tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post3526797847010475172..comments2023-07-27T04:33:11.719-05:00Comments on UJ Thee and Me: CATCHING UP!!Gracklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315763008609379449noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-47887872436304439702015-11-04T12:14:42.916-06:002015-11-04T12:14:42.916-06:00Dear Colleague,
I appreciate and accept everyone ...Dear Colleague,<br /><br />I appreciate and accept everyone of your points.<br /><br />Our 'dialogue' (thanks Richard)sort of proves my point in that if there were a CJF (or the process from those days)our differences (especially in terms of responses to today's major issues), would have been dealt with in a much more effective way. The CJF, through the many meetings it organized (i.e., GA, President's meetings, Small Cities Institutes, etc.) allowed for forums in which we as Fed lay leaders and pros could discuss the best ways for the community to respond.<br /><br />Responses to Richard's blog, interesting as they may be, won't fix the system.paul jesernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-41704899316932791492015-11-03T22:35:11.083-06:002015-11-03T22:35:11.083-06:00Dear Paul,
I am that Exec. I'm very grateful...Dear Paul,<br /><br />I am that Exec. I'm very grateful for this thoughtful reply. Let me clear up a few issues:<br /><br />(1) I'm sure you worked hard as an Exec. It wasn't an attack on anyone specific. Maybe my generation manages time in a different way. But the truth is that we just don't have the free time our predecessors had. You can disagree, but I'm giving you my opinion based on what I see and what I hear from my colleagues. <br /><br />(2) I wasn't disparaging about missions (just about junkets). I agree that missions are critical. The reason that missions aren't successful today isn't because of JFNA. It's more because our generation, and those coming after us, don't have the time and the resources to go. Yes, it's lamentable. Yes, we're not as good as you were. But these are the cards we're dealt with. And your solutions and anger won't be as helpful in this dialogue.<br /><br />(3) The polarization in my community over Iran, Israel, the Peace Process, etc etc all come from you and your friends calling people who are indifferent, or left-wing, or progressive, traitors or J-Streeters or bad Jews. Don't get me wrong -- I'm a republican. But I keep my views to myself because my community deserves dialogue and tolerance. You can disagree with me. That's ok. But people my generation see what our previous leadership have created in their loyalty tests and single-track Israel filters and they don't care. They're not buying your hasbara. Sad, I know. And yes, we have to do better. But please don't think that you're blameless on this. You're not. Do you think you (not just you, Paul, specifically, but you as a representative of a noble generation of leaders-past) can attack, malign, denigrate, and ridicule the views, beliefs, and hopes of so many in our community and then disingenuously look in the mirror with innocence and exclaim, "who, me?"<br />Yes, you.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-66945847933775204702015-11-03T19:07:11.502-06:002015-11-03T19:07:11.502-06:00Dear Anonymous Small-City Exec,
I was truly sadde...Dear Anonymous Small-City Exec,<br /><br />I was truly saddened by your comment. <br /><br />First, I’d like to respond to your ‘time to go to meetings.’ comment. Please do not think for a moment that small-city execs in the 60s-70s-80s were not as busy as you are. I was one, with two Federations, from 1972 to 1984. I do not think there was a weekday evening without a meeting or program. In those days the Federations played a much more prominent role than they do in many cities today where they are looked at as just another organization. We were involved in just about every aspect of the entire Jewish Community and our days were more than filled. <br /><br />As a member of the Jewish Communal Service, not only did I work to build my Federation, but was extremely involved in building every traditional Federation Agency (JCC, HDS, JFS, Sr. Citizen facility/pgrm, CRC, Holocaust Center, community education programs, High School in Israel, March of the Living, and many more). AND, as the community professional, I was also asked to become involved in assisting other agencies and programs (‘outside’ fundraising organizations such as AFHU, AJC, Bonds, AIPAC, etc.) which, with the blessing of my leadership, I did. The goal was not to just build the Federation campaign, but to build COMMUNITY!<br /><br />I am very saddened that you report that many of your colleagues feel the same way. In my day, the meetings, missions and what you call junkets (whatever they were in your mind) were of great value to my community and to the national community. They helped us build every aspect by giving our lay leadership the opportunity of meeting others from other communities whose guidance, support and involvement made a real difference. They gave each other strength. They also learned from each other. They became best friends (friendships which still hold today – 30-40 years later). Our communities benefited from these meetings, trips, relationships.<br /><br />My greatest sadness is in response to your not feeling missions are important. Maybe the way they are run today by the JFNA, but, back in the day, they were exciting, raised significant dollars, and, actually more importantly, developed top leaders. Be it the KOACH MISSION (1,000 young leaders from EVERY Federation) which ended up being in Israel right after the UN Zionism-is-Racism vote, and during one of the very rare terror attacks (an ice cream parlor in Jerusalem), the annual Prime Minister and President Missions (which had major fundraising components and helped develop relationships between leaders from all over the country) had wonderful and positive effect on our local communities.<br /><br />I do not know what I can do or say to help other than to offer whatever ideas and guidance requested. The JEWISH COMMUNAL SERVICE was a great service to the Jewish People – I’m sorry it does not seem that way to you now.