Spring/Summer 2017 Young Leadership Network Newsletter

• Hello from YLN National Committee Chair ​Ed Redensky​​
• Hello from YLN National Committee 
  ​Vice Chair Rachel Silvestain
• Events Recap​

• Upcoming Events
• YLN Abroad: United Kingdom & Europe
• ​YLN Member Spotlight
• Travel: Japan and Prague​​
• New Membership Rates Available

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Message from the Chair

This past spring I had the distinguished honor and pleasure of being part of B’nai B’rith International’s delegation to the U.N. Human Right Council in Geneva. B’nai B’rith members came from all over the world to discuss human rights with top world leaders. B’nai B’rith has members in countries all over the world, and despite knowing this, I still find myself occasionally stopping for a moment and thinking “B’nai B’rith International has members there?”
 
However, much to my delight and surprise, I found myself in the Great Synagogue of Florence. While on the tour, I noticed a display on B’nai B’rith International. 

How did I end up in Florence? Well, while planning my trip, I figured that after spending three full days of non-stop advocacy meetings with various diplomats in their respective consulates around Geneva, I would need a little rest. So I decided to take some time and enjoy a vacation to Italy, and more importantly, a chance to learn more about civilization.
 
My first stop in Italy was the city of Venice. Venice is truly a unique city with so many interesting parts to see, and much like other cities in Europe, it has a Jewish history that is full of positive and negative aspects. I decided to visit the Jewish ghettos and take a tour of the synagogues and learn as much as I could on this trip.

​My next stop was Florence, where I explored local Jewish community history by going to the Great Synagogue. While I was there, I saw various ritual items, such as tefillin and talleisim. I saw the “Scroll of Fire” monument with the caption reading “Mt. Kesalon, outside Jerusalem,” which was commissioned by B’nai B’rith for its Martyrs Forest on the land of the Karen Kayemeth. This 26 foot bronze monument, by Nathan Rapapport, is a memorial to the 6,000,000 Nazi victims as a celebration of Israel’s rebirth. Seeing this monument made me realize that B’nai B’rith has so many members worldwide and it has had a huge impact on communities near and far.
 
My trip to Italy ended with a visit to Rome, which included such highlights as the Arc of Titas, a Jewish ghetto and the Great Synagogue of Rome. I also was able to attend a B’nai B’rith Lodge meeting in Rome, which is something that I truly cherished. It showed me that despite the horrors of the past, Jewish life and culture continues with B’nai B’rith International’s worldwide presence.
 
It is very empowering to know that there are people, despite geographical and national differences, who volunteer their time and energy on behalf of B’nai B’rith International, in order to make a difference in the world. You should too, so join me, and the Young Leadership Network, to find out how you can make a difference. Who knows, you could find yourself in Geneva or Rome next year! 

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

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Message from the Vice Chair

​Hello everyone! I want to talk about how I got involved with B’nai B’rith and the Young Leadership Network. For me, it all started in Boston, in the spring of 2014. I had been involved with B’nai B’rith in Denver for a short amount of time but didn’t have a love or connection to it, yet. I found out that the Young Leadership Network was organizing a Young Professionals Conference in Boston and decided to take a chance. I signed up!
 
During that short weekend, friendships were created and my appreciation for B’nai B’rith grew. Since then I have had the opportunity to not only visit a handful of U.S. cities but travel to a few foreign countries. B’nai B’rith is such a special organization in that it offers an international component to everything we do. This past spring, I was invited, by B’nai B’rith, to attend a mission to the U.N. in Geneva. I attended several Human Rights Council meetings. I met with dignitaries from across the world to discuss the many issues Israel and Jews face today. It was a great opportunity to connect with other B’nai B’rith participants from around the world as well, such as the president of B’nai B’rith Europe and others.
 
The opportunity to travel, meet with people from around the world and perform mitzvot is what makes B’nai B’rith so special. This fall B’nai B’rith is hosting its annual Leadership Forum in Prague. I invite you all to join me there for what will be a once in a lifetime experience that you can only find on a B’nai B’rith trip. This is such a great opportunity to not only get to know other young professionals from the states, but to meet the amazing young professionals we have in Europe, Israel, Latin America, the United Kingdom and more! The weekend will be full of fun activities, opportunities to see the city and learn more about the organization we all love. Attending that first conference in Boston three years ago showed me not only what a great organization B’nai B’rith is, but also the amazing people that are involved in its efforts. I hope that the convention in Prague can provide that same excitement I first had in Boston, and lead you on a similar path. 

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

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Events Recap

​South Florida

YLN-South Florida kicked off the year with a winter mixer on January 31, at the Funky Buddha Brewery in Oakland Park, Fla. This event has become a quarterly event, and members look forward to a laid back evening with drinks and food and the opportunity to met new people. They had a Wine and Cheese Party on April 4, which was graciously hosted by Scott Knapp, a member of the core committee, at his home in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The group enjoyed tasting kosher wines and yummy snacks before Passover.

​On May 21, YLN-South Florida Chair Jessica Kreger hosted a Sushi Sake Sunday Night at her apartment building in Plantation, Fla.

