Profiles from Innovation Alley

As you know, especially if you’ve seen our new ad campaign, the Jewish people have always been at the forefront of innovation. So this year we introduced something new at Israel in the Gardens – Innovation Alley – a pop-up tech area, which showcased Israeli innovation in the high-tech world.  Adam Swig, one of the members of the Young Funders IGI Committee launched Innovation Alley, convening some of the best and brightest Israeli innovators and entrepreneurs from all around the world.  In the “Alley” people were able to visit, explore, interact and see just how much Israeli innovation positively contributes to the world in countless ways, with cutting edge products that are being developed by Bay Area-based Israeli entrepreneurs.

This week we’re profiling two of the participants, Tapingo and Reactful.

Tapingo

Speaking with an interested visitor at Innovation Alley

Tapingo was founded in Tel Aviv in 2010. Since then we have moved our operations, sales and executive team to the US and we are now based in San Francisco, with our engineering, research and development team still based out of Israel. Because of our unique origins and offices still based in our founding country, we were eager to participate in this year’s Innovation Alley at Israel in the Gardens in SF. The organizers of this event saw our growing startup as a great example of Israeli innovation and success in the US and Bay Area. My colleagues and I loved the idea of sharing our ideas and product with the local community and we welcome the support and interest of fellow high tech companies and entrepreneurs. Although Innovation Alley was not necessarily an event where we would expand our presence on any particular University Campus, we were excited to meet and talk about our company with those who are interested in hearing our story, ideas and goals.

Tapingo is a mobile application used by students and faculty at universities across the US to shop on and around their campuses. People use Tapingo every day from their smartphones and browsers to purchase their meals and more, and we are growing rapidly at colleges nationwide. Our technology was born from the minds of Jewish and Israeli innovation, and our founders met in the Israeli Defense Forces over seven years ago.

You can find more information through our website www.tapingo.com, or download the application to see what colleges and universities we are currently present at. For more information please email us at sales@tapingo.com

Reactful

What if websites could understand and predict your moods and actions, and then use those insights to show you exactly what you are looking for and at the right time?   Our young Israeli startup identified a gap in the way current website analytics inform both the users and the companies of each other’s interests and objectives.  In essence, we founded Reactful to improve the ways users interact with websites and how websites respond, or react back, to each individual user.

Soon after we decided to establish a company, we joined the Upwest Labs accelerator in Palo Alto to grow our marketing base and engage with potential Beta users. By happenstance, we met Adam Swig at one of the local social events we attended, and he introduced us to the Innovation Alley event at Israel in the Gardens. This event was a perfect opportunity for us to help out non-profit organizations and give back to the Jewish community, while also creating awareness for our product in Silicon Valley.

With the help of Reactful’s product, many corporate clients (and now also non-profit organizations) are benefiting from their optimized websites, increased donations, higher subscription rates, and email submissions. We are able to help companies by automatically improving their websites’ business results by listening to each visitor’s digital body language and using predictive analytics solutions to respond with the right content – in real time! We said goodbye to static websites, and we enabled online pages to dynamically interact with visitors as if they were having a two-way conversation. With Reactful, sites can show their customers exactly what they want, at the right time, resulting in higher conversion rates.

If you would like to hear more about what we do, request a demo to experience Reactful live on your website, or just want to say hello and show support, we would be more than happy to hear from you!

Feel free to contact us on our website, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

Reactful team with Adam (third from left), Roselyne (second from right), and Ben Swig (right)

Visit the Innovation Alley website to see a listing and descriptions of all the participants.

A True Leader in Any Form

Lynn Sedway, the 2013 Judith Chapman Memorial Women’s Leadership Award winner, is a guiding force in the professional and volunteer worlds of San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. In her decades of volunteerism, Lynn has demonstrated both passion and resilience; her commitment has been to serve both the Jewish and secular community and raise the bar for women in her professional field. She is not only a self-starter, but also a mentor and friend to many in the community. Her drive and desire to devote herself to causes that many others find too difficult has impacted numerous individuals.

Below are personal statements from just a handful of friends, colleagues, mentors, and mentees who have been touched and positively impacted by Lynn’s desire and drive to improve the community.

