Jewish Federation correspondence, meeting minutes, and other records, item 41

JEWISH FEDERATION OF LAS VEGAS JANUARY 1990 TO JUNE 1991 ANNUAL REPORTTABLE OF CONTENTS Federation for a Strong Community ................................................................01 Federation?s Board of Directors for 1990 and 1991.........................................02 The 1990 and 1991 Campaigns........................................................................05 1990 & 1991 Campaign Analysis ....................................................................06 Women?s Division..............................................................................................07 Women?s Division 1991 Board of Directors...................................... 07 Recommendations of the Nominating Committee .........................................08 Award Recipients...............................................................................................10 Local and National I International Allocations .................................................10 Federation Foundation.......................................................................................12 Legal Division and Brandeis ............................................................................13 Jewish Business & Professional Division.........................................................14 Community Relations Committee ....................................................................14 Holocaust Education .......................................................................................16 Israel Independence Day ................................................................................17 Jewish Community Lecture Series....................................................................18 The Jewish Reporter .......................................................................................19 Jewish Student Union.......................................................................................19 Leadership Development ...............................................................................20 Health-Care Division and Maimonides............................................................23 Operation Exodus - Soviet Jewry ....................................................................23 1990-91 Programs, Events & Activities ............................................................24 Jewish Federation of Las Vegas Staff ............................................................30 Dates of Future Board Meetings........................................................................31 Volunteers Please...............................................................................................32 1992 Campaign Theme ...................................................................................337 FEDERATION FOR A STRONG COMMUNITY A Message from Dr. Marvin A. Perer, Federation President (January 1990 - May 31,1991) and Norman Kaufman, Federation Executive Director: We raise the dollars necessary to help make Jewish life possible in Israel, in more than 34 countries around the world, and right here in Las Vegas. Your tax-de?ductible donation is translated into hundreds of vital services provided by the Federation and our local agencies, as well as national and overseas agencies includ?ing the United Jewish Appeal. But fund-raising is only part of what we?re here for. The overall Federation mis?sion is to perpetuate and sustain Jewish life, taking whatever steps are necessary to strengthen our community today, and ensure that there will be a thriving Las Vegas Jewish community in the future. How do we fulfill the mission? ? We identify common concerns and bring various segments of our community together to seek solutions. ? We recruit and orient potential leaders and plan for the future needs of a changing Jewish community. ? We plan, budget and help finance, through our allocations, the operation of Jewish social and community services, insuring accountability of those agencies and reducing duplication of services. ? We work diligently to promote a climate of public opinion favorable to Jewish needs and interests by our involvement with key decision makers and opinion molders in Nevada and within the interreligious community. ? We constantly seek to strengthen the sense of Klal Yisrael (Jewish peoplehood) through our sponsorship of communal gatherings and through our newspaper, "The Jewish Reporter." ? We sponsor a variety of educational and informational programs which bring significant thinkers to our community and promote discussion of critical issues confronting us. ? We act as a voice for our local