The group spent time determining the exact right combination of words for three resolutions on:

·         Inclusion for Individuals with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Jewish community

·         Food Insecurity and Hunger

·         Proactive Israel Support and Countering Anti-Jewish and Anti-Israel Activity in Pittsburgh

 

By going through this process of building consensus, we are able to make statements and determine positions on what we as a Jewish community stand for and believe.  This new CRC Delegates Assembly is just one more way the Federation is able to serve as that proverbial table around which we can gather the diversity of our community. 

 

We have been delighted this past week to host our volunteer partners from our Partnership2Gether region of Karmiel and Misgav for serious meetings about how to deepen and strengthen our relationship.  Partnership2Gether is one of our Federation's banner programs.  Every EKC Counselor in Training going to Israel in the summer, every Community Day 8th Grader going to Israel, every one of the 300 participants on the Federation's Centennial Mega Mission last year, Pittsburghers who house Israelis from the region, members of the JCC basketball team, every person who attends the Federation’s annual Yom Hazikaron (Israel Remembrance Day) and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) programs and the Diller Teen Fellows are all examples of how the Federation's investment (and your investment in our Annual Campaign) in this program directly touches countless individuals right here in Pittsburgh. 

 

Passing resolutions as a community and connecting with Jews in Israel bring us together as a local and global Jewish people, reinforcing a sense of peoplehood. 

 

One more example of a program that will bring our young adults in Pittsburgh together is this Saturday night's Vodka Latke, the largest Jewish Young Adult program of the year.  This social program is for those who are 22-45 years old.  Last year's event brought in well over 400 participants and we are expecting to far exceed that number tomorrow night.  If you are in this age bracket, you don't want to miss this fun evening.  If you know others in this age range, make sure to let them know about it. Click here for more information!
 

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom.  Hope to see many of you tomorrow night (with a latke and glass of vodka in hand).

 

Jeffrey H. Finkelstein
President/CEO