There are many ways in which to judge the vitality and vibrancy of our Jewish community:  the number of congregations, how many children are enrolled in Jewish Day School, how many people attend Israel Independence Day…just to name a few.

Last evening we held our Major Gifts Reception on behalf of the 2011 Jewish Federation Campaign …with almost 100 donors present and in attendance.  That is clearly a sign of strength, vitality and commitment.  Dennis Prager, noted talk show host and commentator, captivated and inspired the audience with his thought-provoking presentation.  Marla Letizia and Mike Leven, Co-Chairs for the Major Gifts Reception, also motivated those assembled with their passionate comments about the importance of our Jewish Federation, Tzedakah and why support for the 2011 Jewish Federation Campaign is vitally needed at this time.

TribeFest Arrives!

Bruchim HaBayim!  Welcome!  More than 1,200 young Jewish adults from across the United States will begin TribeFest , the National Young Leadership Conference, this Sunday at the Mandalay Bay.  We are proud to be the host Jewish Federation as well as to have more than 50 of our own young Jewish leaders attending and participating in TribeFest !  We also are proud that Mayor Oscar Goodman, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley and Congressman Joe Heck will each be addressing the conference; and that our Jewish Emerging Leaders have had a major role in planning and preparing for TribeFest .  Yet another sign of the vibrancy and vitality of our Jewish community!  Kudos and Yasher Koach to Josh Reisman, Las Vegas Host Chair and our dedicated staff, Stefanie Szlamkowicz and Rob Festenstein for coordinating our Jewish Federation’s role in TribeFest .

Sports Talk This Monday

Join us for an exciting Business & Professional Network program this Monday, March 7 at the Four Seasons.  It’s not too late to make a reservation for a very special program, Sports Talk featuring local leader Bob Arum, legendary boxing promoter, and Mark Wilf, President and Owner of the Minnesota Vikings .  For reservations please contact Juley Kurs at the Jewish Federation (732-0556 or Juley@jewishlasvegas.com ) or click here now .

Women’s United

The annual Women’s United Luncheon is just around the corner on March 24 and will be an exciting and fun-filled program in support of the 2011 Jewish Federation Campaign.  Brooke Burke of TV’s “Dancing With The Stars,” will be the special guest speaker along with a beautiful fashion show and spectacular auction.  Please join hundreds of Jewish women at this year’s United Luncheon and help our Jewish Federation meet the needs of our Jewish community and those in need at home and around the world.  Karen and Jessica Sporn and their dynamic committee are eager to welcome all the women of our Jewish community to this year’s United!  To learn more or to make your reservation please contact Lisa Kaplan, Women’s Philanthropy Director at the Jewish Federation, 732-0556 or Lisa@jewishlasvegas.com  or click here .

Tzipi Livni To Speak

Tzipi Livni, a leading member of Israel’s Knesset and leader of the Kadima party, will be speaking at a community program on Sunday, March 27 at 7:00 P.M. at Temple Beth Sholom .  Ms. Livni’s presentation will be the Opening Program for the annual Rabbinical Assembly Convention being held in Las Vegas for the very first time.  The RA is the professional organization of Conservative Rabbis world-wide.  The program is free of charge and open to thee entire community.  Reservations must be made in advance in order to receive an admission ticket and can be made by online at:  http://bethsholomlv.org/news/mk-tzipi-livni-at-temple-beth-sholom

Legislative Mission to Carson City

Join us for a special one-day Legislative Mission to Carson City and Jewish Community Day at the Nevada State Legislature.  This mission, sponsored by our Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Relations Committee, will meet with State elected officials on issues of importance to our Jewish community.  The day’s program includes visits to the floor of the State Senate and Assembly as well as a Legislative reception held at the State Supreme Court building.  For more information please contact Lisa Kaplan at the Jewish Federation at 7320-0556 or Lisa@jewishlasvegas.com .

IDF Officers To Visit

As part of TribeFest a special delegation of Officers from the Israel Defense Forces will be in our community.  Two of the Officers will be speaking at various events in our community including a special program with ROTC members at UNLV.

Shabbat Shalom .