<br />paul jesernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-77550920249877615502015-11-03T19:05:09.292-06:002015-11-03T19:05:09.292-06:00I would hope that this information will put an end...I would hope that this information will put an end to what I perceive to be an extremely vindictive set of Anonymous Comments about an extremely responsible and responsive Federation that has dealt with an extreme emergency in a responsible and responsive manner.RWEXhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01583858140298821830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-32013043444726401102015-11-03T18:44:24.017-06:002015-11-03T18:44:24.017-06:00The facts about Houston from a reliable source in ...The facts about Houston from a reliable source in response to questions above: 40,000 Jews. Community raised $1.2 million for the Memorial Day Flood Recovery.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-29285433674101609902015-11-03T14:24:16.831-06:002015-11-03T14:24:16.831-06:00While I agree with anon 9:23 that we need multi-ge...While I agree with anon 9:23 that we need multi-generations at the table and 21st not 20th century solutions, I would also suggest that there are strategies and arrangements from our golden age that we were much too quick to abandon and could still be rethought, renewed and refurbished in today's colors: The networking of major donors; lay engagement in FRD; the lay-professional partnership in general; a local community based culture of planning; Israeli nation building as our overseas focus. bob hyflernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-38198484765873294272015-11-03T14:03:32.012-06:002015-11-03T14:03:32.012-06:00This tread may be one of the most productive of an...This tread may be one of the most productive of any up to know (thank you Richard)...<br /><br />I am working on a response to the Anon Small City Exec, for whom I feel sad - but will get to that later.<br /><br />In terms of Anon 9:23am - I happen to agree 100% - I never said that we can solve 21stC problems with 20thC people - what I think I've tried to get across is that we should be using the successful 20thC process instead of the obviously unsuccessful 21stC process to deal with the issues. <br /><br />CJF brought lay people together - that process - at least from my perch - still works - rather than JFNA internally making decisions in NY. YES, the people whom should be brought together are not us ALTAKOKKERS, but the Millenials.<br /><br />I still believe the 'old' YLC process could be very effective. I still believe that the 'old' (and real) PM Missions, etc, could be effective. I still believe that the 'old' GA structure could be very effective.<br /><br />I have spoken with MANY young leaders here in LA who have absolutely NO contact with young leaders from any other community. Until that thinking is changed, nothing else will change.paul jesernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-75219089175911635352015-11-03T09:48:54.422-06:002015-11-03T09:48:54.422-06:00I hope that we all remember that the opinions expr...I hope that we all remember that the opinions expressed on these pages are those of their authors -- mine, yours. In this fractured Jewish communal world, no one speaks for the totality of the Jewish polity even if the authors -- me, you -- believe that we do. RWEXhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01583858140298821830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-72070047490318210812015-11-03T09:23:48.330-06:002015-11-03T09:23:48.330-06:00I find these comments very interesting and illumin...I find these comments very interesting and illuminating:<br />It appears that we have Mr Jeser (and others), who was a leader during the glory days of CJF (and UJA), and I am not being sarcastic in this regard.....those were indeed the golden years of the Jewish Communal COMMUNITY in the North American Diaspora.<br />And then we have other leaders/contributors to this blog, whose volunteer/professional careers have taken place 'post-merger'.<br />To paraphrase Richard, 'Friends, you are from two different worlds!'<br />In order for a meaningful conversation to take place the Mr. Jesers (with all respect due- o.k., I'm in a Yoda-mode) really need to take a step back and not try to solve the 21st Century problems with 20th Century thinking; For the same reason you can't ask a group of 60 year-olds to come up with a strategy to engage Millenials.......you need the Millenials around the table....it's all about 'them', not 'you'.<br />I am not suggesting that the 'pre-merger' leadership has nothing to offer, however they need to stop lamenting about how things used to get done, and listen to those who now must make decisions in the environment of 2015....otherwise all we will continue to do is talk 'at each other' and not get anywhere.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-42109600504684035982015-11-03T07:33:00.878-06:002015-11-03T07:33:00.878-06:00As a small-city fed exec, I can tell you that I do...As a small-city fed exec, I can tell you that I don't see the contact with JFNA. But, truthfully, I don't find the time that my predecessor seemed to have to go to meetings in NY and go on missions and junkets on a regular basis. And I know that many of my colleagues feel the same way. I believe that the way we work now has changed, the demands on our time are more severe. And I'm not sure that "the system" would make a significant impact in this regard.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-20696982775599800402015-11-02T22:37:12.850-06:002015-11-02T22:37:12.850-06:00Anon 9:26 - When I was a Fed Exec and an issue cam...Anon 9:26 - When I was a Fed Exec and an issue came up that needed national attention and possible response, the CJF would convene meetings with/between Federation lay leaders and pros to discuss the issue, develop a consensus and plan - and then the CJF would organize/monitor the action. There were significant side effects in addition to getting a much more inclusive and effective buy-in and plan - Lay leaders became friends to name one.<br /><br />As I understand this discussion (Houston) - and I could be wrong - this was not the process - it was all JFNA...<br /><br />This is just one result of the disastrous merger....paul jesernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-21367435771741639672015-11-02T21:26:06.215-06:002015-11-02T21:26:06.215-06:00Paul, what do you mean by "convening the syst...Paul, what do you mean by "convening the system"?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-28756619743761437712015-11-02T19:46:15.177-06:002015-11-02T19:46:15.177-06:00Anon 6:22 - Big difference, CJF, as I wrote would ...Anon 6:22 - Big difference, CJF, as I wrote would have convened the System, whereas, as I understand it, the JFNA acted without convening the system.paul jesernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-48979849450118780092015-11-02T19:29:27.413-06:002015-11-02T19:29:27.413-06:00Houston -- we have a problem. We didn't raise...Houston -- we have a problem. We didn't raise any funds and we went back to the system to do what we couldn't figure out how to do ourselves. And guess what? The system took one look at what we didn't do and said thanks but no thanks. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-24587012173116638232015-11-02T18:22:34.318-06:002015-11-02T18:22:34.318-06:00And yet ... This is precisely what JFNA did. Ther...And yet ... This is precisely what JFNA did. There were discussions and consultations. And guess what, Paul and friends? They learned how much Houston is (not) raising and how much it could be doing. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-81398123386870191422015-11-02T17:04:06.921-06:002015-11-02T17:04:06.921-06:00(Houston) This is exactly the role the CJF z"...(Houston) This is exactly the role the CJF z"l would have played: Getting the Federation leadership to convene, evaluate, design and act as a national body.paul jesernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-42867313678473266292015-11-02T15:26:24.310-06:002015-11-02T15:26:24.310-06:00Yes, we should help. But ... we should also ask t...Yes, we should help. But ... we should also ask the responsible questions, like: how many Jews are there in Houston, and did the Federation there really make an attempt at raising funds? <br />And how effective were they?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-48056733316660863392015-11-02T14:21:04.321-06:002015-11-02T14:21:04.321-06:00It is a sad state of affairs that the "Tea Pa...It is a sad state of affairs that the "Tea Party" mentality in current US politics has found its way into this thread. We're really at the point where we want everyone to make Shabbat for themselves? If there's a cry for help, shouldn't we simply help because someone else needs it and because, perhaps the next time there's a cry, we'll be the ones in need?<br /><br />Came to mind during the recent damage in South Carolina from a hurricane when the local politician was begging the US government for assistance, which it gave. Then this politician was reminded that he was one of those who was refusing to give NY/NJ the aid it needed after Hurricane Sandy.<br /><br />Are we no better than this?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-63953502174698433812015-11-01T20:10:55.362-06:002015-11-01T20:10:55.362-06:00Knowing the arrogance at JFNA they no doubt feel t...Knowing the arrogance at JFNA they no doubt feel the URJ should move its Biennial. "Attendance envy" indeed. RWEXhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01583858140298821830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-19808165157046098872015-11-01T19:52:25.069-06:002015-11-01T19:52:25.069-06:00How does the GA get scheduled at the same time as ...How does the GA get scheduled at the same time as the URJ Biennial? Did the brain trust in NYC not bother to check a calendar? Attendance envy?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-17951896507944497332015-11-01T19:00:00.085-06:002015-11-01T19:00:00.085-06:00By the way, the Forward is daily on line. By the way, the Forward is daily on line. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-89518646291223089842015-11-01T18:15:25.897-06:002015-11-01T18:15:25.897-06:00OK, we know where Paul Jeser and those who respond...OK, we know where Paul Jeser and those who responded to Paul stand. That's enough from Paul and those who have expressed themselves with regard to Paul's most recent bromide to go to your corners for the night. Period.RWEXhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01583858140298821830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-40291594054890585872015-11-01T18:04:34.461-06:002015-11-01T18:04:34.461-06:00Anon at 8:27 here (and thanks, chevre, for the sup...Anon at 8:27 here (and thanks, chevre, for the support these past few minutes but I can defend myself).<br /><br />I do have a clue. I don't just base my comments on the Forward article (by the way, it's not a daily anymore) - I was giving an accessible example, not an exhaustive review.<br /><br />The reason I'm anonymous is because Richard defends free speech. Unlike you. I'm grateful to him and his blog for encouraging free debate and discussion. Shame on you for immediately jumping to the attack. If we met, I'm sure you'd accuse me of being a traitor and hater of Israel for daring to question your views. I've seen you do it to people I respect and admire (even when I don't agree with them). You should be ashamed of yourself. But I know you're not.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-41773898998553107862015-11-01T18:00:13.976-06:002015-11-01T18:00:13.976-06:00If people had to attach their names to what they p...If people had to attach their names to what they post they'd be attacked by Paul Jeser ad nauseum.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-81836266584366613492015-11-01T17:59:34.581-06:002015-11-01T17:59:34.581-06:00Why does every Paul Jeser comment make me wish he ...Why does every Paul Jeser comment make me wish he stayed anonymous? You don't get points for clownishness.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com