Cathy’s Whim Cathy’s Whim

Cathy’s Whim What Inspires Me

WHIM (What Inspires Me) is a weekly column penned by Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton CEO Cathy Gardner. Each week, Cathy delves into current events, significant news stories, and everything related to Jewish Federations and the vibrant Dayton Jewish community. Through her insightful reflections, WHIM offers readers a thoughtful perspective on the issues that matter most to our community.

Cathy’s WHIM – Freedom for All on Passover
Cathy Gardner

Over the past two weeks, we have seen hate once again come to the surface with two mass shootings – one of which greatly affected our friends in the Asian community.

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Cathy’s WHIM – One Year
Cathy Gardner

Often times, anniversaries call for a celebration. This past week marked a very important anniversary in our world, but this certainly is no time for celebration. It was exactly one year ago today that our staff would all be together working under one roof.

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Cathy’s WHIM – Over 100 Years of Progress
Cathy Gardner

This Monday, March 8th, is International Women’s Day. Many organizations around the globe will spend the day honoring the many incredible women of our world – past and present. We are no exception.

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Cathy’s WHIM – Let Me Hear From You
Cathy Gardner

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our world in multiple ways. One major change has been in the way people work. Email and phone calls now replace casual chats with co-workers. Zoom meetings have become a staple in our workdays.

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Cathy’s WHIM – Supporting Innovation
Cathy Gardner

When our Innovation Grants program was launched almost 10 years ago, the idea was to support unique, one-of-a-kind, and collaborative programs in our Dayton Jewish community. Over the years, we have seen many initiatives take shape; however, one in particular has grown from an idea to an integral part of Jewish Dayton.

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Cathy’s WHIM – Where there is life, there is hope
Cathy Gardner

Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. While many countries have their own Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27th is a day for the entire world to take pause and honor the memories of those who perished, learn from those who have shared their stories of survival, and reflect on how we can ensure such an atrocity never happens again.

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Cathy’s WHIM – Actions Beyond Words
Cathy Gardner

As a leader, I am constantly asking myself in any difficult situation, “What is the right thing to do?” When considering the painful events from yesterday I feel we must act with the Jewish community in mind, using Tikkun Olam as our guiding star.

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Cathy’s WHIM – A Virtual Visit
Cathy Gardner

Recently I was talking to a community member, and the topic turned to our programming throughout the pandemic. They raved about what we have provided virtually, and how it has kept the community together during this crazy year. One comment this person made, though, really meant a lot. They said, “You couldn’t have done a better job.”

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Cathy’s WHIM – Sharing the Light on Chanukah
Cathy Gardner

This time of year, we usually gather with family and friends to celebrate the wonder and warmth of Chanukah. Like everything else in 2020, Chanukah looks a little different.

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