Guests enjoyed kosher sushi and sake while learning about YLN’s recent trip to Japan and B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman spoke about the organization’s global advocacy efforts. Several leaders from South Florida also participated in the YLN trip to Japan in early March and spoke about their experiences. On July 20, the B’nai B’rith Justice Unit, Broward County Bar Young Lawyers Section and the B’nai B’rith Young Leadership Network-South Florida had a joint happy hour event to benefit Family Central. Attendees were asked to bring school supplies to be donated to Family Central, and enjoyed a night of networking and socializing for a good cause.

To learn more about BBYLN-South Florida, email youngleadership@bnaibrith.org. ​​

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Detroit

YLN-Detroit has been off to a great start. On January 12, Samantha Lederman, YLN-Detroit chair, hosted a meet and greet event at her home. Several local leaders came out to talk about the organization and help get the group started. On March 31 they participated in Project H.O.P.E. (Help Our People Everywhere). They helped local B’nai B’rith volunteers make Passover food packages for the Jewish elderly and needy. In early April, the group participated in a Holocaust remembrance event with the B’nai B’rith Great Lakes Region, led by Joshua Goldberg. Lastly, on June 8, the group enjoyed a Fowling event.

​If you’re curious to know more about Fowling, or upcoming events, email youngleadership@bnaibrith.org. ​

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Chicago

​YLN-Chicago kicked off spring with a Karaoke Happy Hour, which was hosted by Yana Karnaukhov in her apartment building’s bar. The event was inspired by the members’ recent trip to Japan, and their love of Karaoke. A group of about 20 members enjoyed snacks, drinks and some epic karaoke performances. Their next event was a Movie Night in the Park, to watch “Blues Brothers,” a Chicago classic. Unfortunately due to severe weather, the event was postponed, but the group does plan to reschedule it soon.
 
Many members of the core committee also went on the YLN trip to Japan in early March. On July 21, the group participated in Shabbat on the Lake, JCC Chicago’s premier lakefront event of the summer for young adults. B’nai B’rith was one of the sponsors of the event. The night was hosted by Jamie Elman of YidLife Crisis, and performances included spoken word with the Hebrew Mamita, Vanessa Hidary, beatbox with Yuri Basho Lane, rap with Kosha Dillz and funk rock with the David Forman Project. More than 700 people attended the event, including several members of BBYLN-Chicago.

For more information on BBYLN-Chicago, email BBYLNChicago@bnaibrith.org​.

Denver

On June 22nd, Temple Emanuel hosted YLN-Denver Chair Frank Goldman, to present "President Truman, my
grandfather, and a bottle of bourbon". It’s an amazing story of how Frank’s grandfather, a former B'nai B'rith International president, helped influence President Truman to recognize the need for Israeli statehood. Frank has also been in the process of helping to create a young families group in Denver. Stay tuned for more information on our upcoming fall happy hour event in partnership with Jscreen!

For more information on BBYLN-Denver, email BBYLNDenver@bnaibrith.org​.

New York

YLN-NY kicked off its spring calendar with a group attending several B’nai B’rith Award dinners, such as the one honoring the CEO of Toys“R”Us, Amalgamated Bank and the B’nai B’rith Diverse Minds Writing Challenge. On March 30, members participated in the second annual Project H.O.P.E. (Help Our People Everywhere) event, hosted at the B’nai B’rith office in New York. More than 40 people came to help assemble more than 100 Passover food packages for the Jewish elderly and needy. On April 28, the group co-hosted a Shabbat Dinner with MJE (Manhattan Jewish Experience) on the Upper East Side. The dinner celebrated the opening of baseball season and the official start of YLN’s spring season. On July 13, members met at B’nai B’rith’s New York office for Sushi Sake Summer Night. Attendees enjoyed kosher sushi and sake, and heard from participants of YLN’s trip to Japan and learned how they can go on future trips.

​For more information on BBYLN-NY contact email BBYLNNewYork@bnaibrith.org​.

​New Jersey

​YLN-NJ kicked off its spring season with a joint Purim Party, co-hosted by Moishe House Montclair and JNFutures-NJ. Members from all three organizations dressed up in true Purim fashion and enjoyed eating hamantaschen. Three people won prizes for their costumes. Members were also invited to join the group in New York for Project H.O.P.E. (Help Our People Everywhere) on March 30. Recently, the group enjoyed attending Springfield Lodge’s annual Dinner Dance on June 14, which honored distinguished members of the community, including a Young Leadership Award recipient. 

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​Washington, D.C.

On June 4, YLN-DC hosted a Spring Brunch and Learn event with Einat Weiss, counselor for Political Affairs at the Israeli Embassy; Evelina Petrone, first secretary of the Political Section at the Embassy of Lithuania; and Jennifer L. Feldman, attorney & vice president of Membership for Alpha Epsilon Phi (AEPhi) sorority. National B’nai B’rith Young Leadership Network Chair Eduard Redensky moderated the discussion. The speakers discussed traditional gender role issues many women face in the workplace, as well as in charity work and their social lives, and what they can do to change it. Young leaders also enjoyed attending the B’nai B’rith Healthcare Award dinner the following week.   

