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NJOP
Outreach Newsletter
December 2001
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 A
Glimmer of Light
By Ephraim Buchwald
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Things
are happening so rapidly in the world at this time, that
I write this column fully aware that what I write today
might be entirely irrelevant by the time it appears in print.
The
traumatic events which struck America on September 11th
have changed so much of what we commonly took for granted.
Who would have ever imagined that 19 men with box cutters
could transform America, indeed, transform the world? And
yet, we have been transformed. We are, at the time of this
writing, a nation gripped with fear, a people in dread.
And as much as we try to conduct our lives in a "business-as-usual"
manner, we have learned that our lives have changed, and
that nothing anymore can be considered "usual."
The
A-lmighty has a strange sense of humor if this calamity
is His way of getting people to pay attention to Him. After
all, this is not what Jewish tradition had in mind when
it speaks of yirat shamayim, "fear of G-d." The
conventional understanding is that yirat shamayim is a "respect"
that G-d's wishes to instill in our hearts. And yet, reports
from all over the country indicate that churches, synagogues
and houses of worship of all faiths are showing greatly
increased attendance.
Could
it be that the A-lmighty is saying, "I tried to do
it with goodness, but you paid no heed"? After all,
we can count the ways that G-d tried with "goodness."
Who
would have believed that the Jewish nation would ever recover,
and certainly not so quickly, after the monumental destruction
of the Holocaust? Who would have ever believed that a Jewish
state -- the State of Israel, would be established? Who
would have ever believed that Jerusalem and all the ancient
holy places would be returned to Jewish dominion? Who would
have ever believed that after the profound losses just 60
years ago, a generation of Jews would arise that would be
the most highly educated and the most prosperous in all
Jewish history? And yet, all the goodness, for the most
part, has led to naught. Jews, educated Jews, prosperous
Jews, have been walking away from their Judaism in massive
numbers. The trauma of the terrorist acts has been more
than a wake-up call. It has made it eminently clear to each
of us how fragile life is, how quickly our lives can be
transformed, how tenuous our suppositions.
But,
enough philosophy! The phones are ringing off the hook.
Whatever the motivation, our brothers and sisters want to
learn. They want to learn Aleph Bet. They want to experience
Shabbat. They want to become more knowledgeable about Jewish
philosophy. In light of the recent tragedies, they seek
to understand the "origins of evil." They want
to know why the Jewish people have been singled out from
among all nations to play a central role on the stage of
world history.
We
wish that it didn't have to be this way. But the great destruction
has provided NJOP with a challenge, and an opportunity that
we must not fritter away. NJOP is ready and eager to respond
to the call of the children of Israel who wish to explore
the deeper meanings of life, of Jewish life.
We
thank our friends and supporters of NJOP for their increased
assistance during these very trying days and years. We pray
that the momentum of return will continue to grow and will
usher in the era of the Great Redemption speedily in our
days.
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Read
Hebrew America/Canada
"BE A PART OF IT!"
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"The
people of our community thrilled to participate in this
course and especially enjoyed being part of a national Jewish
program. Even though we are a suburb of Los Angeles, the
Jewish community here often feels disconnected and isolated
from the larger synagogues and community. This program,
as well as Shabbat Across America, helped us feel more connected
and part of the larger Jewish community. Thank you!"
Cong. B'nai Emet, Simi Valley, CA
"Be a part of it!" enjoins the Read Hebrew America/Canada
(RHA/C) jingle. Being part of Read Hebrew America/Canada
is about more than just learning to read Hebrew -- it is
about being part of a united Jewish people, and EVERYONE,
beginners, intermediates, et al., can be a part of it.
The past year has been a period of great stress for the
world-wide Jewish community, with terrorism shaking the
very foundations of life both in Israel and in North America.
How should we react to these great challenges? While there
are no easy answers, it is always important for Jews to
fortify themselves with the knowledge of who we are. For
many Jews, learning Hebrew is the perfect first step.
Since
the first RHA/C campaign in 1998, over 35,000 Jews have
participated by taking either NJOP's Hebrew Reading Crash
Course Level I or Level II, or the One Day Review.
