Thursday, November 25, 2010

UK Politician Michael Gove, its Time to Shine

Michael Gove - It is Time to Shine

By Dovid Efune

On Facebook there is only one politician whose fan page I have joined, his name is Michael Gove; he is the Secretary of State for Education in the United Kingdom.

Gove is not well known in the US, as is apparent from his Facebook fan page that currently has only 106 other members. However, this week he was featured prominently in a high profile story that was broken by the BBC and widely circulated internationally. The Panorama special report, found that more than 40 Saudi Student Schools and Clubs in the UK are teaching the official Saudi national curriculum to about 5,000 pupils.

The program quoted textbooks as saying that Jews "looked like monkeys and pigs," and that Zionists set out to achieve "world domination." It also quoted a separate part of the curriculum — for children as young as 6 — saying that a non-believer in Islam at death would be condemned to "hellfire."In a book for 14-year-olds, Sharia law and its punishment for theft are explained, including detailed diagrams about how hands and feet of thieves are amputated.

As the man responsible for the oversight of British educational facilities, Michael Gove responded by saying: "Saudi Arabia is a sovereign country and we have no desire or wish to intervene in the decisions that its government makes in its own education system. But we are clear that we cannot have any anti-Semitic material of any kind being used in English schools." He also added that Ofsted, the UK's government-appointed agency with oversight of education and children's services, would be reporting shortly on measures to tighten supervision of part-time schools, whose teaching is currently free of the controls imposed on full-time educational establishments.

His comments however, are by no means disjointed as prior to his ascent into the world of political leadership he worked as a Journalist, editor and columnist for the Times of London and has written extensively on the threat of Islamism. Aptly named 'Celsius 7/7' the title of his book apes Michael Moore's 'Fahrenheit 9/11' and demonstrates how the West's policy of appeasement has provoked yet more fundamentalist terror.

Gove's views on Israel are exceptionally well reasoned and thought out and are more favorable to Israel than those of any other mainstream British politician, current or past. In a prophetic article that was written the day before September 11, 2001 he wrote that, "A cruel deception was being practiced on the Israeli people. They were being invited to surrender territorial security for pledges of future good conduct, real estate for promissory notes. But what made this already risky venture so dangerous was that Israel's interlocutors were not individuals of proven good faith. They were parties that had, at various times, pledged themselves to Israel's total eradication."

Although since entering government, he has been more diplomatic with regard to voicing his views, the Jewish community has deeply respected Gove for years. If ones uses as a barometer of moral standing, the cause of justice for Israel, than Michael Gove is to be viewed as an exceptional leader.

In a world where the threat of radical Islam is perceived by many as the issue of the day, Gove's role in the realm of education should not be taken lightly at all. As the BBC expose demonstrates, the indoctrination of impressionable young minds is often where it all begins. The question now remains as to what will actually be done to combat this criminal behavior, and as for Gove's role on this issue the jury is out.

By way of encouragement I would like to predict that there will come a time in Britain, perhaps within 10 years or more, when the threat of Islamist expansionism will no longer be swept under the rug, and the fears of the populace will impact greatly on the political landscape as indeed they already have in Holland and other countries. On that day, Britons will search for a leader that will rise to the challenges of the time, and Michael Gove may be a prime candidate. If he displays the courage to lead, he may yet stand at the forefront in the new age battle of Britain.

The Author is the director of the Algemeiner Journal and the GJCF and can be e-mailed at defune@gjcf.com. Please visit www.gjcf.com for more information.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Chicago Jewish culture KFAR center Request from Adam Davis

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Jewish culture is alive! Will you help us make it thrive?
-
 
Thanks to your generous support, 2010 has been  KFAR Jewish Arts Center's best programming year yet.
 
Over the course of the entire year, KFAR also achieved its unique  goal of bringing a contemporary Jewish cultural voice into Chicago's public sphere.
 
This year, our productions and advocacy work in Chicago's cultural scene resulted in vibrant Jewish expression being part of 20-plus public programs at festivals, arts institutions and live music venues.
 
Among our partners were  important events and institutions like the Chicago World Music Festival, Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival, Chicago Cultural Center, and Old Town School of Folk Music. KFAR also had the unique approach of presenting new Jewish music at lauded venues like Empty Bottle, Martyrs, Chopin Theatre and Mayne Stage.
 
The organization also accomplished getting this music on the radio airwaves of WBEZ-FM, WNUR-FM and WHPK-FM and garnered significant other press coverage in print and online, including from the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Reader.
 
Through KFAR's efforts, our rich Jewish culture gained wide exposure to the public at large, reaching tens of thousands individuals whom otherwise might not interact with their heritage. KFAR's programs, presented at highly subsidized rates and sometimes free of charge, have undoubtedly enriched Chicago's Jewish communal life.
 
At a time when our community is under physical threat and our identity menaced by the forces of assimilation, KFAR Jewish Arts Center's positive, public celebrations of our culture are more crucial than ever. 
 
Ticket revenue, however, covers only a portion of our  budget. More than ever, we rely on your generous contribution to meet the growing operations expenses they require. We depend on your support. Will you help make jewish culture thrive?
 
KFAR is the Hebrew word for village. Be part of ours this year; help KFAR foment a Jewish cultural rennaissance in Chicago with a year-end, tax-deductible donation.
Thank you for your ongoing support!

Adam Davis, Executive Director
Here's how to help:
1. Mail a gift to KFAR Jewish Arts Center, P.O. Box 6334, Vernon Hills, IL 60061 or

2. Contribute electronically and securely online using a credit card or paypal:
 
 
3. Become a sustaining member with automated monthly or yearly payments:
 
 
KFAR Jewish Arts Center is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization; your greatlyappreciated contributions and sustaining memberships are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
 
Participate and get involved!
Visual ArtistsJAM SessionsVolunteers KFAR for KidsCelebrations TeamConversationsCitySingersDrum CircleKlezmorim
 
Get involved with KFAR this year.

* Play the guitar? Sit in on a JAM Session.
*  Bang on a drum! Join our drum circle.
* Perhaps you are a Visual Artist?
* Do you like to sing in a choir?
* Got Kids? Help us plan a Family Program.
* Or is Poetry more your thing?
* Interested in Israeli or Jewish themed films?
* Have Piyyutim ever intruiged you
* Maybe you enjoy or even play Klezmer?
* You can always volunteer to help at our events or behind the scenes.
* Join our Celebrations Team to help plan  Purim Noisemaker and Lag Bonfire events.
 
 
 
Upcoming KFAR events this winter:
 

JEWMONGOUS, an unkosher comedy song concert with occasional guests, is the colicky, uncircumcised brain child of SEAN ALTMAN: the golden-voiced,  founder and former leader of the vocal group Rockapella. 

"The bastard love child Tenacious D and Fiddler on the Roof never had." – SEATTLE STRANGER
 
 
$12 advance, $15 door all ages

Young, hip widely acclaimed New York-based Klezmer/Rock band GOLEM transforms the music of its Jewish grandparents, making it modern, edgy, sexy and brash. Their explosive onstage attitude gets Klezmer to rock.
 
 
 
Occupying the fertile creative zone existing between klezmer, electro-funk, and contemporary improv are  The Shtetlblasters.  Torn between a love for Eastern European Yiddish dance music on the one hand and glitchy 80s electro experiments on the other,
 
 
 
KFAR Jewish Arts Center is Chicago's leading year-round presenter of new Jewish arts and music programs. It advocates for a Jewish voice in Chicago's cultural institutions and produces events that unite artists and audiences around vibrant celebrations of Jewish heritage.
 
KFAR is Hebrew for village. Be part of ours at http://www.kfarcenter.org.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Dec-Jan New York Israeli Folk Dacne Basics Course

Rikud / Israeli Dance NewsNYC: 12/1, Fall/Winter Israeli Folk Dance Basics @ 92nd Street "Y"

FALL / WINTER
ISRAELI FOLK DANCE BASICS

An intensive progressive series to learn
the basic repertoire and styles of
Israeli folk dance.

