Moving forward with Joy!

I’m excited about a couple of upcoming events. I am producing the Merkaz Ha’Torah Kollel banquet on January 6, 2010, and the premier L.A. introduction of Ma’aleh Film School of Jerusalem.

First, I’m in the final stages of producing a video for the Kollel event. Sunday is our final day of shooting. I hope to capture the extraordinary excitement and energy generated by profound Torah study.

Next, I’m working with the principles of Ma’aleh Film School of Jerusalem to introduce this unique institution to Los Angeles. They are dedicated to debating 21st century issues of Jewish and Israeli identity on screen. This premier fund-raising event will take place on February 11, 2010. Please contact me for more information regarding either event. 

Brainstorming

A client came to me and said he had a theme for an event, but no honoree. A theme is flat. For example, “An Evening of Inspiration and Innovation”. What do you do with that? How do make that exciting? How do you spin that to make it compelling? You begin brainstorming.

There is an important concept regarding brainstorming that I picked up in my advertising days: no idea is off the table. There could be a gem hidden in an off-handed comment that might seems totally unrelated, but don’t discount it.

So, my client thought he had very clear idea about what he wanted to accomplish before our brainstorming session. However, after our exchange of ideas, he realized that his ideas would not accomplish his goals.

Look at what is going on in the world in general and what is happening in your specific community. How does it relate to your cause? That’s how your find your message.

I’m back!

I had a wonderful experience at the Aish Partners Conference.  It was inspirational and a lot of fun.  I loved being surrounded by those who are motivated to take responsibility for the world and want to make a difference for the Jewish people.  No matter who you are or where you live, you were able to gain from the wisdom and experience of the presenters.   The theme of the conference was “Light unto the Nations: Fulfilling Our Mission.”  Each one of us taking personal responsibility for our own corners of the world and being a Kiddush Hashem.

I felt very good about my small contribution to the conference.  My session “Taking your (fund-raising) events from OK to Awesome” was very well received and seemed to empower and inspire those who attended.

Press arrow to play an mp3 from my session

Here are a few of my photos: