Endowment Leadership Institute - Please join UJC Planned Giving and Endowments for a half-day motivational and strategic program. This year’s ELI explores philanthropy through the lens of gender. Do men and women think alike? Do they share the same values and approach to legacy giving and grantmaking? Leading researchers and philanthropists examine the facts and explore the gaps. A light breakfast and box lunch will be served.

Co-Chairs: Dr. Alan Rosen, Jewish Federation of Greater Houston; Lori Fritz, CPA, Minneapolis Jewish Federation. Moderators: Dwight F Burlingame, Ph.D., Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University; Harriet Mouchly-Weiss, chair, Commission on the Jewish People, UJA-Federation of New York; Andrea Pactor, Women’s Philanthropy Institute, Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.; Speakers: Dr. Hugh Bassewitz, co-chair designate, UJC National Young Leadership department; Ilona Blank, FEGS Health and Human Services System New York; Sharon Hadary, Center for Women’s Business Research; Doreen Hermelin, president, American ORT; Diane Jordan Wexler, senior advisor, Global Fund for Women; Paul Morton, chair, UJC Planned Giving & Endowments committee; Cindy Orbach Nimhauser, co-chair designate, UJC National Young Leadership department; Ellen Remmer, The Philanthropic Initiative; Paul Schervish, Center on Wealth and Philanthropy, Boston College; Rabbi Professor Naftali Rothenberg, chair of Jewish Culture and Identity and of the Center for Tolerance Education, Van Leer Jerusalem Institute; Moshe Werthan, past campaign and endowment chair, Nashville.

Read more about ELI here; view the ELI agenda here; Pre-registration is required. To register for ELI, click here. Please submit the registration form by October 29th. ELI has no participation fee, though you must be a GA registrant.

Opening Plenary:  One People, One Destiny
As we open the 2007 UJC General Assembly, we focus on the power of our collective federation system to do a world of good. We’ll hear from inspirational leaders from the US and Israel about the impact of community volunteerism and teamwork. And the GA’s scholar in residence will share his powerful vision of the Jewish future. Working together we can repair the world, one life at a time.

Plenary speakers

• Plenary Chair: Kathy Manning, chair, UJC Executive Committee
• Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter, GA Scholar in Residence. University Professor of Jewish History and Jewish Thought and Senior Scholar at the Center for the Jewish Future at Yeshiva University
• Gov. Phil Bredesen, from the GA host state of Tennessee
• Howard Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee and pioneer in online political community-building
• Isaac 'Buzi' Herzog, Israel's Minister of the Diaspora, Society and the Fight Against Anti-Semitism and also Minister of Welfare and Social Services
• Alexandra Orlov, Atidim alumna, now an IDF engineer
• Bruce Pearl, coach of the Tennessee Volunteers basketball squad that made the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 2006
• Laura Bryna, national anthem
• Aliza Berger, national anthem. Student at Vanderbilt University, double major in voice and Judaic Studies. Leads Reform services at Vanderbilt Hillel.

Breakout sessions

1. For You Were Strangers Once: Integrating Vulnerable Olim - The ultimate success of the State iof Israel depends on its successful integration of immigrants from cultures utterly different from Israeli society. Learn about the current process of absorption, how it has evolved, and the tools our system can employ to meet this challenge. Chair: Susie Gelman, co-chair, UJC Israel. Speakers: Danny Pins, director, division of immigrant integration, JDC-Israel; Oded Salomon, director general, aliyah and klita department, JAFI; Ophir Pines-Paz, chair, Knesset internal affairs and environment commitee; Eliezer (Moodi) Sandberg, co-chair, Ethiopian National Project.

2. Israel Advocacy in the Age of Walt, Mearsheimer, Carter and Facebook - Recent publications by a former U.S. president and by two professors from top universities have posed serious challenges to American advocacy for Israel. As these forces attempt to erode American support for Israel and accuse Jewish groups of stifling debate, how should the Jewish community respond? Moderator: Steve Gutow, executive director, JCPA. Chair: Conrad Giles, UJC/JCPA, Israel Advocacy Initiative, JCPA. Speakers: David Harris, executive director, Israel on Campus Coalition; Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, founder & president, The Israel Project; Michael Kotzin, executive VP, JUF Chicago; Aviv Shir-on, deputy director general for media and public diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Israel.

