Friday, April 9, 2021 | 27 Nissan 5781
Light Candles at 7:17 PM
Keeping our community informed, inspired, and connected to Jewish life in Delaware and the Brandywine Valley, in Israel, and around the world.
weekly message to the community
from the president and ceo...
"The opposite of life is not death, it is indifference."
~ Elie Wiesel
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Good morning.

Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) was established by Israel as a national memorial day for the 6 million Jews and 5 million others systematically murdered by Nazis. Against the backdrop of rising antisemitism, the day has become a day commemorated by Jewish communities and individuals worldwide.
 
This year, President Biden proclaimed “April 4 through April 11…as a week of observance of the Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust….To prevent a tragedy like the Holocaust from happening again, we must share the truth of this dark period with each new generation.” He urged Americans to “speak out whenever they witness anti-Semitism or any other form of ethnic or religious hatred, racism, homophobia, or xenophobia.”

Click Here to watch a message commemorating Yom HaShoah from First Lady Jill Biden.

On Wednesday I attended, "Commemorating Yom HaShoah Together," hosted by The Jewish Federations of North America, the event included more than 100 Holocaust survivors for an intergenerational Yom HaShoah commemoration. In partnership with the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies, the program was powered by Uniper, the Israeli innovation keeping Holocaust survivors and older adults connected during this difficult time. 

The Halina Wind Preston Holocaust Education Committee (HEC), part of Federation's Jewish Community Relations Committee (JCRC), coordinated a Yom HaShoah program on Thursday afternoon that included participation from our Delaware Rabbis and Cantors (DERECH) as well as other local state representatives and community leadership. Special thanks to HEC Chair, Steve Gonzer, who works tirelessly to assure we never forget the atrocities of the Holocaust. Click Here to watch the recorded program.

We Remember TOGETHER

Shabbat Shalom,
Seth J. Katzen
President & CEO

P.S. - Special thanks to New Castle County Executive Matt Mayer who signed on to American Jewish Committee (AJC) Mayors United Against Antisemitism statement that includes a nation-wide list of mayors and municipal leaders’ call for communities to advance the values of respectful coexistence
We Remember TOGETHER

On March 22, 2021 the Copeland String Quartet recorded a Holocaust Commemoration Concert highlighting the music of Jewish composers, Hans Krasa, Pavel Haas and Erwin Schulhoff, all of whom were murdered in the Holocaust. The music pieces include, Papirosen, Shtiller, Ani Maamin and Unter Dyne Vise Shteren. Click Here to view the concert.

Click Here to watch the US Holocaust Memorial Museum's 2021 Days of Remembrance

Click Here to watch the Holocaust Remembrance Day 2021 ceremony at Yad Vashem

Click Here to watch Never Forget...Never Again: A Program on the Holocaust

Click Here to visit No Denying: Delawareans Bear Witness to the Holocaust
news and commentary
upcoming federation events
PJ Library Yom Ha'Atzmaut Program
SUNDAY, APRIL 11TH

Save the date! More info to come. If you'd like to be contacted regarding this program, please email PJ Library Coordinator, Philippa Miller at Philippa@shalomdel.org.
Masa's Virtual Yom HaZikaron Ceremony
TUESDAY, APRIL 13TH - 1:00PM
Facebook Live
Shalom,
 
On April 13th, 2021 at 1:00pm EDT,  on the eve of Yom HaZikaron, we will commemorate IDF soldiers and victims of terror at the largest international virtual ceremony for the Jewish world. For Israelis, and for us all around the world, this day is one of the most important of the year as we recognize those who sacrificed everything for our great country, Israel. At Masa, we see it as our opportunity and responsibility to share the centrality of this day with our global Masa community and partners.
 
Our English-speaking ceremony is a chance for Jews from around the world to participate in a meaningful ceremony from a personal, communal and national perspective.  
 
Over the past 12 years, Masa has held its annual Yom HaZikaron ceremony in Latrun, The Armored Corps Memorial Site. Despite the pandemic, we will continue our tradition of coming together to commemorate this important day by broadcasting the ceremony from Latrun on Facebook Live.
 
