Governor’s Inauguration

This past week Brian Sandoval was sworn in as Nevada’s new Governor.  I ask you to join me in wishing our new Governor well as he starts his term.  Our Jewish Federation looks forward to working closely with the Governor, other statewide elected officials and members of the Nevada Legislature on issues of importance to our State and the Jewish community.

Rabbi Felipe Goodman of Temple Beth Sholom was invited to participate in the Inauguration ceremony and offered the closing benediction on the steps of the State Capitol in Carson City.  Please click here to see a video of Rabbi Goodman’s prayer .

Jewish Community Day in Carson City

In keeping with our commitment to work closely with our elected officials on issues of importance to our Jewish community, our Jewish Community Relations Committee is working on a Mission to Carson City for Jewish Community Day in Carson City.  The one-day trip will be marked with a Legislative Reception for members of the Nevada Assembly and Senate as well as private meetings with State officials and others.  To learn more about the Mission please contact Lisa Kaplan at the Jewish Federation at 732-0556 or Lisa@jewishlasvegas.com .

2011 Jewish Federation Campaign

Our 2011 Jewish Federation Campaign is “in gear” as we strive to raise funds to support our collaborative partners here in our Jewish community as well as in Israel and around the Jewish world.  In the coming weeks you will begin to see announcements for a wide variety of campaign events including those of our Women’s Philanthropy Council, JewEL Young Leadership and Business and Professional Network; as well as the annual Super Sunday Phone-A-Thon. 

We welcome your volunteer efforts as well as your participation at all campaign events; and most importantly your generous pledge or gift to this year’s Jewish Federation Campaign.  If you would like to help and volunteer please call the Jewish Federation at 732-0556.

We have produced a beautiful brochure for our 2011 Jewish Federation Campaign.  To view it please click here .

On behalf of all our beneficiaries and partners, and most especially all those who benefit from the programs and services supported by your generous gifts to the 2011 Jewish Federation Campaign…thank you very much!

Women’s Philanthropy Outreach Event

Please join us this coming week to hear Linda Hurwitz, National Chairwoman of Women’s Philanthropy for the Jewish Federations of North America, on January 11th for a dynamic Women’s Philanthropy Outreach program entitled “Creating Your Own Jewish Story.”  Please click here to see the invitation .

Women’s Philanthropy Events Coming!

Our Women’s Philanthropy Council is busy planning for this year’s exciting United Luncheon and the Lion of Judah Luncheon.  In addition, plans are in place for the “kick off” of the new Pomegranate Division honoring women who contribute $1,800 to the Jewish Federation Campaign.

To learn more about all of our Women’s Philanthropy Council events please call Lisa Kaplan, Women’s Philanthropy Council Director at 732-0556 or Lisa@jewishlasvegas.com .

Business & Professional Network Kickoff

The first B&P Networking event will take place January 19th and will be an exciting opportunity for Jewish businessmen and businesswomen to meet, mingle and network.  The program will also feature Dr. Will Recant, Director of International Operations for the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.  Please join us and click here to view our invitation .

Dateline: The Jewish Community in Tunisia

The world’s attention has turned to events in Tunisia and the turbulent political events occurring there.  The following is an email which our Jewish Federation received today from our strategic overseas partner, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee , with regard to the current situation and how it is impacting the small, but vibrant Jewish community in Tunisia:

"Tunisia is essentially shut down by a general strike, with massive anti-government demonstrations appearing everywhere.  But the Jewish community -- 300-500 in Tunis, 100 in Zarzis, 60-80 living in Sfax and Sousse, and approximately 1,000 Jews on the island of Djerba  -- is not the focus of any demonstration thus far.

As a precaution, police buses now block the entrance to the Jewish Quarter in Djerba.  Although there was a large demonstration of workers in nearby Houmt Souk today --- Jewish life in Djerba remains calm and continues almost as usual.
 
The government has intensified heavy police protection for the Grand Synagogue of Tunis and the central building of the Jewish community. A massive street demonstration on the main boulevard passed by the synagogue without incident; the focus of the protesters remains the current government.

Security forces protecting the Jewish Old Age Home in La Goulette have been increased; no incidents have been reported.