Jewish community by our public statements and private diplomacy vis-a-vis issues of concern. Our Federation is an organization composed of volunteers who set its policies and direction, and a professional and support staff which works to carry out these policies. Our strength is in our volunteers and we take this opportunity not only to acknowledge them, but to say a heartfelt, "thank you". Your caring and commit?ment keeps this Jewish community strong.1 Even a quick glance through this report shows the Federation?s most significant achievement; the involvement of hundreds and hundreds of individuals in the past year - men, women and children who are making it possible for thousands of fellow Jews (and others) to live better lives. It is these volunteers ? and YOU ? who are. the Federation and attest to the vigor of the Las Vegas Jewish community. Your Federation Office is comprised of a professional staff working together to best service the needs of the fast growing greater Las Vegas community. To all of you who have been involved ... We thank you ... To those of you not as yet participating, our community needs you and you will enjoy the benefits of a growing Jewish Las Vegas. We Are One! JFLV 1990 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Marvin A. Perer, M.D. President, 1990-1991 Executive Director Chairman of the Board Jerome D. Mack President Hal Ober First Vice President - Campaign Chair Dr. Marvin Perer Second Vice President Dr. Allan Boruszak Third Vice President Gerald Welt Secretary Gene R. Greenberg Treasurer Lenard Schwartzer Executive Director Norman Kaufman Women?s Division President Judy Frank Women?s Division Campaign Chairwomen Sandy Mallin Past Campaign Chairs Nate Adelson* Council of Presidents: Past Presidents A1 Benedict Dorothy Eisenberg Phil Engel David Goldwater Senator Bill Hernstadt Lloyd Katz* Art Marshall Hal Ober Arne Rosencrantz Marta Sorkin Women?s Division Director Suzan Loeb Community Relations Director Campaign Assistant Beverly EisenDorothy Eisenberg Dennis Sabbath Mel Exber Milton Schwartz Neil G. Galatz Elaine Steinberg Leonard Rosen* Irving J. Steinberg Irving J. Steinberg Dr. Harris J. Waters Dr. Leon Steinberg Sandi Walton Jean Z. Weinberger William Weinberger Douglas Unger Eli Welt Organization Representatives: Rabbi Sanford D. Akselrad Board of Directors: Florence Bloom Oscar Alterwitz* Dave Cadish Dr. Stanley Ames Scott Michael Cantor Dr. Scott Baranoff David Cowles Blaine Benedict Claire Dase Shelley Berkley Barry D. Eisen Edward Bernstein Bill Feldman Heinz Boldes Rabbi Mel Hecht Amy Boruszak Harold Hyman Michael A. Cherry Min Jaroslow Paul Eisenberg Bernie Kaufman David Funk Dr. Elliot Klain Elaine Galatz Rabbi Louis Lederman Karen Galatz Dr. Larry Lehrner Neil G. Galatz Elaine Levco Dan Goldfarb Dr. Robert S. Rosen Melanie Greenberg Dr. Tamar L. Saposhnik Edythe Katz Pearl Savitt Irwin Kishner Ken Schnitzer Dr. Stephen A. Kollins Norman Seigenberg Henry Kronberg Jack Super Marty Loeb Stan Mallin Mike Novick Adam Tanenbaum Ralph Plotkin Dr. Neville Pokroy * DeceasedJFLV 1991 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Dr. Marvin A. Perer First Vice President - Campaign Chair Stan Mallin Second Vice President Dr. Allan Boruszak Third Vice President Michael J. Novick Secretary Michael A. Cherry Treasurer Lenard Schwartzer Executive Director Norman Kaufman Women?s Division President Judy Frank Women?s Division Campaign Chairwomen Sandy Mallin Marta Sorkin Women?s Division Director Suzan Loeb Community Relations Director Campaign Assistant Beverly Eisen Council of Presidents: Past Presidents A1 Benedict Dorothy Eisenberg Phil Engel David Goldwater Senator Bill Hemstadt Lloyd Katz* Jerome D. Mack Art Marshall Hal Ober Arne Rosencrantz Past Campaign Chairs Nate Adelson* Mel Exber Neil G. Galatz Leonard Rosen* Irving J. Steinberg Dr. Leon Steinberg Jean Z. Weinberger William Weinberger Eli Welt Board of Directors: Daryl Alterwitz Dr. Stanley Ames Dr. Scott Baranoff Blaine Benedict Shelley Berkley Edward Bernstein Heinz Boldes Amy Boruszak Michael A. Cherry Paul Eisenberg David Funk Elaine Galatz Karen Galatz Neil G. Galatz Dan Goldfarb Gene R. Greenberg Melanie Greenberg Gregory J. Kamer Edythe Katz Irwin Kishner Dr. Stephen A. Kollins Henry Kronberg Marty Loeb Ralph Plotkin Dr. Neville Pokroy Dennis Sabbath Milton Schwartz Sharon E. Sigesmund Dennis Stein5 Elaine Steinberg Irving J. Steinberg Sandi Walton Dr. Harris J. Waters Gerald Welt Douglas Unger Organization Representatives: Rabbi Sanford D. Akselrad Florence Bloom Dave Cadish Bernice Cohen Barry D. Eisen Bill Feldman James D. Greenbaum Rabbi Mel Hecht Harold Hyman Min Jaroslow Bernie