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Upcoming Events

South Florida

• August 27
• Join members for a Sundae Sunday: pool party and ice cream sundae bar! Check out the Facebook page for more info and upcoming events!

Facebook

Chicago

• August 23
• Save the date for the YLN Prague Trip Kickoff Event happy hour. Join our Facebook group for more info and event details!

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Facebook

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YLN Abroad

​B’nai B’rith has members all over the world, and so does the Young Leadership Network. There are groups in Australia, Europe, Israel, Latin America, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. On April 28, B’nai B’rith Europe hosted more than 40 young professionals in Luxembourg for the weekend. It was the first young adults forum in many years, and 19 young leaders came from the United Kingdom, 15 were locals from Luxembourg, while 17 came from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and one from Russia.
 
Attendees enjoyed a Shabbat meal at Luxembourg’s Jewish Community Center, and heard from the chief rabbi of Luxembourg. They also heard from human rights activist and academic Gulia Clara Kessous. Throughout the weekend attendees enjoyed workshops with Benjamin Nagele, B’nai B’rith International director of EU Affairs and Jeremy Havardi, director of B’nai B’rith UK’s London Bureau of International Relations. Participants toured the city and learned about its Jewish history and went to a nightclub. Attendees also toured Vianden Castle and took a boat cruise on the Moselle.
 
B’nai B’rith also has a very active young professionals group in the United Kingdom. The group launched in July 2015 with a private boat cruise party on the River Thames. Every year they also have a Moroccan style picnic at the Klezmer in the Park Festival, monthly happy hour film screenings in partnership with the UK Jewish Film Festival, comedy evenings and Israeli concerts. The group also hosts an annual Valentine’s Day Wine and Dine Dinner with St. Johns Wood Young Jewish Network, in Golden Green, with a professional matchmaker. The group has also enjoyed breakfast briefings with diplomats from the London Bureau of International Relations, participating law firms and businesses. They have spoken with the high commissioner for the Republic of Austria, the Israeli ambassador, and the Latvian ambassador.
 
YLN members also enjoyed a Friday night dinner at Marble Arch, London, on July 14.
 
Their future events include a private viewing of the Amy Winehouse exhibit at the Jewish Museum in Camden (co-hosted by St. Johns Wood Young Professionals) on Sept. 6.  On Sept. 10, they will have their annual Moroccan style picnic at Klezmer in the Park, and another Friday night dinner is planned for November in Raleigh Close, with that Synagogue’s young professionals. 

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Member Spotlight

Brett Ari Fischer
B’nai B’rith Lodge #2093
​Young Leadership Award Recipient

​Brett Ari Fischer is a top-producing real estate broker specializing in high-end transactions at Town Residential, a luxury real estate firm in Manhattan. His distinguished track record of success is based on an unmatched work ethic and highly effective communication skills. Well-versed in luxury sales and rentals throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, Fischer is a certified negotiation expert and a certified buyer representative. He is the founder of the “AllPie Alzheimer's Challenge” which seeks to help raise awareness, and raise $18 million for the Alzheimer's Association. He has been working on this charity in cooperation with the B’nai B’rith Young Leadership Network. Fischer holds a B.A. from Drexel University and is a life member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. This past June, B’nai B’rith Unit #2093, honored Brett with the Young Leadership Award for his creation of the AllPieAlzheimer’s Challenge and his participation with BBYLN-NY. 

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YLN Travel

​Japan

​This past March, B’nai B’rith International sent 13 young leaders on a trip to Japan, sponsored by the Japanese government. This was the second trip the group has done to the country, as part of its friendship ties program called the Kakahashi Project. The participants were from all over the country, including Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Florida, New York, and Washington D.C. The trip was led by B’nai B’rith International Director of Legislative Affairs, Eric Fusfield, and B’nai B’rith International Digital Media Strategist, Taylor Schwink. Participants met with several members of Japan’s Foreign Ministry to discuss the Jewish population and learn more about Japan’s vast history and its relationship with Israel. Other highlights included a trip to Kobe, Hiroshima (where the group met with an atomic bomb survivor), the Holocaust museum and much more! 

Prague

This fall, B’nai B’rith International will be hosting its annual Leadership Forum in Prague, as part of its 100th anniversary of the founding of B’nai B’rith Europe and the approaching 175th anniversary of B’nai B’rith International. The Young Leadership Network will be planning special events at the conference, starting on Oct. 27 through Nov. 1. Some of the highlights they hope to include are a Shabbat dinner at a nearby synagogue with local young leaders, tours of Prague Castle and the Jewish quarter, Wenceslas square, a river cruise on the Vltava river and so much more!

Click here for more information and to register!

For more information or questions, contact Danielle Ross at dross@bnaibrith.org. Hope to see you in Prague! 

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New Membership Dues Available 

New membership dues are now available for the Young Leadership Network! Sign up today for preferred member rates at events, travel opportunities, briefings with senior leaders and more! 

For more details contact: dross@bnaibrith.org