The Moshe Family.
The sister and brother-in-law of Mrs. Moshe were murdered by Palestinian terrorists several years ago, leaving two surviving daughters (pictured in red t-shirts). The Moshe
family adopted them, adding to their two biological children (center) and then found they needed a van, not a car, to function. Andy Dimond is responsible for raising the funds for the purchase of that van.
Andy Dimond: Fundraising Event for Terror Victims:
Quick Facts: Over 40 people attended a concert/talk, dozens more donated online, $25k raised
• I see that possibilities [to make a real difference] are much more open than I did before. People are open to helping and to being inspired.
• And, it is more valuable to risk ruffling a feather or two (i.e. telling people we have a minimum contribution for attending the event) than being careful to be liked by everyone.
• The entire project was persisting/acting in the face of the obstacles…i.e. I dreaded having a “project.” Yet, once I enacted the project, and got it in motion, it became enjoyable, and inspiring to myself, and to others. I asked people to attend and to give. Normally, I would cower from asking for a “favor” like this, in fear of offending and thus, losing friends.
• We are all responsible to make a difference; that is why we are here. Because I did a “project,” (the word bothered me at first), very REAL CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE FOR ISRAELI TERROR VICTIMS, Thank G-d.
• There is little if anything in my life that has been more important than this project, which I had dreaded doing at first, hearing the word “project.”
Aleksandra Teichman: Purim Hospital Run!
Quick Facts: 10 women delivered 100 Purim gift baskets to patients at two hospitals and a nursing home.
• About three years ago I became very ill and was hospitalized for 2 months. Without the support of my family and friends I don’t think I could have pulled through. I still get emotional when even thinking of it.
• When I initially considered this, subconsciously, I belittled it. [Then] I thought that I couldn’t make a difference…the [patients/staff] were many years my senior… What could I possibly have to show them? I now realize that I was just making excuses. I realized that I had a responsibility to these people.
• It wasn’t just the material that we brought, but the energy and our presence that put a smile on their faces.
• This workshop has impacted my personal life in so many ways. I actually do things that I say I want to do. I am more at ease with my self around people. I am taking back the power and responsibility for my own happiness. My relationship with my husband [also a participant in JSAP] has greatly benefited. Our communication, my “controlling,” it’s different.
• I feel connected to the Jewish community like never before. I don’t feel like I have to explain myself when I am at this workshop. I have made some great friends who motivate me to do and be better. I don’t like feeling complacent and this workshop has taught me be everything but that.
Additional Feedback
Todd Teichman: Sports, Games, and Life Lessons for the Underprivileged
• Before [the workshop], I could not see how I could make a difference in bringing Jewish values to Jewish people. In fact, I could not even name any Jewish values. I thought I had no Jewish values! But I was wrong. I am now able to identify them and even more important, help other people understand these values.
• [The workshop] has enhanced my relationship with my wife. We communicate better and fight less. I saw that a lot of what I focused on about my wife was my own voice of negativity.
• When I entered the class, I thought of myself as a Jew because my grandparents were Jews and their grandparents were Jews and they suffered persecution so I was a Jew. I didn’t think there was anything different between me and anybody else. Now I think we are special, we have contributed so much to the world, and the values that most people value are Jewish values. That makes me proud…it makes me want to make more of myself.
Lainie Berger: Scavenger Hunt – The Life & Values of Jewish Lower East Side
• Coming to Aish [and JSAP] has changed my Jewish identity profoundly. I had been so far removed from my religion that I forgot how warm, inviting, and welcoming we are as a people.
• [JSAP] is very powerful. It begins as an exploration of our internal constraints and awareness. It manifests itself in a way to change the way I see and understand the world. It is truly social action based on Jewish principles.
Bianca Salaverry: Power of Prayer Workshop
• JSAP has profoundly changed my life. The concepts of developing a healthy relationship with my voice of [negativity] and living a life of commitment to divine values have been big.
• When I undertake to do something I’m not comfortable with, or when confronted with a “negative” experience, my entire definition of success has been redefined. I know that my success isn’t contingent upon feeling good – and that is powerful! I can be successful in any circumstance if I am committed to real Jewish values.
• I know that a Power greater than myself wants me to make a difference with the Jewish people and the world, and with that knowledge, I know that any impediments on my way to doing that only amount to minor problems unless I choose to focus on them.
Nelly Fishenzon: Calmness, Clarity, and Joy Workshop
Nelly’s first two attempts to market her workshop met with zero response. This is what she wrote:
“I've called and e-mailed All my friends- but NO ONE is interested. I asked my friends to call and pass on the info to their friends/contacts, posted ads on facebook.com, contacted several related yahoo groups. I have not received any replies. People are not interested "in this kind of stuff" (real quote), OR are busy/have other stuff going on. I don't think it makes sense to continue…”
The design of the workshop is to confront people about their commitment level. She was open to revisiting “unconditional commitment.” She rethought her program, made changes, and attempted a third time. Within days she had 10 responses. Her program feedback:
• Life changing. I feel more empowered to be in control of my life. I now identify the voice of negativity for what it is – “not real.”
• [Knowing that it’s not me alone that gets results], I can accomplish anything. I feel so strongly about this that I’m ready to share this with others in my workshop so they, too, can be inspired and empowered.
• I’ve always felt a connection and love for all people. But now my connection to other Jews feels extra special. I feel a sense of closeness. I feel honored and blessed that I’m given all these secrets to life, and I was born Jewish, I didn’t have to do anything!
Bella Wollan: Tzedaka (Charity) Workshop for Sunday School groups
Bella offered and was accepted to teach a group of thirty 10-12 year-olds two sessions on tzedaka. The teacher then invited her to teach the same workshop again to another group.
• The experience [in JSAP] can’t be put into words. The workshop was life changing. I realized that I have “the power” to make a difference. Even though I am just one person, it only takes one person to make a change. I am confident that I can take any challenge in the future.
Matt Adereth: Big Mitzvah – Connecting Bar/Bat Mitzvah Kids with Tzedaka Projects
• The workshop has given me the tools to understand one of the major causes of my own and others’ negative behaviors: the voice of Mitzrayim (negativity). I’m seeing it everywhere now and it’s incredibly helpful.
• [JSAP] has made me see that an important part of Judaism is helping other Jews to reach their potential. I now see myself as being personally responsible for the Jewish people.
• Previously, I felt like I had some great ideas but never thought that I’d actually ever bring them to life. Having participated in JSAP, I realize that using certain principles, primarily the idea of unconditional commitment, will enable me to make that happen.
