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Friday, March 14, 2025 | 14 Adar 5785
Light Candles at 6:50 PM
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Weekly highlights that keep our community informed, inspired, and connected to Jewish life in Delaware and the Brandywine Valley, in Israel, and around the world. | |
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Good morning. Please find below selected weekly highlights…
Monday, March 10, 2025
Federation’s JCRC co-hosted a midday webinar to bring David Horovitz, Founding Editor of the Times of Israel, for an Israel Briefing.
In the afternoon, Dignity Grows assembled 400 bags comprised of feminine hygiene products that will be distributed to women throughout the state. Many thanks to DG Chair, Michelle Silberglied and the volunteers who joined us.
Voting begins in the US for the World Zionist Congress elections (thru Sun, May 4). This is an opportunity for American Jews to express their opinion on key issues affecting the so-called National Institutions in Israel, including those that work with Jewish Federations, such as The Jewish Agency and World Zionist Organization. www.zionistelection.org
In the evening, the Finance Committee met under the leadership of Treasurer, Jordon Rosen. We began preliminary discussions in formulating the FY26 Operating Budget.
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
The Facilities Management Board (FMB) Sub-Committee met in the morning under the leadership of FMB Co-Chairs, Gene Castellano and Robin Kauffman Saran. FMB manages the daily operations of our 32-acre campus.
I attended a webinar in the afternoon on Strategic Planning – and the process for developing a living and breathing document that provides direction while remaining adaptable.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
In the morning, I attended a Media Relations program coordinated by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Brandywine Chapter.
The Israel & Overseas Committee met in the evening under the leadership of Chair, Lelaine Nemser. We hope to see you next week for our programs with Aryeh Green, author of My Israel Trail, on Tuesday, March 18th in Wilmington at the Siegel JCC and Wednesday, March 19th in Rehoboth Beach at Seaside Jewish Community.
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Today is the Fast of Esther, considered a minor fast day.
In the afternoon I volunteered at Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth to assist Brad Glazier’s Shoe Drive – loading a freight truck with thousands of donated sneakers that will stay out of landfills and soon be recycled. If interested in learning more, contact Brad.
Tonight is Erev Purim – Chag Sameach!
Friday, March 14, 2025
Congratulations to Barry Schlecker, on being named one of Delaware’s Most Influential People in Arts & Entertainment in 2025 by the News Journal. We also congratulate Paige Alderson-Smith who has been selected for the 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers guide!
Tonight is our Young Adult Division (YAD) Purim Party. Contact Emma Driban for more information.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Purim Sameach!
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We Grow Stronger TOGETHER As One.
Shabbat Shalom,
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Seth J. Katzen
President & CEO
P.S. – I wanted to share the words of my colleague, Nanette Fridman…
Purim, at its core, is a story of resilience, courage, and hidden strength—lessons that feel deeply relevant in a time of rising antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
1. The Power of Speaking Up: Esther risks everything to advocate for her people, showing that silence in the face of hatred can be dangerous. Today, this reminds us to use our voices against antisemitism, whether in media, politics, or personal conversations.
2. The Persistence of Antisemitism: Haman’s decree to destroy the Jews echoes the historical cycle of antisemitism. Purim reminds us that while threats to Jewish existence are not new, neither is our ability to overcome them.
3. Jewish Unity: The Jews of Persia were saved not only by Esther’s bravery but by their collective fasting, prayer, and action. At a time of division in the Jewish world, Purim urges us to find common ground and stand together.
4. Hidden Strength and Identity: Esther initially conceals her Jewish identity but ultimately embraces it. In a world where some may feel pressure to hide their Jewishness, Purim encourages us to stand proudly in our identity.
5. Joy as Resistance: Even in the face of existential threats, Purim is a holiday of celebration. This is a powerful reminder that joy, Jewish life, and tradition are acts of resilience in themselves.
In moments like these, Purim teaches us that history’s attempts to erase us have always failed. With courage, unity, and unwavering Jewish pride, we continue forward. #BeLikeEsther
~ Nanette Fridman, Founder at Effect Collective
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Jewish Living Delaware |
March 2025
The March edition of Jewish Living Delaware is our Travel & Recreation and Summer Camp Guide Issue. While you await delivery of your printed copy, you can review our online edition now available.
JLD Remains the ONLY monthly Jewish lifestyle magazine in Delaware & the Brandywine Valley that informs, inspires, and ignites the community.
Read the digital edition.
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JewishLivingDelaware.org is Now LIVE!
We are proud to announce the launch of our new website - it serves as a companion to the magazine that can be updated in real time as well as the expansion of sections such as Jewish Scene.
