1. Leverage Local Organizations
- Partner with Community Groups: Reach out to shuls, Jewish organizations, Israeli clubs cultural organizations, and schools that may have an interest in supporting Israeli vendors and artists. Offer to provide them with promotional materials (NEED TO PRODUCE) or to give a short presentation about “Shuk to the Core” during one of their meetings or events.
- Collaborate with Businesses: Approach local businesses, especially those that align with the values of “Shuk to the Core” (e.g., artisan shops, cultural cafés, bookstores), and ask if they would be willing to display flyers, posters, or other promotional materials. Some businesses may also be interested in offering discounts or hosting small pop-up events in collaboration with “Shuk to the Core.”
2. Utilize Social Media
- Create Event Pages: Set up dedicated event pages on Facebook and other social media platforms. Invite your friends and community members to join, and encourage them to invite others. Regularly update the event page with news, photos, and reminders to keep interest high.
- Engage with Hashtags: Use and promote specific hashtags like #ShukToTheCore, #SupportIsraeliArtists, and #CommunitySupport. Encourage attendees and supporters to use these hashtags when they share content related to the event.
- Share Personal Stories: Share personal stories or testimonials from past attendees, vendors, or community leaders about the impact of “Shuk to the Core.” These narratives can be powerful tools to engage potential attendees and sponsors. (These can be given by artists from previous shows.)
3. Email Newsletters
- Create a Mailing List: Start or grow a mailing list by offering regular updates on upcoming events, exclusive interviews with vendors, and behind-the-scenes content. You can also collaborate with local organizations to include “Shuk to the Core” announcements in their newsletters.
- Craft Engaging Content: Include compelling subject lines, visually appealing images, and clear calls to action in your newsletters. Highlight the unique aspects of each event and make it easy for recipients to register, donate, or share the information with others.
- Segment Your Audience: If possible, segment your mailing list by interests or geographic location to send more targeted content. For example, people in a specific area could receive detailed information about a nearby event, while others might get general updates.
4. Use Traditional Media
- Press Releases: Write and distribute press releases to local newspapers, radio stations, and online news outlets. Highlight the event’s significance, the story behind “Shuk to the Core,” and any notable features or guests.
- Flyer Distribution: Go old school by distributing flyers and posters in high-traffic areas like community boards, local cafes, libraries, and places of worship. Make sure the flyers are eye-catching, with clear information on the event date, location, and how to get involved.
5. Engage Your Network
- Personal Outreach: Personally reach out to friends, family, and colleagues who might be interested in attending or supporting the event. A direct message or phone call can be more effective than a mass email.
- Word of Mouth: Encourage those already involved to spread the word within their own networks. Provide them with talking points or short blurbs they can easily share in conversations or on social media.
Stuart Katz, PsyD, MPH, MBA, is a distinguished leader and mental health advocate with over 35 years of experience in organizing travel experiences, having journeyed to more than 100 countries. Renowned for his quiet yet effective leadership, Stuart has made significant contributions across both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, consistently guiding by example.
Stuart co-founded the Nafshenu Alenu mental health educational initiative, established in 2022, and currently serves on the Board of Visitors at McLean Hospital, affiliated with Harvard Medical School. He also holds prominent roles as Chairman of the Board for OGEN – Advancement of Mental Health Awareness in Israel, Chairman of Mental Health First Aid Israel, and a partner in the “Deconstructing Stigma” initiative in Israel. Additionally, he is on the Board of Directors of the Religious Conference Management Association and was a co-founder of Yad Chazaka.
With a deep commitment to mental health advocacy, Dr. Katz has counseled over 7,000 individuals and families in crisis across the globe, including in the United States, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Syria, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. He has dedicated more than 900 hours to volunteering on the Crisis Text Line and remains actively involved in global peer support networks, with a particular focus on the African continent.
Stuart is a certified instructor in Mental Health First Aid across various specialties, including workplace mental health, older adults, first responders, higher education, and military veterans and their families. His work in Israel has had a significant impact, where he continues to instruct and expand the reach of Mental Health First Aid.
In addition to his mental health work, Stuart has a long history of leadership within Jewish communities. Before moving to Israel in 2010, he served twice as President of the Young Israel of North Woodmere and for six years as President of the Glenwood synagogue in Hashmonaim. His leadership extends to numerous boards, including the JCRC, Limmud FSU, and Bnei Akiva of the United States and Canada.
When not volunteering around the world—whether providing emotional support to families in Sderot, aiding Syrian refugees, assisting Jews from Uganda, or improving ties between Bangladesh and Israel—Stuart serves as CEO of TAL Tours and Deluxe Kosher Tours. His extensive experience in the travel industry includes his previous roles as Managing Director of Israir Airlines in the United States and President of IsraMedica.
As an author and global speaker, Stuart frequently shares his insights on travel and mental health advocacy, bringing his vast experience to audiences worldwide. His leadership, compassion, and dedication continue to significantly impact many lives, both through his professional work and his extensive volunteer efforts.
Stuart Katz
Daniel Rothner is the Founder & Director of Areyvut. Prior to establishing Areyvut, Daniel taught Judaic studies at the HAFTR and Heschel Middle Schools, where he developed and implemented a variety of chesed and tzedakah projects and programs. Daniel earned a BA in Jewish Studies from Yeshiva University, an MA in Modern Jewish History from the Bernard Revel Graduate School. He received a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Loyola University and Principal Certification from the Jewish Educational Leadership Institute in Chicago. Daniel has presented at conferences, in day schools, synagogues and workplaces on ethics, leadership, Jewish values and actively making a difference.
Daniel is active in his community and volunteers for Bikur Cholim of Teaneck and facilitates a group of Mitzvah Clowns that regularly visit senior centers, children with special needs and those in need of a friendly visit. He has served on the Middot Committee at Yeshivat Noam, coached youth baseball, basketball and soccer and has been active in Bergen LEADS, a unique leadership program in Bergen County.