Kaufman Dr. Elliot Klain Eileen Kollins Morrie Krasnitz Rabbi Louis M. Lederman Dr. Tamar L. Saposhnik Florrie Sasner Pearl Savitt Joe Singer* Bernard Snitzer Shirley Sultan Jack Super Adam Tanenbaum * Deceased CAMPAIGN 1990 and 1991 Stan Mallin, Campaign 1991 and 1992 Chairman It is with pride that I can report to you of a wonderful year of growth. Cam?paign ?90 was to date the most successful campaign year that our community has had. Our drive brought us over the million dollar mark ($1,182,000) and Operation Exodus I raised $506,000 bringing us to a record $1,688,000. This year 1991 much of our Campaign is complete. The annual drive for the second year in a row has gone over the million dollar mark standing at $1,115,000, but is still short of the $1.3 million Campaign goal set for 1991 by the Federation Board. We are working toward completion of the Campaign and ask those who have as yet to participate to do so. New monies for the Operation Exodus II/Operation Solomon Campaign on be?half of Soviet Jews and Ethiopian Jews has raised $312,000. The 1991 total to date is $1,427,000. I must acknowledge the help of our Campaign Cabinet and recognize our con?tributors of many years standing. With recognition also to a new group of more than 600 first time contributors who have joined the Federation in ?91. CAMPAIGN 1992 - "WE ARE ONE!" In the Book of Psalms, it is written, "By the Rivers of Babylon, we sat down, we wept and we remembered Zion." That passage, from the first diaspora, after the6 destruction of Israel?s first temple in 586 B.C.E., has been a hallmark of Jewish ex?istence from generation to generation. During the pogroms in Russia, four generations ago, Jews remembered Zion, with their Hibbat Zion movement. It sent settlers to Palestine even before Theodore Herzl gave Zionism its name. Although the Ethiopian Jews believed until recently that they were the last Jews on earth, they still remembered Zion, preserved their ancient Jewish customs and hoped someday to return. On May 26, 1991, 14,480 Jewish Ethiopians were flown to Israel in a dramatic 24 hour, "Operation Solomon" flight to freedom. Although we are scattered to the four corners of the earth, that link to Zion, handed down from generation to generation, has proved to be one of the most powerful ideas ever. No matter where Jews live, from the deserts of Ethiopia to the snows of Siberia, they are part of what may be the greatest liberation move?ment of all time. It has survived the test of thousands of years, hundreds of genera?tions, the idea that all Jews bear responsibility for each other. That we are one! It?s an idea that gave us a Jewish State, after the destruction of one-third of our people in the Nazi Holocaust. This year as "One People" we must look ahead toward the work which must still be done to guarantee every Jew, in every country, in every generation a decent life. As Campaign Chairman for the 1992 drive of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, I know that we will have a year of success if we stand together in strength. As One People, we have to be there, for the entire Jewish people, as never before. Unlike previous generations, who wept and remembered Zion, we can rejoice and rebuild it. 1990 & 1991 CAMPAIGN ANALYSIS (as of May 15, 1991) # of # of REGULAR DIVISION: I22Q Gifts mi Gifts General Division $ 807,214 988 $ 756,778 1019 Women?s Division S 367.469 $ 352.506 JJ1 TOTAL $1,174,683 1,646 $1,109,284 1,796 OPERATION EXODUS: $ 506,876 757 OPERATION EXODUS II: $ 317,680 185 * PROJECT RENEWAL: $ 1-700 n $ _xm 1 GRAND TOTAL: $1,683,259 2,414 $ 1,428,754 1,988 ?Project Renewal 1979-1991: $ 574,7127 WOMEN?S DIVISION Suzan Loeb, Women?s Division Director During Campaign 1990 and 1991, Women?s Division attained unprecedented success in its efforts under the guidance of President Judy Frank, and Campaign Co-Chairwomen Sandy Mallin and Marta Sorkin, realizing $370,000 and $360,000 in each Campaign. Planning for each year begins during the summer months with the Executive Committee reviewing and developing programs and events for the upcoming year. Lions of Judah and Ruby Lions enjoyed events with Steven Burke, Dr. Stephen Genender, Aida Grey, and Gerda Klein. Our Main Event Luncheons provided a magnificent "Day at the Lakes" at the home of Yvette and Jack Gilburne with Joel Goldman; and a memorable after?noon at the Canyon Gate Country Club with Gerda Klein. Education Day hosted Ellen Cannon at the Las Vegas Country Club; and the Desert Inn found us visiting "Las Vegas, Israel, and The World" topped with Judge Joseph A. Wapner of television?s "The People?s Court." Women?s Division Board Members participated on Board