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
Check out our Year in Review Video! We are GREATER TOGETHER.
IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
Federation Update on the Jersey City Tragedy – Jewish Federation has been in constant contact with law enforcement, community leaders, and elected officials since the horrific events in Jersey City started unfolding yesterday. more
Federation and Synagogues: Serving Our Broad Jewish Community – Our Federation and the diverse synagogues of Greater MetroWest all share a common goal – to ensure that our community remains a thriving, welcoming place where Jewish families want to settle down, plant roots, and get involved. more
Finding Purpose with Women’s Philanthropy – Sivan Ya’ari, founder and CEO of Innovation: Africa, captivated nearly 300 women who attended this year’s Women with Purpose event, co-chaired by Shari Broder and Marcia Grosswald. more
Wonderful New VolunTEEN Opportunity at LifeTown – Spend some time helping out at Friendship Circle's Lifetown facility. Work and play along side children and people with special needs. more
BLOG: Seasons Greetings – from Auschwitz? by Ilyse Shainbrown – I spend a whole lot of time blogging, posting, and speaking about when things are either anti-Semitic or insulting to the memory of the Holocaust, or just outright wrong and a perpetuation of hatred. more
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
Livingston/Arad High Schoolers Partner for Robotics Competition – During the regional qualifying event for the FIRST Tech Challenge robotics competition at Livingston High School on Dec. 8, the F.I.R.E. team hit some snafus. more
Lions of Judah Go on an Historic Mission to Mexico – The Lions of Judah (women who make contributions to the UJA Annual Campaign of $5,000 or more) became the first delegation of Lions from the United States to visit the Lions of Mexico when they visited from October 30 to November 3. more
Join the JDC Passport Webinar to Learn About Active Jewish Teens! – Join JDC Ambassadors for a live webcast featuring Alla Magas, Director of Active Jewish Teens, to uncover how JDC empowers a new generation of Jewish teens. more
“Things Have Only Gotten Worse”: French Jews Are Fleeing Their Country – Facing record levels of anti-Semitism, members of Europe's largest Jewish population seek a new life in Israel—and face new challenges. more
YOUR IMPACT
20 Packages Sent from GMW So Far: There’s Still Time to Help Families in Need at the Border – One way is to provide for the needs of the many families and asylum seekers awaiting their court dates who arrive at the US southern border with almost no clothes or belongings. more
Rutgers Hillel Students Attend Conference on Campus Anti-Semitism – As Rutgers student Benjamin Nechmad stood in front of the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, he realized something startling. more
DID YOU KNOW? – Approximately one-third of Holocaust survivors in the U.S. live in poverty. Although there are services and benefits in place to assist them with various needs, it’s often difficult for them to find affordable dental care. Greater MetroWest CARES is in the planning phase of building a network of dentists willing to provide pro-bono dental care to needy survivors. If you’re interested in being part of this meaningful initiative contact Debbie Rosen at (973) 929-2993 or drosen01@jfedgmw.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 15
DREIDEL PALOOZA WITH MAPLEWOODSHOP
It’s time to get ready for Hanukkah! Join us for an afternoon of fun, including making a string-art dreidel using a hammer and nails* with Maplewoodshop and more! more
January 8
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR GREATER METROWEST TEEN ISRAEL ENGAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP
The Greater MetroWest Israel Engagement Fellowship, available to students in grades 11 and 12, is a five-part program that explores the centrality of Israel in Jewish history and the diversity of Israel today. more
January 9
JVS JOB-SEEKERS WORKSHOP – COPING WITH THE CHALLENGES OF UNEMPLOYMENT
Let’s face it: being unemployed is HARD. It takes a toll on your finances—and on your wellbeing. This month’s Job-Seekers Workshop features not one, but TWO, subject matter experts to help you navigate the challenges of what can be a protracted career transition. more
January 12
JCC METROWEST GAELEN GALLERY EAST JURIED ART SHOW OPENING RECEPTION - more
January 15
CREATING A COMMUNITY OF BELONGING - WHAT MATTERS MOST?
Join Greater MetroWest Congregational Lay Leadership and Professionals for a series of discussions on how we can create a community in which all members with disabilities and their families have meaningful opportunities to participate in Jewish life. more
March 1-3
AIPAC POLICY CONFERENCE
Be part of the Jewish Federation delegation to the AIPAC Policy Conference. Join a special cohort of Greater MetroWest parents and teens at the largest gathering of the pro-Israel movement in the United States. more
April 26-29
WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY MISSION TO MEMPHIS
Take a journey through the soundtrack of a revolution – join us as we delve into Jewish involvement in the Civil Rights Movement and the creation of Rock ‘n’ Roll. more
July 1-9, 2020
YOUNG WOMEN’S MISSION TO ISRAEL
This mission is intended for young women who have never been on a Women’s Philanthropy mission to Israel. Mission participants will have the opportunity to make a meaningful gift to the 2021 UJA Annual Campaign. more
SAVE THE DATE
January 27
United Nations International Holocaust Remembrance Day
February 4
BPN’s An Evening with Karen Rinaldi, author of It’s Great to Suck at Something
February 24
Florida Reunion in Palm Beach Gardens
February 26
Florida Reunion in Boca Raton
March 29
Community Mitzvah Day