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Good morning. Please find below selected highlights from this past week...
Sunday, December 15th
Federation in collaboration with the Kraft Educational Fund at Congregation Beth Shalom, coordinated an evening virtual program with Rabbi Shai Held, who discussed his new book, Judaism Is About Love. Rabbi Held explored the centrality of love in Judaism, showing how it frames justice, compassion, grace, and kindness—all rooted in G-d’s nature. Thank you to Gary Harad at CBS and JCRC Director, Rabbi Ellen Bernhardt, for bringing this program to our community.
Monday, December 16th
Every Monday morning the Federation professional staff meet to review the week ahead and share activities. These weekly sessions are positioned as T.E.A.M. Meetings where Together Everyone Achieves More. It is part of the Federation culture that We Grow Stronger TOGETHER As One.
In the afternoon I attended a JFNA Leadership Briefing featuring Daniel Gordis, Koret Distinguished Fellow at Shalem College, as a special guest. An acclaimed author and commentator, Gordis provided updates on the current situation in Israel and insights from his latest article which examines the evolving regional dynamics and their implications for Israel's future. He also distributes the blog and podcast Israel from the Inside at danielgordis.substack.com.
Tuesday, December 17th
Federation Board Chair, Caryl Marcus-Stape, and I met with the leadership team at Longwood Gardens in an effort of building community and future collaborations. Longwood Gardens is the living legacy of Pierre S. du Pont bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning.
Later in the afternoon I attended the third and final session of JFNA’s Israel Deep Dive with Rabbi Mike Uram, Chief Learning Officer. This series unpacked Israel’s history through a lens of complexity to gain a better understanding of the key features of Israel and Zionism.
Wednesday, December 18th
In the morning I attended the Association of Fundraising Professional’s Annual Meeting and Program at the Delaware Center for Horticulture. I officially completed my two-year term as President of the AFP/Brandywine Chapter but will remain on the Board as Immediate Past-President. It continues to be an honor to volunteer and serve the Delaware nonprofit community in this capacity.
I also attended JFNA’s Executive Committee virtually, to get updates on our national and international partners. JFNA proudly represent 146 independent Federations and a network of 300 smaller communities across the continent. Its mission is to protect and enhance the well-being of Jews worldwide through meaningful contributions to community, Israel and civil society.
Later in the afternoon, Federation’s PJ Library participated in the Siegel JCC’s Hanukkah of Lights celebration.
Thursday, December 19th
The Federation staff were treated to a delicious festive lunch thanks to Board Chair, Caryl Marcus-Stape. It was a meaningful way of acknowledging the Team during this important end of year push to close the 2024 Annual Campaign.
I attended our monthly JFed Security zoom with my counterparts from several New Jersey Federations for updates and resources. Thanks to JFNA and the Tepper Foundation, our campus received a generous grant to enhance security efforts. You will see a JFed Security staff around the campus daily.
The Federation’s Board of Directors met in the evening. We received updates on JFed Security and a summary of our recent Board Experience Survey through our partner Leading Edge.
The 2024 Annual Campaign
There are only 11 Days remaining to raise the critical dollars needs for a successful 2024 Annual Campaign. If you have not already done so, PLEASE make your generation donation TODAY on our secure website at www.ShalomDelaware.org/donate.
We Grow Stronger TOGETHER As One.
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