true xt7m901zh61r section xt7m901zh61r  
   
  

 

SEPTEMBER 2008

Crowd wishes Happy Birthday to Camp Shalom

Lexington Jewish community
celebrates 40th anniversary

#90

By Indy [.t’i’lm’

On the first Friday in August, more than titt‘ people gath—
ered to celebrate the 4ltth a n niyersa ry of k amp Shalom,
one of two cominunity—Wide programs that formed the
basis of the present Central Kentucky JeWish Federation.
Emceed by Pat Shraberg and Marilyn Moosnick, the
evening began with a rollicking rendition of the original
iamp song written and performed by Harold Sherman,
one of Camp Shalom's first counselors.

‘\ftt‘l" tl‘i- 11‘1”, .i‘»,i

. i lt‘cltu’ii coiiiiiiutd Hllll a pi‘eseiita‘i

nil“. phases , , ,i .. ,i =

null [l‘kU‘Wll/lllb’

Carol recalled the warmth that greeted her and husband

 

Jonathan when they moved to Lexington in 1967. One

Of several social invitations was to a bridge game that

included Sue Friedman, Harriet Cooper, Judy Levine,

and four other women. Conversation, naturally, turned

to their children, and when Judy bemoaned the fact that

hers had attended a YMCA camp that summer because

Lexington had no Jewish day camp, Carol noticed an omi—

nous glint in Sue’s eyes. Sue, an inveterate camper and

former Girl Scout professional herself, inevitably and opti-
mistically suggested,

W Ne can do that!"

  
 

ELUL-TISHRE 5768-5769

 

Open House at CKJF

All are invited for a
community farewell to

Daniel Chejfec,

Executive Director

Tuesday, Sept. 16th

7:00 — 9:00 p.m.

Light refreshments served

 

 

 

Carol continued, "As the mother of a bunch of Jewish

boys, it did seem like a good idea. My fateful words

were, ’

camps’

born—and Larol remarked that this was the last time she

WW Whifge 'V’V VVV

I've had e\perience as a counselor at Girl Scout
that's .iboet uli it took to become the first tilrt'c-

,t.
it ei

— CAMPAIGN NEWS -—

 

It’s about the Future

Campaign helps people from New orleans to Kiev

##Q

In the former Soyiet L'nion, 188,1tl )0 Jewish elderly and
28,(ttttt Jewish children still live in dire need. The North
American Jewish Community, With the Federations’ sup-
port for the JDC and JA Fl, provides for them. We make
sure they have food (in their table and education for their
minds. This is part of the sacred trust of the Community
Campaign, because it is about the future of the Jewish
people.

Closer to home, this year We celebrated 41) years of a

d ream that her ame (Vamp bhalom. lt sparked a program

611 :1 l'lflfid
A)l 'uoifimxa}

CllVd

ebpisod g‘n
'510 lucidruoN

that has already changed the Jewish
lives of several generations of Jewish
Central Kentuckians, a dream we

continue to support and improve

L‘Vt‘l‘y yea r.

But we don't forget those who need
our help else where; the Jewish com-
munity of New Orleans is still faced
with great challenges: to rebuild

zosov AM ’u016Uixai -

.s‘i’c Campaign, page 3

paisanbay 391/1135 afiuoq)

ZOE 91!"S ' P908 BOUND OSOl

uoiieiapai qsgmaf itipmuax lama)

\e’ A“:

 

Carol led her listeners back to those
early days, first at ldle Hour lV’ark,
then at the \\eil Farm in Paris where
iii}. ‘ ‘ I >:‘ \' as the Ali‘iillkii‘i‘lk Ll i.:i il‘iliittise sx‘t'u d “e

camp headquarters;

see Happy Birthday, page 21

Racing Toward the
Future is theme of
Hadassah conference

Local chapter to host event

§§+

The Lexington Chapter of Hadassah is proud to be host-
ing the Central States Region Fall Conference Shabbat,
November 14 tolo, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Mark your calendar now and plan to join us as we wel—
come representatives from throughout the Central States
Region to a conference that is guaranteed to please. Our
new region president, Carol Ann SchwarU, will be here
for the first conference since her installation in May. Our
Southern hospitality, Levngttmstyle \\'lll help her begin
her tenure on a high note as our region ”races toward the
future."

The conference theme, Racing Toward the Future, is
definitely forward—thinking as Hadassah races into the
future on so many fronts, Workshops and speakers will
address matters that are of \ ital importance to us as indi-
viduals, as women, as JeWs, as Americans, and as a group
intimately tied to the future of IsraeL

568 Race toward future, page 10

 
  
    
 
   
   
    
  
 
   
  
    
    
  
  
  
 
  
   
   
 
    
   
   
   
   
  
 
 
 
   
   
   
 

  

IN THIS ISSUE
TAl Sisterhood to hold opening meeting September 17 ........ 3
President‘s Message ................................... 4

Not a book review: The life and music of Henry Russell

a musical art form .................................. 5
From the Executive Director ............................. 6
Third Opinion ........................................ 7
Ask a Rabbi ......................................... 8
JFS: At Your Service ................................... 9
Jewish music from the Tudor Court to come to Lexington ..... 10
History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict — Part XXX ........ 12
Memoir: That Year in Jerusalem—1968 .................... 13
Camp Shalom activities inspire campers ................... 14
Camp Shalom Photos ................................. 16
40th Anniversary Celebration Photos ..................... 18
Israel 21c: A hip reconstruction that mimics nature .......... 22
B’tayavon .......................................... 24
Israel 21c: Saving energy in the greenhouse ................ 25
Erasing history? ..................................... 26
Around the Community ............................... 27
Lexington Chapter of Hadassah ......................... 28
Lexington Havurah ................................... 28
TAI ............................................... 29
OZS .............................................. 30
Community Calendar ................................. 31

 

SHALOM

Published ten times per year by the
Central Kentucky Jewish Federation, Inc.
1050 Chinoe Rd., Suite 302, Lexington, KY 40502
Phone (859) 268-0672 - Fax (859) 268—0775
email: shalom@jewishlexington.org

SEPTEMBER 2008, VOLUME XV, ISSUE 6

Linda Ravvin, President
Daniel Chejfec, Executive Director
Jana LaZur, Activities Director
Paula Clancy, JFS Director
Tamara Ohayon, Staff Associate

SHALOM COMMITTEES

Editorial Board
Ruth Poley, Editor-in—Chief
Mary Heléne Rosenbaum, Editor/Administrator
Marcia Blacker
Jane Chaput
Judy Levine

Advisory Board
Elissa Brown, Gail Cohen, Angie Ornstein,
and Rose Rita Wurmser

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sharon Kanon, Karen Kloosterman, Harold Sherman, Hanna B. Smith,
Alison G. Sumner, and Alex Thompson

Production Services by Direct Response. Inc.

The editorial staff has the right to edit all articles submitted for publication
in Shalom. The appearance of any advertising in this publication does not
represent a kashruth endorsement on the part of CKJF or any other agency
or organization. Shalom is partially supported by the advertisements
appearing in the paper.

a 2008 by Central Kentucky Jewish Federation

2 I September 2008 Shalom

 

   

Bubbies, Zaydes, and Babies!

We have this great idea!
If you have a child under 4 years old, and you would like to spend
a little time Just hanging out with other parents and kids...
JOIN US! We plan a multi—generational playgroup
with lots of fun for everyone.

Our first one will be at 025 on Sunday morning,
September 14, from 10:15 to 11:30...
and is open to the entire Jewish community.

    
       
   
   
     
   
   

Bubbies and Zaydes will be there to help,
so the parents can shmooze a little with kindred spirits.

 

 

 

fikkuu Lexington , . .
The Lexmgton Magical Major League
Mystery Minyan—eight men from
STEWART HOME SCHOOL Lexington joined by Professor Sandy
VISITATION SCHEDULE: Goldberg, late of UK, and Rabbi
Sept. 23, Nov. 11 Eric Slaton, formerly of OZS, visited
Hanukkah party on Dec. 16th Chicago on August 5. The Minyan
saw games at Wrigley Field and
The Stewart Home, located in Frankfort, at US Cellular Field, home 0f the
Kentucky, is a residential school for WThl'itetStoxl' $°th home tzalms “:1"-
. .. . . . eoaorunsscore ineac
:leldhualS math disabilitfies. It is renowned game was EIGHTEEN. Some of us
t roug out t e country or the h'gh quality in the Minyan feel that this was not a
of care given to the students, and attracts coincidence.

