At the beginning of the New Year, we have a wonderful opportunity to both reflect upon and look ahead to the work we do in creating a more welcoming and inclusive Jewish community to intermarried families and unaffiliated Jews. In a year filled with ups and downs, we are grateful to have the support of many individuals and foundations who share the belief that we are making a real difference in the lives those who have traditionally been on the outside of the organized Jewish community.

It is with deep appreciation that we will honor five outstanding couples who have dedicated themselves to the cause of engaging unaffiliated and interfaith families in the Jewish community: Elinor Bashe and Gil Bashe, Debra J. Poul and Leonard P. Goldberger, Arline J. Kane and Alan B. Kane, Betsy Miller Landis and Donald Landis, and Joyce Rappeport and Michael Rappeport. They will be honored at our Tribute Evening on November 16, 2009 at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City.

The evening will include a silent auction full of wonderful items, terrific food, and a special performance by Michelle Citrin, an amazingly talented and popular young musician. Her songs about Jewish holidays, including the YouTube hit “I Gotta’ Love You Rosh Hashana”, have created unique entry points into the Jewish community for audiences of all ages, and we are thrilled to showcase her music.

We hope you can join us on November 16 for what we are sure will be a meaningful and lively program! Your contribution to the Jewish Outreach Institute will make certain that we will continue to make enormous strides to meet the needs of underserved populations in the Jewish community.

Best wishes for a sweet New Year!