After four years, why do people continue to sign on for
RHA/C? Because it's fun, it's easy, and it's a proven success!
One major selling point of RHA/C is the short duration of
the courses -- a mere 5 weeks, broken into convenient
once-a-week 1½ hour classes. This makes the classes
easily adjustable to busy schedules. And all the classes
are offered free, so there is no excuse to pass up this
unique opportunity to reconnect with the language of one's
heritage.
Does it work? Have Jews really been learning Hebrew? Has
it really impacted the Jewish community? YES! YES! and YES!
Not
only have people learned to read Hebrew...but former NJOP
students are now teaching RHA/C. Wendy Maislen Frank of
Buffalo Grove, Ill., writes:
"I
have always wanted to learn to read Hebrew and did some
work on my own. I heard the NJOP ad on the radio for a free
class. It seemed too good to be true. I was stunned to learn
that I could just go and learn, and that the classes were
free! Now I am teaching Hebrew and I am so grateful for
your program."
Teri
Bilenker of Cranford, N.J. noted that not only did "being
able to read Hebrew (although slowly) enhance [her] enjoyment
of services," but that "after taking the HRCC
[she] was able to really participate in a [Passover] Seder."
The impact of RHA/C on the greater Jewish community has
been vast. Reports from the "field" indicate that
thousands of past RHA/C participants have begun attending
services on a more regular basis, lighting candles in their
homes on Friday nights, and joining the local synagogue.
Clearly, NJOP programs effectively inspire Jews to make
Judaism a stronger force in their lives and the lives of
their families.
A particularly inspiring and unifying element of the RHA/C
Campaign is that many participants are excited to know that
the identical class is being taught in synagogues of all
affiliations, and at Jewish institutions that are not affiliated
at all. As Michael B. Carpe from Wakefield, Mass., pointed
out: "The program made us realize that everyone has
different levels of knowledge of Judaism, but we are all
Jewish people and should concentrate on our common heritage
and work together to increase awareness of our culture."
As
the 4th annual Read Hebrew America/Canada began, Jews from
all over bame involed by taking a class, teachinga class
or recommending a class to a friend. Everyone truly tried
to "be a part of it."
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NJOP
VOLUNTEERS HONORED FOR
THEIR
UNFAILING DEDICATION
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NJOP VOLUNTEERS HONORED FOR THEIR UNFAILING
DEDICATION
"...Just
wanted to drop a line on how much we appreciated the course,
especially the teacher ..."
"...[my teacher] not only teaches Hebrew beautifully,
but also manages to impart a true sense of the religion..."
"...[I want to] tell you what a wonderful experience
it has been. Mrs. P is a very caring person and always
available for questions. Because of her, I am now able
to read from the siddur ..."
NJOP students praise teachers everywhere!
It
takes an army for one organization to touch the lives
of more than a half million Jews in over 3,000 locations.
The "army" of the National Jewish Outreach Program
is an unusually committed corps of volunteer teachers
and coordinators. Across the continent -- indeed, around
the world -- dedicated men and women offer their time
and skills to run NJOP Programs. From Hebrew Reading Crash
Course teachers to Shabbat Across America/Canada coordinators,
NJOP depends on its devoted volunteers.
On
May 16, 2001, NJOP honored this esteemed troop of volunteers
at a Teacher and Coordinator Recognition Evening. The
evening, sponsored by long time NJOP supporter Esther
Judith Manischewitz, was an opportunity for teachers and
coordinators to share ideas, meet the NJOP staff, kvell
over their accomplishments and commiserate over the vast
task that yet lays ahead.
Following
NJOP Marketing Director Andrea Snyder's heartfelt welcome,
Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald spoke of a remarkable Torah law:
"cities of refuge" must be built in the Land
of Israel to serve as asylums for people who commit accidental
manslaughter. In detailing the operation of the cities
of refuge, the Talmud states that if a student is exiled
to such a city, the student's teacher is exiled with him,
based on an interpretation of the Biblical verse: "so
that he may live." It is not only that the teacher
is exiled because he did not teach his student properly,
leading him to accidentally kill someone; but rather that
the teacher must go into exile with the student because
not learning Torah is like a virtual death sentence for
the student! Scriptures in hand, Rabbi Buchwald, thanked
the volunteers before him and stated that he was happy
to be "here with people who are fighting the dissolution
of Torah, who are dedicated to stopping the hemorrhaging
of the Jewish people, and who are making certain that
their fellow Jews ‘may live.'"
