Saving Money and Saving Lives

By Beit T'shuvah
Published on April 4, 2013

Donors struggling to defray the rising costs of Jewish camp

Published on January 24, 2013

Spending the summer at Jewish overnight camp once was a spartan affair, often little more than a collection of ramshackle buildings scattered in the woods by a placid lake.

Sandy stories: Destruction, recovery and human kindness

Published on November 6, 2012

A week after Sandy swept into the New York area with fierce winds, driving rain and a high tide for the history books, the nation’s largest Jewish community was still picking up the pieces. JTA gathered stories from around the storm zone about Sandy’s destruction, the recovery and the remarkable tales of human kindness.

Israel and the world Pt. 20 - weekly news from Israel

By Noga Gur-Arieh
Published on September 17, 2012

Elliot Caplow, real estate developer, philanthropist, 83

By JewishJournal
Published on August 16, 2012

Elliot Caplow, a prominent real estate developer and philanthropist, died Aug. 16 at the age of 83.

Rabbi’s use of discretionary funds spurs new policies

By Julie Gruenbaum Fax
Published on August 15, 2012

In response to the Haiti earthquake in January 2010 and the Carmel forest fires in Israel in December 2010, members of Congregation Ner Tamid of South Bay, like so many others, wanted to donate money to help the victims. So, many of them directed donations through Rabbi Isaac Jeret’s discretionary fund.

National Jewish Democratic Council removes Adelson petition

Published on July 12, 2012

The National Jewish Democratic Council, citing peace among Jewish groups, has taken down a petition calling on Republicans not to accept money from Sheldon Adelson.

Israeli seeking bone marrow dies on day of national donor campaign

Published on June 1, 2012

An Israeli hoping to find a bone marrow match died Thursday -- the same day that Israel was holding bone marrow drives throughout the country targeting non-Ashkenazi donors.

Thank you!

By Noga Gur-Arieh
Published on May 6, 2012

Azrieli Foundation donates $10 million to Yeshiva University

Published on May 3, 2012

The Azrieli Foundation made a $10 million donation to Yeshiva University in honor of foundation founder David Azrieli's 90th birthday.

For Murray Koppelman, a distasteful Tehran scene inspires a gift to New Israel Fund

Published on April 23, 2012

Murray Koppelman saw women pushed onto the back of a bus in Tehran and had a nightmare about Israel’s future.

Adelson reportedly gives ‘substantial’ new donation to Gingrich PAC

Published on February 28, 2012

Casino and hotel magnate Sheldon Adelson reportedly has given a “substantial” new donation to a group supporting Newt Gingrich for the Republican presidential nomination.

Germany donates $13 million to Yad Vashem

Published on February 1, 2012

The German government will donate $13 million to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Israel over the next 10 years.

Miriam Adelson gives $5 million to Gingrich Super PAC

Published on January 24, 2012

Miriam Adelson, the wife of casino and hotel magnate Sheldon Adelson, has donated $5 million to a group supporting Newt Gingrich for the Republican presidential nomination.

$5 million gift renames Vista Del Mar campus

By Ryan Torok
Published on January 18, 2012

Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services got a new name on Jan. 12, to include the designation the Joyce and Stanley Black Family Campus, in light of a $5 million gift the Blacks recently pledged to the agency.

Adelsons give Birthright another $5 million

Published on November 30, 2011

Sheldon and Miriam Adelson are contributing an additional $5 million to Birthright Israel, which the organization says will move 2,000 applicants from waitlisted to traveling this winter.

Heschel Day School receives $1.1 million in gifts

By Ryan Torok
Published on November 22, 2011

Two alumni families of Heschel Day School in Northridge gave major gifts to establish endowments at the school in honor of its 40th anniversary, one for $1 million, the other $100,000. Both families wish to remain anonymous.

Volkswagen AG donating $1 million to ADL

Published on November 9, 2011

Automotive giant Volkswagen AG said it will donate $1 million to the Anti-Defamation League.

N.J. day school receives $17 million donation

Published on October 10, 2011

The Golda Och Academy in West Orange, N.J., has received a $17.2 million donation from the estate of philanthropist Eric F. Ross.

Chabad Telethon to air on Sunday

By Jonah Lowenfeld
Published on September 20, 2011

The 31st Chabad “To Life” Telethon, Chabad of California’s highest-profile annual fundraising event, is scheduled to air on KTLA at 8 p.m. on Sunday, this time with former talk-show host Larry King as its celebrity host.

Study: Giving to Israel down 16 percent between ‘06 and ‘09

Published on September 19, 2011

Giving to Israel decreased by 16 percent between 2006 and 2009, exhibiting the same trends as overall American giving, a study found.

Britain giving $3.4 million to Auschwitz site preservation

Published on May 26, 2011

Britain will contribute about $3.4 million to help preserve the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp memorial.

Give until it hurts

By Rabbi N. Daniel Korobkin
Published on April 26, 2011

Two Jewish philanthropists were overheard disagreeing about how to give charity. “I only support Jewish causes — the Jewish people need our help more than anyone else in the world,” Cohen said.

Japan earthquake relief: How you can help

By JewishJournal.com
Published on March 11, 2011

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Japan, the organized Jewish world is lining up support for the rescue and relief effort in the region.

To Be or Not to Be, Rich…

By Julia Bendis
Published on March 3, 2011

Luskin family donates $100 million to UCLA

By Ryan Torok
Published on February 2, 2011

Meyer Luskin and his wife, Renee, are donating $100 million to UCLA, the university’s second largest gift in its history, Chancellor Gene Block announced Jan. 26.

Anonymous donor leaves $1.5 million to Jewish Federation

Published on January 5, 2011

The anonymous woman who left $1.5 million to organizations affiliated with the Jewish Federation wasn’t someone leaders of the organization knew — in fact, she was someone few people knew well at all.

Teen makes a difference for orphans in Kenya slum

By Sharon Schatz Rosenthal
Published on November 8, 2007

After Ryan Silver returned home from a trip to Africa with his family, he began preparing for his bar mitzvah. Without hesitation, he knew that his mitzvah project would involve helping the children in the orphanage he visited in a Nairobi slum. Between the guests' donations and his own, Silver raised more than $2,700. In addition to completing a Jewish rite of passage, Silver was pleased that his celebration helped educate others about the plight of the children in Africa and to ultimately offer financial support.

How one bat mitzvah girl made a wish come true

By Julie Brown
Published on March 8, 2007

Over the years, b'nai mitzvah students have been encouraged more and more to select a cause, organization or project that they can support by donating community service hours, a portion of their gift money or both.

AJ Congress wowed; Shaare Zedek gets record donation; Koufax in the house

By Norma Zager
Published on January 11, 2007

Circuit News.

‘Top 400’ misses full picture of Jewish philanthropic giving

By Jacob Berkman
Published on November 2, 2006

Jewish groups look to The Chronicle of Philanthropy's list of top 400 fundraising organizations to see how well Jewish philanthropy is doing.

Jack Bender: ‘Lost’ and ‘Found’

By Keren Engelberg
Published on August 24, 2006

TV veteran Jack Bender will attend the Emmy Awards this Sunday. He's nominated again this year in the category of Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for his work on the hit ABC show "Lost," for which he is also an executive producer.

Drive Sends Love, ‘Gratitude’ to Troops

By Laura Birnbaum
Published on June 1, 2006

Carolyn Blashek is a Jewish mother in Encino who, like most Americans, was horrified by the events of Sept. 11, 2001. However, her reaction was slightly different than that of the average Jewish mother -- she tried to enlist in the military.

The Circuit

By Norma Zager
Published on April 20, 2006

Circuit

The Circuit

By Norma Zager
Published on March 16, 2006

Temple Emanuel was rockin' recently when it hosted the Temple Bryant A.M.E. Church Choir that performed with Emanuel's choir at a Shabbat Shira Service. The entire congregation and guests were on their feet singing and clapping in joyous rapture.

First Person - A Love Story

By Rabbi Mark S. Diamond
Published on January 19, 2006

Thanks to Valerie, two best friends were reunited after more than three decades apart. More importantly, Glenn and Val had found each other. Their love was intoxicating, with family and friends commenting how happy each was to have found his/her soul mate.

Transplant Recipient Will Parade Success

By Nancy Sokoler Steiner
Published on December 29, 2005

Like many native Angelenos, Ilene Feder has never been to the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena. However, the Studio City resident not only will be attending the New Year's day festivities on Monday, Jan. 2, for the 118th Rose Parade, but will have a vantage point few get to experience: She'll be riding on a float.

Fight the Minotaur in the Tax Labyrinth

By John Chiang
Published on December 1, 2005

This past September, the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Los Angeles, the Zimmer Children's Museum and representatives of more than 70 other organizations attended a seminar for nonprofits that I conducted at The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.

Obituaries

Published on November 10, 2005

Obituaries.

Krayzelburg Dives In to Save JCC’s Pool

By Marc Ballon
Published on July 14, 2005

Ely Pouget had a solid reason for trekking down last week from her home in the Hollywood Hills to the Westside Jewish Community Center (JCC) on Olympic Boulevard. She wanted her twin daughters to take swimming lessons with Olympic gold medalist Lenny Krayzelburg.

Wanted: 1 Rich Jew

By Rob Eshman
Published on June 23, 2005

I have a friend who may come into a large sum of money. Not millions, but tens of millions. Sometimes, she told me, shedaydreams about all the charities and causes she'll donate to.
"That's what I want to be, one of those people who sits around all day and gives out money," she said.

Time for Something Sweet

By Jewish Journal Staff
Published on September 4, 2003

Platters of apple slivers prepared for dunking in honey are a holiday ritual symbolizing hope for a sweet New Year.

Ozzy’s Father-in-Law Bails Out Synagogue

By The Manchester Jewish Telegraph
Published on May 22, 2003

Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne's father-in-law has intervened in the Higher Crumpsall/Higher Broughton Synagogue row with the Synagogue Council to settle the shul's debt with a burial board.

Foundations Try to Stop a Jewish Killer

By Michael Aushenker
Published on April 30, 2003

Imagine a disease that strips a child of the routine autonomic and sensory abilities that we take for granted. A disease that affects a child's nervous system to such a degree that he or she cannot feel pain or produce tears, even when seriously wounded. The child becomes plagued with developmental delays, both physical and cognitive, and must be fed through gastric tubes to prevent inhaling food through the windpipe instead of down the esophagus. He or she experiences severe vision problems, breathing episodes, seizures, an absence of taste, cyclical vomiting, unstable blood pressure, fainting spells, excessive sweating, skin blotching and other abnormalities. The child also incurs numerous hospital stays, frequent surgeries and enormous medical bills. Worst of all, the disease statistically guarantees that the child will not live to see his or her preteens.

JAKKS Jumps for Children

By Rachel Brand
Published on November 7, 2002

When the Jewish actor-comedian wanted to do something to help brighten the lives of Israeli children wounded in suicide bombings, he contacted his friend Stephen Berman, president and COO of JAKKS Pacific toy company.

The collaborative effort resulted in a donation and shipment of more than 500 toys to hospitals in Tel Aviv, each with a personal note from Sandler included. However, while the celebrity's name was probably the most recognizable to the children, it was the lesser-acclaimed Berman whose massive donation made the whole thing possible.

The Circuit

By Michael Aushenker
Published on August 22, 2002

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) held its annual Deborah Awards, honoring women of achievement -- an evening at the Regent Beverly Wilshire emceed by Arianna Huffington.

Married to Israel

By David Margolis
Published on August 8, 2002

Call it a shopping trip. Lou and Trudy Kestenbaum came to Israel last month on a Jewish National Fund (JNF) mission to spend money, as well as to follow up on how the money they've already spent in the Jewish state is doing.

A ‘Thank You’for Life

By Michael Aushenker
Published on June 13, 2002

There's a pretty good reason why the breast cancer center at the John Wayne Cancer Institute at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica is named after Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer.

"The John Wayne Cancer Institute kept my husband alive for 10 years," said Eisenberg-Keefer, who established the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Breast Center and has given a total of $3 million toward the facility. "That's why I got involved. What I do is a 'thank you' for life."

The Circuit

By Michael Aushenker
Published on December 6, 2001

More than 600 people attended the Second Annual L.A. Family Housing Awards at Universal Studios' Globe Theatre.

Spreading the Word

By Julie Wiener
Published on September 21, 2000

Shirley Kotler of Los Angeles said her commitment to day schools stems from her interest in "perpetuating Judaism."

Why Synagogues Are Going Broke

By Wendy J. Madnick
Published on June 8, 2000

Unemployment hit a 30-year low in April and the economy is, if not booming, at least bouncing. So why is it that so many synagogues, even in wealthy areas, are struggling? Perhaps it is because members fail to understand that dues only go so far, according to Sylvia Moskovitz, executive director at Temple Aliyah in Woodland Hills.

Making Do with More

By Ruth Stroud
Published on January 28, 1999

Was the United Jewish Fund 1998 campaign up, down or flat? It depends on how you interpret the numbers.

Car Alarm

By Tom Tugend
Published on December 11, 1997

You've read the newspaper ads or heard the pitches on the radio: Donate your old car to our worthy charity, which aids orphans/immigrants/homeless/the halt and the lame, and enjoy a generous tax write-off.