xt74b853jj8g https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt74b853jj8g/data/mets.xml Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass. Kentucky Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass. 1993-02 Newsletter of the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass, previously named the Central Kentucky Jewish Association and Central Kentucky Jewish Federation. 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. newsletters English Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass 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 Central Kentucky Jewish Federation newsletter, February 1993, volume 11 number 1 text Central Kentucky Jewish Federation newsletter, February 1993, volume 11 number 1 1993 1993-02 2024 true xt74b853jj8g section xt74b853jj8g (21(er

f CENTQAL KENTUCKY
‘ JEWléH FEDEQATION

VOLUME XI, NO. 1 FEBRUARY 1993

One @eopﬂa
One @estz'ny

The Central Kentucky Jewish Federation Campaign Chairpeople announce a campaign
goal of $425,000 ! This is the most challenging financial objective our community has ever set.
But we shall reach it. The members of CKJF acknowledge increased needs of our fellow Jews
the world over. Equally important is our recognition of the spiralling cost to CJF and its
beneﬁciaries of increased collaboration in secular, multicultural, and interreligious social,
humanitarian, and relief efforts.

6
Our unity has many dimensions. We Jews are one people, regardless of the ways we
practice our religion. Beyond our unity as a people, we have a oneness with others in this
world. We know our responsibilities as members of the Jewish community and, as ever, are
prepared to meet the inherent costs.

i <‘

3‘. .
ba-
.yﬂ

Leon Cooper Gloria Katz Marilyn Gall
‘Men‘s Division Chair Campaign Chair Women's Division Chair

Sue Ezrine and Austin Cantor
Super Sunday Co-Chairpeople

WHY THE UMBRELLA OF THE CKJF/UJA
CAMPAIGN

An umbrella symbolizes not only
protection or shelter but also a multidimensional
range, 360° to be exact, ofendeavors. And that
is an accurate description of what the Central
Kentucky Jewish Federation and the United
Jewish Appeal are all about. A major focus of
theirjoint campaign and their individual and joint
ventures is to protect and shelter Jews, and,
with increasing frequency, members of non-
Jewish communities the world over. In addition,
these organizations facilitate communications
within the Jewish community and between the
Jewish community and the diverse social,
ethnic, economic, political, cultural, educational,
and service groups among whom we exist. Let
us explore just a few local, national, and
international examples.

Locally, the Central Kentucky Jewish
Federation maintains committees designed to
service its members and beneficiaries. The
assistance provided by the Social Services
Committee is wide and varied. Last year it
included endeavors such as finding volunteers
who were willing to become legal guardians for
an elderly Jew who was too ill to make
competent legal or personal decisions, making
interest-free loans, providing a multiplicity of
counseling services, referring people to
community resources for aid that could be better
provided by those agencies, awarding
"camperships" so that our young people could
attend non—proﬁt Jewish camps, and making a
number of other painful and difficult decisions
that impacted the social well—being of members
of this community. The National Association of
Jewish Family and Children's Service Agencies,
of which we are a member, joined in community
wide rehabilitation efforts after the hurricane
disasters in Florida, Louisiana, and Hawaii. We
wanted to be able to respond in full measure to
every request, but we did not have the financial
means to do so.

The Community Relations Committee
participated in or coordinated activities that
advanced positive relationships within this
Jewish community and between the Jews of
Central Kentucky and local Jewish and non-
Jewish groups. Also, as a member of the
National Jewish Community Relations Advisory

Committee, we participated in efforts that
promoted social justice at the national and
international levels; for example, the relocation
of people in Sarajevo - Jews, Christians, an
Muslims - to places of safety and the feeding
and relocation of starving Somalis.

Members of our Community Activities
Committee were responsible for the success of
Camp Shalom, a number of pre-school
programs, and the Yom Ha'atzmeut celebration.
Forum activities were in hiatus following the
triumphant, but costly, appearance of Theodore
Bikel.

The Russian Resettlement Committee
has done an outstanding job of facilitating the
resettlement of new Americans from the former
Soviet Union. Assistance takes many forms,
not the least of which is substantial financial
subsidy for their ﬁrst three months in this
country. They also are provided with help
getting jobs, learning English, obtaining health
care, enrolling in educational programs, and the
many other aspects of daily living that require
adaptation as one integrates into a new social
order.

