Friday, February 25, 2011

JewTube: 5 Interesting Online Videos

Written by: Dave Goodman

YouTube!  The internet's greatest weapon to combat procrastination.  Perhaps the internet's greatest tool to facilitate procrastination, but either way, the YouTube is a destination where as of late, I have been noticing a lot of crap...and they've been representing me...and you.


The 21st century North American young Jewish adult has many liberties, in some cases, an excess of disposable income that our parent's generation could never have dreamed, and in even more instances, a disconnect with their Jewish identity.  Maybe it's just a complete disregard to represent themselves, or us, with some integrity or class.

I am not saying there is a correlation with the growing negativity towards western society and the Jewish influence in media, but after watching a few of these vids, ask yourself this question:

Are these Jews representing themselves or us as community of North American Jews with integrity?

1) 'Pursuit of Jappiness': 260,000+ views 
Created by some Michigan Jewish Student 



My take:  This attempt to gain popularity backfires into a spoof gone bad.  Its fine to enjoy the finer things in life and live in a bubble, but there is no need to go to this length to promote your lifestyle of excess and shamelessness.  I want nothing to do with Michigan anymore.


'Throw the Jew Down the Well!!': 4.5 million+ views
 Created by 'Borat' (Sacha Baron Cohen) 



My take: Although Borat is successful in demonstrating that anti-Semitism is alive and well in a southern US town, he fails to consider the millions of Jews that have been persecuted by like-minded individuals in the past, and how insulting this is to them and their relatives.  It is a hilarious glimpse into the world of ignorance and intolerance, but at least Baron Cohen is a proud Jew and we all know this, so I have mixed feelings about this video being so widely disseminated.


'TurBaconEpic Thanksgiving': 37 million + upload views
Created by Epic Mealtime



My take: Some funny Montreal Jews currently cleaning up the Canadian YouTube rankings and seemingly on a path to comic stardom in hollywood amongst a 'funny or die' type production network.  These guys are funny and creative and there is no way around that, however, they have an opportunity to rep fellow yids in a positive light, will they harness their influence, or wrap it in bacon...time will tell.


I think what some JewTube sensations are not grasping is that our image is fragile.  I'd have to say, it makes it easier to use Israel as a scape-goat for the distaste some people have towards Jews, especially since our image is constantly being re-defined by our most ridiculous public online figures through online video.

It's not all bad on YouTube though.  We obviously must go to bat for our Jewish homeland at the end of the day.  Here is a few viral video success stories (IMO), where Jews have positioned Israel and themselves in a better light through the use of YouTube:

Hillel Neuer (UN Watch): 500,000+ views:



My take: This guy is one of my heroes.  I wish this video had as many million views as Epic Mealtime is garnering these past few months.  This speech at the UN will go down in internet video history.

'Size Doesn't Matter': 500,000+ views
Created by:  Anonymous



My take:  One of the most daring and intelligent online Israel-based PR videos since YouTube was created.  I tip my hat to the Yids who made this happen and continue to drive change in public opinion and support for Issy - visit: www.sizedoesn'tmatter.com.


So if you're into the viral video game and the ones that depict Jews as less than favourable, or,  the ones that make a case for the legitimacy of Israel; please do a mitzvah:


Give 15 Minutes of your time on Monday, March 7th, 2011 @ 1pm (EST) to listen to a live-streamed webcast of the father of captured soldier, Gilad Shalit, Noam Shalit:

@ >>> http://www.magbitcanada.org.il



Wednesday, February 23, 2011

One COOL Day- Sunday March 13, 2011

United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto's
Hands on Toronto, Impact Toronto and Community Connect present:
One COOL Day
Sunday, March 13, 2011

One COOL Day is your opportunity to get together with other Impact Toronto (ages 25-40) volunteers to meet, have fun and do Mitzvot all across our community. We're very excited to have so many projects for our volunteers to choose from on March 13th.
http://www.feduja.org/evites/2011_onecoolday/

..................................................................................................
Please choose ONE of the following projects
Please keep in mind that spots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to get your choice in early to avoid disappointment:

