Friday, April 2, 2021 | 20 Nissan 5781
Light Candles at 7:09 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...

Friend

Good morning and Chag Pesach Sameach.

I am pleased to confirm that Jewish Federation received a coveted Four-Star Rating on Charity Navigator, their highest rating, on Thursday. This is the sixth consecutive year that we achieved this accolade and are one of only nine Four-Star rated charities in Delaware. Federation is currently the highest rated nonprofit in Delaware with an overall score and rating of 95.99 out of 100 points.

Federation previously earned the highest level of recognition in the industry's other key evaluators, GuideStar's 2021 Platinum Seal of Transparency and GreatNonprofit's 2021 Top-Rated Award. In doing so, Federation can continue to position ourselves as the ONLY NONPROFIT IN DELAWARE to earn the highest ratings from ALL THREE industry evaluators.

Click here to visit our page on Charity Navigator.

Click here to visit our page on GuideStar.

Click here to visit our page on GreatNonprofits.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to tikkun olam.

We Grow Stronger TOGETHER.

Shabbat Shalom,
Seth J. Katzen
President & CEO
A message from the Delaware Rabbis and Cantors Association (DERECH)
Dear Delaware Community, 
 
We are pained and horrified by the continued surge in anti-Asian racism and violence. Regardless of the attacker's intent, in light of the most recent horrific acts of violence in Atlanta, we call out in a unified voice to our fellow Americans. We have no tolerance for xenophobia, bigotry or the needless destruction of humanity. 

Unfortunately, many of these incidents are not being reported and covered by major media outlets. The biblical concept of B’tzelem Elokim reminds us that we are all created in the image of God and that all human life is equally sacrosanct. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that crimes against Asian Americans are covered. We say to our friends in the Asian American community that we see you, we are with you, and we will fight alongside you for a country where all of us are safe! 

We hope to bring about change by speaking in a unified voice to our elected officials. We ask them to raise up and heed the needs of all marginalized citizens, and condemn this violence. 
 
The Jewish Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Delaware is planning an event on this important topic in the near future. Please join us for this event in solidarity. 
 
May we soon live the words of the psalmist (122:8)
For the sake of my kin and friends, I pray for your well-being.
 
Sincerely, 

Rabbi Michael Beals
Rabbi Ellen Bernhardt
Rabbi Peter Grumbacher
Rabbi Elisa Koppel
Rabbi Michael L Kramer
Rabbi Jacob Lieberman 
Rabbi Douglas E. Krantz
Rabbi Peggy deProphetis
Rabbi Yair Robinson
Rabbi Steven Saks
Rabbi Jeremy Winaker
news and commentary
upcoming federation events
Are You Ready to be a Changemaker?
If you’re a Jewish college student or a recent grad, 20-24, you now have an awesome opportunity. An online leadership development experience to expand your career, your network and, most importantly, your ability to affect positive change in your community and the world.

TUESDAY, APRIL 6TH AT NOON
Online

PJ Library and National Women's Philanthropy (NWP) invite you to join us for a two-part discussion focused on Jewish women. Part of NWP’s Virtually Limitless series, these meaningful conversations moderated by journalist Abigail Pogrebin offer learnings from Jewish women who lead, give, and tell Jewish stories.
THURSDAY, APRIL 8TH AT NOON
Online

Yom HaShoah program sponsored by DERECH and Holocaust Education Committee of the Jewish Federation of Delaware. The program will also feature messages and addresses from several dignitaries including: Senator Carper, Senator Coons, Congresswoman Blunt Rochester, County Executive Meyer, Mayor Purzycki, and Representative Jeff Spiegelman. Register in advance.

For more information, contact Gina Kozicki at Gina@shalomdel.org.
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.
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!
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. 
upcoming community events
Wilmington Hadassah General Meeting and Poland Program
MONDAY, APRIL 5TH AT 7 PM
ONLINE
Be informed about the latest updates on the Hadassah scene. Followed by a presentation by Sylvia Wagman about her trip to Poland to visit her parents' hometowns.

If you are not a Hadassah member, contact Sylvia at srwag8@comcast.net by noon on April 5 for information and a Zoom link.
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.
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.
Camp runs from Jun 21 – Aug 20 for grades 1 - 8. Camp JCC is an outdoor traditional camp where each individual is supported to be themselves while our trained and qualified staff encourage each camper to step outside their comfort zone and try new things. Our camp director, Carrie Kee, will be hosting informal virtual Tuesday camp chats from 12:30-1:30 PM on Apr 13 & 26. For more info, contact carriekee@siegeljcc.org.
10-MONTHLY SESSIONS MARCH TO DECEMBER
ONLINE
Presented by Seaside Jewish Community, Rehoboth Beach, DE. From early Zionism through the Six Day War with Nick Simmonds. This is the first of a ten-part Series that will meet once a month. Created and presented by Nick Simmonds, who lived and studied in Israel in the period between the Six Day War and the Yom Kippur War. He continued his studies in Sussex, Great Britain where he received an MA in International Relations, leading to a career spanning the UK,US, and Canada. This 10-session class was first offered by Nick through the OSHER Learning Institute, where it generated much interest and excellent reviews.

For more information please visit Seaside Jewish Community's website or contact seasidejewishcommunity@gmail.com.
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

Check out this month's issue of J-VOICE Monthly!



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


Federation is the trusted steward of your philanthropy.


Federation is the wise stewards of your philanthropy
The leading provider of user reviews about nonprofits. Federation has been honored with their Top-Rated Award every year since 2012.
The nation's largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities. Federation has received their Four-Star Rating the past five years. 

The leading source of nonprofit information. Federation is a Platinum Participant, the highest level of recognition due to our commitment to transparency.