Every year at the Weinstein School, graduating preschoolers do a mitzvah project. With this year’s theme being rock and roll, they were eager to find a connection between their love for music and helping other children.

“The parents in the committee felt very strongly about doing a mitzvah project that showed support for Israel,” said Cobi Cohen, who is on the committee for the graduation mitzvah project. In response, Federation connected Cobi with Eliad Eliyahu Ben Shushan, Federation’s Israel Partnership Director in Yokneam Meggido.

Eliad shared that there are pre-K classes in Yokneam for special education students who receive Music Therapy workshops and that any donated music sets would significantly enhance their learning experience. In response, around 60 Weinstein students made nearly 200 music kits and added a personal touch by drawing pictures to include with them. The kits were delivered by Jennifer Handel, Federation’s Director of Israel Engagement, who happened to be traveling to Israel to staff a local Birthright trip.

“Receiving this musical gift was a ray of light amidst the darkness of war, a reminder of the enduring strength of Am Israel and the powerful bond between Atlanta and Yokneam,” said Eliad. “We are profoundly thankful for your thoughtfulness, especially for the special needs children who will benefit the most from these music therapy sets. Your generosity has brought joy and hope to our community during these challenging times.”

Eliad said that the children will not only enjoy the instruments, but knowing that these were made by friends from Atlanta warms their hearts and exemplifies the true spirit of our partnership.

David Kulp, an Emory medical student, recently orchestrated a gathering that showcases the power of community and unity. Thanks to the support of a Gather Grant from Federation, he brought to life a vibrant Shabbat dinner for the Emory Medical School Jewish community.

In the wake of challenging times post-October 7, David recognized a need for fostering connections among Jewish students and faculty. Thus, the visionary concept of the Emory School of Medicine JMed Mentoring Program was born, buoyed by the generosity of Gather Grants.

The gathering unfolded at a venue perfectly situated at the heart of the community. Against a backdrop of kosher cuisine, around 30 individuals came together, bridging gaps and forging bonds that would resonate far beyond the evening.

For David, this endeavor is more than just an event—it’s a journey of self-discovery and communal enrichment. He reflects, “I am learning how to embrace and design my own Judaism, which I know will ebb and flow as I grow.” The support from Gather Grants has empowered him to chart his path and extend an open invitation for others to join him on this journey.

David underscores the transformative impact of Gather Grants, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility within the Jewish community. He speaks of the financial barriers often faced by graduate students and the pivotal role Federation plays in breaking down these barriers, enabling individuals like him to cultivate vibrant communities of support and belonging.

David emphasized, “This was a much-needed event to bring our Jewish faculty, students, and residents together in a moment when we have all been feeling isolated, marginalized, and misunderstood by those outside of our community.” In expressing his deep gratitude to the Federation, David echoes the sentiments of a community united in purpose and uplifted by the spirit of togetherness, reminding us of the strength and support we have from our larger community.

On May 30th, Jewish Abilities Atlanta consultant Jenna Swartzman Sommers along with the Jewish Abilities Atlanta Training Coordinator, Lindsey Flax collaborated with Camp Ramah Darom in Clayton, Georgia, to provide neurodiversity training for summer camp staff.

“Every child deserves the transformative experience of a Jewish summer camp. With our programs, we’re not only creating inclusive environments but also providing a space to learn for future leaders who will make these experiences unforgettable for every camper,” said Lindsey Flax, the JAA Training Coordinator. “We are grateful for the donors who generously help make JAA training possible for organizations like this in Atlanta. Together, Jewish Atlanta can be a place where we can all belong.”

Jenna, a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist, emphasized the importance of embracing neurodiversity, celebrating the diversity in thinking and learning in a camp setting, and fostering a sense of belonging at a Jewish summer camp. The training participants included directors, unit heads, new and returning staff, Shinshinim, and Tikvah program counselors. “I’m very passionate about this project.  I started this because I saw the need for more awareness, understanding, and empathy when it comes to neurodiversity and disabilities,” said Jenna Sommer, Founder, Neurodiverse at Camp. “Often, there are young staff members are working with kids for the first time, and it can feel really overwhelming or intimidating to some.”

With newfound knowledge, the camp staff is ready and motivated to create a supportive environment where every camper feels understood and empowered to thrive at a Jewish summer camp. Jewish Abilities Atlanta will provide support and additional training throughout the summer to ensure we are fostering a more inclusive Jewish Atlanta where every individual is valued for their unique contributions.

“Thank you for the awesome professional development. Once again, I’m blown away by how you are able to turn complex concepts into manageable information. I love learning from you,” said one returning staff member.

Meet Sai Mukkamala, a Jewish community member and NextGen participant who grew up Hindu and converted to Judaism in 2023. In fact, he celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at the NextGen Israel Independence Day party just recently!

Sai’s connection and passion for Judaism runs deep. He is especially driven by its core values, the Ten Commandments, the principle of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), and its guidance for everyday ethical living. Throughout his conversion journey, his involvement in Federation events grew, and he especially valued Federation’s prompt and meaningful response after October 7.

“Federation organized an event at a local synagogue where they flew in seven survivors from the attack, and they shared their testimony. Very powerful,” Sai recounted.

Becca Langfelder, Director of NextGen with Federation, suggested that they honor Sai’s Bar Mitzvah at the Federation’s Yom Ha’atzmaut party the day following his Bar Mitzvah, noting that it symbolized not only Israeli Independence but also something deeper for Sai.

“I felt truly honored to be able to celebrate my Bar Mitzvah that way. I’m so grateful to the Jewish Federation for being my extended family,” Sai expressed warmly. Looking forward, Sai’s next step in his Jewish Journey includes finding his soulmate and wife to build a Jewish family with, as well as learning further about Jewish spirituality from The Temple and his friend Rabbi Ari Sollish.

In honor of his Bar Mitzvah, Sai made a gift to Partners Fund at the Ben-Gurion Society Level. “I feel that it is important to help others the same way that you would want G-d to help you, and the Federation truly provides cradle-to-grave services for the Jewish community.”

Mazel tov, Sai!

Jenn Handel, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Director of Israel Engagement, was featured among Hadassah’s “18 American Zionist Women You Should Know.”

Jenn is from North Babylon, NY, holds a BA in history education from SUNY Cortland, an MA from Stony Brook University, and spent nearly a decade working at Jewish Life at Duke and Stony Brook Hillel. She was recently recognized as one of Atlanta’s “Jewish 40 Under 40” and has spoken on a variety of panels related to antisemitism and Zionism. 

A 2010 Birthright Israel trip deepened her spiritual connection to her Jewish faith and Israel. She later participated in the first Masa Israel Teaching Fellows cohort in Rishon LeZion. “I don’t come from a Zionist home, or a very Jewish home. I didn’t go to Hebrew school. I came into the Jewish community in my 20s. I didn’t have it growing up; it wasn’t part of my upbringing,” said Jenn. “So, to be able to rise from really no connection with Judaism or Israel at all, to being included on a list of these female giants, is proof that you can opt in at any age. You can find what Judaism, and what Zionism is for you at any point that you’re ready to do so. It’s never too late.”

Hadassah’s “18 American Zionist Women You Should Know” list highlights a diverse group of women who are making an impact and shaping the future of Zionism. The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta is proud to call Jenn one of our own. This is a well-earned recognition, and we are so proud of her. Mazel tov, Jenn!

HERE is the complete list of winners.

Federation held its annual staff retreat at Camp Ramah Darom from May 6-7. The Federation professional team used this time for team building, setting new goals, yearly planning, and bonding with co-workers in nature.

Two staff members took the initiative to make paper plate awards, which highlighted something unique about each team member. We set time aside to talk about pressing issues and how we can actively work together to find solutions.

“You leave with such a great feeling, knowing the work that we’re doing is so important,” said Tova Baruch, Senior Director of Operations and Donor Services. “You’re making connections with your people, connecting with your colleagues in a way that you don’t often get to when you’re in the office and doing your day-to-day work, and learning something new about different parts of the organization and our various initiatives.”

