August 12, 2022 | 15 Av, 5782
01 | Expecting in August!
We're proud to announce the arrival of Shalom Baby, a collaboration between PJ Library, St. Paul Jewish Federation, and Jewish Family Service of St. Paul.

You can sign up here to receive a gift package (or to refer someone else to receive one) that includes Jewish books, keepsake items, helpful resources, and a special message from all of the Saint Paul rabbis.

Parenting really does take a village, and we are here to support you.

Please email us with any questions.
02 | Welcome Shahar!
Our new St. Paul community Israel Emissary is here! She arrived last week and is already visiting our partner agencies. We are grateful for the amazing host families that are helping Shahar feel at home in our community.

"She is fantastic and her mom is absolutely lovely as well! It was wonderful to have them for their first Shabbat!" - Jennifer & Geoff Mason

"We are so grateful for this opportunity and getting to know Shahar and her family!" - Lindsey & Drew Horowitz

"We are so happy to welcome Shahar, the new St. Paul Shlicha. She has adopted us as her Saba and Savta and gives us a feeling of responsibility and a better connection to the community!" - Rachel & Doron Frank
03 | Helping the Most Vulnerable
The Blue Card, one of the many initiatives supported by Jewish Federations to empower Holocaust Survivors, recently brought 56 Survivors together for a special gathering in the Catskills.

The Mission of The Blue Card is to provide direct financial assistance to needy Holocaust Survivors. Of the nearly 3000 Holocaust survivor households The Blue Card serves, three-quarters are over the age of 76 and nearly 70% live alone. Many of these survivors struggle to afford basic needs, such as adequate food and healthcare; more than half of them fall 200% below the federal poverty line, meaning their income is less than $24,980 annually.

Read more about this initiative here.
04 | $2 Million in Grants for Ukrainian Refugees
Since the war began in February, Jewish Federations have collectively raised $73 million and allocated $61 million for more than 50 NGOs on the ground in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Funds raised through the relief campaign for Ukraine also are supporting The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA’s) central volunteer hub, which has placed almost 90 Russian-speaking Jews in volunteer assignments in Poland and Hungary since the initiative was launched in March.

JFNA has announced $2 million in grants to five nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working to assist Ukrainian refugees struggling with the effects of the war.

We pledge to continue to respond to these growing needs.
05 | Volunteer to Help Seniors Celebrate the High Holy Days
Our partner agency Jewish Family Service of St. Paul is looking for volunteers to help seniors celebrate the High Holy Days.

Decorate holiday cards, deliver gift bags, greet guests, sit with people with dementia during the ceremony, and/or blow the shofar. 

See more details here.
Federation Events
Hebrew Happy Hour
Hebrew Happy Hour is coming to St. Paul! Gather with friends and meet new people at The Happy Gnome on August 25 at 5pm.
This community-wide event is sponsored by St. Paul Jewish Federation and RAJMN in partnership with Hebrew Happy Hour's monthly outings!
Community Events
Shabbatluck in the Park
Join Beth Jacob Congregation for a Potluck Shabbat in the Park.

Date: August 19
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm

Valley Park
821 Marie Ave. W,
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
"GROUPTHINK"
Provocative satire on business and politics explores honesty, equity, and the state of being human in the world today. A world premiere production of a play first presented in our New-Play Reading Festival this past March. August 13-28, 2022

Summertime Jewish Learning Across the Twin Cities
All classes are FREE and open to anyone.
Drop-in for one session or come to all of them! No registration required.

Many thanks to the participating clergy for giving their wisdom and time to make this program possible.
Young Adult Havdalah and Dessert
Join young adults (20s/30s) on August 20 at 7:30 p.m. for an opportunity to connect with activities, refreshments, and Havdalah on the Mount Zion patio! This event is open to anyone regardless of synagogue membership/affiliation and there is no cost for participants. Please register online