Merkaz Celebrates 47 Years and

Honors Graduating Seniors

Merkaz celebrated the conclusion of its 47th year of learning, leadership, and Jewish connection. This year, we were especially proud to honor 13 graduating seniors whose dedication and commitment have enriched the Merkaz community.

Merkaz’s annual awards and scholarships recognized students' outstanding achievement, leadership, service, and dedication to Jewish life. We are grateful to the community members and families whose generosity has endowed these honors, helping inspire future generations of Jewish leaders.

Together, our graduates and award recipients remind us that the future of our Jewish community is bright and in capable hands.

Bernard Green Community Service – Rachel C.
Congregation Rodeph Sholom Madrichim Award – Leni C.
Congregation Rodeph Sholom Zionism Award – Rachel C.
David Goby Scholarship Award – Emma L.
Ellen Sue Bedford Community Service Award – Tyler T.
Jack Rubin Award–Beckett L
Lewis Brosowsky Award – Mitchell H.
Marjorie B. Krubiner Tikkun Olam Award – Audrey B.
Moshe Chakak Yaron Award – Nate L.
Rabbi Israel Stein Award – Shaifer R.
Sara Mass Award – Oliver W.
Stephen Howard Ravage Award – Emma L.

Thank you to Regina Madwed of Capitol PhotoInteractive for so beautifully capturing the graduation.

Federation Launches New Website — Explore, Discover, and Win!

The Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County is excited to announce the launch of our new website: ShalomCT.org!

Designed to better serve and connect our vibrant Jewish community, the site is your gateway to Federation programs, events, volunteer opportunities, community resources, news, and ways to support Jewish life locally, in Israel, and around the world.

To celebrate, we're inviting you to participate in 18 Clues to a Stronger Community, our online treasure hunt inspired by the number 18, symbolizing chai (Hebrew for "life"). Explore the website, uncover clues about Federation’s impact, and submit your answers for a chance to win a $100 gift card to ESH (Fairfield) or The Blondinit (Westport).

Happy hunting—and happy exploring! We look forward to helping you discover all the ways Federation strengthens Jewish life, cares for those in need, supports Israel, enhances community security, and brings people together throughout Greater Fairfield County.

Click HERE to join the treasure hunt!

As we look around the world and in our own community, one truth emerges: we as a Jewish community are challenged in ways we have never been. This first year as your CEO has been one filled with exciting and fulfilling moments and with challenging moments, all at once.

Among the lessons I learned this past year is that community is not only about geography; it is about responsibility. Our job together is to care for one another, stand up against antisemitism, support Israel and global Jewry, and ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit a vibrant and resilient Jewish community. We can only do this if we live and work in communities that are safe and secure.

With this in mind, we will be working with the Jewish Federations of North America to lobby our representatives in Washington to approve a new and robust Jewish American Security Act, just introduced, aimed at combating antisemitism and strengthening protections for Jewish communities, synagogues, Jewish schools, students, and other nonprofits in the U.S.

The bill will, among other things, reportedly include:

Expanding the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to $1 billion annually for security enhancements at religious and community institutions.
Strengthening Title VI civil rights enforcement in schools and colleges related to antisemitism complaints, particularly as part of our K-12 initiatives, and the growing antisemitism we see on college campuses.
Creating a federal antisemitism coordinator within the U.S. Department of Education.
Establishing a clearinghouse of best practices for school safety and civil rights compliance.

We have experienced over the past year a constant stream of attempted and tragically successful terrorist attacks on Jews and Jewish institutions in America, raising both the stakes and cost of securing our community. We are challenged every day with new and growing security costs. Our Federation currently spends in excess of $100,000 annually to support our community security director and expenses associated with his work on our behalf. In October 2027, that amount will nearly double.

We are planning for how we as a community will continue to support this critical program. We need your support; we need your counsel as we fulfill our responsibilities to have a safe and secure community. Please call me. Let’s talk more about how we can support this work together.

Click Here to Support Federation's Security Program

With gratitude always,

Joel Weiss

Chief Executive Officer

Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County

203-659-3603

Shopping with a Purpose: Helping End Period Poverty

Shoppers at West in Westport recently turned a day of retail therapy into an opportunity to make a meaningful difference for our Dignity Grows initiative. Thanks to the generosity of West and the support of its customers, participants packed 100 Dignity Totes with menstrual-hygiene essentials for neighbors in need throughout our community.

This impactful event demonstrated the power of coming together to address the public-health challenge of period poverty and ensure that everyone has access to basic necessities. When we work as one community, we are truly stronger together.

To join us in the fight to end period poverty, click HERE.

Special thanks to West, Kitt Shapiro, and Cindy Zuckerbrod for their partnership and commitment to this important cause.

A Sweet Celebration of Israel and Shavuot

PJ Library and PJ Our Way families gathered outdoors for a joyful celebration of Israel’s birthday and Shavuot, filled with creativity, music, sweet treats, and plenty of fun.

Attendees made friendship bracelets, enjoyed coloring activities, and snacked with friends. Families then joined Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson of TCS for lively songs, creating a festive atmosphere as ice cream sandwiches and popsicles were shared throughout the crowd.

The celebration concluded with a water-balloon game that quickly transformed into an energetic, laughter-filled battle. It was a wonderful opportunity for families to connect, celebrate Jewish traditions, and create lasting memories together.

PJ Parents Cook Up an Israeli-Inspired Shabbat Feast

PJ Parents gathered for a hands-on culinary experience, learning how to create an Israeli-style Shabbat dinner the whole family could enjoy. Led by local food writer and culinary instructor Liz Rueven of @KosherLikeMe, participants picked up expert techniques for preparing classic Israeli favorites, including schnitzel, hummus, and Israeli salad.

As they cooked and connected, attendees also sampled Israeli wines, making for an evening that celebrated the flavors, traditions, and community spirit of Shabbat. The program offered families a fun and meaningful way to bring a taste of Israel to their own Shabbat tables.

Following is an update from Israel prepared by and sent from Jewish Federations of North America's Israel Office.

Israel and Lebanon reach pilot zones agreement after marathon talks
IDF crosses Litani River and captures Beaufort Castle
15th soldier killed since ceasefire began
Iran deal remains elusive, as Iran tests ceasefire with drones strike Kuwait airport
Netanyahu orders IDF to expand Gaza control to 70 percent
Dissolution bill passes first reading 106-0; election date range set at September 8 to October 20

For full details, please CLICK HERE.

Join the Global Mitzvah Movement Today

One Mitzvah a Day is a daily text and email program that turns gratitude into action. Each weekday, you will receive a short message with one clear opportunity to express appreciation, whether by thanking a leader, recognizing someone’s impact, or reaching out with support when it really counts.

Jewish Federations in the News

eJP - From stewardship to shared responsibility: How Jewish leadership is changing
eJP - The story of Canadian Jewry: middle powers, small communities, big impact
Jewish Community Voice - Jewish Federation offers variety of Women’s Philanthropy opportunities
National Post - Opinion: Mark Carney, antisemitism is not a public relations problem
1011 Now - Gov. Pillen signs executive order aimed at combating antisemitism in Nebraska schools

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Connect with Clergy

Click on the links below to reach out to your congregation. If you are not affiliated with a congregation but would like to connect with a Jewish clergyperson, please email info@shalomct.org.