The
dedication of which Rabbi Buchwald spoke is reflected
by Rabbi Richard Kirsch, of Temple Beth El in Rutherford,
N.J. While Rutherford is a small community, Rabbi Kirsch
has worked hard at bringing people in, and he has found
the entire spectrum of NJOP programs to be excellent outreach
tools. His job, as he sees, it is to not only reach out
to Jews in the surrounding North Jersey communities, but
also to motivate those already affiliated to become more
involved. Using NJOP programs, Rabbi Kirsch encourages
his members to bring new people to Shabbat Across America
and to reach-out themselves.
When
Florence Weiner addressed the volunteers, she spoke with
a passion backed by her many years of commitment to the
Hebrew Reading Crash Courses. Florence, NJOP's Program
Coordinator and Hebrew Language Specialist, is the author
of the Instruction Guides for all three NJOP Hebrew reading
courses. Calling upon those present to spread the word
about the need for Level II classes, Florence promised
the full support of the NJOP staff, whom they can call
with any questions. "All it takes," Florence
encouraged the audience, "is the right energy. That
makes any Crash Course a success."
The
students themselves recognize, and are inspired by, the
passion of their teachers. Sylvia Chase was so appreciative
of her teacher, Frieda Falk, that she transported her
to the Teacher and Coordinator Recognition Evening. For
over a decade Mrs. Falk, a young 88 years old, has made
her New Hyde Park, N.Y., home a classroom for the HRCC.
The final address of the evening came from Larry Greenman,
NJOP's recently appointed Community Development and Outreach
Coordinator. Using the imagery of helping fellow Jews
climb a spiritual ladder, he rallied the volunteers before
him to recognize the importance of follow-up. Whether
through partnered learning or Beginners Services, the
graduates and participants must be encouraged to continue
their involvement.
Nodding
in agreement, some volunteers are already trying to increase
follow-up at their locations. At the Young Israel of Kingsbay
in Brooklyn, N.Y., Rachel Edelman and Allen Popper helped
their synagogue conduct Shabbat Across America for the
first time this year. In the synagogue's attempt to reinvigorate
itself and recruit new members, they used SAA/C as a tool
to reach out to their own inactive members and the surrounding
Russian Jewish community.
With over 100 participants, the evening was a great success,
and resulted in great communal kindness as members anonymously
sponsored those who otherwise could not afford to attend
the dinner. SAA/C also served to jump-start a whole new
in-house "attitude" at the Young Israel. The
synagogue now looks forward to offering more classes and,
perhaps, working with NJOP to run an HRCC in the Russian
language.
"Inspired and inspiring," was how Andrea Snyder
described the Teacher Recognition evening, adding that
NJOP wished a similar event could be held in every community.
Those NJOP volunteers who were able to attend the Teacher
and Coordinator Recognition Evening left with a sense
of mission.
After
sharing ideas and stories with each other and with NJOP's
staff, it was now time to return to their communities
to lead the effort to reach out to every Jew, wherever
he/she may be!
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Boston
University Hillel -- A Model of Cooperation
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The
Hillel House at Boston University is a bustling center
of Jewish student life, where students come to mix and
mingle, to worship at weekly Shabbat services, to eat
together at the Friday night meals, and to enjoy the comradery
of the kosher dining hall. To meet the challenge of drawing
even more students to their programs, BU Hillel decided
to join the long list of American campuses taking part
in Shabbat Across America/ Canada 2001.
