White House Jewish Americans Update, 12/7/2011

From: The White House [mailto:info@messages.whitehouse.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2011 12:33 PM
Subject: White House Jewish Americans Update

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011   White House Jewish Americans Update Friends, Please find attached this week’s update from the White House Office of Public Engagement.  This week FCC Chairman Julis Genekowski  presided of over the investiture of new members of the Council of the Us Memorial Holocaust Museum. On December 4, five new members of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council were sworn in by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. The Council, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's governing body, consists of 55 presidential appointees, in addition to ten Congressional representatives and three ex-officio members from the Departments of Education, Interior, and State. New Council members sworn in were, Nancy B. Gilbert (Boca Raton, FL), Roman R. Kent a Holocaust survivor (NY, NY), Marc R. Stanley (Dallas, TX), Howard D. Unger, son of a Holocaust survivor , (Briarcliff Manor, NY), and Rwandan genocide survivor Clemantine Wamariya (Kenilworth, IL). Museum Chairman Tom A. Bernstein, Museum Vice Chairman Joshua B. Bolten, Museum Director Sara J. Bloomfield and Holocaust survivor and Museum volunteer Alfred Munzer also participated in the swearing-in ceremony. White House Office of Public Engagement Weekly Update President Obama began last week by hosting an EU Summit at the White House on Monday that focused on the global economy and touched on the political transformation in the Middle East, Iran's nuclear program, and steps necessary to ensure success in Afghanistan. On Tuesday, President Obama met with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who reaffirmed his own government's commitment to keeping the euro intact.  On Wednesday, President Obama spoke at Scranton High School about the American Jobs Act and why passing the payroll tax cut for the middle class is so important. On Thursday, the Senate rejected an extension of the payroll tax cut that is set to expire at the end of the month. If Congress doesn’t act, taxes will go up on approximately 160 million Americans at the beginning of next year. Use the tax calculator on the White House webpage to figure out how much more you would have to pay. President Obama continued to take executive actions this week because We Can’t Wait for Congress: On Monday the President issued a Presidential Memorandum to modernize government records management; and on Wednesday Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, announced a plan to accelerate the adoption of health information technology. Friday, President Obama announced nearly $4 billion of investment in energy upgrades to public and private buildings through the Better Buildings Challenge. These investments will accelerate progress toward the President's goal of making America's buildings 20 percent more efficient by 2020 and will also create tens of thousands of construction jobs. On Thursday, President Obama marked World AIDS Day by speaking at an event called "The Beginning of the End of AIDS.” The President announced that he is directing $50 million in increased funding for domestic HIV/AIDS treatment and care -- an additional $15 million for the Ryan White program for HIV medical clinics across the country, and $35 million for state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs. On Friday, the President spoke to Native American tribal leaders from across the country at the Tribal Nations Conference which took place last week. Leaders from 565 federally recognized tribes the opportunity to interact directly with the President and representatives from the highest levels of his Administration. This was the third White House Tribal Nations Conference for the Obama Administration, and continues to build upon the President’s commitment to strengthen the nation to nation relationship with Indian Country. In conjunction with the Conference, the Office of Public Engagement hosted a special Champions of Change this week, honoring Native American youth leaders. Blog Highlights Vice President Biden: "In America, and in Iraq, the Tide of War Is Receding" December 2, 2011 Speaking at an event in Baghdad to honor the shared sacrifice and commitment of American and Iraqi service members, Vice President Biden heralded a new chapter in the relationship between the United States and Iraq – one rooted in civilian cooperation as the remaining American troops prepare to return home by the end of this year. More than 200 U.S. and Iraqi service members attended the event at Al Faw Palace - a former palace of Saddam Hussein. The Employment Situation in November December 2, 2011 Friday’s employment report provides further evidence that the economy is continuing to heal from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, but the pace of improvement is still not fast enough given the large job losses from the recession that began in December 2007.  West Wing Week: 12/2/11 or "Bo Meets Bo." December 2, 2011 This week, as the President urged Republicans to join a Democratic effort to prevent a thousand dollar tax increase on the typical American family, the White House got spruced up for the holidays. The President also hosted the EU Summit, the Dutch Prime Minister, and announced a new commitment to fighting AIDS in America and around the world. He also lit the National Christmas Tree. That's November 25th to December 1st, or "Bo Meets Bo." Small Business Owner Says Payroll Tax Cuts Are "Game Changers" November 30, 2011 President Obama was in Scranton, Pennsylvania on Wednesday to talk about the importance of extending the payroll tax cut for all working Americans and their families, and for the strength of the overall economy. These tax cuts will also have a tremendous impact on America's small businesses, 91.5 percent of which have fewer than 5 employees. The White House Business Council spoke to the owner of one such business in Knoxville, Tennessee who says the President's plan will help her business grow by freeing up her own capital, and that of her potential and existing clients as well. Learn more about her story here. By the Numbers: $1,500 November 30, 2011 President Obama’s proposed payroll tax cut would put an extra $1,500 in the pockets of the typical American family that makes $50,000 a year. But if Congress doesn’t act soon, the same family could see their taxes go up by $1,000. By the Numbers: 141,000 By the Numbers: 475 Million By the Numbers: $335 From the Archives: Holidays at the White House November 29, 2011 The holidays are a special time at the White House. The President and First Lady have made it their mission to open the “People’s House” to as many Americans as possible, and this is never more true than around the holidays. Wednesday, we began to look at the latest tidings and trimmings that make holidays at the White House so special, but to get in the mood now, check out these videos from last year’s festivities. Raising Healthy, Active Kids White House Champions of Change Program The Champions of Change series is designed for people to look into their communities and nominate everyday heroes who are demonstrating commitment to improving their own communities, their country, or their fellow citizens. That is why we are looking for you to nominate someone who is doing extraordinary things to make a difference in your community as a “Champion of Change.” Last week, in honor of the National Native American Heritage Month, the White House honored eleven Native American Youth leaders as Champions of Change. These young people are Champions in their tribes and communities as they work to improve the lives of those around them through innovative programs that help others, raise awareness of important issues like suicide and bullying prevention, energy efficiency and healthy eating. Watch the video from the Champions of Change discussion with White House and Administration officials which focused on the great work that these young people do every day. Stay Connected     Facebook Twitter YouTube Flickr iTunes       The White House • 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW • Washington, DC 20500 • 202-456-1111

Morning minyan times at our local congregations

Morning Minyan Times At Our Local Congregations 
Congregations also offer Friday evening services and will, in addition, respond to requests for minyanim at dates/ times other than advertised.

Your participation in minyanim is appreciated.



 Tifereth Israel Synagogue (Conservative) convenes morning services  Saturdays at 9 am and schedules minyanim also on Sundays at 9 am, and Tuesdays at 7 am.  For details, contact 515.255.1137.

Beth El Jacob Synagogue (Orthodox) offers morning mechitza minyanim seven days a week. Shabbos services, Saturdays at 9:30 am;  Sundays, 9 am; Mondays and Thursdays, 6:45 am; Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 am. Rosh Chodesh: 6:45 am; Chagim: 9 am;  Rotation of  venue of Friday evening services ( 20 minutes after candle lighting) between Beth El Jacob Synagogue and the Judaic Resource Center of Iowa. For details, contact 515.274-1551.

Judaic Resource Center of Iowa (Chabad) holds Shabbos services on Saturdays at 10 am.  Will organize other mechitza minyanim upon request.  Rotation of  venue of Friday evening services ( 20 minutes after candle lighting) between the Judaic Resource Center and Beth El Jacob Synagogue. For details, contact 515 277-1770.

 Temple B'nai Jeshurun (Reform) hold morning services on Saturdays at 10 am.  Services Friday evening at 6 pm.  For details, contact 515-274-4679. 
 
Ames Jewish Congregation (Reform) holds Friday evening Shabbat services and once monthly, Friday and Saturday morning services are conducted by the rabbi. For details, contact 515-233-137 or e-mail ajciowa@gmail.com.


                                                                

Iran Protesters Storm British Embassy in Tehran, Smash Windows and Hurl Bombs | UANI

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  Jewish Current Events

  ‎#Iran Protesters Storm British Embassy in #Tehran, Smash Windows and Hurl Bombs, replace British flag with an Iranian one.

  Iran Protesters Storm British Embassy in Tehran, Smash Windows and Hurl Bombs | UANI

  www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com

  Top Stories Reuters: "Iranian protesters have stormed the British Embassy compound in Tehran, smashing windows, hurling petrol bombs and burning the British flag during a rally to protest against sanctions imposed by Britain.

Son of Hamas founding member: "Israel is not the problem."

Mosab Hassan Yousef:  "The Palestinians spent more than 60 years trying to destroy the State of Israel, not trying to build a Palestinian state."

Source:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLnHzLNuT-M&feature=share   Mosab Hassan Yousef speaks in English on the video.

Tues., Nov. 15, 7 pm Screening of 'Judeophobia'

The first-run film Unleashed: Judeophobia which is about the rise and focus of modern anti-Semitism will be screened 7:00 pm , Tuesday, November 15 at Temple B'nai Jeshurun, 51 St and Grand Ave in Des Moines.  Q&A after the showing.   Sponsored by JFed Forum, JCRC of the Jewish Federation, and Temple B'nai Jeshurun.

Trailer:


Source:  http://youtu.be/yGkuftsbDiU

The term Judeophobia was coined in 1882 by a medical doctor, Leo Pinsker, who likened Judeophobia to a hereditary disease.

Iran in the news

UN agency report concludes Iran is working on advanced nuclear warhead - Guardian


 http://bit.ly/vT1WEU

IAI Upcoming Events: Des Moines forum at TI; Crossroads luncheon

From: Interfaith Alliance of Iowa [mailto:info@interfaithallianceiowa.org]
Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2011 11:43 AM

 

 

Please forward to your network. Thank you!

 

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SAVE THE DATE

Interfaith Alliance president to visit Des Moines

 

Speaking at public events in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, president of Interfaith Alliance,  will be in Iowa on November 30 and December 1 to discuss the dangers our country faces as politics and religion become increasingly intertwined.

 

 

 

DES MOINES

Rev. Gaddy will speak at a public forum at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 924 Polk Blvd in Des Moines on Thursday, December 1 at 7 PM. The event is free and open to the public.

 

 

REV. DR. C. WELTON GADDY

Author of over 20 books, including First Freedom First: A Citizen’s Guide to Protecting Religious Liberty and the Separation of Church and State, the Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy leads the national non-partisan grassroots and educational organization, Interfaith Alliance.

Dr. Gaddy hosts the weekly State of Belief radio program, where he explores the role of religion in the life of the nation by illustrating the vast diversity of beliefs in America, while exposing and critiquing both the political manipulation of religion for partisan purposes and the religious manipulation of government for sectarian purposes.

Dr. Gaddy provides regular commentary to the national media on issues relating to religion and politics. Some of his appearances include MSNBC’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann and The Rachel Maddow Show, NBC’s Evening News and Dateline, PBS’s Religion and Ethics Newsweekly and The Newshour with Jim Lehrer, C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, ABC’s World News Tonight, and CNN’s The World Today with Wolf Blitzer.

Personally, I appreciate Welton Gaddy’s courageous leadership of the Interfaith Alliance. He continues to… give people of faith a strong voice of reason in public discussions … and the proper role of religion in the life of the nation.

– Walter Cronkite

 

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Crossroads: A Project about Civility

A monthly gathering of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa.  An opportunity to learn and to participate in civil dialogue.

 

Presenter:                Ambassador Mary Kramer

 

Subject:                    How did we get so rude?

Mary E. Kramer is deeply committed to bringing civility back as the norm in our society.  Ambassador Kramer is part of the Advisory Committee of the Better Together—Creating Community through Civility project in Des Moines.

 

She served in the Iowa Senate beginning in 1991 and was elected President of the Senate in 1997.  From 2003 – 2007 she served as U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. 

 

Ambassador Kramer has served on the Board of the Directors many professional and community organizations.  In 2009, Kramer was inducted into the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame.

 

Her first book, “More Than a Walk on the Beach; Confessions of an Unlikely Diplomat” was published in the fall of 2010. 

 

 

Date:                        Friday, November 18

o   Time:        11:45 – 1:00 p.m.

o   Location:  Plymouth Congregational Church, Waveland Hall, 4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines

 

Reservations are necessary to attend Crossroads and are due Tuesday, November 15. The cost is $10.

Please call 515-279-8715 or email info@interfaithallianceiowa.org

 

 

 

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Interfaith Alliance of Iowa

PO Box 41086

Des Moines, IA 50311

(515) 279-8715

info@interfaithallianceiowa.org

www.interfaithallianceiowa.org

 

 

Founded in 1996, the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa is a non-partisan organization working to protect both faith and freedom in Iowa. We believe it is imperative that, in a healthy democracy, respect is shown for the religious freedom and beliefs of every person and that this is best promoted by maintaining a healthy separation between church and state.

 

Our beliefs intersect with many issues of civic life and public policy including support of separation of church and state, strong public education, marriage equality, economic justice, and judicial independence. We promote civility as the best means to make a difference and because it matters.