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jewishatl

jewishatl
In Atlanta Jewish Community

Poland / Ukraine Solidarity Mission

An email from Steven Cadranel on his flight to Poland

For  those of you that haven’t read Eric Robbins’ Facebook or Linked-In post, I hope you will find it and follow us on this Solidarity Mission for the next 72 hours as we make our way to Poland and its boarder with Ukraine to let the displaced people there know they are not alone.

Last night, in preparation for this trip I downloaded Instagram and set up the account I had been avoiding for years. But my wife, Janet told me I’m better with words than I am with pictures and I should try to capture and share my thoughts and feelings. So here goes……

I am writing this message on the plane at 1:00 AM Monday morning Atlanta time.  Eric, I, and about 250 pounds of socks, warm clothes, diapers, toiletries, snacks, and other basic necessities we stuffed in 4 oversized duffle bags negotiated our way through check in with have been in the air for almost 7 hours now. We are crossing the Atlantic with another 2 hours to go till our layover in Amsterdam. From there we fly to Warsaw, Poland to join 27 other people making the same trek from Federations around the country to begin immersing ourselves into the reality we have all been watching on TV the past 3+ weeks.

Difficult as our lives have been the past 4 years, as soon as I showed Janet Eric’s text asking if I could join him for this trip, she immediately gave me her blessing and encouragement. Her father was born in Kobryn, Poland & immigrated to Atlanta September 17, 1920. The Battle of Kobryn was September 11-23, 1920 during the Polish- Soviet Union War. So she knows how important our help is to the people there now.

Just the same, she, our daughter, Lauren, and the rest of our family can’t help but be worried. Lauren is wise for her years and explained to me that she’s not so concerned that the danger in Ukraine will spill into the boarder areas we will be visiting. She, Janet, and I know our group will be kept safe. But she is worried about the pain, suffering, and heartache we will be witnessing and the lasting impact it may have on me. She and Janet know me better than anyone and they are with me for this journey.

As I’ve said to a few people, just 6 weeks ago Ukraine was home to about 44 million people, including more than 200,000 thriving successful Jews, all going about their lives, their businesses, and their families no different than we do ever day. And somehow, in less than a month, they have suffered immeasurable heartbreak, devastation, and loss. Wives, mothers, and children have been separated from their husbands, fathers, and sons. They and the elderly have had their lives uprooted, slammed to the ground, and reduced to what little they were able to grab and carry,

Fortunately, we are privileged to be the ones bearing witness and not the ones fleeing our homes in reliance on the capacity and compassion of strangers in far away cities and unfamiliar places.

For more than 75 years we have confidently proclaimed  “Never Again!” But now it is on us to demonstrate the meaning of that commitment!  How we respond to the events of this moment will define us as individuals and as a Jewish people for generations to come.

If you have already made a donation to the Federation’s Ukraine Emergency Fund, THANK YOU!

And if you haven’t had an opportunity to contribute to the much needed relief,  NOW is the time!  Please give to the Federation’s Ukraine Emergency Fund or the relief effort of your choice.

And please share this message with others and encourage them to follow your lead.

Thank you,
Steven

jewishatl
In Atlanta Jewish Community, Caring, Federation News

Mexico on My Mind. Ukraine in My Heart.

While my friends and colleagues are working around the clock to save lives at the borders of Ukraine, The Jewish Agency for Israel’s (JAFI) work around the globe isn’t stopping for a minute.  

And neither am I.

Last week I had a fascinating experience in Mexico City where I visited Project TEN – Be The Change. It’s a Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) program that targets young Jews from the entire Jewish world and brings them together to do community development work. In counterpoint to the dire situation in Ukraine where JAFI is also doing incredible work, it was uplifting to see Project TEN in action. 

But now my bags are repacked with parkas and sweaters, and by the time you read this, I’ll be in Warsaw, Poland for a first-hand look at the heroic work our overseas partners are doing at the Ukrainian border.  

In this head spinning geopolitical moment, I feel the power of global Jewry and the interconnectedness of the Jewish people as never before.  

