Tzedakah Reports MessorahDC

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MessorahDC

This profile: Basic Information Activities Governance and staffing Finances

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Basic Information

10717 Meadowhill Rd.
Silver Spring, MD 20902
Telephone and fax (301) 681-1646
E-mail: info@mesorahdc.org
Internet: http://www.mesorahdc.org

MesorahDC was founded in 2003.
MISSION STATEMENT

The vision and goal of Mesorah DC is to provide adult Jewish education opportunities for the very many unaffiliated Jews on college campuses as well as the young single professionals in the greater Washington, DC area. These opportunities are provided through classes, informal discussion groups and Shabbat experiences.

OBSERVANCE
MesorahDC observes Shabbat and Kashrut.
ENDORSEMENTS, SUPPORTERS, AND AWARDS

MesorahDC has been endorsed by Rav Aharon Lopiansky, dean of the Yeshiva of Greater Washington. In 2006, the organization received grants from Meor Maimonides Leadership Program, Torah Umesorah and the United Jewish Endowment Fund.

Activities

Weekly classes

Jewish Ethics in the Modern World Lunch N' Learn Rabbi Yosef Edelstein leads a discussion of modern controversies and dilemmas from the perspective of traditional Jewish ethics. Topics range from medical issues to personal and business interactions. Insights into the Weekly Torah Reading Rabbi Zvi Teitelbaum explores through the Midrash (Oral Tradition), fundamental concepts of the Torah--focusing on the weekly Torah reading, as well as prayer and/or Jewish holiday rituals. Outlooks in Jewish Widsom and Ethics (Pirkei Avos) Rabbi Teitelbaum guides students through basic Jewish concepts, ethics and philosophy through the study of Torah and its commentary. Oral tradition, historical background and storytelling are used to enliven the text. The goal of both classes is to provoke thinking and discussion, and help the participants develop a deeper sense of their own Jewish identity. Cafe Nite A five-week session of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes each session that covers Basic Jewish concepts, a crash course in Hebrew reading, a mentored program which explores various Judaic topics, as well as discussions on negotiating relationships, work and society. MesorahDC Jewish Think Tank: One-on-one study program with MesorahDC study partners. Participants choose the topics they want to explore. Illustrative topics include: business ethics, medical ethics, personal self development, philosophy, history, world of Jewish prayer, tutorial in Hebrew, Talmud, Chumash (Bible). Over 50 individuals participate in the weekly programs

University Programs:

American University and Georgetown University
Dinner and Deep Jewish Stuff: A weekly interactive discussion focusing on deep concepts in Jewish Ethics, Law, Philosophy and Mysticism. Dinner is included.

George Washington University
Rosh Hashanah Traditional explanatory service with short insights on the prayers. The Buzz! Students pick Jewish topics of their choice to discuss with Mesorah representatives. The program is available to small groups or single individuals. GW Jewish Leadership Fellowship A 10-week seminar that examins the basics of Jewish life and effective Jewish leadership. Discussion covers the basic values and concepts of Jewish thought and practice, including relationships, basic Judaism, effective leadership and modern business ethics. The seminar includes one group Shabbaton. There is a stipend of $200 for those who are accepted into the program, to be used for continued Jewish enrichment (i.e. trip to Israel or other outings, book purchase, etc.) An interview is required. Approximately 25 students (undergraduate and graduate) typically enroll in the fellowship. myISRAEL An array of topics on Israel is discussed weekly with MesorahDC leaders. Topics include such areas as politics, economy, religion, entertainment, the military, and language. There is an application and interview process for this seminar. Those who complete the program receive a trip to Israel with MEOR Israel for $99 or a $100 stipend. (Jointly with George Washington University and the Student Alliance For Israel) Experience Shabbat Program includes a Shabbat meal and discussion. It is held every Friday Night. Book a Rabbi! MesorahDC representatives are available to spend 30 minutes during the day discussing particpant's Jewish interests. Experience Israel Subsidized trips to Israel over the winter and summer breaks. The cost of the trip to GW students is $499, all inclusive.

Governance and Staffing CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Rabbi Zvi Teitelbaum, Director
Rabbi Teitelbaum has lectured at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, at private homes in the Washington metropolan area and at George Washington University, the University of Maryland, and Georgetown University. He has been guest lecturer at the Smithsonian Institution and the Avi Chai Foundation.

BOARD AND OFFICERS
Board Policies and Practices

Policy/Practice

Comment

Meeting frequency and attendance
The board meets one each year. A majority was present at the most recent annual meeting.

CEO evaluation and compensation
No information was provided regarding CEO performance evaluation or salary review.

Board and employee conflicts of interest
MesoarhDC has no formal policy regarding conflicts of interest

Financial oversight and control
No information was provided.

Program oversight and evaluation
Program attendance and participation are compared to numeric targets.

Board self-evaluation
The board has no formal policy with regard to self-evaluation .

Assurance of compliance with national law
The organization's CEO, Rabbi Teitelbaum, regularly consults with an attorney to assure compliance with US law.

Assurance of compliance with Jewish law
Rav Aharon Lopianski, dean of the Yeshiva of Greater Washington is consulted with regard to questions relating to Jewish Law.

Ethical behavior
Rav Aharon Lopianski provides advice regarding ethical behavior and practices. There are no formal policies with regard to ethical behavior.

Board Membership

Name

Title

Years
on Board

Hours/
week

Rick Zeitelman
Member
4
0

Phillip Cohen
Member
4
0

Dr. Jimmy Mond
Member
4
0

Matt Bernstein
Member
4
0

STAFFING AND SALARY INFORMATION

MesorahDC currently has two full time employees and three part time employees. The highest salary (including benefits) is $85,000; the second highest is $80,550. In 2006, the year on which the financial statments report, MesorahD had no significant payroll.

VOLUNTEERS
A volunteer committee of five young professionals meets bi-monthly; a six-member volunteer development board meets bi-monthly. One volunteer spends three hours per week planning and preparing shabbatonim.

Finances

Summary Financial Statement Year Ended December 31, 2006

(in thousands of dollars)

REVENUES

Public support 272

TOTAL REVENUES 273*

EXPENSES AND CHANGE IN NET ASSETS

Total
Program
services
Mgt. &
general
Fund-
raising

Salaries and benefits 6 6 0 0

Travel 14 14 0 0

Conferences, conventions, and meetings 84 84 0 0

Consulting 89 89 0 0

Printing, office supplies, postage, telephone 4 4 0 0

Equipment rental and maintenance 3 3 0 0

Website 2 2 0 0

TOTAL EXPENDITURES 202 202 0 0

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS 70

NET ASSETS

Net assets 96

* Includes less than $500 in investment income 96

OUTSIDE ACCOUNTING OVERSIGHT/REVIEW

טבת תשס"ח January 2008
� Tzedakah, Inc. 1999-2008

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