Mimi Gauss, Lay Leader, Judith Chapman Memorial Women’s Leadership Award Committee Member, Friend

“As a friend of Lynn and of Judith, I know that had they met, they would have respected and admired each other. Lynn’s quiet wisdom, the strength of her commitment, and her leadership skills , coupled with her warmth and caring,  are a tremendous asset to both her synagogue and the community as a whole.”

 

 

Valerie Jahan, President of the Board, Congregation Sherith Israel

“Lynn has been a wonderful mentor for me as I followed her as President of the board of trustees of Congregation Sherith Israel.  As President, she seemed to have her hand and heart in every aspect of synagogue life. Her tireless energy, unbridled passion and depth of concern for all is remarkable.  She leads by example and never criticizes, but often coaxes me along when I am unsure.  I have also learned from her how important it is to thank people-even when they are doing a job they are paid for.  Lynn never takes what others do for granted and this is an important reason why she is so loved and respected.”

Rabbi Lawrence Raphael, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Sherith Israel

“My career as a rabbi has included 30 years of working for national institutions in the Reform Movement in New York and now ten years as a congregational rabbi at Sherith Israel in San Francisco. Early on in my rabbinate I learned how important it is to partner with talented, and deeply committed lay leaders. With Lynn Sedway I am deeply and truly a partner in making our congregation a community of meaning. Lynn is a dedicated Jew and an earnest and soulful adult learner. She is determined to take on difficult tasks and bring them to fruition. She knows from her life and business experiences how important it is to remain focused, to have clear goals, to take risks and learn from mistakes, and to not take “no” for an answer. My rabbinate, our congregation, and the Jewish community of San Francisco is deeply in her debt.”

Barbara Rosenberg, 2007 Judith Chapman Award recipient

“I believe Lynn Sedway is one of the most qualified to be given the Judith Chapman Award. Quiet by nature, Lynn is not one to call attention to herself. Still, she has the calm capable abilities of leadership and accomplishment. Her ability to lead Sherith Israel to the completion of restoration raising funds over $8 million is an amazing achievement. Her skills in land use and seismic improvement are lauded by the entire community both Jewish and gentile. She doesn’t speak out loudly, but when she does, people regard her words and listen to her sound knowledge and judgment. Lynn Sedway’s stellar activities have shone through her Temple leadership and accomplishments.”

Connie Shapiro, Close Friend

“Jamie and I met Lynn and Paul over 35 years ago at a Passover Seder.  We immediately connected and have shared almost all major (and minor) events in each other’s lives since then.

There has been a lot of discussion recently – online, in the media, among friends and colleagues – about women “leaning in!”  Well, Lynn has been leaning in for as long as I have known her!  She approaches her profession, her volunteer activities, her friends and her family with boundless energy and enthusiasm.  Nothing gives her more pleasure than helping others – particularly women – advance their cause or enhance their success!  If there is the slightest mention of someone trying to accomplish something, Lynn is on her phone or whipping out her pen to make note of it.  Without missing a beat, she connects people with others who might be helpful and then follows up to make sure those conversations took place.

If I had to choose one word to describe Lynn, it would be inclusive.  She always wants to expand the circle and, in fact, one of her greatest challenges is limiting the number of people she can include in a discussion, a lunch, a bike ride, a shopping trip or a party.  No wonder Lynn is so loved and respected by her friends and colleagues!

Power of One has once again identified an exemplary community leader to receive the 2013 Judith Chapman Memorial Women’s Leadership Award.  I am honored and proud to call Lynn a very close friend and to be among those applauding her accomplishments on May 1.”

Roselyne “Cissie” Swig, 2003 Judith Chapman Award recipient

“I am so privileged to be asked to write a tribute to my dear and treasured friend, Lynn Sedway, on the occasion of her receiving the Judith Chapman Award at Power of One.  That award has so much significance and so much meaning in our entire community, and selecting Lynn as this year’s recipient, honors that award as well.

I have known Lynn for so many years and enjoyed her friendship in so many capacities: professional, civic and personal, and in each case, and to today, she rises to the top with her values, her character, her accomplishments.  She is a teacher by her example, and we all learn from her just by watching her and being embraced by her words of expert advice.

