The Jewish Funders Network

The Jewish Funders Network (JFN) is an international organization dedicated to advancing the quality and growth of Jewish philanthropy. JFN's members include independent philanthropists, foundation trustees and foundation professionals. It is a unique community that seeks to transform the nature of Jewish giving in both thought and action.

Membership is open to individuals and foundations that give away at least $25,000 annually in philanthropic dollars, and do so through the lens of Jewish values, no matter whether the funds go to a specifically Jewish cause or to a cause more broadly defined.

JFN is not a grantmaking organization and has no political agenda or affiliation. Solicitation information about members is not permitted and all member information is kept strictly confidential.

MISSION - VALUES

MISSION
The mission of the 'Jewish Funders Network' is to help philanthropists maximize the impact of their giving by assisting in: (a) identification of needs and challenges; (b) shaping of individual and collective Jewish responses to those needs and challenges; and (c) pursuit of opportunities to address those needs and challenges, rooted in Jewish values.

VALUES
JFN represent a broad spectrum of beliefs and attitudes in our membership. We do not shy away from confronting difficult issues, encouraging respectful dialogue, and making hard choices guided by the following principles:

Responsibility (Tikkun Olam - Repair the World) - Together, we face the many pressing problems that exist in the world and are committed to helping funders determine the responsible, ethical use of wealth in creating meaningful solutions. We have the courage to take risks and the willingness to fail in our attempts.

Equality (Betzelem Elohim - all of us are created as equals) - JFN are an open and egalitarian community, where no one member has more power or influence because of his or her wealth, position, religious observance, age, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Convened as a community of equals, united in our values.

Respectfulness (Derech Eretz) - We listen carefully and respectfully to others. We strive to create a safe place for provocative, confidential conversations about sensitive subjects, such as wealth, class, family dynamics, personal passions, Jewish identity, etc...

Inclusion (Aylu V'aylu - "This and also this") - We are a pluralistic organization, that values the richness of diversity and sees the opportunities for innovation and learning from conflict and divergent views. We promote shared inquiry, education, and informed action.

Partnership (Areyvut) - We do not advocate any particular funding cause, but act as an honest broker, striving to help donors connect with each other and root their giving in Jewish traditions, ethics and values. With humility, we facilitate the efforts of funders to be more effective, and to think critically about the possibilities for — and implications of — their philanthropy.

Charities Working to Prevent and Cure Breast Cancer

Charity Navigator.Org

Breast Cancer Charities	Rating
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund
The Rose
SHARE
Breast Cancer Connections
National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Breastcancer.org
Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation
Young Survival Coalition
Breast Cancer Action
Breast Cancer Fund
American Cancer Society
Breast Cancer Research Foundation
The Cancer Center for Detection and Prevention
Prevent Cancer Foundation
John Wayne Cancer Institute

Although breast cancer receives the most attention during Breast Cancer Awareness month each October, charities work all year long to raise funds for the prevention, treatment, and cure of this devastating disease. All throughout the year people have the opportunity to participate in various walks, runs, and other special events raising money to fight breast cancer. The pink ribbon has become the symbol for awareness of the disease and can be found adorning everything from soda cans and even sneakers.  
But how many of us stop to examine those pink ribbon charities soliciting our support?

At Charity Navigator we've done the work for you. We've reviewed the financial health of over 20 of the largest charities working to fight and prevent breast cancer in America. Although these charities have been very successful at generating support, together raising more than $1 billion annually in contributions, the disparity in their financial health is enormous.

The good news is that several of these charities efficiently utilize donations to pursue their mission of curing and preventing breast cancer. However, others will astound donors with their inefficient operations. For example, one charity spends just 2.3% of its budget on administrative expenses, while another spends more than 37.2%. Several groups spend at least 80% of their budgets on programs and services, while one spends less than 50%.

Click on the links to the right to learn more about the breast cancer charities soliciting your support.

Breast Cancer - Race for the cure

Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® & Israel Breast Cancer Collaborative

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® - Is the largest international volunteer organization to increase awareness of the fight against breast cancer and to support scientific research to prevent disease and will be starting its activities in Israel in October 2010 through 'Israel Breast Cancer Collaborative'.

This initiative is a continuation of the action plan of the organization to work globally for the discovery and production of the cure for breast cancer. The "Susan G. Komen for the Cure" is unique, it combines support for scientific research with funding for education, detection and treatment programs on a global scale.

The organization began with a promise of two sisters, Nancy Goodman Brinker and Susan Goodman Komen, when Susan was fighting her battle against breast cancer. The compassion and concern for Susan in relation to other people and the commitment and determination to make a difference when he suffered his own trial moved to his sister, Nancy Goodman Brinker, who promised his sister he would do everything he could to stop breast cancer forever. This promise exists and lives in the "Susan G. Komen for the Cure" Foundation and is serving as an inspiration to people around the world.
Since this promise made 30 years ago the Susan G Komen for the Cure has invested nearly US$ 1.5 billion worldwide in research, education, detection, treatment and awareness programs especially aimed at low income communities, where the need for awareness and education are higher.

Click here to make a donation to Susan G. Konner for the Cure  

AMIA - BECAUSE WE HAVE MEMORY

BECAUSE WE HAVE MEMORY...
WE DEMAND JUSTICE
"Vehigadeta Lebinjá..." "Y relatarás a tus hijos... a tus semejantes".
"...Ubajarta Bajaím..." "...Y elegirás la vida...".

AMIA - Jewish Community of Argentina
Pasteur 633. July 18, 1994. 9:53 pm

A loud explosion, followed by a giant mushroom of smoke and dust, destroyed 85 lives, 85 stories, 85 families.
Within seconds destroyed the headquarters of the Jewish organization most emblematic of Argentina and all that was around him.

Panic. Ambulances. People running. Broken glass falling from the windows of buildings, covering the whole street. Cries that arose from the crowd mixed miracle stories and tragic twist of fate.
Death by dozens. Death. Death. Seriously injured people transported to medical centers. Spontaneously, hundreds of volunteers are present to assist, to contain, to share tears.
The world had heard his wrath. The Argentine government is a silence that lasts until today. The whole company took to the streets to say enough.
The community had to reorganize. The building at 632 Calle Ayacucho began operating as a meeting place and information about the victims of the attack and headquarters of AMIA and CS. Soon resumed the essential functions, particularly those related to social service.
The community, in the midst of so much pain, respond.

85 fatalities. More than 300 wounded. A building with Jewish history of Argentina destroyed. An open wound that even today does not close.
The most horrific anti-Jewish acts after World War II happened in Argentina, in Pasteur 633. It was a July 18, 1994. 9:53 pm.

AMIA - Know and donate, click:  http://www.amia.org.ar/default.aspx

About Yad Hanadiv

Yad Hanadiv acts in Israel on behalf of a number of Rothschild family philanthropic trusts, continuing a tradition of support for Jewish revival in Palestine begun by Baron Edmond de Rothschild in the second half of the 19th century. Established in its present form in 1958, the Foundation’s work has been guided over the years by a distinguished Advisory Committee under the leadership of members of the Rothschild family. With the assistance of the staff of Yad Hanadiv, the Foundation seeks innovative opportunities to address the needs of Israeli society.

Major projects have included the building of the Israeli Knesset and Supreme Court, establishment of the Centre for Educational Technology, the Institute for Advanced Studies at The Hebrew University, Educational Television,Rothschild Prizes and Fellowships, the Jerusalem Music Centre, Israel’s Open University, the MANOF Residential Youth Centre, the Environment and Health Fund and Avney Rosha - The Institute for School Leadership.

Current Focus - The Foundation currently concentrates its grantmaking in the areas ofEducation, Environment, Academic Excellence, Civil Society and Arab Community. It funds the operation of the Ramat Hanadiv Nature Park and Memorial Gardens, and is cooperating with the National Library in planning a state-of-the-art, 21st century National Library for the State of Israel.

Yad Hanadiv initiates projects in its areas of focus and invites participation of specific organisations and institutions. Unsolicited proposals are considered in the framework of a modest programme of one-time assistance to organisations,which fit the General Grants guidelines.

Programmes
Education - Improving teaching and learning in schools to advance student achievement and expand access to quality education
Environment - Promoting research and science-based decision making for management of natural resources
Academic Excellence - Encouraging exceptional talent and research and supporting the development of vital scientific infrastructure
Civil Society - Strengthening the professional capabilities of non-profit organisations, in order to increase the effectiveness of Israel's Third Sector
Arab Community - Promoting access and participation of the Arab minority in order to encourage their inclusion as an integral part of Israeli society

Haiti earthquake - Six months later

When the earthquake struck on 12 January, the poorest country in the Americas was devastated. The world rallied, but not for long – much of the promised aid has not materialised. And while their Haiti government falters, many of the 1.5 million displaced Haitians are still sleeping rough…
by Peter Beaumont / guardian.co.uk
Most of the 13,000 US troops who were dispatched to Haiti in the immediate aftermath of the disaster have gone, their mission ended on 1 June. The paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne, who helped keep order and guard food distributions, have returned to North Carolina. The hospital ships that provided medical treatment to thousands have gone back to their home ports. A few hundred soldiers remain involved in reconstruction projects or with helping to keep the docks that are Haiti's lifeline running.
The scores of aid agencies that were either based there before, or rushed to the scene of the catastrophe, are now in transition from emergency relief to more long-term projects supporting the population in everything from food to sanitation. There are big agencies like the UN and Médecins Sans Frontières, as well as church groups and tiny one-man bands. Cubans, Venezuelans and Israelis. Volunteers from Boston, London and Sydney. In the immediate aftermath the ranks of the International Medical Corps (IMC) were swollen by hundreds of volunteer nurses and doctors from across America, who came to work two-week long shifts to help Haiti's medical services cope with an estimated 300,000 injured. Now the IMC is scaling back its emergency effort to concentrate on the primary healthcare support it provided to Haiti's clinics before the earthquake occurred.
Pledges of billions of dollars in aid from the international community remain unfulfilled, with only a fraction of the more than $5bn promised so far delivered. The delivery of crucial building materials has also been delayed. The Interim Haiti Reconstruction Commission, set up under the chairmanship of former US president Bill Clinton, met last month for the first time.
"Please Help Us." - Six months later Jerry's new mural speaks of a different anguish: an angry frustration widespread among Haitians that, despite the huge emergency response in the wake of the catastrophe and the promises of billions, they have been abandoned. A desperate place before the earthquake struck, despite the brief moment of international attention it has become more desperate still. The smell of death may be gone but Haiti is still dying.

Philanthropy @ Google

The founders have set a goal of devoting 1% of Google's equity and yearly profits to philanthropy, resources which totaled over $100 million in 2009.

Google.org uses Google's strengths in information and technology to build products and advocate for policies that address global challenges.

Google Flu Trends - A tool that uses aggregated Google search data to estimate flu activity in near real-time for 20 countries.

Google PowerMeter - A home energy monitoring tool that gives you the information you need to use less electricity and save money.

Earth Engine - A computational platform for global-scale analysis of satellite imagery to monitor changes in key environmental indicators like forest coverage.

RE - An effort to develop utility-scale renewable energy at a price cheaper than that of coal.

Google Crisis Response - A team that provides updated imagery, outreach through our web properties, and engineering tools such as the Person Finder application, in the wake of natural and humanitarian crises.

All For Good - A service, developed by Google and other technology companies, that helps people find volunteer opportunities in their community and share them with their friends. All for Good provides a single search interface for volunteer activities across many major volunteering sites and organizations.

Charitable Giving

Googler-led giving to support efforts in our local communities and around the globe (no solicitations accepted).

Corporate Giving Council - A cross-Google team that coordinates support for Googler-led partnerships on causes such as K-12 science/math/technology education and expanding access to information.

Holiday gift - A $22 million donation in 2009 to a couple dozen deserving charities from around the globe in order to help organizations who have been stretched thin by increasing requests for help at a time of lower donations. Gift was in lieu of giving holiday gifts to clients and partners.

Community Affairs - Investments in local communities where Google has a presence, creating opportunities for Googlers to invest their time and expertise in their communities, engage in community grantmaking, and build partnerships with stakeholders in the community.

Google employee matching - Up to $6,000 company match for each employee's annual charitable contributions and $50 donation for every 5 hours an employee volunteers through the "Dollars for Doers" program. 

Read all the actions: 

Engineering Awards and Programs - Information and Tools to Help You Change the World - Google Green Initiatives

I'm sorry - Ani Mitzta'eret

Ahavah

 To all friends and followers of my blog.

- I love you all, without distinction. Now I understand how difficult it is visit you all bloggers.. My lack of time can not be a mere excuse, but there was a change in my schedule with for my time and my family. I would take a blogger tool to streamline my contacts with all of you visiting their bloggers more often, but now it has been impossible. I say this for everyone: I'm very grateful.

Adelle (Isha)

To my friends I dedicate this song 
(English subtitles)

Matan Torah - The Torah Delivery

Mitzvot - The 613 Commandments

"Love thy friend as thyself" (Leviticus 19:18)
Rabbi Akiva says; "This is a great rule [11] in the Torah."

This statement of our sages requires explanation. The word Klal (collective or rule) indicates a sum of details that, when joined, form the collective above. So when he says about the Mitzva, "Love thy friend as thyself," that this is a great Klal in Torah, we must understand that the rest of 612 Mitzvot (commandments) in the Torah, with all its interpretations are no more and no less than the sum of the details entered and contained in that single Mitzva (singular of Mitzvot), "Love thy friend as thyself."

This is rather perplexing, because you can say this considering Mitzvot between man and man, but how can this singular Mitzva contain all the Mitzvot between man and Gd, which are the essence and the vast majority of laws?

And if we can still strive to find some way to reconcile these words come before we say one second, even more conspicuous on a convert who came before Hillel (Shabbat31) and told him: "Teach me the whole Torah while becoming on one leg. "And he replied:" Whatever you hate, do not do unto thy friend "(a translation of" love thy friend as thyself "), and the rest is your comment, go study.

Here before us is a clear law that in all other 612 Mitzvot (commandments) and all written in the Torah there is no Mitzva to be preferred to "love thy friend as thyself." This is because they only direct their play and allow us to keep the Mitzva of loving others properly, since it specifically says - "the rest is your comment, go study." This means that the rest of the Torah and their interpretations of this Mitzva one, that the Mitzva to love your friend as yourself could not be completed if they were not all they also understood.

The 613 Mitzvot
According to Sefer Hamitzvot of Rambam

Tzom Tammuz - Traditions

The tradition on 17 Tammuz
The "17th of Tammuz" (5770) - June 29, (2010). "Tzom Tammuz" is marked by sadness and mourning, a day of fasting and introspection for the Jewish people. It marks the day the Romans breached the walls of Jerusalem, to begin the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. This same day Moses broke the tablets upon seeing the Jewish people worshiping the golden calf.



The three-week -  begin on June 29, 2010 (17th of Tammuz), and continue through July 20, 2010 (9th of Av).
The three weeks of our saddest calendar will the 17th of Tammuz until the 9th of Av, Tisha B'Av. Are marked by a period of mourning for the destruction of the Temple, and the resulting physical exile and spiritual displacement - in which we are still: the galut.

It's called "ben hametsarim" - "between the grips", based on the verse (ECHA 1:3) which states: All her persecutors overtook them on the inside of the grips. " The Sages (ECHA Rabbah 1) explain that 'inside the grips refers to days of trouble that occurred during the period between 17th of Tammuz and 9 Av At this time, many calamities befell the Jewish people through the generations. It was during this period, in the grips, which both first and second Temples were destroyed. This period was thus established as a time of mourning for the destruction of shrines.

During this time, we reduced the extent of our joy. Weddings are not performed, we refrain from listening to music, dancing, recreational trips, and cut their hair or shaving. According to Sephardic custom, which is based on the opinion of Bet Yosef, haircuts are allowed up to the week in which Tish'á Beav actually falls.

It is usually not recite the blessing Shehecheyanu this period. Thus, not wear new clothes or eat fruits that have not yet been eaten this season, so you do not have to recite Shehecheyanu. However, when faced with an opportunity to fulfill a mitzvah that will - such as a circumcision or a pidyon haben - so it made the blessing. Likewise, if a new fruit is available during this period of three weeks and maybe not then Shehecheyanu is recited. As is customary to allow the blessing is recited on Shabbat, it is preferable to save the new fruit until the Shabbat. A pregnant woman who is willing to eat the fruit, however, or a sick person who needs it for his health, can recite Shehecheyanu during the three weeks.

Tends to be even more careful than normal to avoid dangerous situations. People devoted a separate period of time for reflection and mourning for the destruction of both Temples. In some communities it is customary to recite the "Tikun Chatzot" (the Midnight Prayer Service) even at noon.