On the bright side, my trip to Mexico connected me to meet Project 10’s young adults who are on a three-month long tikkun olam project in Chimalhuacán — a high poverty community outside of Mexico City. It was joyful to see Mexican, British, and European Jewish young adults working side by side with young Israelis who have finished their army experience. They are doing good and establishing relationships that will last a lifetime.  

Project TEN currently operates projects in Israel, Mexico, Uganda, Ghana, South Africa, Greece, Cambodia, and Ethiopia. I can easily envision it becoming a meaningful service option for our own Atlanta young adults, whether as a gap year experience or a post-college experience through an organization like Repair the World. This is the way to build a cadre of future Jewish leaders who have passion, perspective, and impact. 

Heading into the darkness and destruction of the war in Ukraine, I feel privileged and proud to witness our incredible global Jewish network in action at the border.  

You’ll likely see some photos and brief comments from me on the Federation Facebook page. I look forward to updating the community on all that I experience at the Ukraine border when I return to Atlanta. Know that your incredible support of the Ukraine Emergency Fund is making this holy work possible. 

jewishatl
In Atlanta Jewish Community, Caring

Empathy and Action at the Strong Women Fellowship

JumpSpark’s Strong Women Fellowship is an affinity group of 40 female identifying teens who meet monthly to discuss what it means to be a strong Jewish woman. Topics have included political advocacy, meaningful volunteerism, women’s healthcare, self-care, being present, navigating friendships, being Jewish, and how to give back to their communities in meaningful ways.

Leah Moradi, an 11th grade peer leader in JumpSpark’s Strong Women Fellowship, had a revelation when Lily Brent, the director of Repair the World Atlanta, and Emma Burns, a Repair the World Fellow, spoke to her group about “period poverty” — a term for inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools and education, and sanitary products. “Before being exposed to the struggles of people who are faced with this issue, I never thought twice about my easy access to basic menstrual hygiene products. I now feel the privilege of being able to easily drive to a Walgreens and buy whatever products I need.”

After learning about this issue, Leah and her group got right to work. They concluded their session by packaging 130 period packs containing menstrual products to donate to The Homeless Period Project. This national organization distributes menstrual products to homeless and low-income schools, shelters, and community organizations.

Applications for next year’s cohort are opening soon. To learn more about the Strong Women Fellowship, reach out to Amanda at abudd@jewishatlanta.org

jewishatl
In Atlanta Jewish Community, Caring

Ukrainian Refugees Resettle in Yokneam

In recent weeks we have been overjoyed to see hundreds of Ukrainian refugees airlifted to Israel to make aliyah (immigration to Israel) and begin new lives. Among them were seven Ukrainian refugee families arriving in Yokneam, our partnership city in Israel. The photo shows Anna and Igor, new arrivals who escaped the chaos in Ukraine and arrived in Yokneam with literally nothing. As our partnership region has done so often in the past, both for Soviet refugees and for Ethiopian refugees, Yokneam residents opened their hearts and their doors to help them. Yokneam expects to settle at least 40-50 Ukrainian families in the coming months.

The Jewish Agency for Israel led a national emergency operation with the municipalities and regional councils to collect products for refugees in Ukraine. The Megiddo Regional Council provided more than 150 packages to help resettle these refugees, including blankets, coats, gloves, scarves, hygiene products and diapers.

jewishatl
In Atlanta Jewish Community, Caring

Planting Seeds for Future Generations

Growing up in the tight-knit Jewish community of Charleston, South Carolina, Ellen Arnovitz learned early on that serving, leading, and giving were priorities in her family. All four of her grandparents were immigrants from Russia and Poland. “We were not the big givers in our community,” she says, “but we were always involved. My father was a synagogue president. My Aunt was the first woman president of our local Federation.”

