A Force for Positive Change
A Force for Positive Change
About four years ago, Mike Kirsch called to ask me if I would accept the role of one of the Jewish Federation’s vice presidents. I agreed, but we mutually understood that this would not lead to the position of the Federation’s president.
About a year later, Alan Feldbaum, who, at the time, chaired the nominating committee, approached me and asked me to consider being the Federation’s president once Mike’s term ended. I declined, of course, but then Alan recruited Bill Gitlin to the task , and I just couldn’t say no.
It is hard to believe that it has been a year since I last wrote in preparation for the Jewish Federation annual meeting. So much has happened. We were so glad to finally leave COVID-19 behind us so we could go on with our everyday activities, but then came the October 7th events, and once again, we were facing more misery and suffering. This has made this year stressful for all of us. On a personal level, I have been worried about the growing antisemitism and the future of Israel. I am so thankful for this amazingly loving and caring community. With these challenging times, we have supported each other, rallied together, and emerged stronger.
At last year’s annual meeting, I mentioned some changes heading our way. Dan Ravitch and Shirlee Greenwald, who invested so much in providing programming and activities, left the community searching for new dreams. Their departure left a void but paved the way for new beginnings. A couple of months later, Omer Karavani came to South Bend to act as the new Shaliach for the Federation. Omer was fortunate to have the support and guidance of the amazing staff and leadership of the Federation. I want to give examples of what makes our Federation different from other communities.
Like most Israeli Shlichim, Omer thought the light jacket he brought from Israel should suffice for the winter. We all knew better. When visiting my family before winter arrived, Omer shared with
me that two exceptional members of our community (I won’t give any names, but they both serve on the Federation Board, and one of them is our President-elect) showed up at the Federation with the trunk of their car packed with clothing and other supplies that made Omer’s winter much more enjoyable. They did so from the goodness of their hearts and for no other reason than just caring. When Omer attended an event organized by the Jewish Agency and talked to other Shlichim who participated in the program, it was clear that our community is unique and nothing like what his peers were experiencing. The other Shlichim were amazed at how warm, welcoming, and caring our community is. They also wanted to know if there was a way to clone Bob Feferman so he could be their “go-to” person in their communities!
Since last September, Omer has brought a fresh perspective, vibrant energy, and a deep commitment to work with our young adults. His dedication to our shared values has been inspiring, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside him in the coming year.
In addition to our community initiatives, the Federation has made significant strides in promoting Jewish culture and education in the greater Michiana community. Our art displays, featuring talented artists such as Leah Goldman and Andy Sweet, have been met with great enthusiasm and have served as a platform for sharing our rich cultural heritage. And then, there is the Michiana Jewish Film Festival, which continues to bring our entire community together. This year, the Federation added a dinner event on the second evening. This was an excellent, authentic Israeli meal and was another small example of how well the Federation’s staff works with each other to make our events run flawlessly.
Additionally, our Federation has been instrumental in providing a temporary home for Temple Beth-El, and recent discussions between Sinai Synagogue, Temple Beth-El, and the Jewish Federation have been productive.
This is fostering greater collaboration and unity within our community. I hope that over the next few years, our Federation will continue to draw together community members so we can become a vibrant center for Jewish life.
As we advance, the Federation will continue to expand our outreach efforts, connecting with and educating the broader Michiana community about Jewish culture, traditions, and ethics. Together, we will continue to uphold our values of inclusivity, social justice, and community empowerment, ensuring that every individual feels respected, heard, and supported.
As most of you are aware, my term as president is ending in a few weeks. Please know that it has been an honor to be a part of our Jewish Federation. The Federation offers so much good, so much more than I could have imagined when I began my position.
Looking ahead, I am excited to share that Cristyne Porile will be stepping into the role of President of the Jewish Federation. Cristyne’s dedication to our community, coupled with her strategic vision and collaborative spirit, will make her an exceptional choice for this role. I was fortunate to have her support throughout my presidency. I have complete confidence that under her leadership, our Federation will continue to thrive and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support, dedication, and commitment to our shared mission. Together, we are a force for positive change, and I am honored to stand alongside such remarkable individuals in service of our community.
Alon Shemesh
Immediate Past President
Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley