Cathy’s Whim Cathy’s Whim

The Power of the Collective I recently heard Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) CEO Eric Fingerhut say, “You don’t wait for a fire to build a firehouse.” When a community member asked me why they should donate to help aid those in Ukraine through JFNA, as opposed to through one of the many other organizations raising funds, this quote quickly surfaced in my mind. JFNA has long been a powerhouse in worldwide philanthropy. They have infrastructures already in place to help aid the Jewish community – anywhere in the world. When harrowing times arise, JFNA and their partner agencies...

Throughout the years, Jewish Federations of North America and its partner agencies have raised much needed funds to help global Jewry. Their work continues today. In times of crisis, the worldwide Jewish community comes together to raise money to address extraordinary needs. Sadly, our friends and family in Ukraine are facing a crisis.

Last summer, in our search for a Development Director, we received several outstanding resumes. However, one resume in particular stood out. Lidia Zambilovici, a native of Moldova, grew up in the former Soviet Union, where Jewish communities in that part of the world continue to benefit from the work of the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC).

It’s Time to Act Now Against Israel Bias. It has been quite an interesting week for the worldwide Jewish community. I am sure many of you have seen news stories about Whoopi Goldberg’s comments pertaining to the Holocaust, and the subsequent backlash that has ensued - click here for more information. While her comments are concerning, what really has me alarmed this week is the recent report on Israel by Amnesty International.

Words Matter. This past Monday, the United States honored the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. While many organizations released statements in support of Dr. King’s dream, one organization intertwined antisemitic rhetoric within their statement.

The Big Shift. Every December 31st, people from all around the globe bid farewell to the current year, while looking forward to a new year filled with hope, good health, and happiness. Many set New Year’s Resolutions – to lose weight, save money, quit smoking, be kinder…the list goes on.

What is an Upstander? Over the past nine months, I have participated in several exceptional learning experiences regarding antisemitism (and how we can handle it when it arises). Recently, I completed The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute’s class “Outsmarting Antisemitism” through Chabad. It was an incredibly eye-opening and thought-provoking course.

In 1974, I was a freshman in college at the University of Florida. During that first year, I went to a lecture with my Jewish sorority sisters and friends, featuring Moshe Dayan, the Israeli military leader and politician.

On Sunday, November 28th, many of you will gather around the menorah with family and friends to light a candle for the first night of Chanukah.