TWO HOT WOMEN- Friends that Volunteer together, stay together!

By Alana Kayfetz

Over the past 7 years, there has been thousands of young adults coming together in an annual day of social service. These series is known as One HOT Day. Leading the charge of this coming season of volunteering, tikkun Olam and social action are two HOT women! We would like to take this opporunity to introduce the incoming Chairs of HOT ( Hands On Toronto). These two ladies have an amazing friendship. We can see in their dynamic duo volunteering that friends that volunteer together, stay together. Its an enriching and bonding experience to take on a volunteer opportunity along side your BFF. Here are two ladies who know how to pay it forward and give while having fun!

Shelby Draper is an acountant. In her limited free time, Shelby has worked in the past with UJA's Impact Toronto as an influential Telethon chair. Shelby is engaged and is going to be married in the fall. When asked why she volunteers, she responded: "I grew up in a family where charity and philanthropic giving were made a priority. I was fortunate to learn these values at a young age and always knew that I would incorporate them in my life in a meaningful way; being a part of Hands on Toronto will allow me to do this. I am very excited to have this opportunity to see where our dollars are going and who they are helping."

Shelby and Leila

Leila Kohn is a teacher. Leila, along side Shelby has worked as the chair of  UJA's Impact Telethon and is still glowing from her recent marriage. When asked why she volunteers, she responded: "I volunteer because I believe it is important to give back to the community that has provided me with so many meaningful opporunities that have enabled me to strengthen my Jewish identity and connection to Israel."

We hope you feel inspired to grab your closest friend, step up to the plate and volunteer! Its an amazing way to create new shared experiences that will last a lifetime! Take the opportunity at one of our upcoming Hands On Toronto events to give back and make a difference! SAVE THE DATE for One CHILL Day- SUNDAY OCTOBER 23rd, 2011.

The Projects Launch Party- Featured in the CJN

TORONTO — More than 250 people recently attended The Projects launch party to learn about volunteer opportunities and get involved in Jewish social action.

Dave Goodman and Jessica Taylor are Top 20 Under 40 volunteer nominees. [Cara Edell photo]

Held on April 10 at 6 Degrees nightclub, the event encouraged guests to donate time instead of money to make a change in the community. More than 2,000 volunteer hours were raised for 15 different Jewish social service agencies.

The Projects is a collaboration of seven major Jewish organizations in Toronto: The House, Annex Shul, Impact Toronto, Birthright Alumni Community, UJA’s Community Connect, Jewish Urban Meeting Place and Hillel Toronto.

The Top 20 Under 40 volunteer nominees for UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s agencies [Barry Roden photo]

“This collaboration was a result of all the agencies wanting to create a robust social-action portfolio, offering young adults the opportunities to volunteer as much as possible,” said Alana Kayfetz, manager of volunteer initiatives at Community Connect.

“The Projects allows all of the organizations to work together in equal partnership. Helping those in need is incredibly important for us as young Jewish adults and is at the heart of Jewish values and belief. By working together, we will strengthen this community and allow for it to prosper in a way that is truly meaningful.”
Kayfetz said she hopes The Projects “will become the central address for young Jewish Torontonians to get involved and know that they will make a difference for the betterment of the local community and society.”
The Projects also featured some of Toronto’s best and brightest young Jewish volunteers, who were nominated for the Top 20 Under 40 for UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s agencies.

“This was an opportunity to give honour and to celebrate those who have been dedicated to giving back their time and have set great examples of how to live generously,” Kayfetz said. Justin Lebofsky, who volunteers for Jewish Addiction Counselling Services Toronto, and Yoelit Lipinsky, who volunteers for Mount Sinai Hospital, were both presented with awards at the party.

“Volunteering feels great. Those who are dedicated leaders are modest and do not really have an opportunity to be recognized by their friends. This was an opportunity to give them a chance to shine, give them the honour they deserve and allow them to act as role models for the young Jewish community at large,” Kayfetz said.

Jessica Taylor, who was nominated for her volunteer work with the Birthright Alumni Community, said she was “truly honoured to be included amongst a group of people who do such great work in the community. I know most of us volunteer because we have causes we care about, and we’re not looking for praise or recognition, but it’s great to see that the community appreciates the work being done.”
This year, Taylor is one of the chairs for BAC2FASHION, a charity fashion show that raise money for vulnerable seniors. She is also a mentor in the Birthright leadership training program and will be chaperoning the Young Adult March of the Living.

“I think The Projects launch party is such an important event as there are so many great volunteer opportunities in the community, but people don’t necessarily know that they exist or how to get involved,” Taylor said. “Recognizing the top volunteers also helps show the community that the volunteer work being done is valuable, needed and appreciated.”

Aside from being a time-raiser, the party also had a dessert and candy buffet, live art by Jessica Gorlicky, a performance by the band Little Black Dress and raffle prizes.

By CARA EDELL, Special to The CJN  
http://www.cjnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21230&Itemid=86

Adam our Intern and the Minyan of Oscar Winners

Written by: Alana Kayfetz

Adam Gurza is the current intern with UJA's Community Connect. Adam has just returned from spending 5 months in Israel. While living there, Adam was an active volunteer at the Bialik-Rogozin school in Tel Aviv. This school was the subject matter of the Oscar winning short documentary " Strangers No More" directed by Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon.

Adam- the Intern

According to JPost , "The 40-minute American film about South Tel Aviv's diverse Bialik-Rogozin School focuses on the sagas of three foreign, non-Jewish pupils – Esther from South Africa, Mohamed from Darfur and Johannes from Eritrea. The film shows how the school has taken kids from all backgrounds, with the most tragic histories, and given them a new life in a humane environment where race, religion and nationality don’t matter".

The Jewish connection to this year's acedemy awards was overwhelming: According to JTA, they refered to this year's Oscars as the Minyan of Jewish Talent -Here  is the article that ran on Feb 28, 2011 "Jewish talent shines at 2011 Academy Awards"

With Summer creeping in, we hope you become inspired by the shimmer of hollywood, the Jewish connection to the Oscars and, of course Adam the Intern! If you want to make a difference and volunteer in Israel or other parts of the world in a Jewish way, please contact Jodi Katzeff jkatzeff@ujafed.org 416 398 6931 ext.5382.

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!

http://www.canadaisraelexperience.com/IWantToGo/Programs/IFFHome/TripOptions.aspx

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 

Tu'Bshvat- What?

Tu'Bshvat is the holiday of the trees. It may seem strange that we celebrate trees when they are seemingly at their worst.The amazing thing about trees is that we know in a few months, they will be green and lush.

Tu'Bshvat allows us to take the opportunity to appreciate all the beauty in the world. Each person is like a tree: there are times when we seem barren and empty, especially during the winter season; but like trees, we will rejuvenate, blossom and grow!






So how do we celebrate this tree holiday?

Try eating something from these Seven Species:

Almonds,Olives,Figs,Dates,Pomegranate,Wheat,Grapes

Amazing office treat!

 

Shout out to Jodi K for the Tu'Bshvat spread!

Tis the season: The best of Hanukkah gifts!

Written by: Alana Kayfetz

Tis the season of Jewish gift giving! Hanukkah is my favorite time of year. Judah Maccabee, the rockstar of the Hunukkah story, gave the gift of reclaiming worship in the temple. I am inspired by Judah Maccabee to out gift, out wrap and out present the best gift givers around. I enjoy giving gifts to strangers as well as close friends.  Hanukkah puts people in the gift giving mood- this is why I love toy drives for the holidays. I was blown away this past weekend when I received a massive donation of toys for the Driedel Drive:

Donations to Jewish Family and Child Services from Jake Gigantic Give!

When it comes to personal gifting, I take pride that I have known someone well enough to create joy in their life with a simple present. This is facilitated through the thoughtfulness of an item I have selected for their pleasure. As a child, I had a habit of giving my friends my toys- It is a running sibling joke that I had to buy my friends in kindergarten. The truth is that gift giving is an art.  Here is some of the highlights from our office Hanukkah Harry $10 gift Exchange:


Shirs received Bay Mittens ( from me!) 

Check out Dave's New Bride/Groom flip flops (Great Job Lior!)



Ali knows Mel well enough to give her the greatest gift of all: an express Manicure!



Lior is very excited about his gift card to Starbucks ( Dave, I assure you is a better gift giver than this, but he was busy proposing over the weekend. David, you are excused.)

Ali is smiling big with her fish from Dean - Enough said! 

Photo not available
Dean received an amazing Office survival kit filled with candies and Advil! Great gift Shira!

A gift that keeps on giving- Mel surprised me with Jelly Beans. Great for sharing in the office!

When you are doing your gift shopping, remember that a gift it more about the thought than the item. Judah Maccabee was a leader amongst the Jewish people. You can be a leader too by giving the gift of Hanukkah.  Remember to live generously this holiday season! There are tons of kids that go without Hanukkah gifts. You can help out by donating to Jewish Family and Child Services.  

Gift cards and monetary donations are especially needed and should be delivered/mailed to: Leah Marmer | JF&CS | 4600 Bathurst St., 1st Floor | M2R 3V3 For more information please call 416.638.7800 x 6312 | or email lmarmer@jfandcs.com

Happy Hanukkah everyone!

Why Do Jews Volunteer?

There is an old Hebrew phrase I have engraved on a necklace; Tikkun olam, תיקון עולם‎

http://www.oneofakind.co.il/

which means "repairing the world." In Judaism, the concept of tikkun olam originated in the early rabbinic period. In modern times, we seen that Jews LOVE repairing the world- we are citizens of humanity which makes us responsible for helping our community and the world at large.

One Chill Day- Nov 28th, 2010

Here are some of the best reasons to get off your tushies and do something for the betterment of the world!

1. "It makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!" ( Zeller, Melissa: 2010)

2. "To meet new and exciting people, wink wink" (anonymous)

3. "I get alot out of helping the vulnerable, its a chance to give back to the community," (Ekstein, Steven, Chair of Volunteerism for Impact Toronto)


4. "To make a difference in the world, giving the world a big hug, we have to be socially responsible!" ( Madina, Dean: 2010)

5. " I volunteer to be apart of something bigger than myself ; and because I look cute in my volunteering gear ;)" ( Webber, Shira: 2010)

Do you Want to volunteer? Here is your chance to try it!

One Cool Day. Nov 28th, 2010.

http://www.feduja.org/evites/2010_onechillday/

Best of NOLA- a reflection

Drinking in the streets?

Maybe it was the thousands of Jewish people walking the streets. Or maybe it was a city's essence of surviving tragic times. Maybe it was the drinking in public. Or maybe it was the crowded streets of the French Quarter, a throw back to the old city of Jerusalem- It all felt like home. If  you want to see something new without traveling too far from home, make New Orleans your next stop. Here is a report of the best things about New Orleans and the GA of 2010.


Best Celeb siting:

Howie Mandel

The best speech:

Michael Oren

Best Food:

Cuvee, New Orleans on Magazine St

Best Drinks:
- Hand Grenade

$8 a pop. will last the night!

Best Music:
- Anything on Frechman Street

Blue Nile

Crazy Scene:
- Bourbon Street

There is a crowd all year round

Best Dessert:
-Cafe Du Monde



These are Kosher! Don't wear Black!













Best Purchase:
- Red TOMS!



Too cute for words!













People- A special Thank you to these fine ladies that made my New Orleans experience one of a kind!

Best Mentor:

Janis Roth

Favorite reunion Friend:

Linda Kerzner

Favorite new friend: Photo not found :(

Robyn Goldberg

Name Droppin' from Holly Grove, New Orleans!

Wirtten by: Alana Kayfetz
The Projects, Eco- Green. Kehilla, Oct, 2010.

New Orleans is known for Lil Wayne, Trief, Mardi Gras, The Saints, and Hurricane Katrina. This year, the city will be the host for the 2010 GA!  

The General Assembly of Jewish Leadership (a.k.a the GA) is an annual convention of Jewish people from around the globe. The GA is like the Woodstock of Jewish influencers but instead of a glassy lawn, it takes place at a hotel.   

This years lineup is unreal! Not only do we get to spend a day repairing New Orleans, but the speakers list is extremely impressive.

Here is a list of the top 10 most impressive people that I hope to bump into:

1. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Prime Minister of Israel
2. Ehud Barak: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense in Israel
3. Tzipi Livni: Leader of the Opposition in Israel
4. Martin Fletcher: Special Correspondent- NBC News
5. David Cygielman: CEO - Moishe House
6. Marcus J. Freed: Director - Bibliyoga
7. Nancy Lublin: CEO and Chief Old Person - www.DoSomething.org
8. Ruth Messinger: President of American Jewish World Service (AJWS)
9. Rae Ringel: President: The Ringel Group, LLC
10. Shira Ackerman Simchovitch: Director of Educational Content and Outreach Rechov Sumsum - Shalom Sesame/Sesame Workshop

As the mission statement says, I am excited to "be a part of the conversations that address current & emerging Jewish issues".  Stay tuned and I will be reporting on the celeb sighting and insight from this amazing experience!

For more info or to follow the happenings at the GA, go to http://ga.crosstechpartners.com/