Message from Ed Redensky, chair of Young Leadership Network
accomplishments. As my term as Young Leadership Network Chair draws to a close I want to take this opportunity to
reflect on all that was achieved. B’nai B’rith International owes much of its success to the involvement and dedication of volunteers, and the Young Leadership Network (YLN) is often the first introduction young adults have to the organization.
YLN groups and its members from Denver, Detroit, Chicago, New York, Washington D.C. and Florida get to experience
firsthand the truly global reach the organization has. Whether it’s a trip to Japan or a United Nations mission to Geneva
or simply meeting with their peers from various parts of the world — B’nai B’rith International lives up to its motto as the “Global Voice of the Jewish Community.”
For me, this year alone was one full of B’nai B’rith activities, whether it was in my hometown of Chicago or attending
a Leadership Forum in Prague and participating in a panel discussion. When we went on the tour of the Prague Jewish
quarter I was often reminded how important it is to B’nai B’rith to fulfill its core mission on a daily basis — in many
different ways — from humanitarian aid to fighting for Jewish causes. One example of this is when I participated on a
B’nai B’rith delegation to UNESCO in Paris to discuss the politicization of yet another U.N. agency. To have the opportunity and access to meet with diplomats and ambassadors from around the world — and to convey to them that the continued politicization of Israel on the international scene will not be met quietly — is truly an honor.
With this year’s Leadership Forum, celebrating the 175th anniversary of B’nai B’rith, there will also be a Young Leadership day before the start of the Forum. If you know someone in the age range, who you think would be a great fit, please send their information to youngleadership@bnaibrith.org.
Message from Rachel Silvestain, vice-chair, Young Leadership Network
One of the strongest opportunities that B’nai B’rith provides is its worldwide presence. I have had the opportunity to travel to Prague, Geneva and Japan with this organization, and not only explore these great new cities, but also had the amazing opportunity to meet with ambassadors and dignitaries from across the world. One of my biggest hopes for the future of YLN and B’nai B’rith is to find a way to offer more of these travel opportunities and make our global presence even stronger. It seems like every organization these days is going through growing pains as a new generation starts to get involved, I think for B’nai B’rith this can be a huge opportunity, a way to foster new young leaders and give them an outlet to help. As I look to the future of the Young Leadership Network I see so much potential in where it can go and where it can help the organization go. I am so grateful for the past three years and all the opportunities that I have had and I look forward to seeing what the next three years and beyond will hold for YLN and B’nai B’rith.
Fall 2017: International Conference in Prague
Young leaders attended a gala dinner at the prestigious Rudolfinum. They also met with many distinguished diplomats from around the world and toured historic Jewish sites. Young leaders learned more about how B’nai B’rith is at the forefront of today’s most pressing issues; engaging with high-level speakers on topics such as leadership development in today’s busy world, anti-Semitism in Europe, Israel on the global stage, terrorism and radicalization in Europe and the future of minority communities in western societies; and making their voices heard on all things related to B’nai B’rith’s global agenda.
Kakehashi Trip
Read young leader Laura Hemlock’s blog on her experience traveling this year here.
We will be accepting applications this fall for the next Kakehashi Trip in 2019! Stay tuned!
Denver
B’nai B’rith Denver also recently hosted its 22nd annual mitzvah event, the historic Leadville Hebrew Cemetery cleanup the weekend of June 22-24. The weekend’s events garnered 100 volunteers at the cemetery as well as nearly 50 attendees at the Shabbat services and oneg in Leadville’s beautifully restored Temple Israel. A short memorial service was also held in honor of early Jewish pioneers in Leadville. Hands-on activities included a general cleanup of the cemetery grounds, including cutting weeds, pruning tree branches, cemetery picket fence painting and sprucing up soiled grave markers. In addition, a large amount of food was donated to help feed the hungry in the Leadville community. Many first-time volunteers participated this year.
The cleanup next year — our 23rd consecutive year — is already scheduled for June 21-23, 2019.
Florida
On June 3, the B’nai B’rith Young Leadership Network of South Florida joined the senior residents of the B’nai B’rith Apartments of Deerfield Beach, Florida for a Sunday afternoon Art and Wine Party.
“We had nine people from the young leadership group and nine residents. It was a really nice afternoon,” said James Lynch, the building’s administrator. “The young adults all really enjoyed themselves and mingled well with the residents.” Led by art instructor and B’nai B’rith receptionist Angie Arroyo, attendees learned to hone their painting techniques while creating a tropical landscape, complete with ocean waves lapping an island, a wind-blown palm tree and curving mountain.
Participants chatted over wine and cheese, and resident art work was on display in the room. While the paintings dried, Lynch took the young adults on a tour of the facilities, which include three towers with a combined 270 units, a community garden, coffee shop, internet lounge, fitness room and libraries in each building. The intergenerational event was not only a special opportunity to meet new friends, but also provided young adults the chance to see the senior advocacy and housing pillar of B’nai B’rith International in action. The young adults were pleased to learn that B’nai B’rith sponsored the cost of what may be life-saving power generators after the buildings lost power during Hurricane Wilma in 2005.
New York
Washington, D.C.
On August 15, BBYLN-DC partnered with the Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, D.C. for an exciting young professional networking event. It was wonderful evening of mingling at the awesome offices of Social Tables at the third annual Jew Kids on the Block happy hour. Attendees enjoyed drinks and light appetizers while getting to know the Jewish organizations of D.C. that provide programs for young professionals. YLN-DC chair, Dee Sampson greeted newcomers to the B’nai B’rith International table introducing them to what we have to offer while building new relationships!
Upcoming events
Denver |
New york |
Aug. 23: Happy Hour promoting B’nai B’rith’s 175th Anniversary celebration and Leadership Forum in New York this October.
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Sept. 5 at Skadden, Arps, LLP: Come join us for an intimate conversation with Isaac Shapiro, as he shares his incredible life story of his family’s experience as Jewish refugees in World War II Japan. We will also be discussing the next BBLYN Kakehashi Trip (to Japan) scheduled for 2019! Applications accepted this fall!
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Nov. 11: Community Service event helping victims of Hurricane Sandy
Washington, D.C.: Shabbat Dinner & Embassy Visit: dates to be announced shortly
Save the Date! 175th Anniversary Celebration and Leadership Forum Oct. 14-16!
A conversation between B’nai B’rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin, leading Democratic Strategist Ann Lewis, Zioness Founder/CEO Amanda Berman and journalist Emily Shire
You don’t want to miss it!