3. Measuring Success - Nonprofit organizations are increasingly challenged -- by donors, board members, clients, the government and community -- to demonstrate the effectiveness of programs and the prudent use of resources. Learn the meaning of 'outcome measurement' and discover resources that can help in developing measurement systems. Moderator: Rabbi Lou Feldstein, associate vice president, research & analysis, UJC. Speakers: Steven Rakitt, president, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta; Beth Cousens, director for organizational learning, Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life; Alan Mann, executive vice president & director of Mandel Center for Excellence in Leadership & Management, JCCA.

4. Linking the Silos: Program Continuity from Cradle to Dorm - Young people and their families have abundant opportunities to engage in Jewish experiences. Recent research has helped us understand how to guide them as they move from one program to another, making sure no one falls through the cracks. We’ll talk about putting this theory into practice, and hear from a community that has successfully adopted the concierge model. Speakers: Dr. Jonathan Woocher, chief ideas officer and director, Lippman Kanfer Institute, JESNA; Miriam Prum-Hess, director, Day School Operational Services, Bureau of Jewish Education of Los Angeles.

5. Donor Stewardship - A critical element of the collaborative model is a more donor-centric approach to all resource development activity. All leaders — both lay and professional — need to be more able donor cultivators and stewards. Is there a more synergistic approach to relationships between federations and private foundations which would benefit the donor as well as meet greater global Jewish needs? Hear from volunteers and professionals about how the relationship works, and share tips about how it comes together. Moderator: Jocelyn Krifcher, chair, national supplemental giving, UJC. Speakers: David Gedzelman, executive director, Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt Foundation; Gary Shiffman, co-chair 2008 Annual Campaign, Detroit; Robert P. Aronson, CEO, Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.

6. Making Eye Contact: Direct Approaches to Campaign Strategies - A powerful tool that has proven to be the most successful campaign strategy of all time has produced new information to ratchet up all areas of our federation campaigns. Learn how our system can capitalize on the lessons of the Lion of Judah program to secure major-donor family giving and other resources to meet the challenges of shifting demographics and new philanthropic realities. Speakers: Lori Klinghoffer, NWP chair; Meryl Gallatin, chair Major Gift, NWP.

7. If They Build it, They Will Come! - Members of the next generation—including some involved in federations—feel most passionate about the organizations they build from the ground up. How do we encourage them to build something new within our system -- or learn to work alongside their organizations? A panel discussion with some of the best of these new innovators. Moderator: Aaron Bisman, president & founder, Jdub Records. Speakers: Rabbi Eli Kaunfer, executive director, Mechon Hadar; Matt Grossman, executive director, BBYO, Inc.; Jessica Warren, founding member and coordinator, Slingshot Fund; Jaime Walman, VP organizational planning and development, Jdub Records; Carlton Evans, director of distribution, The Tribe.

8. A New Approach to Investing in Israel - Learn about new and emerging forms of investments and loans that promote community development in Israel. They are part of a growing global movement toward greater social responsibility and economic equity. Moderator: Eytan Biderman, founding chair, Center for Jewish Arab Economic Development. Speakers: Benny Levin, chair, Israel Venture Network; Toni Young, chair, UJC global operations: Israel & Overseas Coordinating Council; Evelyn Kenvin, UJA Federation of NY; Joel Tauber, founding chair of the UJC Executive Committee and honorary trustee of the board.

9. The Boomers are Coming! Are We Ready? - In a mere three years, the baby boomers will begin to reach traditional retirement age. A group that has prided itself on creating cultural change will no doubt change traditional notions of retirement as well. How can the federation system prepare to serve and engage this large, dynamic cohort? Moderator: Jane Goldstein, Jewish Community Federation of Louisville. Speaker: James Firman, president and CEO, National Council for Aging.

