Welcome to the
2009 Plenum in Washington, D.C.
You have joined delegates representing the JCPA’s 14 national and 125 community member agencies for a rich and rewarding experience. Together we will explore, debate and seek out the Jewish and political values behind differing ideas. Join us for discussions on: The Economic Crisis and its Impact • Israel’s Security and Middle East Peace • Confronting Poverty in America • Priorities for the 111th Congress • Charting the Best Course to Energy Independence and the Greening of America • Interfaith Relations • Religious Liberties and Civil Rights • Iran: Stopping Its Quest for a Nuclear Bomb And we will work together to create a vision of a just society – one rooted in the values of our faith. For the next three days you will have a unique opportunity to hear from and exchange views with important opinion molders and policy makers. You will also be called upon to discuss and adopt policy on priority issues facing the Jewish community, our nation, and our world. We are motivated by Jewish texts and tradition to be committed stewards of our environment. We recognize that the Earth belongs to G-d, not to us. In addition to study, debate and advocacy around environmental issues, we have made special efforts to create a Green Plenum by reducing our energy demand and environmental impact.
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JCPA Plenum 2009
Sponsors Page
JCPA Plenum 2009
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For the 2009 JCPA Plenum we have:
• Purchased carbon offsets to compensate for the impact of Plenum travel and participation • Printed this program on 20% recycled content paper and used non-toxic soy-based inks • Eliminated handouts by making background material available online • Used technology to reduce paper usage • Used laptop computers in the on-site office, which use 10% less energy than desktop computers • Purchased office products locally to avoid long distance shipping • Offered conference bags made from recycled materials • Served pitchers of water to reduce bottle waste • Used bamboo plates, a sustainable product, instead of plastic plates
A few notes regarding the Plenum:
• For security purposes, JCPA Plenum participants are required to keep their identification badges visible at all times. Badges are required for admission to all sessions. • Do not leave any items unattended. Please report any unusual or suspicious activity to security immediately. • All sessions are at the Capital Hilton Hotel except where noted. • Please turn off your cell phone during all sessions. • Kashrut is observed at all JCPA meals. Hospitality Suite: Religious Services: Morning: Mincha: Maariv: Monday: 7:15 a.m. Ohio Room Sunday: 5:00 p.m. Continental Sunday: 6:45 p.m. Continental Tuesday: 7:15 a.m. Statler A Monday: 4:30 p.m. Bartlette Monday: 6:15 p.m. Bartlette Michigan Room
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JCPA Plenum 2009
Saturday, February 28
8:00 p.m. Federal A 8:30 p.m. South American A&B Welcome/Havdalah Dr. Leonard & Ruth Cole, No. New Jersey Activism: A Jewish Imperative “Act while you can; while you have the chance, the means, and the strength” BT Shabbat 151b A look at community organizing – its evolution and its future. Chair: Dr. Stephen Stone, Springfield, IL; Vice Chair, JCPA Speaker: Heather Booth, Midwest Academy Ice Cream Social
10:00 p.m. Federal A & B
Sunday, March 1
7:15 – 8:35 a.m. Pan American 8:00 – 8:35 a.m. California Executive Committee Breakfast Executive Committee members only New Delegates Orientation Breakfast will be served Presenters: Margo Gold, Atlanta Max Mulcahy, JCPA JCPA Task Force Meetings Equal Opportunity and Social Justice Co-Chairs: Susan Calechman, Boston; Vice Chair, JCPA Avi Poster, Nashville Vice-Chair: Susan Turnbull, Washington, D.C. Poverty Committee Update Stephen Skrainka, St. Louis Environment and Energy Committee Update Michael Stern, San Antonio Legislative and Campaign Update Melissa Boteach, JCPA Taskforce Business/ Review of Resolutions Panel on JCPA’s Cluster program: Why Your JCRC Should Get Involved Nahma Nadich, Anchor for Healthcare Cluster Bob Horenstein, Anchor for Hunger Cluster Josh Protas, Anchor for Housing Cluster Abby Porth, Anchor for Education Cluster Senate Israel, World Jewry and International Human Rights Co-Chairs: Geoffrey Lewis, Boston; Treasurer, JCPA Jerome Milch, Northern New Jersey
8:45 – 10:30 a.m. Federal A
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Sunday, March 1 (continued)
Israel and America’s Changing Political Landscape Professor Yoram Peri, Participation sponsored by the American- Israeli Cooperative Enterprise David Makovsky, Washington Institute for Near East Policy Global Hunger and Poverty and the Impact of the Economic Crisis “The needy shall not always be forgotten.” Psalm 9:17 H. Eric Schockman, Mazon Federal B Jewish Security and The Bill of Rights Co-Chairs: Donna Beyer, Tucson; Vice Chair, JCPA Larry Gold, Atlanta Vice-Chair: Wendy Wagenheim, Detroit Law Enforcement during Economic Uncertainty Brett Parson, Metropolitan Police Department Legislative Concerns including: Rights of Religious Workers, Hate Crimes, Faith-Based Initiatives, Employment Non-Discrimination Act and Other Issues Richard Foltin, American Jewish Committee Michael Lieberman, Anti- Defamation League Sammie Moshenberg, National Council of Jewish Women Taskforce Business/ Review of Resolutions 10:45 – 11: 15 a.m. Presidential Ballroom Opening Plenary Session (sponsored by Newt Becker, Los Angeles) Welcome: Susan Penn and Jerry Milch, Co-Chairs, Plenum 2009 Misha Galperin, Executive Vice President and CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington Remarks: Steve Gutow, President and CEO,JCPA New Policy Directions in the Middle East The United States and Israel share the strategic goal of a more peaceful, democratic and economically prosperous Middle East. Both countries are experiencing political leadership transitions, and their new leaders are facing daunting challenges from terrorism-supporting countries and extremist non-state actors. We will explore how Washington and Jerusalem intend to respond to these challenges. An Israeli Perspective Speakers H.E. Sallai Meridor, Ambassador of Israel An American Perspective Speaker: TBA 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Congressional 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. California Lunch Cluster Lunch (by invitation only) 5 JCPA Plenum 2009
H.E. Sallai Meridor
Steve Gutow
11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Presidential Ballroom
Sunday, March 1 (continued)
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Massachusetts How ICS Can Help Your Community Address Textbook Concerns Please bring your lunch. ICS can help your community become involved in your state’s revision of social studies standards, textbook selection, and teacher training. Learn what resources ICS offers to promote accurate and balanced texts and learning. (Program from Institute for Curriculum Services) Forums U.S. Relations with the Muslim World “Let all the peoples walk each one in the name of its G-d.” Micha 4:5 President Obama has pledged to reach out to the 1.4 billion Muslims throughout the world. What approaches and policy changes will work to improve U.S.-Muslim relations? Chair: Marie Abrams, Louisville; Past Chair, JCPA Speakers: Tom Dine, Search for Common Ground Dr. Michael Ledeen, Foundation for the Defense of Democracies How Big a Tent for Pro-Israel Advocacy? “Many pathways may all lead G-dward, and the world is richer that the paths are not few.” Claude Montefiore What messages should the “pro-Israel” community be sending to American decision-makers and opinion elites? Recognizing the broad diversity within this community, we will explore areas of consensus and issues that divide us, as well as the responsibility of dissenters. Chair: Jonathan Ellis, Tampa Moderator: Nadine Epstein, Moment Magazine Speakers: Jeremy Ben-Ami, JStreet Ken Jacobson, Anti-Defamation League Sarah Stern, Endowment for Middle East Truth Genocide: Can We Make “Never Again” More Than a Slogan? “No ruler has a right to destroy a whole race or nation.” Hatham Sofer The campaign to end the genocide in Darfur has inspired millions of Americans, including many in the Jewish community, to take concerted action. Despite these efforts, the international community has yet to respond effectively to the humanitarian disaster in the Sudan and crises taking place elsewhere. What can be done to create global mechanisms that will adequately address genocides and mass atrocities? Chair: Bruce Lev, Youngstown Speakers: Roberta Cohen, Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights (JBI) of the American Jewish Committee Jerry Fowler, Save Darfur Coalition
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Federal A & B
Ken Jacobson
Senate
Jerry Ben-Ami
South American A& B
Roberta Cohen
Jerry Fowler
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Sunday, March 1 (continued)
3:45 – 5:00 p.m. Massachusetts Workshops What We Talk About When We Talk About Israel This workshop will discuss the why and how of “Israel Beyond the Conflict” programming in your community. Hard data will be presented explaining how audiences perceive Israel and the messages that will work in your advocacy. Chair: Judy Rosenberg, National Council of Jewish Women Speakers: Alan Ronkin, Boston Benjamin Krasna, Consulate of Israel in New York Israel Advocacy Beyond the Mishpacha Effective Israel advocacy demands that we work strategically. To successfully garner support for Israel in the United States, we must engage our neighbors. This discussion will explore ways in which the Jewish community can enhance its relationship with other constituencies. The focus of this session will be on Israel advocacy with the African American, the Latino and the Indian American communities. Chair: Leonard Frankel, St. Louis Speakers: Robert Cohen, Detroit David Bernstein, American Jewish Committee B’tzelem Elokim: Anti-Genocide and Human Rights Programming “B’tselem Elokim” - All human beings are created in the image of G-d. After five years, the genocide in Darfur still continues. Millions have been left to fend for themselves and their families in refugee camps, many with limited food supplies and contaminated water. Join us for a discussion about how the Jewish community should engage in activism focused on preventing atrocities committed against groups because of their ethnic, religious, and racial identity. Chair: Speakers: Jane Schiff, Atlanta Eric Cohen, Mass. Coalition to Save Darfur, Investors Against Genocide Robert Fishman, Connecticut Natasha Ghent-Rodriguez, Save Darfur Coalition
Benjamin Krasna
Pan American
California
Resource: New York
Tick-Tock: Iran and the Bomb With the threat of an Iran equipped with nuclear weapons getting ever closer, this session will focus on how Jewish community relations agencies can mobilize a broad range of American “voices” to fill the public square across religious, ethnic and political lines. Chair: Barbara Burstin, Pittsburgh Speakers: Jeff Cohan, Pittsburgh Midge Perlman Shafton, Chicago Mark Wallace, UANI
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Sunday, March 1 (continued)
South American Israel Advocacy: Why You Should Learn to Tweet The battle for Israel is on the web. In today’s world if you are not online, you are behind. How can we leverage tools like Facebook and Twitter to further our Israel advocacy work, especially in times of crisis? Join us to learn about how your community can quickly and easily advocate for Israel online. Chair: Abby Rapoport, Austin Speakers: Gregory Asmolov, George Washington University Jaclyn Schiff, Rabinowitz/Dorf Communications The Economic Crisis At Home and Abroad “Who are G-d’s people? The poor.” Exodus Rabbah 31:5 With the U.S. and the whole world facing a profound economic crisis, many in our community and around the globe have questions about how this crisis arose and what the future has in store. Join us for a plenary session on how the financial crisis will further affect the U.S. economy as well as its impact on economies abroad. Chair: Speakers: 6:45 – 7:30 p.m. Pan American Robert Yass, Hartford Rev. David Beckmann, Bread for the World Robert Greenstein, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Rev. David Beckmann
5:15 – 6:45 p.m. Congressional
Robert Greenstein
Leadership Appeal Reception Minimum donation to 2009 Leadership Appeal: $250 Guest: Joshua DuBois, Special Assistant to the President and the Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Chair: Conrad Giles, Detroit; Vice Chair, JC Germany Close Up An opportunity for CRC professionals to meet with Dr. Dagmar Pruin, director of Germany Close Up, a program to introduce young American Jews to modern Germany. 2009 Tikkun Olam Award Dinner – Honoring Susan W. Turnbull Motzi: Toby Shylit Mack, Monmouth County JCPA Board of Directors Election JCPA Award for Program Excellence In recognition of “an exemplary/outstanding/innovative community program that advances the goals of the Jewish community relations field and could serve (or has served) as a model for other communities.” Presenter: Alice Viroslav, San Antonio Recipients: Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona (Tucson) for “JewishLatino Teen Coalition” Jewish Community Relations Council of Southern New Jersey for “Judaism and Islam: More Similarities than Differences” 8
6:45 p.m. Massachusetts
7:30 p.m. Presidential Congressional
Susan W. Turnbull
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Sunday, March 1 (continued)
Chair’s Tikkun Olam Award Presentation Presented to an individual who has shown deep commitment and demonstrated extraordinary effort to improving the lives of people everywhere. Recipient: Susan W. Turnbull, Washington, D.C. Keynote Address 9:00 p.m. Senate 10:00 p.m. Massachusetts Shmoozapalooza Here’s your chance to meet and greet new and old friends, connect on common issues and discuss your perspectives at length! CRC Chairs and Directors: Meet and Mingle
Wendy Wagenheim
Monday, March 2
7:30 – 8:45 a.m. Presidential Ballroom 7:45 – 9:00 a.m. Massachusetts Breakfast CRC Chairs & Directors Workshops Please bring breakfast with you Prioritizing: Identifying Relevant Jewish Issues and Defining a Manageable Agenda Chair: Lois Frank, Atlanta; Past Chair, JCPA Speakers: Andi Milens, JCPA Paula Simon, Milwaukee Marketing your CRC to Your Federation and Your Community Chair: Lynn Lyss, St. Louis; Past Chair, JCPA Speakers: Avi Poster, Nashville Joyce Spielberger, Birmingham Wendy Wagenheim, Detroit Plenary Session TBA Chair: Michael Newmark, St. Louis; Past Chair, JCPA Speaker: TBA
Rabbi Jack Moline
Avi Poster
New York
9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Congressional
10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Forums Federal A & B Building Productive Muslim-Jewish Relations Explore the relationship between Muslim and Jewish communities in America. What are the roadblocks that hinder building constructive dialogue? What can we as Jews do to engage Muslim groups in our communities and enhance these relationships? Chair: Donna Beyer, Tucson; Vice Chair, JCPA Moderator: Rabbi Jack Moline, Washington, D.C. Speakers: Imam Mohamed Magid, Adams Center Rabbi Michael Paley, Jewish Resource Center, UJA-Federation of New York 9
Imam Mohamed Magid
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Monday, March 2 (continued)
Senate The Economic Crisis and the Jewish Community “The great concern of Moses was…to lay the foundation of a social state in which deep poverty and degrading want should be unknown.” Henry George (Sponsored by Touro College) We are currently facing a deepening economic crisis that shows no sign of abating. Explore how this crisis is affecting the Jewish community, our philanthropic institutions and Jewish individuals and families. Chair: Cynthia Mann, Hartford Speakers: William Rapfogel, Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty Mark Charendoff, Jewish Funders Network Welcoming the Stranger “The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens.” Leviticus 19:18 This forum will discuss the state of immigration reform and the contributions and impacts of immigrants on our economy. Panelists will discuss the dangers of anti-immigrant rhetoric and share their experiences working on both state level and federal immigration legislation. Chair: Avi Poster, Nashville Speakers: Gideon Aronoff, Hebrew Immigration Aid Society Sybil Sanchez, Jewish Labor Committee Lunch on Own Workshops Let All Who Are Hungry Come and Eat: The Child Nutrition Seder “Do not neglect the children of the poor, for from them will go forth the Law.” Nedarim 18a Learn about the “Child Nutrition Seder” (CNS) which takes place just before Passover. CNS will enable your JCRC to establish new community partnerships and create a strong voice on a critical piece of anti-hunger legislation. Chair: Heidi Eisips, Silicon Valley Speakers: Becky Eisen, JCPA Judy Lackritz, San Antonio Brother Can You Spare A Million? Budgeting for Social Justice The federal budget is a statement of our country’s priorities, and as Jews we are necessarily concerned with its social justice implications. We must understand the basics of the federal budget process to ensure that our values are reflected in its ledger. This session will provide “Budgeting 101,” breaking down this complex process into an understandable format and outlining how to advocate for Jewish communal priorities in a tight budget year. Chair: Michael Stern, San Antonio Speakers: Kris Cox, Center for Budget and Policy Priorities William Daroff, United Jewish Communities
William Rapfogel
South American A&B
12:00 - 1:15 p.m. 1:30 – 2:45 pm Ohio
Massachusetts
William Daroff
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Monday, March 2 (continued)
Federal A How Much Can You Bench? Much of our agenda depends on decisions made by the courts. JCPA policy calls for careful consideration of judicial nominees. This workshop explores a creative grassroots model for engaging issues of justice and the judiciary. We will provide media training related to judicial nominations as well as a “view from the ground” of how the grassroots are being engaged at the state level. Chair: Judyth Singer, National Council of Jewish Women Speakers: Rabbi Joshua Boettiger, Vermont Phil Sparks, Communication Consortium Media Center Building Bridges Over Troubled Waters Interfaith work is a central component of the community relations agenda, and dialogue can help foster mutual understanding. Partnerships across faith lines can advance critical shared concerns, though rarely do different groups agree on all issues. Join us for a workshop on what strategies the community relations field should use to address these challenges and advance productive and constructive relationships. Chair: Michael Futterman, San Francisco Speakers: Mark Pelavin, Religious Action Center Batya Abramson-Goldstein, St. Louis There Shall Be No Needy Among You: Anti- Poverty Programming From the “Food Stamp Challenge” to “Fighting Poverty with Faith” the last two years have seen a burgeoning of innovative anti-poverty programming in the Jewish world. It is more critical than ever that we effectively engage our communities in these pressing issues. This workshop will address “best practices” in anti-poverty programming and allow for an exchange of ideas with colleagues about mobilizing constituencies, coalition partners and elected officials in this time of great need. Chair: Robert Siskin, Chattanooga Speakers: Avi Poster, Nashville Maxine Richman, Rhode Island Pursuing Justice: Fixing our Broken Criminal Justice System “True justice is tempered by mercy.” Hasdai Crecas Our current economic situation highlights many of the problems that exist in our criminal justice system. What reforms are necessary? How do civil rights and law enforcement advocates work together to help create a system that works? Chair: Larry Gold, Atlanta Speakers: Wade Henderson, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Douglas F. Gansler, Maryland Attorney General
Mark Pelavin
Federal B
South American A
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Presidential Ballroom
Wade Henderson
Douglas F. Gansler
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Monday, March 2 (continued)
4:30-6:15 p.m. Congressional The Constitution Has Left the Building… Presentation of the Albert D. Chernin Award to Professor Laurence H. Tribe “Let justice well up as waters, righteousness as a mighty stream.” Amos 5:24 Professor Tribe will reflect on how we may all work to restore cherished freedoms that have been so seriously eroded and how to take forward strides to upholding America’s creed as a bastion of liberty. He will address the challenges of balancing these rights with national security, how we can respect and advance international human rights, and what we may do to reform our criminal justice system. Chair: Michael Bohnen, Boston; Past Chair, JCPA Presenter: Arden E. Shenker, Portland, OR; Past Chair, JCPA Recipient: Prof. Laurence H. Tribe, Harvard Law School Dinner on Own Understanding the JCPA Resolution Process Learn everything you need to know to understand and participate in the JCPA Resolutions Process. Presenter: David Bohm, St. Louis; Vice Chair, JCPA Resource: Ethan Felson, JCPA Voting Card Pickup
Prof. Laurence H. Tribe
6:15 – 8:00 p.m. 7:45 p.m. Massachusetts
7:45 p.m. Outside Presidential Ballroom 8:15 p.m. Presidential Ballroom Late Night Session Presidential Ballroom
Resolutions Session Chairs: David Bohm, St. Louis; Vice Chair, JCPA Wendy Wagenheim, Detroit Parliamentarian: Arden E. Shenker, Portland, OR; Past Chair, JCPA Open Discussion on U.S. Relations with the Muslim World with the Task Force on Israel, World Jewry and International Human Rights
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Tuesday, March 3
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. 8:15 – 10:00 a.m. Congressional Breakfast Going Green To Get Into the Black “Giving someone a job is the highest form of tzedakah.” Maimonides “The Earth is the Lord’s.” Psalm 24:1 How will the creation of green jobs drive our economy forward in the 21st century? Energy independence and a commitment to creating green jobs is a top priority for the Obama Administration and one of the cornerstones to reviving our economy. Hear from energy experts about how we can begin to implement these practices and how they can grow our economy. Chair: James Rosenstein, Philadelphia; Vice Chair, JCPA Speakers: TBA Transportation Boxed lunches will be provided Hill Visits Capitol Hill Reception Chair: Andrea Weinstein, Dallas; Chair, JCPA Transportation to Hotel Begins Post Plenum Meetings 4:30 p.m. Massachusetts 5:00 p.m. Federal A JCPA Executive Committee Meeting Committee members only JCRC Directors Meeting Committee members only
10:00 – 10:45 a.m. 11:00 – 2:00 p.m. 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. HC5 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 4
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Federal A JCRC Directors Meeting
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JCPA Plenum 2009
JCPA Nominating Committee Report
For Vice Chair
Susan Calechman, Boston Elihu Davison, Jewish Labor Committee Larry Gold, Atlanta Bruce Lev, Youngstown David Luchins, Orthodox Union Steve Stone, Springfield, IL
For Community Representative
Louis Beckerman, Cen. New Jersey Leslie Billet, No. New Jersey Ruth Cole, No. New Jersey Ted Eisenberg, MetroWest Howard Friedman, Toledo Michael Futterman, San Francisco Judy Gilbert-Gould, Miami Harold Goldberg, Silicon Valley Phil Gordon, Boston David Gutin, Philadelphia Toby Shylit Mack, Monmouth County NJ Bruce Mandel, Cleveland Cynthia Mann, Hartford Anita Miller, New Mexico Maxine Richman, Rhode Island Daniel Robins, Columbus Mark Rosentraub, Cleveland Jane Schiff, Atlanta Steve Silverman, Detroit Steve Skrainka, St. Louis Mike Stern, San Antonio Wendy Wagenheim, Detroit
For Secretary
Bob Yass, Hartford
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JCPA Board of Directors
Chair
Andrea Weinstein, Dallas Jacqueline K. Levine, MetroWest Lynn Lyss, NCJW Theodore R. Mann, Philadelphia Michael N. Newmark, St. Louis Steven Schwarz, MetroWest Arden E. Shenker, Portland, OR Maynard I. Wishner, Chicago Bennett Yanowitz, Cleveland Michele Lax, Baltimore Bruce Alan Lev, Youngstown Susan Turnbull, Washington, D.C. Bruce P. Mandel, Cleveland Cynthia Mann, Hartford Anita P. Miller, New Mexico Avi Poster, Nashville Rebecca Abigail Rapoport, Austin Maxine Richman, Rhode Island Daniel S. Robins, Columbus Mark S. Rosentraub, Cleveland Arieh Lebowitz, JLC Lynn M. Leeb, ORT America Penny Leifer, WLCJ Daniel S. Mariaschin, B’nai B’rith Int. Judy Menikoff, ORT America Nancy Ratzan, NCJW Robert Raymar, AJCongress Shep Remis, UJC Judy Rosenberg, NCJW Herb Rosenbleeth, JWV Carl Sheingold, JRF William D. Siegel, AJCommittee Carol Smokler, UJC Albert Vorspan, URJ Jerry Wagner, USCJ Jane Wishner, UR Shawn Israel Zevit, JRF Robert M. Zweiman, JWV
Vice Chairs
Martin Belsky, Akron Donna Beyer, Tucson David Bohm, St. Louis Susan Calechman, Boston Elihu D. Davison, JLC Conrad Giles, Detroit Susan Penn, No. New Jersey James Rosenstein, Philadelphia Midge Perlman Shafton, Chicago Stephen Stone, Springfield, IL
President and CEO
Steve Gutow
Executive Vice Chair Emeritus
Albert D. Chernin
Toby Shylit Mack, Monmouth County Stephen Skrainka, St. Louis Alice Viroslav, San Antonio Wendy Wagenheim, Detroit
Community Representatives
Louis Beckerman, Cen. New Jersey Leslie Billet, No. New Jersey Ruth Cole, No. New Jersey Debbie Cosgrove, UJC Theodore Eisenberg, MetroWest Jonathan Ellis, Tampa Howard M. Friedman, Toledo
Treasurer
Geoffrey H. Lewis, Boston
Secretary
Robert Yass, Hartford
National Agency Representatives
Martin Bresler, AJCommittee Charney Bromberg, JLC Leona Chanin, AJCongress Benham Dayanim, UOJCA Nathan Diament, UOJCA Marla J. Feldman, URJ Gail Goldfarb, WLCJ Joel Kaplan, B’nai B’rith Int. Shelly Kupfer, UJC
Chair’s Appointees
David Luchins, UOJCA
Ex Officio
Marlene Gorin, Dallas Jerome E. Milch, No. New Jersey Rabbi Jack Moline, New York Robert H. Siskin, Chattanooga Michael Stern, San Antonio
Past Chairs
Marie Abrams, Louisville Jordan C. Band, Cleveland Michael J. Bohnen, Boston Leonard A. Cole, No. New Jersey Lois Frank, Atlanta
Michael Futterman, San Francisco Lawrence M. Gold, Atlanta Harold Goldberg, Silicon Valley Gerald P. Greiman, St. Louis David Gutin, Philadelphia Mahnaz Harrison, Pittsburgh
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JCPA Plenum Committee
Chairs
Susan Penn, No. New Jersey Jerome Milch, No. New Jersey Marlene Gorin, Dallas Ronald Halber, Washington, D.C. Susan Banes Harris, Washington, D.C. Shelly Kupfer, UJC Michele Lax, Baltimore Lynn Leeb, ORT America Bruce Mandel, Cleveland Cynthia Mann, Hartford Abby Michelson Porth, San Francisco Avi Poster, Nashville Josh Protas, Tucson Judy Rosenberg, NCJW Toby Shylit Mack, Monmouth County Stephen Skrainka, St. Louis Alice Viroslav, San Antonio Wendy Wagenheim, Detroit Andrea Weinstein, Dallas Barbara Weinstein, URJ
Members
Leslie Billet, Northern New Jersey Susan Calechman, Boston Jonathan Ellis, Tampa Diane Fisher, Silicon Valley
JCPA Staff
Steve Gutow President and CEO Melissa Boteach Senior Policy Associate/ Poverty Campaign Coordinator Elisa Dell’Amico Administrative Assistant Becky Eisen Field Organizer, Confronting Poverty Campaign Chavi Eisenberg Associate Director of Development Jared Feldman Senior Policy Associate Ethan Felson Vice President Lynn Gefsky Deputy Director, Israel Advocacy Initiative Aryeh Greenberg Comptroller Lawrence Jackson-Rosen Executive Assistant Amos Kamil Director, Israel Advocacy Initiativer Martine Katz Outreach Coordinator, Israel Advocacy Initiative Haya Luftig Director of Administration Andi Milens Vice President Liore Milgrom-Elcott COEJL Project Manager Maxwell Mulcahy Program Director Martin Raffel Senior Vice President Josh Ratner Rabbinic Fellow Hadar Susskind Vice President
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New Delegates Guide to Everything (Almost)
Who are all these people?
Your fellow plenum delegates are lay and professional leaders from JCPA’s 125 local member agencies (read Jewish Community Relations Councils) and 14 national member agencies. In other words, the “grassroots” of Jewish community relations work. Workshops: Workshops offer “best practices” and “how-to’s,” giving delegates an opportunity to exchange program and resource information. You’re sure to return to your community with at least one great idea. Resolutions: The Resolutions session is scheduled for Monday evening. In your kits are copies of the resolutions that will be debated at that session. There will be a “how to” session at 7:45 p.m. beforehand where you can get your questions answered about the JCPA Resolutions Process and Roberts Rules of Order. Please remember to bring your Resolutions packet to the session.
Who can answer my questions at the Plenum?
Almost anyone who has been to one before. Don’t be shy. Ask. We’re all “mishpacha.” Feel free to approach JCPA staff wearing aqua ribbons.
There’s so much happening. What does it all mean? How do I choose?
Left your decoder ring at home? Here are some helpful hints: Task Forces: The JCPA’s three task forces meet simultaneously on Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. Task force meetings will include in-depth briefings an opportunity to review resolutions. You may want to “task force hop” to get the flavor of upcoming discussions. Or perhaps your CRC or agency has several people in its delegation and you’d rather divide up to cover the 3 meetings. Plenaries: Plenary sessions feature a major speaker(s) followed by a Q & A period. If you have a question, line up behind one of the floor microphones. Forums: Concurrent forums feature experts in areas of key concern to JCPA agencies. Because these sessions are smaller than plenary sessions, they provide greater opportunity for delegates to question and interact with presenters.
Just how oriented will I get at the New Delegates Orientation?
At the New Delegated Orientation, on Sunday at 8:15 a.m., we’ll walk you through the Plenum’s highlights and answer questions about format and process.
What’s up with the name tags?
Pink Ribbon = JCPA Chair Red Ribbon = JCPA Executive Committee Blue Ribbon = JCPA Board of Directors Yellow Ribbon = JCPA Plenum Co-chairs Aqua Ribbon = JCPA Staff Grey Ribbon = CRC Chair Orange Ribbon = CRC Director Purple Ribbon = Plenum Conference Coordinator Smiley Face Sticker = New Delegates
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Capital Hilton Hotel
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