Over the last week, I have had the opportunity to get out of the office and see how our Federation is making a difference.  Last Friday, our entire Federation staff went to visit the brand new Early Childhood Center wing of the Jewish Community Center in Squirrel Hill.  It has undergone a remarkable transformation as the entire school has adopted the Emilia Reggio philosophy of education.  Our Agency for Jewish Learning oversaw this culture change at both the JCC and Ohav Shalom in the North Hills.  At the JCC, our staff witnessed the entire school coming together to celebrate Shabbat with singing and freshly baked challah. 

 

Early this week, I stopped by the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry run by Jewish Family and Children's Service.  I've been there many times before but never have witnessed so many clients actively filling carts with food.  They were being helped by several volunteers, many of whom received their placement through the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Volunteer Center. 

 

Last night, I stopped by Social, a bar and restaurant at Bakery Square.  Shalom Pittsburgh, the outreach arm of our Young Adult Division, was holding a Happy Hour.  A great crowd turned out and the best part…I knew very few.  We are reaching a whole new group of young adults and engaging them with other Jews in the community.

 

Do you want to leave your normal environment to experience what our community has to offer?  On October 22nd and 23^rd, the Federation will be holding its 2014 Campaign Kickoff.  You’ll have the chance to participate in a hands on activity at either the Hillel Jewish University Center or the Jewish Association on Aging and then learn how to use that experience to relate it to other donors to our campaign.  Check out the event here.

 

Hoping you will “go forth” on the 22^nd and 23^rd!  Shabbat Shalom.