Hillel student networking session (open to all students)

Receptions

PJ Library Reception - Sponsored by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and UJC

Network Sapir Award Winners Recognition Reception (by invitation only). UJC Network Chair: Wendy Block, Wilmington, NC

Ethiopian National Project Reception - Hosted by Eliezer Sandberg, ENP co-chair and former Israeli Minister, and Erez Halfon, director general, Israeli Ministry of Immigrant Absorption.

Wexner Foundation Reception (by invitation only)

JDC Board of Directors Cocktail Reception (by invitation only)

UJC Planned Giving & Endowment Reception

UIAFC Canadian Reception

Connecticut Federations Reception

MASA Israel Journey Reception

OTZMA Reception
Come join us as we celebrate our 22nd year! OTZMA, a ten-month, serviced-based leadership development program in Israel for young adults, has influenced over 1,300 alumni. We invite you to come and learn more about the program, speak with alumni, and hear an update about the current OTZMA group.

The Israel Project Reception - Please join us for an update on the critical work TIP does to influence public opinion to help protect Israel and our global Jewish family. TIP Founder and President Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi will be speaking about Israel, Iran and the media. Rafael Harpaz, Director of Public Affairs, Embassy of Israel, and Andy Groveman, 2007 UJC General Assembly Co-Chair and TIP board member, will be the featured guests.

Foundation for Jewish Camping Launch of the Jim Joseph Foundation Teen Camper Incentive Initiative - Join us to learn more about this innovative new partnership that will bring more pre-teen Jewish children in the Western U.S. to Jewish summer camps and offer them continuing opportunities to remain Jewishly connected.

Kosher dinner

Friends of Bill W.

UJC Hillel student breakfast (only for students registered through Hillel)

Plenary:  The Next Generation - Social Action, Social Networking and Social Entrepreneurship
Meet a group of dynamic young Jewish leaders who are finding bold new ways to build communities and fulfill tikkun olam, repairing the world through innovative social action, networking and entrepreneurship. Learn new models of community building and community service from extraordinary young leaders.

Plenary speakers

• Plenary Chair: Ari Sandel, director of the Academy Award-winning short film, West Bank Story
• Sarah Chasin, a George Washington University Hillel student whose volunteer work with Katrina victims has changed her life and the lives of others
• Dany Glicksberg and Matan Dahan of Ayalim, who have brought idealistic young Jews into struggling Israeli areas to build both neighborhoods and a sense of hope
• Idit Klein of Keshet, an organization dedicated to creating an inclusive Jewish community for GLBT Jews
• Esther Kustanowitz, senior editor, PresenTense Magazine; writer; columnist; consultant
• Daniel Sieradski founded Jewschool; JTA director, digital media

Breakout sessions

1. Jews on the Move - The U.S., Canada and Israel have all experienced the challenges of demographic outflow from traditional Jewish centers, posing a dilemma for policy-makers: What can be done to maintain and even develop communities facing these challenges? What strategies have already been effective? Chair/Moderator: Bruce Sholk, chair, UJC Operation Promise allocations workgroup. Speakers: Danyeal Cantor, executive vice president, Federation CJA, Montreal; Shep Englander, CEO, Cincinnati; Moshe Vigdor, director general of JAFI; Erez Kreisler, mayor, Misgav Regional Council.

2. Seeking Equality for Jews and Arabs in Israel - The Government of Israel has identified the elimination of inequality between Jewish and Arab citizens as a national priority, and many North American Jewish organizations have¬ pledged to address this issue as well. How can federations develop a grant-making and allocations strategy to address this issue? Hear from federation lay leaders and professionals involved in funding the Israeli Arab sector. Moderator: Steve Schwager, CEO, JDC. Speakers: Gil Preuss, vice president strategy and planning, CJP Boston; Harriet Mouchly-Weiss, former chair, UJA Federation NY, task force on Israeli Arab issues; Dr. Steven B. Nasastir, president, Chicago; Gila Noam, director, Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco Israel Office.

