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
Mark these important events on your calendar... Join us at our Federation 2018 Annual Meeting on May 17 with special guest Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, and presentation of the President’s Bamberger Award to Sanford Hollander. Also join us for the JCF Annual Investors Meeting on May 10 with speaker Steven Schoenfeld and for the Women's Philanthropy Annual Meeting on May 30 as we honor outgoing president Rebecca Gold and recognize the outgoing and incoming officers and board members.
IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
Announcing Our New Community Security Initiative Website – This is a one-stop web address for information related to securing our community through preparedness, vigilance, and partnership. It will help you evaluate the state of your institution’s security preparedness, access informative security-related documents and available grants, conduct a self-assessment of your facility, report a security incident, or schedule a site visit to discuss the safety of your building. more
300 Teens Come Together for Community Service – On April 15, teens from throughout Greater MetroWest converged in Whippany to participate in J-SERVE, the yearly day of Jewish teen service. They learned how, by applying Jewish values and personal drive, they can accomplish anything. more
Breaking the Silence: Workshop for Teens About Mental Health – This program is designed to help teens recognize when someone is struggling, needs help, or is experiencing a crisis. Participants will learn about common types of mental health diagnoses, coping strategies, and much more. more
Holocaust Council to Host Mini Arts Film Fest – Join us on May 6 for the screening of an award-winning documentary film, and meet the filmmaker, plus see short documentaries and trailers, all related to the Holocaust. This program is free and all are welcome. more
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
BLOG: All Jews Are Responsible for One Another – Last week’s remarkable mission to Jewish Ukraine and Israel with the Global Connections Peoplehood group brought together program participants from Greater MetroWest and Arad, Israel, to see first-hand how our support is truly helping to sustain and build Jewish life in the former Soviet Union. By Dr. Michael Margolin. more
BLOG: Philanthropy Can Change Reality – It Changed Mine – Equality and shared society for Jews and Arabs in Israel deserves to be high up on the list of Israel’s priorities. The promise that Israel would be a “light unto the nations” is one of the state’s fundamental founding principles. By Phyllis Bernstein. more
YOUR IMPACT
How Israel and Camp Fit Together – While fulfilling his military service in the IDF, our Greater MetroWest Shaliach Michael Levi came to United States to spend a summer bringing the “real Israel” to campers as a counselor at URJ Camp Harlam. The experience changed his entire life. more
IN THE NEWS
David Schechner, leader in local Jewish community, dies at 89
Greater MetroWest Federation Holds Annual Holocaust Remembrance at Kean University
DID YOU KNOW? – In January we re-launched the weekly Bit of Torah video series on our Facebook, YouTube, and Jewish Life page of our website. The videos are brief teachings by our local clergy and educators about the week’s Torah portion or a holiday. Check out last week’s Bit of Torah featuring Amit Stern, our Community Shaliach, sharing his interesting insight into Israel Independence Day.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Now Through May 4
FROM MEMORY TO HISTORY EXHIBIT
Featuring the tapestries and sculptures of Manhattan-based artist, educator, and activist Linda Stein. more
April 29
TOUR DE SUMMER CAMPS NJ
A fun day of cycling to raise money to send kids to camp. more
April 30
THE MENTAL HEALTH PLAYERS
An entertaining, interactive program about issues of interest to older adults. more
May 3
JVS JOB SEEKERS
Keeping positive and motivated during your job search. more
May 6
INTERNATIONAL BOOK CLUB
Discussion of Adjusting Sights by Haim Sabato. more
May 9
BREAKING THE SILENCE
Workshop for teens about mental health. more
May 10
JCF ANNUAL MEETING AND INVESTORS MEETING
With keynote address by Steven Schoenfeld. more
May 10
NEXTDOR SPRING EVENT
Inviting 25- to 45-year-olds to Bury the Hatchet. more
May 17
FEDERATION ANNUAL MEETING
With keynote address by Rabbi Brad Hirschfield. more
May 19
COMMUNITY HISTORY DAY: OUR NEWARK STORY
The Jewish Historical Society will present an exhibit on Newark’s Jewish Legacy. more
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
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!