All schools and universities were shut down earlier this week as a precaution against violence and protest vandalism.  Although the Jewish schools in Djerba continue to function normally, the Chabad School in downtown Tunis closed so that it would not to be viewed as different from any other educational establishment there.  Prayer services at the school continue as usual.

Yechiel Bar-Chaim, JDC’s Country Director for Tunisia, reports his main concern for the small 100-member Jewish community in Zarzis on the Tunisian mainland.

On Thursday, four non-Jewish civilians were killed during the protests there and a Jewish shop was among the many that were looted in the city center.  Their funerals today will most probably be followed by an outpouring of public grief and anger.

The Jews of Zarzis live in a two-square block area just off the town center, surrounded by their synagogue, Jewish schools, the mikveh, and the place where chickens are kashered.  On an adjoining street are the jewelry stores where most of the members of the Jewish community earn their living. 

Until today this self-imposed “ghetto without walls" was carefully protected 24/7 by the Tunisian police.  But the police have simply disappeared from the streets of Zarzis and the army presence there is basically a passive one.  In fact the police have reportedly disappeared in many places throughout Tunisia. But the Jews in Zarzis will be vulnerable if the demonstrations after the funerals take a wrong turn.  And in fact, four Jewish families from the town have already taken temporary refuge in Djerba.

JDC has been active in Tunisia since 1950, but Jewish communal life there dates back at least 2,300 years, when 30,000 Jews were forced to move from Palestine to Tunisia by the Romans under the Emperor Titus.  After World War II, estimates of the size of the Jewish population in Tunisia range from 105,000 to several times that number.  The community declined to 23,000 by the end of 1967 and to 9,000 by 1990.  And so we call its estimated 1,500 members a remnant, yet still thriving Jewish community."

Our Jewish Federation is a proud partner with the JDC .  Our financial support of the JDC helps to insure that vulnerable Jewish communities are cared for such as what we are not experiencing in Tunisia. 

Dateline:  In The Aftermath of the Tucson Tragedy

As Americans we share the grief being experienced by the citizens of Tucson in the aftermath of last Saturday’s horrific incident.  Our sympathies and condolences go out to the families of those who were killed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were wounded, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who is making a miraculous recovery.  Congresswoman Giffords is not only a respected elected official but a proud Jewish leader.  Please learn more about her by clicking here .

Our thoughts, hopes and prayers are with the citizens of Tucson.  Together as Americans let us work together to  emerge from these tragic events strengthened and more united as a nation.  As President Obama remarked at the community memorial service in Tucson earlier this week: 

"If this tragedy prompts reflection and debate, as it should, let’s make sure it’s worthy of those we have lost.  Let’s make sure it’s not on the usual plane of politics and point scoring and pettiness that drifts away with the next news cycle.  I want us to live up to her (shooting victim Christina Taylor Green, 9 years old) expectations.  I want our democracy to be as good as she imagined it.  All of us – we should do everything we can to make sure this country lives up to our children’s expectations."

News Flash:   U.S.Vetoes Anti Israel UN Resolution

Just as this newsletter was being sent the United States vetoed the United Nations Security Council resolution calling Israel settlements illegal.

Congresswoman Berkley: "US Must Veto UN Resolution Attacking Israel."

The canard of anti-Israel sentiment continues unabated at the United Nations.  One would think that with all of the turmoil in the Middle East the UN would have far better things to do than try to focus world attention on biased resolutions directed against Israel.  I am very grateful and proud that our Congresswoman, Shelley Berkley, continues to be a strong, passionate and committed voice in Congress on behalf of Israel and the US/Israel strategic relationship.  Congresswoman Berkley issued a statement this past week urging the United States to veto a resolution in the United Nations that is unfairly directed towards Israel.  To read Congresswoman’s statement please click here .

Senator Ensign Supports US Veto

Senator John Ensign has also come out with a strong statement urging the United States to veto the anti Israel resolution in the U.N.  Click here to read Senator Ensign’s statement .

US Aid Worker Held In Cuba

Last October, I had the privilege to lead our Jewish Federation’s Mission to Cuba and visited the Jewish community in Havana.  At that time, we inquired as to the status of US aid worker, Alan Gross, who had been jailed by Cuban authorities for undisclosed charges.  Since the fall, Gross continues to be held in prison and is now facing trial and a possible 20-year sentence on alleged charges.  At that time, I asked Congresswoman Berkley to inquire with the US State Department as to Gross’ situation and conditions.  The Congresswoman recently sent another letter, together with several other Congressional representatives, to Secretary of State Clinton on Gross’ behalf.  Please click here to read the Congressional letter .

