Our Community Newsletter - Sept. 2024

Sep 06, 2024

Celebrate the Artistic Legacy of Harold Zisla

Sep 5

Celebrate the Artistic Legacy of Harold Zisla

The Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley in South Bend is proud to announce the opening of its fall art exhibition, “Harold Zisla: Artistic Explorations,” on September 15, 2024. This exhibition showcases a selection of Harold Zisla’s paintings from the permanent collections of the South Bend Museum of Art, Indiana University South Bend’s Raclin School…

Minute with Moshe

Embracing Awe & Wonder

Moshe Kruger

Sep 5

Karen and I live steps away from magnificent Lake Michigan. Our mid-century house nestled into a dune offers me the perfect counterbalance to the demands of my professional life.

The sunsets are spectacular and on a clear day you can see the Chicago skyline. And the full moon over the lake is a sight to behold with its extraordinary celestial vibe.

Jewish Family Services

This Rosh Hashanah, Hear the Call to Help

Rabbi Fred Nebel

Sep 5

This Rosh Hashanah, Hear the Call to Help

It is hard to believe that Rosh Hashanah is nearly upon us. It is the time of year when some become introspective, reviewing the past year, and thinking about what they did well and where they could use improvement. If used correctly, it is also a time to try to finish the year with a bang and further propel one into the new year with renewed vigor.

Community Relations

What We Saw: Visiting Israel in Times of War

Sep 5

What We Saw: Visiting Israel in Times of War

In case you have not met us, my husband Ryan and I have been very involved in the Jewish Community since October 7. Something happened on that day that caused us as Christians to want to be a comforting and supportive presence to our brothers and sisters in the community who were facing ugly antisemitism directly or indirectly.

Community Relations

Bright Spots During Challenging Times

Aug 23

Hello everyone! As some of you know, I just returned from a trip home to Israel. I wanted to share with you some of the beautiful experiences I had while I was there. Perhaps it is more accurate to say, the bright spots during challenging times of war.

Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund Conducts Awardee Site Visits

Sep 5

Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund Conducts Awardee Site Visits

The Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund (JWEF), founded in 2001, provides grants up to $2500 to non-profits improving the lives of women and families, especially children at risk, embodying the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam—repairing the world. Past grants have supported projects like solar cookers for Jewish World Watch, prenatal care for the Rhema Project in …

Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund Announces 2024 Grant Recipients

Sep 5

Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund Announces 2024 Grant Recipients

Twenty-five organizations applied for a total of $59,411 to compete for $16,464 in JWEF grants. JWEF members approved $16,400 in grants for 2024.

Gathering Sparks at Gan Ideal Preschool Summer Camp

Sep 5

Gathering Sparks at Gan Ideal Preschool Summer Camp

When Adam and Chava (Eve) were sent out of Gan Eden, all the sparks of Jewish souls were scattered throughout the world. Since the creation of the Jewish nation, we were commanded to gather all these sparks and help them to become elevated.

Our Community Table

Alicia's Famous from Our Community Table

Sep 5

Alicia's Famous from Our Community Table

I wish I had a garden. One that grew all manner of wonderful things. I have a small herb garden, and it does fairly well. And one slightly traumatized tomato plant named Rory, given to me by my sister mid-summer. Alas, when Rory was just a wee plant, he was left in my sister’s hot car for far too long on giving day, thusly becoming quite dehydrated and droopy. I’m happy to say he’s long since recovered and has grown into a fine, stout, and healthy specimen.

Book Club

Federation Book Club Reads First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

Beth Buechler

Sep 5

Federation Book Club Reads First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

If you don’t read spy novels yet want to dip your toes into what that might be like, this book would be a good transition for you. While the novel does not depict spying at a national or international level, it shows the necessary actions a “normal” person must take if domestic espionage is forced on them by organized crime.

Letter from the Editor

Steve Lotter

Sep 5

I know I should say this more often than I do: thank you.

To those who took the time to write an article for this month’s issue, and those who write for every issue, your perspectives are deeply appreciated, and our community is much better informed because of your thoughtful contributions. Thank you.