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Upcoming Federation Programs | |
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Michael Starr
The Jerusalem Post - 3.9.2025
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Freddy Eytan
Israel Hayom - 3.10.2025
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Emily Damari
Israel From The Inside - 3.13.2025
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Judah Ari Gross
eJewish Philanthropy - 3.6.2025
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Alan Zeitlin
JewishUnpacked - 3.11.2025
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Upcoming Jewish Community Events | |
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Parents' Night Out, Kids' Night In | Art with Ellie
Saturday, April 5TH | 7 - 9 PM
Siegel JCC
Get creative with Art with Ellie! Have your kiddos join us for a fun and colorful art session where we’ll craft vibrant plant-inspired creations to celebrate the arrival of spring. They can let their imaginations bloom as Ellie guides them through this hands-on activity. This drop-off program is for grades K-5. All materials will be provided. We can’t wait to see your spring spirit come to life! Cost: $25/Member, $35/Non-Member.
Register Today! For more information, please contact Becky Stahl at beckystahl@siegeljcc.org.
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Life Lab: Cupcake Decorating
Saturday, April 5TH | 7 - 9 PM
Siegel JCC
Middle schoolers, get ready for a night of fun, creativity, and connection at our brand-new Life Lab program! Designed to help tweens and teens build friendships and essential life skills, Life Lab offers a series of engaging activities in a relaxed, supportive environment. This session is all about cupcake decorating, where you’ll get to design your own sweet masterpiece and compete for the title of Best Decorated Cupcake! Whether you’re a frosting pro or just love a tasty challenge, this event is the perfect way to unleash your creativity, meet new friends, and develop fun new skills—all in a relaxed, supportive environment. Cost: $25/Member, $35/Non-Member.
Register today! For more information, please contact Becky Stahl at beckystahl@siegeljcc.org.
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The Lion King on Broadway!
Wednesday, April 23RD | 8 AM - 9:30 PM
Experience the magic of Disney's The Lion King at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City! On Wednesday, April 23, we will be seeing the Tony Award-winning musical that brings the Serengeti to life with breathtaking visuals and unforgettable music. We will leave the J on a coach bus at 8:00 AM and return at 9:30 PM. You will have time before and after the show for exploring Manhattan and eating on your own. Cost: $210/Member, $240/Non-Member (ages 18+). Spaces are limited so register today!
For more information, please contact Katie Glazier at katieglazier@siegeljcc.org.
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Learn with Rabbi Abe
January to June
Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth and via Zoom
Join Rabbi Abe for one or both new classes meeting monthly. "Wrestling With Halacha" will meet the third Tuesday of each month at 7 PM (first class Jan. 21). "Biblical Portraits: A Study and Bibliodrama Workshop" will meet the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 PM (first class Jan. 28). Both classes are in person at AKSE and virtually via Zoom. Refreshments will be served for those who join us in person.
Participation is free and open to all, but registration is required by contacting the office at office@AKSE.org or 302-762-2705. More info here.
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Wilmington Hadassah Spring Brunch
Sunday, March 23RD | 11 AM - 1:30 PM
207 Welwyn Road, Wilmington, DE 19803
A dairy brunch will be followed by our speaker, Polly Zavadivker, Associate Professor of History, Director of the Program in Jewish Studies, University of Delaware. She will discuss her new book, A Nation of Refugees: Russia's Jews in World War I. Cost is $20 and the deadline to register is March 18.
Register here. Email Judith Insinga, jjschnitman@yahoo.com, for more information.
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J Comedy Night
Saturday, April 5TH | 8 PM
Arden Gild Hall
The J is co-sponsoring another incredible comedy night at the Arden Gild Hall! Come out for an evening of laughs with the hilarious Christian Finnegan. Well-known for his role in the iconic "Mad Real World" sketch on Chappelle's Show.
He's appeared on the Comedy Central Presents, Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, Conan, and The Late Late Show. Don't miss this fun night of laughter.
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Did you know you can get reimbursed for up to $100 to host a Jewish-themed gathering through PJ Library? Whether it's a Shabbat dinner, holiday celebration, or a fun craft session for the kids, we’ve got you covered with expert tips and funding to help make your event a success. Apply here to host a PJ Library Get Together.
Not a PJ Library subscriber yet? No problem! Sign up today for free and start planning your next gathering.
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PJ Library welcomes you to sign up for Free Books to be delivered to your doorstep each month. Children 0-8 can enjoy PJ Library books and our friends 9-12 can enjoy PJ Our Way, where they can choose which book, they receive each month. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, facebook.com/PJLibraryDelaware to stay up to date on all the latest happenings. For more information about receiving books, or any PJ-related events, please email JFD Outreach Director, Samantha Grundy at Samantha@Shalomdel.org. | |
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Want to submit events to Federation News & Notes?
Email Rachel Garofolo, Rachel@ShalomDel.org.
Submission Guidelines:
Deadline: Wednesday at 5PM for inclusion in Friday’s Federation News & Notes. (Example: for a submission to be included in Friday, January 17’s email, it must be submitted by 5 PM on Wednesday, January 15th.)
Please include the following information:
- Image (810px X 450px)
- Name of Event
- Date
- Location
- 1-2 Sentence Description with Most Important Details
- Name of Contact Person with Email/Phone Number
- Registration/RSVP (Link or Email or Phone Number)
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