Weekly Blast
 

Menorah                   Happy Hanukah--A Time for Rededication!

Flint Jewish Federation--The Smart and Meaningful Way to Give!
In This Issue
Save the Date--Scrambled
Doing a World of Good
 
From Sheldon Low
 
 Dear Board of Directors of the Flint Jewish Federation,
I'd like to once again thank you for sponsoring my visit to the Flint Jewish Community.  For many reasons it was one of the most memorable residencies I have ever had the pleasure to perform.  I am so honored that the Flint Jewish Federation chose me as part of their annual campaign.  As I said over the weekend, I am who I am today largely because of the Jewish Federation and I hope my visit was as inspiring and memorable to your community as it was for me.  Thank you for your generous support and I hope to make a return visit to my new extended Flint family in the near future!
B'Shalom--Sheldon Low
Scrambled by Beth Kander
January 10, 2013, 7:00 pm, Temple Beth El
5150 Calkins Road, Flint
 
Join us for a dramatic reading of the play Scrambled featuring a cast drawn from our own Sisterhood members.  It is the story of Sara and Neshama.  Sara is wisecracking, single, broke and secular.  Neshama is serious, married, infertile and Orthodox.  Brought together by Sara's Episcopalian roomate each must question what really matters.  Sara must consider donating her eggs and Neshama ponders accepting them.
 
Coffee and dessert will be served following the play.  No charge to attend but donations gratefully accepted.  Information?  Call Char Bruce at (810) 513-5021.
 
Presented by the TBE and CBI Sisterhoods with generous support by the Ravitz Fund and through special arrangement with Steele Spring Theatrical Licensing.
  

JFNA FACT OF THE WEEK

Jewish Federations Support Early Childhood Intervention

Jewish Federations help improve future prospects for distressed Israeli children. The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), which is supported by Jewish Federations, coordinates the New Beginnings program, in partnership with the government of Israel, to promote positive social, emotional and behavioral development among at-risk children across Israel. Targeting children from birth to six years old, New Beginnings is currently reaching and tracking the progress of 14,000 children in 72 locations, and plans to expand to 164 communities over the next three years.

  

How Can I Help?
Become a New Donor
All donations large and small add up to make a difference
  
Increase Your Contribution
Consider increasing your level of support, Step up to join our core of major donors
  
Volunteer Your Time
Serve on our Board or a committee, help with a program, assist with the campaign
  
Create a Legacy
Help ensure the future of our Jewish community
  
Spread the Word
Reach out to your friends and family. Let them know what Federation is all about and encourage them to join in!   

 

JFNA SANDY RELIEF 

Federation is always among the first responders when natural disaster, like Hurricane Sandy hits. Our representatives continue to assess the damage, coordinate volunteers and disburse material supplies and money to help the victims.  JFNA has established an emergency fund to continue to assist victims of Sandy.  Please consider a supplemental gift for Sandy victims in addtion to your annual campaign gift this year.
  
From All of Us
at the Flint Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Services--Have a Happy, Healthy, Safe, and Prosperous New Year!

 

To donate now call 810 767-5922 or mail your donation to 619 Wallenberg St., Flint Michigan, 48502

TIME IS RUNNING OUT! Only 14 Days remain to reach our goal.

The Annual Campaign is at $210,000--Our goal is $280,000.  Please help!

 

The Value and Dignity of Hope

Your donation to Federation reaches into every corner of the global Jewish community in more than 70 countries around the world, as well as locally.  Your gift inspires lifelong Jewish connections, breaks the cycle of poverty and responds to emergencies.

 

$19--a food package including rice, lentils, oil, sugar, coffee and other basics

 

$100--warm coats to get a needy couple through winter

 

$125--one month of medication for a poor Jewish senior

 

$180--an independent living skills workshop for a disabled Israeli

 

$400--lunches, transportation and security for one student for a year in a Kiev school

 

$500--a crib, high chair and stroller for one baby in a needy family in Latin America

 

$600-- a kibbutz based program to help a new immigrant adjust to life in Israel

 

$750--a scholarship to help local youth attend a Jewish camp or youth group conclave

 

$1800--an employment program to help an Israeli woman become independent

 

$2368--an enrichment program for an Ethiopian Israeli child

 

$10,000--An emergency immigration grant for a family living at risk

  

Please consider an increase of 10% over last year's gift. Donations must be received or postmarked by December 31, 2012 to be tax deductible for the 2012 tax year. 

 

We will be closing at 3 pm on December 31st.  Credit card donations must be made by 10 am that day in order to be processed in time.

 

Doing a World of Good

 JDC Beneficiary

NADEZHDA ZELENAYA

 

Nadezhda was born in Ukraine in 1928, but her family moved to Leningrad at some point before the outbreak of World War II. When the Siege of Leningrad was announced in 1941, Nadezhda became separated from her family during the mass evacuation of the city. After the siege ended, the family returned to Leningrad. Nadezhda had wanted to become a singer but, unfortunately, the death of her father forced her onto the more practical course of studying a profession - economics - that would allow her to support her mother and a younger sister.

 

Nadezhda's dream, however, was not to be denied, and she found time to study music in evening courses. She sang all her life and was a mainstay in the EVA Jewish Welfare Center choir for twenty-two years. Today, Nadezhda lives alone in a one-room communal apartment. Her circumstances are indeed difficult. She must share the kitchen, toilet, and bathing facilities with four neighbors. One of those neighbors committed a murder in an adjoining room and as a result of the shock she experienced, Nadezhda temporarily lost the use of her legs, and she still does not move about easily.

 

JDC assists Nadezhda, providing her with homecare services and medicines.

 

 Letters and Emails Received

A recent email from relatives of Ruth and Bill Bernard, Flint Federation President who live in Israel:
Anyway to the point: We're all OK. No one has been called up in the family. Life around the Gaza strip is hell. Life here is absurdly normal. About 6 rockets have been fired at the Tel Aviv area. As far as I know, the Iron Done anti-missile system took them all out in the air. I haven't heard any reports of damage or injury around here. One rocket did fall in Rishon LeTzion today. That's pretty close (I do food shopping there sometimes). There was damage but not physical injuries. Some rockets were fired at Jerusalem. AFAIK, no one was hurt. They can't really aim those things. At that range, it's sort of like using a high powered slingshot...If you are thepraying type, pray for the safety of everyone living in the immediate vicinity of Gaza-and in it, for that matter. Iron Dome doesn't help them. The mortars are too low and fast. They often don't get any warning at all: The explosion is faster than the sirens. When they do get warning, its about 15 seconds. They are living in their shelters and safe rooms. Making a cup of coffee and walking a dog are high-risk activities. In fact, walking out of the safe room for any reason is a high risk activities. A shower is an act of faith or bravado. Dont' think they've been living like this for a week. Off and one, it's been 13 years! I can hardly imagine what that's like. Tell your friends about this. Tell it in church: tell it in shul: tell it at work. Don't leave it to CNN. Those are real people down there. It's not even about politics: they are all inside the green line. Glad to hear all of our family survived Sandy,
Love, Steve