3. How Do You Measure Up? Federation Peer Yardstick- The Peer Yardstick is an innovative tool to measure a federation’s performance with key donors and campaigns relative to other federations. Hear findings from the first-generation studies and their implications for federation activities. We will also look at other UJC efforts to identify best practices and create system-wide standards. Moderator: Jeffrey Finkelstein, president, Pittsburgh. Speakers: Andy Paller, UJC director; Sacha Litman, principle consultant, Measuring Success.

4. Getting Their Hands Dirty: Young Adults and Jewish Service - Engaging in Jewish service has great potential for strengthening Jewish identity as well as demonstrating solidarity with people in need around the world. As the opportunities for authentic Jewish service increase, how can federations get in on the ground floor of this “next big thing” in Jewish engagement? Moderator: Liz Jaffe, chair, Otzma. Speakers: Sandy Cardin, president, Charles & Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation; Rabbi David Rosenn, executive director, Avodah: The Jewish Service Corps; Benny Levin, Chair, Israel Venture Network; Serena Orgel, Otzma.

5. Reach the Family, Teach the Child - Engaging a child in Jewish education starts by connecting the entire family to Jewish life and learning. When federations, synagogues and schools work together to create successful programs, providing good choices at key moments, they can succeed in keeping families involved and enriching their lives. Moderator: Robert Sherman, CEO, Bureau of Jewish Education, NY. Speakers: Mark Rosen, senior research associate, Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies; Marcie Greenfield Simons, director PJ Library, Harold Grinspoon Foundation; Lisa Soble Siegmann, associate director, Jewish Experiences for Families and Informal Education, Alliance for Jewish Education, Detroit; Carol Blanke, director of early education and family services, Robert E. Loup Jewish Commmunity Center, Denver.

6. Create a Jewish Legacy: The ABC’s of Bequest Programs - Securing permanent endowments is critical to ensuring a vibrant Jewish future. In a growing number of communities, local agencies are working together to raise awareness of the importance of bequests. This how-to session will teach you how to create a successful bequest program in your community. Speaker: David Valinsky, president David Valinsky Associates, LLC.

7. It's All About The Arts: Six Points Fellowship for Emerging Jewish Artists - Today’s vibrant Jewish arts scene provides a meaningful connection to Jewish life for many people. The new Six Points Fellowship for Emerging Jewish Artists capitalizes on this trend by supporting artists under the auspices of Jdub Records, Avodah Arts, and the Foundation for Jewish Culture, with major funding from UJA-Federation of New York. Moderator: Aaron Bisman. Panelists & Creators: Rebecca Guber, Elise Bernhardt, Deb Krivoy, Alisa Doctoroff. Six Points Fellows: Alina Bliumis, Avishai Mekonen, Clare Burson.

8. Innovative Endowment Vehicles, Creative Giving Opportunities - To increase their permanent endowments and philanthropic funds, federations and foundations are turning to pioneering initiatives that engage families in giving. The success of Jewish women's funds, B'nai Tzedek teen philanthropy, and restricted funds demonstrate how to maximize the return on large and small endowments. Moderators: Mona F. Kolko, LOJE vice chair, UJC National Women’s Philanthropy; Lynne Himelstein, LOJE vice chair, UJC National Women’s Philanthropy. Speakers: Jackie Jacobs, executive director, Columbus Jewish Foundation; Andrea Gilbert Berger, director, Jewish Foundation of Nashville; Andrew Gryll, past B’nai Tzedek participant, Jewish Foundation of Nashville; Donna Kahan, lifetime trustee, Jewish Women's Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago.

9. Disability and Inclusion: The Right to Participate Fully - What does it mean to be a person with a disability in the Jewish community—and what does it mean for the Jewish community to promote “inclusion”? Gain an awareness of the needs, challenges, and strengths of persons with disabilities, as well as innovative approaches to working on these issues in communities. Moderator: Barbara Rosenthal, Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland. Speakers: Becca Hornstein, executive director, Council for Jews with Special Needs; Rabbi Lynne Landsberg, senior advisor, Disability Issues, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism; Judie Fien-Helfman, chief planning officer, Jewish Federation of Greater Washingtono.

10. Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women at Work in the Jewish Community - Recent graduates of the UJC Mandel Executive Development Program (EDP) share their experiences and insights about professional life, including challenges they have faced, how they are breaking and redefining ceilings, and concrete suggestions for creating an environment that promotes opportunity and professional growth. The panelists will answer questions (politically correct and incorrect alike). Stu Tauber, also a recent Mandel EDP graduate, moderates this honest and straightforward discussion. Moderator: Stuart Tauber, senior vice president, FRD, UJA-Federation of New York. Panelists: Alisa Rubin Kurshan, senior vice president for strategic planning & organizational resources, UJA-Federation of New York; Carol Koransky, associate executive vice president, Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles;
Rachel Garbow Monroe, COO, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation; Cathrine Fischer Schwartz, executive director, Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford; Rachel Weiss, associate Campaign vice president, Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Chicago.

Free Jewish genetic disease screening for students
The Victor Center for Jewish Genetic Diseases, part of Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, along with the Division of Medical Genetics at Vanderbilt Medical Center, will be providing FREE Jewish genetic disease screening to students over 18 with a valid ID at the GA. Tests included in the screening panel are: Bloom syndrome, Canavan disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Familial dysautonomia, Fanconi anemia, Gaucher disease, Mucolipidosis IV, Niemann-Pick disease and Tay-Sachs disease. Non-students can be tested for $300 out-of-pocket. For more information, call 215-456-8722, e-mail LebowJ@einstein.edu, visit www.einstein.edu/jewishgenetics, or stop by booth #114 during the GA.

If you are interested in having this screening done, please fill out this online questionnaire before the GA.

Jewish Learning Sessions, co-sponsored by Vanderbilt University Program in Jewish Studies.

1. Creating Jewish Peoplehood: Lessons from the Soviet Jewry Movement - The 1960s, ’70s and ’80s were a golden age of political activism, a time when the cause of Jewish peoplehood mobilized millions of American Jews to support Israel, to memorialize the Holocaust, and to liberate oppressed Jews around the world. At the vanguard of the peoplehood movements was the struggle to save Soviet Jewry. Using the holiday of Passover as our case study, we will examine how the movement adapted and mobilized Jewish ritual to place the idea of peoplehood at the center of American Judaism. Speaker: Dr. Shaul Kelner, assistant professor, sociology and Jewish Studies, Vanderbilt University.

2. The Origin of Mortality - The story of Adam and Eve, one of the best known from the Torah, is so full of tantalizing hints that no single interpretation will do. We will revisit the text, especially in light of Near Eastern narratives on the creation of human beings, and look for clues that force us to rethink what happened in the Garden of Eden. Speaker: Jack Sasson, Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Hebrew Bible, Vanderbilt University.

Breakout sessions

1. Why Overseas Funds Matter - We know that the overseas work funded by the federation system changes lives, but how often do we have the chance to meet those whose lives our dollars touch? Hear the stories of the individuals who benefit from our work, and re-affirm your commitment to funding core overseas needs. Chair: Toni Young, chair, global operations: UJC Israel & Overseas Coordinating Council. Speakers: Hirut Alamow-Shapira, supervisor, Ethiopian National Project; Noya Baram, program director, family and community, Ashalim, JDC;
Ady Ben-Naim, counselor, Youth Futures, Sderot, Israel; Sonia Gomes de Mesquita, head of international liaison, World ORT; Dalila Herbst, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Dr. Richard Hodes, JDC medical director, Ethiopia; Irina Kopytova, recent immigrant from Gomel, Belarus; Iris Kraemer, chair, Partnership 2000, Jacksonville, FL.

