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Joseph Sprung

@josephsprung

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Thank you to everyone who joined us for @beargivers' 5th Annual Inclusion Weekend! Our weekend began with our sponsored kiddush at @thehamptonsynagogue, where we were honored to present an award to @eli_beer, founder and president of @unitedhatzalahofisrael. Eli's extraordinary vision has helped build the world's largest volunteer emergency medical response organization, providing free emergency care across Israel.

Guests were treated Saturday evening to a dessert reception and concert by acclaimed Israeli singer @harelskaat. One of the highlights of the night was my annual tradition with @rabbimschneier of singing “My Way” together. We were joined by Harel, earning a standing ovation and creating a performance that quickly became one of the weekend's most talked about moments! During the evening, guests wrote heartfelt notes to accompany the teddy bears that Bear Givers will gift to children receiving mobility trainers from @tikkunolammakers.

We concluded the weekend with a Sunday tailgate in support of United Hatzalah, where @michelemirman, Diane and I, on behalf of Bear Givers, dedicated an ambucycle in memory of our dear friend and longtime Bear Givers supporter, Nobel Laureate Dr. Edmund “Ned” Phelps. It was especially meaningful to Ned’s devoted wife @vivianaphelps that the dedication occurred on what would have been Ned’s 93rd birthday. After the dedication, everyone was inspired by motivational words from former NCAA Super Coach, @coachbrucepearl. The ceremony concluded with Bruce presenting Bear Givers an award for all their communal efforts.

#BrucePearl #UnitedHatzalah #StandWithUs #Inclusion #HamptonSynagogue #HarelSkaat #MyWay by @josephsprung

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2 months ago

@beargivers is looking forward to hosting our 5th Annual Inclusion Weekend in Westhampton Beach, July 25-27! The celebration will begin with our sponsored kiddush at @thehamptonsynagogue, honoring the lifesaving mission of @unitedhatzalahofisrael and its founder and president, @eli_beer, whose vision has helped provide free emergency medical care across Israel.
Saturday evening, we will host a dessert reception and special concert featuring acclaimed Israeli singer @harelskaat. He has become one of Israel’s most beloved artists and a celebrated representative of Israeli music around the world. During the evening, guests will also have the opportunity to write personal notes to accompany teddy bears that we will gift to children receiving mobility trainers through the Hampton Synagogue’s partnership with @tikkunolammakers.
Our weekend wraps up with a summer tailgate that Michele and I are hosting in support of United Hatzalah, bringing our community together for an afternoon of celebration while honoring the memory of our dear friend and longtime Bear Givers supporter, Dr. Edmund Phelps, Nobel Laureate. The event will feature @coachbrucepearl, one of the most prominent Jewish figures in American college athletics, widely known for his advocacy for Israel and for strengthening Israel-American ties.
We look forward to sharing this special weekend with you all!

#BrucePearl #UnitedHatzalah #StandWithUs #Inclusion #HamptonSynagogue #HarelSkaat by @josephsprung

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3 months ago

With great sadness, I share the passing of my dear friend, supporter, and @beargivers family member, Dr. Edmund Phelps.

Ned was known to the world as a brilliant economist and Nobel Prize laureate, awarded the 2006 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his groundbreaking work that transformed the understanding of inflation, employment, and economic policy.

To me, Ned was so much more.

He was a man with a heart of gold, a generous spirit, and a wonderful sense of humor that could light up any room. Together with his beloved wife Viviana, Ned stood beside us for so many meaningful moments over the years, joining hospital visits, teddy bear donations, and even traveling to Israel to help bring comfort through donations of teddy bears and an ambucycle to @unitedhatzalahofisrael

I will particularly remember Ned’s wonderful singing voice, and the many times we sang “My Way” together at our karaoke parties. I will also always cherish the countless birthday celebrations we shared together over the years, constantly trying to outdo one another with the funniest gift ideas and practical jokes.

I had the great honor of giving the introductory speeches at Ned’s 80th and 90th birthday celebrations. Those happy moments reflect our great relationship and admiration for one another and I will forever remember his laughter, his kindness, and his friendship. His legacy lives not only through his extraordinary achievements, but through every life he touched with his generosity and compassion.

Our hearts are with @vivianaphelps and the Phelps family during this difficult time.

Ned, you will be deeply missed and forever remembered by us all ❤️ by @josephsprung

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5 months ago

Bear Givers strives to find new and innovative ways to combat antisemitism, bullying, and racism, which is why we are honored to partner with the Anti-Defamation League as a sponsor of Never Is Now (March 16–17), the world’s largest gathering dedicated to combating antisemitism and hate.

We proudly support the panel “Educators as Advocates: Foundations for Building Better Schools and Inclusive Workplaces.” We chose to sponsor this important conversation because it reflects the heart of our Leading with Kindness mission. Through Leading with Kindness, students learn about inclusion, acceptance, and standing up against antisemitism, bullying, racism, and prejudice. They research, collaborate, and take action, giving teddy bears and handwritten messages to individuals and communities who need encouragement most. We believe education and empathy go hand in hand. Partnering with ADL, the world’s leading anti-hate organization, reinforces our shared commitment to empowering young people to create more inclusive schools and communities.

We are especially inspired as this year’s summit honors Robert Kraft with the Changemaker Award, which reminds us that leadership and action matter at every level.

Join us at Never is Now and learn more about how Bear Givers’ Leading with Kindness program is shaping youth to stand up against hate and lead with compassion.

“Hate loses when we stand together”
-Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism

@adl_national
@standuptojewishhate
#NeverIsNow #ADL #antidefamationleague #LeadingWithKindness #CombatHate #EndAntisemitism #BearGivers #EducationMatters #NewYork by @josephsprung

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8 months ago

Last night, Bear Givers had the pleasure of hosting our friends and supporters for a special performance of @fixing_frankie_musical, a powerful new off-Broadway musical that celebrates our shared values of acceptance and inclusion, which are at the heart of everything we do.
We were so proud to share this inspiring show with our community and want to congratulate the talented cast and production team on such a moving and successful performance!
A special thank you to our friend and Bear Givers team member, @hstein123, for helping make this unforgettable night possible. Our guests haven’t stopped raving about it! 🐻
#beargivers #spreadkindness #fixingfrankie #inclusionmatters #offbroadway #newyorktheatre #givingback #kindnessinaction by @josephsprung

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a year ago

On June 20th, Bear Givers will host a special dinner dedicated to raising awareness about PTSD and exploring the vital role that teddy bears can play in the healing process.
Since the October 7th terrorist attacks, countless lives have been shattered, not only by the physical destruction, but by the deep psychological wounds left in their wake. Survivors, families, and even those witnessing from afar continue to struggle with complex trauma, anxiety, and PTSD. The impact has been especially devastating on children, whose developing minds are particularly vulnerable to the emotional chaos of violence, fear, and loss.
For those affected by trauma, whether from October 7th or other devastating events, teddy bears offer more than comfort. These soft, familiar companions can provide:
🧸 A sense of safety and grounding during anxiety or flashbacks
🧸 A physical reminder of care and compassion when words fall short
🧸 A soothing sensory anchor that helps regulate emotions and ease emotional overwhelm
🧸 A bridge to connection, reminding survivors they are seen, supported, and not alone
We are honored to welcome leading psychiatrist Dr. Taryn Fishman, as our featured speaker. She will share insights on the emotional toll of the October 7th attacks and how tangible comfort, like the embrace of a teddy bear, can become a powerful tool for PTSD, especially for children and those facing trauma in silence. Also speaking at this Shabbat Congregational dinner will be retired Israeli Air Force Lt. Col. Danny Grossman. @thehamptonsynagogue
#PTSDawareness #October7 #HealingTogether #standwithisrael✡️🇮🇱 #TeddyBearTherapy #MentalHealthSupport #HopeAndHealing #ComfortThroughKindness #NeverForget #EmotionalRecovery by @josephsprung

