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Honoring Herb and Norman Friedman on Their 80th Birthday!
Herb and Norman Friedman
We are so humbled that our good friends, Herb and Norman Friedman, asked that their friends honor them on the occasion of their 80th birthdays by making donations to The Jonah Maccabee Foundation. Mentshes par excellence!
Thank you, boys!
Herb and Norman Friedman (younger!)
IN HONOR OF HERB AND NORMAN FRIEDMAN …
Laurie Kotton, Roy Kessler and Evelyn Kotton
Betsy and Jeff Cohen and family
Marla and Alan Siskind
Melanie and Arthur Wrubel
Richard and Seena Bloom
Jean Klapman
Kay and Irvin McKim
Ethel and Paul Levine
Lori and Brett Bernstein
Rachelle Bregman
Ottie Lockey
The Kaufmans
Thank you … to those who, in 2014, have provided funds so we can make a difference in young people’s lives
Matt Emmer.
Jane Emmer. This donation is made in honor of our dear friend Cantor Kerry Ben David. It is our way of thanking Kerry for officiating at our wedding. It was a beautiful, meaningful day, and we can think of no better way to thank Kerry.
Norman Friedman. In honor of Cantor Ellen’s and Rabbi Billy’s presence at the “Bronx Boys Turn 80” celebration.
Rabbi Mo Salth.
Dr. Helen Meltzer-Krim. In memory of Jonah.
Women of Reform Judaism at Westchester Reform Temple.
Cantor Tracy Scher. In honor of Rabbi Mara Nathan.
Roz Kirschenbaum. In honor of Cantor Suzanne Bernstein.
Andy Loose and Jill Garland.
Bob Geiger.
Susan Salidor.
Kathy Marks and David Fried. In memory of Philip Feiner, father of Paul Feiner.
Cantor Suzanne Bernstein and the Progressive Temple Beth Ahavath Sholom. In honor of Sara Tolchinsky and Aiden Dreskin, to thank you for the lovely program at PTBAS.
Dassi Citron, Bill Woolis, Simone and Danielle. Thank you for keeping Jonah’s spirit vibrant.
Frank Gonzalez and Pam Glantzman.
Sally Winter.
Joel Moss. In honor of Sara Tolchinsky for the time she spent with us at PTBAS.
Abby and Gabriel Tolchinsky. In honor of Cantor Suzanne Bernstein.
Ellyn Rothstein.
Eric and Meryl Rothenburg. In memory of Murray Rothenburg and Maxine McGavey.
Don Jones.
Rabbi Jason Holtz. On behalf of Bromley Reform Synagogue in the United Kingdom.
Richard Sarason.
Bruce Wolfson. In memory of Jonah and in honor of Tamara Wolfson.
Elaine Shapiro. In honor of my granddaughter Tamara Wolfson.
JMF and Valentine’s Day … Love Enough to Change Worlds
We’re so pleased to have joined forces with Jessica Hendricks and The Brave Collection, selling exquisite jewelry made by artisans in Cambodia. The proceeds help these communities attain self-sufficiency and to combat human trafficking. At the same time, part of the proceeds come back to The Jonah Maccabee Foundation and will form part of a grant we’re making to The Play Group Theatre (PGT) in White Plains, NY. Jessica grew up at PGT alongside Jonah, where they both learned about the bravery that Jessica sees and nurtures in the Cambodian communities that The Brave Collection supports.
Our gratitude to all who participated in our Valentine’s Day project:
- Amanda Battaglia
- Sue Bensadon
- Suzanne Bernstein
- Rosalie Boxt
- Michelle Butler
- Billy Dreskin
- Ellen Dreskin
- Katie Dreskin
- Ashley Fertig
- Melissa Frey
- Tracy Friend
- Ilyssa Garson
- Dan Geffen
- Ivy Giserman Kiss
- Wendy Leatherberry
- Lexi Milford
- Kara Millstein
- Marisa Mittelman
- Stacie Mittelman
- Fran Uditsky Moss
- Julie Newman
- Keith Newman
- Christine O’Connell
- Liz Piper-Goldberg
- Jennifer Prass
- Isabel Rachlin
- Roberta Roos
- Tracey Scher
- Susan Sirkman
- Michael Skloff
- Angela Stefano
- Craig Taubman
- Tamara Wolfson
- Marjorie Zimmerman
The Jonah Maccabee Foundation is honored to have been part of this beautiful and inspiring project. Please visit The Brave Collection and learn more about Jessica’s important and sacred work.