This is but a small fraction of what th.;

CKJF/UJA Campaign tries to accomplish. And
we have not even mentioned the scope of our
operations in Israel; operations which are
completely divorced from political control or
dedication. These responsibilities, and they are,
in fact, responsibilities, would require more time
and space than can be spared here and now.
Suffice it to say that the people of Israel need
the same assistance required by the residents
of Central Kentucky. Just as we are ready to
extend a helping hand to our fellow Jews
locally, so must we extend our generosity to
Jews in Eretz Yisroel.

in view of the enormity of our
responsibilities, one can readily understand how
attainment of these worthy undertakings
depends upon the success of the Campaign
Committee. None of our work, by any other
committee, at any level, could be done without
the invaluable contributions of time and labor by
committed volunteers. But the services

themselves cost money. Purely and simply pu. .

the provision of human services is the WHY OF
THE CENTRAL KENTUCKY JEWISH
FEDERATIONIUJA CAMPAIGN.

COMMITMENT;
WHAT CAMPAIGN IS ALL ABOUT.

A new fiscal year is upon us, and, once
again, each member of our Federation will be
asked to make a financial commitment to the
CKJF/UJA Campaign. As in the past, when
solicitors approach prospective contributors,
they will hear such challenges as "I cannot give
because l do not support the policies of the
Israeli government", or "The country may be
coming out of a recession, but things are still
tough for me. I am sorry but I will have to cut
my contribution this year." Another rejoinder is
"Let's not waste time. Just put me down for
what I gave last year." Occasionally they will be
rewarded with, "It will be difficult, but I will
increase my pledge.” There is validity to all of
these responses. However, because this is a
service organization that depends upon the
generosity of its constituents for its existence,
please allow me to try and convince you to think
twice about your response and of the need for
more of us to select the option of an increased

ledge.
.9 First, let me reinforce the fact that

Campaign is apolitical! Money may not be used
to support any government, political movement,
or military organization. Your contributions to
Campaign are dedicated to assisting people in
Central Kentucky, in the United States, and
around the world.

Although it may be redundant to many,
indulge me as I explain briefly what happens to
the money contributed to the annual campaign
conducted by the Central Kentucky Jewish
Federation and the United Jewish Appeal. The
founders of CKJF determined that, of the total
pledged and contributed, we would deduct
campaign costs and the funds designated for
local use or Israel only first. Then, contributions
ear-marked for special enterprises such as
Project Renewal or Operation Exodus are
directed to those respective endeavors. What
is left in the General Campaign is divided.
Thirty percent (30%) is retained in Central
Kentucky to pay administrative costs not

.ncluded in campaign expenses and for the

benefits that derive from the work of our
Community Activities, Community Relations, and
Social Services Committees. The larger

amount, 70%, is sent to national to provide
services to Jews the world over. Examples of
educational and vocational retraining programs
in Israel, caring for destitute elders in the United
States and Europe, purchasing basic essentials
for impoverished Jews in North Africa and Latin
America, providing assistive devices to Jews
with disabilities, and counseling Israeli families
so that their children will remain in school.

The work of our Community Activities,
Community Relations, and Social Services
Committees is vital. There is hard evidence that
there is an increased need for the services
provided by each of them. The level of services
these committees can provide is contingent
upon the level of giving to Campaign. I urge
everyone to consider this reality and to respond

as generously as possible. WW

LOAN GUARANTEES: A MAJOR REASON
FOR GIVING

One of the major philanthropies of the
Council of Jewish Federations is participation in
a $900 million Loan Guarantee Program. This
program, unrelated to loan guarantees by the
US. government to the government of Israel, is
a response to the challenge to Israel's economy
by the massive inﬂux of up to a million Jews
from the former Soviet Union. This program is
a guarantee to Israeli banks (Bank Leumi, Bank
Mizrachi, and Bank Hapoalim) of direct loans of
up to $1,250.00 made to newcomers who need
assistance in meeting the costs of resettlement.

