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 – 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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Cathy’s WHIM – Twice As Nice
Cathy Gardner
Admittedly, inspiration doesn’t always come to me on a regular basis. And, on a rare occasion, I have two things that simultaneously inspire me. This is one of those occasions.
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Cathy’s WHIM – A Lasting Impact
Cathy Gardner
This past week, our world lost two important people. Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l, Emeritus Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, passed away from cancer at age 72 on Saturday, November 7th. On Sunday, November 8th, notable Jeopardy host Alex Trebek z”l passed away from cancer at age 80. While both men had incredibly different lives, they each made important impacts in our world.
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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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