2011 Campaign Events

Our 2011 Jewish Federation Campaign is in full swing!  Volunteers are needed to help with our efforts to raise funds on behalf of our Jewish community.  If you would like to assist, (no experience necessary!) please let me know by calling me at 732-0556 or by email at Elliot@jewishlasvegas.com .

Super Sunday will be Sunday, April 3 at the Greenspun Media Center in Henderson.  It is a fun-filled day and an important element of this year’s 2011 Jewish Federation Campaign.  Plan to join us for at least one shift if not more!  It is a mitzvah and you will feel great knowing that you helped our Jewish Federation to raise the funds necessary to provide services to our elderly, children, college students, families and many others in our community!  To sign up and register for Super Sunday please call Rob Festenstein at 732-0556 or email him at Rob@jewishlasvegas.com .  Or you can register on line by clicking here .

Join us for our Major Gifts Reception on March 3 featuring guest speaker Dennis Prager.  For details or reservations, please click here  or contact Dana@jewishlasvegas.com .

You will not want to miss our Business & Professional program, Sports Talk , featuring guest speakers Bob Arum, Founder of Top Rank and Mark Wilf, Owner of the Minnesota Vikings on March 7.  Click here for details and to make your reservation.

Moreover, do not forget this year’s Women’s United Luncheon on March 24 at the Aria Hotel featuring Brooke Burke of Dancing With The Stars.   The fun-filled and exciting silent auction, fashion show and program…all in support of the 2011 Jewish Federation Campaign…is the premier event of the year that you will not want to miss.  Please click here for more information and to make your reservation.

TribeFest

The days are counting down to the start of TribeFest , the National Young Leadership Conference sponsored by the Jewish Federations of North America and hosted by our community at the Mandalay Bay March 6-8.  Our JewEL Young Leadership program has a delegation of nearly 50 young Jewish adults attending the exciting conference program…and there are still some spots open for you to register.  If you are between the ages of 22 and 45…TribeFest is the place to be.  To learn more and to make your reservation please click here .

Women’s Philanthropy Features Kosher Sex

Yes…that’s right!  Our Women’s Philanthropy Council is sponsoring a special outreach program featuring therapist Dr. Nili Sachs this coming week.  The program is certain to be “standing room only” and will feature an introduction to the important and wonderful works of our Jewish Federation.  To learn more and to make a reservation please click here .

JFNA CEO Visits Las Vegas

Jerry Silverman, President & CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, will be in Las Vegas for the exciting TribeFest conference.  On Sunday, March 6 Silverman will be meeting with Jewish Federation and Jewish community leadership for a briefing on current world events and the Jewish Federation movement’s involvement as well as an assessment of other Jewish Federation priorities.  For more information or if you would like to join us for this special leadership briefing please contact Dana Yavitz at 732-0556 or Dana@jewishlasvegas.com  or click here now .

Federation Goes Twitter

Everyone is doing it and so is the Jewish Federation!  Social networking.  In an effort to remain on the “cutting edge” of communication, the Jewish Federation has launched its own Twitter account in an effort to reach out and touch many more members of our Las Vegas Jewish community and to bring them news and information about exciting Jewish Federation programs, events and services.

The Jewish Federation is looking forward to building a strong following and social network through Twitter that will help spread the word of our programs and services to the Las Vegas community.

Everyone today is staying connected using social networking and now it is time for the Jewish Federation to do so as well. Whether it is an upcoming program for our Women’s Philanthropy group or a gathering of Young Jewish professionals you can follow the Jewish Federation on Twitter .  We not only think our loyal and generous contributors and volunteers will be following our tweets but that by using social networking we will be reaching out and engaging many who have not previously been connected to our Jewish Federation and Jewish community.

Those who are already a part of Twitter can follow the Jewish Federation by logging on to http://twitter.com/JewishFedLV and become a part of rapidly expanding base of followers in Las Vegas and beyond. Twitter users can also get text message updates from the Jewish Federation by texting “follow JewishFedLV” to 40404 in the United States.