 

 

people from all across the country. Tikkun

Home’s Jewish students by honoring
Shabbat and Jewish holidays. It is a very
special evening for all who participate,
volunteers and students alike.

Shalom depends on the community
for its material. If you are interested
in writing an account of a meeting

or interviewing a person of interest

F a. PI ”J t(859) 268 0672 to the Jewish community, or have

36“ “ "tr/o? ease ca ana a — . .

\ M10 w or emailjana@jewish|exington.org anything else to share w'th our
for more information /

 

readers, please email Mary at DI-
QFR@Bardstown.com J

(‘
Wm km“

 

 

 

 

If you are not receiving Jewish weekly email and would like to, please

send your name and email address to ckif@iewishlexington.org

 

fl‘g‘hderabb ' I
. Lees. ° Central Kentucky JeWIsh Federation
6"Walker“0
CKJF President CKJF Board
Linda Ravvin Bruce Broudy Lowell Nigoff
Ronit Eres Linda Noffsinger
Executive Committee DaVId Feinberg Angie Ornstein
_ - | Rose Garden Jeremy Popkin
Michael Grossman, Vice PreSident Evelyn Dantzic Geller Ricki Rosenberg
Pat Shraberg, Secretary Larry Kant Kae Schennberg
Robert Grossman, Treasurer Odette Kaplan Elissa Weinstein
RUth Poley, Member-At-Large David Levine David Wekstein

Jennifer Miller

 

Séa/om Deabline
meter ‘ ”be 'shalam'itéertégnberia.. '

I I Deed! f9?

     
 

 
 

 

Lexington brings celebration to the Stewart rWRITERs “Am Wm
)*

  
   

H~—\__\

"P-H Pv- ”r ,4

  

T A1 Sisterhood to hold opening

meeting September 17

The Temple Adath Israel Sisterhood will open the 2008-2009 season with a
meeting at the home of Pat Shraberg on Wednesday, September 17, at 7:00 pm.

You will have an opportunity to meet other women of sisterhood, enjoy some
social time, meet the board members who will be leading our group for the
next two years, and enjoy some light refreshments.

As a special treat, we will have Karen Sim, from the WRJ (Women of Reform
Judaism) in Cincinnati, who will speak to us about the larger picture of sister-

 

hood. Many of us are more or less familiar with the local level but have not
much idea about the many facets of sisterhood.

We encourage everyone to join us at this meeting. If you’ve never attended a
sisterhood meeting, rest assured you will be welcomed. If you’re a bit hesi-
tant to come alone, ask a friend. If you need a ride, we’ll make every effort to
provide one. Watch for the flyer, which will give detailed directions to Pat's

home.

The Temple sisterhood is open to all women in the Jewish community and
we strongly urge everyone to attend. Please call Sandee Wildes at the Temple,
(859) 269—2979, to let us know you’re coming. 7»?

 

Campaign (from page I)

not only the brick and mortar of
their community, but its very soul.
Volunteers from all over the country,

with Federations' support he .‘

Many lives are shattered by unfore-
seen circumstances, whether it is a
sudden death leaving a child in the
care of grandparents, or an accident
making somebody unable to work,
or a sudden disaster leaving people
in the streets, or just setbacks requir-
ing a helping hand to get folks back
on their feet. This, too, is about

the future, and our Jewish Family
Services is part of a network serv—
ing 750,000 people across North
America.

How would you feel if your children
lived in fear? How would you feel

if a siren signaled a run for a bomb
shelter? The families in Sderot, in the
northwestern Negev, live such a life.
For them, the question is not a theo-
retical exercise but a reality. Children
living in fear will learn to distrust
and will have serious problems
learning and relating to others. When
people live in fear, every challenge
life throws at them is more difficult
and overwhelming. Contributions
from the North American Jewish
community, through Federation
Campaigns around the country, fund
special programs providing summer
camps for these children. These pro-

1 in poverty,iand;we help provide them

grams give them hope and a better
future; they make them understand
that they don’t have to live in fear.

with food, clothes, shelter, education,
and emotional reassurance. Our own
community is funding two projects
in Israel addressing these problems:
the Net@: From High Risk to High
Tech training program for teenagers
at the Youth Village of Hadassah-
Neurim and the Horseback riding
program at the Youth Village of Ben
Yakir.