Last year, we were joined by over a quarter million viewers from Israel and around the Jewish world and we hope you and your community will join us this year.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14TH AT 6 PM
Online

The JRR All-Star Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration will feature Israeli superstar, David Broza, Josh Nelson, Chava Mirel, Nefesh Mountain, Rabbi Josh Warshawsky, Rick Recht, Shimon Smith, Laurie Akers, Rabbi Lisa Silverstein, teens and college students sing IN Israel and special guest leaders including Dan Shapiro (Former US Ambassador to Israel), Eric Fingerhut (President and CEO of JFNA), and more!
A Global Celebration of Israel's 73rd Independence Day
THURSDAY, APRIL 15TH AT 7:00PM
9 Reasons to Register for this Global Celebration of Israel: 

1. His Excellency Reuven Rivlin, President of Israel will deliver his final farewell to the Diaspora community and viewers will look back on his legacy.

2. Mark Wilf, Minnesota Vikings Owner and Chair of JFNA Board of Trustees will give welcoming remarks and discuss how his passions for sports, Israel and the Jewish community connect.

3. Amar’e Stoudemire, six-time NBA All-Star and player development assistant for the Brooklyn Nets will join the virtual 73-hoops challenge with the students of the National Hillel Basketball Tournament to celebrate Israel’s 73rd birthday.

4. Meet Linoy Ashram, 2021 Olympic rhythmic gymnast sensation, gold medalist at the 2021 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup, and first Israeli to win the gold medal in the Individual All-Around Event at the 2020 European Championships, and

5. Marhu Teferi, 2021 Olympic marathon runner and holder of Israeli records in both the half-marathon and marathon.

6. Noa Tishby, Israeli actress and producer of the Emmy-winning drama “In Treatment” on HBO will offer greetings and invite you to a talk discussion about her new book.

7. Yonina, the Israeli-American husband and wife musical duo will perform.

8. Learn the story of Agnes Keleti, a 100-year-old Hungarian-Israeli gymnast and Holocaust survivor with ten Olympic medals, and

9. A gang of motorcyclists, who recruited Jewish athletes and brought them to Tel Aviv to compete during the perilous time before World War II.

For more information and to register, please visit: www.jfeds.org/Israel73
PJ Library & Albert Einstein Academy
MONDAY, APRIL 26TH AT 1 PM


PJ Library and Albert Einstein Academy team up for a fun filled program. Save the date! More info to come soon. If you'd like to be contacted regarding this event, please email JFD PJ Library Coordinator, Philippa Miller at Philippa@shalomdel.org.
MONDAY, APRIL 26TH AT 1 PM
Online

Esteemed panel of Rabbis including Rabbi Sandra Lawson, Dr. Mira Wasserman, and Rabbi Eric Woodward talk about what it is like to serve the Jewish community as a rabbi of color and will help us to explore our own biases regarding racism and oppression. For more information, contact Rabbi Ellen Bernhardt at Ellen@shalomdel.org
TUESDAYS, APRIL 20TH, 27TH AND MAY 4TH
Online

JFNA National Women’s Philanthropy (NWP) is proud to present a virtual journey that will enable you to feel the Jewish Federations of North America’s impact on lives in Israel and throughout the Jewish world. Open to all female philanthropists. Zoom link provided upon registration. 
SUNDAY, MAY 16TH AT 7 PM
ONLINE

DERECH: The Delaware Rabbi and Cantors in collaboration with Jewish Federation of Delaware is offering an evening of Jewish study in celebration of Shavuot. Each rabbi and cantor will provide their unique perspectives and teachings in 10-15 minute segments. FREE. For more information, please contact Rabbi Michael Beals at rabbimichael@cbswilmde.org.
upcoming community events
SUNDAY, APRIL 11TH AT 11 AM
ONLINE
The Jewish Historical Society of Delaware will hold an online Annual Meeting for the transition and approval of officers. Please visit our website to learn about the candidates for our board and to register to attend the annual meeting.

