JNF shaliach says farewell

Micky Goldwein

At the home of Robert and Susan Hector on Thursday, Aug. 23, the executive and board of Jewish National Fund, Pacific Region, held a gathering for departing shaliach (emissary) Micky Goldwein and his wife, Lili. At the event, Micky Goldwein gave the following remarks, which are printed with permission.

Shalom, friends. My third year as the JNF shaliach turned out to become the most meaningful, challenging, diverse and interesting year.

The title, Jerusalem emissary, is the essence of all. The main task for JNF Israeli emissaries, apart from raising money, is to bring the smell, the taste, the land and the people of Israel as close as possible to the hearts of the people in Diaspora communities. Lili and I feel that we have become part and parcel of this community. You, friends, have made Vancouver our second home, not only for the time being, but also for years to come. You, friends, are also responsible for making my shlichut the peak of my work experiences.

This past year, our efforts have been focused on the Negev. The Arava, which is part of the Negev, is a unique and mostly deserted area, with only 3,000 pioneers living there. Before and during Tu b’Shevat, most of the regions in Canada promoted the Adopt-an-Acacia project, which turned out to be very successful.

Our next encounter with the Arava took place during the JNF Negev event on May 31. Dennis Prager played a significant role in drawing 500 people to this evening at Schara Tzedeck Synagogue. We were able to highlight JNF’s image in the community, as well as raise significant funds to enable the construction of the Arava Peace Route.

A week ago, JNF Young Professionals Network celebrated its third Summer Sail, with 75 people on board. This was a most remarkable and successful three-hour cruise that included wine and a kosher dinner. The group’s impact on our community is becoming more significant, as highlighted by the fact that two members of the YPN core committee have joined our board. The YPN recently adopted its first project in Israel, the Gilboa Mountain Bike Trail.

British Columbia is a huge kingdom; I tried to conquer all of it but probably missed that mark. I can say, however, that I have built on the work of my predecessors and ensured that the Israeli and JNF flags remain as high as possible.

I feel it is appropriate at this time to mention the loss of Mel Kotler, a dear friend and a leader who played a significant roll in B.C. Jewish life, particularly in Kelowna. Mel’s impact was felt in Vancouver and, actually, wherever he was present. For us, the shlichim, Mel was like a father. May his memory be for a blessing.

A few anecdotes regarding experiences that Lili and I have shared, and that will remain with us for many years.

You know that we Jews, since the days of Avraham Avinu, tend to migrate. We just like to travel. So, one day at Beth Hamidrash Synagogue, I got to know an old guy called Abraham. I started to chat with him; he was so friendly, telling me that he only visits Vancouver and our shul through the Jewish holidays. So, my next question was, “Where do you live?” Abraham’s answer was, “I reside on a kibbutz near Logan Lake.” I became very curious, never having heard about this “loch,” and what did he mean by kibbutz?

Abraham invited Lili and me to visit him and to spend some time at Kibbutz Logan, 40 kilometres north of Merritt. Abraham, a retired/active lawyer, left Vancouver 10 years ago with his old RV and two dogs, heading to Alaska. He drove some 300 kilometres and, when the sun set, he prepared for a night’s stay. It was a bright, romantic night and, apart from dogs barking, you could only hear the wind’s whistle. Lying on the lawn, our Abraham, like Avraham from Choran, saw millions of stars. He was much inspired by the tranquility and the peaceful surroundings, which led him to decide that Logan Lake is like ... Alaska. Who needs to shlep the whole way, so this became his home.

Soon after, at the age of 80, he opened his new law practice in Merritt, and became very active. We stayed overnight in his kibbutz. He provided us with kosher food, and offered his ancient RV to become our hotel for that night. So, yes, in the olden days, the chalutzim used to live in tents and mobile homes, that’s why it’s called, kibbutz.

Have you ever experienced a celebration of Sukkot in a Gospel church? We did.

Last Sukkot – actually, the eighth day, which isn’t a holy day for Israelis – I was invited to speak at a church in Burnaby run by a pastor who visits the JNF office twice a year. Each visit turns out to be a festival, as he and his team provide us with heavy Blue Boxes, sweets, halva and more. The church was packed, about 100 people, 50 percent of them young Asians (many of whom have visited Israel), a band on the stage and a small sukkah next to the stage. The fascinating program included the pastor’s “drasha,” in which he preached for the support of Israel. A film about Israel was screened, the band played Hatikvah, people were dancing and others were waving huge Israeli flags.

Three years in British Columbia – each day was different and almost nothing was routine. My activities included meetings with people, planning different events, visiting remote Jewish communities and initiating new enterprises. True, on many occasions, we struggled to get more people to participate. “You should know, Micky,” Sidney and Liisa used to tell me, “it’s the West Coast, it’s Vancouver, everybody waits until the last moment.”

When Lenny Smith calls the office telling us about his intention to come and empty Blue Boxes, I know I have to escape. Lenny’s job is to make much noise. Very efficient and organized, always with a big smile, he also knows that, once he gets here and before I leave, he will receive a good coffee and sometimes a cookie as well.

Sanford Cohen’s responsibility is to make sure that Lenny will stay busy. Sanford’s mission is to ensure that everybody he meets will have a Blue Box.