3 Days Only!! Valentine’s Day Gifts to Share Love and Healing Across the Globe! Wed, Feb 5 – Fri, Feb 7, 2014
From the Dreskins
This Valentine’s Day, let your love change the world! We happily and proudly announce gifts that you can purchase online, receive in time for February 14, and that will positively impact the lives of people both here and abroad. Read on!
One never knows the significance that can grow from any single moment in life, or where new partnerships and communities might find common ground. We first met Jessica Hendricks, founder of The Brave Collection, at The Play Group Theatre, one more shining-star of a human being who was nurtured by this incredible community in White Plains, NY. Jessica, now out of college, and encouraged by PGT to cultivate her “bravery within,” founded The Brave Collection after spending time in Cambodia and witnessing the striking contrast between the profound beauty of the communities she visited there and the tragic reality of human trafficking on the city streets.
The exquisite jewelry of The Brave Collection is designed and crafted by Cambodian artists. Its sales, Jessica tells us, “fight human trafficking, celebrate and sustain the work of fair-trade artisans, and join a global community of dreamers and change-makers.” Ellen bought her bracelet (and one for Katie!) the moment she saw her first Facebook ad.
Jessica knew Jonah, and she wanted to join us in honoring his life. It was her idea for us to collaborate on a special Jonah Maccabee Foundation Valentine’s Day sale of Brave Collection bracelets. Each purchase will generate monies both to support her efforts in Cambodia as well as The Jonah Maccabee Foundation. Together, we can nurture acts of bravery and compassion to help build lives of wholeness the world over.
There is a very small window of opportunity here – three days only (Wed, Feb 5 – Fri, Feb 7). Please read Jessica’s note below, follow the link, enter the special code (“JONAHMAC”) and show your love for someone (or several someones!) this Valentine’s Day (Jonah’s birthday too, by the way) by making a Brave purchase in their honor. Your love will receive a beautifully-crafted bracelet, with part of your purchase supporting The Jonah Maccabee Foundation and part of it fighting human trafficking in Cambodia. That’s a powerful present!
Thanks, as always, for partnering with us. We deeply appreciate your faith in our work. And, of course, we’re grateful that you join us in this journey of remembrance, love and human goodness.
Very sincerely,
Ellen, Billy, Katie and Aiden
From Jessica Hendricks
Founder, The Brave Collection
The Brave Collection is a line of jewelry handmade in Cambodia to support local artisans post-genocide, and combat human trafficking. Each bracelet says “Brave” in Khmer as a celebration of freedom and universal Bravery. Growing up in the nest of The Play Group Theatre, I was encouraged to cultivate the bravery within to explore my own creative freedom, an invaluable gift for a child learning to navigate the waters of adolescence and find her own voice. I had the privilege of knowing Jonah in this special environment. The Bravery that he possessed as an artist, a leader, and a true individual, was an inspiration for me as an adolescent. Today, seeing the way his unimaginably Brave family has chosen to celebrate and honor his memory with such grace continues to fill me with courage and inspiration as an adult. Honoring the Bravery of this special family, and the untapped Bravery within young people who are just beginning their journey through life, we are overjoyed to be working with The Jonah Maccabee Foundation on this special collaboration to pass new opportunity along to the next generation of leaders and change-makers. Thank you all so much for your support. Stay Brave.
Jessica
Thank you … for supporting our Autumn 2013 campaign!
Dear friends,
Our Autumn 2013 campaign has now come to a close. Our most successful yet, we are so very grateful to you for supporting us. The Jonah Maccabee Foundation endeavors to bring deeper possibilities for young people to live whole and healthy lives, and our promise to you is to fund projects that will further this goal.
Thank you for your love, your sharing in remembering Jonah’s life, and your confidence in our work. We wish you a very sweet year in 2014.
Ellen, Billy, Katie and Aiden
OUR CONTRIBUTORS
Rabbi David Saperstein and family.
Amy Dattner. With warmth and love for a Happy New Year from Peter and me.
Naomi and Richard Binenfeld. Happy and healthy New Year to all the Dreskins.
Rabbi Peter Rubinstein.
Daria Moore.
Rabbi Richard and Mindy Agler.
Michael Karnes. In memory of Manny and Charlotte Dubinsky.
