Alphabet Soup

Thank you to one of my readers who pointed out my thoughtless use of “Jewish Alphabet Soup” in my posts, I apologize. These terms have been part of my life for so long I forget they aren’t the norm for everyone, Jewish or not. So let me try to break down some of the “buzz words” from my posts.

UJC (http://www.ujc.org)– United Jewish Communities (previously UJA or United Jewish Appeal to those who have been around Jewish philanthropy for a while). UJC was once described to me as “the United Way of the Jewish world”. UJC is the major Jewish fund raising organization in the United States. UJC raises over $1 BILLION dollars a year and uses that money to help people in the US, Israel and 60 other countries around the world.

UJC raises most of its funds through local Jewish Federations. Federations are the community based arms of the Jewish philanthropic world. Most intermediate to large size communities have a Federation, which manages local fund raising and needs. For those communities too small for their own Federation UJC has a program called “The Network Independent Communities” or “The Network”, which helps support and work with these communities and keep them tied into the UJC world (http://www.ujc.org/page.aspx?id=164115).

Federations keep some of the money they raise in their own communities, for local needs, and the rest is collected into UJC national where it is distributed to needs around the world.

National Young Leadership Cabinet (NYLC) – In most Federations there are local Young Leadership programs, helping develop the next generation of leaders in the Jewish community. These organizations provide social, education and networking opportunities for growth of those aged 20-45. The “cabinet” represents the cream of the crop of these leaders and helps them develop their skills nationally and internationally. Cabinet was started for men in 1959 and a woman’s cabinet was started in 1976. At any one time there are about 400 young men and women serving on cabinet. To be part of cabinet means making a 4-6 year commitment to serve as speakers, solicitors, mission leaders, trainers and consultants throughout the United States and Canada. They assist communities in all aspects of campaign and help create and run national programs, aimed at educating and developing future Jewish leaders. In addition to a time and effort commitment, cabinet members also make a financial commitment to give to the needs around the world. Our trip was comprised mostly by current members or Alumni like myself, as well as some prospective cabinet members.

JAFI (Jewish Agency for Israel or the Jewish Agency http://www.jewishagency.org) and JDC (The Joint Distribution Committee http://www.jdc.org/) are two of the main ways that money raised via UJC and the Federations reaches those around the world in need. Their role is to help identify the major needs and to help implement the programs. They are the feet on ground, hands on, day to day managers of the programs in Israel and around the world where there are needs. They make sure that the money raised in the US is put to good use. They are our stewards and our face to the people we help.

Misconceptions

It is really important that I point out some of the misconceptions of UJC, Federations and the partner agencies.

Myth 1 - They only care about Jews. This is not the case. These agencies provide help where help is needed, and often it goes to communities, here and abroad, for initiatives that impact all the citizens in the area. In the US major aid was given post 9/11 and post Katrina for example to help people get back on their feet. In Sderot the trauma center is supporting all the citizens of Sderot, regardless of religious or national affiliation. The requirements are a need not a nationality. Yes the focus is on the Jewish world and Israel, and the majority of the funds come from the Jewish world, needs are met without restriction.

Myth 2 - That by giving to these agencies you are supporting war or politics. These organizations are not government backers, military agencies or political parties. UJC, Federations and the partner agencies are humanitarian organizations. Money given to these organizations provides food, shelter, emotional support and life enrichment. It is not funding weapons or wars.

Myth 3 - Only Jews can give to these organizations. Just as the needs are universal, so are the donors. Any of these organizations will welcome gifts from any person or organization, regardless of religious affiliation or nationality.


I am incredibly proud to belong to these organization, especially of having served on Cabinet, and proud to know that I am doing what I can to live a life that matters and makes a difference. I know that these are not the right organizations for everyone, but I do hope if you take nothing else from my trip it is that we all need to be a part of the solution. If these aren’t the agencies for you, please google other ways to help, either in Israel or around the world.