Why I AM Giving Money to the Atlanta Jewish Federation This Year

... and more than doubled my 2010 contribution.

My old blog post about not giving money to the Atlanta Jewish Federation (in 2011) and its criticisms, made a much bigger wave than expected. Way too often when mentioning the blog post people nod their heads in recognition. That's why I'm publicly announcing my choice to give in 2012.

Why am I giving to the 2012 campaign?

I'm hopeful. Atlanta has a new Federation President, Michael P. Horowitz, from Detroit. No one seems to know much about him and his affinities. However, my dollars are a hopeful vote for progress.

Join me in donating (or increasing your donation) and speak up for progress: continued movement toward an open, transparent, authentic, inclusive, efficient, highly-functional and unified Jewish community in Atlanta, GA. 

Looking forward to a growth-filled 5772,

Shana Tova,

Jennie Rivlin Roberts

Pass on Jewish Wisdom to Kids this Rosh Hashanah

Unlike Passover and Hanukkah, when we are celebrating historical events, the High Holidays are a celebration of a more abstract concept: human beings' ability to grow and change. Pass on Jewish wisdom to your children with the following symbols:

• The shofar is blown to summon us to "wake up" and start thinking about our past behavior.

• We are beginning the cycle of new year, and eat round challah knowing we have yet another chance to start with a clean slate: to change our ways and become better people.

• We are wishing for a sweet new year by eating apples dipped in honey.

• One of the ways we ask for forgiveness and express commitment to change is by giving tzedakah.

We hope ModernTribe can help you and your family usher in the new year in meaningful ways. Rosh Hashanah begins sundown Wednesday, September 28, 2011. 

With Warm Wishes from Your Shopkeeper,

Jennie Rivlin Roberts

Got A Jewish Dad? The Father's Day Gift Guide for Dads We'd CHOOSE Again!

Overall Best gift for your Jewish Dad:

The Amalgamated Menschen International T-shirt celebrates your mensch by declaring him Upright, Honorable, and Decent. On the back, the shirt directs, "Be One!," because, shouldn't we all?

Best gifts for the Zionist Dad

Instead of kitsch, this Independence T-Shirt is design-forward and a serious Jewish t-shirt. California apparel designers, Threaded Heritage, include Israel's declaration of Independence behind the lion of Judea, Atzmaut (Independence), and 1948.

In 66 CE, the Jews rebelled against Roman rule and began to mint their own coins, the shekel, as a sign of their independence. The coins in this pair of cufflinks are cast from a half-shekel that dates to the first year of the revolt!

Best gifts for the Jewish Dad who bucks the trend

Is your dad handy despite his heritage? Then make him a member of the Union of Jewish Handymen with this t-shirt by Jewnion label and accessorize him with tools to get the job done: the hammer bottle opener (that also functions as a hammer!) and the BBQ Tools grilling set which even includes a TAPE MEASURE!

Best gifts for the Jewish Dad who is all about Tikkun Olam (saving the world)

If he had the time, would your dad hug trees and save bunnies? Then he may chuckle at himself represented in Israeli plush: Vigo who frees whales, eats grass, drinks dew, and wears recycled clothes. Plus, any eco-dad can use these: great-looking grocery bags for guys + an ice-worthy eco-cup!

 

Best gift for the absent-minded Jewish professor Dad we all know and love

 Is dad a geek at heart? Speak the inner geek with a Science Quiz clock, an LED Dinosaur Kit, or the Equal Measure measuring cup so he can make pancakes with a tyrannosaur’s brain of flour and sugar equal to the water in a cumulus cloud the size of the bus.

Best gifts for the wandering Jew-ish Dad

Is dad on the go this summer? Equip him with an Israeli designer Funtastic Plastic Passport Cover, a universal plug adapter, and Cohen-hands (Vulcan) USB stick to carry his data.


Whatever you choose for your Chosen dad, enjoy Father's Day with him on Sunday, June 29th, 2011!