An Update on Our Communal Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic
As the Coronavirus pandemic continues, the needs in our community continue to grow. As more individuals and families find themselves in need of cash or food assistance and more, Federation remains committed to assessing the needs and collaborating with communal organizations to ensure we can provide crucial support. Thank you to the more than 250 generous donors who have supported Federation’s Jewish Community COVID-19 Response Fund. With your help, individuals and institutions that have been shaken by this crisis are being empowered to weather the worst of its immediate effects and prepare for a return to normal when the pandemic has ended. If you’re able, please consider making a gift today.
Strengthening What Sustains Us: A Message from Gil Preuss A couple of years ago, it seemed that the American Jewish community had reached an exciting crossroads. We were in a position to set our own agenda, to build the future we envisioned, and to strengthen Jewish life and community for decades to come. Today, however, the idea of doubling down on our aspirations seems suddenly counterintuitive. We face more challenges as a community than at any time in recent memory. This all begs the question, where do we go from here? Do we channel our focus into providing emergency relief during this astounding time of need? Do we continue to dream and press on with cultivating our vision for the Jewish future?
Introducing #GivingTuesdayNow: May 5, 2020 The international #GivingTuesday campaign that takes place every year after Thanksgiving channels philanthropy into incredible good for the world, but it comes too late in the calendar to help us fight the coronavirus crisis. That’s why, this year, we’re inviting you to participate in #GivingTuesdayNow—a new global day of giving and unity that will serve as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. Join us and tens of thousands of people around the world on May 5 and give to the Jewish Community COVID-19 Response Fund to make a difference.
Meet Local Hero Dr. Miriam Fischer Wachter As an ER doctor at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, life for Dr. Miriam Fischer Wachter was hectic even before the coronavirus pandemic. But now, her job is more complicated. From wearing personal protective equipment in order to treat patients to helping patients die with dignity when they can’t receive family visitors, Dr. Wachter is helping coronavirus patients in any way she can. In our new More than One Way to Give series, we are featuring those in our community who are giving back to help those in need as we get past this coronavirus pandemic. See how Dr. Wachter draws inspiration from Jewish values in her work and how she has leaned on her community during these challenging times.
Zikaron BaSalon: Yom HaShoah Reflections from a Holocaust Survivor Zikaron BaSalon, which translates to memory in the living room, is a social initiative to commemorate the Holocaust in intimate forums. While the initiative pre-dates the coronavirus pandemic, it became even more timely this year when in-person gatherings could not take place for Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Rememberance Day). Netta Asner, Federation's community shlicha (Israeli emissary) to B'nai Israel Congregation, organized a Zikaron BaSalon session for community members to hear directly from Holocaust survivor Isaac Gendelman. From his living room—and on his 96th birthday—Isaac told his story to a virtual audience. He discussed his experience during the Holocaust and gave a tour of his home, including the family photos lining the walls.
Celebrate Israel Through Your Taste Buds Some say Israel has the best food in the world. Are you ready to try it? Join our community shlichim (Israeli emissaries) on Wednesday, May 6 at 5:30 PM as they continue to celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) with virtual Israeli cooking sessions! The shlichim will showcase food from various communities in Israel and tell the stories behind the recipes. (All participants will receive a Zoom link and list of ingredients prior to the event, as well a cookbook created by our community shlichim.)
