SHARE:  

Shalom CT!

We are going to try something new here and i hope you like it.


Each Friday, you will continue to receive our weekly e-blast with stories and photos of interesting things around the community.


On Sundays, you will now receive an events-only e-blast that will let you know what's happening that week. I hope this works!

Most of us are back from our mission to Israel. We waffled between 'I can't wait to get home' and 'I could stay here forever.'


So it is with Israel.


A big thanks to everyone who joined us on this extraordinary mission at this time in Israel's history.


We also send a very special thanks to our volunteer mission leader, Alan Feldman, for his wisdom, enthusiasm and vision.

Our farewell dinner capped off an amazing mission...the best one yet.


We were joined by the talented staff of J2, and our tour guide, Hillary.


A special treat for us was the addition of members of Ofek's and my families. This group will never forget what now binds us together.

Over the next few weeks we will continue to share the voices of our participants and what this trip has meant to them.


One of the many things this trip has shown us is that we have work to do - both for Israel and at home. We return from this mission energized and ready.


We will continue to partner with our local congregations, elected officials, universities and public schools to develop exciting and innovative programs that unite, educate and inspire. And we will continue to support Israel.


Am Yisrael Chai.

I wish you a safe and peaceful Shabbos.

Carin Savel, CEO

Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County

A Full Day of Volunteering with Becca Banoff:

Our day began with a visit to Pantry Packers where we assisted with filling packages of food that are distributed to thousands of families every month. The pantry services countless families with food assistance distribution, soup kitchens and monthly gift 

cards for purchasing food. Pantry Packers also provides gift cards to countless Israeli families who have been displaced, as people left their home with nothing but the clothes on their backs in the wake of the massacres on October 7th. I was struck by the sheer volume of the operation and it was a wonderfully uplifting experience to be able to personally help participate in packing up dozens of boxes now ready to be shipped to people in the community.

The impact this organization has on the community is truly awesome.

Our next stop was the Israeli Trauma Coalition. The profound work that this organization does is amazing. We met with Debra Slonim, the Director of International Relations, who explained the many different ways the ITC is helping the people of Israel. Through counseling, social workers, training to first responders and other community leaders, and many, many outreach avenues, they are taking every step possible to aid the Israeli people and prevent further development of trauma among all ages and demographics.


Hearing about the way they’ve mobilized whoever they can to provide the most immediate aid to those in need was really moving but also devastating, as Debra estimates they’ll likely need to triple their funding this year to provide care to all of those effected by the events of October 7th.

Visiting the Magen David Adom Marcus National Blood Services Center was equally as awe-striking. The massive new facility was absolutely beautiful and the ingenuity that contributed to the coming to fruition of such a place is truly special. In 4-5 days after 10/7, Magen David Adom, through the strength of Israeli citizens, was able to collect 4-5 months' worth of supply.


With the ability to process over double the previous capacity and in half the time frame, this resource is saving lives on the front lines for the IDF and the countless injured. They are also able to provide milk to infants who for a variety of reasons don’t have access to the nutrition they require through the human milk bank. These invaluable resources are filling a massive gap in healthcare for the Israeli people.

Our final stop of the day was IDF's Camp Anatot. Our group provided a BBQ dinner for the troops who are putting their lives on the line for their country and their people. The morale among the soldiers, who ranged in age, really struck me.


They were dancing, laughing, and eager to connect with and take photos with our group. Every soldier I spoke to expressed gratitude, which also struck me as ironic, because our community is so grateful to them and it seemed like an obvious gesture to feed our soldiers (and the least we can do). The impact that the soldiers had on me, and that I believe we had on them, will be a mutually lasting memory.

Thoughts from Lynn Rabinovici Park:

Israel in March is lush and green and wildflowers blossom all over the country. At times it doesn’t seem as if there’s a war going on. We meet and talk with Israelis from all backgrounds, and we listen to them, and it’s clear that they are deeply traumatized and in deep mourning, not having yet reached the PTSD phase as new information is still coming to light.

At the same time, the Israeli people are enormously strong, dedicated, spirited, and, in spite of the national trauma, or maybe because of it, respond overwhelmingly to the powerful call of action to help rebuild what was destroyed. Each professional we met, at the Pantry Packers, The Israel Trauma Coalition, at Magen David Adom, and the soldiers at a military police base just across the Green Line in the West Bank, showed deep sadness coupled with strength, hope and determined optimism.


We were so impressed with their ability to unify, mobilize, and get to work. To help, to make a difference, to contribute. They showed us a snapshot of how the country functions after the atrocious October 7 Hamas attack. What we found is that across all fields, and in spite of the anger at Hamas’ inhumane actions, especially amongst the military police, the focus was firmly on getting back up from the abyss, taking care of one another, each in their area of expertise.



Jews value Life (l’chaim, the Hebrew toast, means “to life!”) and today, the amazing people we met were the literal embodiment of this cornerstone of Judaism. And in the process, they gave us their sincere gratitude for showing up in their darkest hours, helping us heal and process our own tremendous pain.

Kol Israel Arevim with Sharon DeFala:

Today's theme for our mission was Kol Israel Arevim, "All of Israel are responsible for each other."


It's from the Bible, and it's evident all over this country. It's also why we are here.


Throughout our travels this week we are hearing and seeing the stories of people who are still rushing 5 months after October 7th to support everyone who needs it.


People have paused their real lives and spend some or all of their waking hours going where they are most needed and accomplishing what they can to help alleviate some of the tremendous suffering and trauma that this country is stuck inside.

35-year-old Ariel and his wife finished their army service years ago. They live in the middle of the country and they have good jobs. On October 7, they were just hanging out watching TV when they saw the news. They were horrified, and said to each other, we have to go the South and see what we can do to help. The wife got up and jumped in the shower.


By the time she got out of the shower, Ariel was already packing his gear - he had been called up for reserve duty and was on his way to Gaza with his military unit. I met him at an army base. He was happy to meet someone from Connecticut because he is so proud of Doron Sheffer - the retired NBA star who played for UConn after growing up in Israel.

Today, we went to work packing vegetables. Israel has thousands of refugees displaced within their own country and in need of food, but the crops were beginning to rot in the fields with limited workers available.


Corps of able-bodied volunteers use their day off from work to go help harvest crops. It began as a solution to a completely different problem. The first responders are traumatized by what they have witnessed both in real time on October 7th, and through the brutal 5 months that have followed.


When it comes time for these brave people to take a day away from their work, they just can't return to their typical down-time pursuits. Going to the fields and losing themselves for a few hours in manual labor helps them feel both productive and calmer.

The idea spread. Educators, medical personnel, high-school students, whoever has time, go and help wherever farmers need help.


Today was our turn to help move cucumbers from the field to the supply chain for a few hours. We did not solve anything. But we lifted a portion of the burden.


In the afternoon we met Nadav Rudaeff, the eldest son of Lior Rudaeff.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/presumed-captive-lior.../


Presumed captive: Lior Rudaeff, went to fight for Nir Yitzhak

The 61-year-old ambulance driver and volunteer medic hasn't been seen since October 7.

Please read Lior's story.


Lior was shot and captured by Hamas while defending his neighbors. Nadav's siblings and mother survived with the help of friends and neighbors. Nadav works every day to advocate for the release of his father and the other hostages.

In the public square outside Tel Aviv Museum of Art, while Nadav and the families of other hostages continue their work of sharing the stories of their stolen loved ones, hundreds of volunteers lead vigils, create art, raise money and awareness. The refrain is simple and clear:


"Machzirim otam ha-bye’tah akhshav.” Bring them home now.



All of Israel is responsible for each other.

PS: Carin and Jill


On my final day in Tel Aviv, I reconnected with Jill Lesser for lunch at the Dizengoff Center.


I hadn't been there for years, but I wasn't prepared for what I saw.


Every inch of the Center was covered in handwritten notes, old photos, posters, flowers and mementos for the hostages and victims of the October 7th massacre.

As I walked around the fountain,

I read the notes from mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers. From best friends and wives and husbands and children. I couldn't stop crying.


It was the most appropriate way to conclude this amazing trip...

Watch this wonderful call to action from Lizzy Savetsky. YOUR is needed help TODAY to send a strong message to President Biden to support Israel, combat antisemitism, and secure the release of our hostages. To do so, we will collect 180,000 signed letters that will be hand-delivered to the White House on Wednesday, April 3rd – the 180th day since October 7th.

Sign on at https://www.ou.org/180-for-180/

EFFORTS CONTINUE TO RESCIND BRIDGEPORT CEASEFIRE RESOLUTION


“We urgently need the Jewish Community to turn out one more time to help convince the Bridgeport City Council to rescind the one-sided and divisive Ceasefire Resolution regrettably adopted in early January. Please make plans to attend the Council Meeting scheduled for this Monday, April 1. We request that you arrive by 6:00 PM in advance of the public portion of the meeting which begins at 6:30 PM.

 

As a reminder, earlier this week, the Miscellaneous Matters Committee of the Bridgeport City Council voted 2-1 not to recommend rescission of the Ceasefire Resolution. However, as noted above, on Monday, April 1, the City Council will vote on the motion to rescind the Ceasefire Resolution. The public testimony will begin at 6:30 PM and the formal Council Meeting will begin at 7:00 PM. WE URGE OUR COMMUNITY TO ARRIVE AT CITY HALL BY 6:00 ON MONDAY, APRIL 1 TO ENSURE THAT THE BRIDGEPORT CITY COUNCIL CLEARLY UNDERSTANDS THE NEED FOR RESCISSION OF ITS HASTILY ADOPTED AND UNFAIR CEASEFIRE RESOLUTION.

Bad news....

Leading Jewish Organizations Respond to Significant Cuts to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program


WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a joint statement released today, the Secure Community Network (SCN), Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the American Jewish Committee (AJC), The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), and the Orthodox Union (OU) expressed deep concern over Congress’s decision to slash funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) by $30.5 million for fiscal year 2024. These organizations, at the forefront of advocating for and securing NSGP funds for faith-based institutions, underscore the impact of this reduction on the safety and security of communities across the United States. In a joint statement, SCN, ADL, AJC, The Conference of Presidents, JFNA, and OU said the following:


“The cut in NSGP funding presents a significant challenge to the safety and security of our communities at a time when threats to religious and nonprofit organizations are at a record high. These funds are not just grants; they are lifelines that have fortified vital institutions against hate and violence. The security measures these funds have supported at Jewish facilities across the country have saved lives and prevented tragedy. Together, we urge Congress to prioritize additional funding to make the NSGP program whole. Any national security supplemental must include funding for NSGP and there must be increased funding for NSGP in the FY2025 appropriations bill.


At the same time, we continue to encourage faith-based and nonprofit organizations to respond to this challenge with strong applications.”

Since its inception, the NSGP has played a pivotal role in enhancing the physical security of Jewish facilities and facilities across faith-based communities that are at increased risk of being targeted by hate, violence, and terrorism. These funds have provided critical support for security enhancements such as surveillance cameras, fortified entry points, and emergency preparedness training. In the last two years alone, at-risk Jewish institutions and facilities have seen a substantial increase in funding, directly contributing to the safety and resilience of communities across the country.


The NSGP’s importance has grown in the wake of the horrific events of the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel, emphasizing the need for robust security measures in vulnerable communities as incidents against the Jewish community rise across the U.S. The collaborative efforts of SCN, ADL, AJC, The Conference of Presidents, JFNA, and OU have been instrumental in advocating for and expanding the NSGP since its establishment. These organizations have worked tirelessly to ensure that faith-based and nonprofit organizations have the resources and knowledge to protect themselves and their members. As the competition for NSGP funds undoubtedly intensifies due to this budget cut, our collective call to action underscores the importance of preparedness, high-quality application submissions, and the continued advocacy for the protection of all communities against hate and violence.

Find Us on Social Media


Please be sure to "Like" our new Facebook page, facebook.com/shalomct.org so you can stay up to date on the latest community happenings!


You can also follow us on Instagram - FederationShalomCT.

FULL LISTING OF COMMUNITY EVENTS
Give to Federation
Join Our Mailing List 

Connect with Our Clergy


Click on the links below to reach out to your congregation. If you are not affiliated with a congregation but would like to connect with a Jewish clergyperson, please email info@shalomct.org.


Beit Chaverim Synagogue

Westport

Beth Israel

Norwalk

Chabad of Fairfield


Chabad Jewish Center of Ridgefield

Chabad Lubavitch of Westport

Congregation Ahavath Achim

Fairfield

Or Hadash

Fairfield

Congregation Beth El-Norwalk

Congregation B'nai Israel

Bridgeport

Congregation for Humanistic Judaism of Fairfield County

Westport

Congregation Mishkan Israel

Trumbull

Congregation Rodeph Sholom

Bridgeport

Congregation Shir Shalom of Westchester & Fairfield Counties

Ridgefield

Mozaic Senior Life

Bridgeport

TCS

Westport

Temple B'nai Chaim

Georgetown

Temple Israel

Westport

Temple Shalom

Norwalk