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May 30, 2014 / 1 Sivan 5774
Candle Lighting: 8:04 PM    
NEWS & NOTES
Federation's weekly e-news to keep you informed, inspired and connected to Jewish life in Delaware and the Brandywine Valley.
Message from the CEO...

 

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AEA Co-President Bill Adelman, Head of School Rabbi Jeremy Winaker, AEA Co-President Seth Torregiani
Photo Credit: Debbie Nachlis
 
On Tuesday, Federation beneficiary agency Albert Einstein Academy held its Annual Board of Trustees Meeting. We commend the AEA Officers, Trustees, teachers and staff for another memorable year. AEA is the Brandywine Valley's premier Jewish Day School, serving elementary school students from Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Wednesday marked Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) which commemorates the liberation of the Western Wall and the unification of Jerusalem. On this day 47 years ago, the Jewish people miraculously recaptured the old city of Jerusalem while fighting the 6-Day-War. This unification of Jerusalem was the first time in 2,000 years that the holy city of Jerusalem was again in the hands of the Jewish people. Today, thanks to the state of Israel, all religions are free to practice their faith in the holy united city of Jerusalem, Israel.

CTeen hosted a BBQ on Wednesday night at the Siegel JCC. In addition to fun and games, Julia Crain, CTeen Humanitarian Director, gave a beautiful speech recapping the year and the impact of CTeen on her and the community. The teen leaders all received awards for their effort and dedication.

We also went to press on the June edition of the Jewish VOICE, our Summer Time issue. Although the printed edition will be mailed out early next week as well as posting the online e-dition. July is our annual SHALOM Delaware Guide. Please contact Kathryn Weissenberger for advertising opportunities that provide year-long exposure.

On Thursday, the Milton & Hattie Kutz Foundation Board met to review and approve 2014 grant recommendations for a number of local nonprofit organizations including Federation. We appreciate the Kutz Foundation Board's ongoing support of our community under the leadership of Leslie Newman.

Please click on this link for a simple but excellent video entitled, "1 Million Simple Arguments That Will Change How You Look At Israel.". We encourage you to watch and share this with others. Federation will continue to serve as a source for information that educates and inspires our community.

TOGETHER We Do Extraordinary Things.

Shabbat Shalom,
SJK signature  
Seth J. Katzen

Jewish Federations Extend Sympathy, Solidarity Over Weekend Attacks   
May 27, 2014 

Jewish Federations across North America extended sympathy to the families of the victims of shootings and beatings this weekend at Jewish institutions in Brussels and outside Paris.


In solidarity letters to the leaders of the Jewish communities in Belgium and France, Jewish Federation leaders Michael Siegal, Chair of JFNA Board of Trustees; Diane Feinberg, Chair of JFNA Executive Committee and Jerry Silverman, JFNA President and CEO wrote, "We are deeply troubled by the unsettling climate across all of Europe. Any attack on Jews, anywhere in the world, affects each and every one of us. And when innocent people are targeted the pain is felt by us all."

 

"At this time, you should know that millions of Jewish people throughout North America, and indeed around the world, are standing by your side." Richard Prasquier, honorary president of the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions (CRIF) and president of Keren Hayesod France, acknowledged the letters and responded with appreciation.

 

JFNA also issued the following statement earlier in the weekend:

 

"On behalf of North American Jewry I want to express how saddened we are by the loss of innocent lives, and send our heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims. We stand behind the citizens of Belgium and others from around the world who abhor such senseless violence," said Michael Siegal, chair of the Board of Trustees of JFNA.

 

"At a time when we are receiving reports of rising anti-Semitism throughout Europe it is understandable that there would be increased anxiety in our community. There is no place in the civilized world for crimes motivated by hate. We are hopeful that the perpetrators of this violent act are speedily brought to justice."

 

JFNA is closely monitoring the situation in Brussels and Paris. The Secure Community Network (SCN), an initiative of JFNA and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, is in contact with its counterparts in Brussels and France, who will be joining many of our communities at the upcoming security conference in NY.
Jewish Community Relations Committee
Bagels & Briefings
Friday, June 6th
8:30 AM
Siegel JCC Auditorium
Free and Open to the Community

Chabad at the University of Delaware celebrates its best year ever!!  

Over 2500 guests for Shabbos and Holiday meals.

 

By Rabbi Eliezer Sneiderman 

 

After 22 years of serving the University of Delaware Jewish community, Chabad at the University of Delaware has had its most successful year ever with over 2,500 Shabbos and Holiday meals served including 600 over Passover. 150 students attended the first night's Seder and 85 for the second. Not having the benefit of a commercial kitchen or catering staff, Roni Sneiderman cooks every meal and bakes her own Challah every week, giving it a personal and homey touch.

 

According to the recent Pew study, millennials are disconnected from organized Jewish life. Every week the Jewish Press has an article or Op Ed on how to attract young people. The advice is all about change; change the rabbinic model, change the message on Israel, and change the measurements of what it means to belong. The truth is, students are not necessarily looking for change. They are instead looking for content and passion. Our Passover Seder wasn't "come and done" as students stayed for 4 hours on a school night. 

 

The key to attracting Jewish youth is presenting sophistication and passion in an open non-judgmental environment. One does not need to simplify or dumb-down Judaism for the youth. The best Jewish minds have been engaged with texts for over 3000 years. Sharing that engagement connects today's youth to a rich and attractive heritage. Judaism is a complex beautiful religion. Avoid a simple narrative and students will return. Our standing room crowds are evidence of this fact.

 

Chabad at the University of Delaware is a grateful recipient of funding from the Jewish Federation of Delaware
 



Come out and join us for the 1st Annual Bagel Flotilla down the Brandywine River organized and sponsored by the Congregation Beth Shalom Men's Club. This is a family friendly event and is open to the entire community over 5 years of age. Two and four hour trips options available.

To make your reservations click here. For more information contact David Bernstein at dbernstein@rlsassociates.com or (302) 373-2239. Deadline for registering is May 30th. 
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Jewish VOICE 
May 2014
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Report to the Community
2012/2013
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SHALOM Delaware
2013/2014
The Community Guide to Jewish Life in Delaware and the Brandywine Valley.

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