The UJA-Federation recently held their 20th annual fund-raising event at their Syosset location. Super Sunday, which occurs one week after Super Bowl Sunday, is a time when approximately 200 volunteers reach out to the community through a telethon to obtain renewed donations that help people on Long Island, in New York and in communities around the world. This year the event raised $561,550 on Long Island.

"The UJA-Federation is the contemporary manifestation of our ancient tradition of caring for one another," said UJA President James S. Tisch. "It is the embodiment and expression of our Jewish commitment to work to improve the world we live in."

The UJA-Federation is one of the largest local philanthropic organizations in the world and a major source of private funding for social services. Its various campaigns and income initiatives raise more than $250 million annually for human services, cultural and educational programs. On Long Island alone, approximately $18 million is raised annually.

"I am delighted to be a part of this effort. It is a privilege for me to be a part of a community that is carrying on our tradition, working to make the world a more just and kind place for us all," said Tisch.

During Super Sunday, volunteers call those who have made contributions to UJA in the past, as well as calling people who have not, explaining the UJA-Federation's mission.

"Today is a very special day where we have many Jews from all over the Metropolitan area getting together to raise money for a very worthwhile cause and eventually help those who are in great need," said Gary Reback, director of the Long Island Division for the UJA-Federation. "The community likes it. Not just the Jewish community but the community in general."

The UJA's mission is divided into three categories. "First is to rescue Jews in need," said Arthur Katz, chairman of the Long Island Cabinet of the federation. "People do not realize that in 1999 over 60,000 Jews immigrated from the former Soviet Union to Israel and to the United States and the money that we raised here paid for their transportation, their housing for the first year, food and vocational training so they can integrate into society," said Katz.

"Second is to improve the quality of life for Jews and non-Jews as well," said Katz. "We don't ask the religious affiliation of people we meet, but rather do you need help." UJA is one of the largest [financial contributors] of AIDS care and breast cancer awareness programs for people of all religious affiliations.

"The third part of our mission is Jewish education and making sure that Jews continue to live Jewish lives," said Katz.

Among the many volunteers present were Matt and Bernice Weisman, Jericho residents, who were busy answering phones and taking donations. They have been involved with the UJA-Federation for several years.

"I am here because I feel that UJA is contributing not only to world Jewry, but also to the world's population and doing the right thing," said Bernice. "We are all volunteers here and I wish that I could do more."

The Weismans shared a touching story about a man they encountered while recently vacationing in Palm Beach, Fla. They both took turns telling the story as they were very choked up. Unfortunately, the Weismans were unable to remember the man's name.

"A rabbi, who is the only rabbi in America, as far as we know, that came out of a Russian prison, spoke to a group of people in Florida," said Matt.

The rabbi, who is about 45 years old, was in prison with a group of other prisoners. At this time, he was not a rabbi, and although he knew that he was Jewish, he was not very religious. While in prison, he encountered a prisoner who was not Jewish, the Weismans explained.

The non-Jewish prisoner said to the rabbi, "You're Jewish - you are lucky."

"Why?" the rabbi responded.

"You are lucky because you are going to get out," responded the non-Jew.

"How do you know that I am going to get out?," the rabbi asked.

"Because the Jews are going to make sure that you get out," said the man. "They are going to make sure that they are powerful and that you get out... Nobody is organizing anything to get anybody out of prison, but the Jews are going to make their voices heard and you are going to leave prison."

The Weismans explained that the rabbi did get out and came to the United States. He is a rabbi now because of this reconnection experience and he preaches all over the country.

"Listening to him speak was unbelievable," said Bernice. "He is an inspiration to us all."