October 09, 2020 /21 Tishrei 5781
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1 TED TALKS: ENGAGE WITH JEWS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
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Dear Friends,
One of Federation’s central functions is to serve as community convener and provide resources, financial and otherwise, to the community. The Covid-19 pandemic has compelled us to think of new ways to connect, engage, and be a community resource.
Utilizing technology, we’ve been able to make available engagement opportunities that previously were out of reach due to distance, mobility and expense. While not a substitute for being together in the same room, using technology enables more shared experiences. Through shared experiences, we develop emotional connections to one another, which leads to stronger Jewish communities.
This is why I hope you will participate in the Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly (GA) on October 25-27. The GA is historically one of the largest gatherings of American Jewry that addresses a broad spectrum of local, national and international issues affecting world Jewry. Due to Covid-19, this year’s GA will be virtual and free. This allows you and thousands of others around the country to attend without the costs of hotels, meals, and travel, as well as provide you more flexibility to participate only in the programs that most interest you.
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You will have a choice to attend two plenaries and more than two dozen workshops on a variety of timely issues including Covid-19 and its impact, racial justice, global Jewish communities, Israel, mental health, inclusion, etc. There is great entertainment, too!
In the weeks following the GA, we will bring members of the St. Paul Jewish community who participated in the GA together to build on what was learned and discussed. For more information, please see the story below.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach,
Ted Flaum
CEO
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2 CHALLAH BAKE WITH CHEF DAVID FHIMA!
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Thursday, Nov. 5, 5:30 pm
We're excited to announce that Twin Cities Chef David Fhima will lead our virtual 4th Annual Great Big Challah Bake!
While we can't meet in person, we can still get together to make challah, enjoy each other's company and savor the aroma of bread baking in our homes.
David Fhima was born in Morocco and moved to the U.S. in 1982. His passion for food and people led him to create some of the most exciting restaurants in the Twin Cities. His Fhima’s Minneapolis is in the historic space formerly known as The Forum Cafeteria in downtown Minneapolis.
David trained with chefs the world over but says his biggest influence is still his mother's cooking. We're lucky that he will teach us how to make his mother's challah!
This event is free and open to the public. You will receive the Zoom link and recipe details once you RSVP.
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YOU BRING MEANINGFUL, INSPIRING OPPORTUNITIES TO OUR COMMUNITY |
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New to the Twin Cities or recently returned? Looking for a fun, easy way to plug into the local Jewish scene? Join us in October for two nights of (virtual) hangouts, all meant to help newcomers to the Twin Cities in their 20s and 30s feel welcomed and celebrated!
Thursday, October 22 is a cooking night. We’ll be hanging out, baking challah, making matzah ball soup, and playing a game or two. Then, on Friday the 23rd, grab your challah from the night before and join us for a virtual Shabbat dinner—a lowkey evening for you to meet new people in your new community, and for us to learn about you!
Whether you plan to join for Thursday night cooking or Friday night Shabbat magic or can't make either, you're eligible for a Shalom Twin Cities Welcome Box full of goodies and resources to help you navigate all that the Jewish Twin Cities has to offer.
You must register by Friday, Oct. 16 to pick up your box but the programs will remain open for registration until the day of.
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Sponsored by YALA Twin Cities (a program of the St. Paul and Minneapolis Jewish Federations), TC JewFolk, Bet Shalom 20s/30s, JFCS NextGen, Makom (a program of Adath Jeshurun Congregation), Moishe House Twin Cities, and Temple Israel 20s/30s. |
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Make Twice the Difference!
We're doubling increased gifts and gifts from new donors to the 2020 Community Campaign thanks to a $100,000 Challenge Match donated by generous contributors.
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4 JEWISH FEDERATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
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October 25-27
It’s that time of the year when we gather for the world-renowned General Assembly (GA) of our Jewish world. Due to the pandemic, the GA is going virtual!
