Greetings! 

Our Community of Caring celebration earlier this week was really a wonderful night.  

In the words of our Board Chair, Annabel Lindenbaum, for a small Federation we really accomplish quite a lot! And it was great to celebrate Chanukah with the 80 community members who turned out. 
There were many worthwhile parts to the program, but the highlight was honoring our local Heroes Against Hate. From high school students (and budding superstars) Trevor Kalb, promoting respect for diverse voices through his banned book list, and Ian Rosenzweig, who stood up to double standards applied to Israel…to Chief James Riccio and Sgt. James Kelly, who continue to build bridges with clergy and others in Brick Township, and our good friends at Exit 82 Theatre, who helped create safe spaces for the LGBTQ community in Ocean County - we got to hear inspiring stories from people making a difference in our community.  
We know that many in the Jewish community are increasingly concerned about antisemitism. We also know that it isn’t enough just to fight or focus on antisemitism - if we want to be effective we need to be the first to raise our voices when we see racism or homophobia or discrimination. That is why the Jewish Federation plays a vital role in recognizing these Heroes Against Hate. 
 You help make this possible through your support of the Jewish Federation!

We also…
  • Heard an important message from our County Prosecutor, Bradley Billhimer, 
  • Got to meet Pat Donaghue and be first first outside event to take place at the “Barn” - the new digs of the Joel E. Perlmutter Memorial Food Pantry,
  • Recognized the people who make the Jewish Journal possible every month, and 
  • Renewed our Federation Board for the next year.  
Plus…NO ONE complained about the program being too long. (WOW!!!)

Many were also impressed (myself included, even though I already knew this stuff) by this infographic of Federation grantees and impact that we included in the program. 
As Annabel indicated, and I will say in another way - I think we are punching above our weight class. (I am not so good with analogies, but would saying we are like Jerry in Tom & Jerry help?)

I know you hear this message a lot at the end of the year - but your financial contributions make all this and more possible.  

If you have more to give, or are so moved, please show us some love and make a donation before the end of the year. You can donate here, call our office, and/or send a check.  

We will put your support to very good use.  

Thank you. Happy Chanukah and Shabbat Shalom!

Keith