WHO WE ARE
The Organization for Jewish Friendship (OJF) is an organization that helps synagogues across the country increase friendship and community among older adults (55+).
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OUR MISSION
The Organization for Jewish Friendship’s mission is to promote friendship in synagogues across the country. We believe that the Synagogue is not just a place for prayer, but more so a place to promote friendship and camaraderie. Our goal is to be as inclusive as possible, making sure that active members, inactive members, and others in our community feel welcome and involved.
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THE WHY
The Inspiration for OJF
The inspiration for OJF is based on the common sense idea that we can become happier and healthier through friendship.
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It also comes from one of the first stories in the Torah (Genesis 18: 1-10), the story of Abraham welcoming and caring for the three strangers. This story teaches us about the power of hospitality, friendship, and connection. Because of Abraham's zeal and enthusiasm in caring for the three strangers, God gave Abraham the highest reward, a child. God also broke the laws of nature to give a son to him. Sarah gave birth even though she was 90 years old.
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This story is in Genesis Chapter 18:1-10, and 18 (Chai) is associated with life. When the three strangers appeared at Abraham’s tent, Abraham had to overcome multiple challenges; first, he ignored the pain from his recent circumcision; second, he ignored the discomfort from the beating sun; and third, he ignored the presence of God himself. Yet, God did not protest. How could this be? We learn that God prefers us taking care of other human beings more than praying to him. God prefers that we imitate him rather than pray to him. But prayer is still important.
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OJF was founded in this spirit. With our goal of increasing hospitality, friendship, and connection within the Jewish community, we hope that God will create positive outcomes for us in our lives.
Director
Bruce Newman, MD
Bruce and his late wife, Rose, were born in 1954 to Holocaust Survivors and both grew up in the Chicago area. Bruce, a pathologist by training, specialized in Transfusion Medicine and practiced in Chicago and then Metropolitan Detroit, serving as the Medical Director of the American Red Cross Blood Services for over two decades. Rose was an Occupational Therapist and homemaker and passed away in 2022 after a ten year battle with cancer. They moved to Stamford, CT, in 2015 to be closer to their children. Both Bruce and Rose have spent decades volunteering their time for the Jewish community, serving as Shul board members, Shul President, facility manager, running blood drives, and staying active on the PTA.
The Organization for Jewish Friendship is an important organization today. Treating others with kindness, hospitality, and compassion causes God to create positive outcomes in our lives.
Membership & Fees
Honorary Member — Any person who agrees with our philosophy is an honorary member.
Active Member — Any person who actively participates or promotes friendship in their Synagogue is an active member.
Fees — There are no fees for membership. :)