2. Making Changes in Governance — and Living to Tell the Tale - As federations continue to evolve, so should our systems of governance. Many federations have already embarked on this challenging, often politically charged process. Others are considering beginning this important journey. Learn about different approaches and hear the experience of communities that took the plunge. Moderator: Judy Horowitz, director, Large/Large Intermediate team, UJC Consulting. Speakers: Judy Abrams, associate vice president, Jewish Federation of St. Louis; Sheila Greenbaum, president, Board of Directors, Jewish Federation of St. Louis; Cathrine Schwartz, executive director, Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford.

3. Building Jewish Identity Across the Globe: Models and Approaches - An examination of varied approaches to Jewish identity building in the FSU, Europe and South America, specifically among teens and students. This thought-provoking approach to the very issues federations and agencies are tackling locally will contribute to your thinking about strategy and sense of peoplehood. Moderator: Alan Hoffmann, director-general of the education department, Jewish Agency for Israel. Speakers: Rabbi Avraham Berkowitz, executive director, Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS and Baltic States; Jorge Diener, area director for Hungary, Romania & Bulgaria, JDC; Aaron Goldberg, associate vice president, international division, Hillel.

4. The Taglit-birthright israel: A Gift to the Jewish Community -
A magical, life-changing experience, Taglilt-birthright is a 10-day immersion in all that is Israel: the language, the people, the history. Participants return excited and open to continuing their personal Jewish journeys. How can a federation help them along this path, and gain strength in turn from this remarkable program? Communities that have begun to engage birthright alumni and their parents present lessons learned from their efforts. Moderator: Len Cole, Chair, birthright israel Workgroup. Speakers: Cheryl Aronson, Commission on Jewish Continuity and Education, Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston; Peter Friedman, executive vice president, planning and allocations, Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Chicago; Andrea Hoffman, director, birthright Israel, Hillel; Daniel Linver, associate director, Taglit-birthright israel, University of Washington..

5. The Federation-Foundation Connection - The changing dynamics of American philanthropy have brought new prominence to private Jewish foundations and highlighted the differences between foundation and federation approaches to grantmaking and addressing community needs. This session will help federations work more closely with foundations to accomplish mutually important goals and build a shared vision. Moderator: Phyllis Cook, executive director, Jewish Community Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties. Speakers: Harold Grinspoon and Diane Troderman, Harold Grinspoon Foundation
Ruth Suzman, Board of Directors, UJA-Federation of New York, M.B. and Edna Zale Foundation.

6. The Fine Art of Asking for Money - For both beginners and seasoned veterans, this session will teach techniques for greater success at both Annual Campaign solicitations and long-term donor cultivation. Hands-on exercises will help turn theory into practice. Chair: David Fisher, chair, UJC National Annual Campaign. Speaker: Rob Mann, Chicago.

7. Venturesome Philanthropy - Giving circles, venture funds, entrepreneurial giving -- these terms refer to a growing trend in the philanthropic world. Learn how these new funding vehicles work, why they attract young donors, and how you can use them to respond to the interests and concerns of diverse groups. Moderator: Carol Smokler, chair, UJC Venture Fund for Israeli Arab Equality and Coexistence. Speakers: Julie Bram, member, Jewish Venture Philanthropy Fund of Los Angeles; Adam Silverman, participant, Give a Mitzvah, Do a Mitzvah, UJA-Federation of New York; Sam Silverman, participant, Give a Mitzvah, Do a Mitzvah, UJA-Federation of New York; Susan Silverman, Give a Mitzvah, Do a Mitzvah, UJA-Federation of New York.

8. A Sacred Trust: Help for Aging Holocaust Survivors - As survivors age in communities throughout the world, they need social services such as counseling, assistance with reparation benefits, and in-home support, as well as opportunities to socialize with their peers. Explore the unique challenges we face in aiding this population, and find out about models of service and innovative approaches to funding. Speakers: Greg Schneider, COO of Claims Conference; Jacob Solomon, CEO, Greater Miami Jewish Federation; Myra Giberovitch, service and program consultant for survivors of genocide and war-related trauma; supervisor of services for Holocaust survivors at Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors, Montreal; David Mermelstein, Holocaust survivor, vice president of Holocaust Survivors Foundation USA.

