Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest is the largest Jewish philanthropy in New Jersey and the eighth largest Federation in the country, serving the Jewish community in Essex, Morris, Sussex, Union, and parts of Somerset counties. Inspired by our Jewish values, Federation cares for people in need locally, in Israel, and in 70 countries around the world. Together, Federation builds upon and ensures a vibrant Jewish community today for future generations. We care. We build. We save.
GMW UPDATE
You won’t want to miss Federation’s Annual Meeting – a Celebration of our Community – on May 17! Keynote speaker Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, recognized as one of our nation’s most influential rabbis, will offer his unique perspective on the American spiritual landscape. Plus, we will honor Sandy Hollander for his decades of service and dedication to our Jewish community and will introduce this year’s Julius and Bessie Cohn Young Leadership Award winners, Seth Cohen and David Feuerstein. Reserve your seats now!
IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
Communities Collaborate on Shavuot Programs – We at Federation love when synagogues come together to create unique programming, and Tikkun Leil Shavuot celebration and study sessions are the perfect opportunity to do so. Read about two such collaborations taking place this Shavuot. more
Parenting Seminar on Emotional Intelligence – Join us on May 17 for an evening of learning about the importance of emotional intelligence and how to help your children develop it, led by Dr. Craig Bailey of the Yale Center for Emotional Learning. Adults only. Registration requested. more
Survivors Aim to Expand Understanding Through Talks at Morris Museum – For four days this month, Holocaust survivors will address area students and members of the general public to increase compassion and understanding for all who suffered. more
Cycling for Summer Fun and Learning – By the time the April 29 Tour de Summer Camps was over, more than 200 riders, from babies to octogenarians, raised awareness and more than $430,000 for Jewish summer camping. more
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
Babi Yar, L’cha Dodi, a Bat Mitzvah and Hatikvah – For nearly two years, Julia Malaga has been a member of our Federation’s Peoplehood Project. This powerful living bridge program partners American Jews with Israeli Jews who experience one anothers’ worlds before experiencing a world completely foreign to all of them, the world of the Jews of Ukraine. more
YOUR IMPACT
DONOR PROFILE: Keeping an Eye on the Future – Sandford “Sandy” Hollander will be presented with this year’s President’s Bamberger Award for his lifetime dedication to the Jewish community at the Federation Annual Meeting on May 17. Read his remarkable story of “Jewish responsibility” here.
The Resiliency in All of Us – American Israeli Tzipi Zipper was injured in an accident and is now a wheelchair user. She has become an outspoken advocate for accessibility for individuals with disabilities in Israel. She recently shared her share her inspiring story with members of our community. more
Historical Society to Honor Activist Thelma Florin – The impact of Thelma’s contributions to our Federation and the Greater MetroWest Jewish community as a whole are immeasurable. We join with the Jewish Historical Society in honoring her for her dedication. more
IN THE NEWS
Rabbi Aaron Panken, HUC president, killed in plane crash
DID YOU KNOW? – Grants and scholarships are still available for summer camp 2018! So if you’ve been considering sleepaway camp for your child, now’s the time to do it. Contact Tracy Levine via email or at (973) 929-2970 to find the perfect camp fit for your child or teen and to learn if you qualify for a grant or scholarship.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 22
A JEW AND A MUSLIM ON THE FUTURE OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Discussion with Yossi Klein Halevi and Imam Abdullah Antepli, co-sponsored by our CRC. more
May 30
WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY ANNUAL MEETING
Honoring outgoing president, Rebecca Gold, and recognizing outgoing and incoming officers. more
May 31
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS SPRING GALA
Honoring outgoing chair, Paula Saginaw, and saying goodbye to this year’s Mishlachat. more
June 10
LIGHTING UP WITH SCIENCE
Easy Jewish Family Fun event for kids ages 2-6. more
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
June 3
CELEBRATE ISRAEL PARADE
July 29
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME WITH THE SOMERSET PATRIOTS