| March of the Living 2011 |
| On Monday, May 2, 2011 Jewish Life Foundation will broadcast live from Poland for the second year in a row. |
Educational Programs
School Judaica
School Judaica is the educational component of the Jewish Life Foundation, providing programs which entertain, inform, and educate. Our programs reach underserved populations within the Jewish community including: families in rural areas that do not have access to a Jewish community or synagogue, families who can not afford a Jewish education for their children, and families whose synagogues are unable to provide a Jewish education for their autistic children. Our programs can also be used by non-Jewish schools or community groups throughout the country to inform, and promote tolerance, understanding and acceptance. Upcoming programs for 2010 include:
The Miracle Project
The Miracle Project is a unique television program created to assist parents, rabbis and educators in helping children with autism spectrum disorders affirm their Jewish identity and prepare for a memorable and positive Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience. Judaica educators and parents do not often have the resources to provide alternative learning modalites to these special needs children. Based on the method created by acting coach Elaine Hall, in conjunction with Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services in Los Angeles, our program will offer alternatives to traditional preparation for becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. For some children this might mean learning to say one prayer (i.e.: the Shema) or using sign language to pray. For others it might mean learning the Torah blessings using a visual board or by typing into a talk machine. Jewish Life Foundation will offer curriculum downloads and links to resources on our website. For some of our JLTV families, School Judaica may be the only resource in their community to connect with and provide their children with a special Jewish education. We plan on producing (18) half-hour episodes which will air on JLTV and also be packaged as a DVD set.
Bubbe's Closet
Bubbe’s Closet is a dynamic series of (10) half-hour television programs which will introduce Jewish holidays and traditions to children ages 5-8. Designed to be both an educational tool, as well as an entertaining program for all children, the show will use catchy melodies and beautiful harmonies to explore the Jewish holidays and festivals. Each episode will begin with the discovery of a sacred object in Bubbe’s Closet. This object will inspire hosts to lead the children in interactive songs, and stories to share in the Jewish customs and traditions surrounding Jewish holidays and festivals. We plan to package the programs as a DVD set and provide supplemental curriculum on our website. The DVD’s will be distributed to public and Jewish schools throughout the country. They can be used both as an educational tool within the Jewish community and as one that educates non-Jews on our traditions and beliefs.
By using television and the internet, The Miracle Project and Bubbe’s Closet will engage a broad audience, provide educational tools and resources, impact change, promote tolerance, and inspire hope for the future.
Jewish Histories Project
The Jewish Histories Project is a multi-year project which includes a series of high-quality illustrated books accompanied by television documentaries which will feature interviews, testimonials, and explorations of key architectural sites in each city. Two books have already been published including: Pioneers of Israel and Wrestling with the Angels, A History of Jewish Los Angeles. We are currently working on the following books: History of Jewish Los Angeles II, History of Jewish New York, History of Jewish San Francisco, History of Jewish San Diego, and History of Jewish Canada. All of the books will include links to a website which will include interviews with all the contributors of each book.
Holocaust Education and Remembrance Programs
For More Information on our Upcoming March of the Living Broadcast Click Here
Jewish Life Foundation presents numerous Holocaust education and remembrance programs throughout the year including 24 hours of broadcast on JLTV on Yom HaShoah and Kristallnacht. Included in these programs are documentaries, biographies, and testimonies from survivors presented by the Shoah Foundation. Each year we partner with the American Society for Yad Vashem on an annual fundraising dinner which pays tribute to survivors and honors those who were lost. This event recognizes those individuals in all art forms who are doing their part to tell the stories of the Holocaust. This year, we plan on including a special live broadcast from the International March of the Living in Poland. We also present a 24-hr Remembrance Broadcast focusing on “The Night of the Broken Glass” known by its German translation Kristallnacht. This historic attack on the Jews of of Germany and Austria took place on the evening of November 9th and ended in the morning of November 10, 1938. This event includes a powerful perspective of Kristallnacht, commentary by leading philosophers, interviews with Holocaust survivors and concentration camp liberators.
Cultural Programs
Jewish Community Day at Dodgers Stadium
Jewish Life Foundation, working with Blazer Media Group, produces the annual Jewish Community Day Pre-Game Ceremonies for the Los Angeles Dodgers. More than 500,000 baseball fans have been touched by this day of fun shared with the Southern California Jewish community since its inception in 1998. Read more.
Tennis LA
Since 2003, we have provided free tennis lessons to hundreds of urban and Jewish youth annually through our Tennis LA program. Tennis LA is modeled on the self-esteem and talent development program offered by the Israel Tennis Centers in Israel. In addition to teaching the basics of tennis, Tennis LA encourages positive attitudes and team spirit, strengthening not only the children’s minds but their bodies as well. It is our hope to eventually expand Tennis LA to other cities throughout America
Maccabiah Games
In July 2009, Jewish Life Foundation was thrilled to premiere the broadcast of the 18th Maccabiah Games on (JLTV). This airing marked the first time this second largest international sporting event was broadcast to audiences outside of Israel. We created a collectors edition DVD set featuring athlete profiles, opening and closing ceremonies, basketball finals and swimming finals, and bonus features. Click here to read the history of the Maccabiah Games
Spiritual Programs
American Forces Network Program
For the past two years we have been providing religious programming to the American Forces Network including annual specials celebrating Passover and Chanukah.
In 2010, we have been invited to expand our program to (13) half-hours which will provide 1 million troops, family members, and embassies in 175 countries the opportunity to participate in holiday worship services, to study Torah, to learn Jewish history and celebrate their faith through music and prayer. We are pleased to be supporting these brave men and women and help them to stay connected to their families, homes, and traditions.
Bruce Kite, Chaplain, Major, USAF said of our Chanukah Family Television Special for 2009: "The program brought a touch of home to Jewish military members and their dependents. Additionally, Chanukah Family TV Special provided a great cultural growth opportunity for our entire multifaith audience."
In the Moment with Rabbi Stephen Robbins and Cantor Eva Robbins
A new series which will explore relevant issues regarding lifestyle, relationships, communication, healthcare, and science and relate them to our ancient Jewish teachings and values. Rabbi Stephen Robbins, PsyD, is a master teacher of Kabbalah. He and his wife, Cantor Eva Robbins founded Congregation N’Vay Shalom, a spiritually and psychologically oriented congregation dedicated to principles of spiritual renewal and emotional and physiological healing. They bring to the program extensive experience, tremendous insight, and a generous gift of spirit and wisdom.