Weekly Round-up September 2-6
Dear Colleagues,
This past Sunday, the devastating news came that six hostages–Ori Danino, 25; Carmel Gat, 40; Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23; Alex Lobanov, 32; Almog Sarusi, 27; and Eden Yerushalmi, 24–had been shot dead by Hamas, apparently just days before the IDF was about to liberate them from their eleven months of captivity. The terrorist group also threatened to kill dozens of additional hostages if the IDF attempts to free them. We mourn the terrible loss of life and pray that the remaining hostages are freed.
For more on the murdered hostages, see Wednesday’s Community Mobilization Dispatch. For more on the violence in the Middle East, see Thursday’s Israel Update.
We are pleased to share that the SparkIL innovation platform has increased its support for Israel’s small-business owners by launching a $2.7 million emergency loan fund, supported by Jewish Federations, for businesses based in the north.
We are inspired by the efforts that Federations are leading to mark one year since the horrific Hamas massacres. All the community-wide commemorations led by Federations can be viewed here. Click hereto submit your event to be featured on the site. Microgrants to support campus and community commemorations can be accessed here, applications are due this Monday, September 9 at 11:59 pm ET.
We continue to add new assets to our October 7th: Marking One Year toolkit. Please make sure to explore our photo exhibit that was added this week: “Resilience in the Rubble: Portraits of Strength After Destruction,” which can be printed and displayed at your commemoration.
We are also collecting messages of hope and solidarity for the people of Israel, which we will deliver to President Isaac Herzog in one collective letter during the week of October 7th. Click here to submit your message and here for social media posts. For questions about our October 7th resources, please contact Alisa Bodner.
As the school year starts up, we continue to hold weekly webinars on Thursdays from 2 to 2:30 pm ET on how to deal with anti-Israel protests on campus. Registration is required; you are welcome to share the links. These programs are in addition to the ongoing leadership briefings that have taken place on Mondays at 2 pm ET since October 7. For more information on the Monday calls, contact Hindy Garfinkel.
Early bird registration for the 2024 General Assembly ends today, Friday, September 6. Register now at www.GeneralAssembly.org. General Assembly attendees will also receive premium access to the exciting Unity event on Sunday, November 10. Click here for preliminary descriptions of the featured sessions and workshops.
For additional updates and reminders, please see below.
Serve Israel: This new initiative, featured here, offers funding and logistical support for Federations and partner organizations to organize volunteer trips to Israel. We are eager to work with every Federation and its partners to develop meaningful volunteer experiences. Please contact Sophie Hearne for more information. Click on this updated FAQ document for a list of this and many other volunteer opportunities.
Wexner Field Fellowship: The Wexner Foundation is now inviting exceptional full-time Jewish communal professionals, ages 37-50 (note our new age range), to apply to Wexner Field Fellowship Class 9 for the opportunity to deepen their leadership skills and develop a rich network of colleagues. Up to 15 fellows will be selected for this three-year program. Fellows receive coaching, Jewish learning, and financial reimbursement toward individualized professional development. Fellows benefit from mentorship by Wexner Foundation staff and faculty, along with connections to a vast alumni network that supports them throughout their careers. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and awards and to start a pre-application, please click here. Applications are due by Monday, September 30 at 3 pm ET. This program is initiated in partnership with the Jim Joseph Foundation.
Showing Sensitivity Toward Survivors: I Believe Israeli Women, a global organization that combats the denial of and disinformation about the sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th, is hosting a webinar, “Treating Survivors with Sensitivity: How to Host Thoughtful Events About the Sexual Violence of October 7,” on Monday, September 9 at 1 pm ET. Jewish Federations are cosponsoring the webinar.
Antisemitism in Healthcare Fly-In: Jewish Federations are leading an advocacy day on Capitol Hill for healthcare professionals on Wednesday, September 18. We will confront the growing discrimination and bias in the health sector, including mental health associations and schools of social work. Please use this template to invite people in your networks, and for more information and to register, click here. For questions, email Jordana Ichilov.
Fundraising Institute: Don’t miss the first installment of Fundraising Institute’s Monthly Drop-In sessions about Effective Federation Communications taking place on Tuesday, September 10 at noon ET. Seth J. Katzen, President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of Delaware, will share examples of how all of us can provide clear, concise, and compelling messages to inspire our donors and community. He will share their “I Believe” strategy, and reinforce the importance of telling an inspiring story. All FRD professionals throughout the system are encouraged to attend. Please click here to register. For more information, contact Leslie Pomerantz.
Rosh Hashanah Toolkit: Rosh Hashanah is just around the corner! Inspire your community to imagine a brighter future together with our marketing toolkit, including engaging social media posts, a stirring video that celebrates unity and hope, and a direct mail letter to spark meaningful conversations and drive donations.
Overview of Professional Development Opportunities: We offer Jewish Federation professionals across North America opportunities to learn and grow. Please review our robust schedule of upcoming programs. Bookmark the page and check back often as new ones are added weekly! Also, if you are new to Federations, sign up for our next virtual orientation for new hires on Wednesday, October 30 at 1 pm ET. To learn more and register, go to jfeds.org/virtualorientation.
Judaism 101: Learn about the multitude of cultures, traditions, practices, and customs that make up the Jewish tradition – especially those you might encounter in your job! Join us every Thursday in September at 1 pm ET. Click here to learn more and register.
Repair the World Microgrants: Repair the World is offering microgrants of up to $1,000 for Federations and other Jewish organizations to host service programs in the US between September 15 and October 15. The goal is to engage 3,000 volunteers in acts of service and Jewish learning in conjunction with the anniversary of October 7th.
Ensuring Safety During the High Holidays: The Security Community Network (SCN) is continuing its annual series on how to promote safety during the High Holidays. Please sign up for the remaining webinars.
Jewish Belonging Professional Working Group: This is a monthly convening of Jewish communal professionals from across religious and faith backgrounds to collaborate to increase a sense of belonging for all Jews and their loved ones. We will develop, test, and support best practices to support field professionals; we will also explore how to use data to inform decision-making and implementation of strategies to expand belonging. Our first meeting is on Thursday, September 12 at noon ET. For questions, contact Stacey Aviva Flint.
Save a Life, Save a Whole World: BeWell’s September Resiliency Roundtable, which will take place on Wednesday, September 18 from 2-3:30pm ET, is dedicated to Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. Begin the year with the wisdom and foresight of effective prevention and intervention models to save young lives in our communities. If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach a trained counselor within the lifeline network. This communication is confidential and free.
Moed North America JOC Leadership Mission to Israel: A project of Jewish Federations' JEDI Initiative, Moed North America JOC Community exists to celebrate the racial and ethnic diversity of the Jewish people, ensure Jewish leaders of color and their organizations flourish, and mitigate the impacts of racism in Jewish communal life and broader society. The Second Annual Moed North America Leadership Mission to Israel will gather 30-35 North American Jewish Leaders of Color (Black, Latin, Asian, Indigenous North American, Sephardi, and Mizrachi), for a transformative experience from December 9 to 15 that will deepen participants’ relationship to Israel’s past, present, and future. Please send an email to Rabbi Isaiah Rothstein no later than September 25 to nominate someone to participate.
Shabbat Shalom,
Shira Hutt
Executive Vice President
Jewish Federations of North America