Submission #366 by Congregation Beth Shalom Men'S Club - Northbrook, IL (643)

I have read the General Guidelines, "Nuts and Bolts" and Program Advanced Planning (Excel Spreadsheet) Documents
Club Name
Congregation Beth Shalom Men'S Club - Northbrook, IL (643)
ISRAEL/MASORTI OLAMI PROGRAM
Club Representative
Person completing form
HARVEY
REDFERN
Club President at time of Convention
Larry
Grossman
Club President Now
Harvey
Redfern
Israel / Masorti

Page 1

While Congregation Beth Shalom, Northbrook has long tradition of supporting Israel, and for the two year period July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2013 we made a concerted effort to increase our activities and support of Israel and are very proud of the results. Our goals included:
• Increase programming around Israel and Israeli awareness;
• Raising money in support of Israel and Israeli organizations;
• Increase attendance at programming; and
• Continue to support our Congregation through co-sponsoring of Israel initiatives.

Over the 2 year period we sponsored more than 10 programs and activities specifically around Israel. We raised awareness and significant funds through several new programs and initiatives to meet the needs of our community. Through modifications to some of our standard initiatives, we increased money and awareness raised about the State of Israel.
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Part IV - Entry Documentation

Our Club has a history of offering excellent programs around Israel and has been recognized by FJMC in the past for our Israel 101 and 201 programming. For the 2 year period July 1, 2011 – 2013 Congregation Beth Shalom Men’s Club exceeded our very ambitious goals.

Below is a brief summary of the initiatives and programs completed during the period July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2013. For purposes of this application we have divided our programs and activities into the following categories:

• Men’s Club specific Israel programming
• Co-sponsorship of synagogue Israel programming
• Support of greater Chicago Israel programming
• Fundraising and donating money in support of Israel

While many of the programs could fit into several categories, to avoid duplication, we included each program under only one category.

Men’s Club specific Israel programming

FIDF Breakfast Speaker (January 29, 2013) – To educate our members, Manuel Gliksberg, a member of the Board of Directors of FIDF and a former Lone Soldier, a Sergeant serving in the IDF, spoke about the organization and ways to support the soldiers.

Israeli Army Veterans Dinner (June 23, 2013) - In conjunction with American Friends of Israel War Disabled Foundation, we are hosting a brunch honoring disabled Israel War Veterans.


Co-sponsorship of synagogue Israel programming

Israel Solidarity Breakfast (December 16, 2012) – Over 100 people attended a breakfast with Roey Gilad, the Counsel General for Israel to the Midwest.

Ethiopian Exodus to Israel Breakfast (March 10, 2013) – Men’s Club co-sponsored and provided breakfast to over 100 people attending a discussion on a recent mission to Ethiopia and Israel where members of our Congregation went to help Ethiopian Jews make Aliyah.

Support of greater Chicago Israel programming

Hadassah Breakfast with Speaker (October 28, 2012) –


Fundraising and donating money in support of Israel

Israel Bonds (2012-2013) – It seems like such a simple thing to do, but many Men’s Clubs and synagogues don’t do it. With our reserve funds that were sitting in a local bank account, we took a portion of our reserves and purchased a 3-year Israel Bond as demonstration of our support of Israel. We plan on doing this annually so that we continue to invest in the State of Israel as well as take a leadership role in our Congregation’s investment in Israel Bonds.

Israeli Troops – Tzanhanim Palchod 890 (2012-2013) – Our congregation adopted this Israel Defense Force “First Strike” Paratrooper Company. Through different programming, including our Israel Solidarity Breakfast above, we donated backpacks and gave cards through the school (see photo later in the submission). A video of the IDF soldiers thanking our congregation can be found here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKf7wRKWqpE&feature=youtu.be

Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament (January 29, 2012 and January 27, 2013) – Our Annual poker tournament had more than 50 participants, raising over $3,000 for FIDF (see below).

FIDF (2011-2012 and 2012-2013) – Through Israel Bonds and our annual poker tournament, we have raised over $3,000 for FIDF. Israel Bonds has a double mitzvah program where you can buy and Israel Bond (thereby investing in the State of Israel) and upon maturity the money goes to another worthwhile organization – in our case we have donated the money to FIDF to support the Israel Soldiers.
















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Page 2

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Self Assessment
While Congregation Beth Shalom, Northbrook has long tradition of supporting Israel, Men's Club involvement with the synagogue's Israeli committee has expanded the programing for the benefit all synagogue members as well as Men's Club members. These truly informative programs have increased everyone knowledge of Israel issues during a time where Israel's neighbors are in a state of turmoil.
These a Men's Club support of our community. Our Israel programs follow the FJMC mission to inform and include the synagogue community and the community at large in informative and innovative programing about Israel Over 100 people have attended each of our program. Men's Club has integrated our breakfast program with our Israel program to make these programs very enjoyable and educating.
Original Program
Previous Submission
Yes