With
weekly Shabbat programing already part of the Hillel's
schedule, the students of BU wanted to make their Shabbat
Across America/Canada a unique experience. To add more
firepower to the ingredients, BU Hillel staff contacted
the PANIM program of Yeshiva University's Affiliated Max
Stern Division of Communal Services. Drawing students
from Yeshiva College, Stern College and the Rabbi Isaac
Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), PANIM sends representatives
to enhance students' Jewish experiences and to provide
educational programming on college campuses around the
country.
More
than 100 new students attended BU Hillel's SAA/C Friday
night dinner. Additional tables had to be set up to accommodate
the 300 attendees. "The BU students made the weekend
really happen," said PANIM Coordinator Jason Finklestein.
"But there's no question that the success of the
weekend was due in no small part to the programming and
materials of NJOP's Shabbat Across America/Canada. [NJOP]
did a terrific job publicizing the weekend's events, which
helped us draw such a significant number of students to
our programs."
The
program commenced with a spirited and moving SAA/C introductory
service and a lively Friday night dinner. PANIM volunteers
then divided the BU students into twelve groups and led
discussions concerning the meaning and significance of
Shabbat. Both the PANIM representatives and the Hillel
staff were impressed with the depth of conversation generated
by the participants. "The students seemed to really
enjoy talking about what Shabbat meant to them, and asking
me questions about my own experiences," said PANIM
member Eli Deutch.
Rabbi
Ben Lancton, the Associate Rabbi and Director of Student
Activities at BU Hillel, noted that the discussions were
"very cross-sectional. The wide-ranging conversations,"
he said, "brought together a diversity of perspectives."
After succeeding to create a strong sense of unity through
the intimate discussion groups, the PANIM volunteers brought
all the participants together again for a traditional
kumzitz, replete with spirited singing and the requisite
assortment of refreshments. It was an atmosphere charged
with spirituality and comraderie – a mood that continued
into the next day.
Following the standard Hillel morning services and Shabbat
lunch, the PANIM volunteers offered an array of educational
programs and spent the afternoon, as so many Saturday
afternoons on a college campus are spent, chatting and
hanging out. But this "hanging out" was different.
It was Shabbat. Discussions weren't about frat parties
and midterms, but rather, concerned the sanctity of the
day and the importance of Judaism. It was, as the kabbalists
describe Shabbat, "a taste of the world to come."
The
collaborative efforts of NJOP, PANIM and the Boston University
Hillel created an inspiring Shabbat experience and demonstrated
the power of a unified community effort.
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SHABBAT
ACROSS AMERICA UNIFIES AUGUSTA COMMUNITY
Am
Yisroel, Am Echad! The Nation of Israel is One Nation!
And with their exquisite Shabbat Across America/Program,
the small but vibrant Jewish community of Augusta, Ga.,
proved just how unified a community can be.
Casually sorting through her mail, Alberta Goldberg, the
program director at the Augusta Jewish Community Center,
noticed a blue postcard announcing the date for SAA/C
2001. She seized hold of it as the perfect opportunity
to bring the Augusta Jewish community together.
After inviting the two local synagogues to participate
with the Jewish Community Center, Alberta dispatched a
steady stream of flyers and word-of-mouth creating a strong
interest in the SAA/C program. Expanding the traditional
SAA/C Friday night program to include Saturday lunch and
Havdallah, Alberta created a schedule in which everyone
could "feel ownership of the program."
Augusta's SAA/C began on Friday night at Congregation
Children of Israel. In addition to their regular service,
Congregation Children of Israel held a pre-service Dinner
in honor of SAA/C. To capture the desired spirit of unity,
the guest speaker of the evening was Rabbi Alex Greenbaum,
rabbi of Adas Yeshrun Synagogue. The SAA/C dinner and
service attracted a crowd of over 150 people.
Adas Yeshrun Synagogue followed up the SAA/C evening program
by hosting Saturday morning services and a kiddush/ lunch,
confirming the spirit of unity felt the previous evening.
Over half of those who attended the SAA/C dinner returned
for the morning program, and the pulpit switch from the
night before was reciprocated as Rabbi Jordan Parr of
Congregation Children of Israel delivered the Shabbat
morning sermon.