Retreats to San Diego and at Lil and Henry Kronberg?s; hosted the Western Region Women?s Division Conference; sponsored a thank-you luncheon for Organization and Sister?hood Presidents; attended Board and Solicitor Training sessions; implemented the annual Phone-a-thon; assisted at Super Sunday, Major Gifts, Israel Independence Day, the Golf Tournament, and Missions to Israel. Shalom, Las Vegas Parties welcomed area newcomers to our community while informing them of Federation. And, the Pomegranate Division was introduced for women givers of a mini?mum of $1,500. More women were reached during these last two Campaigns than ever before through direct contact and the efforts of a very concerned and committed Board of Directors resulting in impressive Campaign figures, and more women under?standing that they do indeed, make a difference! WOMEN?S DIVISION 1991 BOARD President *Judy Frank First Vice President - Campaign Yvette Gilburne Second Vice President - Education Sandi Walton Third Vice President - Outreach Wendy Weiner Secretary Sandy Mallin Marta Sorkin Campaign Designate8 Bonnie Berkowitz Treasurer Geri Gilman Women?s Division Director Suzan Loeb BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Cari Bernstein Arlene Blut Karen Borgelt Amy Boruszak Linda Chenin Fran Fine Norma Fiedman Yvette Gilburne Barbara Green Debra Kaner Sheila Kaufman Dyane Kohnen Shirley Kravitz Lillian Kronberg Phyllis Lewis Dee Ober Irene Perer Esther Pokroy Lotty Polis Paula Quagliana Jane Schorr Phyllis Schwartz Sherry Sigesmund Elaine Silverman Leslie Simon Faye Steinberg Nina Tiep Carole Turk Harriet Warm Liz Waters Jean Weinberger *EX-OFFICIOS: Liz Ackerman Carolyn Goodman Edythe Katz Marlyne Kirshbaum Lynn Rosencrantz Roberta Sabbath Reba Saiger CHAI MEMBERS: Jayn Marshall Esty Rousso Sara Saltzman HONORARIAN: Evelyn Bitker SUSTAINING: Dorothy Eisenberg Myra Greenspun Elaine Steinberg RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE (for 1992) The Nominating Committee has made the following recommendations for Of?ficers of the Board, Re-election of Board Members and New Members to the Board of Directors:9 OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 6/1/91 - 5/31/92: President - Dr. Marvin A. Perer 1st Vice-President (Campaign Chair) - Stan Mallin 2nd Vice-President - Dr. Allan Boruszak 3rd Vice-President - Gregory J. Kamer Treasurer - Michael J. Novick Secretary - Michael A. Cherry Re-elect for a three-year term: Daryl Alterwitz Dr. Stanley Ames Dr. Scott Baranoff Paul Eisenberg David Funk Elaine Galatz Gene R. Greenberg Stan Mallin Michael J. Novick Milton Schwartz Doug Unger Dr. Harris J. Waters Re-elect for a one-year term: Shelley Berkley Karen Galatz Sandy Mallin Dr. Neville Pokroy Dennis Sabbath Marta Sorkin Dennis Stein Elect as New Members for one-year term: David Berkowitz Arlene Blut Burton Cohen Ron Cook Judy Frank David Gross Ron Kirsh Jerry Turk Ron Worth The By-Laws of the Federation require that these nominations be submitted to the Board for consideration at least two (2) weeks prior to the annual Board Meet?ing. Per approval of the full Board of the Jewish Federation on June 12, 1991, the term of office of the Federation President, Officers and Board has been adjusted to coincide with the campaign planning and development period of the Federation. Current terms will expire on May 31st of each year with the new Board term com?mencing on June 1st. Formal introduction of Officers and Board Members will take place at our Annual June 1991 Meeting. This Nominating Committee has met in a most timely manner so that Cam?paign ?92 planning can begin with the new Board electees in place. These recommendations are being submitted to the Board of Directors for con?sideration at this time and shall be presented for their vote at the 6/12/91 meeting.10 AWARD RECIPIENTS RONA & DAVID MENDELSON 1991 SUPER SUNDAY CHAIRMEN JEWISH LIFELINE RON & BARBARA KIRSH 1990 & 91 SUPER SUNDAY CHAIRMEN JEWISH LIFELINE STAN MALLIN 1991 CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN FRAMED LITHO MARVPERER 1991 FEDERATION PRESIDENT FRAMED LITHO NEVILLE POKROY 1990 & 91 ISRAEL IN. DAY CHAIRMAN AWARD JACK SCHUSTER 1991 ISRAEL IND. DAY CHAIRMAN JEWISH LIFELINE MARTY LOEB 1990 ISRAEL IND. DAY CHAIRMAN JEWISH LIFELINE ROZSBARRA HOLOCAUST EDUCATION BRASS STAR MARTA SORKIN 1991 DIRECTOR?S AWARD PLAQUE SANDY MALLIN 1990 & 91 W/D CAMPAIGN PLAQUE MARTA SORKIN 1990 & 91 W/D CAMPAIGN PLAQUE JUDY FRANK 1990 & 91 W/D PRESIDENT GLASS MEZUZZAH SID KUSHNER VOLUNTEER JEWISH LIFELINE ADAM TANENBAUM JSU STUDENT COORDINATOR JEWISH LIFELINE STAN & SANDY MALLIN 1990 & 91 MAJOR GIFTS CHAIRMEN 'JEWS IN AMERICA" ALLAN & AMY BORUSZAK 