Dear Charlene,
On behalf of OTZMA we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your acceptance to participate on OTZMA XXII. You have been chosen to represent your community on this distinctive program that will prove to be a challenging and infinitely rewarding adventure. By being selected as an OTZMA delegate from your local Jewish Federation, you will join OTZMAnikim from Jewish communities throughout North America. As a participant in the 22st year of OTZMA, you will join over 1,300 past participants, many of whom are now leaders in their Jewish and general communities.
OTZMA is unique in a variety of ways. OTZMA provides the forum for you to work and live alongside Israelis; discover the land and its rich history; help Israelis in need; and experience the country in a way that one would not as a tourist. OTZMA is also designed as a leadership identification program with a specific goal of service. Through the work and relationships you forge, you will strengthen the bond between Israeli and North American Jews.
In the coming weeks you will receive your first package of information about OTZMA to your permanent address. It will include the following:
1. The OTZMA Toolkit (a 38 page guide of information for the OTZMA 2007-2008 year)
2. Letter of Intent
3. OTZMA Code of Conduct, Procedures, and Standards
4. OTZMA Release and Waiver of Responsibility
5. Payment Information
In the meantime, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Tali Ruderman
North American Director, OTZMA
United Jewish Communities
Tel: (212) 284-6721
Fax: (212) 284-6988
tali.ruderman@ujc.org
Check out our website at www.otzma.org
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Acceptance Letter!
Monday, June 4, 2007
OTZMA Introduction
Dear Reader,
For the past ten years I have been involved in a wide range of philanthropic causes within the Jewish Community of Las Vegas. I have recently been given the opportunity to participate in a program known as OTZMA.
OTZMA is a service-based leadership development program offering young adults ages 20-26 the unique opportunity to contribute and acquire an in-depth understanding of Israel. On August 15, 2007 I am to depart for this 10-month journey to the holy land. As an OTZMA participant I will gain an insider's perspective while working and learning in three consecutive and distinct tracks. These include immigrant absorption, areas of urban renewal, social service work experiences and kibbutz. Throughout the ten months I will move from place to place throughout the country, interacting with people of diverse backgrounds. The three tracks are woven together by an educational program in which participants delve deeply into both the history and contemporary life of Israel and the Jewish people.
My opportunity to participate in the Israel fellowship program, OTZMA, is very exciting and the opportunities and experiences that lie ahead will ensure that I am able to expand on my years of devotion to our community. As you can imagine, a program like this requires financial support from a number of sources. My fellowship has been partially funded by scholarship; however, the program expects its participants to fundraise for the difference in finances to participate in this important work. This being said, I humbly ask that you consider a contribution to this valuable program. Contributions can be made by a business or individual and checks can be paid to United Jewish Communities, OTZMA.
I have been an active leader in the Las Vegas Jewish community since moving here 10 years ago. Throughout my years at Green Valley High School I was an active member of United Synagogue Youth (USY). While in USY I served my chapter as Membership Vice President, Social Action Tikun Olam Vice President, Executive Vice President/ Israeli Affairs and finally, chapter President. I also held positions on the Far West Regional Board for two consecutive years. Since then I have worked as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Las Vegas Jewish Family Service Agency. In that capacity I worked to motivate our volunteers and attract new individuals to the organization. Currently I am a Youth Advisor for the Gorbena Chapter of BBYO. These are just some of my experiences with organizations that are vital to the Las Vegas Jewish community.
Throughout my experiences with the Jewish community I have focused on the importance of personal growth and have had the opportunity to help teach others to learn and grow. Through OTZMA, I hope to gain a stronger sense of Jewish identity and connection to Israel. I hope to bring my renewed passion for the country and culture back to the Las Vegas Jewish community and develop a strong international network.
Since OTZMA’s inception in 1986, over 1,200 young adults from Jewish communities across North America have participated in this unique program. Upon their return to North America, participants engage in Jewish communal life in a volunteer or professional capacity. As the first individual from the Las Vegas Jewish community to participate in this program’s 22-year history, I am honored to represent our growing community.
It is my hope that if I am able to participate in the program I will return with the skills needed for me to continue enriching the Jewish Community of Nevada. However, my participation is dependent on your support.
Any assistance that you or your organization can provide to support me in my fundraising efforts is greatly appreciated.
For more information about OTZMA and my application, please visit www.otzma.org or contact the program organizers at otzma@ujc.org. Please feel free to contact me anytime either by phone at (702) 985-7656 or by email at Charlene.Naft@gmail.com if you have any additional questions.
With your support I would like to be your first Las Vegas OTZMA ambassador.
Respectfully,
Charlene Naft
OTZMA XXII Applicant
For the past ten years I have been involved in a wide range of philanthropic causes within the Jewish Community of Las Vegas. I have recently been given the opportunity to participate in a program known as OTZMA.
OTZMA is a service-based leadership development program offering young adults ages 20-26 the unique opportunity to contribute and acquire an in-depth understanding of Israel. On August 15, 2007 I am to depart for this 10-month journey to the holy land. As an OTZMA participant I will gain an insider's perspective while working and learning in three consecutive and distinct tracks. These include immigrant absorption, areas of urban renewal, social service work experiences and kibbutz. Throughout the ten months I will move from place to place throughout the country, interacting with people of diverse backgrounds. The three tracks are woven together by an educational program in which participants delve deeply into both the history and contemporary life of Israel and the Jewish people.
My opportunity to participate in the Israel fellowship program, OTZMA, is very exciting and the opportunities and experiences that lie ahead will ensure that I am able to expand on my years of devotion to our community. As you can imagine, a program like this requires financial support from a number of sources. My fellowship has been partially funded by scholarship; however, the program expects its participants to fundraise for the difference in finances to participate in this important work. This being said, I humbly ask that you consider a contribution to this valuable program. Contributions can be made by a business or individual and checks can be paid to United Jewish Communities, OTZMA.
I have been an active leader in the Las Vegas Jewish community since moving here 10 years ago. Throughout my years at Green Valley High School I was an active member of United Synagogue Youth (USY). While in USY I served my chapter as Membership Vice President, Social Action Tikun Olam Vice President, Executive Vice President/ Israeli Affairs and finally, chapter President. I also held positions on the Far West Regional Board for two consecutive years. Since then I have worked as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Las Vegas Jewish Family Service Agency. In that capacity I worked to motivate our volunteers and attract new individuals to the organization. Currently I am a Youth Advisor for the Gorbena Chapter of BBYO. These are just some of my experiences with organizations that are vital to the Las Vegas Jewish community.
Throughout my experiences with the Jewish community I have focused on the importance of personal growth and have had the opportunity to help teach others to learn and grow. Through OTZMA, I hope to gain a stronger sense of Jewish identity and connection to Israel. I hope to bring my renewed passion for the country and culture back to the Las Vegas Jewish community and develop a strong international network.
Since OTZMA’s inception in 1986, over 1,200 young adults from Jewish communities across North America have participated in this unique program. Upon their return to North America, participants engage in Jewish communal life in a volunteer or professional capacity. As the first individual from the Las Vegas Jewish community to participate in this program’s 22-year history, I am honored to represent our growing community.
It is my hope that if I am able to participate in the program I will return with the skills needed for me to continue enriching the Jewish Community of Nevada. However, my participation is dependent on your support.
Any assistance that you or your organization can provide to support me in my fundraising efforts is greatly appreciated.
For more information about OTZMA and my application, please visit www.otzma.org or contact the program organizers at otzma@ujc.org. Please feel free to contact me anytime either by phone at (702) 985-7656 or by email at Charlene.Naft@gmail.com if you have any additional questions.
With your support I would like to be your first Las Vegas OTZMA ambassador.
Respectfully,
Charlene Naft
OTZMA XXII Applicant
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