In her teen years, Ellen’s leadership role in the southern region BBYO chapter frequently brought her to Atlanta. “I absolutely loved the energy and vibrancy of the big city!” She eventually moved to Atlanta and raised her family here. Today she is the proud matriarch of a blended family of 13 grandchildren, 11 of whom live in Atlanta, and two in London. More and more, leaving a legacy is on her mind.

“My kids are the beneficiaries of everything this Jewish community offers — our Jewish day schools, Jewish camps, the MJCCA, and our synagogues. How could I not put my energy into making sure that these organizations survive and thrive for future generations? Through Atlanta Jewish Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY initiative, I’ve enjoyed helping people think creatively about how to structure legacy gifts.”

“We’ve all seen those astonishing stories about people of modest means who steadily put aside funds for something they cared about, and then when they passed, they made incredibly meaningful gifts. You don’t have to be wealthy or old to leave a legacy, you simply have to have the intention. That’s why it’s so rewarding to speak with young couples who are still saving for college and building their nest-egg and explain that they can project their generosity forward. When I tell them that a small life insurance policy set aside today as a legacy gift can grow into something big in 50 years, they get excited.”

Years ago, as a participant in the Wexner Heritage leadership cohort, Ellen wrote an ethical will. “It was the first time I really thought about legacy giving. It made me reflect on what values I wanted my kids to remember and was very clarifying.”

“I continually ask myself, why am I so lucky? When you have had a full and blessed life like mine, you want to share and invest in the community’s future. It not only helps to build a vibrant Jewish community for future generations, it enriches your life now. Through I have learned that sharing is a mindset. Giving back to the community and helping others is the legacy I want to pass on to my children.”

jewishatl
In Atlanta Jewish Community

Two Atlanta Nonprofits Receive National Recognition

Tomorrow: Say L’Chaim to our Winning Partners

The Slingshot Fund, which works with young philanthropists to promote Jewish innovation, has released its 2022 “10 to Watch,” a list of 10 relatively new Jewish nonprofits responding to current concerns of American Jews in original ways. This year’s list includes two Atlanta-based nonprofits that received seed funding from Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. One is The Blue Dove Foundation, which addresses mental health issues through a Jewish lens. The other is the Jewish Fertility Foundation (JFF) which provides financial assistance, emotional support, and educational programming to Jewish people with medical infertility.

“Jewish Atlanta continues to be a place that is committed to investing and nurturing in entrepreneurial and innovative Jewish organizations and leaders. The Blue Dove Foundation and Jewish Fertility Foundation are the latest projects to join the ever-growing list of initiatives that have been recognized for creative approaches by Slingshot. It is organizations and leaders like these that help make our city the thriving Jewish community that it is,” said Rich Walter, Federation’s Chief of Programs & Grantmaking.

Gabby Spatt, Executive Director and sole full-time employee of The Blue Dove Foundation, hopes that inclusion in the list will allow her to grow her $310,000 budget. But she also sees the group’s selection as a sign that the Jewish community is more willing than it has been in the past to openly discuss mental illness. “It means that the community is thinking differently,” she said. “Over the last two years we’ve seen that the community is ready to have these kinds of conversations.”

Elana Frank, CEO and Founder of the Jewish Fertility Foundation (JFF), has expanded her organization’s footprint both virtually and with offices in Birmingham, Cincinnati, and Tampa. In addition, JFF just launched one of the first-ever podcasts dedicated to infertility in the Jewish community. “Fruitful & Multiplying” brings listeners the latest in all things related to fertility and infertility from leading doctors, attorneys, rabbis, and professionals in the field, in addition to well-known individuals and influencers who have all had personal infertility journeys. Listen on Spotify and Apple.

Federation is honored to recognize these partners, who were incubated through our Jewish Innovation Fund. Join us tomorrow, March 23, for a l’chaim to celebrate The Jewish Fertility Foundation and The Blue Dove Foundation for this national recognition. This event is free, and available both virtually and in person. Register here.

Read the full press release here.

jewishatl
In Atlanta Jewish Community, Caring, PJ Library Atlanta

Camp is for Families!