UJA Partner* Agencies and Programs:
*Partner does not denote a legal partner relationship. All Partner Agencies and Programs receive funding from UJA Federation.
1. The Great Tzedakah Box Drop

Location: 4600 Bathurst Street, Lipa Green Centre

Time: 9am to 12:00pm

Zareinu is supported by a dynamic team that works to raise awareness and funds to provide opportunities for children with special needs and their families.  Please join us in assembling Tzedakah boxes which raises funds and awareness about the work done at Zareinu. Once assembled, help drop off the boxes!

http://www.zareinu.org/

Volunteers Needed - 12 (4 drivers, 2 walkers per car)

 R E G I S T E R  

2. Jumpstart

Location: 4600 Bathurst Street, Lipa Green Centre

Time: 10am to 12:30pm

JIAS supports and integrates new immigrants to Canada.  JumpStart is a program of JIAS Toronto that serves to connect Jewish professionals to meaningful employment.  Come out and lend your invaluable knowledge of the Canadian workplace to these newcomers through a fun and interesting workshop, including ice breakers, employment skills development and job interview preparation.

http://www.jiastoronto.org/

Volunteers Needed - 10

 R E G I S T E R 

3. Corporate Connections

Location: 74 Tycos Drive (Dufferin and Glencairn)

Time: 11am to 2:30pm

Jewish Vocational Services is seeking volunteers from the communication, technology profession for this volunteer opportunity. Have a 10 minute conversation with a JVS client in a speed mentoring session. Help with career oriented professionals seeking advice and guidance from those in the field.

http://www.jvs.org/

Volunteers Needed - 10

 R E G I S T E R 

4. Anshei Minsk Synagogue

Location: 10 St. Andrew Street (Kensington Market)
Time: 11am to 3pm

Anshei Minsk Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in all of Toronto and it needs a cleaning. Offering weekly Shabbat meals and services over the years has taken its toll on the small kitchen. This cool little shul is in need of some TLC. The Minsk is seeking volunteers to help reorganize shelving & the stock room, wash everything from dishes, tables, floors and walls. Good music will be played and impromptu dance parties are encouraged while mopping.

Volunteers Needed - 10

 R E G I S T E R  

5. Reena Sunday Friends Club

Location: 927 Clark Ave West

Time: 12:30pm to 3:30pm

Reena is a non-profit social service agency in the community dedicated to integrating individuals with developmental disabilities into the mainstream of society. Visit and participate in social/recreational activities with Reena clients aged 7-25! Help Out! Get to know a new friend.

http://www.reena.org/

Volunteers Needed - 4

 R E G I S T E R  

6. Just a Second Shop

Location: 4117 Bathurst Street

Time: 1pm to 3pm

Just A Second Shop is a consignment store, made possible through various private and corporate donations of personal and home décor items, books and supplies.  Come help sort through and organize donations throughout the shop.

http://www.jfandcs.com/

Volunteers Needed - 5

 R E G I S T E R  

7. Lyla Lavan Nuit Blanche

Location: 1600 Steeles Avenue West-On the Rox club (Dufferin and Steeles)
Time: 4pm-9pm

Lyla lavan nuit blanche Israeli style will include a few components of Israeli cultural celebration such as an Israel Fair, fashion show featuring Israeli designers, Israeli bands and DJ. Volunteers needed to help with the Israel fair which will include Israeli arts and crafts and information about programs in Israelite volunteers will help with set up for the fair, meet and greet the organisations and individuals participating as well as help with the flow of the fair and clear up.

Volunteers Needed - 5

 R E G I S T E R  

8. Joel Shwartz Memorial Hockey Tournament in partnership with Reena Foundation

Location: Chesswood Hockey Arena (4000 Chesswood Avenue, East of Keele, North of Sheppard)
Time: 4pm, the event officially begins at 6pm

The Joel Schwartz Memorial Hockey Tournament (JSMHT) is a grassroots charity in Toronto that will be holding its inaugural hockey tournament fundraiser on March 13, 2011 at Chesswood Arena to commemorate Joel Schwartz's experience on his Birthright Israel trip. The charity will be contributing 100% of the proceeds to support the Reena Shadow Participant Program in conjunction with Birthright Israel. Volunteer at the tournament, we will have volunteers at the door selling tickets and greeting; selling raffle tickets; serving dinner; collecting money for the 50/50 raffle, getting spectators organized for the on-ice event (as of now this is a puck toss); cleaning up; etc.

