Discussed economic development and jobs over breakfast with Lake County Board Member (and former Chairman) David Stolman
My Thoughts on Charity
Did you hear the public debate that was raging in recent months about the presidential elections? Before folding to pressure from the media and the other candidates at the debates, Mitt Romney was arguing that he should not have to release his tax returns so early in the Republican primary. Governor Romney ended up releasing the returns, and aside for the revelation about his business ventures, a lot of information about his charitable giving (average of 14% of his annual income) was disclosed. Other public officials’ returns indicated a much lower (sometimes even NO) level of charitable contributions.
The Christian Science Monitor ran an interesting article that indicates the typical American gives between 2 and 3 % of their earnings to charity. I don’t believe that that it would be right to generalize and say a certain amount or percentage is the ethical or moral obligation to give, as this is something very sensitive to a family’s earnings and other obligations. The Torah legislated that Jews give 10 percent of their earnings to the poor every third year (Deuteronomy 26:12), and an additional percentage of their income annually (Leviticus 19:910). Hundreds of order cialis years later, after the Temple was destroyed and the annual tithe levied upon each Jew for the support of the priests and Levites was suspended, the Talmud ordered that Jews were to give at least 10 percent of their annual net earnings to tzedaka (Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, “Laws Concerning Gifts for the Poor,” 7:5).
In recent tough economic times, hardest hit are charitable causes and the needy who desperately rely on the services they offer. Of course, this comes at a time when these charitable organizations have to identify ways to expand their services to accommodate a sadly growing clientele. A recent study found that American Jews are coming up short on charitable giving,
Everyone has a cause or way they can support local organizations. I will let others debate the future of philanthropy, but I do think everyone can give 10% of their earnings or help in some other form of charity. As I wrote in a recent blog entry, the highest form of charity is helping one’s fellow earn their own livelihood.
As always, we want to hear about your story, feedback, inspiration, and other comments. If you’d like to be featured in an upcoming issue of Jewish Business News, contact Editor Mira Temkin at editor@thejewishbusiness.com.
Backing Up Your Files with Michael Wozny
Special Speed Networking Event Alert – Chicago – THIS Thursday!
| SPECIAL EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT | ||
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PRESENTS
Speed Networking For Chicago’s Business Professionals
Thursday, July 25’th, 2013 Willis Tower (Sears Tower) – 66th Floor Chicago, IL 60606 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm $35 – Includes drink ticket and appetizers.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, JULY 19’TH, 2013
The value of just one connection can lead to numerous opportunities, imagine if you had 10 new and targeted connections…and better yet, you have the opportunity to pre-select the types of people you want to meet!
SEATS ARE LIMITED Don’t delay and make your reservation and selections today and start creating new opportunities for you and your business.
ADVANTAGES
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| SPEED NETWORKING MYTHS |
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Myth: Speed Networking events are for young professionals only.
Reality: Facebook was supposed to only be for college kids….right….SpeedNetworki
Myth: Speed Networking events are for sales people only. Myth: You can’t build a relationship in 5 minutes. |
JB2B HOP 2 Networkers
As there have been numerous requests, Jewish B2B is organizing a smaller, inclusive networking group to assist and encourage businesses to support, share ideas and grow together as they search for and market directly to consumers. The JB2B HOP 2 Networkers will be meeting on a monthly basis. Our networking group is designed for the business professional catering to the consumer market. Please note that our networking group is designed by invitation only and as we start the group, we are limiting participation to one participant each of their respected field only.
The mission of The JB2B HOP 2 Networkers is to help promote our businesses throughout our individual networks. As with any relationship, we meet, get to know each other and feel confident in recommending each other’s products & services. As is Aesop’s fable of The Tortoise and the Hare, our goal is to build long term relationships over time with trust, commitment and integrity. We all strive for business today and sales tomorrow, but the foundation of friendship is built on the layers of time.
The inaugural meeting will be Thursday August 1, 2013 from 7:30 – 9:00am. The meeting will be held is Skokie.
Please email/ RSVP your request to join to by Friday July 26, 2013:
Steven Schwartz – SMSchwartz@AAAChicago.com
You will receive a return email with greater details.
Join Me As I Facilitate This Networking Reception for Devon Businesses
Networking Reception for West Devon Merchants
Come and meet your fellow business people on West Devon (California to Kedzie).
Find out what’s happening in the neighborhood…let’s work together to upgrade our street!
ALL businesses are invited!
When: Tuesday, July 30th, 2013
8:00 – 8:45 AM
Where: Ted’s Fresh Market
2840 West Devon
Sponsored by the West Rogers Park Jewish Community Council
Ever wanted to learn how to use Microsoft Excel for your small business or job search?
Software 101: Microsoft Excel
Wednesday, July 17, 2013 – 5:00pm – 6:30pm
4959 Dempster Street (behind Starbucks)
Skokie, IL 60077
The use of software and technology in our fast paced business world is no longer optional. If you are looking to stay ahead, and be advanced in your field – you will benefit from the Jewish B2B Networking “Software 101” courses. These 2 hour FREE intensive workshops are intended for either business networkers or job seekers that are looking to learn the basic skills of the software.
Be sure to come prepared to take notes, and follow-up on the many skills, tips, and tricks that will be presented. Our talk will focus on the functions of the software and ways to use it effectively. Most of the advice given is not effected by which version of the product being used.
The monthly series will rotate between topics of Microsoft Excel, Word, Powerpoint, QuickBooks, and WordPress.
Register for this FREE class at: http://www.jewishb2bnetworking.com/business-event/software-101-microsoft-excel-1
Join Keshet for a night of fun, snow cones, and retro video games!
On Thursday, August 1st, Keshet’s Professional Leadership Board invites you to attend a fun-filled evening at HEADQUARTERS Beercade!
This event is a wonderful opportunity to gain a deeper understanding as to why Keshet is so special to so many.
Keshet provides community-based educational, recreational, and vocation programs operating according to traditional Jewish values for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Where:
HEADQUARTERS Beercade
950 W. Wolfram Street
Chicago, IL
(Diversey Brown Line Stop)
21+ only event
Cost: $36 (Includes 2 drink tickets, cotton candy, and snow cones)
If you cannot attend but would like to make a donation, please feel free to do so here: https://www.keshet.org/
*Free vintage video and pinball games
*Cotton candy and snow cones
*Beer and cocktails
(Kosher dietary laws observed)
This event is not tax deductible
Keshet is a partner in serving our community, supported by the JUF/Jewish Federation
Government Resources for Small Business with Dave Davis
Dave Davis, Grant Coordinator & Constituent Advocate at Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s office (IL-9), shares suggestions on government resources for small business owners.