Rededication to our vision

A year has passed since I wrote about my goals as program director at the Federation, and before I made my “New Year’s resolution,” I thought it right to look back at how we did as a team with my past goals. Helping our community discover (or rediscover) their Jewish identity was top on my list when planning and implementing programs in my first year on the team. I believe we achieved this through youth and adult programming, and of course, summer camp activities. We gave the community insight into how our Jewish lives are relevant in South Bend through programs involving Jewish food, harvest season get-togethers, kosher dates nights, and so much more.

I am most proud of our SaBaBaH youth group, who have come together on many occasions to discuss Jewish life in public schools, as well as how their connection to Israel as Jews is a given by those around them, a fact many are conflicted with when they enter high school or college.

A second goal was to show Judaism’s spectrum of traditions. We invited many community members to share their traditions with us at the Federation and have plans to keep doing so in 2023. We also ran programs that showed how the holidays we know and love are celebrated by Jews around the world. I personally love PJ Library’s approach, with many children’s books made available through Federation funding to celebrate Judaism from around the globe and how they practice their individual Judaism. I hope that we have been reaching these goals in your opinion as well.

Last year I asked you to help me rededicate ourselves to our Jewish journey here in South Bend, the true meaning of Chanukah if you ask me. This year, I am happy to say I am rededicating myself, staying onboard for the foreseeable future at the Federation, in order to continue giving back to the community that has given me so much.

Please join us for our upcoming Community Chanukiah Lighting in downtown South Bend. Kosher sufganiyot are being prepared specially for you to enjoy after the blessings, along with a community sing-along.

And don’t forget to sign your kids or grandkids up for Winter Camp Ideal, December 26-30th – well on its way to being the best Camp Ideal program yet!

I wish you all a Happy Chanukah, a blessed new year, and that we each may find comfort in the hope of a better year, together.