Dale Glasser. In honor of Maya and Zachary Glasser.
Rick Lupert.
Rabbi Robbie Harris.
Susan Pardo and Steve Schwartz. Thank you for the wonderful work of your foundation!
Jo and Frank Hariton.
Dan Lucas and family.
Harriet Levine.
Susan Laufer.
Glynis Conyer.
Lee Perlman and Linda Riefberg. In honor of Jake Perlman’s article on JonahMac.org.
Cantor Julie Yugend-Green. In memory of Sam Sommer, 8-year-old son of Rabbis Phyllis and Michael Sommer.
Martine Klein and family.
Danielle Rodnizki.
Alice Passer and Barry Krieger.
Lexi Milford.
Janet Elam. Dedicating this night of Hanukkah to Jonah’s memory and the light that continues to shine through his loving family.
Yvette Shandel.
Julie Silver and Mary Connelly.
Nancy Korobkin.
Cantor Barbara Ostfeld.
Rabbi Emma Gottlieb.
Rabbi Steven Lowenstein.
Cantor Rosalie and Jason Boxt.
Beth Sher.
Cantor Vicki Axe.
Rabbi Larry Milder.
Wendy Jennis and Douglas Mishkin.
Rabbi Michael and Jody Weinberg.
Rabbi Mara Nathan.
Jeffrey Nakrin.
Madelyn Katz. In honor of the 30th anniversary “wedding” of Yaffa Weisman and Tins Hurt.
Cantor Ross Wolman. In memory of Jonah.
Kathy Glass.
Douglas Passon.
Rachel Kalmowitz.
Neil Weinstein.
Cantor Debra Stein.
Rabbi Dan Medwin.
Cantor Laura Coren. In memory of Jonah.
Rabbi Jan and Cantor Alane Katzew.
Lloyd and Roberta Roos.
Nicole Roos.
Madelyn Katz. In honor of Rabbi Karen Bender, with thanks for your inspiring presentation to my class!
Marilyn and Roger Price.
Kyla and Mitchell Schneider.
Liz Kanter Groskind.
Lisa Davis. In memory of Rochelle Eisenman.
Patty Linsky.
Saul Spangenberg.
Sharon Rich.
Aliza Garofalo.
Julie Newman.
Joan Funk. With love to Billy, Ellen, Katie and Aiden from sister/aunt Joan.
Susan, David and Rachel Berger.
Marc Margolius.
Tom Schaeffer.
Roberta Grossman.
Ira and Julia Levin.
George and Chris Markley.
Cantor Aviva Katzman.
John Kalter.
Steve Livingston.
Erica and Jay Leon.
Herb Friedman. In honor of Josh Benjamin becoming a Bar Mitzvah.
Margie Golub. In support of Billy’s mentioning twerking in his sermon, and all the good things that The Jonah Maccabee Foundation does.
Marian Milbauer.
Cameron Shriver.
Jeremy Wolfe.
Wendy Shermet.
David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik.
Rona Oberman and Deborah Franzblau.
Myron Katz. In memory of Rina Katz.
Robin M. Slater-Sherman.
Roberta, Roger and Allison Wetherbee.
Matt, Jenna and Gabby Bottiglieri.
Tracy Lilienfield and Barry Heins. In memory of Barbara Lilienfield, and with gratitude to Ellen for helping us create a beautiful celebration.
The World Bids Reluctant Farewell to Superman Sam
Superman Sam Sommer
Our hearts go out to Phyllis and Michael Sommer on the death of their beautiful 8-year-old son, Superman Sam. It seems as if no place has been untouched, no corner a little bit darkened, by Sam’s death.
Rabbi Emma Gottlieb wrote an exquisite piece about Superman Sam, connecting his loss to that of another presence in her life, Jonah Dreskin. So sad, yet so very sweet.
You can read it here: http://pearlsandpitbulls.wordpress.com/2013/12/20/not-all-superheroes-wear-capes/
Thank you … to our 2013 Volunteers, who have supported our efforts with the precious gift of time
The gang at Roher/Sprague Partners … Melanie Roher, Sue Ann Sprague and Adam Lein
Andy Farber
Barry Kessler
Thank you … to those who, in 2013, have provided funds so we can make a difference in young people’s lives
Dana Gershon and Rabbi Jonah Pesner.
Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman.
Rabbi Marcus Burstein and Eric Larson.
Stacy Beyer. In memory of Edyth Zuckerman.
Cantor Jill Abramson.
Rev. Joseph Gilmore. In honor of Dr. Walter Wink.
Danny Siegel.
Gail Nalven.
Rabbi David and Kathy Gelfand. In memory of Jonah.
Elane, Fred, Heather and Adam Sommer. In memory of Elane’s parents, Harriet and Eli Bibi.
Milton and Barbara Marcus.
Pam and Jim Allyn.
Roberta Roos. In honor of Billy’s wonderful Rosh Hashanah sermon (not the twerking part).
Evan, Faye and Rachel Friedman. In honor of Josh Benjamin becoming a Bar Mitzvah.
Rabbi James Stone Goodman.
Lance Colie.
Rabbi Larry Karol.
Cantor Angela Buchdahl.
Lloyd and Roberta Roos. In honor of Ida Dreskin’s 90th birthday.
Rabbi Helene Ferris.
Austyn Richter.
Ellen, Billy, Katie and Aiden Dreskin. In memory of Jonah.
Peter, Marianne, Abigail and Isabelle Ripin. In memory of Herbert S. Ripin.
Harry and Abby Heiman. In honor of Billy, Ellen, Katie and Aiden. Keep working to make the world a better place. Love,
Harry & Abby
Dan Pliskin.
Lisa Lieberman Barzilai.
In loving memory of Elaine Friedman and Jonah Dreskin. From Herb Friedman; Faye, Evan and Rachel Friedman; Beth, Todd and Josh Benjamin; Patricia and Norman Friedman.
Dr. Madelyn Katz. In honor of Rabbi Dara Frimmer, in appreciation for your wonderful presentation to my class.
Richard and Naomi Binenfeld. In memory of Gregory Canty.
Cantor Tracy Scher. In honor of Kol Machar, the Temple Rodef Shalom Teen Choir.
Beth Sher and Leon Sher. Honoring Jonah’s memory.
Myron Katz. In memory of Rina.
Michelle Lesco.
Gail Nalven.
Eric Grossman and Besty Schorr.
Cantor Angela Buchdahl.
Carmi and Carol Neiger.
In honor of the 90th birthday of Ida Dreskin, with love from her 6 children. Joan Funk, Michael Dreskin, Tom Dreskin, Anthony Dreskin, James Dreskin and Billy Dreskin.
In honor of Susan and Jeffrey Sirkman, Maccabees, if ever there were ones! We are honored to be in your permanent cheerleading squad. The Schefflers – Michael, Carol, Madeline, Eliza and Susannah
Eddie and Roxanne Sukol.
Lisa Baydush. This donation is in honor of Ellen Dreskin… thank you for being such an inspiring teacher and deepening my Jewish knowledge. You are a gift beyond measure and I am so honored to know you!
Iris Bildstein. This donation is In honor of the lovely Katie Dreskin — Teacher of the Year!! Mazal Tov!!
Judith Mann.
Julie Newman.
Roberta Grossman.
David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik. With much love.
Rabbi Michael Lezak.
Harvey Feldman. In memory of my beloved parents, Nathan and Marian Feldman.
Anonymous.
Robin Slater-Sherman and Howard Sherman.
Thank you … for donating to our Road Trip Summer 2013 Campaign
Allison Pincus.
Rabbi Bernard Mehlman.
Julie, Tom, Ben and Leila Hirschfeld. Your summer journeys series is such a beautiful way to memorialize Jonah, and helps us learn about him and what he meant to you and your family. Please use this donation in whatever way it will do the most good! With love, from the Hirschfelds.
Ira and Julia Levin.
Rabbi Lynne Landsberg.
Dr. Gary and Stefi Zola. Through this unique foundation, Jonah’s memory will always remain a blessing.
Cantor Stephen Richards.
Madelyn Katz. In memory of Relba Immerman.
Rabbi Hillel and Rita Cohn.
Seth Kroll.
Rabbi Serena Fujita.
Marjorie Zimmerman.
Nina Luban and Scott Bonci. In memory of Mildred Luban.
Shalisha Erenberg.
Anonymous.
Mort and Marilyn Berman.
Dr. Jonathan Slater.
Scott and Julie Stein.
Ramie and Merri Arian.
Randy Schloss.
Andy and Bronia Ichel.
Marilyn and Roger Price.
