Celebrating the New Year with an Emphasis on the Culture of Giving

9/3/2010 6:35:37 PM

The Israeli Leadership Council celebrated the new Jewish Year at the home of Board Members Dorit and Shawn Evenhaim with a special emphasis on the ILC’s new giving bank project NETINA, or “giving” in Hebrew. Among the guests were the LA City Attorney, the Israeli Consul General, and the Jewish Federation's Chairman and President.

During the event, ILC members and guests wrote personal Shana Tova cards to lone soldiers from Los Angeles who have recently joined the IDF. The cards, along with a personal gift for the new year, are currently being delivered to the soldiers in the name of the Los Angeles Israeli-American community.

The guests also dedicated Shana Tova cards to Israeli-American families in need who live in Los Angeles. The cards will be delivered along with food packages sponsored by the Israeli Leadership Council. On Sunday, September 5th, 2010, members of the Israeli-American community will volunteer to create packages with chicken, fruits, honey, challah, wine, candles and more products to ensure those families will start their new year with a smile.

During Rabbi Isaac Jeret’s inspiring talk about the meaning of Rosh Hashana, Idan Evenhaim was honored for having raised $30,000 for the Friends of the IDF Legacy Project as part of his Bar Mitzvah celebration. The Legacy Project, which is also supported by the Israeli Leadership Council, is providing Israeli kids who lost a family member during a service in the IDF a fun tour of Los Angeles and a communal celebration of their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs.

The ILC also presented several new projects emphasizing the culture of giving. A key program is NETINA, the ILC Giving Bank, which will create an organized community of volunteers focusing on providing service to the community based on their passion and skills.

We wish all our members, our friends and our community a sweet and happy new year!

Israeli Leadership Council