Israel & Our Community Edition

As we enter 5785, the sound of the shofar signals a fresh start. Rosh Hashanah calls us to reflect, renew, and imagine a brighter future for the Jewish people. Let us embrace this opportunity to enter the new year with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper commitment to each other and our community.

Imagine what we can achieve together in the new year - As One.

Imagine the connections we’ll forge: As One, we will continue to draw strength from Israel’s resilient spirit in the aftermath of October 7th. We will strengthen our bonds with our extended family around the world, deliver life-saving aid in times of crisis, and nurture a vibrant Jewish landscape in over 70 countries.

Imagine the impact we’ll make: As One, we will raise our collective voice to advocate for Holocaust survivors and ensure their stories are never forgotten. We will combat the rising tide of antisemitism and stand against hate and intolerance in all its forms. We will extend a helping hand to those in need within our community and beyond.

Imagine the future we’ll shape: As One, we will ensure that our synagogues, schools, and community centers are safe, welcoming spaces where Jewish life flourishes. We will inspire the next generation by sparking a lifelong connection to Judaism through meaningful education and engagement.

As One, we will turn these visions into actions and ensure a thriving Jewish world for generations to come. Let 5785 be a year of transformation!

Wishing you and your loved ones a sweet and happy new year. L'shanah tovah!

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New Year Thoughts from Shelley!

Every September, there are certain rituals that all educators go through. My favorite is starting a new calendar. Some people start calendars in January but Jewish calendars and school calendars start in September. If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m a hard-copy calendar-user. The first thing I do when I get a new calendar is put in dates of simchas. I love having something to look forward to. This year, I have already put in my grandson’s Bar Mitzvah and

an upcoming wedding. I love sharing joyous events with family and friends.

Next, I begin to layer in exciting work-related events that get planned months in advance -- for example, Violins of Hope. This program has been in the works for over a year and as we approach Nov. 12-18 and the arrival of these historic instruments, you can feel the excitement building. So reserve your tickets on the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra website and donate to the Holocaust Resource Center. This is going to be an event that you don’t want to miss!

Then there are holiday calendar observances. Of course, the "never-on-time" New Year is running late this year. I’m already menu-planning. The sweet smell of honey cake and apple delights, mixed with the rich wafting smells of brisket and chicken soup with matzo balls, are about to fill the air of our homes. What better way to check off the days on the calendar than to make a recipe a day!

I think that this year, more than any other, we need to turn over the pages of our collective calendars. We need some good news. I hope for all of you that your calendars are rich with joyous events, and that your holidays are family-filled, spiritually meaningful, and savory and sweet.

Shelley Kreiger

Acting Head

Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County

Remembering October 7th

As we celebrate with family and friends, we also mourn for the many we lost on October 7th, and for the hostages who still have not been brought home. Over the next week, gather with the community to mourn, remember, and find hope.

This is just a sampling of the special events organized by Stacy Kamisar, our Director of Programming & Partnerships.

Meet Stacy Kamisar -

Director of Programming & Partnerships

At this point, it feels a bit odd to introduce myself to a community that I have served for 15 years as the Federation’s program director. Fostering Jewish conversations dates all the way back to my years at Northwestern University, where I was the PR manager for the campus United Jewish Appeal division. Clearly, Jewish communal life stayed in my blood, as just a few years later I became the Communications Director of the American Friends of Tel Aviv University. After moving to Weston more than 25 years ago, my husband and I raised our two children here,

embracing small-town life, and now as an empty-nester and grandmother of a little baby girl, I have no intention of leaving Fairfield County. This community is in my heart, and I am grateful every day for the beautiful life we have built amongst caring people who have become family.

For me, the best part about my job is building community…a stronger, more cohesive Jewish community here in Greater Fairfield County. Nothing makes me happier than seeing our community come together – whether we are learning together, advocating for Israel, or supporting each other in times of crisis. It is clear that we are stronger as a people when we act as one.

My goal is to create programs that engage each one of us and educate us with tools to become more confident – not only in our heritage but in our future. This fall, we offer a breadth of programs to do just that, and I hope you will join us on October 14^th as we welcome Haaretz reporter Lee Yaron, who will discuss her new book, 10/7 – 100 Human Stories.

Together, with knowledge, may we go from strength to strength.

Stacy

Click Here for Tickets to the Honoree Reception Includes Tickets to “A Conversation with Lizzy Savetsky”

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