Steven Fink, SummerTech.
David Lefkowitz.
Jeremy Wolfe.
Josh Franklin.
Tracy Friend.
Laura Stein. In honor of Jonah.
Laura Copel.
Rabbi Les Bronstein and Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller-Bronstein.
Rabbi Yaakov Chaitovsky. Happy to support your foundation. Best wishes for a healthy and happy 5774.
Julie Silver.
Rachel Kalmowitz. In memory of Tobi Sisman.
Shari Suss. Celebrating Jonah’s life, the Dreskin’s strength, and paying it forward.
Julie Newman. In honor of Jake Klingensmith as Head Counselor for Geza @ GUCI.
Sheldon Low.
Robert and Lesli Cattan.
Daniel Pliskin.
Sara Basson.
Rabbi Rachel Maimin.
Cantor Louise Treitman.
William Breskin.
Cantor Donn Rosensweig.
Cantor Bruce Ruben.
Barbara Prins.
Liza Karsten and Dan Nienaltow.
Steve Adler.
Keri Hausner.
Miranda Beckenstein. In honor of Len Stambler’s retirement.
Julie DeWinter Stein.
Jeanne Bodin.
Cantor Rich Pilatsky.
Rabbi Jeff Clopper.
Dan and Joy Firshein. With love.
Lloyd and Roberta Roos.
Lexi Milford.
Todd Herzog.
Rabbi Norman Cohen.
Morris Kramer.
Rabbi Jon and Amy Kraus.
Roberta Grossman.
Rabbi Paul Kipnes.
Mary Ann Shamis.
Cantor Richard Cohn.
Merav Gur-Lobl.
Rabbi Brian Zimmerman.
Rabbi Robbie Harris.
Beth Schafer.
Cantor Rollin Simmons.
Jeff Lazar.
Diana, Henry, Bobby, Benjy and Adam Asher. With warm wishes for a beautiful summer.
Cantor Rosalie Boxt.
Kathy Tuchman Glass.
Corey Friedlander.
Rabbi Amy and Gary Perlin. In honor of Jonah’s wonderful family.
Barry Tenenholtz. In honor of Rabbi Dreskin’s family.
Janet Elam.
Sally Winter.
Doug Passon.
Cantor Lori Corrsin. In memory of my father.
Joy Wasserman. With thanks to the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music for you good wishes.
Rabbi Mike Mellen.
Nancy Gladstone and Jesse Seligson.
Robert and Roberta Silman.
Lois and Bernie Bacharach.
Bob and Bobbie Kraus. In honor of Jessie and Julie Sher.
Corey Friedlander and Amy Friedlander. In memory of Arnold Friedlander.
Rabbi Jonathan Miller.
Joan and Andy Farber.
Millie and Allen Hart.
Don Jones.
Cantor Roslyn Barak. In memory of Jonah Maccabee Dreskin.
Martha and Mike Witkowski. In memory of Jonah.
Rabbi Steven Bob.
Nathan Lang. In memory of Jonah and in honor of the whole Dreskin gang for helping put kids on the road to wellness and health. Here’s to you. Love, Nathan
Marc Margolius.
Jacy Good.
Craig Taubman.
Rena Schoenberg.
Rabbi David Holtz. Keep up the good work!
Dr. Elliott Rosen.
Iris Greene. In memory of David Benamy.
Lew Wyman and Susanne Newman.
Arielle Gingold.
Jane Emmer.
Gloria Meisel.
Carol Scheffler.
Frank Squillante.
Cantor Barbara Ostfeld.
Andy Dennen.
Danielle Rodnizki.
Josh Simon.
Ellen, Billy, Katie and Aiden Dreskin. In memory of Jonah.
Pam Deutsch. In memory of those who left us much too soon.
Cantor Dick Botton.
Joan Funk. In loving memory of David Funk.
Matt Grob.
Neil Weinstein.
Yvette Shandel.
Tom Schaeffer.
Lisa Stone.
Abby Leibman.
Ira Lichtiger.
Rabbi Mo Salth.
Herb Friedman. In memory of Elaine.
Larry Hoffman.
Harriet Levine. In loving memory of Len Levine.
Roberta Wetherbee. In honor of Katie Dreskin’s engagement.
Robin Slater-Sherman.
Bobbi Tornheim.
While some knew him as Jonah and others as Mac, we all loved and respected him. And we miss him dearly.
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