Jewish Community News & Events
December 20, 2019/22 Kislev 5780
Happy Chanukah !
The Board and Staff of the St. Paul Jewish Federation wish you and your family a bright, happy Chanukah 
8 Days of Impact
Illuminating the many ways you change lives
You inspire 468 children with free PJ Library books
“Avi calls her PJ Library books her special holiday books," says her mom, Jennifer. “We have lots of memories and will create many more snuggling up at bedtime. Our PJ Library books also serve as a reminder of the values and traditions we want to help establish with our daughter. When Avi got her PJ Library tzedakah box, and we explained it to her, she took the giving aspect to heart. One night we had family over, and as they left, she ran to the door and gave each person a coin from her box. It took everyone a while to figure out that she was giving them money in case they were hungry.” Photo: Jennifer, Avi and Jeff at the Great Big St. Paul Challah Bake. Contact Andrea Hite, PJ Library Coordinator, to learn how your children can receive FREE PJ Library books monthly. Sponsored by the St. Paul Jewish Federation in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
RAJMN/JFS Chanukah Party
We love this collaboration between our Federation-funded community partners! Russian American Jews in Minnesota (RAJMN) and Jewish Family Service of St. Paul (JFS) hosted a Chanukah party at the St. Paul JCC for 120 people including War Veterans and Holocaust survivors from the RSJ community. They enjoyed music, dancing, latkes and more.
Members of RAJMN Teen Fellowship performed at the party. Check out the festive video here.
Introducing Lev El Lev
Lev El Lev - Heart to Heart is a program developed by St. Paul Jewish Federation Shlicha (emissary) Keshet Berlinsky Edry that aims to bring the community together, and to strengthen our relationship with Israel. Join us for a series of fascinating guests, discussions and events. First up: My Israeli Story on Martin Luther King Day (see below).
Eden Ferede,
Shlicha at Hillel in Portland, Ore., grew up in Ashkelon. Recently, she worked at Beta Israel Village, an Ethiopian educational village that provides programs for Ethiopian adults and gives Israeli society a different perspective on the Ethiopian Jewish community. Through this work, Eden has been able to explore her own Ethiopian Jewish identity, an empowering experience she is excited to share. Join us to learn about the Ethiopian Jewish community, her experience of growing up as a black woman in Israel, and the deep connection between color and identity. Learn more.
Looking to jump-start your leadership skills? Seeking ways to plug in?
Join YALA, a program of the St. Paul and Minneapolis Jewish Federations, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 7-9 PM
ModernWell, Minneapolis
Get a comprehensive overview of leadership essentials and the local Jewish ecosystem for adults under 40. Explore your leadership goals with a cohort of peers and expert facilitators. Come for our “taster” session and decide if you want to commit to the rest of the series! Yalla, let’s go! Learn more and register.
A Partnership for a Strong Tomorrow
IT'S YOUR LEGACY, a program of the St. Paul and Minneapolis Jewish Federations, helps individuals and families create legacy gifts, providing a permanent source of support for the Jewish causes they care about. All of us, regardless of age, wealth or affiliation, have the ability to make meaningful and enduring financial impact.

Let's have a conversation about the many ways you can leave a legacy to the St. Paul Jewish community. Please contact Jeffrey Prottas, Chief Development Officer, at 651-695-3185 or jprottas@stpaulfed.org . 

Together, we will create an even brighter future for our community.
Sunday, Dec. 22, 1-3:30 PM, St. Paul JCC
Join us for a Mitzvah focused Hanukkah event for the entire community. Supporting several deserving Twin Cities organizations, Be the Light will be a combination of collections, hands-on opportunities, and Hanukkah related activities. The St. Paul Jewish Federation and PJ Library St. Paul are community sponsors. More information.
Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company: Holiday Lights in the Big Sky
Through Dec. 22
Highland Park Community Center
When a brick is thrown at a menorah set in a child’s window for Hanukkah, community leaders of all faiths come together to help spread a message of tolerance and peace. With the help of school children, 10,000 families display menorahs in their windows in solidarity. Based on true events that occurred in Billings, Montana in 1993, this family play, an MJTC original, is newly adapted for everyone age 6 & up. Tickets.
3rd Annual Light Up Mendota Heights!!
Sunday, Dec. 22, 5-8 PM, The Village at Mendota Heights
Join Chabad of Greater St. Paul for an incredible Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration. Light a nine-foot Menorah together as a community. More information.
2019 Jewbilee
Tues., Dec. 24, 6 PM
Midway Saloon, St. Paul
Enjoy a night of comedy, live music, and great drink specials.
Gala Chanukah Dinner
Wednesday, Dec. 25, 5-7 PM
Adath Israel Synagogue
Gala dinner will honor Mr. Robert Baldinger and feature Simply Tsfat live in concert.
Sunday, Dec. 29, 4-6:30 PM
Woodlake Nature Center, Richfield
Join J-Pride for treats, a cozy space, family-friendly Chanukah activities, and plenty of schmoozing. Bring your menorah/candles. Explore the nature center and take in the beauty of the snow-covered marsh. More information.
Beth Jacob Hanukkah Party
Sunday, Dec. 29, 4-6 PM
Light the 8th candle at Beth Jacob! Enjoy Latkes, Sufganiot, a kids dance party, PJ Library St. Paul, and a grown-ups "tour" of Beth Jacob led by two founding members, Earl Schwartz & Nina Samuels. As we celebrate the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, Beth Jacob will celebrate the original dedication of their own building in Mendota Heights. More information.