9. Investing with a Mission - The traditional lines between philanthropy and business have blurred. Charities today raise millions by partnering with for-profit entities. “Social entrepreneurs” seek both sustainable sources of revenue and social change. This session will explore mission-driven investing through the lens of two critical issues: investing in Israel and “terror-free” investing. Moderator: Lois Frank, chair, Board of Directors, JCPA. Speakers: Sharon Mars, Israel delegation & state initiative director, AIPAC; Steven Schoenfeld, chief investment officer, global quantitative management, Northern Trust Global Investments; Ron Dermer, minister for economic affairs, Embassy of Israel; Uzi Yemin, president and CEO, Delek US Holdings, Inc./Mapco Express.

Hillel student breakfast (for students registered through Hillel only)

UJC PG&E Committee Breakfast (by invitation only)
National Women's Philanthropy Board Meeting (by invitation only)
National Young Leadership Cabinet Breakfast with Wayne Firestone, president, International Hillel
The JCPA/UJC Israel Advocacy Committee Meeting (by invitation only) Led by Midge Perlman-Shafton

WJJCS/JCSA/AJCOP Seminar and Professional Leadership Recognition

“Building Community and Peoplehood During a Time of Personalism:
Challenges and Strategies"
Presenter: Dr. Jonathan Woocher, Chief Ideas Officer and Director, Lippman-Kanfer Institute, JESNA

Professional Leadership Honorees
WCJCS 11th Quadrennial Program Chairs
Alan Hoffmann, Director General, Dept. of Education, JAFI
Jacob Solomon, Exec Vice-President, Miami Federation

JCSA 2007 Young Professional Awards
Edward M . Bruckner, CJP Boston.
Presented by Howard Charish, UJA Federation of Northern NJ
Shoshannah Frydman, Met Council, N.Y.
Presented by Jay Spector, JEVS, Philadelphia

AJCOP Awards
Norman Edell Fellow: Emilie Kuperman, Tampa JCC/Federation
Presented by: Jeffrey Feld, Memphis Jewish Federation

AJCOP 2007 Mandelkorn Distinguished Service Awards
Phyllis Cook, Director, Endowment Fund & Associate Director, Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties
Jeffrey L. Klein, CEO, Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County
Presentations by: Maxyne Finkelstein, CEO, Jewish Agency for Israel North America

Sponsored By:
World Council of Jewish Communal Service
Jewish Communal Service Association
Association of Jewish Community Organization Personnel

Breakout sessions

1. Shaping Israel's Image as it Turns 60 - The Israeli Foreign Ministry has endeavored to change the public’s perception of Israel as a “warrior” ― even a righteous, reluctant warrior ― in favor of more appealing images that highlight Israel’s scientific progress, its archeology and the allure of its beaches. How successful has this branding initiative been, and what are its implications for advocacy and fundraising? Chair: Norm Goldstein, UJC Israel @ 60 Chair; Israel & Overseas chair, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. Speakers: Ido Aharoni, head of Brand Israel management team; Larry Weinberg, executive vice president, ISRAEL21C; Fern Oppenheimer, Brand Israel; Sharon Bell, Jewish Federation of Nashville.

2. Building Success from the Ground Up: Acquisition and Retention - The net number of donors continues to shrink and prospect lists remain stagnant. Even communities with stable donor bases will face serious consequences if they don’t move to stem attrition, increase numbers, and secure giving in perpetuity. How can we best acquire prospects, develop donors, keep them engaged, and giving in perpetuity? Here’s one community that’s doing it right, and a primer on UJC’s initiative aimed at helping with these challenges. Moderator: Mim Bottner, NWP board member, Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. Speakers: Marsha Sussman, managing director, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington; Naftali Goldsmith, director, UJC interactive marketing and e-philanthropy; Jonathan Kaufman, director, UJC initiative on acquisition and retention; Valerie Khaytina, associate director, planned giving and endowments and UJC initiative on acquisition and retention.