Family Weekend: Passover Edition April 1-3

Jewish camp isn’t just for kids anymore, it is for entire families! Federation wants you to experience the fun, freedom, and Jewish community that a camp retreat can create at Family Weekend: Passover Edition, April 1-3 at Ramah Darom.

Family Weekend is an early Spring retreat tailored for families with children ages 0-5, with a focus on fun activities to help families get ready for Passover. Activities will be specifically geared for little ones, with plenty of opportunities to be outdoors and connect with nature. You’ll spend time crafting, cooking, creating, and learning more about the traditions of Passover. There will also be enriching adult experiences, all in a beautiful camp atmosphere that is relaxed and casual.

With help from Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, the cost for the entire weekend is just $400 – an incredible price that makes it possible for whole families to attend. We are proud to partner with these organizations to bring you this weekend: 18Doors, Be’Chol Lashon, Ma’alot Atlanta, PJ Library Atlanta, and the Israeli American Council.

jewishatl
In Atlanta Jewish Community, Caring

Making an Impact in a Crisis

By Matt Bronfman, Federation Board Chair
Part of the premise of the Federation is to have an organization that is ready to step in when emergencies arise. Federation has the infrastructure, the relationships, and the know-how to make a difference quickly. That is what the Federation did during Covid when we raised over $4 million in a few weeks and distributed it right away to those in need. That is what we are doing right now with the Ukraine Emergency Fund which has already raised more than $1.1 million in humanitarian aid for the Jews of Ukraine.

As the situation in Ukraine deteriorates, the 200,000+ Jews across Ukraine are truly in peril.  Our campaign directs %100 of funds to our on-the-ground partners, JDC, World ORT, and the Jewish Agency for Israel. It’s gratifying to see Federation play such a crucial role in marshalling significant resources. As we said when we launched the 2022 Community Campaign, Federation is built for this!

jewishatl
In Atlanta Jewish Community

Real Estate Professionals Drive Mentorship & Generosity

Federation’s Jewish Commercial Real Estate Network (J-CREN) only launched this fall but it has taken off in a huge way, connecting a fresh new generation of real estate professionals to Jewish life. Steven Cadranel, a member of the J-CREN Steering Committee who has organized a series of mentoring lunches said, “Atlanta is a great market to make real estate your career. J-CREN capitalizes on the collaborative nature of our business, and it offers many opportunities to engage with the Jewish community.”

Case in point — several J-CREN members have already stepped up by pooling funds to create a $180K match for donations to the Ukraine Emergency Fund. “There’s no limit to how much we all enjoy sharing our professional experiences, but at the same time these J-CREN participants are also looking to launch more meaningful Jewish journeys. Their passion and commitment is impressive,” Cadranel said.

Mendy Ruder, who is new to Atlanta said,” J-CREN has helped me familiarize myself with the different organizations within the community. Not only has joining provided actionable insights into getting involved, I actually have a sizeable deal under contract with someone I met through J-CREN 2 months ago!”

Scott Pergament was also enthusiastic. “The J-CREN lunches have been a great way to immerse myself within the Jewish community while networking and gaining mentorship from individuals within the real estate industry. They’ve been a springboard for me to connect and learn about the Jewish organizations within the Atlanta area.”

Joey Galanti agreed, “I’ve always enjoyed networking with people, learning from experts, and playing Jewish geography, so these mentoring lunches have been exceptionally rewarding for me. Listening to Steven Cadranel share his experiences has provided me with valuable insight that I will undoubtedly use throughout my career. Interacting with other Jewish professionals becomes even more delightful when we make connections. For instance, Mendy’s girlfriend’s grandfather and my fiancé’s grandfather started a business together decades ago. Small world!”

J-CREN’s Spring networking event is coming up on Wednesday, March 30, 5-6:30 pm. Learn the story of the newly completed Star Metals – a pioneering mixed-use district in Atlanta’s thriving West Midtown neighborhood. Meet your colleagues and experience one of Atlanta’s newer commercial real estate projects. There is no fee to attend, though space is limited to 200. Register here.

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