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Your United Jewish Council in Action

"Ask not what your UJC can do for you…." Why not? Your United Jewish Council of Anne Arundel County is the umbrella group of the 11 local Jewish organizations. 

Community-wide Events

The UJC event was co-hosted a Congressional Forum with the League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County (pictured at right) on October 27, 2004. The UJC is proud to play a role in educating voters in the 2004 elections.   Each of the 12 congressional candidates from the four districts in Anne Arundel County were present, along with over 200 citizens from our community. 

The UJC sponsored a Yom HaShoah observance on the evening of April 18, 2004 chaired by Rabbi Stephen Weisman of Temple Solel in Bowie. Also participating and providing cantorial pieces was Rabbi Moshe Weisblum of Congregation Kneseth Israel where the commemoration was held. The featured speaker was Richard Greenstein speaking of his family’s return to their roots in Germany and their many discoveries – some wrenching and some pleasant.  Photo at right is Rabbi Weisman, Richard Greenstein, and Rabbi Weisblum.  This was the second year in a row that the UJC hosted a community-wide Yom Hashoah observance.

UJC sponsored the 8th Annapolis Jewish Festival on Sunday, September 14, 2003 held at the Severna Park High School. This Festival was the finest ever with world class Jewish entertainment and world class Jewish artisans as well as top-notch Jewish oriented activities for children of all ages and the finest food you’ve ever eaten. This Festival was led by Jewish leaders from across the entire community. The featured speaker was LtGov Michael Steele (pictured at left with Jewish War Veteran members Bill Snyder, Earl Diamond, and Dr. Michael Monias).

You were fortunate enough to attend the virtuoso performance by Daniel Heifetz and the Classical Band along with his daughter, a soprano soloist on August 25, 2002 weren't you?  Who brought them here and sponsored the event?  Your UJC.  

 

Who sponsors and holds the annual Chanukah celebration at the Annapolis Mall? Your UJC.

The Children’s Extravaganza April 2003 with a world class puppeteer? Your UJC. The fantastic 7th Annapolis Jewish Festival held at Anne Arundel Community College on September 9, 2001? Your UJC. 

Social Action

Were you concerned that you had a voice when the County School Board was voting on the calendar to recognize Yom Kippur as a day to keep the schools out of session? You did – the UJC submitted a letter to the Board supporting the measure signed by all the member organizations’ leaders/representatives and rabbis. The motion passed.

Remember when Lord & Taylor opened their new store at the Annapolis Mall with incredible lack of sensitivity – on Yom Kippur, September 30, 1998? Your UJC ensured the CEO in New York and the General Manager of the new store understood their error. The response from New York dated October 20, 1998 that included an apology was enlightening: "…it was determined we should proceed in order to address deadlines. Your letter, however, presents a point of view, which in retrospect should have taken precedence."

Politics and ethics are always a concern for voters.  In January 2006, your UJC-AAC sponsored with the Maryland chapter of Common Cause and several other organizations a forum on “Making Campaign Finance Reform a Real Solution for Maryland.”  The discussion was thought provoking and insightful, providing logical solutions for campaign finance reform but noting the political realities posing hurdles to these initiatives passing.  Regardless, all who attended were certainly better informed for having participated.  

Members of the UJC besides the four synagogues (the two already mentioned plus Congregation Kol Ami and Temple Solel) include local chapter/section of B’nai B’rith, Brandeis University Women’s Committee, Hadassah, Jewish War Veterans, Jewish Women International, National Council of Jewish Women, and, the all-important Aleph Bet Jewish Day School.

Wherever there is a community-wide Jewish celebration or concern, think: that’s my UJC at the lead.

 

 

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