Executive committee meeting minutes and agenda, December 20, 1994

AGENDA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING DECEMBER 20, 1994 I. WELCOME AND ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES II. ANNOUNCEMENTS III. CAMPAIGN REPORT IV. BUILDING BUDGET V. NATIONAL ALLOCATIONS VI. SATELLITE NETWORK VII. ENDOWMENTS VIII. CELLULAR ONE IX. ADJOURNMENT V JEWISH FEDERATION OF LAS VEGAS it v M f f a ? 5ICESMUSD CENTER - JSW Swift Maryland Park?*y, Suite 400 - Las ttfor. Srx-ada R9119-7520 (702) 732-0556 - FAX (702) 732-3223 1994 NATIONAL ALLOCATIONS AGENCY NAME 1993 Actual 1994 Recommendation 1. ADL - Anti-Defamation League 1,500 1,500 2. American Jewish Congress 150 150 3. American Society for Alyn Hospital 150 150 4. Association of Jewish Family & Children's Agencies 150 150 5. B'nai B'rith Foundation of the U.S. (Hillel/BBYO) 150 200 6. Camera 100 100 7. CLAL - The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership 100 100 8.* CJF - Council of Jewish Federations 25,000 9. Jewish Braille Institute 200 200 10. JCCA - Jewish Community Centers Association 1,500 1,600 11. JTA - Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Inc. 100 100 12. Jewish War Verterans of the United States 100 -0- 13. National Funding Council JESNA - Jewish Education Service of North America National Conference on Soviet Jewry National Foundation for Jewish Culture NJCRAC - National Jewish Community Relations Committee 500 500 150 1,100 500 500 150 2,325 14. National Tay-Sachs 150 150 15. North Amnerican Jewish Students Appeal 150 150 TOTALS 33,025 National Allocations Budget * CJF 1994 Dues Balance National Allocations $ 34,000 - 25.000 $ 9,000 * ?Nm ^ ^ ^ ^ e^ ? C Ow7Uj No CBIr Lo a dsw a yJ EW? INSHew b FYEDo rEkR, ATNrYIO N1S 0 0 03 i? (2 1 2e ) 4 7 5 - 5 0f0 0 s December 1994 SPECIAL EDITION THE DENVER GENERAL ASSEMBLY FORUMS The Meaning of Jewish Community In the 21st Century A strong Jewish community can exist as part of a larger general community, but for this to happen strong Jewish organizations reinforcing Jewish values must exist, declared two experts. "Our organizations are going to have to organize to strengthen the people that want a real Jewish life, not those who do not," said Dr. Daniel Elazar, Director of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. "H ever, if these individuals are not rooted in theu Jewishness, they will participate in the larger society just like anyone else." He called for the development of a "community by covenant" in which people accept their obligations to be part of their Jewish community and in which they will have faith in the importance of these obligations. Arnold Eisen, Professor of Religious Studies at Stanford University, said that Jewish community must be based on Jewish meaning and that the two are inseparable. To reinforce Jewish meaning requires face-to-face contact between Jews and the Jewish institutions that serve them ? such as Federations, schools and camps. "There is no substitute for this most basic kind of Jewish interaction," he declared. This interaction is particularly important because "the identity of every Jew is up for grabs ? people have to choose Judaism at various points in their lives." An important element in the success of the Jewish community is closer Federation-synagogue relations, Professor Eisen said. Financial Resource Development: Trends and Strategies ? The Case for Change and How to Manage It Addressing the issue of change in a changing marketplace, and how to handle that change, expert; provided guidelines for Federations to consider in revamping their financial resource development efforts. "Change is difficult and awkward," said consultants Craig Dreilinger and Devora Barer, "but the fact is our market is changing and we have to learn to manage change in order to move forward." Donald P. Kent, CJF's Director of Planned Giving and Foundation Relations, declared that Federations instinctively know that something is amiss. The question they face, however, is how to make change happen. A whole range of issues involving change were discussed including removing obstacles to and fear of change, providing motivation, and introducing new ways of raising money. Implementation of change, the speakers declared, will require sophisticated donor research and tracking tools, both of which are practically non-existent in many Federations today. Building Jewish Identity and Continuity Through Lifelong Jewish Learning Jewish thinking, philosophy, theology and expression must be taught to help educate a skeptical generation of young Jews, said Rabbi Harold Schulweis of Los Angeles. In his years of study and through his experiences, Schulweis sees Jewish youth yearning for spirituality and wisdom and craving answers to "real life" questions about Jewish issues. According to Schulweis, Jewish educators must understand whom we address, their culture and questions, before we can even attempt to understand what aspects of Judaism we want them to continue. Teach Jewish "thinking," he charged, and answer their questions with wisdom. Professor Steven M. Cohen of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem encouraged educators to offer children a balance of traditional classroom education with real life experiences at home and in the Jewish community. "While these teachings can't guarantee continuity," he