by Debra Rubin
NJJN Bureau Chief/Middlesex

November 18, 2008

Holding its annual Super Sunday fund-raising drive amid a gloomy economic climate, the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County is reminding donors that their contributions have never been more essential.

In fact, said Susan Antman, the federation’s associate executive director, those who volunteer at the annual phonathon on Dec. 7 or dig into their pocketbooks to support the effort “should feel great pride that their work and generosity can help others at a time when fund-raising efforts are down everywhere.”

Last year, volunteers staffing the Super Sunday phone bank — and making follow-up calls — brought in a record $587,000 in donations, eclipsing the previous record of $519,000, from the year before.

Super Sunday accounts for about 25 percent of the federation’s annual campaign, which supports partner agencies and overseas beneficiaries, meeting an array of social service and educational needs.

These range from nutrition programs for poor Jews in Eastern Europe to rescue and resettlement services for Ethiopian Jews in Israel.

Locally, federation supports Jewish day schools, the Jewish Family & Vocational Service of Greater Middlesex County, senior services, Rutgers Hillel, and other institutions and projects.

“We’re painfully aware of the current economic downturn and the effect these difficult times have had,” said Antman. “We’ve seen a dramatic increase in the needs of the entire Jewish community. Federation has always been there in difficult times, and the continuing support of the community is critical. We need people to get involved as volunteers and contributors.”

The federation’s last fiscal year ended June 30 with a campaign that took in more than $3.4 million, including endowments, grants, corporate sponsorships, and contributions.

This summer’s Vanguard event, the annual kick-off to the campaign year, brought in $1.16 million toward this year’s goal of $2.48 million for the annual campaign only.

Super Sunday, whose motto this year is “One Day, One People,” is being chaired by eight of the couples who went on federation’s family mission to Israel this summer.

That mission solidified for those couples the vital role federation plays in the life of the Jewish community. “The group came back inspired after witnessing how federation’s efforts and funds translate into services that sustain Jewish lives and Jewish life,” said federation executive director Gerrie Bamira. “They bring enthusiasm to Super Sunday and are committed to making the day not only a financial success but a spirited community-building event.

“I know they urge friends and community members to join them on Dec. 7.”

“When we went on the mission we went to a number of places supported by federation,” said Stephen Juro, a Super Sunday cochair with his wife, Renee. “You really see the impact your contributions make,” said the Kendall Park resident, who was particularly struck by a visit to an absorption center for Ethiopian immigrants.

“We spent time playing with the kids, talked to a few adults,” said Juro. “It was a totally different perspective than we hear on the news or even read in the Jewish media.

“We more or less saw the human side.”

Juro said as newcomers to the federation world, spending time with others long active in the organization also “brought us into the federation fold.”

‘Unbelievable experience’

Ruth Shindler and her husband, Marty, of East Brunswick had a similar reaction as neophytes to federation and first-time travelers to Israel.

The mission “opened my eyes,” said Ruth Shindler. “I’ve seen the work they do from a distance by hearing about it or reading the New Jersey Jewish News. I do have a very different feeling now from seeing and meeting the lovely people involved and from seeing where all the money goes. It was a fascinating, positive experience.”

Her 11-year-old son also received a $1,000 campership, one of 50 grants given by federation this past summer for first-timers going to Jewish camps.

“We’ve had a wonderful introduction to federation and we’re so grateful,” said Shindler.

The mission group bonded so well, most wanted to continue working together by chairing Super Sunday.

“Everybody should do what they can to help federation because it’s the right thing to do and you feel good inside helping a Jewish cause and your fellow Jews,” said Shindler.

Brenda Sherman and her husband, Mark, of Kendall Park have long been active in federation.

“I think federation is a great cause,” she said. “It gives us a fantastically good way to give our children values.”

Sherman said the recent mission was particularly special because “we all shared an unbelievably warm relationship. Everybody was a mother and father to everyone else’s kids,” she said. “It was a great, unbelievable experience for everyone.”

Sherman, who is up to the Pomegranate level of giving through Women’s Philanthropy of federation, said her family has also been affected by the economy.

“It’s hard for us, but we have no doubt it’s harder for some other people,” she said. “We’ve gone through some things, not necessarily financial, but things where we’ve needed people to be around. We may not be able to give as much to federation and other organizations, but we know it’s important to support everyone around us.”

The other Super Sunday chairs are Wayne and Meryl Gonchar, Gerry and Elaine Silver, Ned and Donna Webber, Paul and Nancy Zankel, all of East Brunswick, and Keith and Tammy Zimmerman of Kendall Park.

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