Instructor: Ruth Goodman

Place: The 92nd Street Y
1395 Lexington Ave. at 92nd Street
New York City

Dates: Wednesdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15;
Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26

Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Fee: $100 (includes admission to the
Open Session that follows
from 8:00 pm – 12:45 am)

To register online see: www.92Y.org
and enter the course code: BD3DW05-02
Or call: 212-415-5765

Direct link: http://www.92y.org/shop/class_detail.asp?productid=BD3DW05

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Why Donors Like Chabad

Why Donors Like Chabad

By Dovid Efune

This past weekend saw two mammoth Jewish gatherings take place. The first was the General Assembly for the Jewish Federations of North America, and the other was the International Convention of Chabad Emissaries. Whilst both are awe inspiring in their grandeur and both are focused on Jewish continuity, the Chabad movement continues to rapidly grow at a spanking pace and the Federations appear to be largely stagnant.

The JFNA is a well oiled machine with an established infrastructure, smooth mechanisms and operational hierarchy. By contrast, although there are a number of supporting bodies, from an organizational perspective, Chabad in some ways appears as a haphazard band of ragtag rabbis independently operating without any authoritative organizational body, with no central CEO or board of directors and no endowment, trust fund or investment portfolio.

As opposed to the Federations, there are few, if any, studies, polls, or annual reports conducted within the Chabad movement, and none are able to quantify the precise number of its members. One would be hard pressed to find a flow chart or academic assessment of Chabad's growth, although agreement is unanimous: Chabad is growing rapidly.

Chabad institutions have attracted some of the most sophisticated and advanced business and industry leaders as donors. At the concluding banquet of the conference this week the guests included the likes of Michael Steinhardt, Guma Aguiar, Lev Leviev, Eduardo Elsztain, Ronald Lauder and many others. Gennady Bogolubov delivered the keynote speech.

At first glance one may wonder why the informality doesn't drive away savvy investors that are used to detailed reports, due diligence and rigorous accountability. The answer is simple; when one gives money to Chabad, one can rest assured that they will see the fruits of their contribution. Donating to Chabad embodies what has become known as true venture philanthropy or entrepreneurial idealism.

Of course any shrewd investor will appreciate the value of a deal, whatever package it is presented in, especially in today's fast paced world where giants of industry demand immediate ROI.  Chabad will deliver exactly that: instant tangible results. Donations are not swallowed up by antiquated mechanical financial infrastructures; there is no red tape, application processes, panels or mazes of bureaucracy. The Chabad institutions are focused on the immediacy of the task at hand, and are innately adverse to anything that will slow it down.

Additionally, donors can always rest assured that a donation to a Chabad establishment will support a Jewish cause. The Federations, by contrast, earmark large contributions for general humanitarian causes in the spirit of 'Tikkun Olam,' but with so many modern day Jewish challenges to contend with, many donors are making the statement that our own should come first.

Much of the donor interest in Chabad can be further crystallized by making a comparison to the Tea Party movement. The movement's primary concerns include, but are not limited to, cutting back the size of government,  reducing wasteful spending, reducing the national debt and  adherence to an original interpretation of the United States Constitution.

Chabad's primary concerns include cutting back the top-down, parochial mode of Jewish practice, maximizing the use of every philanthropic dollar, (there are no earmarks or pork barrel spending) lifting the pride and confidence of the Jewish people, and adherence to an original interpretation of Jewish law.

Chabad is a purist, entrepreneurial, visionary and versatile, completely action-oriented and results-driven organization. If you are an industrious venture philanthropist looking for immediate high returns, there is no better investment.

 The Author is the director of the Algemeiner Journal and the GJCF and can be e-mailed at defune@gjcf.com. Please visit www.gjcf.com for more information.

Jewish Singles Travel Africa, Belize, Ski Trips. Plus Networking and Free Events in Chicago

 
 
To get the Best Price and Cash Back on some events be sure to mention
JEWISH NETWORK

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STEPPIN' OUT ADVENTURES: UPDATES AND REMINDERS
This is the Chicago version, if you live in another city, please let us know..
we have special newsletters with local events for other cities. 
We often send updates to our monthly newsletter.  We've been getting a lot of questions about which trips are Steppin' Out only trips and which are collaborative efforts. 
This year Steppin' Out launched Do Good Adventures and part of our focus will be to work with individuals and custom groups/organizations who want an adventure and/or an adventure that includes Service/Volunteer components. Some of our Steppin' Out trips will include the service component, but most of those trips are focused on activity, culture and camaraderie  We will be offering approximately 6 a year. But we still want to be a valuable resource to you and we have made arrangement with our outfitters to be a part of some of their trips.

We are still working on the second half of  2011- but for the first half the Steppin' Out trips include Belize, Tanzania, The two Ski trips, & Morocco in the Spring.

The others we are either promoting or sending a group to be a part of another group. There are certain trips where Steppin' Outers comprise much of the group.
 
Sincerely,
Robin Richman
Steppin' Out Adventures


Belize: Sun When You'll Want it Most
cotton treeIt's going to happen soon... the days are getting shorter, it's going to start getting colder and come end of January, you're going to crave the sun and being active outdoors. Imagine staying in a screened, rosewood cabana with thatched roof and private bath at an ecofriendly
lodge in southern Belize as featured on the Jan/Feb 2010 issue of National Geographic Traveler. From here you will experience Belize's wild jungle. Based on a beautiful river and
surrounded by lush, tropical gardens, we will be amongst the friendly Mayan people who live in small,
traditional villages of 15-30 families in the rain forest.Take advantage of this amazing itinerary that has us hiking waterfalls and caves, learning to make chocolate from the locals, horse back riding and relaxing on the beach. 
January 29- Feb. 6, 2011
Price is $2600, but save $100 if you sign up this week. After December 15, price goes up to  $2775. (includes all meals, internal flights, all activities, accommodations, etc.)  Read more about the trip here.
 



Ski Trips: Join us for a Party on the Slopes
apre ski

 
Get ready to mingle on the slopes.. an amazing way to meet fun spirited people like yourselves. We've been crafting parties on the slopes for over 10  years!

We're going to Telluride Feb. 20-27 (shorter options available) . Telluride is a laid back, mining town where the town's care-free attitude is contagious. One of the most scenic mountains in
Colorado. And while it might be laid back, our accommodations are four star-- the only ski-in ski out hotel in the whole resort, and it comes with all the bells and whistles, including the largest spa and indoor climbing wall in Colorado! All skiers welcome, but
for those looking for a ski challenge, this mountain has some extra challenging runs. The trip is coordinated so there are all different kinds of activities to meet and get to know different groups of people at breakfasts, special mountain lunches, dinners and happy hours.  Check out all the
information here

The second ski trip takes you the week of March 6-13 (shorter options available) to Steamboat Springs, home of the deep powder and natural hot springs! Known for  true western hospitality, and friendliness of the mountain, Steamboat offers one of the biggest ski mountains in North America! 142 trails make Steamboat the 2nd largest mountain in Colorado with terrain for all level skiers and snowboarders. Steppin' Out hosts some great Après Ski parties not only on the slopes, but post après ski in the hot springs under the stars. Find all the information and pricing here


AFRICA SPECIAL FOR SKIERS: Wondering why I'm putting an Africa Special in the Ski Trip section?  Because I'm leaving to take a group to South Africa next week and I have to review the contracts with the hotels before I go.. That means, I'm giving you another incentive to sign up early.  $75 off the current price and an additional $50 off for anyone who brings someone new...

Costa Rica and Other Winter Holiday Trips
You want to get away over the Winter Holiday Break?
Steppin' Out isn't doing our own trips during this time frame but we have picked a few that we think have a Steppin' Out style and we hope you'll enjoy.

Costa Rica: Our outfitter in Costa Rica is organizing a Jewish Singles trip Dec. 25- Jan. 1st. This is the 4th year we've done this with them and people who have gone have had a great time. Come experience the fantastic spectrum of Costa Rica's natural wonders. As you travel from
mountain top forest in Monteverde to the active Arenal volcano to the carribean coast you will truly become enveloped in the richness of the land and its stunning scenery. Discover the country's real
treasures through sea kayaking, horse back riding, hiking or biking. Read the details of the trip here.

Morocco Express:  This trip is a snapshot of the trip that Steppin' Out is planning in May.  The local operator that we are using to handle our trip in May does monthly departures.  The trip is open to all but our May trip is a little more active, a little more interacting with community and nicer hotels. But this one is relatively inexpensive. Info here

Thailand- Hike, Bike and Raft
:
  This trip has all the elements of a trip if we were putting it together ourselves. It's active, basic accommodations but you see the areas that we would do.  We hope to make this a Steppin' Out departure one day. More info here



Morocco in May and the Festival of Roses
sahara duneFrom the colourful, chaotic medinas to the moody desert landscape, Morocco is a land filled with wonder and rich culture. It is extremely friendly, even in the markets there is little hassling.  While of course we have to be beguiled by the lively souqs and tumultuous market squares of Marrakech, we spend more time out of the cities and off the beaten track villages. We'll leap into this land of extraordinary beauty on atwelve -day adventure through crisp mountain scenery, spectacular sheer gorges and picturesque towns, exhilarated by cycling trips, mule treks and canyon explorations, and touched by the warm hospitality of Moroccan villagers and nomads. We should be in the small towns during the Rose Festival which is supposed to be spectacular.  Plod through the Sahara in a camel convoy, and camping under the stars.  Learn to master Moroccan couscous, ancient pottery techniques and explore a seaside town favoured by Jimi Hendrix.  More information here
 


Robin Richman
Executive Director
Steppin Out Adventures
Do Good Adventures
www.steppinoutadventures.com
www.DoGoodAdventures.com
Toll free and Fax: 877.264.7694
Mobile: 773.960.7477
 
SEE OUR ARTICLE IN PERSPECTIVES IN PHILANTHROPY:
http://www.smithbarney.com/pdf/perspectives_philanthropy.pdf
**************************************************
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in
sideways, chocolate in one hand, red wine in the other, body thoroughly
used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO!!! What a ride!"
What's Up?
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comped Tickets to Wine Tastings and More

A CHICAGO NETWORKING EVENT:
Dec.  9 at the Ballroom on Erie Street.
Please join us on Thursday, December 9th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for a networking reception with the International Volunteer Network of Chicago.  A lively group of professionals and consulate representatives will be mingling at The Ballroom at 12 East Erie (12 E. Erie St., Chicago).  Network internationally without leaving the city.  This event will highlight VolunTourism opportunities both nationally and internationally.

Steppin' Out will be introducing its new division, Do Good Adventures, and highlighting information and tips on VolunTourism. And of course we'll test your knowledge with some interactive games. Many Chicago Consulates and Trade Commissioners will be in attendance as well with information on tourism and service opportunities in their countries. Also participating as event partners are Classic Party Rental, Just For Fun Entertainment and Phil Stefani Signature Events & Restaurants.

Tickets ordered in advance are $35.00 ($45.00 at the door) and cover your entrance to the event, appetizers, beer and wine.
To register, click here

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY IN CHICAGO
Who cares if it's cold, it's  hot, hot, hot HERE
Friday, December 31st, 8:30 PM to 4:00 AM
NOVA (NOVA has rented out Soundbar for NYE)
226 W Ontario, Chicago,  60654
Join 1,200 guests as we ring in the New Year at NOVA, Chicago's # 1 NYE Party!
Yes, ticket prices will increase as more are sold....BUY NOW to lock in
the lowest price!
For Information, go here


Events and Parties in Chicago
 
LINCOLN PARK YOUNG  PROFESSIONALS
COMPED INVITATION:
  LPYP want Steppin' Outers  to check out what their networking group is all about  and has offered us a number of  COMPED tickets to their next two events.  Email us to get on the guest list.

WINE TASTING & COCKTAILS at  District Bar :  220 W. Ontario
Frisk Wines, Dalmore Scotch, Gosling Rum & Jefferson Bourbon Nov. 11,  2010   6:00- 8:00 pm


6th Annual Peppermint Bash
Nov. 19, 6:00-9:00 pm

Chocolate & Peppermint Martinis, Classic Cocktails, Great Chicago Chefs, Chocolate Companies & Tables and Raffles. DJ Music Masters will be spinning all the greatest Holdiay Tunes.

Grossinger City Autoplex. 1520 Dayton, Chicago, 60614


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Steppin' Out Adventures | 3721 N. Military Rd NW | #B | Washington | DC | 20015