At this pivotal time for our community and communities everywhere, GA 2020 will bring our entire Jewish world together–from across backgrounds, political viewpoints and even continents–to enlighten, engage and inspire. Together, we’ll celebrate our accomplishments over these past tough months, examine our current challenges and work to ensure a strong, flourishing Jewish community. Free and open to the community.
Here's a sampling of what's in store at the GA:
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October 15 to November 1
We're excited to co-sponsor the film, The Tattooed Torah, at the Twin Cities Jewish Film Festival. The animated short film, narrated by Ed Asner, has St. Paul connections - it is adapted from the beloved children's book by Marvell Ginsburg and produced by Lisa Effress. It's just one of the films showing at the free Virtual Twin Cities Jewish Film Festival sponsored by the St. Paul and Sabes JCCs.
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The Letters Project: Conversing Across Narratives is a letter-writing contest based on Yossi Klein Halevi’s book, Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor: With an Extensive Epilogue of Palestinian Responses, sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas.
Enter the high school contest (ages 14-18), post-high school contest (ages 18-22), or young adult contest (ages 22-42). There will be three prize winners in each age group!
Entry deadline: Dec. 1, 2020
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Lessons from our Parents featuring Mark and Leonard Wilf, Minnesota Vikings owners
Oct. 14, 5 PM
Join us for conversations with entrepreneurs, philanthropists, builders and dreamers who are children of Holocaust survivors. Learn how their parents’ experiences continue to impact their personal and professional lives and gain insight into the lessons their parents taught them that made them into the leaders they are.
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TCJewFolk J-Cation
Oct. 15 & 16, 6 PM
Who couldn't use a get-away right about now?! 2020 has been challenging to say the least in so many ways! That's why TCJewFolk has drawn inspiration from the concept of a "staycation," their motto and philosophy, "10,000 ways to be Jewish," and from a wide variety of activities that help different folks relax, recharge, and shake up our routines.
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Twin Cities Jewish Film Festival
Oct. 15 through Nov. 1.
The 2020 Twin Cities Jewish Film Festival is a virtual festival featuring 8 outstanding film events including feature length & short films, post-film conversations and more – all from the comfort of your home.
Register for an ALL FESTIVAL PASS and you can enjoy one or all films. Plus, check out links to engaging post-film conversations with filmmakers and aficionados.
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Twin Cities Jewish Community Mental Health Conference
Sunday, Oct. 18
9:30 AM to 3 PM
This conference has been raising awareness of mental health issues, reducing stigma and providing support for individuals, families and professionals since 2001.
Held virtually, Inviting Positivity in Uncertain Times is free and open to people of all faiths and spiritualities.
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Operation Immigration
Oct. 17 to 25
Written and performed by Avi Aharoni. A young Minnesotan searches for information about his late father’s life, and finds a story of immigration and assimilation. Along the way, he struggles to find himself. This 2019 Fringe Festival award-winning hit is a special filmed performance available online.
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"Never Alone"
Thursday, Oct. 22, 6:30 PM
Join us for an intimate conversation with Natan Sharansky and Gil Troy about their new book: "Never Alone: Prison, Politics, and My People."
Fee: $18 per registration includes a copy of "Never Alone" in electronic format OR $30 per registration includes a hardcover copy of "Never Alone" shipped to your house. Sponsored by Jewish Education Academy, RAJMN, St. Paul Jewish Federation and other organizations.
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Lessons from the Holocaust
Oct. 26 through Nov. 13
What can we learn from the events leading up to and culminating in the Holocaust? How did the Nazis gain control of Germany and use their power to commit one of the greatest crimes of the 20th century? What are our responsibilities as witnesses to this history?
Join a community of learners from across Minnesota and the Dakotas to explore these questions, and much more. Sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas.
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Early voting began September 18 in Minnesota
If you want to vote by mail, you can go online and request an absentee ballot, and one will be sent to you. Go to MNVotes to get all the info you need to vote by mail or in person for the General Election.
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