There were also plenty of fun activities and lively entertainment including a fun improv group that came to perform, live DJ’ing by Federation’s IT Systems Administrator, Voyech Szyrejko (also known as DJ Voytech), hiking, dancing, and much more.

This was our last team retreat with Federation’s CEO & President, Eric M. Robbins. Federation staff used this as an opportunity to spend quality time with him and share their immense gratitude for his nearly 8-year contribution to Federation. 

Federation is committed to ensuring that our Jewish community has the mental health resources and support it needs. One of the ways we’ve done that recently is by partnering with JF&CS and the MJCCA in a “play therapy” initiative which is a type of therapy primarily designed for children and young adolescents.

Children often struggle to understand and express their emotions or communicate their issues to adults, which is why this form of therapy has been so innovative and life-changing for many.

JF&CS and MJCCA collaborated to pilot this program and it was funded by a grant from Federation’s Core Partner Allocations Committee. The mental health program provides play therapy for MJCCA preschool kids, coaching for their parents, and professional development for their teachers. In an ever-changing world with rampant antisemitism, mental health is more important than ever, which is why Federation funded and supported the development of this program.

“This program has really brought such wonderful strategies for our children. Our teachers are able to use some of the strategies that have been presented in trainings through JF&CS, which is so graciously provided by Federation. Our parents are able to use these strategies as well,” said Kim Sucan, Director, MJCCA Preschools.

Learn more about the program and its impact by watching this video HERE.

On Sunday, May 19th, NextGen, Federation’s young adult division (for 20s and 30s), hosted an afternoon of festivities in honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. 

Nearly 200 young professionals from all over Metro Atlanta came together to network, connect, raise a toast, dance to lively beats, and show their Israel pride.

There were Israeli flags hanging, everyone was decked out in blue and white, and there was Israeli street food like shawarma and falafel from a kosher caterer. There were games, Federation educational components, and the weather was perfect!

“Attendees were happy and outwardly proud to be pro-Israel. One couple brought Israeli flags and wore them tied around their necks. Where else can you hang out at a brewery in Atlanta and do that?” said Becca Langfelder, Director of NextGen. “We received a lot of positive feedback like, “I didn’t know Federation put on events like this!” Or “I haven’t seen my camp counselor since I was 10 years old,” or “I ran into my BBYO advisor!” These are 30-year-olds, connecting with people 15-plus years later.”

The afternoon party was an unforgettable celebration that included an Israeli DJ, drinks, food, and, most importantly, fun! “We’re trying to reinvent NextGen and what it means to be a Jewish young adult in Atlanta. There are clearly people who want to be involved, and we’re trying to give them the vessel to do so,” added Langfelder. “I feel that if this type of event, and others that we’ve done, like Shabbat dinners, meaningful Israel educational programs, and networking events didn’t exist, then these young adults wouldn’t have that connection to their Judaism and especially what Jewish Atlanta has to offer.”

Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to strengthen our Jewish community and show our Israel pride. Am Yisrael Chai! Together, we will dance again.

You can always register for fun Federation events like this through our website calendar.

On Tuesday, May 21, Federation held a Business and Professional networking breakfast and program about the state of the city with Rabbi Peter Berg and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

“The Business and Professional Breakfast Series is an opportunity for our donors to network, get updates on the goings on at the Federation, and hear from newsmakers both locally and nationally. Having Mayor Dickens participate in our most recent program, along with Rabbi Peter Berg, just reinforces the Federations’ place in the Greater Atlanta community,” said Kenny Silverboard, Senior Director, Business and Professionals.

Rabbi Berg, The Lynne and Howard Halpern Senior Rabbinic Chair at The Temple, and Mayor Dickens, the 61st Mayor of the City of Atlanta, discussed Atlanta’s past, present, and the mayor’s vision for the future of the city.

The networking and breakfast preceded the program, and more than 100 hundred people were in attendance.