Alberta, however, did not let the program end with just
two services and meals. To complete the Augusta community's
SAA/C Shabbat program, everyone was invited to return
Saturday evening to a special Havdallah celebration at
the Augusta Jewish Community Center. The highlight of
the concluding program was a special reading by Cathy
Goldberg Fishman of her recently published children's
book, On Shabbat. As she read through her work, which
explores the celebration of Shabbat through a young girl's
eyes, the 75 Augustans in attendance were wrapped in the
warmth of knowing that, together, they too had celebrated
a most meaningful Sabbath day.
As the three-wicked havdallah candle illuminated the room,
Rabbi Greenbaum and Rabbi Parr joined together to lead
the ceremony separating Shabbat from the rest of the week.
The spirit of Shabbat Across America/Canada transcended
the single day, creating one community, united together
by their faith, emboldened by the knowledge that they
could now build on their experience and plan for a more
meaningful Jewish future.
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Governor
Pataki Salutes NJOP
An
Afternoon in the Hamptons
Rain,
rain, and more rain -- but the National Jewish Outreach
Program knows the truth about rain: rain is a gift In
fact, Jewish tradition teaches us that rain is a blessing,
a blessing of abundance. Indeed, on August 12, 2001,
at Sam Domb's Westhampton Beach home, the friends and
supporters of NJOP found an abundance of delightful
comraderie, delicious food and meaningful lessons to
take home.
The highlight of the Sunday afternoon event was New
York Governor George E. Pataki's salute to the National
Jewish Outreach Program for its vital work in bringing
Jews back to Judaism. As the governor pointed out, in
the increasingly materialistic society in which we live,
a connection with one's history, with one's faith and
heritage, is what keeps people connected to their humanity.
After a week of soaring temperatures and stifling humidity,
the sun gave way to powerful downpours... and still
over 250 people made their way deep into Long Island
to support NJOP. Protected by a large festive tent,
no one seemed to mind the rain. Not only were the guests
entertained by the music of Lior Adaki, but they also
enjoyed a sumptuous buffet with everything from sushi
to burgers...the perfect Sunday afternoon barbecue.
The day was about more than just mixing and mingling,
it was about the vital work of NJOP and it's efforts
to secure a bright future for the Jewish people. NJOP's
work took on even deeper significance in light of the
devastating suicide bomb at Sbarros™ in the heart
of Jerusalem, only a few days earlier. Not a soul present
was unaware of the need for the Jewish people to unite
in unequivocal support of Jewish education -- clearly
the fundamental ingredient of Jewish continuity. This
sentiment was dramatically underscored by an unexpected
message received by
Rabbi Buchwald on his cell phone just moments before
the program began. The call was from Shmuel Greenbaum,
whose pregnant wife, Judith, was killed in the bombing:
Mr. Greenbaum pleaded with Rabbi Buchwald to convey
the message to those gathered that his wife must not
have died in vain. It was his request, therefore, that
"people commit themselves to better Jewish practice,
because what the Jewish people is experiencing now is
due to the fact that we are Jews; not because we are
a state or a nation, but because of our faith."
Introduced by the Hampton Synagogue's Rabbi Marc Schneier
as a representative of "the quintessential example
of the paragon of Jewish Outreach, the State of Israel,"
Consul General, Ambassador Alon Pinkus stressed the
idea that Israel and the diaspora strengthen one another
and that nothing is as important as Jewish education
to Jewish life. The Ambassador's message was straight
to the point. "This is not an easy time...but we've
been saying that for 53 years."
The Westhampton event also served as an opportunity
for NJOP to honor Sony and Yair Levy and Shani and Stephen
Odzer, for their dedication to the Jewish people. In
recognition of their commitment, Rabbi Buchwald presented
the Levys with a beautiful sterling silver kiddush cup
and the Odzers with a stunning silver menorah. NJOP
and Mr. Domb also expressed their appreciation to Rosalyn
and Ron Binday, Florence and Michael Edelstein, Kin
Franceschini, Rochelle Malek, and Michelle and Eli Salig
by presenting them with silver mezuzot in recognition
of their dedication to NJOP and the Jewish people.