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a year ago

In the wake of devastating wildfires, Bear Givers is stepping up to bring comfort to children who have lost so much. We are donating 2,000 teddy bears to children who have lost their possessions, with the hope of providing a sense of reassurance and love in this challenging time.
To make this gesture even more personal and heartfelt, students from public and private schools in NYC and NJ are writing notecards to accompany each bear. These messages of hope and care will remind the children that they are not alone and that people across the country are thinking of them.
The teddy bears and notecards will be sent to Los Angeles, where we’ll partner with incredible organizations and people that have been part of Bear Givers programs over the years including @mendingkids, @beittshuvah, Ari Mark, @thehelpgroup, David and Barbara Firestone, PhD and Shira Siegal, ensuring the bears are distributed to the children who need them most.
Bear Givers was originally set to be honored on February 15th at the Mending Kids Gala Dinner in LA, but the event had to be postponed to March 20th, 2025 due to the devastation caused by the fires. Mending Kids, led by the amazing Isabelle Fox, provides free life-saving surgical care to sick children worldwide by deploying volunteer medical teams and supporting communities to become medically self-sustaining. Over the years, we’ve been proud to partner with them, and thousands of our teddy bears have accompanied their missions, bringing comfort to children undergoing surgeries.
If you would like to support this incredible organization, please consider donating to Mending Kids at the link below. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference. 💛
@isnotus @paulstanleylive #wildfirerelief #teddybearlove #communitysupport #sendlove #showkindness #reliefefforts #lawildfires2025 #give
https://www.mendingkids.org/thankyou.html by @josephsprung

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2 years ago

@beargivers is deeply humbled to be honored with the Community Partner Award by @sinaischool at their Annual Gala! The event will be held at the Marriott Glenpointe Hotel in Teaneck NJ on February 23rd, 2025.

SINAI Schools operates inclusive special education schools for children with a wide range of developmental, intellectual, and complex learning disabilities. Over the years, it has been a joy and privilege to collaborate with SINAI through Bear Givers programs that inspire creativity, kindness, and connection. Through our EmpowerArt Shows, we’ve had the honor of showcasing the incredible talents of SINAI students, with 100% of the proceeds supporting the vital work of SINAI.

Additionally, the students’ participation in our Empowerment Program, decorating teddy bears and delivering them along with handwritten notes to those in need, has touched countless hearts—ours included. Watching their acts of kindness ripple through the community has been heartwarming and rewarding.

We are so grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to work together to make a meaningful difference. Thank you SINAI, for this incredible honor. 💙🐻

#CommunityPartner #EmpowerArt #Empowerment #KindnessMatters #MakingADifference #Gratitude #Inclusion by @josephsprung

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2 years ago

Thank U @urbanfilmfestivals for choosing @pickleballwars! What a blast! This film festival has so much heart. Loved the films and meeting the creators. 🫶🏼😍😎 #filmfesrival #shortfilm #miami #urbanfilmfest2024 #actor #writer #producer @superflygoods ❤️ taken in Miami, Florida by @josephsprung

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2 years ago

The @beargivers annual Inclusion Weekend is fast approaching, with some impressive individuals and organizations we are excited to highlight.

The weekend will kick off on August 24th at @thehamptonsynagogue Shabbat service, followed by our sponsored kiddush. Each year we select a member of the community to honor and this year we are thrilled to announce that @vickischneps will receive our award. Over 50 years ago, Vicki founded @lifes_worc to support people with intellectual disabilities and autism, through a wide variety of services. Vicki is also the creator of @schnepsmedia, which is the proud publisher and producer of 2 major market metro daily newspapers, 33 award-winning newspapers, 28 magazines and specialty publications, 20 websites and more than 50 annual events, and has the largest group of local media outlets in New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Philadelphia. Last summer, Bear Givers was proud to partner with Life’s WORC to host an end-of-summer celebration, and we continue to be impressed by Vicki’s contributions to the communities she serves. She is a tireless advocate for those with disabilities and their families.

