Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ

This past Tuesday, Federation felt the strength and resilience of our Greater MetroWest community! From an inspirational breakfast with Montana Tucker to shopping from curated boutique vendors at the ShopBack, to giving back to our community, to ending the night with more inspiration from Montana Tucker, it was all around a truly incredible day! From beginning to end, we had more than 750 community members walk through the doors. Some highlights from the day include: ? Hearing and watching Montana Tucker inspire so many—teens, adults, women and men alike—to stand up to hate, embrace love, and turn passion into action. ? Bringing 30 of the hottest vendors from NY and NJ together for the largest shopping event in Greater MetroWest and raising funds to support the critical work for Federation. ? Collecting boxes full of non-perishable food items to donate to our community.

?? We’re more than a Federation; we’re a lifeline. For more than a century, we’ve been strengthening the Greater MetroWest NJ Jewish community, caring for those in need, and ensuring vibrant Jewish life here and worldwide ?? ?? View our impact: https://lnkd.in/gmYYkT4w

Last week BPN?held its largest-ever event, Cocktails & Conversation with Phillip Jeffries, attracting more than 100?like-minded?professionals from?our community. Professionals heard?from Philip Bershad and Jeffrey Bershad?about their incredible?company—the world leader in luxury wallcoverings, which started as?a?family business with humble beginnings?and now counts Elton John, Drake, and Jon Bon Jovi among their clientele. Professionals also got the opportunity to tour the Phillip Jeffries?offices, design studio, and warehouse, while learning about their approach to philanthropy and giving back.

Our Federation has allocated over $350,000 to Hurfeish, Israel for emergency needs including, security and first response, basic needs including food and hygiene, economic relief for small businesses, youth education, and programs. Hurfeish, one of our partner communities, is a Druze village in the northern Galilee, only four kilometers from Israel’s border with Lebanon. This allocation went towards supporting the security/first response team; equipment and supplies such as binoculars, flashlights, first aid kits, tourniquets, and coats/sweaters/thermal base layers; a heavy-duty vehicle for off-road mountainous rescues; and towards establishing a mass casualty clinic, in partnership with?JDC (The Joint). In total, this funding provided 1,846 medical items that formed the basis of the mass casualty clinic.?

Last week, Federation hosted an Early Childhood Day of Learning conference! From incredible breakout sessions to an inspiring keynote address, everyone had a wonderful time learning, sharing stories and ideas about their classrooms, and getting to know each other. Educators were especially blown away by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski in their Keynote address,?Wonder With Us: Mister Rogers’ Lessons For Young Learners (and Their Helpers, Too).?Behr and Rydzewski brought Mister Rogers’ lessons to life and made them relevant for educators. Their engaging and warm presentation literally transported everyone to the Neighborhood and gave them tools to model and encourage curiosity and kindness in their classrooms. Looking for inspirational professional development for Early Childhood Educators? Join our national partners, The Orchard and Paradigm Project, which offer online webinars and ongoing learning opportunities. https://lnkd.in/eni5WWkQ

Take the leap to meet the growing need! Since October 7, more are turning to Federation for critical resources and relief. Your increased support is vital to help us meet this rising demand and ensure that our community remains safe, secure, and resilient. Here’s how: ? Make a new 2025 UJA Annual Campaign gift of $1,000 or more ? Increase your 2025 UJA Annual Campaign gift by $500 or more A portion of your gift will go toward funding for two special projects in Israel and here at home in Greater MetroWest NJ. ? Community Resilience and Mental Health in Ofakim: In Ofakim, our partner community in Israel, 52 people lost their lives on October 7, leaving behind 40 orphans and many wounded. Taking the Leadership Leap will help fund a Mental Health Therapy Room at the Resilience Center now under construction. With this support, we can provide vital counseling services, wellness programs, and events that foster resilience, belonging, and hope for the Ofakim community. ? Community Safety and Security Here at Home: With safety and security needs at an all time high, taking the Leadership Leap will help provide personnel to protect synagogues, early childhood centers, and partner agencies in the Greater MetroWest NJ community. Take action now—together, we’ll build a brighter, more resilient future. Donate today: https://lnkd.in/e49kjJ4q

Today and every day we are grateful for the brave men and women who fight for freedom, justice, and democracy for all people.? Did you know? The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. (JWV) is one of the longest active veteran's service organizations in the United States! Founded in 1896 by American Civil War veterans, they raised awareness of the contributions made by Jewish service members to the United States. Pictured here are some of our Jewish GMW war veterans! Share stories of your service members with our Jewish Historical Society. Interested in seeing more from Jewish Historical Society? Join our JHS Facebook group: https://lnkd.in/e-23cZS6

The Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest congratulates Senator-Elect Andy Kim and our newly re-elected Members of Congress:?Representatives Mikie Sherrill, Tom Kean, Jr. LaMonica McIver, Rob Menedez and Josh Gottheimer. ? We look forward to working with you to advance the Jewish community’s legislative priorities, fight hate and antisemitism in our towns and schools, bring home the Israeli and American hostages, secure Israel’s safety and security and improve the lives of all New Jerseyans.

Happy Birthday?BPN!????Can you believe it's been 5 years since we?launched the division with?"The Business of Bloomingdale's" featuring Tony Spring? ? Since then our Business & Professionals Network has brought together hundreds of professionals who are dedicated to making a difference in the Jewish community both in our Greater MetroWest community and around the world. ? We'd love to celebrate this milestone with you!????Come join us at?Cocktails & Conversation with Phillip Jeffries?on Wednesday, November 13 at 6:30 PM. You’ll get to hear from Phillip Bershadand Jeffrey Bershad of Phillip Jeffries (a world leader in luxury wall coverings) and connect with a great group of like-minded?professionals. Register here:?https://lnkd.in/eVttNRhD ? To learn more, contact Marcy Fink, Director of the?BPN?at?[email protected]. You can also join our BPN LinkedIn group:?https://lnkd.in/etMUUWQR

During Sukkot, our Interfaith Leaders group had a Sukkot celebration to which more than 80 people came together to share the joy of the holiday and build meaningful connections across diverse faiths. The group began in the sanctuary, where attendees learned about Jewish rituals. They asked thoughtful questions, like, “Does the ark always face Jerusalem?” and “What is that thing on your head?” — the latter coming from a curious five-year-old. Afterwards, attendees enjoyed dessert and conversation in the sukkah, where strangers became friends. The Interfaith Leaders recently?launched the Be a Good Guest?series. This initiative allows clergy and their congregants to celebrate becoming comfortable in one another’s houses of worship and sharing their unique traditions. Interfaith Leaders Chair Rabbi Robert Tobin hosted the first of these sessions at B’nai Shalom in West Orange. In the coming months, we will be visiting Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities to learn about their customs and traditions.?