Click here to listen to full speech

This past Sunday was the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) Virtual GA, with the theme of "What's Next?" We know the coming year will bring new challenges, from the recent and drastic rise in physical and verbal acts of antisemitism to strengthening the connections, engagement and resilience of young Jews who are confronted daily with jarring attacks on social media and at school. The GA drew more than 5,000 attendees.

Assembling together, even virtually, is a powerful way to inspire, recognize, and support one another as we prepare for the year ahead. Featured speakers included Isaac Herzog, President of Israel; Nikki Haley, Former US Ambassador to the United Nations (2017-2019), and Ritchie Torres, Vice Chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Click here to watch a recording of the Virtual GA.

Also this past Sunday was the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware's Virtual Opening of the Delaware Center for Jewish History at the Coxe House. Yasher koach to JHSD President, Diane Wolf, and the leadership working behind the scene for the past three years with the renovations, fundraising, relocation logistics, and ongoing support efforts.

Following the GA on Monday and Tuesday was JFNA's Leadership Lab consisting of a series of follow-up study sessions. These learning opportunities were attended by lay and professional leadership throughout North America.

On Wednesday evening, community leader Suzanne Grant moderated a special National Women's Philanthropy program featuring Tovah Feldshuh, actress, singer, and author of, Lilyville: Mother, Daughter, and Other Roles I've Played. This heartwarming and funny memoir from the beloved actress tells the story of a mother and daughter whose narrative reflects American cultural changes and the world's shifting expectations of women.

This Sunday is ADL's Walk Against Hate where thousands of people will get out and get on the move against antisemitism, against racism, against bigotry and bias of all kinds. Click here to learn more and register.

Thanks to the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Jewish Federation of Delaware will be partnering with Seaside Jewish Community and Temple Beth El to expand PJ Library family programs to Newark and Rehoboth Beach.

These exciting new PJ library family programs will be exploring the different aspects of Shabbat together to empower families to celebrate in their own way. Please note, you do not need to be a member of either synagogue to join.

For more information, contact Philippa@ShalomDel.org.

Sign held at demonstration against antisemitism. Photo Credit: Ms. Magazine.

Planting trees at the Babi Yar memorial in Kyiv, Ukraine, for Tu B’Shevat and International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Jan. 27, 2021. Photo by Olga Zakrevskaya.