Israel & Our Community Edition

Our beloved Israeli Emissary, Amit, arrived last September with a heart full of purpose and a deep commitment to building meaningful connections. It’s hard to believe that the time has come for him to return home to Israel. Amit has left an indelible mark—not only on our community as a whole, but through the deep and genuine personal relationships he’s built.

Please join us on May 19th at 7pm for a dessert reception at the Federation Offices to say Thank You and Good Luck to Amit!

RSVP Here for Amit's Going Away Reception

From the start, Amit set out to connect with as many people as he could. Whether it was grabbing coffee, sitting down for lunch, playing basketball, or meeting for yoga, Amit showed up—fully present, always listening, always giving. A glance at his packed calendar says it all: Amit poured his passion and energy into this role as a living bridge between Fairfield County and Israel.

Amit actively built connections with interfaith clergy, congregations, local universities and civic groups—fostering respect, standing with allies of Israel and the Jewish people, and ensuring that Israel’s story was part of broader conversations about justice, humanity, and shared values.

He brought with him not only love for his homeland, but the desire to share its complexities—its beauty, its struggles, its brilliance, and its resilience. He brought Israel to life for us—not just as a place on a map, but as a living, breathing story he invited us all to be part of.

He taught with honesty and heart, speaking powerfully about his own experiences, including the events of October 7, and guiding us through thoughtful conversations on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, innovation in Israel, and what it means to be a light unto the nations. He created space for learning, reflection, and meaningful dialogue through community-wide film series and engaging lunch-and-learn programs that reached adults of all ages.

His commitment to our religious schools and his weekly presence at Merkaz reflect his dedication to inspiring our youth and nurturing a lifelong connection to Israel. His leadership in organizing powerful community-wide experiences—from Israel gap-year panels for teens to the recent Yom HaZikaron commemoration and Yom HaAtzma'ut celebration—will not be forgotten.

Jewish Federations of North America is thrilled and relieved that Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli citizen, has been reunited with his parents and two siblings after more than 580 days in captivity.

Jewish Federations have prayed 19 months for the return of every person taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023. Along the way, we have rejoiced at those who have returned home safely and mourned those who have not. We will continue those prayers until the remaining 58 are released.

Jewish American Heritage Month

Webinar

Tuesday, May 20 at 2pm ET

Join us for a webinar on teaching about Judaism and American Jews in the classroom. Guest speaker Rebecca Krasner, Director of Education at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, will present new curricular materials, lesson plans, and best practices. Federation professionals, teachers, and parents are all invited! RSVP HERE

Pride Safety Training

May 20 at 12 noon ET

Join A Wider Bridge and Secure Community Network for a training to empower Jewish attendees at Pride and other large gatherings this summer. This 50-minute training will cover situational awareness, practical safety strategies, and general advice on how to stay safe. From Director of Community, Safety and Belonging Nate Looney, participants will also learn why LGBTQ+ should attend Pride this year. RSVP HERE

JFNA in the News

Daily News - U.S. Jews should seek a dialogue with Pope Leo

JNS - Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, of Chicago, is first U.S.-born pope, Leo XIV

The Media Line - Emotional Impact of Gaza War Still Drives Surge in American Jewish Engagement

The Times of Israel - The Time Is Now to Share the Blanket

JPost - Trump administration can bring systemic change to revive Jewish life on U.S. college campuses - opinion

JewishInsider - FEMA lifts freeze on Nonprofit Security Grant Program reimbursements

eJP - JFNA, SRE Network confab to consider equity, diversity and belonging amid ‘the Surge’ and anti-DEI backlash

eJP - A decade of progress: Strengthening leadership and the Jewish nonprofit sector

Give to Jewish Federation's Annual Campaign

Join Our Mailing List

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.