As of 30 November, loans totaling
$96,233,780 have been authorized to 123,832
individuals. Because borrowers have 10
months in which to convert their loan
authorizations into actual loans, only 89,500
cash loans totaling $69,548,385 have been
negotiated.
* Please note that CJF is but one
participant in this undertaking. Because such a
financial obligation would be impossible for one
organization alone, indemnification of the $900
million is a joint venture of CJF, Keren Hayesod,
the United Jewish Appeal/Canada, the United
Jewish Appeal, the United Israel Appeal, and
the Jewish Agency for Israel. Thus, we have a
tangible effort by Jews the world over to help
new Israelis become self sufﬁcient and self
reliant. Truly, the highest level of Tzedakah.

—
A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Reﬂecting upon this new stage in my career and
upon a new home for my family produces the
natural anxiety that such change necessitates.
lt also produces a feeling of welcome and
warmth. From the interview process through my
ﬁrst day in the office, everyone has been so
accepting and outgoing. Each and every one
that l have come into contact with has made me
feel at home; so many people have gone out of
their way to be of assistance. l thank you all
deeply.

There are many goals and challenges
ahead of us as a community and as Jews. I
have ideas and experience from other
communities; each Board member has ideas
and experiences and I am sure that you too
have ideas. But ideas can only turn into
realities if they are expressed and placed in
motion. Thus, I urge you to share your
thoughts; you are the Central Kentucky Jewish
Federation. Without you, there is no
Federation, no Jewish community. I would
welcome the opportunity to meet you and to
listen to your thoughts and ideas. I know that
each and every member of the Board of
Directors feels the same way. Please - bang
our ears! Stop into your Federation office and
let us know your thoughts.

Today, the American Jewish community
is facing the problems of assimilation and a
negative birth rate. At the same time, the lsraeli
population is expanding. Our success after
years of yelling "let our people go" is now
seeing the fruits of our efforts. These factors
lead to increasing needs to both strengthen the
local community and to provide greater
assistance to Israel. Israel depends upon a
strong American Jewish community. We must
continue to assure that strength.

These last sentences sum up my
personal philosophy and goals -- assure the
strength of the local community which will, in
turn, assure the strength of Israel.

I look forward to working with you in the years
ahead.

--Howard L. Ross

SUCCESS
"Coming together is a beginning...
keeping together is progress...
working together is success."
--author unknown

For the past several months you have
afforded me the privilege of serving as interim
Director of the Central Kentucky Jewish
Federation. It has been a wonderful and
rewarding job; an opportunity for which I thank
each of you effusively. lf l needed assistance
or advice, I had but to ask and it was there.
You forgave my ignorance and mistakes, and
helped me learn how to avoid future errors.
This experience reinforced my appreciation of
the unique solidarity and support that
characterize our community. We come
together, readily and whole-heartedly, whenever
the best interests of Jews or Judaism are at
stake.

Keeping together is more tenuous.
Staying the course requires us to give of
ourselves to a greater extent; to acknowledge
our differences of opinion and belief; and to
reach consensus. Staying together is critical
we confront issues that confront our community
-- e.g. poverty in the Jewish world, building
bridges with the community at large, getting
Jews out of lands ofoppression, maintaining our
identity as Jews, etc. I truly believe that
Federation is the best way for us to keep
together. We have our congregations and
organizations to deal with our diversities. For
matters of importance to us as a society, we
need to stand under the umbrella of our
Federation.

But keeping together, while progress in
and of itself, does not mean we will attain our
goals. For that we must work together. One
person does not make a committee. We cannot
expect the office staff or some other member of
the community to do it all. Working together
means that everyone will continue to respond,
in ever increasing numbers, to the requests of
our new Director for active participation in the
activities of this community. Success mandates

that each of us commit come time and effort t.

the well-being of all of us.

Thank you, again, for the opportunity of
a lifetime! In particular, I must credit Kim Nye,
Sharyn Sharer, the CKJF Board, and our (cont)

0‘ 1

D‘

, suffering of the Bosnian people.

FEDERATION DELEGATES ADOPT
RESOLUTION ON
BOSNIA/HERZEGOVINA, SOMALIA
AND HAITIAN REFUGEES.

Federation delegates to the 61 st General
Assembly of the Council of Jewish Federations
have unanimously adopted a resolution on the
"Tragedy in Bosnia and Herzegovina" calling for
"urgent action by the United States and
European governments and the United Nations
to provide safe havens and to prevent further
deaths" of the Bosnian people.

"We are deeply pained by the brutal and
gross abuse of human rights in Bosnia-
Herzegovina this year, committed under the
Serbian policy of ’ethnic cleansing,‘ " the
resolution begins. "Repeated massacres and
other atrocities have resulted in the deaths of
thousands of Bosnian Moslems. As Jews, our
memory is seared by our own experiences of 50
years ago."

The resolution further states that "the
advent of winter threatens to intensify the
it should be

.made clear to those responsible that they will be

held accountable under international law for
their crimes against humanity."

The wide-ranging resolution also called
for "the international community to provide
massive assistance on an unprecedented scale
in orderto avert continuation of the catastrophe"
in Somalia, where "massive starvation" is taking
place, and urged "a halt to the forced
repatriation of Haitian refugees, a halt to
interdiction and support for the granting of
Temporary Protected Status to Haitians until the
situation in Haiti is stable and there is
assurance that they will not be threatened by
persecution."

"The turning away of the Haitians is
grimly reminiscent of Jews being turned away
from our shores during the Second World War,"
the resolution states. A 'lesson' has been
learned that should not be soon forgotten: Our
country must be a safe haven for those whose

‘lives are in danger. We urge Congress to be

responsive to the needs of Haitian refugees and
to enact legislation to provide refuge to Haitian

refugees fleeing political persecution."
In addition resolutions dealing with the

Middle East, Soviet Jewry, Anti-Semitism in
Europe, and Public Policy and Human Needs,
among others were adopted.

RESCUE FROM THE MIDST OF
CIVIL WAR

As battles for territory and political power
spread throughout the former Soviet Union, the
Jewish Agency is rescuing Jews from civil war
and flying them to safety in Israel.

Hundreds of Jews from Abkhazia, the
breakaway region of the Repbulic of Georgia,
have reached lsrael on freedom ﬂights funded
by UJA/Federation Operation Exodus. Most
recently, 54 Jewish refugees from Sukhumi,
capital of Abkhazia, arrived in Israel on a
special Jewish Agency ﬂight.

in Tajikistan, the Moslem republic
bordering Afghanistan, civil war has erupted
between the communist government and the
anti-communist "democratic" forces who have
formed a coalition with the Moslem
fundamentalists. The situation in Tajikistan has
been described as total chaos. VWth Operation
Exodus funding, the Jewish Agency is rescuing
hundreds of Jews from Dushanbe, capital of
Tajikistan.

(continued from p.4)

Rabbis for their positive assistance over these
past months. i ask that everyone extend to our
new Executive Director, Howard Ross, the
support and warmth you have given to me. We
are a great community, capable of progress and
success. Let us make it so!

-- Evelyn Dantzic Geller

—

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

—

The National Conference
Brotherhood/Sisterhood Awards Dinner will be
held Thursday, March 11. This year we would
like to put together a table representing Central
Kentucky Jewish Federation. Our visibility as
an organized Jewish Community is important.
If you are planning to attend, join us at a CKJF
table.

If you have never attended, this dinner is
truly an uplifting experience. Tickets are $75.00
per person. For more information or to reserve
a spot at the CKJF table, please call the office
at 268-0672 or 268-0775.

—

KOL l’IA’KAVOD

ﬂ

Jerry and Rose Rita Wurmser will be
recognized as nominees for the annual award
by the Volunteer Center of the Bluegrass to
Lexington's Outstanding Volunteer. Rose Rita
and Jerry were nominated for this honor by the
CKJF in concert with Temple Adath Israel and
with support from Habitat for Humanity and
SCORE. The Wurmsers' contributions of time
and effort represent the highest form of
Tsedakah, that of giving selflessly and without
acclaim so that others may become self-
sufficient and self-reliant. We are grateful and
proud that they are members of our community.