Volunteers Needed - 15

 R E G I S T E R  


Community Wide Projects:

9. Food Prep and Serving with Good Shepherd

Location: 412 Queen Street East
Time: 8:30am to 11:30am

Good Shepherd is a place that offers food, shelter, clothing and more to anyone in need. Serve snacks and beverages to clients, assists in setting up of coffee/tea/snacks, replenish food and beverages throughout duration of the Drop-In meal, socialize with clients, when time permits. There will also been opportunities to assist kitchen staff with meal preparation, aid in food preparation for daily meals, assist in maintaining hygienic environment.

http://www.goodshepherd.ca/

Volunteers Needed - 10

 R E G I S T E R  

10. BOOST

Location: 890 Yonge St. 11th Floor (meet in the in lobby)

Time: 9:30am-12pm

Boost is committed to eliminating abuse and violence in the lives of children, youth, and their families. The centre is a registered charity and provides programs and services to children, youth, and their families in Toronto and surrounding areas. BOOST is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and violence through education and awareness, and to collaborating with our community partners to provide services to children, youth, and their families. Volunteer with BOOST by assembling invitations for one of their major events. Once you complete the invites, get ready to work on assembling kits for children in the prevention program.

Volunteers Needed - 10

 R E G I S T E R  


Hands On Toronto Chairs: Harvey Cayne & Zvia Grinspan

If you have any questions, would like to register or become a project leader,  please contact Alana Kayfetz akayfetz@ujafed.org or 416-398-6931 ext. 5322

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Impact Toronto's mission is to connect Jews in Toronto between the ages of 25-40 to the community through philanthropic, volunteer and social opportunities.



Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Justin Bieber says the Shema!!!

Reposted by: Alana Kayfetz

I have recently admitted to my secret love of every song sung by Justin Bieber.
Here are three things we can learn from Justin B:
1. Say the Shema
2. Work hard and do what you love
3. Have an amazing Mentor
3. Give Back!!! Volunteer, Do Good!

I thought I would pass on this cutie story, take a hit from JB and give back:

Scooter Braun's Jewish values keep the teen celebrity grounded. An Aish.com exclusive.

It’s 8 p.m. at Madison Square Garden and the biggest event of the year – Justin Bieber in concert – is about to begin. The show has been sold out for months, and thousands of (mostly) screaming girls wait for their heart-throb to take the stage. But first, Justin and his team bow their heads for a moment of prayer:
“Shema Yisrael, Ado-noy Elo-heinu, Ado-noy Echad.”
Never mind that Justin is Christian. Under the stewardship of 29-year-old Jewish manager Scooter Braun, the guiding principles of Justin Bieber’s career are firmly rooted in Jewish tradition.
In case you've been hiding in a cave, Justin Bieber is the most searched-for celebrity on the Internet. He accounts for 3% of all traffic on Twitter. His video for the song “Baby,” with 450 million views, is the most popular YouTube link ever.
It all started in 2007, when Scooter Braun, a music executive living in Atlanta, was scouring the Internet for the “next big thing.” By accident, he came across YouTube videos of a 12-year-old Canadian kid, singing off the cuff at home. Braun was awestruck: “This kid had soul, an incredible voice, could play multiple instruments, and could dance. He had it all.” Scooter went into overdrive to track the kid down.
The search led to Stratford, Ontario, a nondescript town where Justin was being raised by his single mom, just 18 years his senior. At first, Mom was highly suspicious of the aggressive guy on the phone, and she pushed him off. But Braun persisted, and subsequent conversations revealed that the two sides shared a deep commitment to family values.
Justin and his mom flew down to Atlanta. Scooter signed them to a recording and management deal. And now, one meteoric rise later, Justin is simply the most popular teenager on the planet and the star of a new major motion picture, Never Say Never.
All this has put Justin in the precarious position where he could end up like so many other teen mega-stars, whose personal life and career crashed in a tragic muddle of drugs, excess and narcissism.
That’s where Scooter Braun steps in: “I’m not going to let that happen to him,” he says. “Talent never betrays the artist. It’s personal choices that betray the artist.”