The work of the National Jewish Outreach Program, the
challenge of strengthening Jewish commitment to Jewish
living, and the driving need to support Israel, can
only succeed when individuals work together for the
greater good. For this dedication, which is an integral
aspect of every NJOP supporter, the National Jewish
Outreach Program, is truly thankful.
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Rabbi
Buchwald Lauds Sam Domb's Dedication
Noting that Sam Domb, successful businessman, Israeli
war hero and renowned philanthropist, could be spending
his time sitting by the bay behind his beautiful home,
Rabbi Buchwald called Mr. Domb's constant struggle
to help save the Jewish people a feat of supernatural
dedication.
Rabbi Buchwald then compared Mr. Domb to the Biblical
prophet Elijah, who called upon G-d to create a miraculous
event to convince the Israelites to stop worshiping
idols. In the First Book of Kings (Chapter 18), during
the reign of the idolatrous King Ahab and Queen Jezebel,
Elijah stood up to 250 priests of Baal and challenged
the Jewish people, demanding to know how long they
would sit on the fence before making their commitment
to G-d. When the priests of Baal could not bring down
fire from their false gods, Elijah cried out to heaven
and G-d showed His might as a heavenly fire licked
up the water-drenched offerings, proving that G-d
was indeed the Ruler of the world. While Sam Domb
has not brought down a physical fire from Heaven,
said Rabbi Buchwald, he has helped to re-ignite the
spark of Judaism in thousands of Jews through his
support of the National Jewish Outreach Program.
In recognition of his mighty deeds, Rabbi Buchwald
presented Mr. Domb with a beautiful silver plaque
which reads: "In appreciation of his inspirational
leadership of the Jewish people and his unsurpassed
commitment to the National Jewish Outreach Program
and its mission. His accomplishments will certainly
be recorded in the history books of the Jewish nation."
In addition, Rabbi Buchwald presented Mr. Domb with
a beautiful photo montage of the many special occasions
that he has shared with the National Jewish Outreach
Program.
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THE GOVERNOR'S SALUTE
In an unprecedented endorsement of the work of NJOP,
Governor George E. Pataki commended NJOP for its outstanding
efforts to reconnect Jews with Jewish knowledge and
spirituality. Noting that in the age of modernism
and materialism, morality is an oft overlooked necessity,
the governor asserted that "when [NJOP] brings
people back to reclaim their Judaism, and teaches
them not just the religious but the ethical and legal
strength of Torah...[they] are helping to reclaim
them as citizens of a broader world."
In
a ringing statement of solidarity with the worldwide
Jewish community, Governor Pataki not only upheld
his belief that Jerusalem is the "eternal, united
capital of Israel," but he also shared his dismay
at the anti-Israel bias regularly displayed by the
press.
Speaking
with great emotion, Governor Pataki proclaimed himself
a proud friend of both the National Jewish Outreach
Program and Mr. Sam Domb. Recognizing the threat hanging
over the Jewish nation, the governor stood tall and
declared that the Jewish people "must stand as
a shining example for centuries more." The National
Jewish Outreach Program is thoroughly committed and
prepared to make the governor's declaration a reality.
***************
Host Sam Domb
NJOP's host extraordinare, Mr. Sam Domb, was passionate
in his appeal to the attendees of the Governor Pataki
Salutes NJOP event. "History has taught us a
lesson," Mr. Domb declared," that Jewish
survival cannot be guaranteed by any one else. It
has to be guaranteed only by us -- You and I, and
G-d, of course!"
As a former soldier in the Israeli army and a tireless
crusader for the Jewish people, Mr. Domb urged those
gathered before him to "be participants, not
spectators." Throughout history, nations have
tried to destroy the Jewish people, he declared, but
they have not succeeded or survived. Now the Jewish
nation suffers a physical threat, while still battling
the siege of assimilation. It is a two front war,
Mr. Domb pointed out, as he urged everyone to take
part in both battles.
American Jews can help the State of Israel, Mr. Domb
affirmed. They must fight back politically by helping
"politicians who are in favor of the State of
Israel, of the Jewish people...and those politicians
must speak out on behalf of the Jewish people."
