Community Corner
Phyllis Bernstein: "Israel Bedouin -- The Changing Landscape"
As a member of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ,
Phyllis Bernstein has met representatives of Bedouin communities living in
Israel’s Negev region. She has learned firsthand about the dilemmas facing this
population, many of whom are still nomadic and many of whom live in settlements
the Israeli government doesn’t recognize and therefore won’t provide with basic
amenities. Some financial support is given, and there are attempts underway to
improve the living conditions of the Bedouin communities, but in so many ways
there are great gaps and conflicts between their treatment as compared to the
Jewish Israelis.
Bernstein was a CPA/Personal Financial Specialist for many years
and now makes art from her heart. She paints in oil, acrylic,and mixed media,
and makes jewelry. She serves on the board of the NJ Jewish News and the Jewish
Federation of Greater Metrowest NJ, where she serves as co-chair of the Arab
Citizens of Israel Study Group. Bernstein actively serves on the Inter-agency
Task Force for Israeli Arab Issues and the Jewish Federation of North America’s
Social Venture Fund for Jewish Arab Equality and Shared Society.
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The
Ethical Culture Society of Essex County is a progressive non-theist religion
dedicated to living ethically in a complex world. Founded in l876 and
established in Maplewood in l945, over the years the ethical culture movement
(known as The American Ethical Union) has been instrumental in launching Planned
Parenthood, the NAACP, Visiting Nurses, New York Settlement House,
Fieldston School, and National Ethical Service at the UN. The Society began a
long-running Ethics for Children program and most recently, Time Essex Exchange
(a time bank facilitating the exchange of services) among other initiatives.
The Maplewood Society was the first peace site in the country. Its motto is: to
act so as to bring out the best in ourselves by bringing out the best in
others.
Contact
information: 973-763-1905; www.essexethical.org. Join us for weekly programs,
discussions, and fellowship Sundays at 11 am. All are welcome.