Scooter – aside from managing all of Justin’s business matters and directing his artistic career – has also assumed the role of surrogate father and the prime male influence in Justin’s life. “The only way he is going to transition into an emotionally healthy adult and continue to have a successful career is if he understands his responsibilities,” Scooter told Aish.com. “He needs the right tools to handle the pressure.”
Scooter’s first order of business has been to build a team characterized by genuine heart and integrity. “We have an ironclad rule for anyone working with Justin: If you treat him like a superstar, you’re fired immediately. We don’t coddle him. We hold him up to being responsible. We demand that he shows respect to people. If he makes a mistake, he has to apologize. Our job is to not only guide his career, but to make sure he grows up to be a good man.”
Related Article: Do You Know Where You're Going To?
Charity Deal-Breaker
Scooter Braun knows a bit about the dangers of becoming spoiled. He led a charmed life, growing up in the Connecticut suburb of Darien, one of the most affluent towns in the United States. Braun's family lived in a house with tennis courts, a swimming pool and an indoor basketball court. Scooter was a star guard on the Greenwich High basketball team, and was elected class president three years in a row.
Amidst all the wealth and success, it was Jewish values that served as a counterbalance.
The idea of taking responsibility was constantly stressed. His father would frequently cite the Talmudic teaching: “In a place where there is no man, you must stand up and be a man.”
“My parents raised me to follow a higher moral standard,” says Scooter, AKA Shmuel ben Eliezer. “They taught me that every human being is extraordinary. It’s up to us to set lofty goals – and then strive to exceed them.”
With a kosher home, trips to Israel, and other Jewish activities, the Braun family was devoted to bedrock Jewish ideals. “Education, family, charity, God. These are the core values that I was taught to live by, and this forms the foundation of my relationship with Justin.”
Exactly how do these values manifest in Justin’s career?
“Every business arrangement must have a charitable component built in, or else we don’t do the deal,” Scooter says. For example, one dollar from every concert ticket sold goes to Pencils of Promise, an organization – aptly founded by Scooter’s brother Adam – that builds schools in the Third World. "It's all about giving back and helping out kids that need education,” Justin told MTV. “It's really important that I'm able to help out other kids. As a kid myself, it means a lot to me."
Another example: Scooter launched a contest to support the Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo, New York. The school that collected the most pennies would win a free Justin Bieber concert. The contest raised $152,000 –15.2 million pennies, weighing in at 41 tons of copper.
What’s the point of all this if you can’t make a difference in others’ lives?
Justin has taken on support of children’s hospitals as his personal cause. In every city, he stops at the children’s hospital, going from room to room to meet with kids and cheer them up. Justin’s new film is being screened at children’s hospitals across America, and some proceeds from his new acoustic LP are being donated. Justin explained in a Twitter post: "I am in the position to give back thanks to my fans and God… I wanted to help others and I feel like I have a responsibility to do so. What’s the point of all this if you can’t make a difference in others’ lives?"
All of this makes Scooter Braun proud. "When I was growing up, my father taught me that the true role models aren’t athletes and entertainers. Rather it is those who do their job to the best of their ability. We have to serve as an example to others. That’s the responsibility of any human being, all the more so the responsibility of a celebrity. And that’s the lesson I’m teaching Justin.”
Scooter’s parents walked the walk, instilling in him the power of giving. “There were always different people staying in our house – a family of Russian-Jewish immigrants, or other people in need,” Scooter says. “At one point two brothers from Mozambique needed a place to stay for a few weeks, so we took them in. Before long, my parents became their legal guardians. We became very close and I was recently ‘best man’ at one of their weddings. Looking back, I see we did a lot to help them, but I believe they did much more for us.”
Israel Pride
Scooter’s Jewish pride extends to support of Israel as well. While many performing artists have backed out of concerts in Israel due to pressure from pro-Palestinian groups, “Bieber Fever” will hit Tel Aviv in April 2011 for an outdoor concert that expects to attract 60,000. The entire Braun family will be joining the entourage, reuniting with Scooter’s sister who attends medical school in Tel Aviv. The family plans to stay on afterwards to celebrate Passover in the Holy Land.
Scooter’s grandmother – who spent her teen years in Auschwitz – will be part of the trip as well. Scooter’s (now-deceased) grandfather survived Dachau and Mauthausen. The two met after the war and got married, settling in Hungary. Then in 1956 when the revolution struck, the couple orchestrated a spectacular nighttime escape, traveling on a horse-drawn wagon through the countryside, and crossing the border into Austria just ahead of the Soviet tanks.
Growing up, I was angry that I didn’t have a larger family.
“That’s one reason I am so insistent about doing a concert in Israel,” Scooter explains. “Growing up, I was angry that I didn’t have a larger family – aunts, uncles, cousins. My grandmother was the sole survivor of her family. The Holocaust made me appreciate the price that the Jewish people have paid, and for me the State of Israel represents the idea that Jews never need to fear about who we are.”
It’s these and other Jewish lessons that Scooter is now applying full-force to his client and protégé, Justin Bieber.
So what’s the deal with the Shema?
“Justin has 20,000 people a night telling him that he’s the greatest thing on Earth,” Scooter explains. “That’s why it’s so crucial to acknowledge the One above us. Without that awareness, there’s no chance of staying grounded.”
To that end, Justin’s mom began forming “prayer circles” before each show. Scooter felt uncomfortable with the Christian themes, so he teamed with another Jew – Dan Kanter, the show’s musical director – to say their own prayer, the first line of Shema.
“After the third show, as we said the Shema, Justin chimed in,” Scooter explains. “I was shocked. But he told me that he’d been listening to us and had memorized it. So now every night he says it along with us. He likes the ideas it represents.”


