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GOVERNOR PATAKAI COMMENDS THE NATIONAL JEWISH OUTREACH PROGRAM FOR GIVING SPIRITUALITY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
Rabbi Yitzchak Rosenbaum
Westhampton Beach, NY, August 12, 2001 - In a ringing statement of solidarity with the worldwide Jewish community, Governor George E. Patakai commended the National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP) for its outstanding efforts to reconnect Jews with Jewish knowledge and spirituality. Speaking to a large crowd gathered at the Westhampton Beach home of Mr. Sam Domb, the governor was joined by Ambassador Alon Pinkus, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald, and Rabbi Marc Schneier in addressing the nearly three hundred friends and supporters of NJOP. August 12th was the second time in as many years that Mr. Domb has opened his home to friends and supporters of NJOP and was an opportunity for NJOP to honor Sony and Yair Levy and Shani and Stephen Odzer. Also honored at the event were Ron and Rosalyn Binday, Florence and Michael Edelstein, Kin Franceschini, Rochelle Malek, and Michelle and Eli Salig. Noting that in the age of modernism and materialism, morality is an oft overlooked necessity, the governor asserted that "when [NJOP] brings people back to reclaim their Judaism, and teaches them not just the religious but the ethical and legal strength of Torah...[they] are helping to reclaim them as citizens of a broader world." Throughout the day, speakers and guests alike reiterated the importance of Jewish literacy and education in bringing together the Jewish people during these troubling times. No one attending the event was untouched or unmoved by the news from Israel, and no one could deny that the work of NJOP serves as a crucial first step for many Jews in their search to find their Jewish identity, and to understand their relationship with the besieged land. The legendary support and generosity of Mr. Sam Domb for NJOP is an acknowledgment in itself of the necessity for advancing Jewish outreach. Upon entering Mr. Domb's magnificent Westhampton Beach home, visitors will behold an unusual montage which reflects his singular dedication to the Jewish people, from the portrait of Mr. Domb as young Haganah soldier to the numerous photographs of himself with current Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Mr. Domb has spent a lifetime fighting on behalf of the Jewish people and has refused to compromise on his dream of achieving a secure Jewish future for the Jewish people. This dedication to his people has led him to become an ardent friend, admirer and supporter of Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald, the Founder and Director of the National Jewish Outreach Program The National Jewish Outreach Program was established in 1987 by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald and has become one of the largest and most successful Jewish outreach organizations in the world, offering free "Crash Courses" in Hebrew Reading and Basic Judaism, Turn Friday Night Into Shabbat programs, Beginners Services, and Shabbat Across America/Canada and Read Hebrew America/Canada campaigns at more than 3,300* locations across North America, and in 27 countries worldwide. Through these innovative programs and the acclaimed Jewish consciousness raising advertising campaigns, NJOP has successfully reached more than 600,000* North American Jews and engaged them in Jewish life. * figures as of 8/01 |