During a time of conflict between
Judah and Israel in biblical times,
God came to the prophet Ezekiel
with a vision. God asked him to
break a stick; then God asked him to
gather twelve sticks, one for each of
the tribes of Israel, put them together
and try to break them. What applied
then, applies now. Together we are
stronger, together we can take care
of our children, and together we can
make miracles happen and build a
better future.

When you are asked to make your
pledge for the 2008 CKJF/UJC
Community Campaign, remember
what we do. Keep the flame alive,
give generously and be a part of
building a Jewish future. xix

 

The stirring accomplishments
of the past 60 years are a
remarkable prelude to the
promise of the future.

Renew your bond with Israel
by purchasing a State of Israel
Bond during the High Holy Days.

 

For Israel.
For You.
Forever.

This is not an offering, which can be made only by prospectus. Read
it carefully before investing to fully evaluate the risks associated with
investing in State of Israel bonds. Issues subject to availability.

Development Corporation for Israel
State of Israel Bonds

8170 Corporate Park Dr., Suite 135
Cincinnati, OH 4521.2

513-793-4440 ' 888-852-3195
kathe.turielaisraelbondscom
www.israelbonds.com

%

Member FINRA, SIPC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 2008 Shalom

3

 

 

 

 President's Message

Linda Ravvin

 

Community bonding and commu—
nity building—that’s what the Camp
Shalom 40th anniversary celebration
saluted. It was the dedication of a
few women, representing varying
organizations in the Jewish com-
munity, who wanted and established
a summer outdoor experience for
their children. On August 8, over one
hundred people came together to
recognize the efforts of these women
and all who followed them to keep
the dream of Camp Shalom alive
and prospering. Yasher Koach and
many thanks to Gail Cohen, Judy
Levine, and Judy Saxe, co-chairs

of the 40th Anniversary Steering
Committee, along with Jana LaZur,
our professional staff person, for an

staff person until 1980, when Judy
Saxe was hired as the first part—time
executive director. Since then we
have moved forward and expanded
our programs and services, staffed
by a full-time executive director, two
professional staff, and a social worker
directing Jewish Family Services.

We offer educational programs,

f

how much they have really absorbed. We have also
established Camp Gesher for our older children; it
offers leadership training along with the camping
opportunity. Through all the enjoyable activities,
under the watch of our fantastic staff headed by
Kathy Feinberg and Elissa Weinstein as director
and assistant director, they learn about different
aspects of Judaism and community responsibility. It is the one time in the
year when all the children, regardless of affiliation, come together to celebrate
being Jewish in a totally Jewish atmosphere. The only other Jewish-majority
atmosphere they experience is participation in congre-
gation life, for those whose families are affiliated. We
offer an incredible program that our staff develops for

 

It was particularly impressive to me
that our current Camp Shalom staff
felt so proud of their close connec-
tion to Camp that they were all part
of the salute to Camp’s history.

Wri—

months before Camp meets in the summer. The camp is
supervised by an outstanding Camp Shalom Committee,
headed by David Levine and supported by the hard work
of Jana LaZur, under the direction of Daniel Chejfec.

It was a truly moving experience to hear co-founder and
first director Carol Wirtschafter talk about the estab-

 

outstanding, meaningful event.
The realization that our small Israel—focused activities, community
Jewish community was able to work
together to produce such a valuable
and vital program for the commu-
nity as a whole led to the creation of
CKJF. CKJF started as a volunteer-
led organization, not hiring its first

involvement events, and outreach
to the community at large. Camp
Shalom prospers and offers a won—
derful opportunity for our children
to have so much fun together that
they do not realize until years later

 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Remebei' the taste of home with
*Rye Bread *(lorned Beef *Pastrami if i '
*NY Sour Pickles *Clieeseeake ‘
Imported from Carnegie Deli N.Y.

Located at 133 N. Limestone
across from the Courthouse.
Catering for parties and luncheons \

are our speciality! i.