said, "all forms of education help reduce children's chances of losing their Jewish identity." Cohen shared situations where mixed marriages and lax Jewish practices often develop: 1) homes where parents aren't involved in Jewish practices; 2) geographic areas with low Jewish density, and 3) families with little Jewish schooling. Billie Gold of New York, president of JESNA, chaired the session and reminded the audience that the challenge of Jewish continuity "is not beyond our abilities." Education is the answer, she concluded. Reaching the Unreached: Programming for Jewish Students Representatives from seven colleges across the country, serving on a panel moderated by Richard M. Joel, President of Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, identified issues which have surfaced as part of Hillel's "reconceptualization" efforts to find and serve uninvolved Jewish college students. Recommendations, designed to enhance partnerships between campus groups and Jewish community leadership, included: ? Providing support for the fledgling Jewish Campus Service Corps, empowering recent RECEIVED OFR ? M I f college graduates to provide one-on-one outreach to uninvolved students ? the 60 percent "passive Jews" ? to personalize Jewish community involvement for them and make it more inviting. ? Providing alternatives to Hillel and encouraging cooperative efforts between Hillel and other Jewish student organizations. ? Developing increased "pathways" for involvement. ? Determining what's "hot" and what's "not" on campus and designing Jewish programs around mainstream issues insuring that they compete successfully with the myriad of other, often slick, campus offerings. ? Providing introductory programs about Judaism to increase comfort levels for students unfamiliar with practices. ? Addressing not only attracting students, but also means of follow-up and retention. ? Providing information about career opportunities in the Jewish community. ? Providing opportunities for students to participate in community decision-making which affects them or their future. As Joel stated, "The personal connection is paramount. Our reason to be here is to put a human face on our programs." Terrorism and Jewish Security ? A Global Perspective The bomb that destroyed the Jewish community offices in Buenos Aires on July 18, 1994 did more than demolish a building ? it demoralized and instilled fear in an entire community that, until that moment, had felt it was removed from the violence facing Jews in many other parts of the world. That was the report from Dr. Ruben Beraja, President of the Delegacion de Asociaciones Israelitas Argentinas (DAIA), whose offices were among those leveled in the blast. "The attack left our community deeply unsettled, with a climate of uncertainty and fear," he said. The immediate response of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee was to commit one million dollars to rebuilding the community. A quarter of that has been earmarked for programs to bring about a rapid return to normalcy, explained Rebecca Newman, chair of the JDC's Latin American Committee. Normalcy is needed to ensure continued day school enrollment, Jewish Community Center participation, etc. ? all essential to the future viability of the Jewish community in Buenos Aires, she said. JDC President Ambassador Milton Wolf said the response of the Jewish community is clear. "If we are one ptopie, each bearing responsibiiiry for each other, then we all have the responsibility to help Argentina rebuild physically, spiritually, and emotionally," he declared. Creating "Continuity Capable" Institutions Four experts agreed that our Jewish institutions must continue to develop partnerships to be effective, as explained in a session chaired by Marvin Lender of New Haven, Chair of the North American Commission on Jewish Identity and Continuity. Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman of Dallas, President of Central Conference of American Rabbis, emphasized the importance of working together to send an important message to the Jewish community: "We care for you." Jewish agencies should move from management to leadership, according to Zimmerman, and bring Jews closer to understanding their value in the Jewish community. Ann Kaufman of Houston, President of the JCC Association, showcased the impact of the Jewish Community Centers and their education services. "Our goal is to create a community of Jews who are consciously Jewish and who manifest Judaism in their lifestyle, experiences and choices," she explained, adding that the JCC supports opportunities for participation and learning. Charles Ratner of Cleveland, whose community was a 1994 AVI CHAI/CJF Award Winner for iif Joint Federation/Congregational Plenum Commission on Jewish Continuity, defined continuity as "education." He charged that "it will work" only by involving our children. CJF Treasurer Daniel S. Shapiro of New York emphasized the value of program assistance and grants to help institutions become stronger. "We are committed to invest our grants in this education transformation," he said. "Most importantly, the Federation will have to use its moral influence to guide other institutions." To create "continuity capable" institutions, the four experts agreed that Jewish education is our greatest tool. Israel-Diaspora Relations in Our