Laura Loventhal was selected to
participate in the Presidential Youth Inaugural
Conference in Washington, DC. In addition to
attending the scheduled learning experiences of
the conference, Laura was a guest at the
swearing—in ceremonies for Mr. Clinton and Mr.
Gore. Our heartiest congratulations to you
Laura for this prestigious acknowledgement.

Marvin Hayman has been elected to the
Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity of
Lexington. Our sincerest wishes for success in
this benevolent undertaking.

CAMPERSHIPS

Once again, the Central Kentucky Jewish
Federation is able to offer camperships to
youngsters in the Jewish community who plan
to attend non—profit Jewish camps, including our
own Camp Shalom, in the summer of 1993.
Last year the campership committee, whose
members are anonymous, had requests which
exceeded their resources. So, get your
application in well before the deadline of March
15, 1993. Despite the fact that the Camp
Shalom brochures may not be out before this
deadline, we will welcome Camp Shalom
campership applications.

The major criterion for camperships is
financial need. However, financial need is
relative; limited income is only one variable.
Otherfactors taken into consideration are family
expenses. So do not hesitate to apply. If your
child wants to attend a Jewish camp, go for it.
All inquiries and applications are kept
confidential.

In addition, we can again offer
scholarship assistance to young people who
want to participate in Israeli educational
programs. These programs range from a few
weeks in the summer to year course
opportunities. These applications must be
accompanied by information that validates the
educational nature of your program.

These scholarships are allotted on a first
come - first served basis. So get your
application in soon. Once again, applications
are held in confidence.

Another stipend we offer is merited
scholarship assistance to those wishing to
participate in Anytown, a one week leadership
program sponsored by the National Conference
of Christians and Jews. If your interest is in
involvement in interfaith activities, this is your
opportunity.

To apply for any of these grants, write to
the Campership/Scholarship Committee, Central
Kentucky Jewish Federation, 340 Romany
Road, Lexington, KY 40502. Be certain to mark
the envelope "Confidential".

_
CAMP SHALOM

DON'T MISS OUT ON THE FUN!

The 1992-1993 Camp Shalom will be
held June 7th - June 25th 1993. This year's
Camp Shalom will be held at Woodman of the
World Campground. The camp is located on
Tates Creek Road approximately eight miles
south from New Circle Road, just past Spears,
Kentucky. The camp facilities include; a lodge,
a dining hall, small stage, a pavilion with tables,
water fountains, swimming pool, campfire site,
small lake, volleyball and basketball court. The
third week of camp will be held at the Temple.

Sarah Hoffman has been chosen for the
1993 Camp Shalom Director. Camp Shalom is
open to ages 4 — 9 years and camp will be from
8:30 am. to 4:30 pm. for all age groups. For
more information call the Federation at 268-
0672 or Jessica Ross at 273—4231.

PROGRAM

This year's University of Kentucky
Multicultural Diversity Program will be held on
February 17 and 18, and once again Sharyn
Sharer has represented CKJF ably in both
planning and staffing our contribution. We hope
everyone will attend some part of the program
and will take time to visit the exhibits.

ﬂ, and that always is the clincher, Sharyn
cannot do it all on her own. WE NEED

VOLUNTEERS to staff our booth on
Wednesday, February 17, from 11:00 am. until
3:00 pm. and on Thursday, February 18, from
10:00 am. until 3:00 pm. Please call Sharyn or
Kim at 268-0672 or 268-0775 and let us know
the hours you can contribute - and any number
will be great - on either day.

VOLUNTEERS BRING
SMILES!

New Dialogue Series to Begin in February

A new series of the popular
interfaith Dialogue will be held each
Tuesday from February 2 through
March 9, I‘M}.

(iail(‘ohen and Veruorr Wiehewill
colead the six structured meetings,
which provide a congenial atmosphere
to share interfaith understanding and
misunderstanding,

Gail, serving her second term on
The National Conference Board of

Directors, is past president ofthe (‘entral
Kentucky Jewish Federation, a member
of ()havay Zion Synagogue, and of
Lexington llavurah. She is a research
associate at the Sanders-Brown (‘enler
on Aging.