859—367-0069 ,. . ‘

0's

NEW YORK DELlCATESSEN

 
   

 

CKJF seeks Executive Director

Federation leadership is seeking an executive who can rise
to the challenges of small Jewish community life while
bringing sophisticated management, community building
and financial resource development skills to the table.
Energy, Jewish passion and commitment to building bridges
within and outside of the Jewish community are as
important as the business and organization management
skills. Reporting to the president and board of the
federation, the executive will work with a talented and
committed corps of volunteers and a very small but
dedicated staff team.

    
 
      
     
   
    
    
   
     

 

Send résumé and cover letter to ricki.wasserman@ujc.org.
For a complete position description visit www.ujc.org/jobs.

__________________————-——————-.

 

 

4 I September 2008 Shalom

  
       

lishment of Camp Shalom. She was followed by Greta
Rothschild, whose mother, Sue Friedman (of blessed memory), was the vision-
ary and idea originator. Both former and current staff and campers recalled
stories and songs, and talked about the impact of Camp Shalom in helping
to instill Jewish values, love of Israel, and community connection. Many of
these people are now community leaders, both here in Lexington and in the
other Cities where they have made their lives. It was particularly impressive
to me that our current Camp Shalom staff felt so proud of their close con-
nection to camp that they were [all part ofthe salute to Camp's history. There
were quite a few campers at the celebration, some now‘the‘fo‘iil'if'thgenel‘ration ‘ ' i
to have involvement in Camp. That is remarkable: wr- now have grandcliil— JM
dren who travel hundreds of miles to take advantage of the program that
gave their parents their first taste of organized Jewish community life.

We should be proud as a community that our collective efforts continue
to offer such superb quality programs as Camp Shalom. The apprecia-
tion of our efforts was expressed over and over during the 40th birthday
celebration: look what we have created and continue to support, enlarge,
and improve upon! Camp Shalom is an outstanding program, but it is
only one of the programs the programs that we offer. It is programs like
this that nurture and sustain a Jewish identity in our children, leading
them to involved Jewish lives and leadership roles as adults in a secu-
lar world. We need to be constantly aware that programs such as these
require our support, both monetary and physical. It takes time, money,
and all of our efforts and hard work to nourish, sustain, and expand and
improve. It is up to all of us to make sure that as a community we continue
to enhance the life of our Jewish community, now and for the future. Q

Rammimmau
Ltymewdymamd/the/

 

Jewi/fl'v Comm/Wily 0v
Heal/aw, Happy and
Prague/row New Year.

 

 Not a book review: The life and music
of Henry Russell a musical art form

Jewish composer with Kentucky connections chronicled

§§§

By Harold Sherman

There is a new book I plan to read, but it is unavailable
at the library, Joseph-Beth, and Amazon.com. Henry
Russell—A Life on the Ocean Wave—The Story of a Composer,
Singer, Entertainer by Andrew Lamb, published by Fullers
Wood Press in 2007, tells an intriguing tale of a colorful
international character who made his mark in the United
States by pioneering a trend in popular music. He was
an English-born Jew with Kentucky connections. In the
tradition of ”not-counting” members of a Shabbat minyan,
I will relate what I know about this individual from the
sources I already have—in anticipation of the availability
of this book—in this “not—book review."

I first discovered the name Henry Russell in the text for
the American Music class I took while working toward
my MM in composition at the UK School of Music in

the middle of the last decade. I sold that book when the
semester was over, but I distinctly recall that Henry
Russell’s songwriting career was either born or jump—
started after he attended a speech given in Rochester,
New York, by the fiery Kentucky orator Henry Clay.
When he returned home that night, he set a goal of writ-
ing songs that were as inspirational as Clay’s speeches.
In the book Music in Lexington Before 1840 (by Joy Carden,
co-copyrighted in 1980 with the Lexington-Fayette County
Historic Commission), Russell’s 1840 concert appearance

 
 
   

from Chase’s

”Praise God from whom all blessings
flow. . .”

It was during his years in America——
1833, 1834, or 1835 to 1841—that he
became what could have been the
very first singer/ songwriter super-
star. He wrote melodies to famous
poems and collaborated with lyri—
cists. Two of his most famous tunes,
which he performed with great
dramatic delivery, were ”A Life on
the Ocean Wave" and “Woodman,
Spare that Tree." Two of his lyricists,
Charles MacKay and George Morris
Pope, also collaborated with a young-
er songwriter, Stephen Collins Foster
(however remote, another Kentucky
connection).