Take a clue from JB--- Look out for your chance to GIVE BACK!
One COOL Day
Sunday, March 13, 2011

ONE COOL DAY  SUNDAY MARCH 10, 2011

http://www.feduja.org/evites/2011_onecoolday/

Friday, February 18, 2011

I've Got Me Some Yemen... Blues


By: Dean Medina 




As soon as I heard that Ashkenaz is bringing Yemen Blues to town on Saturday February 26th I could barely contain my excitement. Something inside me began to stir and I felt a deep connection to this band whose songs I had never heard once, whose existence I was completely unaware of.

Who is this Yemen Blues? And why did the mere utterance of the name excite my mind and soul? 

Yemenite Jews are particularly proud of their place in Israel's history and of their strong traditions and culture which permeate daily Israeli lifestyle (ESPECIALLY with food and music). Now, I do not look Yemenite AT ALL- very dark, able to grow an afro, shortish- but I can assure you that my family history suggests otherwise. 

vs
                                             Me                                                  Yemenite

According to the stories my grandfather was the closest of friends with the Prince of Yemen.Together they smuggled Jews from Yemen into Palestine (before the State of Israel was formed). Upon settling in Israel and until about four years ago my grandfather's restaurant, called Misada Medina in the heart of the Yemenite community in Tel Aviv, served the most delicious Yemenite food. 

My Yemenite grandmother however is the ultimate cook. To this day she makes the most delicious jachnun (a traditional Yemenite dish) and is storied for quietly battling the British occupation through her cooking. Want the full story? Ask me! 

mmmm... Jachnun


On a different note, the Medina family has taken its Yemenite roots and ingrained itself into the heart of music culture in Israel, most notably with Avihu Medina who is one of the most famous Yemenite singers in Israeli history. In general Yemenite Jews are known for their beautiful voices and their unique style of music. 


