I have four requests to consider: 

1. Please increase your Ahavas Yisrael - i.e. loving every Jew. Making sure that we connect with every single Jew, whether we agree with them politically or not. Especially in Israel, the unity has been beautiful - it must continue.I would love to see your gifts to me pledged here: https://onemitzvah.org/menachem-schmidt-birthday

2. Adding in Mitzvos. If you don't light Shabbos candles, please light them. If you do light Shabbos candles encourage someone else to do it. If you don't have tefillin I will be happy to sponsor a pair for you. I will get you a mezuzah. These are really important mitzvos. I would love to see your gifts to me pledged here: https://onemitzvah.org/menachem-schmidt-birthday

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There are two projects that are very, very important to me, and I could use your help, if you can help me with either of these, please email me back, I need help with both.

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3. The messaging about Israel: everyone has been working on messaging for Israel but it is not getting out there. Our enemies can communicate an effective message in 10 seconds….three words and a slogan.

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I do NOT want to develop new messaging but I want to bring together groups of people (especially college students) ASAP to work with “pros” to vet what is out there and find what appeals to them. Then, and most importantly,  they will reach out to everyone they know and these people will reach out to everyone they know.....and etc. etc. to create a channel of communication. Influencers are not the answer and will jump on the bandwagon once this gets momentum. At least a million people are looking for positive things to do to support Israel. Going to Israel is an option. But a better and more effective option is to push out a unified message right now and create a powerful channel of communication for the future. If you can help, please email me at: menschmidt@gmail.com

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     4. The IJSS project: https://www.ijss.org/

Many things need to be done in the University arena. While crucial work is being done to prevent antisemitic incidents, hate cannot be legislated away. We need a long-term plan. 

It is a large budget. I am looking for people to partner in funding. If you have practical ideas or can make any introductions, this, to me, is absolutely crucial.

Please contact me for any more information, I really need help here. 

If you can help, please email me at: menschmidt@gmail.com

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What is IJSS? Universities are about ideas. In addition to conversations about policies and accountability, it is vital that we articulate positive and compelling Jewish ideas as a response to increasing hostility. That is why IJSS is building a multidisciplinary community of scholars at universities across the country drawing upon profound Jewish texts in their scholarship and teaching. They are transforming how their students and colleagues perceive Jews and Judaism.

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IJSS works to build bridges, connecting a diverse population with the depth of classical Jewish texts and leveraging the power of Judaism’s spiritual tradition to address a range of pressing social issues. Through multiple channels of engagement, IJSS is growing a community of academics, activists, students, and other stakeholders who are ready to push beyond political, cultural, and disciplinary boundaries in pursuit of knowledge and a better world. 

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IJSS has published four books and hosted eleven academic conferences to date, reaching beyond and working within the walls of the academy.  

We are seeking to significantly expand our team of faculty partners to 100 IJSS Faculty Fellows annually. Judaism's impact on world society is huge and has been immensely positive and the world needs help.

This program will also increase the impact that Jewish ideas have on academic discourse in universities in general. It will also increase respect for Judaism and contribute to a healthier academic culture.