Russell lived the rest of his life in
England and France. His first wife
was Christian, but his second wife
(at one point, ”mistress,” accord-

ing to Raymond Jay Walker, who
reviewed the book), was Jewish.
Their son, Landon Ronald, became a

 

America’s Music:
"’Why,’ Russell
asked himself,

’if Henry Clay
could create such
an impression by
his distinct enun-

In an era characterized in this country by the likes of
RT. Barnum, melodramas, and minstrel shows, this
predecessor to Barry Manilow could have been one
of the “characters welcome” in a 19th century stage
version of what could be a USA Network series.

 

ciation of every
word, should it not be possible for me to make music the
vehicle of grand thoughts and noble sentiments, to speak
to the world through the power of poetry and song!”’

Andrew Lamb is also the author of 150 Years of Popular
Musical Theatre (Yale University Press, 2000). I hope his
new book will confirm the following data I retrieved from
several websites:

Henry Russell was born to Jewish parents in Sheerness,
Kent, England in 1812, 1813, or 1814. His great-uncle was
the British Chief Rabbi Solomon Hirschel. He was musi-
cally trained in piano, organ, and voice. Later, he studied
with operatic masters in Italy. He became disillusioned
by the sheer numbers of fellow aspiring students and the
lack of creative expression allowed him in his studies
and career opportunities. He eventually made his way to
America, where this Jewish musician landed the job of
organist for the Presbyterian Church in Rochester, New
York. (Surprised? Would you like to know how many
Episcopal midnight masses I have played?) He made the
discovery that hymns played at fast tempos (OK, “tempi”)
made great popular tunes. For example, the melody to
“Old Hundredth" was re-set to “Old Dan Tucker.” (If you
don’t recognize the name “Old Hundredth," here's a hint:

well-respected English composer and
conductor. Russell retired in 1857.
The book should shed some light on
how he spent his time for the next 43
years.

Russell died in London on December
6, 1900. According to the New York
Times obituary the following day,

he had composed more than 800
songs, published a memoir, and
befriended the likes of Fenimore
Cooper and Longfellow. “'Carlo,

the Newfoundland Dog' was one of
the most popular of his songs, and
he always prefaced it by telling the
story of its origin. A mother was on
an Atlantic liner when her child fell
overboard. A Newfoundland dog saw
the child, and immediately sprang in
after it. The dog kept the child afloat
until both were rescued.” In an era
characterized in this country by the
likes of PT. Barnum, melodramas,
and minstrel shows, this predecessor

 

R

2008 » ”

May this New
3 "One of joy, ha
" good health.

bonds between us. May we
entities to hold israel dear
_ _ , ‘a s and wish to] "
peace—for her, and for ail
the world.

L’Shanah Tovahl"
The Board aid

859.253.9300 ,

Richard & Kae Schennberg
Associate Brokers - Owner
(859) 626-1312 Phone

(859) 806-3845 Kae

(859) 806-4288 Richard
(859) 624-0528 Fax

Web Site: Schennberg.com

Francis 8 Schennbeeg
Realty, LLC
206 Wayne Drive, Sulle B

Relocation Specidist Richmond, KY 40475

 

 

Heart To Home
Adoption Agency, LLC

Leigh Shapiro—Walton, MA

859489-3055
leigh@heom‘ohomeodopi.org

Angie Funk, MBA
859—433—1206

ongie©heorfiohomeodoptorg

 

 

 

to Barry Manilow could have been one of the ”characters
welcome” in a 19th century stage version of what could
be a USA Network series. I can only imagine his take on
the story of Lola from the Copacabana. Mainly because of
the subject matter, this is the first book I have ever recom-
mended that l have not actually read. 1.7

September 2008 Shalom l 5

 

 

 

 9",

.vp—svsv‘

 

...-..c/4.v(t

(«467"

"-M'-‘a‘v"flxii,a

From the Executive Director

Daniel Chejfec

 

 

Wishes and reflections
4 + +

While this is not my final column as
executive director of CKJF—you’ll
still have to endure one more—the
end of September marks the end of
the Jewish year 5768, and every year
change, Jewish or secular, is a good
opportunity to take stock: in this
case, over nine years of association.