1990 & 91 MAJOR GIFTS CHAIRMEN "JEWS IN AMERICA" SARA RESNICK VOLUNTEER "A TREASURY OF JEWISH FOLKLORE" LOCAL & NATIONAL / INTERNA?TIONAL ALLOCATIONS FOR 1990 Your tax-deductible contribution is translated into hundreds of vital services provided by these beneficiaries of our 1990 and 1991 Jewish Federation of Las Vegas Campaigns (as approved by the Federation Board of Directors in June of 1991):11 UJA/ISRAEL ALLOCATIONS: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL ALLOCATIONS: American Society for Handicapped Children in Israel American-Israel Cultural Foundation American Academic Association for Peace in the Middle East American Jewish Congress American Society for Yad Vashem, Inc. Ammunition Hill Memorial (Shderot Eshkol) Anti-Defamation League of B?nai B?rith CAMERA CLAL Committee for Economic Growth of Israel Conference of Jewish Communal Service Druze Scholarship Friends of the IDF Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) Hebrew Union College Friends of Israel Disabled War Vets Jewish Braille Institute of America, Inc. Jewish Education Service of North America Jewish Labor Committee Jewish National Fund Jewish Telegraphic Agency Jewish Theological Seminary Jewish Welfare Board (JWB) JINSA National Conference on Soviet Jewry National Jewish Community Relations Advisory Committee National Jewish Resource Center National Yiddush Book Center North American Jewish Students Appeal Religious Action Center Simon Wiesenthal Center Synagogue Council of America Tay-Sachs World Jewish Congress Yeshiva University $978,000 $ 21,09672 LOCAL ALLOCATIONS: $249,050 B?nai B?rith Youth Organization (BBYO) Educational Fund for Temples (Temple Grants) ?Congregation Ner Tamid ?Congregation Shaarei Tefilla -Temple Beth Am -Temple Beth Sholom -Temple Emanu-El (no request made) Hebrew Academy (Non Administrative Expenses) Jewish Family Service Agency Jewish Student Union Jewish War Veterans University Center for Religion and Life $ 1,500 19,900 ($7,500) ($2,000) ($5,000) ($8,800) ($ -0-) 64.000 137,000 12,750 500 5.000 FEDERATION ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS: $155,770 JEWISH FEDERATION FOUNDATION Paul Eisenberg, Chairman The Jewish Federation Foundation seeks to assure the perpetuation of the or?ganized Jewish community by encouraging philanthropic grants, bequests and deferred gifts. The Foundation currently includes 29 Philanthropic and Endow?ment Funds. Listed below is a statement of the value of the holdings encompassed by those funds as of May 31, 1991: Philanthropic and Endowment Funds: B & J Fund Jerry and Rae Countess Endowment Fund Dorothy and Paul Eisenberg Family Philanthropic Fund Eric Elihu Estorick Philanthropic Fund Abe Fox Family Foundation Lloyd Katz Memorial Fund Jewish Lecture Series Foundation Arthur and Jayn Marshall Family Philanthropic Fund Total Cash Assets: Notes Receivable TOTAL ASSETS: Cash (Restricted Funds) Cash (Unrestricted Funds) $371,377 128,183 499,560 75,000 $574,56073 MAP Family Philanthropic Fund Herbert and Estelle Rousso Philanthropic Fund Michael and Sonia Saltman Endowment Fund Mark Segal Endowment Fund Sam Shipper Philanthropic Funds Sperling Library Philanthropic Fund United Mortgage Company Endowment Fund Eugene R. Warner Philanthropic Fund Eli and Doris Welt Philanthropic Fund In the years 1990 and 1991, grants from the Jewish Federation Foundation fami?ly of funds were made to the following organizations: Jewish Family Service Agency University of Nevada, Las Vegas UNLV Honors Foundation Temple Beth Am Temple Beth Sholom Sperling Library Nevada Animal Society Animal Rescue Animal Adoption Student Trips to Israel Donations were made to the above organizations from the Eisenberg, Welt, Perer, Katz, Shipper, B & J and the Welt Endowment Funds. BRANDEIS SOCIETY Judge Nancy Becker, Co-Chairperson Judge Jack Lehman, Co-Chairperson Beverly Eisen, Community Relations Director/Campaign Assistant The Brandeis Society, under the auspices of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, was formed in May, 1990 for the Legal professionals in our community. The proposes of the division are to foster a sense of common purpose and commitment to work for the betterment of Jews everywhere; to mobilize the Legal profession to serve as resources to the Jewish and general communities; to increase revenues through the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas to support Jewish life; and to serve as a means to identify and honor Legal professionals willing to make these commit?ments. Membership prerequisites are: 1) Participation in the Legal profession; 2) Commitment to the ideas of the Brandeis Society; and 3) a minimum annual con?tribution to the Federation of $500 to the General Campaign.14 ?