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 – Missed The General Assembly? No Problem!
Cathy Gardner

Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly (JFNA GA) took place this past Sunday and Monday. The GA is typically held in person. It was supposed to take place in Chicago this year. However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, JFNA decided to move the conference to a virtual platform.

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Cathy’s WHIM – An Incredible FREE Opportunity
Cathy Gardner

It’s that time of year again, when Federations from all across North America and Israel gather together for the General Assembly (GA). This program cultivates inspiration, innovative ideas, and growth for both professionals and lay leaders.

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Cathy’s WHIM – It Lasts A Lifetime
Cathy Gardner

This past week, I had the pleasure of meeting our new BBYO advisor, Sydney Feibus. In talking with Sydney, her zeal for the Jewish community and our youth was profound.

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Cathy’s WHIM – R.B.G. And R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Cathy Gardner

Last Friday, on Erev Rosh Hashanah, the world lost an icon ~ Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg z”l. Only the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, and the first Jewish woman to serve on the court, R.B.G, as she was known in pop culture, leaves behind an immense footprint and no-doubt historical legacy.

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Cathy’s WHIM – L’Shanah Tovah
Cathy Gardner

As we prepare to bring in the New Year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect. I don’t think any of us could have envisioned what this last year would entail. We have all been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in some way, shape, or form.

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Cathy’s WHIM – Heartwarming Acts Of Humanity
Cathy Gardner

I do not think anyone could have predicted what our world would look like in 2020 ~ I certainly could not have imagined it. Between the COVID-19 pandemic, racial unrest, and political divisiveness, it can feel incredibly heavy navigating day-to-day life.

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Cathy’s WHIM – Time Of Transition
Cathy Gardner

This Thursday, August 13th at 6pm, the Federation and its agencies will celebrate our community at our Virtual Annual Meeting. In addition to recognizing our award winners, the meeting also serves as a time of transition, where we thank outgoing board members who have so graciously dedicated their time and passion to Jewish Dayton, and welcome in new board members.

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Cathy’s WHIM – Responding Locally and Around the World
Cathy Gardner

When you have a concern about the Jewish community or antisemitism, I am happy to hear from you. A community member recently contacted me because she was upset about what happened on Twitter. She wanted to know what we were doing to deal with this antisemitic concern of hers, and if other organizations were responding as well.

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Cathy’s WHIM – There Isn’t Anything We Can’t Work Out
Cathy Gardner

I think we can all say that 2020 has tested us in ways we never could have imagined. It’s strange to think how quickly our everyday lives have changed.

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