Jun 20, 2025 | Cathy's Whim
This week has been very difficult for Jews around the world, especially in Israel. People with friends and family in Israel are trying their best to keep in touch with their loved ones, and act as a source of strength during this difficult time. We here at the...
Jun 18, 2025 | Cathy's Whim
Since October 7th, figuring out how we, as Jews, feel about the global Jewish community and the rise in antisemitism here in the United States has been increasingly difficult to articulate. It is important that the Jewish community’s concerns regarding antisemitism be...
Apr 25, 2025 | Cathy's Whim
As we prepare to remember and honor those who perished and survived during the Holocaust, we must not forget the stories of the Liberators. At this Sunday’s Yom Hashoah Observance, we will hear from Elaine Buckler, who will share the story of her father, Paul Buckler,...
Apr 10, 2025 | Cathy's Whim
I was recently at a conference in Chattanooga for CEOs of small Jewish Federations. It provided an opportunity for those of us in attendance to learn and share ideas with each other. The conference was packed with informative sessions, including one where we...
Mar 26, 2025 | Cathy's Whim
Earlier this month, JCC Executive Director Marc Jacob and I traveled to Massachusetts to attend a special conference, titled “Navigating Israel and the Rise of Antisemitism.” The sessions offered at the conference gave us a detailed glimpse into the issues currently...
Feb 28, 2025 | Cathy's Whim
It is critical that our American Jewish voices be heard. Be a part of history. According to the American Zionist Movement website, “Between March 10 and May 4, 2025, American Jews will vote for their delegates to the 39th World Zionist Congress, the ‘parliament of the...
Feb 21, 2025 | Cathy's Whim
While the WHIM stands for “What Inspires Me,” the source of the inspiration comes from a multitude of different places. Sometimes, it is my own personal experiences that relate to the work we are doing at the Jewish Federation. Other times, I am inspired when someone...
Jan 16, 2025 | Cathy's Whim
Earlier this week, I attended the International Lion of Judah Conference in Atlanta. Rachel Goldberg-Polin was one of the featured speakers. Her son, Hersh (z”l), was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Sadly, he was murdered while in captivity in August 2024. Her...
Jan 10, 2025 | Cathy's Whim
Having lived the majority of my life in Florida, where hurricanes are abundant, I understand the ferocity and destruction natural disasters can cause. But I can’t even begin to imagine what it would be like to have my home and community consumed by fire. The...
Dec 24, 2024 | Cathy's Whim
As I was looking for some Chanukah inspiration, I came across this quote: “The menorah’s light is a reminder that we all have the power to brighten the world.” (author unknown) I found these words especially poignant this year, considering the October 7, 2023 attacks...