“I want to say thank you to you for our extraordinary men and women who wear the police uniform, who are protecting the Jewish community during a time in which we have never had to have a stronger security presence,” said Rabbi Berg.

Rabbi Berg brought up other public safety issues in addition to security, and Mayor Dickens discussed the need for more police training, de-escalation training, and anti-bias training.

Since October 7, Federation has invested more than $1.5 million in community security focusing on infrastructure improvements, grants to support increased personnel needs, and trainings and consultations for community partners.

Rabbi Berg expressed his gratitude to the mayor for his support, as having elected officials stand by us in times of need helps with our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our community.

We’ve all been watching with worry as protests and encampments take over college campuses nationwide. Federation’s Community Security Director Brian Davis and Chief of Programs & Grantmaking Rich Walter have been diligently following the anti-Israel, antisemitic incidents on our local college campuses. Most importantly, our teams are working closely with our partners at Hillels of Georgia, the local ADL, and others to ensure the safety of our students on campus and ensure there is no disruption to their learning or their ability to participate in Jewish life.

In the long term, as we finalize this grant-making cycle, we are doubling down on our investments in initiatives that will make long-term change, such as helping students identify more strongly with Israel and giving them the tools to develop the language and voice to stand as strong, proud Jews.

CLICK ON THE PHOTO BELOW to watch the video of Brian and Rich explaining in more detail.

Post-October 7, the needs within our community have grown exponentially. In response, Federation recently made some special allocations to address the most pressing concerns.

Overnight Security Personnel at Regional Camps
In just a few weeks, thousands of young people will make the pilgrimage to camps across Georgia. But with the state of the world, there is heightened concern for the safety and security of these kids and camp staff. Federation’s grant will enhance the camps’ abilities to take additional strategic security measures, bringing peace of mind to staff, children, and parents.

BeWell with Hillel
According to a recent report, US college students stated that ramifications of the war in Israel caused a decline in their ability to focus on schoolwork. A shocking 50% mentioned a feeling of alienation on campus and 44% mentioned difficulty relating to friends. Federation’s grant will reinstate a partnership with BeWell, Hillels of Georgia, and Jewish Family & Career Services to provide one-on-one counseling for students, provide workshops for students, and conduct staff training about wellness.

Supporting Displaced Israelis at Local Summer Camps

For displaced Israeli families living in Atlanta, getting settled and establishing a sense of “normalcy” for their young children has been challenging.

In response, Federation’s grant will subsidize the difference between the generous discounts made available by the camps and the fees required to send five local Israeli children to camp.

Maintaining the positive health and wellness of older adults is a priority for Federation’s AgeWell Atlanta initiative, which combats isolation and other challenges through warm handoffs, helpful resources, and a most beloved signature program, Senior Day at the Marcus JCC of Atlanta (MJCCA). Senior Day recently brought together more than 70 older adults for an afternoon of activities tailored to their interests and abilities with focuses on art, fitness, health and wellness, Jewish culture, and more. It is a wonderful opportunity for seniors from all parts of metro Atlanta seeking social interaction to enjoy a day out with their peers that includes lunch, transportation (if needed), and even the ability to use the facilities of the MJCCA for the rest of the day.

AgeWell Atlanta is a four-agency collaborative, including Federation, Jewish Family & Career Services, Jewish HomeLife, and the Marcus JCC of Atlanta. The partner agencies’ offerings address the most pressing needs of Atlanta’s aging population, connecting seniors and caregivers with local resources that include recreational activities, social services, long-term care options, caregiver support groups, and much more. A single call to the warm line can often result in a referral to three to four services that will benefit that senior or caregiver.

An older adult in Atlanta never needs to feel isolated or alone. Seniors and caregivers in need of support should call 866-243-9355 or email info@agewellatl.org. Learn more at agewellatl.org.

Atlanta’s Victoria Kimerling Oliphant recently traveled to Argentina and Uruguay on National Young Leadership Cabinet’s Study Mission. Cabinet is the premier leadership training program of the Jewish philanthropic community. Grounded in Jewish values, this program engages current and future global leaders and philanthropists through education, connection, and inspiration.

