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Peace of Mind Program,
Miami
The Peace of Mind Program was initiated by Targum Shlishi
and implemented by the Shul of Bal Harbour. It has met
with great success and is now being promoted across
the US and Canada in an effort to encourage other communities
to implement similar programs.
 This
unique free-loan program for educators exists to provide
some measure of financial relief to teachers and operates
on a no-questions-asked policy. The program provides
funds to teachers in Jewish day schools of all denominations.
To date, funds have been used for purposes ranging from
summer camp to emergency medical treatment to down payments
on cars. In the program’s first three years, 38
loans have been provided to teachers from 11 different
schools. There are no interest charges associated with
these loans.
“There are times when, financially
speaking, situations can become quite difficult on a
teacher’s salary,” wrote a teacher at Miami’s
Hebrew Academy who received a loan through the program.
“Such an occasion arose for my family. I was able
to borrow…$4,000, and this helped us out tremendously.”
“This is not a new concept in Judaism—it
is part of the Jewish tradition,” explained Miriam
Gitman, special projects coordinator for the Shul of
Bal Harbour. However, the program is unique in the area
in its focus on helping educators in Jewish day schools
and in its no-questions-asked policy. Many of the communities
that have received information on the Peace of Mind
program have responded with interest. “We have
been receiving phone calls from different parts of the
country,” Gitman said. “People are talking
about it.” www.theshul.org
Central
Agency for Jewish Education, CAJE 100 Supporter, Miami
 From
early childhood programs to adult education opportunities,
such as courses and an annual film festival, the Central
Agency for Jewish Education (CAJE) is dedicated to improving
the quality of Jewish education in order to create a
knowledgeable community of Jews with an appreciation
of Jewish heritage. CAJE works with individuals and
organizations—including day schools, synagogues,
and community agencies—to support the development,
implementation, and coordination of Jewish education
programs. It is currently concentrating its efforts
on teacher training, expanding its services, and creating
a distance learning program. Targum Shlishi has donated
funding for general support of CAJE’s initiatives.
www.caje-miami.org
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