* Included in the past year?s activities were: September 11, 1990 - John Rothmann on, "Political and foreign policy with spe?cial attention to the Middle East and Soviet Affairs" February 12, 1991 - U.S. Senator Richard H. Bryan on, "The current status in the Middle East and the participation of the U.S. in the conflict." Issues of concern and world affairs will be covered in the future programs of the Brandeis Society. We plan to hold about four events annually and hope to present some interesting and dynamic speakers for your enjoyment. BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL GROUP Dennis Stein, Chairman Beverly Eisen, Community Relations Director/Campaign Assistant The Business and Professional Group of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas holds luncheons with guest speakers approximately ten times annually. These gatherings serve as an opportunity for concerned Jewish business people and professionals in our community to interact and become more informed about cur?rent events and issues of concern to each of us. Speakers for the past year and half included: January 10, 1990 - U.S. Senator Harry Reid March 15, 1990 - John F. Rothmann on, "American/Israeli Relations" April 19, 1990 - Robert N. Broadbent, Clark County Director of Aviation [over?sees McCarran International Airport] May 15, 1990 - Brigadier General Freddy Zach on, "Military Government and Civil Administration" August 15, 1990 - U.S. Senator Richard H. Bryan September 18, 1990 - Sid Ganis, President Paramount Pictures November 7, 1990 - Dr. Brian Cram, Superintendent Clark County School Dis?trict and Martin J. Kravitz, Esq. - Trustee Clark County School Board March 19, 1991 - Tsuriel Raphael, Deputy Consul-General of Israel - Los An?geles May 30, 1991 - U.S. Senator Richard H. Biyan on, "The Gulf War and the Prospects in Middle Eastern Politics & American Foreign Policy" COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE Michael A. Cherry, Chairman Beverly Eisen, Community Relations Director15 Jewish community relations activities are directed toward protecting and en?hancing conditions conducive to the creative continuity and well-being of the Jewish community. Such conditions can be achieved only within a social framework committed to democratic pluralism; freedom of religion, thought, expression, and association; the wall of separation between church and state; equal rights, justice and opportunity; and, a climate in which differences among groups are accepted and respected, and in which each is free to cultivate its own distinctive values while participating fully in the general life of the society. History has bred in Jews the deep conviction that such conditions, which accord with ethical and religious values derived from Judaism and Jewish traditions, afford Jews and all others the best op?portunity to enjoy secure and meaningful lives. Through a broad, coordinated program of activity, Jewish community relations agencies give a high priority to fostering American support for Israel; aiding endangered overseas Jewish com?munities; combatting anti-Semitism at home and abroad; protecting democratic constraints, particularly the Bill of Rights; and fostering a plural, democratic society in the United States. During the past year we have engaged in numerous projects encompassing the various areas of community relations including: SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE: The Jewish community relations field is trying to convey to the Administration, political party leadership and members of the Senate that the Jewish community is deeply concerned about the erosions of the rights embodied in the religion clauses of the First Amendment, and will vigorously oppose, with coalition partners, any threats to further erosion. We will continue to monitor activities in the schools on a range of church-state issues. We will work with our local Clark County School District in developing, drafting, and adopting guidelines on holiday and other religious observances in the public schools, providing the school district with ex?amples of guidelines. And, finally we will continue to oppose any legislation or proposed constitutional amendments that would allow school prayer in any form or other religious practices in the public schools. COMMUNITY TOGETHERNESS: A combined program for the Community Relations Committee and the Soviet Jewry Committee was held in the form of a community-wide Prayer Service for Peace in the Middle East at Temple Beth Sholom on January 24, 1991, to show solidarity and support for both the United States and Israel. John Rothmann, as the guest speaker, was dynamic and most inspiring during this time of crisis and emotional tension. Following his presentation, pledge cards were distributed for Operation Exodus II. As a result of that evening alone, over $12,000 was raised in support of this Soviet Jewry Program.?? 16 BRIEFING ON ISRAEL?S NEEDS DURING THE GULF WAR: A special Community Relations Committee meeting was held on March 19, 1991 to host Tsuriel Raphael, Deputy Consul-General of Israel, Los Angeles. During that time of crisis in the Middle East, we had the opportunity to have a cur?rent briefing on the situation as it existed, stating the concerns and needs of Israel, by a representative of the Government. The meeting was well attended and many pertinent questions were raised and discussed. This was just one more way the Community Relations Committee serves not only the Jewish community, but the entire Las Vegas community in dealing with world issues of concern to each and everyone of us. HOLOCAUST EDUCATION Edythe Katz, Chairperson Beverly Eisen, Community Relations Director The Holocaust Education Committee of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas strives to teach the lessons of the Holocaust to the students of Clark County, as well as surrounding areas. The units which are used are a study of the Holocaust: its cause, implications, and impact on all humanity. The purpose of the Nevada Study on the Holocaust is to help students understand human nature and human behavior when confronted with the concept of good and evil. The units address the individual?s responsibility to oneself and to society. The study was compiled by and produced by this committee in cooperation with the Nevada Humanities Commit?tee and the Clark County School District. This year?s Annual Yom Hashoah Community-wide Memorial Service was held at Congregation Ner Tamid and chaired by Rabbi Sanford D. Akselrad. The program was most emotional and meaningful to all in attendance. This event took place on April 11th. The guest speaker for the evening was Dr. Carlos Rizowy, who emphasized the need to have a strong united Jewish community. More than 500 people par?ticipated in this year?s service, including survivors, children of survivors and grand?children of survivors. The Governor?s Conference on "The Implications of the Holocaust" was held at the Flamingo Hilton-Reno on April 23-24, 1991 and was jointly sponsored by: the Nevada Humanities Committee; the Grace Dangberg Foundation; the Clark Coun?ty Classroom Teachers Association, the Clark County School District; the Nevada Holocaust Education Committee of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas; First In?terstate Bank of Nevada; Stephen Kollins, M.D.; Sidney and Vera Stem; The Sisterhood of Temple Emanu-El (Reno); and the Nate Mack B?nai B?rith Lodge in Las Vegas. The year 1991 marks the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the dark periodi IS THE JEWISH LECTURE SERIES Harry L. Goldberg, O.D., Chairman Beverly Eisen, Community Relations Director As each of you certainly knows by now, Harry passed away earlier this year, after doing a wonderful job of chairing this most important project for nine years. He was a delight to work with and wealth of information to learn from. It is with great pride that we announce the Board of Directors decision to name the Series "The Dr. Harry L. Goldberg Jewish Lecture Series of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas." It is with deep admiration that we re-print in its entirety, Harry?s last mes?sage to the Las Vegas community: January 20, 1991 Dear Friends: What started with an idea and hope has now become an intellectual and cultural yearly event: this is our NINTH Annual Jewish Community Lecture Series of Las Vegas. We are informed, inspired and enriched by brilliant persons of our faith with subjects that are current, of substance and popular appeal and confronting Jews, Judaism and the world today. And with a lighter, cultural evening from time to time, too. These series are meant to strengthen Jewish consciousness, expand our horizons and enrich our own personal lives. With this in mind, I must express deep felt gratitude to those who make this pos?sible: - There are individuals, couples, organizations and those memorializing a loved one who have come to me or answered my call for sponsorship funds! (I know you will want to scan the two panels in this brochure that list those whom I call "Honorable Mentchen - Our Series Sponsors")! - There are those knowledgeable members of our community who have heard or learned of outstanding speakers whom I should be contacting for availability, fee,