A concrete example of such a politician is Governor
Pataki, who has proven that he "cares about Israel
and wants to help!"
To fight the war on assimilation, Mr. Domb asserted,
one must "be courageous -- and support the National
Jewish Outreach Program. NJOP offers the highest return
on your investment, in dividends which build Jewish
homes and spiritual lives...NJOP provides guidance...
They do not perform heart transplants, but they certainly
heal many Jewish broken hearts..."
That is Sam Domb's dream -- a healthy and secure Jewish
people.
And it is a dream for which Mr. Domb continues to
work -- tirelessly, of course.
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NJOP
Beats the Personals
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Female
graduate student, studying kaballah, Zohar, exorcism of
dybbuks , seeks mench. No weirdos, please.
POB 56 Agnostic, dyselexic insomniac male, seeks similar
female to stay up all night to discuss whether or not there
really is a DOG.
POB 83ks
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Divorced
Jewish man, seeks partner to attend shul with, light Shabbos
candles, celebrate holidays, build Sukkah together. Religion
not important POB 658
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80-year-old
bubbe, no assets, seeks handsome, virile Jewish male, under
35. Object matrimony. I can dream, can't I? POB 545
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As
one of the pre-eminent Jewish outreach organizations, the
National Jewish Outreach Program is often confronted with
the challenge of Jewish singles, who are not meeting "nice
Jewish guys or girls." Taking the bull by the horns,
Sam Domb and NJOP hosted a special, invitation only, sold-out
Shabbat dinner for singles on May 18, 2001.
The social hall of Congregation Ohav Sholom on Manhattan's
Upper West Side was transformed into an elegant dining room,
and as the guests entered, they were each asked to draw a
table assignment from the appropriate male or female basket.
This lottery-style seating "served multiple goals,"
according to NJOP's Director of Special Events, Amy Vogel.
"Selecting a table number out of a basket alleviates
much of the stress of finding one's own seat. At the same
time, NJOP was able create a balanced number of men and women
per table."
In the vastness of the New York singles' scene, the constant
challenge is to find ways for people to meet, rather than
simply coming to programs and socializing with old friends.
Amy therefore created a comfortable and warm and slightly
romantic, yet spiritual, setting in which the 85 dinner guests
could relaxed and get to know one other.
Adena Samowitz, Vice President of Rockwell Abstract, welcomed
the crowd and spoke about the singles' life in New York, where
events are constantly being planned to meet the needs of Jewish
singles. She emphasized, however, that making the most of
these opportunities is up to each person individually.
Contemplating on the search for the perfect spouse, Rabbi
Buchwald read aloud some of the "funny personals"
that came in over the internet:
Agnostic,
dyslexic insomniac male, seeks similar female to stay up
all night to discuss
whether or not there really is a DOG. POB 83
Worried
about in-law meddling? I'm an orphan! Write POB 74
On a more serious note, however, Rabbi Buchwald described
the long lists of ideal spouse character traits he often
hears from singles who come to him for help. His sound advice
to the singles before him: "Make a list of the top
ten characteristics that you feel are most important. If
you meet someone who has 6 or 7 of those -- grab ‘em!"
NJOP's sponsorship of a special singles' evening came at
the behest of Mr. Sam Domb. Greeting the gathered singles,
he could not help but smile at the latent potential in the
room. Mr. Domb, however, knew and understood that all would
be for naught unless it was understood that Jews marrying
Jews and raising Jewish families is critical. Sam reminded
everyone that more than a desire, more than a dream, it
is an obligation for each and every Jewish single to get
married, and that there is no better place to begin the
search than with NJOP.
While the official program of the evening concluded with
a beautiful buffet of desserts, the evening continued on
as guests mixed, mingled and perhaps met their future mates.
Unlike Cinderella, even midnight could not clear the Ohav
Sholom social hall. Whether a match comes from the evening
or not, the NJOP Singles' Shabbat Dinner was a wonderful
success, one which NJOP looks forward to repeating in the
future and encourages other communities to sponsor.
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