Vernon has served ll) years with
The National Conference, six as a board
member, and four as a national trustee.
Vernon is a professor of social work in
the graduate school of the University of

Kentucky (‘ollege of
Social Work. l le authored
a well-received book on
family violence. lie is a
member of the
ecumenical Walnut Hill
(‘hurch

Meetings will be at
7:}0 pm. the nights of
February 2. 9, lb, 23. and
March 2 and 0. 'lbe ﬁrst

meeting will be at Vernon
Wiehe's home. .‘l H
larnar Drive

Persons interested in
the series may fill out and
return the form below, or
call 3777.14.14 for more
information.

(k _________________________________________

Please detach and mail to: 'lhe National Conference, 2029 Bellefonte Drive, Lexington, Kentucky 4050.1

I am interested in participating in the interfaith Dialogue:

Name(s)

Address

('in
Phones: [)ay

State

Evening

Religious Affiliation

7.ip (‘ode

l/we would like to take part in the series beginning February 2nd.

l/we would like to be notiﬁed of a series in the future.

“n

'I‘JEI'J '11::

F RENTER lll'ﬂlﬂ

\—

Jews rescued by the Jewish Agency from ethnic civil war in éukhumi,
Georgia, in the Former éoviet Union, on arrival at Ben Curion Airport
in Israel. The rescue was made possible thanks to Operation

Exodus.

T195 “3111
FRUNTIERaHEaU

W'm' um“ J a!»

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

CKJF/FEBRUARY 1993

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
I 2 3 4 5 6
lwHadassan
‘omen's Mtg. Russian
Discussion
Super Sun. group Recsoiﬁhlfgteeem'
Mtg. 7:30 pm program 7pm _ CKJF
CKJF Office Office
7 8 9 10 Ii 12 13
Hadassah
Moms'Tots
2-4pm
Community
Relations
Hadassah Bd. Committee Havurah
Meeting 7:30 pm Mtg. at
CKJF -ot"f‘ice K. Grossman's
I4 15 16 025 I7 18 ux. 19 20
Sisterhood Diversity
. President's Htgéihf‘flgsaen _ UK.~ Day
Day Dwersnty President's
Observed CKJF Exec. Day Conference
Committee Mtg. , 7:45 pm
Mtg. CkJF - office
2| TM 22 23 2iadassah 25 26 27
Sisterhood/ Moms/Tots
Brotherhood 2-4 on.
10:00 an TM
Hadassah CKJF Board
Hons/Tots Mtg. at OAS
2-4 pm 7:30 pm
28 Super
Sunday
Campaign

SS Volunteer
Appreciation
Dinner at 023

information 268-0672 or 268-0775.

Call the Central Kentucky Jewish Federation for Calendar

TEMPLE TOLR OFFERED TAI LEISLRE CLLB OHAVAT [ION
SYNAGOGLE

Ten'ple Adath Israel invites COME JOIN THE FLN !
you to Join Rabbi and Mrs. PLRIM BAZAAR

Jon Adland on a private tour

0? Israel that starts on WHEN February 24/ icici3 ON

July 'qu lch and returns on

August 2 1qq3 WHERE Temple Adath Sunday, March 7, icici3
Israel

This unique and exclusive “00 am ' 300 pm

tour oPPers opportunities WHAT3 Movie 8 Broun Bag

that extend From a boat trip Lunch (Drink 8 at

on Kinneret to a cable car Dessert provided) Ohavay Zion Synagogue

ride to Massada: From 7048 Edgewater Ct

Ashkelon to the Golan; and
From shopping excursions to RSVP TO TAI AT
an arc heologicod digl quQq—lci GAME S PRIZE 3 FOOD ll

For corrplete inFormation call ALL ARE WELCOME l

Rabbi Jon Adlmd at the
Tenple (26q2q7q) or Lee
Knight at the Lexington
Travel Center (2663151)

l‘

Hon PVofll OH;
CK 21:}: JP US pom

PAI-

CENTRAL KENTUCKY JEWISH FEDERATION Pemm No 719
340 Romany Road [ex-"glory KY
i oxinglnn, Kvnlm ky 40502 2400 '