Nazi Convert to Speak at Emunah Holocaust Event 2008-03-12 00:00:00

Liesel Appel, daughter of Hitler’s Minister of Education in Poland, and a convert to Judaism, will be the keynote speaker at Emunah of America’s Annual Holocaust Commemoration, scheduled for Wednesday evening, March 26th at 7:30 P.M. at Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue Synagogue. This year’s event celebrates “The Power of Good” during the holocaust, honoring the rescuers, liberators, and heroes who provided pinpoints of light during the darkest of times, and were responsible for saving the lives of tens of thousands of Jews. Liesel Appel will bear stark testimony to the theme of light borne from darkness, as she is emblematic of a little known phenomenon -- children of Nazis who converted to Judaism. In addition to Ms. Appel’s address, a musical interlude with internationally renowned chazzan, Cantor Joseph Malovany, will enhance the proceedings, together with another musical program, featuring Elliot Weiss, talented vocalist. Original music is composed by Cecelia Margules and Rami Yadid. Also showcased at the event will be the reading of the winning literary compositions in EMUNAH’s annual Holocaust essay contest in which yeshiva elementary, high school and college students participate from across the New York area. The contest represents EMUNAH’s commitment to heighten holocaust awareness among younger people, now two or three generations removed from the nightmarish worlds of their relatives. Admission to the event, chaired by Cecelia Margules, is free of charge, but donations to EMUNAH are welcomed. For further information, please call the EMUNAH office at 212-564-9045. EMUNAH maintains 250 social welfare and educational facilities in Israel which reach out to that country’s underprivileged and immigrant population.

Mindy Stein Installed as President at National Convention 2008-03-12 00:00:00

EMUNAH of America held its National Convention on Sunday, March 9th at Manhattan's Lincoln Square Synagogue in New York City. Celebrating the shared 60th birthdays of EMUNAH and Israel, the Convention also marked the installation of Mrs. Mindy Stein, of Teaneck, New Jersey, as EMUNAH National President. It was also an opportunity to thank Mrs. Heddy Klein, EMUNAH’s outgoing National President, for her outstanding leadership and dedication during her term. The all-day event featured noted guest speakers who explored how much has changed in the last 60 years, both in Israel and in the world. Israel has developed into a strong, vibrant country with amazing technological and military capabilities. Yet along with this power comes tremendous new challenges. With the growth of Islam and rising anti-semitism, Jews both in Israel and around the globe must face these burgeoning realities. The panel of noted speakers at the Convention addressed the question, “What in the World is Wrong with the World—and How Can We Fix It?” Steven Emerson—internationally recognized expert on terrorism and national security, best selling author of American Jihad, and Jihad Incorporated, spoke, along with Dennis Prager—nationally syndicated radio talk show host, author and lecturer. Phyllis Chesler-bestselling author of Women and Madness and The New Anti-Semitism added her own unique perspective. The noted roster of speakers included Rabbi Cary Friedman, spiritual consultant to the FBI; Ari Goldman, Professor of Journalism at Columbia University; Martin Peretz, Editor-in-Chief of The New Republic Magazine, and Rabbi Kenneth Brander, Dean of The Center for the Jewish Future of Yeshiva University. Convention Chairmen were Bonnie Eizikovitz, Helena Goldstein, Sharon Kolb, and Debbie Schwartz

ART FOR TORAH’S SAKE: Unique Art Show Showcasing the Work of Twenty Orthodox Women 2007-11-19 00:00:00

What a difference a generation can make! When Chaim Potok wrote “My Name is Asher Lev” -- his searing portrait of the lonely artist in the orthodox world – there was no outlet for the creativity, no venue for the expression, of a gifted person wishing to integrate his talents and Torah. Indeed, there was little respect rendered -- and not much acceptance, either -- for such a struggling individual. Happily, this situation has radically changed in the thirty-some years since “Asher Lev” was first published, and EMUNAH of America now finds itself in the forefront of the revolution with the opening last year of “Emunah V’Omanut” -- an innovative program in Israel for post-high school women from English-speaking countries. Although there are many high-caliber “seminaries” and prestigious institutions that cater to foreigners seeking an intensive year or two of advanced Torah learning in Israel, the concept of “Emunah V’Omanut” is unique: It currently offers a dual-track program that combines an in-depth Torah curriculum with an equally rigorous course of study in various modalities of the Arts. “Up until now, orthodox young women with artistic interests and talents had no recourse but to attend schools like Parsons, FIT, and the School of Visual Arts,” explains Rabbi David Debow, director of Emunah V’Omanut. “Our program integrates Torah and Art into a single religious pursuit. We provide an environment imbued by religious Zionism where Torah learning is informed by art and art is infused with Torah. By means of Torah study and a developing aesthetic sensibility, our students will deepen their appreciation of G-d’s world.” In the Fall of 2008, the scope of “Emunah V’Omanut” will be broadened and enhanced by the addition of a music program that will offer music studies parallel to the afternoon art program. Both programs are housed in and affiliated with the fully accredited EMUNAH College for Women in Jerusalem -- recipient of many prestigious awards in Israel, including the “Israel Prize for Excellence in Education,” and the “Religious Education Prize for Innovation and Excellence.” Because of its affiliation with the EMUNAH college, the “Emunah V’Omanut” program will offer transferable college credit and the opportunity to utilize all of the College’s resources. Housing is available either in the EMUNAH College’s dormitories or in near-by apartments. An Art Show showcasing the achievements -- in various modalities -- of the first graduating class of the “Emunah V’Omanut” program will be held on Motzei Shabbos, November 10th, at 8:30 P.M. at the M2L Showroom on 58th Street in Manhattan. Prospective students and their parents are warmly invited to attend the show which will give them the opportunity to interact with the recent graduates and learn first-hand about the program. Rabbi Debow is also currently touring the United States, Canada and Europe to recruit students for the Fall 2008 program. For further information about both the upcoming Art Show and/or the application process, please call Emunah at 212-564-9045 ext. 315.

	Emunah Wine Trail 2007-07-19 00:00:00
	Emunah's Wine Trail was featured on www.israelwines.co.il. You can view the article by clicking here.

Beaded Bookmarks help Bet Elazraki 2007-03-05 00:00:00

Rachel Ashe and Sarah Samuels were looking for a way to maintain their connection with the children they met at EMUNAH’s Bet Elazraki Children’s Home, while being able to help them at the same time. These two extraordinary girls who attend the Moriah school in Englewood, teamed up to design and create beautiful and unique beaded bookmarks. They have raised money for the children from Bet Elazraki through the sale of the bookmarks which sell for $18 a piece. The project continues and they welcome all buyers. To buy a bookmark, please check our EMUNAH shop.