3. Salon: Young Leaders Explore Peoplehood - Meet an international array of young Jewish leaders, innovators and professionals who are collaborating on projects that strengthen both their local communities and the greater Jewish world. What can we learn from these innovators? How can we nurture the projects they create and engage more young adults in this discussion? Speakers: Esther Kustanowitz, PresenTense Magazine; Leah Stern, TV correspondent, Israel Broadcast Authority; Ahava Zarembski, founder and president, Yesod-Masad Initiative; David Bryfman, JEXNET and Ph.D candidate. Moderator: Gil Troy, professor, McGill University.

4. Another Major Donor: The Government - Some $6 billion in federal, state and local government funding flows through the federation system in the U.S to meet health and social service needs. Despite this significant revenue stream, the government is not always recognized as an important “donor to be cultivated.” This session will highlight the critical need for advocacy and share successful approaches for securing and maintaining government funds. Speakers: Marie Abrams, UJC domestic affairs; Robin Schatz, director of government affairs, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia; Ron Soloway, managing director, government and external relations, UJA-Federation of New York.

5. Welcome to the Global Shuk - Offer your own suggestions for new products and programs to energize our bazaar of ideas and best practices. Learn how one federation links its donors and partners with service providers to meet community needs, while maximizing the opportunity to increase contributions from multiple income streams. Moderator: Jocelyn Krifcher, National Supplemental Giving chair, UJC Center for Jewish Philanthropy. Speakers: Ted Sokolsky, president , UJA Federation of Greater Toronto; Toni Young, chair, UJC global operations: Israel & Overseas Coordinating Council; Elaine Schreiber, chair, UJC Jewish peoplehood and identity; Ann-Louise Kleper, chair, UJC domestic affairs.

6. When Should the Free Lunch End — or Should It? - UJC and the federations have successfully engaged young adults by ensuring that missions and conferences are financially attractive and accessible . But at some point, people are expected to pay the full cost. Can we strategically offer these opportunities to engage people in federation while helping them transition to the next stage? Join this interactive and dynamic Town Hall. Facilitators: Michael Soberman, director of national initiatives for the next generation, UIA Federations Canada; Amy Warshaw, co-chair, UJC national young leadership.

7. Branding 101 - What is branding and how can it strengthen your marketing? Branding is much more than just a name or slogan. Learn everything you need to know about this often misunderstood concept — why your brand and your products/services are not the same thing, how listening to your customers can change your message, and more. The creator of the slogan "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" shares his insights. Presenter: Randy Snow, executive VP & principal, R&R Partners.

8. Helping Children At Risk - Too many Jewish children ― in Russia, in Israel, and at home ― are poor, have problems with substance abuse or have other issues that put them at risk. Programs like JDC’s Ashalim and the Jewish Agency’s Youth Futures have become models for helping these children. In North America, many Federation affiliated agencies are also at the forefront in addressing these challenges. Learn what works and what else needs to be done. Chair/Moderator: Barbara Salmanson, founding New York chair, Ashalim board. Speakers: Leah Golan, director general, Israel department, Jewish Agency for Israel; Bert Goldberg, president & CEO, Association of Jewish Family & Children’s Agencies; Rina Edelstein, director, special projects, JDC; Noya Baram, program director, family and community, Ashalim, JDC; Harry Nadler, North American representative, World ORT; Nigist Mengesha, director general, Ethiopian National Project.

9. Supporting Family Caregivers: A Continental Pilot Project - More and more of us face the challenge of caring for aging family members while juggling careers and the needs of children. UJC has developed a pilot project based on the Family Caregiver Access Network model to help local communities provide support for family caregivers. Learn more about how this model is being implemented and what your community can do to serve family caregivers. Chair: Cheryl Fishbein, chair, UJC family caregiver workgroup. Speakers: Barbara Bedney, assistant director, UJC domestic affairs; Linda Blumberg, planning director, Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit; Matthew Freedman, chief planning officer, The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore; Erika Rudin-Luria, planning director, Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland.