Our Community Newsletter - Sept. 2024
Featuring the Art of Harold Zisla, Reflections on Israel, Jewish Women's Endowment Fund Announcements, & more!
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…
Embracing Awe & Wonder
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.
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.
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.
Bright Spots During Challenging Times
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.