Will Jewish federation activists of the future be studying Torah and Talmud along with fund-raising techniques? Arna Poupko, the first in-house federation scholar-in-residence, is determined to make it happen.
As Judaic consultant to Montreal’s federation, she teaches Jewish texts to campaign leaders, board members and agency professionals, “so Jewish values are hopefully involved in developing policies.”
She also works with North American federations to infuse the spirit of Judaism into their modus operandi, and will be in the East Bay Thursday, Feb. 27 as keynote speaker at Choices ’97. The annual dinner of the Women’s Division and Business and Professional Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of the Greater East Bay will be held at the San Ramon Marriott.
“We’re looking to fundamentally change the ways in which Jewish communities do business…going about this in ways that are fundamentally Jewish,” Poupko said during an interview from Montreal. “We’re not IBM or the Catholic Charities. We want to do business by applying Jewish ethics and values.
“There are literally hundreds of magnificent Jewish texts — Torah and Talmud and even Responsa, which speak to the way one asks for money, the priorities of allocating funds and the benefit that comes to the fund-raisers.
“For instance, Talmud tells us that even higher than giving money is the combined task of those giving and asking for money,” she said. “It teaches us that asking others to give tzedakah is not something to feel uneasy about.”
This year’s Choices ’97, subtitled “The Ties That Bind,” is a generation-to-generation celebration of Jewish women. Margie Rosenthal, a Portland, Ore.-based singer and entertainer, will perform contemporary and traditional Jewish songs.
Guests are encouraged to invite mothers, grandmothers and aunts as well as daughters aged 12 years and older. Co-chairs of the event, Julie Brown Ovadia of Moraga and Helen Jeger Loewenstein of Lafayette, expect between 300 and 400 women to attend.
Ovadia hopes mothers will bring daughters. “Let the kids see what tzedakah is all about,” she said.
Loewenstein expects the speaker to be a drawing card. “Arna Poupko is a very learned woman,” she said. “She’s dynamic, with such strong beliefs. Women will feel energized about the importance of belonging to a community.”
Poupko, 38, who is observant, is the wife of a rabbi and the mother of five, including two sets of twins. Currently completing her doctorate, she holds degrees in both education and Jewish studies, with a master’s degree in medieval philosophy.
A well-known Canadian TV and radio personality as well as a lecturer, she has published numerous articles on Jewish life and has served stints as scholar-in-residence at a number of Jewish federations and institutions.
Poupko feels federations are in the business of promoting Judaism. In the three years since she became scholar-in-residence in Montreal, the New York federation has developed a similar position, and several others are exploring such a move.
“If we’re going to be a community committed to continuity and identity, then it is a tremendous act of arrogance and chutzpah to expect those around us to transform themselves Jewishly when the federation itself is not making steps to transform itself Jewishly,” she said. “That’s what the position was created to do.”
Loewenstein concurs. “Here in the East Bay, we couldn’t agree more. Many of our changes during the past year or two have been focused on infusing Jewish values and Jewish teaching into federation life. That’s why we’re bringing Arna Poupko to Choices ’97.”
Poupko said the ultimate goal of her own mission is not simply to raise campaign dollars but to change the way federations operate. “Federations are trying to make up for over five decades of not embracing the entire needs of Jewish life — not only the critical issues of rescue, but also ensuring Jewish education and the continuing vibrancy of Jewish life…keeping the Jewish nation healthy in all aspects.”
Do women have a special role?
“I’m conflicted by that question,” she said. “On the onehand, anecdotally and personally, women continue to have a unique contribution to home and community,” including their hands-on approach. “But we shouldn’t carry the burden more than men.”
Turning to the story of the golden calf in Exodus, she observed that the women vociferously refused to contribute their financial resources toward building the idol, while the men were “seduced by Aaron’s request.” But when the Tabernacle was built, “women led the men in their generosity and their willingness to contribute.”
Emphasizing the importance of investing in youth and young adults, Poupko is concerned that “Jewish continuity” will become a concept people tire of “if we do not see an immediate return.” But it’s a long-term proposition.
“Just as Abraham and Sarah founded the Jewish nation through the very slow, methodical practice of teaching individuals the concept of monotheism, so too is the Jewish community teaching a new generation what it means to be Jewish. Hopefully, the window of opportunity will stay open, because there’s tremendous thirst.”