The celebrations continue on Saturday evening with a dessert reception, some comedy and a fun, meaningful teddy bear project. Members of the community will come together to decorate teddy bear t-shirts and write personal messages to children in Israel who were affected by the traumatic events of October 7th.

Our weekend culminates with a summer party on Sunday August 25th to tie together all the core elements of inclusion that Bear Givers so passionately supports. This event will benefit @mentalhealthfirstaidisrael_, supporting children in Israel facing emotional distress. Special guest David Stahl will showcase his artwork, with proceeds benefiting MHFAI. Attendees can enjoy karaoke, BBQ, and cocktails as we wrap up Inclusion Weekend 2024.

#inclusion #standwithIsrael #bringthemhome #mentalhealth #community #autism #developmentaldisabilities #helpingchildren #raiseawareness #kindnessproject by @josephsprung

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2 years ago

Bravo to Sheryl Sandberg, who is using her platform and influence to make sure the Oct. 7 horrors are not forgotten. Through her recent visit to Israel and her dedication to producing the upcoming documentary “Screams Before Silence,” Sheryl is bringing awareness to the harrowing realities faced by Israeli victims of sexual violence perpetuated by Hamas. She has not only lent her voice but her heart to those who have suffered unimaginable atrocities.

As someone who has admired Sheryl for her leadership and advocacy, I am profoundly moved by her dedication to condemning sexual violence as a tool of war. She has brought to the forefront a reality that many choose to look away from.

Let us stand with Sheryl Sandberg in condemning Hamas. As “Screams Before Silence” sheds light on the devastation wrought by sexual violence, its relevance echoes far beyond the immediate context, serving as a necessary watch for every college president in America. In light of the recent surge in antisemitism on college campuses, this film not only fosters understanding and empathy but also underscores the importance of standing against violence and discrimination in all its forms.

#SherylSandberg #ScreamsBeforeSilence #bringthemhome #oct7 #Advocacy #HumanRights #RobertKraft #FCAS #FoundationToCombatAntisemitism #BearGivers #StandWithIsrael #StandWithUs #intifada #october7 #peace by @josephsprung

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3 years ago

I am thrilled to share that I've embarked on a new venture as an executive producer for (and appearing in) the uproarious short film @pickleballwars written by the brilliant @carlajohnston and directed by the talented @vivstirnyc , alongside co-executive producers, @mirmanlawyers and Richard Fink.

On Tuesday, January 16, we hosted an exclusive private screening at the iconic Lincoln Center's Elinor Bunin Monroe Film Center, and the energy was electrifying. A packed room of about 100 attendees immersed themselves in the laughter-filled world of Pickleball Wars.

The night was a perfect blend of entertainment and delight. Our signature cocktail, the "Courtside Cosmo," became an instant hit, perfectly complementing the delicious appetizers served throughout the event, including a cake decorated with the film's poster.

The audience's reception surpassed our expectations, and the laughter echoed through the halls of Lincoln Center. The Pickleball trivia segment added a playful twist to the night, with attendees learning facts about the fast-growing sport. Special thank you to the sponsor of our trivia prizes and goody bags, @superflygoods

Producing and starring in "Pickleball Wars" has been a journey filled with joy, creativity, and camaraderie. Working alongside the talented writers, actors, director, and other cast members has been an incredible experience, and I can't wait for the world to witness the magic we've crafted together.

Cheers to laughter, friendship, and the magic of cinema. 📽 🎬 🥂

#PickleballWars #FilmProduction #NewVenture #MovieMagic #IMDB
@diane_lempert @naturalistic @yellowsheepwriter @kategrimesnyc @lisacostanza99 @jdart.cine @evaldevald1970 @richardleacock1 @ronhanks @shannoncorbeil @_kristinjohansen #NealYoung #WildChildFilms #1157ProductionsLLC taken in Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center by @josephsprung

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3 years ago