For questions, contact Gail Pietrzyk at (302) 655-6232 or jhsdel@yahoo.com.
MULTIPLE WEEKENDS IN APRIL
Siegel JCC
Have you been hearing more about ‘Pickleball’ recently? We are scheduling 3 FREE introductory sessions for beginners to learn more about the game! Members who are 18+ are invited to join us on Mon, Apr 12 from 2-3 PM; Tues, Apr 13 from 1 -4 PM; or Sun, Apr 18 from 8 – 11AM. All sessions will be held on the outdoor basketball court, weather permitting. Those interested should bring their own equipment. For more info, contact carriekee@siegeljcc.org.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14TH AT 7 PM
ONLINE
FREE to attend. JFS Therapist, Becca McAdams, LPCMH, is joining the Hockessin BookShelf in conversation with Melissa Bernstein, Co-Founder of Melissa & Doug Toys. Together they’ll discuss Melissa's new memoir, LifeLines, about her journey with anxiety and depression. The event will take place on the Hockessin BookShelf's Facebook page; a Facebook account should not be required to access the live stream.

For more information and to order a copy of the book, contact Hockessinbookshelf@verizon.net or call 302-235-7665.
WEEKENDS APRIL 18, 24, AND 25 AT 8 AM
Siegel JCC
New dates just added for lifeguard training! Training will take place from 8 AM – 4 PM Cost is $300/member; $350/non-member. For more information, contact Steph Kegelman: stephkegelman@siegeljcc.org.
TUESDAY, APRIL 20TH AT 11 AM
ONLINE
Join Wilmington Hadassah for an interactive visit as docents lead an in-depth discussion of six paintings, including Edward Hopper's Summertimer and Dale Chihuly's Persian Windows, followed by Q & A. RSVP by April 13. Cost is just $12. Go here to register or mail a check made out to Hadassah and your email address to: Arlene Eckell, 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue #602, Wilmington, DE 19806.

For questions email Sue Rohrbacher at suerohrba@aol.com.  
EVERY THIRD WEDNESDAY AT 6:30 PM
ONLINE
FREE to attend. Essential personnel have been working tirelessly to serve and positively impact the community during the pandemic. JFS Delaware is here to give back and help these helpers through a limited series of public wellness workshops. Topics may include: Prioritizing Wellness, Getting Out of Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Positivity. These workshops are intended for Essential Personnel in healthcare and social service fields.
For more information contact: Becca McAdams at rmcadams@jfsdelaware.org.
SUMMER SEASON RUNS FROM SATURDAY, MAY 29TH THROUGH MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH
The J is the place to be for Summer 2021! Cost: Summer family: $555/season; Summer individual: $360/season. To see all membership options and join online, go to https://www.siegeljcc.org/main/join/. For more information or assistance joining, contact Coutney Howe: courtneyhowe@siegeljcc.org or call (302) 478-5660.
DATES & TIMES TBD BASED ON INTEREST
ONLINE
FREE to attend. JFS is looking for refugees, international students, and other immigrants to join an 8-part support group series to promote wellness and resilience. Groups will be formed based on culture and can be offered in English, Spanish, French, or Haitian Creole. Looking to form groups and start in April. Those interested or wanting more information can contact Jenevive Newman at jnewman@jfsdelaware.org or 302-545-0024.
Today, Tomorrow, and TOGETHER
Federation Strengthens Community
TODAY... 
The Annual Campaign

  • Addresses the most pressing needs
  • Feeds the hungry
  • Helps the unemployed
  • Supports families with special needs
  • Funds Jewish education


Wendy Berger
Senior Vice President,
Financial Resource Development
302.427.2100 or Wendy@ShalomDel.org.
TOMORROW...
Create A Jewish Legacy

  • A legacy allows individuals and families to support the Jewish causes they care so deeply about.
  • An endowment ensures that tomorrow's needs will be met through perpetual funding.

Click here to learn more about
Creating A Jewish Legacy.

Shari Dym
CJL Program Manager
302.427.2100 or Shari@ShalomDel.org.
Learn More

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The Jewish Community Guide to life in Delaware and the Brandywine Valley.


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