Shalom Chaverim,
As many of you may know, Monday was my first day as your Executive Director of the Jewish Federation. In addition, on Monday, as many of you may know, Governors Holcomb and Whitmer also announced temporary orders for residents of Indiana and Michigan to remain home amid the COVID-19 outbreak except for permitted activities.
In accordance with these shelter at home directives the Kurt and Tessye Simon Jewish Community Building will remain closed to the public and staff will be working from home through the end of the day on April 7. Chen Nissan will be taking this opportunity to return to Israel to visit her family but she and all our staff, will continue to be available and checking email daily. At this time, we expect staff operations in the building to reopen on Monday, April 13 after the Pesach holiday, although public access in the building may be delayed beyond then.
During the closure, Jewish Family Services will continue to work with clients and the community to the extent that we are able. Additionally, an email will be going out later this week from JFS about upcoming remote programs and opportunities. In the meantime, if you or someone you know is in need, please contact Rowan Kelley, Director of Jewish Family services at
[email protected]
or at 574-309-1213.
Right now, the Jewish Federation is focused on two agendas, ensuring that the most vulnerable in our community have what they need to survive and be safe, and providing opportunities for people within the Jewish community to feel connected in these disjointed times.
Today, the coronavirus, a novel global calamity has made scarcity the necessary condition of slowing the transmission of the disease. The good news at this time is that there are more ways to connect online and through technology than ever, and you can maintain a very busy schedule by signing up for classes and programs, and marking your own calendars for when you wish to watch a specific show, do some exercise, or try some new recipes. I invite you check out this useful online activity link developed by the Jewish Federation of North America --
jewishtogether.org
. In future communications we will have additional virtual opportunities curated just for
our community in Michiana for you to engage in.
In this time when we, all across the country, are hunkering down, self-isolating, and staying in – it is important to recognize that we are not alone. This is why we are here and part of what we mean by CARING for our Jewish family in need. On behalf of the entire staff we hope you are well, staying safe, and keeping a positive attitude.
Talk to you again soon,
Moshe Kruger
Executive Director
