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Haiti Earthquake Relief - Responding to the Disaster

Haiti Earthquake ReliefJRF is encouraging our member communities and people everywhere to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Haiti due to the recent disasterous earthquake there. To expidite donations we are not setting up a separate donation fund, rather encouraging donations to our partner organizations who work directly on the ground in relief efforts. With a per capita income of $3.60 per day, Haiti is the most impoverished country in the Western Hemisphere. Thus, its population is especially vulnerable to natural disasters, such as the recent earthquake. Based on initial reports of widespread devastation and a high number of casualties, relief agencies anticipate that the immediate and long-term needs will be profound. Our prayers and our concrete actions are directed at this time to the many people in Haiti, both Haitian citizens and the many international visitors, aid workers and support people who have lost their lives and those who have lost loved ones. We also pray for the healing of those injured by the earthquake.

Prayers for the People of Haiti: http://jrf.org/Prayers-for-Haiti

Donations to AJWS's "Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund," which can be made at www.ajws.org/haitiearthquake, will enable AJWS's network of grantees in Haiti to meet the urgent needs of the population based on real-time, on-the-ground assessments.

The Jewish Federations of North America is partnering with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to provide aid and relief to victims http://www.jewishfederations.org/page.aspx?id=213133.

The Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief, of which JRF is an executive committee member participating in decisions on relief funding, is also responding long-term: http://www.jdc.org/jcdr_about.html.

MAZON, an external affiliate with JRF, is also responding to the situation, http://mazon.org/2010/01/13/mazon-launches-emergency-haiti-fund/

Joint Distribution Committee: https://www.jdc.org/donation/donate.aspx

Gig Pomerantz, a member of Shir Hadash, Milwaukee, WI, is President and Executive Director of Youthaiti, http://www.youthaiti.org/

For an extensive list of faith-based global relief organizations responding to the disaster see http://www.interaction.org/crisis-list/earthquake-haiti

Jewish Communities Response: http://jta.org/news/article/2010/01/19/1010227/jewish-community-stands-behind-haiti

Mother of Haitian baby honors IDF rescuers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL2PPJaiPOQ

To find information about friends and family in Haiti: The U.S. State Department set up a toll-free number to call for information about family members in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747.

Global Jewish Climate Change Campaign and Sustainable Synagogue Resources

Green EarthClick here for Reconstructionist movement and other general resources for living a sustainable, Jewish life!

http://jrf.org/Sustainable_Synagogue_Resources

http://jrf.org/Jewish-Climate-Change-Initiative

SAVE THE DATE! California Dreaming 2010 JRF Convention

JRF_convention_logo2_web.jpg

Mark your calendar for November 11-14, 2010 for the 2010 JRF Convention; the largest gathering of Reconstructionists and likeminded friends in North America. Our convention will take place at the stylish Hyatt Regency in sunny Newport Beach, California.

Plan to join us for four informative and uplifting days as we engage with experts and emerging leaders in the Jewish world. Experience a joyful, meaningful Shabbat together with lively, inspiring services and opportunities for Torah study, networking, and a wealth of Jewish learning.

Want to learn more?  Please visit the JRF Convention Website.

www.jrf.org/convention

Interfaith Coalition for Health Care Reform

Faithful Reform- Interfaith Coalition for HealthcareFaithful Reform- Interfaith Coalition for Healthcare“Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored?” --Jeremiah 8:22

JRF and our member communities have been actively supporting the need for healthcare reform in the United States. We will continue to join other Jewish religious movements and organizations to this end. Please join with other faith communities in the Interfaith Virtual Vigil of Prayer, Hope, and Action, a daily prayer and advocacy initiative from now until heathcare reform is passed. Also see http://delicious.com/JRFtikkun/healthcare for additional resources.

As people of faith, we envision a society where each person is afforded health, wholeness, and human dignity.

That vision as collectively articulated by the interfaith coalition Faithful Reform for Healthcare and the former "We Believe" interfaith action, embraces a system of health care that is inclusive... accessible... affordable... and accountable.  read more »

The JRF Strategic Plan

JRF is pleased to share its Strategic Plan with you. In addition to statements of our mission, general vision and programmatic vision, it contains 3-5 year goals relating to education, strengthening congregations, strengthening the Reconstructionist Movement, as well matters relating to operations, governance and administrative systems.

 read more »

Jewish Disability Awareness Month- February 2010

  Join a unified effort to raise disability awareness and  support efforts to foster inclusion in Jewish communities worldwide

 www.jsped.org

JRF Resources http://jrf.org/node/1743

The mission of Jewish Disability Awareness Month is to unite Jewish communities and organizations for the purpose of raising awareness and supporting meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities and their families in every aspect of Jewish life.  

During Jewish Disabilities Awareness Month You Can 

  1.  Offer programs on disability awareness in your community
  2.  Dedicate a Shabbat worship service to inclusion and the contributions of children and adults who have disabilities
  3. Participate in a community-wide disability awareness event such as the showing of “Autistic License” or any of the fine films listed on our website
  4. Start a Committee on Inclusion

For additional information contact Shelly Christensen at Schristensen@jfcsmpls.org  952-542-4838 

The Jewish Special Education International  Consortium is a professional network of directors, coordinators and administrators of Jewish special education services in Central Agencies for Jewish Education and/or Inclusion of People with Disabilities and is affiliated with JESNA.

JRF Events

Save the Date for the 2010 Evening of Celebration in New York!

Mar 8 2010 - 7:00pm
Reserve or Contribute Online Here

Please save the evening of Monday March 8th, 2010 for the New York/New Jersey Evening of Celebration at the landmark Eldridge Street Synagogue on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Enjoy a concert of World Jewish music which spans cultures and continents with Avram Pengas.

The Eldridge Street Synagogue

Edward Rothstein of the New York Times says this of the Eldridge Street Synagogue: "It is possible to be awestruck by the exotic splendor of this meticulously restored sanctuary." See more of the Synagogue: here.  read more »

Mayyim Hayyim Mikveh Conference

Oct 10 2010 - 12:00pm
Oct 12 2010 - 11:59am

Mayyim Hayyim (http://www.mayyimhayyim.org/) Community Mikveh and Education Center is hosting the international Mikveh Conference, “Gathering the Waters” in Boston, October 10-12, 2010. JRF is a partner for this event, and we encourage you to attend this exciting program.

The conference will provide an in-depth exploration of the contemporary mikveh in theory and practice. Internationally renowned scholars, clergy, and educators will teach about immersion as a powerful tool for spiritual renewal, marking life transitions, and observing mitzvot.  

Panels and workshops will provide skill development in the following areas:
* Honoring Conversion and Affirmation
* Exploring Contemporary Understanding of Niddah (Monthly Immersion)
* Marking Life Transitions with Ritual Immersion
* Facilitating Mikveh Guide (Attendant) Training
* Teaching About Mikveh for Students of All Ages
* Creating or Enhancing a Mikveh in Your Community

Read an article in a previous issue of RT: http://www.jrf.org/files/Fall-Vol14-1.pdf

Get more information at: http://www.mayyimhayyim.org/Resources/Conference-2010

Contact Amy Chartock, National Programs Director at amyc@mayyimhayyim.org or 617-244-1836 x 203