Archives in October 2011

In news just out of the Slingshot Fund's New York offices: Gateways: Access to Jewish Education has been named as one of the nation's 50 most innovative Jewish nonprofits in Slingshot '11-'12, a resource guide to the most creative and resourceful organizations on the Jewish scene today.

What's more, Gateways is one of only a small number of organizations dedicated to inclusion of people with disabilities to ever be listed in Slingshot's resource guide. Gateways is dedicated to the proposition that every child deserves access to a Jewish education and has created a comprehensive regional model to deliver innovative and inclusive Jewish educational programs and supports in multiple settings for students with a wide range of learning styles.

Slingshot, which is run by a team of "Next Gen" Jewish funders, puts out its resource guide annually. It's increasingly used by philanthropists, volunteers, not-for-profit executives and program participants to identify thought leaders and trailblazing organizations grappling with concerns in Jewish life such as identity, community, and tradition. Gateways was chosen for the fifth consecutive year by a panel of 36 young foundation professionals from across North America.

"All of us here at Gateways are delighted by Slingshot's continuing support of everything Gateways is doing to include all of our children and all of our families in Jewish life, the Jewish community and the Jewish future," says Gateways Executive Director Arlene Remz. "And since Slingshot expresses the vision and commitment of the visionary young philanthropists who form the core of tomorrow's Jewish communal leaders, we consider their continued vote of confidence to be a healthy sign for the future of both Gateways and the children with a wide range of learning needs whom we are privileged to serve."

Gateways mourns the loss of our dear friend and supporter, Mort Ruderman, who passed away on Erev Sukkot, October 12, 2011. Mort's passion for creating access to Jewish education for children with special needs personifies his commitment to inclusion and tikkun olam. His family's ongoing support of Gateways continues his legacy and honors his memory.

In November 2009 Gateways honored Mort, Marcia, and the Ruderman family for their unwavering dedication to Gateways at our annual Sweet Sounds event. Click here to watch the tribute video, in which Mort speaks about Gateways' mission, and why he cares so deeply about Jewish education for children with disabilities. Click here to view the Tribute Book from this event in honor of the Ruderman Family.

We are honored that the Ruderman Family has chosen Gateways to be the recipient of donations in Mort's memory. Click here to make a donation. Gateways will send acknowledgement of all contributions to the Ruderman family.

Obituary:

Morton E. Ruderman, of Boca Raton, FL, who co-founded global health care technology firm MEDITECH, and who later became one of the Jewish community’s leading philanthropists, passed away Wednesday at age 75 after a lengthy illness. His charitable endeavors included the endowment of a Jewish Studies chair at Northeastern University and the creation of the Ruderman Family Foundation, which is focused on the issues of disability and continuity in the Jewish community.

Mort, as he was known by many, was born and raised in Malden and graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in electrical engineering.  After service in the Army as a second lieutenant, he became Digital Equipment Corporation’s first ever medical technology salesperson.  He founded MEDITECH with three other partners in 1969, and the company went on to enormous success.  Mort later founded Cres Development Company, a real estate development firm, and several other companies.  Mort became a mentor to many young business people, using his wisdom to help them launch their own ventures.  He viewed as his greatest achievement, however, the work he did to give back to a Jewish community that he believed gave him so much.

Philanthropy became his focus in his later years, as he and his wife Marcia, supported many causes in the community, particularly in organizations that helped people with disabilities and those less fortunate in society.  Their creation of the Ruderman Family Foundation provided a means to focus their philanthropy on innovative, new approaches to enabling Jewish people with disabilities to realize full inclusion in their community.

He leaves three children and ten grandchildren.  A funeral service was held in the Boston area Sunday, October 16.  The family will sit shiva beginning Saturday evening, Oct. 22, through Oct. 28. Donations may be made to the Alpha-1 Association and Gateways: Access to Jewish Education.

Click here to make a donation to Gateways in memory of Mort Ruderman.