by Jill Huber
NJJN Bureau Chief/Monmouth

December 16, 2008

Even the economic downturn could not discourage Monmouth County’s Jewish community from responding to the appeal of Super Sunday 2008: Pledges totaling approximately $350,000 were collected on Dec. 7 during the biggest one-day, community-wide fund-raising event of the Jewish Federation of Monmouth County.

Although the pledge amounts are still being compiled, donations are expected to equal last year’s tally, which exceeded $300,000, according to Howard Gases, the federation’s executive director.

“It was a wonderful, successful day,” said Gases. “People recognized the need and they came through with flying colors, in spite of the economic crisis that is facing everyone. I’m very proud of the Jewish community.”

Throughout the daylong event, which took place at the Ruth Hyman Jewish Community Center in Deal, more than 200 volunteers worked in groups of 50 for two-hour shifts on the telephone bank; volunteers also staffed the mailroom, performed administrative functions, and maintained a well-stocked food court.

This year’s event also featured a blood drive in conjunction with the American Red Cross. Twenty-two donors registered for the drive, said Miriam Mizrahi Kaplan, the federation’s director of leadership development/campaign associate.

“The Red Cross helps others in need, and that is something the federation can really relate to,” she said. “This year’s blood drive was a way for us to reach out and work with this great organization.”

The funds collected during Super Sunday will become part of the federation’s annual campaign, said Gases. The money will be used for a variety of causes, including support for day school scholarships, assistance to terror victims and new immigrants in Israel, and a range of local Jewish social service and education programs.

The federation’s work has not gone unnoticed by many of the state’s elected officials, including Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), who paid a visit to the JCC on Super Sunday.

“I appreciate what the Jewish community does for so many people, and I support the work of the federation,” Menendez told NJ Jewish News. “This work is especially challenging during these tough economic times, so it’s critical that we support their mission. And there are a lot of charitable people out there, and they want to help.”

Last month’s terror attack in Mumbai, India, which included the murder of a Chabad rabbi and his wife, was on the mind of Monmouth County Sheriff Kim Guadagno, who also paid a visit to the center on Super Sunday.

“Because of the terrible situation in Mumbai, I thought it was particularly appropriate for me to show my support,” Guadagno told NJJN. “The way to protect our county can be found in communication between communities, schools, public works departments, and other county groups. In light of recent events, we know we have to work together to stay safe.”

And economic challenges and the terrorist activity in India have galvanized the county’s Jewish residents, said federation campaign chair Sheri Tarrab.

“I think these difficult times have made the Jewish community more cohesive,” said Tarrab, a Holmdel resident. “There seems to be a renewed sense of purpose that is part of a common goal. Everyone is trying to cope, but they still want to help, even if their resources are more limited now. The way to get through a crisis is by leaning on each other — we can weather the storms together.”

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