Recent developments across the global ORT network are energizing teachers and students. Most significant was the launch of new programs focused on the Jewish Experience with innovative curricula and programming. As we approach Passover, we know that Yom Ha’atzmaut is not far behind and we are looking forward to celebrating Israel@75.

Boca Raton was the site for two days of meetings with Board members and staff. At an evening reception, attendees were captivated by a presentation titled, “Building Jewish Identity in Challenging Times,” which included Dan Green, World ORT Director General & CEO, Louanne Smolin, Board Member, and Barbara Birch. Some 50 people were in attendance, including those from the local community. Earlier in the day, Jennifer Saber, a Jewish education expert who worked with World ORT to develop and implement the new Jewish curricula, shared a detailed view of the program with Board members and fundraising staff.

Prior to the Florida meetings, Dan had stops in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, and Milwaukee. In New York he was hosted by Robin Panovka, Partner at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, where he and Barbara Birch discussed challenges faced by Jewish communities around the world and how ORT is helping them respond. Dan also provided an update on the situation in Ukraine. In Chicago and Milwaukee, Dan met with supporters and friends, and spent a morning with the leadership of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. In addition to the official meetings in Boca Raton, he met with professionals at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.

A new and innovative approach to Jewish Education has been launched by World ORT. Designed to engage hundreds of students in learning more about Jewish religion, values, and culture, it will use an experiential approach and relevant, present-day topics to explore Jewish values and perspectives. The program is an investment in strengthening Jewish identity among young people, connecting young Jews to each other, and creating a meaningful sense of Jewish peoplehood among ORT students.

Two new curricula include developing thinking skills through studying Jewish texts, and a B’nei Mitzvah experience preparing students for the rite of passage to adulthood.

World ORT has worked with the prestigious Lookstein Center for Jewish Education at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, and with Jewish education expert Jennifer Saber in the United States, to develop and implement the curricula.

Learn more.

Looking back on their years at ORT Argentina, two alumni who now live in the U.S., discuss how the education they received back in high school continues to influence them many years down the line. A 2003 graduate, Federico Kamelhar’s resume reveals how he worked his way up in various capacities as a senior computer engineer. Today he manages a full-stack software team of nine engineers at Amazon. When asked to trace the milestones in his career, Federico points to the outstanding, well-rounded education he received at the ORT Argentina high school.

Another ORT Argentina alum is Rodrigo Aronas, who spent a combined 15 years at the school, first as a student and later, as a teacher. “Graduates of ORT’s high school computing program are well equipped to get a job; the fact is, they’re better than a lot of university graduates!” he said. Both Rodrigo and Federico feel that they were able to take full advantage of all the options and opportunities the school provided.

Read more here.

A group of young leaders traveled to Riga and Budapest as part of the JFNA National Young Leadership Cabinet Mission to explore Federation supported programs of its partner agencies and learn about global Jewish life. In Riga, the group visited the ORT Shimon Dubnov School and heard from Vladimir Dribinskiy, World ORT Chief Program Officer. Among the 180 participants, three were ORT America Board observers, Allie Erickson, Carlyn Neuman and Anna Propp Riesenberg. Also joining the trip were Jan Kushner and Josef Loeffler, who were ORT’s first National Young Leadership Cabinet Board observers and now members of ORT America’s Board of Directors. Anna Stein, Northeast Region Director, also participated as a resource to cabinet members interested in ORT’s programming around the world.

After a three-year hiatus, the Ecology Summer School in Panama returned with an enthusiastic group of 27 Spanish-speaking students from nine schools in Latin America and Spain. The students explored the Soberania National Park, which is a tropical rainforest rich in biodiversity with countless species of animals and plants. The base for the Summer School near the Panama Canal is also home to a community of researchers in the vicinity of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Gamboa.

For the ORT students, the park was their classroom for 12 days of intensive work, including designing and carrying out their own investigative research projects, meeting world-class experts in the flora and fauna of the region, and learning about the history and culture of Panama. An added benefit was the social activities that enabled students to learn about Jewish life in different countries. Read more here and view the gallery of images here.

Celeste Scheib Gonzales, World ORT Director of International Cooperation (IC), was a speaker at a UN program titled: “Technology & Education: Public and Private Partnerships Around the World,” sponsored by the International Council of Jewish Women (ICJW), Committee on Intergenerational Solidarity, Generations United and World ORT. The program was moderated by Dr. Joan Lurie Goldberg, ICJW delegate to the UN. Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, spoke via video about new educational initiatives in the city for the Arab and ultraorthodox populations. Other speakers shared their experiences as well. Celeste presented an overview of World ORT and the life-changing IC programs that she has been leading for 30 years. Most recently the program has brought hope to young students in Ghana, one of the most under-resourced countries in the world. The IC program helps the children acquire new skills and train for future employment. The graduates of the program also gain new confidence, helping themselves and their country.

Ohio
Have fun at Ohio's Come ORT and Play on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at the Cleveland Racquet Club. There will be activities for adults and children. The event is free with a suggested donation of $36. In addition, they are collecting gently used books for 1st to 3rd grade ORT students in Mexico.
ortamerica.org/comeORTandPlayOhio

Chicago
For over 20 years, Chicago's flagship event has been bringing our region's supporters together to celebrate ORT's impact over lunch. This year we will welcome Amos Gofer, Director of ORT's Kadima Mada Kfar Silver Youth Village. Learn how your support can make students' dreams for a bright future come true. Save the date for Lunch With A View 2023, Sunday, April 30, 2023! Click here to learn more.

Michigan
A/ORT in the City, with special guest, Amos Gofer, Director of ORT's Kadima Mada Kfar Silver Youth Village. This art auction and cocktails is being held on Wednesday, May 10 2023.
See the Michigan events page for more information. 

Florida/National
Choose from an assortment of kosher/dairy bakery items that will be delivered in time for Mother's Day. Packages can be sent to anywhere in the U.S, so make her day special and support ORT too.
Click here for more.

We invite you to include a visit to the World ORT Kfar Silver Youth Village on Thursday, April 27, for an unforgettable experience. Your visit will include a tour of the Village to see the working farm and animal research center, athletic facilities, science labs, academic centers and more. Meet students and learn how Kfar Silver’s unique approach to education enables every student to reach their full potential.

Please click here to express your interest in joining us so we can send you more details.

2023 is the perfect time to establish a CGA with ORT America, especially since once again, our rates are even higher!

With this gift, you will support ORT's work to educate our students by giving them the skills needed to be productive and earn a living while also ensuring that you're set to receive guaranteed, fixed-income payments for life!

Here's How it Works:
1. Contribute $10,000 or more to an ORT CGA.
2. You will be eligible to receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction for a portion of that gift. If you use appreciated securities to fund your CGA, you will also save capital gains tax.
3. Based on your age, ORT will pay you a fixed amount for your lifetime. See the rate chart below.

Sample Rates for a Single Life CGA

When you pass, the amount remaining in the CGA will be used by ORT to continue our mission of helping our students' dreams become a reality. YOU will be planting the seeds today that will shape their tomorrows.

ORT Has Your Heart, NOW Make it Your Legacy!

To learn more or for a personalized CGA illustration, please contact:
Debra Kanter: Chair, Planned Giving
Robin Isaacson: National Director, Planned Giving

For a personalized CGA illustration, please contact: Robin Isaacson, or call 212-547-9150.

October 22, 2023 Annual Meeting in Chicago
Mark your calendars for the ORT America Annual Meeting!
Join ORT leaders, supporters, and friends for an exciting day focused on ORT’s impact around the world. Watch for more details in the coming months.