March Into March

This coming month will be very busy.  As noted above our Jewish Federation will be hosting TribeFest , holding our annual Major Gifts Reception and Women’s United Luncheon along with an exciting B&P program .  Our community will also play host to the annual meeting of both the Campaign Directors Institute and Small Cities Executives Institutes sponsored by the Jewish Federations of North America.  At the end of the month, the annual Rabbinical Assembly Convention will visit Las Vegas as more than 400 Conservative Rabbis from all over the world meet in our community.  To all of our guests and friends…Bruchim Habayim…Welcome to Las Vegas!

There is plenty going on at our Jewish Federation.  Join us!  Participate!  Volunteer!  Contribute!

Most importantly…thank you very much for your generous support to our 2011 Jewish Federation Campaign.

Shabbat Shalom

World events continue to be on everyone’s mind…from the Middle East which is engulfed in turmoil and tumult…to Mother Nature wrecking havoc in New Zealand.  We truly are one people, a world-wide network of solidarity.  The earthquake in Christ Church was devastating in terms of human life and property, including its impact on the Jewish community.  Reports are that one Israeli tourist was killed and that the Chabad House was heavily damaged along with a local synagogue.  The damage and loss of life could have been much worse.  The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has been in touch with both the New Zealand Jewish Community and the Israel Embassy who expressed their appreciation for support but indicated that the local Jewish community would be able to meet the current challenges posed by the earthquake.

Tal Brody-Israel Sports Ambassador

This past week our Jewish Federation helped to arrange for the visit of Israel basketball hero and legend, Tal Brody, to visit our community.  Brody, a great spokesperson for Israel, held clinics organized by the Jewish Community Center at the Adelson Educational Campus and Desert Torah Academy for students at both schools; as well as a clinic for adults and other meetings with Israelis living in Las Vegas.  He also attended our community’s annual AIPAC dinner.

Consul General’s Media Tour

Jacob Dayan, Israel’s Consul General from the Israeli Consulate in Los Angeles, was also in Las Vegas for the annual AIPAC dinner.  The Jewish Federation helped to arrange for Consul Dayan to meet with the Editorial Board at the Review Journal.  The newspaper has invited the Consul General to write an op-ed piece for publication in the Review Journal as a result of our meeting.  Dayan also appeared on the Alan Stock radio program on KXNT and addressed current events in the Middle East and their impact on both Israel and the United States.

Major Gifts Reception

This coming Thursday our Jewish Federation is proud to host renowned columnist and commentator Dennis Prager as the guest speaker at the Major Gifts Reception on behalf of the 2011 Jewish Federation Campaign.  Reservations are still possible for this important campaign event.  Please contact Dana Yavitz at 732-0556 or Dana@jewishlasvegas.com .

TribeFest Is Here!

More than 1,200 young Jewish adults from all over the United States will be coming to Las Vegas for TribeFest , the National Young Leadership Conference sponsored by the Jewish Federations of North America and hosted by our Jewish Federation at the Mandalay Bay.  An exciting and dynamic 3-day conference program is well in place; including a special Saturday night, March 5 “Welcome Party” at Surrender at the Encore hosted by our Jewish Federation’s Jewish Emerging Leadership group.  More than 45 Las Vegans are registered for TribeFest…and there is still time to register.  Don’t delay…please contact Stefanie Szlamkowicz at 732-0556 or Stefanie@jewishlasvegas.com .

JFNA Silverman To Visit

Jerry Silverman, President & CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, will be here as part of the exciting TribeFest program.  Our Jewish Federation is pleased to host a special Leadership Brunch for Silverman at which time he will update us on current challenges facing the Jewish Federation movement and system.  For more information or to make a reservation for the brunch please contact Dana Yavitz at 732-0556 or Dana@jewishlasvegas.com .

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 .