International Educational Systems Improving Jewish education in the Diaspora as well as in Israel will require a collaboration between educators from both Jewish communities now and in the future. This was the common theme that was discussed by participants representing the differin; perspectives of North America, South Africa and Israel. While Jewish communities in the Diaspora and Israel all have established Jewish educational programs, they do not teach the same material nor seek to achieve the same goals, the speakers said. However, explained Dr. Daniel Margolis, Executive DLector of the Board of Jewish Education of Boston, as a result of greater communication and concern in the Jewish world there is a growing intention to present more unified information and goals through educational programs. One way to achieve this goal, he said, is to have more opportunities for the sharing of experiences, made possible by having an increased number of educators from Israel and the Diaspora participating in exchange programs. Margolis suggested that the best way to improve learning about Israel would be through increased use of informal settings, greater personal encounters between Israelis and Diaspora Jews, more cultural 2 experiences and increased use of developing electronic technologies. "eymour Kopelowitz, the National Director of the Suuth African Jewish Board of Directors, declared that South African Jewish education has greater contact than does North America with Israel but that it doesn't teach anything about other Diaspora nations. He is a proponent of embarking on joint curricula and increased exchanges of teachers and youth between Diaspora nations. The Israeli perspective was presented by Avraham Infeld of the Melitz Center for Jewish Education in Jerusalem. He explained that presently there is no formalized instruction about the Diaspora in Israel but that this policy is currently under review. He believes that Israel must change and become more accepting of alternate approaches to Jewish life in order to achieve a more unified Jewish education. Culture and Continuity: Resources For Jewish Communities A major new program of cultural residencies in communities was announced at this Forum by Richard A. Siegel, Executive Director of the I onal Foundation for Jewish Culture (NFJC). Siegel explained that the NFJC has designed a program to bring mainstream American Jewish artists into contact with Jewish communities through a series of short and long-term cultural residencies. "Jewish artists performing in mainstream society offer the most fertile ground for developing the next great American culture. Liz Swados (whose company performed at the opening plenary) is a perfect example of the type of artist that can serve as a bridge between Jewish and mainstream culture," he said. Another tool in the rich supply of cultural resources available to the communities is The Jewish Heritage Video Collection, a project of the Jewish Media Fund of the Charles H. Revson Foundation. According to Eli Evans, President of the Foundation, the collection, designed for both educational and home use, "addresses a critical need in education today: how to make Jewish life relevant." The collection, available to libraries, schools, JCCs and other institutions, includes innovative courses that integrate film and television programs h written auricular materials together with a 150 tape video library that can be borrowed for home viewing. In encouraging the attendees to bring Israeli cultural events into the communities, Colette Avital, Consul General of the State of Israel in New York, said "I believe there is no other center where total Jewish creativity is flourishing as in Israel." The challenge to fight cultural assimilation is two-fold, according to Avital. "We must bring young people into the fold and we must develop an authentic Jewish cultural expression. Unless we add this creative element to our lives," she cautioned, "we may end up like other great civilizations ? in a museum." Our Educators: The New Imperative Results of a new in-depth study of Jewish educators in three target communities were revealed at this Forum, chaired by Morton L. Mandel of Cleveland. The study was undertaken by Adam Gamoran of the University of Wisconsin and Ellen Goldring of Vanderbilt University, under the auspices of The Council for Initiatives in Jewish Education (CIJE). CIJE was established to implement the conclusions of the Commission on Jewish Education in North America. In introducing the survey's results, Mandel, the chair of CHE, told Forum attendees, "The average level of Jewish educational process in North America is simply unacceptable. We need to infuse our educational system with a greater number of superstar teachers." The study was undertaken in three cities ? Atlanta, Baltimore and Milwaukee ? but according to Gamoran, "The results are strikingly similar for the three cities and are informative for all of us." The findings showed that only 19 percent of teachers surveyed have received professional training in both education and Jewish studies. Of the remaining 81 percent, 35 percent have been trained in education and 12 percent in Judaica, and 34 percent have been trained in neither. "The overall picture is of a system in need of serious upgrading, but there is a lot to build on," Gamoran said, referring to the