Avihu Medina- check out his music here

Ravid Kahalani, lead singer of Yemen Blues and member of the Idan Raichel Project, while not a member of my family, continues this great tradition of Yemen music with his most incredible voice and unique style. Combining traditional Yemen melodies with blues, jazz, funk and West African beats, the Yemen Blues bring to the music world something completely distinct and very exciting! Ravid has surrounded himself with some unreal musicians from all over the world.

To listen click HERE



I hope you can understand my affinity to the Yemen Blues and why I can not wait to hear them live at MOD Club Saturday February 26th for their North American Debut Tour. 

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door or if you are a student ONLY $15 with a student card. You can go to the Ashkenaz website to buy them: CLICK HERE for tickets.

Amazing stuff, you definitely don't want to miss it!!! 



Friday, February 11, 2011

Designer M.O.T. (members of the tribe)

Written by Alana Kayfetz:







Did you know that some of the biggest designers in fashion are MOTs ( Members of the Tribe?)

Kenneth Cole











Marc Jacobs














Michael Kors









These Jewish guys are just a small sample of the achievements of the leaders in the fashion industry
Here are some more gurus of Fashion, but they got their start locally! Lets see some home grown talent..... 
  
Dov Cherny, American Appeal
Montreal

 








Joe Mimran- Toronto, Joe Fresh





Michael Budman and Don Green-Roots



Are you in the fashion industry and have not been to Israel before on an organized trip? This could be the perfect fit!*
We would like to introduce an amazing Birthright Israel trip option for Taglit-Birthright Israel: FashionEast. This is the first time they have ever offered something like this in Canada - please pass it on to anyone you think would be interested!  
Do you think you have what it takes to be the next big Jewish name in Fashion? Canadian Jewry has had amazing success within the Fashion Industry!
 Taglit-Birthright Israel: CIE FashionEast (Ages 18-26) - Israeli fine art and culture converge here: FashionEast.  FashionEast is an opportunity that will explore the Israeli fashion industry.  Israel is on the cutting edge of fashion and design and participants will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about Israel's thriving industry and what it has to offer.  FashionEast will offer a new framework for Israelis and Canadians to partner, learn and grow as Jews and designers.  By fostering relationships in Israel and with other Canadians, the itinerary will touch on the historical and modern development of Israeli culture, fashion and design.  This tour will give you the best of Israel culturally and educationally: tour the historic Old City, experience Masada, hike the Golan Heights, raft down the Jordan River, spend the night in the desert at the Bedouin tents, visit the mystical city of Tzvat, party in Israeli nightclubs and MUCH MORE!  As a participant of FashionEast, you will leave Israel with practical knowledge and inspiration that will forever change your career and life.  Please note this trip is ONLY open to those who have graduated from or are currently working or studying in one of the following industries: fashion, design, journalism, brand management, photography, buying/retail, multimedia, make-up/hair, modeling, clothing and jewelry design.  Two mandatory interviews will be conducted for each interested applicant.

http://www.israelforfree.com/ REGISTRATION OPEN Tuesday February 15, 2011 at 10 a.m. for first time applicants!


Please feel free to contact Shira Webber swebber@ujafed.org or Alana Kayfetz akayfetz@ujafed.org with any questions!!
CLICK HERE to check out trip options 

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Adios Superman!!!

By: Dean Medina






Mike Reiss, writer and showrunner for The Simpsons from when the show was actually good, will be the featured speaker at the UJA campaign closing on Tuesday February 15th.

As the co-creator of one of my favorite cartoons, The Critic, and co-producer/writer of Alf (who used to haunt me in my dreams for years as a child), I'm really looking forward to meeting the man himself.


Hmm... I wonder who Alf is based on in real life


Half price tickets are available through the UJA:



Some of my favourites by Mike Reiss:

"Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala(Annoyed Grunt)cious"


Adios Superman!

Good old Sherri Bobbins :) 


"Moaning Lisa"



Just a solid oldschool episode that is actually quite beautiful
Poor ol' "Bleeding Gums Murphy" had never been to the dentist



"Tree House of Horror III"



Classic Simpsons just doesn't get better than this... 


Join Coco at the UJA 2011 Campaign closing and click here 
for half-priced tickets to join us on February 15th!