Lion of Judah Luncheon

This past week our Women’s Philanthropy Council held its annual Lion of Judah Luncheon on behalf of the 2011 Jewish Federation Campaign.  More than 70 women who proudly make Lion of Judah contributions to our Jewish Federation participated in the beautiful program.  Those in attendance were treated to an amazing presentation by Judy Feld Carr of Toronto, a Jewish leader who single-handedly was responsible for the 30-year rescue of nearly 4,000 Jews from Syria.  It was a miraculous story of intrigue, challenges and tenacity, which captivated the audience.  In addition to Judy’s remarkable, story the women paid tribute to the memories of four amazing women who passed away this past year and who were significant leaders of our Las Vegas Jewish community:  Barbara Greenspun, Lillian Kronberg, Jayn Marshall and Sandy White.  Yasher Koach to Lion of Judah Luncheon Co-Chairs Shelly Dubin and Fran Fine, as well as Women’s Philanthropy Chairwoman Rachel Ventura and Women’s Philanthropy Director Lisa Kaplan for orchestrating the entire program which raised vitally important funds for the 2011 Jewish Federation Campaign.  Thank You!  Todah Rabah!

Women’s United Luncheon

This past week’s Lion of Judah Luncheon now leads the way to the annual Women’s Philanthropy United Luncheon scheduled for March 24 at the Aria .  This year’s exciting United Luncheon will feature Brooke Burke, of TV’s “Dancing With The Stars,” as the special guest speaker.  There will also be an exciting auction and raffle with wonderful prizes as well as a spectacular fashion show featuring many prominent leaders of our Jewish community and Las Vegas.  This is one event that all women in our community will want to attend and take part in.  The luncheon benefits the 2011 Jewish Federation Campaign and those in attendance are requested to consider a minimum gift of $365…a dollar a day or more to help our Jewish Federation provide vital financial resources for our Jewish community benefitting senior adults, social services, Jewish schools, summer camps, Israel experiences as well as our beneficiary partners such as Jewish Family Service Agency, Jewish Community Center, Hillel at UNLV, Senior Lifeline, Adelson Educational Campus, Yeshiva Day School, Desert Torah Academy and Solomon Schechter Day School as well as many local area congregations and other Jewish organizations.

To make your reservation please click here or contact Lisa Kaplan, Women’s Philanthropy Director at 732-0556 or Lisa@jewishlasvegas.com .

TribeFest Calls All Young Adults

TribeFest, the National Young Leadership Conference is coming to Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay March 6-8.  If you are between the ages of 25-45 (or know someone who is), this is the place to be for a 3-day Jewish “happening’ not to be missed.  More than 2,000 young Jewish professionals will be here for a fun-filled, networking, community service and Jewish experience.  Las Vegas locals can now attend for the super low price of $185 (compared to the national fee of $475!).  To learn more please click here or contact Stefanie Szlamkowicz, Director of Young Leadership at the Jewish Federation at 732-0556 or Stefanie@jewishlasvegas.com .

Two weeks ago I wrote of our concern for the Jewish community of Tunisia given the unrest in that country.  As we enter in to Shabbat, our attention turns to the violence and turmoil within Egypt…and the concern of how all these events will affect and impact Israel, the Middle East and indeed the entire world.  There is no doubt that these events will have an impact on Israel as tensions mount.  It is a reminder of the importance of the strategic relationship and friendship between Israel and the United States…which we need to help insure remains solid and strong.

AIPAC Dinner

One way you can show your support for Israel is by attending this year’s Las Vegas AIPAC dinner on February 24 .  I encourage you to register for this important expression of solidarity for the US/Israel relationship.  For reservations and information please call the AIPAC office at 837-8350.

Night To Honor Israel

I am pleased to write that the Las Vegas chapter of Christians United for Israel is planning its 2nd Annual Night to Honor Israel later this spring.  Last year’s event attracted more than 1,100 participants.  This is another wonderful way to show your support and solidarity for Israel as well as our CUFI friends.  Watch for more details on this important program.

Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival Closes This Sunday

The 10th Annual Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival comes to a close this Sunday with two films sponsored by our Jewish Federation.  The Wiesenthal Center film, Walking With Destiny , focuses on Sir Winston Churchill and his attempts to help save European Jewry from Hitler’s Nazism.  The movie will be screened at 4:00 P.M. at the Adelson Educational Campus.  Howl, a film about “beat generation” author and poet Allen Ginsberg , will be screened at 7:30 P.M. at Brenden Theaters at the Palms Hotel and Casino.  Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 for each of the films.  Please click here for more information .