When I look back on the nine years I
served the Central Kentucky Jewish
Federation, I don’t have any illusions.
There have been successes and fail-
ures, progress and sometimes the
lack thereof. When everything is said
and done, however, I can honestly
say that I feel the successes far out-
weighed the failures, and progress,
rather than lack of it, was prevalent.

Since 5759 (1999), the community
has seen a significant growth in the
Campaign, in dollars (41 percent),
number of donors (51 percent), and
per capita giving, even in the last
couple of years of recession. The
way we communicate about the
Campaign has also changed for the
better, and quite a few initiatives
have taken hold. Our connections
with Israel have become more con-
crete with two partnerships with
the Jewish Agency for Israel. One

of them is the ”Net@: from High
Risk to High Tech" program held

at the Youth Village of Hadassah—
Neurim, a program that helps curb
the cycle of poverty for hundreds of
children a year. The second partner-

Caring for those

with emotional
needs.

The therapeutic horse-back

Division of the CKJF/ UJ C
Community Campaign.

(at,

6 I September 2008 Shalom

riding program at the Israeli
Youth Village of Ben Yakir is
funded, in part, by the Equine

ship, with the Equine Division of the
Campaign, is the Therapeutic Horse
Back Riding program at the Youth
Village of Ben Yakir, a program that
offers adolescents with emotional
difficulties a way to overcome them
and reach their full potential.

Speaking of communications, our
Shalom newspaper has been trans-
formed from a publication that
reprinted Jewish Telegraphic Agency
news a month late into a newspaper
that truly reflects the community,
informs about local activity, shares
stories about community members,
and offers education on Jewish
issues. Jewishlexingtonorg, from a
simple gateway to other sites, has
become a fully interactive website

helped to identify an average of five new families a
month, some of whom affiliated with local organi—
zations.

 

CKJF today has more volunteers than ever before,
and the leadership has grown younger. Programs
to promote volunteerism, such as the partnership between JFS and Faith in
Action, and the Tikkun Lexington initiatives, have made a difference. The

Day of Giving, born eight years ago, has become a significant landmark in
the life of our community.

Our offices moved from the basement at 340 Romany Road to the current
building, first on the second floor and from there to the third; we changed
from an office not encouraging to gatherings, to organizational headquar-
ters that can hold two or three simultaneous meetings. Our new office also
reflects the character of the community in the displays on our walls.

Other committees such as JFS, the Community Relations Committee, and
the Community Activities Committee have over the years increased their
service to our community in the form of support, representation of the orga-
nized Jewish community, and community celebrations

 

When everything has been put on the

including the Winter Dinner, Yom HaAtzmaut, and the
commemoration of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising on Yom

scales, the last nine years have been very Hashoah. We have created programs to connect with and

positive. And while sometimes it was a
rough ride, it was always keeping in mind
what is the best for our community.

educate the general community in Lexington, such as the
Michael Adelstein Holocaust Memorial Program taking
high school teachers to the USHMM in Washington DC,
The Emilie Szekely Holocaust Awareness Essay Contest
in public schools, the teachers training program “Echoes

 

with numerous features for our
members’ convenience, including
secure e—commerce. To make up

for the length of time in between
issues of Shalom, and to remind

our members about opportunities
for Jewish involvement in our area,
”Jewish Weekly” was born as a
weekly email—first as a simple list
of events, then progressing to a more
sophisticated format in recent years.
All these forms of communication

    
  

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organizations, the joint program A.M.O.S. with the Catholic Dioceses, par—
ticipation in downtown civic coalitions, and so much more.

Our administration improved greatly, facilitating the provision of services to
the community and making it easier for our volunteers to do their jobs.

Last, but very certainly not least, the jewel in the crown of CKJF: Camp
Shalom. In 1999, due to a series of circumstances, there was no Camp Shalom
session. Since then, the program has grown in ways that would make Sue
Friedman proud. Camp Shalom reached its 40th anniversary with a second
program, Camp Gesher, as a spinoff for older participants. Camp Shalom
provides ongoing training for counselors, active volunteer participation in
every session, and high quality programming. It now attracts a record num-
ber of campers.

When everything has been put on the scales, the last nine years have been
very positive. And while sometimes it was a rough ride, it was always keep-

see Wishes, page 24

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A Happq awe Healtlm §
New Year 2
from
The Lexington Hawrah

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