The arts are alive across Greater MetroWest! Laura Queller’s personal introduction to art through a painting class at the JCC of Central NJ led her to gain insight into the value of art throughout the Jewish community.
MARCH 2017
The Transformative Power of the Arts
by Laura Dorf Queller, Vice President, Communications and Marketing
In the previous issue of our Women’s Philanthropy eNewsletter, I quoted Larry Rein, chairman of the JCC MetroWest’s Board of Trustees, who referred to programs that nourish “the body, mind, and soul.” We now will focus on the soul. In our own local communities and as far away as the Negev in Israel, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ supports programs that enrich people’s lives through the arts. With hands-on opportunities such as painting classes and sculpting lessons, and with art appreciation outlets such as concerts, films, and theater, exposure to the arts can be transformative, leading to personal fulfillment as well as increased social connections. more
Newsletter volunteer staff:
Editor: Laura Dorf Queller,
Vice President, Communications and Marketing
Writers: Jody Hurwitz Caplan, Elyse Deutsch, Lisa Lisser
WP Staff: Diane Bakst, Karen Bocaletti
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Fostering Art in Ofakim, Israel
The Igloo Art Center in Ofakim, Israel, brings art into the lives of hundreds of kids and adults each year. It all began with one woman’s personal connection to Israel and an unusual birthday present idea.
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Collaborating with Artists in Arad, Israel
Seven artists from Greater MetroWest spent a week last summer in our partner city of Arad, Israel, meeting and learning from Arad’s artists. Several months after the Americans returned, their Negev-inspired artwork was exhibited for the community. Elisa Sananman co-chaired the arts committee that helped forge this artistic collaboration with Arad. Elisa explains how art provided the vehicle through which the Americans and Israelis could form lasting connections.
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Enriching Lives Through Film
Moviegoers in Greater MetroWest are privileged to have access to a wide variety of Jewish films from around the world. Our Federation sponsors film festivals that bring entertaining, enlightening, and thought-provoking movies to our community. Without the dedication of many women who are also active in Women’s Philanthropy, these films might not make it to our local screens. Let’s go behind the scenes (so to speak!) to see how and why Women’s Philanthropy supports these efforts.
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Words Worth Repeating
One local woman came to a major realization about Judaism – and how to raise her children Jewishly -- during a Purim puppet show sponsored by our community.
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President's Message
Music, and one song in particular, has impacted and enhanced my life. According to my parents, I sang before I could talk.