The Jewish Congregation of Maui was selected to participate in Nitzavim Hawaiʻi, a new initiative designed to turn leadership into collective action, delivering positive change within the local Jewish community and Hawaiʻi at large.
● Two years ago, Nitzavim Hawaiʻi which comprised of 26 leaders from 13 Jewish incorporated nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations throughout Hawaiʻi – including ours – convened for a two-year program to strengthen relationships, build organizational and collective capacity, and explore collaboration in service to the community.
● Rabbi Raanan Mallek and board member Mitch Berman represented JCM as Nitzavim Leaders along with counterparts from other Jewish organizations.
● The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation is supported this first-of-its-kind Jewish leadership program in Hawaiʻi.
● Rooted in the interpretations of Nitzavim – a section of the Torah that includes some of the most fundamental principles of the Jewish faith – all of us participated in Nitzavim Hawaiʻi are dedicated to standing up and standing together to deliver positive change.
● Five goals guide the program:
1. Build strong relationships among the participants as the foundation for future purposeful, collective action.
2. Explore connections and intersections between Judaism and Hawaiian culture.
3. Explore a Jewish response to health, safety and other issues, and develop strategies for measurable, motivational and effective action.
4. Address capacity building needs to help lay a foundation for collective action by Hawaiʻi’s Jewish organizations, making our communities safer, healthier and more resilient.
5. Create an unforgettable experience with lasting, positive impact on participants and the community.
● Respected community leader and nonprofit consultant Josh Levinson, who has addressed community health and well-being issues throughout Hawaiʻi, served as the program lead; Aloha United Way provided fiscal sponsorship for this two-year initiative.
● Nitzavim Hawaiʻi provided each participating nonprofit 501(c)(3) with a $30,000 annual stipend to address their unique capacity building priorities and opportunities.
As part of the first Nitzavim Hawaiʻi cohort, JCM is committed to helping make every community in Hawaiʻi – both within Hawaiʻi’s Jewish community and beyond – safe, healthy and just.
● We will keep you informed as our organization embarks on this journey.
● Ultimately – through collaborative effort – we hope to make our entire community stronger.
● For questions about the Nitzavim Hawaiʻi initiative, contact Marisa Hayase, Program Director-Hawaiʻi, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation:
mhayase@hjweinberg.org