Perhaps in her community engagement, no event will ever exceed her immersing herself so totally in working to restore Congregation Sherith Israel. She brought out the best in all of us with her selfless encouragement, her standing to her own commitment and her desire for all of us to join her in this historical endeavor to save the building and bring it back to its grandeur, and its treasured position as a place of worship and of learning. As a person, a leader, a woman in our community, she has the respect of her family, her peers, her associates, her community organizations; and she never hesitates to reach out and provide the emotional and civic support when needed and or called upon to help. She is there!  She is a woman of valor! She is a dear and trusted colleague and friend, a mensch, an exemplary human being!  Mazel tov, Lynn!  May you continue to go from strength to strength!”

Anita Wornick, Lay Leader

“Lynn is one of the most accomplished women I know; however her accomplishments pale in comparison to who she is as a person.  Kindness personified, she is a most caring friend.  When she sets out to do something she gives it 100%. I do not think the earthquake refitting at Sherith Israel would have happened without her. Growing up with little Jewish learning, she decided only a few years ago to learn about her heritage; Lynn had a bat mitzvah and immersed herself in temple activities to the point where she recently served as President .  She has also served on our Homeowners Board here at the Four Season Residences and her expertise has been a real asset. Professionally she is recognized as an expert in her field, but modesty would not allow her to boast. Ron and I are truly honored to be her friend.”

Mary Zlot, Lay Leader

“I am happy to speak about Lynn and her transformation into “Super Jew”.  We tease Lynn about her newly acquired role in the Jewish leadership capacity.  Lynn is a leader in any role she undertakes.  It is the good fortune of Sherith Israel that she became involved.  She was able with her amazing leadership capabilities, to lead and direct the campaign to restore the synagogue.  A major renovation was necessary to make it earthquake sound and Lynn spearheaded that effort.  She was able to secure funding and redirect the construction of a dome and necessary repairs that made the sanctuary sound and up to code.  In addition, Lynn has inspired so many others in stepping forward to be active and advocates for Sherith Israel as well as the efforts of the New Israel Fund.  It was on a trip to Israel with the fund that began Lynn’s interest and passion for learning about her heritage.  She is an example of “It’s never too late” to embrace Judiasm and one’s past.  Lynn is a leader and an example of commitment, dedication, and inspiration.  She is a great example of what we can aspire to and achieve, if we want to make a difference.”

The Jewish Community and Endowment Fund would like to thank Lynn Sedway for her tremendous impact she has had in the SF Bay Area community. She continues to participate and motivate other to increase their volunteer work and further develop leadership skills.

Please Join Lynn at Power of One! Lynn will be presented with the Judith Chapman Memorial Women’s Leadership Award at this annual Women’s Philanthropy event on May 1 at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in San Francisco. Learn more and register for this celebration of Jewish women who inspire us to make a difference in the world.

Thoughts on Engaging Millennials in Jewish Life

By Sue Schwartzman, Director of Philanthropic Education

The Philanthropic Service department of the JCF launched a monthly webinar/seminar series last month to inform and educate our 900 donor advised fund holders on cutting edge developments in philanthropy, community funding opportunities, and networking events.   The series includes a 12:00 pm webinar followed by a 1:30 pm in-person seminar on the same topic.  We all enjoy the connection and energy that comes from being in the same space, but also recognize that it is not always possible for clients to get to our offices in San Francisco, so we are giving our donors options.

The first webinar/seminar held on March 5 focused on engaging millennials (adults who are in their 20’s and 30’s) in Jewish life. The event featured speakers Charles Bronfman and Jeffrey Solomon, both from the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies and founders of Birthright Israel, Slingshot, 21/64, and Grand Street, among other initiatives. They are a dynamic duo and are known as THE innovative philanthropists of the 21st century. Rounding our this impressive panel was Jordan Fruchtman, Chief Program Officer of Moishe House and former Hillel Director. Ben Abram, one of JCF’s young leaders, moderated the panel and kept the group on topic with his line of questions.

Our speakers captivated the room as they described the unique traits of millennials, including how they are tech savvy, networked, multi-taskers who continue to embrace the values of their parents and grandparents as part of what they believe in, yet do not typically connect to traditional Jewish institutions.