Sara Ciacci likes her duties. Her office at home is a round dining room table, next to the kitchen, so that fresh home-baked cookies can be easily delivered. Sara’s dream is to have the Chadashot newsletter printed four times a year. No one can compete with her energy, young spirit, motivation, professionalism and dedication.

Thank you, dear volunteers. Please never say “no” when you are called. Remember the formula: to get one volunteer, the poor shaliach needs to make 10 calls, so don’t turn him down!

SiLiJo (Sidney, Liisa, Jodi) is the key to having JNF’s various operations run smoothly.

Sidney’s agenda, from the time she enters the office at 7 a.m., is very hectic. She prints tree cards, corrects appeal letters, receives donations, deposits cheques, busy, busy. Always with a big smile and much relaxed and ... she never complains.

Liisa will never enter the office without a coffee in one hand and a muffin in the other. Liisa is very helpful with all computer stuff. Her favorite is our YPN group, where she deals with the suppliers, she organizes our events and she chases our group members to show up. Did you know that she recently went through a most-challenging diving course in the Caribbean, run by retired Navy Seals?

Jodi is a hard-working lady – give her a mission and you are assured that she will not give up before finishing it.

SiLiJo are not only professional and dedicated, they are the backbone of all our missions. They are JNF’s insurance policy that the Negev Dinner, the Tu b’Shevat campaign ... and other operations will end up with few faults and much success. SiLiJo, thanks so much for your hospitality during the last 1,200 days, for your cooperation, for bearing with my “meshugas,” and for creating such a great and warm atmosphere in the office.

Thanks to Barbi Braude, our graphic designer, for her imagination, creativity and enthusiasm.

Lili and I live on a moshava called Yokneam, a village which was founded in 1935 on the eastern slopes of Mount Carmel. Our synagogue accommodates 200 people on Yom Kippur, on Shabbat we get 25-30 people and we do have a daily morning minyan. So, what’s wrong? Nothing. Just a tiny fact – no rabbi. In Israel, I will meet a rabbi at a wedding or, God forbid, at a funeral. In Vancouver, without making any effort and, with the greatest pleasure, I meet with Rabbi Acoca on a daily basis, plus a few more rabbis as part of a shiur, or just ... having a cup of coffee together. I will sure miss you dear rabbis.

Ilene-Jo, our president, is a hard worker. She is not only dedicated and devoted to Israel and to JNF, she is caring, she is sensitive and pragmatic. We are blessed with a leader who has a daily involvement in JNF’s work. Ilene-Jo is strong-minded and, at the same time, flexible and always listening. It is a great pleasure to work alongside you, having your full co-operation.

I have had the privilege to work alongside many experienced veteran board members. They were always ready to share their knowledge and contribute their time. It is very encouraging that three new young members joined our board last year. Thank you so much Ilene-Jo and board members.

Three years enables a “stranger” to integrate well into a community. This means making friends, experiencing the politics involved, recognizing the leading forces and identifying your competitors. JNF tries to avoid conflicts with other Jewish organizations, mainly by branding ourselves as the leading body and most influential one that connects our community to Israel.

Lili and I are leaving with mixed feelings. We have a great desire to stay longer, to implement more challenges within our community. On the other hand, we realize that our growing family misses us so much, and this is obviously mutual. We are thrilled to be returning home and to renew the sense of homeland, with what it all represents.

In Vancouver, Lili and I experienced a much-delayed three-year “honeymoon.” With her limited vision, Lili pointed out many highlights of Vancouver and its surroundings. She managed to experience many of them. Lili took the full advantage of living in a big city. By using her new Vancouver friend, “Nachik the Cane,” plus her bravery and other skills, she was able to explore the nicest spots of the city. She even wrote a tour guide named Vancouver for the Disabled.

Lili, with her profound insights, was a big help in our operations and her support contributed much to all our campaigns.

I know we are leaving behind a thriving and vibrant Zionist community. This has to be well maintained and nurtured in order to prevail against the enormous challenges that world Jewry faces and will be facing in the future. Belonging to Jewish organizations and participating in their work and good deeds will ensure our strength and existence. Rabbi Tarfon taught us in Avot 2:21, “You are not obliged to finish the task, neither are you free to neglect it.” Jewish-Zionist education is one of the top issues of the community agenda. I think that both JNF and Federation should invest more resources and efforts in the educational system.

I would like to thank Susan and Rob Hector for hosting this party tonight. Sue, JNF past president, and I worked alongside each other for two years, enjoying achievements such as the Restorer of Jerusalem campaign, the Carmel Forest Emergency campaign and the Cohen family Negev Dinner. Thank you, Sue, for your leadership.

I would like to encourage you, dear friends, to continue your involvement in JNF and our community and to visit Israel as much as you can. While you’re there, please don’t ignore us. Our home and guesthouse will be waiting for you.

Thank you all for coming here tonight to share a memorable evening together. Thank you for your warm hospitality, friendship and involvement.

I would like to wish all of us shana tova. Let’s pray for a peaceful year, for the unity of world Jewry and for a strong Israel. A happy and healthy year. L’hitraot.

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