​Fall/Winter 2016 BBYLN Newsletter

Fall/Winter 2016 BBYLN Newsletter

12/21/2016

Hello Message from the Chair of BBYLN National Committee

As the end of the calendar year approaches it’s important to take stock of all that has occurred and what can be anticipated from the upcoming year. This year, unfortunately, saw the continuation of anti-Semitism in Europe and in the U.S., particularly on college campuses. The 2016 election was the most divisive in history, and many areas suffered devastating natural disasters. As it has for the past 173 years, B’nai B’rith has been advocating for and helping the Jewish community through tough times, and 2016 was no exception. This past year, B’nai B’rith, and in particular the Young Leadership Network, had many worthwhile accomplishments in its various communities. From a Moroccan-themed bazaar in the United Kingdom, to a potluck Shabbat dinner in South Florida, to an Alzheimers awareness event in New York City, B’nai B’rith and the Young Leadership Network have been actively working to help make the world a better place.

In the upcoming year, YLN is excited to have a new community in Detroit develop and become a part of the B’nai B’rith family. In addition to this, Denver is also starting a group for young families. See below for more
information on the many active groups and how you can get involved in your area. As always, each community will plan exciting social events that raise awareness for various causes, all while giving back. If you’re feeling down as 2017 approaches and you want to make a difference, there are things you can do to usher in that change for the better. Join B’nai B’rith and the Young Leadership Network. Get involved in your Jewish community and the causes that are important to you. Wishing all the best to you and your loved ones in the upcoming calendar year.

Ed Redensky
Chair, National Young Leadership Network
B’nai B’rith International

Hello Message from the Vice Chair of BBYLN National Committee

2016…where to begin. For me it was a year with many changes and lot of excitement. It included a trip to Japan, watching my Denver Broncos with the Super Bowl and moving to Chicago in time to experience a Chicago Cubs World Series Championship. I saw friends get married, engaged and have babies and got to celebrate my grandfather’s 90th birthday surrounded by family and friends.

While this year was full of many amazing and happy moments it has also been a year where we have seen an increase in anti-Semitism and hatred for people of all minorities across the country. As the craziness of this year and the election come to an end, I had many friends frustrated about the state of country and the outcome of the election, wondering what is there left to do. My biggest piece of advice for anyone, no matter who you voted for, or what your emotions are this year, is to get up and make a difference. The biggest change that we can make in the world is the one we start ourselves. This change can be as simple as picking up the phone and calling an old friend or relative just to talk and listen, or as complex as taking a trip to an impoverished area or country and volunteering your time. Community service has always been a huge passion of mine and the feeling you get after helping someone is amazing. So this winter, remember, you can make a difference. Get up, volunteer, call a friend, and lend a helping hand. We can be the change that we want in the world.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and fulfilling 2017.

Rachel Silvestain
Vice Chair, National Young Leadership Network
B’nai B’rith International

Events Recap

New York and New Jersey – In July, the event series Conversations Around the World continued with a presentation from Consul General of Bulgaria, Milen Lyutskanov. Young leaders from New Jersey and New York gathered at B’nai B’rith’s office in New York City to learn more about Bulgaria, its Jewish community and its relationship with Israel and the United States.

In October, young leaders teamed up with Brett Ari Fischer, The New York City Broker, for a Fall Happy Hour to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s research and the #AllPieAlz pie challenge. Young leaders enjoyed drinks and snacks while they learned more about Brett’s pie challenge.

On November 7, several young leaders were guests at B’nai B’rith International’s Distinguished Award Dinner, honoring the CEO of Toys R Us, David Brandon. The group is also hoping to plan a potluck Shabbat event in January and more Consulate programs.

For more information, contact Danielle Ross at dross@bnaibrith.org.

Washington, D.C. – In May, the event series Conversations Around the World continued with a presentation at the Embassy of the Netherlands. Young leaders gathered to hear from several diplomats from the Embassy about the Jewish community in the Netherlands, its relationship to Israel and the United States.

In September, BBYLN-DC helped host the B’nai B’rith Leadership Forum with special YLN activities throughout the conference. Young leaders participated in leadership meetings and enjoyed two dinners out and a Ghosts of Georgetown walking tour.

Following the conference, the group held a Disaster Relief Fundraiser Soccer Game in October, which helped raise money for relief efforts in Ellicott City, Md., after that area was hit by devastating floods. Volunteer, Jason Langsner, helped get tickets donated as well as reached out to others for further donations. The fundraiser was very succesful. The group is planning to host a potluck Shabbat event and more Embassy programs in the next quarter.

For more information, contact Danielle Ross at dross@bnaibrith.org.

