In the midst of all of this, an historic moment occurred in Israel,  The final airlift of Ethiopian Jewry took place.  450 Ethiopians made their way to a new life in Israel.  For the last several years, our overseas partners have been caring for and feeding these individuals in Ethiopia.  They have been preparing them for this journey for a new life by teaching them Hebrew and about living in a modern society.  Upon their arrival in Israel, all will be brought to absorption centers and eventually will be helped with permanent housing. 

 

This miracle, the moving of an entire community from unsafe conditions to having the ability to live free, Jewish lives, was made possible by YOU.  As donors to our Federation campaign, you made this a reality. 

 

Rosh Hashana, the New Year, allows for new beginnings.  This last group of Ethiopian Olim will celebrate their very first Rosh Hashana in a land they have only dreamed of. 

 

In the coming year, we will work together through the Federation to allow for many other new beginnings.  A senior member of our community who realizes he needs a little extra support, for the first time, will approach Agewell Pittsburgh (a partnership between the Jewish Association on Aging, Jewish Community Center and Jewish Family and Children's Service).  A young, preschool aged child will receive her first free books through our PJ Library program.  A brand new young adult who moved to Pittsburgh (as so many young adults are doing) over the summer will attend his first JBurgh program.  A family confronted with the end of life of a parent will be helped with great dignity by Sivitz Hospice.  An adult whose life has been disrupted by mental illness will become a new member of the Howard Levin Clubhouse.  A college aged young person will experience her first taste of Israel on Birthright Israel.  And, someone like you will make the decision to become a first time donor to our Federation campaign.

 

May this New Year, this Rosh Hashana, be the beginning of a wonderful year of firsts for our community.

 

Shabbat Shalom and Shanah Tova.

 

 

Jeff Finkelstein, President/CEO

Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh