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Greetings!
Greetings!
My name is Ilana Eydus and I am the newest Mazon Fellow at the Jewish Federation, sponsored by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. As many of you know, Mazon is an national nonprofit which exemplifies Jewish values by providing for those in need and seeking to eradicate poverty and hunger by systematically addressing their causes. I am excited to adopt their mission and work with our local community. Every month I will send an update about my work and relevant development and action with the Jewish Federation. |
Child Nutrition Seder, In Action
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There has been much chatter about upcoming
Passover activities. As I wrote last month, the JCRC is responsible for two
Child Nutrition Seders. The first of these Seders, focused on procuring the re-authorization of the Child Nutrition Bill, took place on March 22nd at
Most Holy Trinity Middle School. JCRC brought together 6th, 7th,
and 8th graders from Yavneh Day School and Most Holy Trinity to
learn the story and rituals of Passover, alongside congressional legislation.
The event was quite a success. With almost a
hundred middle school students, the Seder was filled with enthusiasm,
education, and singing. Students enjoyed a diverse program, including a
discussion of free student breakfasts and lunches, singing about Moses, and
debating how they could effectuate change within their own communities.
Student, both Catholic and Jewish, left with a better understanding of their
neighbor, a new interpretation of Passover, and an enlightened mindset about
meals.
Great thanks to the parents, volunteers, and
teachers who provided such a beneficial experience to these students. I
certainly hope the Child Nutrition Bill will be reauthorized this year, and we
will come to these Middle Schools with a new themed Passover next year. 
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Up next: Passover comes to Santa Clara University
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Up next is our Santa Clara Child Nutrition
Seder! With over half the seats full already, I am excited to bring law
students, business students, professional food experts, county
representatives,
community leaders, and professors together to engage in debate about
this
country's priorities.
Speakers include:
- Ann Thomas, Bronco Urban Garden Program
- Cindy McCown, Second Harvest Food Bank
- Ellen Braff-Guajardo, California Food Policy Advocates, and head of the child breakfast program
- Kathy Sweeney, WIC Representative
Read about it at Jweekly!
Details for the evening: April 6th, Adobe Lodge at Santa Clara
Free and open to public, but LIMITED seating! RSVP here
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Civility in the Health Care Debate
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Many of us are familiar with the civility debate when it comes to Israel. We call for interfaith and political organizations to address questions of Israeli affairs with a calm, unbiased, and cool perspective. Yet, when it comes to other debates, such as health care, why do we suddenly forget our own words?
Following the passing of the Health Care bill last week, there has been harsh debate within our own community. Debate has left the realm of oral argument, and now inlvolves calls for marshal law retribution, and instances of violence and destruction at Congressional offices across the country. Comparisons between President Obama's government and Stalin's deadly rhetoric is just one example of uncivil debate.
These actions may have been tolerated in the Wild West, but have no place in the United States today," said Rabbi Steve Gutow, president of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. "The burden of responsibility falls upon us all. We must hold our nation's elected leadership to a higher standard of civil discourse and those same leaders and popular pundits must understand that their words and actions embolden and enflame mistrust and hatred."
Just as we reject the demonization, defamation, and demagoguery, I now ask you to steer clear of these evils when arguing about health care.
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Creating a Healthier Jewish Community
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 This month's
organization to look out for: Hazon
"Creating a
healthier and more sustainable Jewish Community and a heathier and more sustainable
world for all"
With a moto like
this, Hazon's message is clear. This grassroots organization, with an office
right in downtown San Francisco, promotes healthy lifestyles. They do this
through education, advocacy, and activity. Hazon is one of the few
organizations that invites you to directly participate in bike rides throughout
the bay, Israel, and the US. They organize hikes and beach programs; everything
you need to engage in the Jewish Community outdoors. The organization also
organizes an annual food conference where individuals are invited to learn to
synergize Jewish traditions and healthy food practices. Feel free to get
involved through one of their programs, invite them to speak at your local
synagogue or just start by checking out their website! http://www.hazon.org/.
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Thanks for reading! Feel free to send comments and questions.
Sincerely,
Ilana Eydus
Mazon Fellow
Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley
If you would like to unsubscribe from this mailing list, please email me at ilana@jvalley.com.
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