South Florida – This group co-hosted a Sushi, Sake, and Samurai themed Shabbat dinner with JConnect and B’nai Torah Congregation, in Boca Raton. Attendees enjoyed Japanese cuisine while learning about the YLN March trip to Japan and B’nai B’rith’s global advocacy efforts. In August, the group attended a networking happy hour in Ft. Lauderdale in conjunction with the B’nai B’rith Justice Unit, to raise awareness about the Heroes to Heroes Foundation. In September, the group held an inaugural mixer for its new 30s and 40s group at Monks Brewing Company, in Boca Raton. Attendees enjoyed drinks and food trucks, while learning more about this new group, which was created to help bring together young Jews.

In November, the same group hosted a Happy Hour Fundraiser to raise money for Disaster Relief and Hurricane Matthew victims. The event was held at American Social on Las Olas Blvd. in Ft. Lauderdale. They just had a Friendsgiveukah Potluck Shabbat dinner on Friday, December 9th, in Plantation. Young leaders enjoyed festive holiday dishes while meeting new friends. The group looks forward to another informal mixer at the end of January and Shabbat dinner sometime in February.

For more information on this group, contact Danielle Ross at dross@bnaibrith.org.

Chicago – On September 22, BBYLN-Chicago hosted a Forget the Honey Apple Cider mixer at Fountainhead in Ravenswood. Attendees enjoyed apple cider, food and alcohol and heard about the work B’nai B’rith provides around the world.

Members of YLN joined members of the Midwest Region at the Midwest Regional Meeting on November 6. The featured speakers were Aviv Ezra, consul general of Israel to the Midwest and Peter A. Perlman, B’nai B’rith chair of the executive. Topics included the current U.S.-Israel relationship and the relationship, going forward, with the incoming administration. Join BBYLN-Chicago at the ARK for a day of community service, followed by food and drinks out, on December 26!

For more information, contact Cary at cwolovick@bnaibrith.org.

Detroit – This is a new group in formation, with a new YLN Chair, Samantha Lederman. She is planning an open house event in early January where young leaders can learn more about the organization, hear from current leaders and find out how to get involved.

For more information, contact Danielle Ross at dross@bnaibrith.org

Denver – On October 19, BBYLN-Denver hosted a happy hour at Urban Roadhouse. Attendees celebrated the Jewish New Year and learned more about B’nai B’rith’s activities in Denver. The group also hosted “Harry Truman and Israel Brunch and Learn” on Sunday, December 4, at the Denver Jewish Community Center.

For more information on this group, contact Cary Wolovick at cwolovick@bnaibrith.org.

Los Angeles – More events to come! For more information or to get involved, contact Cary at cwolovick@bnaibrith.org.

BBYLN Around the World

B’nai B’rith Young Professionals in the UK hosted a comedy night on Wednesday, November 16th. They also hosted a Morrocan Bazaar Style Tea Party at Klezmer in the Park. Young professionals enjoyed the sounds of Klezmer music while enjoying Morrocan style treats in London’s Regents Park.

BBYLN Partners with Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi)

In August, B’nai B’rith staff and volunteers joined forces with AEPi at their annual convention, held this year in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. In addition to staffing a table with information on the organization, and how students (and alumni) can get more involved, B’nai B’rith hosted a community service program for the convention attendees. One group helped set up a picnic for JAFCO (Jewish Adoption and Foster Care). Another group helped clean up a park. BBYLN also co-hosted a happy hour event with the B’nai B’rith Justice Unit and AEPi alumni, at which they raised awareness of veterans issues and the organization Heroes to Heroes. Not only does AEPi support B’nai B’rith as one of its many partner agencies, but B’nai B’rith also provides students with their annual Walk to Remember Holocaust Program. B’nai B’rith looks forward to many more years working together with AEPi.

Member Spotlight

Jessica Kreger – Jessica Kreger is proud to chair the B’nai B’rith Young Leadership Network of South Florida. Under her leadership, she’s gathered young professionals in South Florida for a hike, Shabbat dinners and a fundraiser for Hurricane Matthew victims. She has organized networking happy hours with other Jewish groups as well. Jessica is also a participant in the AJC Miami Shepard Broward Fellowship program for young professionals.

Professionally, she is the senior manager of client documentation at TradeStation Technologies, where she leads the technical documentation team, publishing information that empowers active traders around the world. With over 17 years of experience in communications, Jessica has worked at Dell, the University of Miami, Carnegie Mellon University and Alcoa. She has spoken at national conferences for the Society for Technical Communication and MadCap Software. Jessica earned a M.A. in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon and a B.A. in English from Penn State. A member of the Romance Writers of America and the South Florida Romance Writers, she is thrilled that her first novel is scheduled for publication. You can read more about it at www.jessicarachelkreger.com.

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