Exhilarating! Exciting! Fun! Stimulating! Challenging! Fun! These are just some of the comments I heard about TribeFest that took place this past week in Las Vegas.  More than 1,400 young Jewish adults from all across the United States, Canada and Israel convened at the Mandalay Bay for the National Young Leadership Conference sponsored by the Jewish Federations of North America and hosted by our Jewish Federation. 

There were programs and break-out sessions, social networking and plenty of bloggers, tweaters and others commenting on TribeFest by social media.  Session topics ranged from issues of engaging young Jewish adults and interfaith families to Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah as well as innovations in Jewish philanthropy and advocacy for Israel.  Participants heard from Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, Congressman Joe Heck and Mayor Oscar Goodman as well as boxing phenom and soon to be rabbi, Yuri Foreman, Ben Mezrich (author of the book Social Network) and TV star Mayim Bialik as well as a range of other speakers who themselves as peers to the participants related to the audience the recurring theme of Jewish involvement and engagement in Jewish communal life.

There was music…loud music…and plenty of food, a large “Big Tent” where more than four dozen Jewish organizations displayed their wares and plenty of interaction, networking and connecting.

For our part, our Jewish Federation’s Jewish Emerging Leaders (JewEL) group had over 50 participants registered for TribeFest and taking part in the festivities and programming.  We proudly hosted an amazing host community “welcome party” last Saturday night at Encore’s Surrender Night Club with over 700 in attendance.

TribeFest was simply amazing and outstanding!  Our JewEL leadership and staff are already engaging those from Las Vegas who attended in follow up connections…and making sure that they networked in to our programs and activities.  As Leonard Stone, Chairman of the Board of Directors of our Jewish Federation, said in his comments to TribeFest, “what happens here at TribeFest in Las Vegas cannot stay here in Las Vegas.  We expect you to take the energy and enthusiasm of TribeFest back home to your communities and spread the message of engagement and involvement.  The future is ours and we are the future leaders of the Jewish community.”

Kudos and Yasher Koach to Josh Reisman, Las Vegas’ Host Committee Chair, Heidi Rosen, JewEL Chairwoman and their committee of volunteers who worked tirelessly on TribeFest.  A special note of thanks to Dr. Hugh Bassewitz, Vice Chairman of our Jewish Federation Board and former National Young Leadership Chairman for JFNA, who worked diligently for many years to bring this conference to Las Vegas!  And of course, a big “shout out” and thanks to our dedicated professional staff at the Jewish Federation, led by Stefanie Szlamkowicz and Rob Festenstein, for their hard work and diligent efforts helping to make TribeFest a huge success.

We look forward to hosting TribeFest back in Las Vegas next year!

Jewish Federation Professionals Meet in Las Vegas

TribeFest was not the only conference in our community this past week.  Our Jewish Federation was proud to host JFNA’s annual Development Professionals Institute for more than 100 fundraising professionals representing 60 Jewish Federations at the Venetian for a three-day seminar.  The group was treated to a dialogue on Jewish philanthropy with Sheldon Adelson as well as a workshop with Mike Leven, President of the Sands Corporation and a member of our Jewish Federation Board, on lessons from the hospitality industry and their application to philanthropy and fundraising.  Our community also hosted the annual meeting of the Small Cities Executives group of the Jewish Federations of North America for their annual meeting. 

We look forward to welcoming many more national Jewish organizations to Las Vegas and our Jewish community in the future; including the Rabbinical Assembly later this month when more than 400 Conservative Rabbis will be here for their  annual convention.

Women’s United Set for March 24

This year’s annual Women’s Philanthropy United Luncheon is just two weeks away!  More than 200 women have already registered for the wonderful annual luncheon on behalf of the Jewish Federation Campaign.  This year’s program promises to be fun-filled and exciting and will feature guest speaker Brooke Burke as well as a great fashion show and silent auction.

I hope that every woman reading this Update will join us for this year’s Women’s United Luncheon and bring one or more of her friends to this year’s program in support of our Jewish Federation and Jewish community.

Karin and Jessica Sporn and their dedicated volunteers have prepared a wonderful program in support of the 2011 Jewish Federation Campaign.  To register for Women’s United please contact Georgette at the Jewish Federation office at 732-0556 or click here to register on line.