Speaking of Delusions...Since the publication of the Pew Report, which JFNA's leaders appear to view as both an opportunity and some form of existential threat, Jerry Silverman has been just popping with what passes at JFNA for "big ideas." And, now, he has been joined by his Chair.
One, which Silverman trotted out the same week as meetings with Birthright leadership took place with federation CEOs and JFNA. The subject is JFNA's want: access to the Birthright participant lists -- some 350,000 names. He then repeated the "dream" time and again, and never, ever, with any meat on the bones of this "big idea."
Here is what Jerry has been told more than once by Birthright leaders: every federation currently gets the list of the participants from its community. Then follow-up resides with the federations. Maybe CEO Jerry needs someone to explain this to him until he nods affirmatively that he understands. Maybe Jerry could ask the federations for the lists with which they have been provided -- although the likelihood is that the federations themselves don't trust JFNA with the selfsame lists. If JFNA wants to add value, it seems reasonable to suggest that JFNA proactively plan and offer its own list of optimal post-Birthright activities for distribution to the federations. In doing so it might gather the best practices of those communities already engaged with the alumni. But, no, JFNA just wants the lists.
And, what if JFNA had these names? What would JFNA do with them? Based on CEO Jerry's passionate oration at the GA -- they haven't a clue. NOT A CLUE. There has been no planning at JFNA; there are no plans at JFNA -- these are just words. And, friends, trust me; were I at JFNA right now, I would want to ride Birthright's coat tails and make its accomplishments JFNA's. The problem for CEO Jerry is that the Birthright leaders are a lot smarter than he -- yet, it's also quite possible that if he came to them with a viable plan, a real plan, one that spelled out how JFNA's work with the Birthright alumni would further their Jewish identity and offer them a real (as opposed to an illusory [or nonexistent]) path to communal engagement, these accomplished leaders would join in a real effort. But, of course, there is no there there, is there?
And, then, the Board Chair announced a potential $1 billion...yep, $1,000,000,000...special campaign to offer a free Jewish pre-school education for every Jewish child and CEO Jerry added a demand to triple the number of kids at Jewish camps within five years. Now, I am in favor of big and bold plans...which these clearly would be if there were real substance to them...but wouldn't some pre-planning be appropriate before boldly going where no one, certainly not JFNA, has gone before -- like some discussion with the federations themselves as to priorities and capacity?
This is simply ridiculous. JFNA, an organization that couldn't even raise its financial commitment, already unilaterally reduced, to "Complete the Journey" for Ethiopian Jewry; that can't even raise the $1,250,000 (or is it $1.5 million?) it committed to in its current budget; that dismantled its FRD staff and can't even hire a Senior Vice President Campaign; will undertake campaigns without plans. Sure.
UJA used to be accused, with some real evidence, of being an organization that exemplified "ready, fire, aim;" JFNA now can best be described as "ready, fire, aimless."
Rwexler
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You are so right, Richard. This is an organization, if it can be called that, that has no concept of planning or even thought.
There is thoughtful planning, the politics of planning and collaboration building and there is math. Discount the planning dimension for a moment and just focus on the math. A billion dollars is a lot of money but how far can it go? Consider that depending on hours and community the cost of pre school runs between $8,000 and $20,000 per child; plug in a payout rate 5%? 10%? even total spendown if you think the 1 billion can be replenished on an ongoing basis. How many children will the 1billion cover? And depending on who your demagraphic rebbe is and who you define as an eligible Jewish family what % of our children can be supported? Now subtract from that number the number of children currently in pre-school programs under Jewish auspices and you have, dramatic statement aside, the true value added impact of the effort. One can go even further and ask what the opportunity cost is of not spending a billion dollars elsewhere. Calculators anyone?
Let's assume you can raise a billion to be spent over 5 years and assume about 50,000 reachable Jewish births a year. Give each child a $4000 birth voucher to be spent on a variety of choices from preschool to camping to first year day school to a family experience in Israel. Not a new idea but better than a free single service offering of dubious return.
JFNA touting the idea of raising $1 billion to fund Jewish pre-school demonstrates just how out of touch they are with the reality on the ground. In our community, Jewish preschool is one of the few things that young families ARE willing to pay for and, in fact, there are waiting lists. Why would we give it away for free? Perhaps $ 1 billion to build capacity in this area would make sense although it would take a lot more than $ 1 billion on a national scale.
JFNA and Jerry are pinballing from idea to idea so fast that they do not pause to consider how idiotic they look. Lucky for us, in our own communities, most donors do not know who or what JFNA is. If they did, JFNA would be bringing down the value of our local Jewish Federation brand.
When Jerry and Michael's so-called thought leadership piece appeared in the Forward, they espoused focusing on four areas: free Jewish preschools, Jewish camping, birthright alumni and Jewish development zones. Then, when he spoke at the GA, all of a sudden, he put a big focus on lowering the cost of 'being Jewish in America'. Did he, perhaps, read Gil Troy's op-ed piece that appeared the day before his speech in the Jerusalem Post that was delivered to his hotel room during the GA? Sure seems like it....
I have lost respect for Jerry and his lack of leadership. I also found it embarrassing that not once during any GA plenary was there a mention of the incredible tragedy which has occurred in the Philipines. Tikkun Olam, Gemulit Chesedim? Not on Jerry's watch!
How could any federation, any responsible Jewish leader respect an organization that is so out of control, making pronouncements and announcing new plans and policies without process or, apparently, thought?
Both Michael and Jerry outlined ideas for plans in their speeches at the GA and asked for others to join the planning for implementation. They are trying to get things going. Past experience may have been disappointing, but they are now really trying. Michael's call to action was very week received, as was Jerry's. Maybe we should try to work together instead of giving in to cynicism. You may be right about a lot of things, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try.
Correction to the last post - their speeches were very WELL received. apologies.
I was there for both speeches -- they were received with INCREDULITY -- if that's "well received" then there must be a new definition of "well."
Michael got an incredulous standing ovation, then.
Actions speak. Let's see what Jerry and Michael actually DO.
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