L to R: Ben Abram, Jeffrey Solomon, Charles Bronfman, and Jordan Fruchtman

Top 5 takeaways from the speakers:

1. During an extended 11 year period post college, millennials are making major life choices, but there is a gap in Jewish community programming for them during this time.
   

   Moishe House and Birthright have stepped in to help fill this gap.  “This time is critical in identity development,” says Fruchtman, “a juncture in their lives when they are making huge long term life decisions about who they marry and where they are going to settle down, buy a house, and raise a family.” Very simply put Moishe House is meant to be a straightforward and organic model that speaks to this generation. It is three to five friends who live together in a house and open their doors doing anywhere from five to ten programs per month. The programs range from Shabbat dinners, Jewish culture and the holiday kinds of programming, to just general social programs, community service, and Jewish learning.

2. Millennials like to customize; Jewish institutions need to allow for this if they want to remain relevant.

   According to Solomon, “Jewish is just one of the many identities these milllennials connect to.”  If our institutions are going to attract them, there has to be some allowance for customization for them to put their own unique mark on it.  “They don’t like being told what Judaism is or looks like, or how to be Jewish,” he adds; “they want to create that for themselves.”

3. 91% of Birthright attendees remain connected to the Jewish community after their trip.

   Bronfman points out that millennials are free to be anything they want, and without meaningful Jewish engagement “a heck of a lot will opt out.” The good news, says Solomon, is that 12,000 Bay Area millennials have gone on Birthright trips.  “If they go on Birthright,” says Bronfman, “they are back in – period! We have a 91% success rate; 75% say it changed their lives and was the most important 10 days they ever spent.” And those young people, he adds, have a 50% better chance of marrying Jewish.

4. Engagement programs for millennials, like Birthright, need to be funded!

   In spite of the overwhelming impact of Birthright on young people, 11,500 were put on waiting lists and could not go.  “For $3,000 (the trip is free to the young adults, and costs the community about $1500 per participant that is matched by a national funder) you get almost the same impact as a $180K Jewish day school education.  To have a waiting list for that $3,000 expenditure, when San Francisco is the most affluent Jewish community in the history of the world, makes no sense.”  He admonished, “We are so used to saving Jews from Eastern Europe, Ethiopia, and the former Soviet Union, yet we don’t think about our own backyard.”

5. Millennials are tech savvy, networked, and use these traits as part of the skills they bring to the table

   According to Jordan, millennials are a generation that is more educated and has more resources at their disposal, and they aren’t seeking out the same Institutions as previous generations. Those have barriers.  Instead, they look at institutions they can put their own special brand on.  This poses a unique opportunity – and challenge – to the Jewish community.   Charles Bronfman challenges the Jewish community “to get out of the way and let these folks lead our major institutions.”

If you are interested in being part of a funding collaborative on this topic, please let us know. Our next webinar/seminar will be held April 23 from 12:00-1:30 pm, our first small group strategic philanthropy series on Setting Your Philanthropic Intention and Practice. Space is limited.  Please RSVP to ArielK@sfjcf.org or SueS@sfjcf.org.

Celebrating the Inaugural South Peninsula Impact Grant Awardees

By Adina Danzig Epelman, Program Officer, Regional Grantmaking

On Wednesday evening, March 20, 2013, 120 community members, agencies, schools, and major donors gathered at Congregation Beth Am, in Los Altos, to celebrate the awardees of the first round of venture-style funding to South Peninsula Jewish organizations on the topic of engaging young families in Jewish life, a major challenge facing the region.

Like other Impact Grant Initiatives (IGIs) of the Federation, the IGI Committee of the South Peninsula, a diverse group in its own right, worked hard to determine the focus of this grant round on a big challenge and to evaluate the contenders for grants over several months.

Tali Ronen, a member of JCF’s South Peninsula Regional Impact Committee, presents a grant award check to Rabbi Josh “Yoshi” Fenton, of Jewish LearningWorks.

The committee received 25 responses to the RFP and ultimately awarded four grants totaling $500,000 over three years to the following innovative and high impact programs and organizations working to engage South Peninsula families in Jewish life: Jewish Birth Network – Congregations Kol Emeth and Beth Am; Setting the Table South Peninsula – Hazon; Kesher, Jewish LearningWorks; and Friendship Circle Bay Area.

The event was inspiring, with palpable excitement in the room as the grant award checks were announced and presented.  There was a renewed sense of optimism and enthusiasm for the potential impact we can have when we come together with our dollars and ideas in a focused way.

The four programs all seek to engage families with young children in Jewish life.  Jennifer Gorovitz, CEO of the Federation, congratulated the committee on its thoughtful work and issued a clear call to action to all those present. She asked that everyone in the room think about families they know who fit the target audience for these programs, and reach out to them to connect them with the program most appropriate for that family.  By providing financial support, and by leveraging our social networks, Jennifer noted that we are truly expressing the Power of Community, and helping to weave a stronger, more robust fabric of Jewish life.

JCF CEO Jennifer Gorovitz addresses the crowd at the inaugural South Peninsula Regional Impact Committee grant awards celebration.

The evening was full of good food, conversation, and a hands-on activity. Hazon, one of the grantee organizations, invited each guest to engage in a D.I.Y. (do-it-yourself) activity that is part of their family engagement program:  pickle-making!  Dozens of guests helped themselves to a mason jar, pickling spice, and an assortment of locally grown, seasonal veggies (cucumbers are not in season in March – who knew?) and left with a jar and instructions of how to care for their pickled vegetables.

Guests at JCF’s South Peninsula Impact Grant Award Ceremony making pickled veggies, and getting a “taste” of grantee Hazon’s do-it-yourself activities for the young family chavurot they will establish with their grant award.

Guests left the event uplifted by the festive spirit, bolstered with information about JCF’s new investments to strengthen South Peninsula Jewish life, and with their own handmade jar of pickled veggies to remember the taste of the evening for weeks to come.

Committee selection for the next round of grants will begin shortly, in a topic area yet to be determined.  Committee members learn valuable philanthropic skills and build meaningful relationships with their cohort, the grantees, and the Federation alike.

For more information on the South Peninsula IGI, contact Adina Danzig Epelman, Program Officer, Regional Grantmaking at 415.512.6216. You can read more about our South Peninsula grantees in our February blog as well as the Palo Alto Patch.

Purim Fun for Everyone

Purim is just around the corner and there is no shortage of community events for any age group.  Shake your grogger at one or more of these fun celebrations:

Children, Teens, and Families

Purim Shabbat Celebration: Friday, February 22 at JCCSF
Purim Party at Ashkenaz: Saturday, February 23 at Ashkenaz (Berkeley)
Sensory Friendly Purim Carnival: Sunday, February 24 at Peninsula Temple Beth El
Purim Palooza: Sunday, February 24 at Osher Marin JCC
GIANTS-themed Purim Party: Sunday, February 24 at Grattan Elementary School (San Francisco)

Young Adults

Purim Party, Megillah 3.0 with Killing My Lobster: Saturday, February 23 at Intersection for the Arts (San Francisco)
2013 Peatot Purim Party: Saturday, February 23 at Club Fox (Redwood City)

For information on more upcoming community events, check out the JCF online community calendar.

Love at the Latke Ball

by Chad Aronson

It was December 23, 2010, and I was getting ready to go to the Latke Ball with the two friends I had made since moving to San Francisco two months prior.  I was anxious to meet Jewish women, as I had not been finding much success on JDate.  I was disappointed when they both cancelled on me, and chose to spend the evening with my brother, the only family I had in San Francisco, instead.  However, in a twist of fate, another friend chose to go to the Latke Ball at the last minute! I quickly informed my brother, who then wished me luck on my quest to meet someone special.

Latke Ball 2010

When I arrived at the Latke Ball, I was blown away by the venue and excited about meeting so many new people.  After a few hours, my friend convinced me to accompany her to the bar next door where we could enjoy some free drinks since she knew the bartender.  Initially I went with her, as I was new to the city and didn’t know many other people, but ultimately returned to the Latke Ball to continue my night.

I danced with some new friends for a while, and later retreated to the (much quieter) upstairs bar for a cocktail.  By the time I reached the top of the stairs, I noticed two women sitting together at the bar. I figured I would walk by and see if they would look at me, or show any interest. I happened to catch one of the women looking at me as I did this, so I took the chance and introduced myself.

Within the first thirty seconds, I felt a real connection with Elana.  I can’t really explain why, maybe it was because I was six cocktails deep at the time, but there was something about her smile and the ease of the conversation that made me not want to stop talking with her.

Elana’s path to the Latke Ball that evening had also been complicated and, like me, she only decided to come at the last minute.  It truly felt like fate that we had met.  After dancing the night away, I remember kissing her goodbye and hoping that she had had as great a time as I did as I looked forward to our first date.

Two Years Later

As Latke Ball 2012 and our two year anniversary approached, I was ready to take the next step in my relationship with Elana.  I had already convinced her that we would be spending our anniversary at the Latke Ball, and Emily Whitehead-Coppola, YAD Development Assistant, and her team booked Ruby Skye’s VIP room for us where I surprised her with a proposal.  SHE SAID YES!

We popped some champagne, and she was so excited that she she wanted to call her friends and family right then.  I got her to hold off, and surprised her one more time- before she could even finish the first glass our loved ones appeared in the room to celebrate with us.

Thank you so much to Emily, the rest of the YAD staff, and everyone else who helped make this night possible.  I know I will look back at this night in forty years from now and remember how special the Latke Ball is both to me and Elana.

Super Sunday

Sunday, January 27, 2013 marked the 32nd annual JCF Super Sunday. On this day, volunteers joined together for our largest community-building annual event of the year.

Thanks to these volunteers as well as 767 generous donors, we raised more than $831,000!

The money raised on Super Sunday supports new ideas to strengthen the Jewish future, builds a better future for Ethiopian Israelis,  helps seniors stay healthy and connected, lays the foundation for a lifetime of Jewish experiences, and much more.

Click here to view photos from Super Sunday!

In addition to the phone-a-thon, this Super Sunday included a blood drive in honor of Ann Bear, z’l - a great community leader and friend to the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund. The blood drive was a huge success, with 41 registrants and ultimately 26 donations.

Ann Bear

Thank you to everyone who helped make
Super Sunday a success.

Give now to the 2013 Annual Campaign

This Sunday is Super Sunday!

Your Gift Supports New Ideas to
Strengthen the Jewish Future

Funding high-potential programs and organizations provides a high return on investment, namely, new generations who are engaged in the Jewish community. G-dcast, Moishe House and Kevah are just three examples of how innovative thinking can create more ways for more individuals and families to connect. Whether it’s increasing Jewish literacy through digital storytelling, exploring textual tradition through Torah study groups, or providing meaningful experiences for young adults in their 20s, it’s all about engaging more people in Jewish life. Your gift to the 2013 Annual Campaign makes it possible. That’s the power of community.

Give now to the 2013 Annual Campaign

 or

Answer the call on January 27, 2013

Register to volunteer at Super Sunday

Super Sunday Blood Drive in Honor of Ann Bear

There are many ways to help on Super Sunday. Remember a life by saving a life – join us for a blood drive in memory of Ann Bear, z’l.  Ann was a great community leader and friend to the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund.

WHEN: January 27, 2013 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
WHERE: Bloodmobile outside JCCSF, 3200 California Street, SF

To schedule your life-saving appointment (walk-ins welcome!), please visit: www.BloodHeroes.com click “Donate Blood” & enter Sponsor Code: JCCSFCares

Two Weeks Until Super Sunday

Your Gift Builds a Better
Future for Ethiopian Israelis

Ethiopian Israelis continue to face significant challenges as they struggle with poverty and the transition to a modern westernized society. That’s why the Federation supports programs like Tech Career, which provides technology and software training, and Yvel’s Megemeria School of Jewelry and Art. This program transforms new immigrants into skilled craftsmen, providing them with a better future, and helps build a more equitable Israeli society. Your gift to the 2013 Annual Campaign makes this possible. That’s the power of community.

Give now to the 2013 Annual Campaign

 or

Answer the call on January 27, 2013

Register to volunteer at Super Sunday