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Dear Nicole,
Good morning. Our hearts are with our worldwide Jewish community in the wake of Wednesday's horrific synagogue attack in Tunisia. We mourn those who lost their lives, and we wish a speedy recover to those who are injured. We are also closely watching Israel as hundreds of rockets have launched into the country from Gaza. We are in touch with Jewish Federations of North America and are closely monitoring the situation.
This past Sunday, Community Shlicha, Ivrit Gavze, coordinated a Bark Mitzvah program at Rockford Park. It was a fun-filled morning and all participants received a custom certificate signed by Federation Office pet, Knox, (who is also Spiritual Leader of the Delaware Shul of Paws)!
On Monday morning I attended the Jewish Federations of North America's Executive Committee meeting where Delaware's Suzanne Grant, presented the Financial Report and Budget as Treasurer of JFNA. Kol HaKavod to Suzanne for well-representing our community on a national level.
Delaware partnered with several regional Federations to virtually bring the Times of Israel, Founding Editor, David Horovitz, to our community Monday afternoon. We received a timely update on what is happening in Israel, both politically and with the recent rocket attacks through thoughtful commentary.
Tuesday was Lag Ba'Omer, celebrated on the 33rd day of the Omer period, commemorating the end of a plague that wiped out 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva, and honoring the yahrzeit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who asked his disciples to mark the day as a joyous rather than sad occasion.
Federation Leadership met with the Mayor of Sderot, Alon Davidi, on Tuesday afternoon to receive a personal update on living under ongoing rocket fire from Gaza and how they continue to thrive during these challenging times.
The Milton & Hattie Kutz Foundation Grants Committee met on Tuesday evening under the leadership of President, Leslie Newman. The Foundation makes annual grants to numerous Delaware nonprofits and will be finalizing recommendations in June.
Federation's Executive Committee met on Wednesday evening under the leadership of Board Chair, Russ Silberglied. Our leadership meet regularly through monthly Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings to ensure good governance and oversight.
The Allocations Committee met last night for final agency presentations. They will regroup next week for further discussion and to finalize recommendations that will be presented to the Board of Directors.
A reminder that May is Jewish American Heritage Month! Click here to explore the contributions that American Jews have made to the fabric of our nation’s history, culture, and society.
Other upcoming Federation programs...
May 18 at 7pm - Israel & Overseas Committee movie screening of Image of Victory
May 21 at 11am - PJ Library Goes to the Brandywine Zoo
May 24 at 5pm - Help us say "farewell" and thank you to community Shlicha, Irit Gavze
June 1 at 6pm - Federation Happy Hour & 88th Annual Meeting
June 12 at 8pm - Distant Cousins concert + Federation Night @Bellefonte Brewing Co.
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