high level of career commitment expressed by the teachers surveyed. To address the needs of the future, the study included a follow-up action plan which proposed the launching of a joint program in teacher training between Israel and the U.S. "Let us together form a new alliance for the training of educators," exhorted Forum panelist Amnon Rubinstein, Israel's Minister of Education. "I am not announcing the establishment of a new institution. I'm not even offering a plan. We have much to do first. But I am asking you to join us in establishing a process." Allen Hoffmann, Executive Director of CIJE, concurred. "Building the profession and mobilizing leadership is what the GA is all about. If we really want to engender systemic change, we have to put the issues on the table. That's why we called this session 'The New Imperative.'" Immigration and Refugee Policies: Impact on the Home Front Speakers at the Forum expressed grave concern about the future of U.S. refugee and immigration policies ? a concern that was reinforced by the recent election results. Diana Aviv, Director of the CJF Washington Action Office, discussed the impact that changes in Congress will have on immigration and refugee policy. She fears that the movement to the right will be detrimental to the future of immigration and refugee legislation and that it is important for the Jewish community to understand the gravity of the situation and to communicate their concerns to their legislators. Aviv focused on the vow by Republican congressional leaders to pass a balanced budget bill. Massive cuts will most likely impact refugee funding, she said. It is unclear whether the Administration will continue to be supportive of 3 current policies. She said that the road ahead is challenging and unpredictable. Rabbi Tsvi Blanchard, Senior Teaching Fellow of CLAL, the National Jewish Center of Learning and Leadership, suggested that we, as Jews, need to focus on how we view immigration. People tend to deal with symbols, not facts, he said, when discussing immigration policy. "The first challenge," according to Blanchard, "is discerning who is 'in' and who is 'out' in American immigration. As laws change, the boundaries of who is 'in' and 'out' also change." The second challenge, Blanchard said, is choosing between solidarity and individualism as we work to overcome stereotypes. Blanchard suggested that we need to bring the subject of refugee policy to the consciousness of the Jewish community. The Peace Process: A Status Report Israel's Ambassador to the United States Itamar Rabinovich focused on Islamic terrorism as he explored the ups and downs of the Mideast peace process. Rabinovich noted the lack of international news coverage of the recent scud missile attack by Iran on Iraq, in light of its implications for security in both Israel and other countries. According to the Ambassador, Iran represents Israel's most serious threat due to its current weapons and potential nuclear capability, while at die same time being the ideological source of inspiration for international terrorism through its ties to Islamic Jihad and Hamas. In response, he said, Israel is developing deterrents against Iran's increasingly sophisticated weapons systems and is working to reinforce the peace process, to insure that, without allies, a war between Iraq and Iran would be limited to the two combatants. In his discussion of the peace process, Rabinovich used a "balance sheet" approach, judging the accord with Egypt to be on the plus side, though "not free of tension." In contrast, he declared, Jordan's agreement with Israel is a "warm peace," despite the ambiguities presented by Palestinian issues. The process of normalization of relations between Israel and other Middle Eastern countries continues, Rabinovich said, with the recent Casablanca conference signaling a "virtual end" to the boycott of Israel. The PLO agreement is more complex, Rabinovich commented, aggravated by Yasser Arafat's recent references to the "Zionist enemy" and the raising of the Palestinian flag in Jerusalem. There has been no "rooting out of the (extremist) infrastructure in Gaza," Rabinovich declared, nor any apparent attempt by the Palestinian Authority to normalize life in Gaza. On the plus side, he said, Arafat's influence continues to be extremely important in the Middle East peace process. It was only after Israel's agreement with the PLO had been signed that King Hussein made peace, that normalized relations with Morocco, Tunisia, and Bahrain were developed, and that economic agreements between Israel and China and Japan were signed. CJF Staff: Frank Strauss, Director of Communications Stephen Steiner, Editor Don Hulbert, Word Processing Denver Newsbriefs Staff: Judie Schwartz, Coordinator Ken Bingenheimer, Diane Amdur, Alice Borodkin, Roberta Elliott (National Foundation for Jewish Culture, New York), Dorothy Gotlieb, Mitzi Kaufman, Janice Rosen, Ruth Hart Segal Black-Jewish Relations: A Complex Coalition While the Jewish and Black communities have an important history of cooperation such as in passing civil rights legislation, today's political climate is different and the issues facing both groups have changed, according to the Forum speakers. Wade Henderson, Legislative Director of the NAACP's Washington Bureau, said that there have been increasing concerns and allegations by the Jewish community about anti-Semitism in the African American community. Likewise, he declared, there have been growing complaints in the African American community about growing racism in the Jewish community. "Extremist rhetoric in both communities has created a polarization that threatens to make rational discourse all but impossible," said Henderson. "The major challenge we face is trying to find an appropriate balance between the rhetoric and the right to free speech because overreaction does nothing to help us resolve our problems." Dr. Lawrence Rubin, Executive Vice Chairman of the National Jewish Community Relations Advisory Council, agreed that Jews and Blacks must look at their past to shape their future and at th*> same time recognize that the issues facing both groups have changed. While African Americans are focused on welfare reform and stereotypes regarding crime, Jews are more concerned with refugee policy, school prayer issues and United States relations with Israel. Still, he said, there are common issues and a need for dialogue ? not just during crises but between crises. The Forum was heavily attended by students who expressed growing concerns about tension between Blacks and Jews on campus. Rekindling Jewish Identity and Community in the Former Soviet Union Jewish communal life in the former Soviet Union and the role played by Jewish agencies as well as the part played by the Jewish population itself made up the focus of the discussion. As CJF Past President Shoshana S. Cardin emphasized,; it is vital to reconnect the people in the former USSR to their Jewishness. A perspective on how to do this was provider Dima Morakhovski, the Principal of the Gesher Jewish Day School in St. Petersburg. "The people of the Former Soviet Union have a right to have assistance from world Jewry," she said. "It is extremely important to link with different groups because we are moving forward in our relationships and the American people should be more deeply involved in our activities." Chaim Chesler, Jewish Agency representative in Moscow, and Theodore Comet of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee also discussed reconnection with and assistance from world Jewry. They agreed that work, understanding and cooperation are crucial to helping the Jews of Russia identify with their brethren around the world. 4 JEWISH FEDERATION OF LAS VEGAS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 20, 1994 PRESENT ABSENT Dr. Allan Boruszak Rabbi Sanford Akselrad Daryl Alterwitz Gene Greenberg Sandy Ma11in Hal Ober Emily Novick Michael Novick Amy Boruszak Elaine Galatz Art Marshall Dr. Marv Perer Leslie Simon Doug Unger STAFF Ronni Epstein Tony Figueredo Ted Flaum Suzan Loeb I. WELCOME AND ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES Allan Boruszak welcomed everyone to the Executive Committee meeting. He asked for a motion to accept the minutes from the November 9th meeting. Mike Novick moved to accept the minutes from the November 9th meeting. Gene Greenberg seconded and the motion carried. II. ANNOUNCEMENTS Allan said plans are underway for the 1995 Campaign. He said everyone needed to understand how important it was that all card are covered as quickly as possible. This is a crucial year for the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, and the Federation needs full support from everyone. Allan said Shelly Katz, the new Jewish Community Center Director, has begun working with the Center and the Jewish Student Union located on the UNLV campus. Planning is underway and many people are coming forward to express their interest in participating in this program. Shelly will be at the next Board meeting. Allan said that several months ago he had mentioned the Jewish Federation had been approached by Rabbi Kideckel of Temple Beth Sholom regarding the community's consideration of exploring the development of a Jewish Community Day School separate from the synagogue. The Federation is establishing an Ad Hoc Committee to explore this possibility. Dr. David Shluker, of JESNA, the Jewish Education Society of North America, will be coming to Las Vegas to meet with the Board of Rabbis and members of this committee. He asked Board members interested in being involved with this project to advise Ronni or himself. 1 Mike said Super Sunday will be March 26th. David Dahan is asking for the support of the Executive Committee and the Federation Board as over 200 volunteers will be needed this year. Mike said to date, 63 pledges have been made totaling $160,677. It reflects an increase of almost $25,000 from the same cards last year or an 18% card-for-card increase. The general campaign has 30 pledges for $95,462 for a 10% card-for-card increase. Mike said any green bonds three years or older can be used to pay pledges. Allan thanked Mike for his report. IV. BUILDING BUDGET Allan said the Federation building is approximately 97% occupied. A Building Budget has been established which reflects our building's income and expenses. Jay Epstein has been raising money for the Building Campaign. He has been moderately successful and still has a few more gifts he hopes to close in the next two weeks. Allan asked Tony Figueredo, our Financial Director, to explain the Building Budget and issues surrounding our deficit. Tony handed out the report and explained the issues. There is a $53,000 deficiency on the building due to tenants, like ourselves, who do not pay rent. Allan thanked Tony for his report and opened discussion relating to the deficit in the Building Fund Budget. He said since the Federation does not pay rent and has given Jewish Family Service Agency free space in our building along with the B'nai B'rith Nate Mack Lodge, these areas presently do not generate income. The Committee needs to discuss how to deal with this deficit which is presently being handled through the Federation's operating account. The Controller is keeping track of building expenditures so the Federation can reimburse the operating account as the Capital Campaign is completed. There needs to be an approval of the Budget and a plan for dealing with the deficit in the future, in the event that the Federation does not raise enough capital fund dollars. Ronni said the building rents are competitive. The Federation works with a Management Company. The deficit is being addressed and will be discussed in the allocations and budgeting process. Sandy Mallin asked where the money goes when rooms are purchased. Ronni said the money pays off the debt service. Tony said the debt service amounts to $167,000 at this time, and $70,000 is owed the Operating Fund. Hal Ober said the Federation needs to set-up a reserve for maintenance. Allan said that this was reflected in the budget at $1,000 per month. 3 Hike Novick moved to accept the Building Budget. Gene Greenberg seconded the motion and it carried. V. NATIONAL ALLOCATIONS Allan said a portion of our Campaign is given to National organizations. An individual was asked to chair the National Allocations Committee this year and for personal reasons this person was unable to fulfill the responsibility. Therefore, Elaine Galatz was asked to include the National Allocations process in her local Allocations Committee deliberations. Allan explained the National Allocations suggestions (see attached.) Hal Ober moved to accept the 1994 National Allocations. Sandy Mallin seconded the motion and it carried. Allan thanked Elaine and her committee for completing this important task and said that next year there will be a separate National Allocations Committee formed. VI. SATELLITE NETWORK Allan said over the course of the year several national meetings and programs are held through the Council of Jewish Federations Satellite Network. These involve programs relating to everything from the new tax laws that affect our organization, to new university programs for Jewish Federations. The Federation does not have a satellite network and therefore cannot participate j these important meetings. The staff has investigated the costs a satellite to be placed on top of our building so we can participate in this program. The cost would be approximately $1,000. Allan asked for a motion to allocate this money from the Federation Reserve Fund to purchase this equipment. Allan said there was $975 not used in National Allocations and this money should be applied to purchasing the satellite. Tony said Gene Dunn, who has been in business 21 years here in Las Vegas, gave a satellite price quote of approximately $1,000. It has been shown to Gene Greenberg who is doing further research on satellites. When Gene has advised Tony of his research we will purchase the satellite. Hal Ober moved to allocate money from the Federation Reserve Fund to purchase the Satellite Network. Sandy Mallin seconded the motion and it carried. VII. ENDOWMENT REPORT Allan asked Daryl Alterwitz to give an Endowment report. Darvl said an effort is being made to better educate the community about Endowments. Articles concerning the Endowment are appearir" 4 in the Jewish Reporter. The Endowment Committee hopes to have brochures available for distribution within the next month, and begin conducting seminars on estate planning early next year. Daryl said the Committee hopes to conduct at least three seminars: one in Summerlin, one in Green Valley and one at the Federation offices. The Committee is meeting next month with Barbara Hammerman who is the Endowment professional to discuss the program and explore the possibility of the Federation's participation in the program. The Endowment Committee met with Mark Berger, our regional consultant from the Council of Jewish Federations, last month. He described the SHEP program which would benefit the Federation's Endowment program tremendously. The meeting with Barbara Hammerman will allow us to evaluate the benefits of the program further. Daryl said the Committee has recommendations for disbursements: 1. The Endowment Committee recommends a disbursement of $2,000 from a philanthropic fund to the Meadows School. 2. The Endowment Committee recommends a $1,000 grant from a combination of the Welt, Eisenberg and Shipper II Funds to be given to two students who are attending the Alexander Muss High School Program in Israel sponsored by United Synagogue Youth. 3. The Endowment Committee received a request for a scholarship, due to financial need, from a parent whose son is attending kindergarten at the Milton I. Schwartz Hebrew Academy. According to the request, the parents have had a decline in income resulting from the father's change of employment. The Endowment Committee requested last year's tax returns, W-2 forms and recent pay stubs of the parents in order to ver