“I, along with 180 other young leaders from across the US & Canada, had the opportunity to visit with the local Jewish communities in Buenos Aires and Montevideo and see the impact of our Federation dollars in action.

Thanks to Federation’s Partners Fund, our core Israel & Overseas partners – the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the Jewish Agency for Israel, and World ORT- use those allocations to make an incredible impact on the lives of Jews throughout the world. Seeing the work that we’re able to accomplish together as part of the Federation system, work that would be impossible for the Atlanta Jewish community, or any one Jewish community, to do on its own, reminded me of our unique power as a collective to truly make a difference in the lives of Jews in Israel & around the world.

At a time when antisemitism is on the rise and many Jews around the world are scared to openly express their Jewish identity, it can be easy to feel worried about the future of Israel and the future of the Jewish people. But this Study Mission gave me hope.”

For more information about National Young Leadership Cabinet, email Director of NextGen Becca Langfelder at rlangfelder@jewishatlanta.org

TOM – Tikkun Olam Makers – is an Israeli-turned-global venture that creates affordable and innovative solutions to challenges in the disability community. Federation’s Jewish Ability Atlanta and its Innovation Initiative are proud funders of this program that creates solutions for these individuals/families entirely free of charge.

The Atlanta TOM community is comprised of Makers (engineers, designers, developers from Georgia Tech and Emory) and ‘Need-Knowers’ (individuals with a personal understanding of a neglected challenge). The Atlanta Makeathon recently brought together five project teams which represented one ‘need knower’. The winning team created a solution for a 10th grade student classically trained pianist who, following a recent accident, was unable to use the piano pedals thus inhibiting his ability to play at a high level. The team of ‘Makers’ created a bite sensor to allow pressure to be put on the pedals, enabling this young man to continue to play, which is something he loves.

Not only does TOM create solutions that enable individuals with disabilities to have an ordinary life, it also creates a community of students who are aware of barriers that society creates and the need for universal design so individuals with disabilities can be contributing members to the community.

The Breman, a core partner agency of the Federation, leads the way in Holocaust and antisemitism education by offering student groups and visitors storytelling through contemporary art that combats prejudice, hatred, and indifference. A new addition to their gallery Absence of Humanity: The Holocaust Years, includes an intimate immersive digital theater that will showcase the works of video and multimedia artists starting with a conceptual film work by Atlanta-based artist Jason Francisco called “18:18:18.” Each film, made at a site of Holocaust memory, is a single take lasting exactly 18 minutes, 18 seconds and 18 frames. The films question what it means to bear witness to memory, suggesting that remembering is not only the overcoming of tensions but also the courage to dwell within them.

Yom HaShoah, known as Holocaust Remembrance Day will take place on Sunday, May 5, commemorating the atrocities that were committed against the Jewish people during World War II and those who died in the Shoah (Holocaust).

Join the community-wide celebration at 11 am on May 5th. Details shared in the calendar listings below.

Post October 7, many of us have looked for ways to more closely connect with and support Israel. Among those searching for meaningful ways to feel a connection were our local Atlanta Schoenbaum Shinshinim and our RootOne Shliach (emissary), Lior Fridman. As an act of honor, they brought to Atlanta, A Recipe With a Memory, a unique initiative that was launched a few years before to commemorate fallen Israeli Defense Force soldiers and victims of terror by cooking their favorite recipes and telling their life stories.

The centerpiece of this project is two cooking sessions where participants will gather on zoom to cook these recipes while learning about the person and family behind the dish – through pictures, stories, videos, and anecdotes shared by their families to keep their memories alive. In addition to the classes, Lior and the shinshinim have also put together a downloadable cookbook as a way for you to continue to honor them throughout the year. The program’s organizers hope that these cooking sessions and cookbook become a way to celebrate the beautiful lives of those we have lost and not the story of their death. 

CLICK HERE to download the cookbook.

More than 3,600 families in Greater Atlanta share the love of Jewish life, learning and culture with their children thanks to the PJ Library program. Books, programs, activities, and gatherings make it possible for children ages 0-12 to learn and get excited about being Jewish thanks to the program. Each year, professionals that work on the PJ program gather from around the world for networking, education, and inspiration.

The theme of this year’s conference was “joy”. Participants experienced two days of ideas, activities, and inspiration for how to bring “joy” to life for Jewish families,  including presentations by three members of our team. Our community’s PJ professional, parent connectors, marketers, and other staff, returned home with fresh ideas, best practices, and excitement for all the ways they now can spread joy through Jewish values within the Atlanta community.

“As a parent and Jewish communal professional, finding Jewish joy and celebrating the gift that is PJ Library with my colleagues and new friends was incredible for my well-being in this moment. Sometimes we forget how important it is to find joy in times of crisis.” – Ali White, Federation professional

If you have a child ages 0-12 and would like to learn more or sign up for this FREE program, CLICK HERE. You can also make a gift to PJ Library HERE.

Federation’s new Interfaith Connector Initiative awarded its first round of grants in mid-April to support the programming of several organizations that are serving Atlanta’s multi-faith community.

“I am so excited that The Interfaith Connector has taken this first significant step towards fulfilling the needs of our interfaith community. Our research has shown that families of multiple faiths want programming and opportunities more frequently, with greater geographic reach and for people of all ages and stages. I think these programs do just that and provide a great roadmap towards bigger and better offerings to come.” -Doug Konkel, Federation’s Director of Interfaith Engagement

The Awardees include:

• Honeymoon Israel – Purim in the Park
  A gathering of mostly interfaith in-town families to celebrate Purim together in an outdoor setting.
• 18Doors – Couples and Conversation
  A cohort of interfaith couples is taken through a multiple session journey of the challenges and joys of their relationships.
• Congregation Gesher L’Torah – Lag BaOmer Family Tree Painting Party
  Participants paint family trees and explore, celebrate and appreciate both the Jewish and non-Jewish portions of their families.
• Ma’a lot – Immersive Shabbat Campout
  A weekend-long campout outside of Atlanta that will provide their diverse community, including an interfaith cohort, the opportunity to learn more deeply about Shabbat in an accepting and natural environment.
• Jewish Grandparent Network – Opening the Heart: Being Grandparents – Different Traditions, One Family
  This pilot program will explore and discuss what it means to be a grandparent both for Jewish and non-Jewish participants
• PJ Library – The Purim Grandparent Program, the Brookhaven Passover Party and the Passover Box Program
  PJ Library inclusive programming provides a low-barrier entry for those possessing any level of Jewish knowledge

CLICK HERE – For more information on programming for interfaith families.

Traveling is an action, that when taken with like-minded people on a journey that has such deep meaning to each of you, the experience can be something transformative. For the more than 40 women who traveled with Federation on the Women’s Philanthropy Journey to Mexico, that’s exactly what this trip was. A five-day exploration of the Jewish community in Mexico City, founded in the 1900s by Jews immigrating from Syria followed by a second migration of Eastern European Jews in the 1920s. Today they remain a tight-knit community of 46,000 Jews living in a city of more than 22 million people committed to making Jewish life vibrant and flourishing for all their citizens.

This trip was filled with so many highlights for the participants including the special time they spent with two lone soldiers from Mexico City who have been on the front lines in Gaza since Oct 7. These young men shared important perspective with the women including their commitment to the care, feeding and safety they are trying to bring to the citizens of Gaza. “What you see on CNN is just not true” they shared.

The picture below shows the women enjoying the beauty of the first and oldest synagogue in Mexico City founded in 1923. But one of the most long-lasting memories of the trip will be the deep conversations these women shared about the state of our world, what keeps them up at night, and how our communities must stay strong in order for Judaism to continue to prosper.

“Our journey was not merely a series of sightseeing excursions, but rather an exploration of meaning and impact. Every experience left an indelible mark on my heart, reminding me of the power we possess to make a difference in the lives of others.”

CLICK HERE to read the full reflection shared by participant Mitzi Solomon.