Our Community Newsletter - March 2025
Jewish Changemakers, Strategic Priorities, Gan Ideal, Abraham Accords, BBYO Convention, Chocolate Pudding Cake, & More
Jewish Changemakers
“Jewish Changemakers” is a leadership development initiative designed to empower young Jewish adults, between the ages of 21-27, to become active within their communities by providing them with training, networking opportunities, and exposure to diverse Jewish perspectives, aiming to cultivate future generations of changemakers. Learn more at
The Journey to the Promised Land
At the Jewish Federation we’re fond of asking the question “Wouldn’t it be great if…?” to escape from the tyranny of following the patterns we’ve grown comfortable with. We are finding that developing productive thinking skills to generate more options and then evaluating those options, produces more exceptional, innovative, and satisfying outcomes to reimagine our future.
My Experience at the BBYO International Convention in Denver
Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the BBYO International Convention in Denver, Colorado—one of the largest Jewish teen events in the world. Thousands of Jewish teens from different countries gathered to connect, learn, and celebrate their shared identity. The experience was powerful, not only because of the international atm…
Join Us at Gan Ideal: A Nurturing Environment for Young Children
Are you looking for a place where your child can thrive in a structured and nurturing environment? Look no further than Gan Ideal, part of Camp Ideal at the Jewish Federation. Our preschool summer day program is meticulously designed to lay the foundation for your child’s future success by fostering essential social, emotional, physical, and life skills.
Be the Change You Want to See in Your Jewish Community
Last month, I had the distinct honor of attending a three-day retreat with over two dozen Jewish communal professionals from across North America, as part of the Jewish Federations Executive Accelerator program. This opportunity allowed us to deepen our connection to community building and sharpen the tools needed to lead effectively by example. I was a…
“The Abraham Accords and the Future of the Middle East”
As if 15 months of war wasn’t enough for Israel and the Jewish world, this February was especially difficult. The tragic story of the Bibas family left so many of us heartbroken.
Opportunity is Knocking!
Life is an opportunity waiting for you to take the plunge. During our waking hours, various possibilities arise, and all we need to decide is whether to take advantage of the situation. Think of the many times you’ve thought, “If only I had…”
Rabbi Laura Geller visits South Bend,presenting “Getting Good at Getting Older”
Rabbi Laura Geller is rabbi emerita of Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills. She was twice named one of Newsweek’s most influential American rabbis and was named by PBS Next Avenue as one of the fifty Influencers in Aging for 2017. She is co-author of the book
Chocolate Pudding Cake from Our Community Table
Recently, I wanted to make cookies. I took out my recipe binder to look over my favorite recipes. Usually, I would choose one based on my mood or if I hadn’t made a certain recipe in ages. But not this time.
Federation Book Club Reads Here One Moment by Liane Moriarity
Thanks to this past Sunday’s Taste of Chugim Community Club Fair held at the Federation, we may have as many as five new members joining our monthly sessions on Zoom. I warmly welcome you all, if you’re reading this, and apologize to those of you who were interested but unable to meet by video chat. Since the pandemic, this group has spread out far and …
March Madness at the Jewish Federation
March Madness is a special part of college basketball culture because it's a highly anticipated, unifying sports tournament that encourages fandom. Here in Fed-land, I’d like to emulate the excitement and energy of March Madness, also known as the Big Dance, with a new forum called