Jewish Community Partners

Ten months ago, Hamas terrorists launched a horrific attack on southern Israel, committing unspeakable acts of violence, murdering more than 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages. Today, 115 hostages remain in Gaza, and every minute they remain in captivity is a minute too long. They MUST come home.

It’s been 300 days since the horrors of Oct. 7. It's been 300 days since we've seen our brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, daughters, and sons. It's been 300 days too long.

We are horrified at Hezbollah’s senseless murder of children in a terrorist attack in Majdal Shams. There is never an excuse for killing children in a soccer field.

We mourn with Israel and the Druze community for those who have lost their lives and pray for the recovery of the wounded.

Raanan’s trip was made possible by a Teen Israel Experience grant awarded through the Memphis Jewish Federation’s Lemsky Endowment Fund, Beginning in November, rising juniors and seniors who are eligible can apply for grants of up to $3,000 to participate in a recognized teen summer or semester program in Israel. To read more, visit https://jcpconnect.blog/2024/07/26/raanan-vanderwalde-my-teen-israel-experience/

With the generous support of the Memphis Jewish Federation’s Lemsky Endowment Fund, Ethan was awarded a Teen Israel Experience grant. Beginning in November, rising juniors and seniors who are eligible can apply for grants of up to $3,000 to participate in a recognized teen summer or semester program in Israel. Read more at https://jcpconnect.blog/2024/07/19/ethan-vanderwalde-my-teen-israel-experience/

For nine months, Israel has contended with attacks from Iran-backed terrorists on multiple fronts. Last night, Houthis from Yemen succeeded in murdering an Israeli, 50-year-old Yevgeny Perder, in a drone attack on Tel Aviv. Jewish Federations condemn this vile terrorist attack, mourn the loss of life, and will continue to stand by Israel as she defends herself and protects her citizens.

Donors Joe and Jennifer Roberts get a “sneak peek” of the newly renovated Morris S. Fogelman Jewish Student Center near the University of Memphis campus. With their generosity, and that of others, more than $900,000 has been raised toward the $1.2 million needed to complete the campaign. To participate in this groundbreaking effort, contact Sheri Gadberry @ 901-374-0400.

Jewish Federations of North America are horrified at the attempted assassination of former President Trump. Political violence is never acceptable. We mourn for the victims of this shooting and pray for the health of the injured.

Thanks to the generous support of the Memphis Jewish Federation’s Lemsky Endowment Fund, Ari was awarded a Teen Israel Experience grant. Starting in November eligible rising juniors and seniors can apply for grants of up to $3,000 to participate in a recognized teen summer or semester program in Israel. Read more at https://jcpconnect.blog/2024/07/11/ari-taub-my-teen-israel-experience/

Without any social media publicity, over 200 community members of all ages came out last night for a fun and meaningful Israel Unity evening featuring the Tzofim Friendship Caravan and Israel-related activities. Through lively music and dance, we soared above these difficult times. Shoham Scouts Noa and Michael connected us even more to our sister city. Our new Indian Hindu friends joined us in friendship and support. Thank you to Jaclyn Marshall , Jill Uiberall Shanker, the host committee, and the housing hosts for making the Caravan’s trip to Memphis successful and impactful.

Calling all Young Adults! Come listen to Shamarr Allen at the Overton Park Shell. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or chair with you. Please
REGISTER HERE: https://form.jotform.com/241504503613041

Join us on Zoom on Tuesday, June 4, for a CATT training session. Discover strategies to counteract active threats and protect your community. This training is specifically designed for faith-based institutions and houses of worship.
Register for the virtual course here: https://form.jotform.com/240015612278045

Don’t miss the 2024 Annual Meeting, where we will welcome incoming Foundation Board Chair Pace Cooper. The meeting will be held on Thursday, June 6, at 7 pm at the MJCC. Register today - https://form.jotform.com/241276319928061

Join us on Tuesday, June 4 for CATT training on Zoom. Learn how to counteract active threats and keep your community safe. This comprehensive training is tailored for faith-based institutions and houses of worship. Register for the virtual course here: https://form.jotform.com/240015612278045

Please join us at the 2024 Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 6, at 7 pm at the MJCC. We’ll honor outgoing Foundation Board Chair Jason Salomon for his leadership and countless contributions to the Jewish community. “The Foundation has grown in significant ways with Jason as Chair,” said Sheri Gadberry, Executive Vice President and Senior Philanthropic Advisor. “Jason is a true community leader who makes himself available, no matter the need. His compassion for the Jewish community is inspiring.” Register for the meeting here: https://form.jotform.com/241276319928061

Hilly Safier, Federation’s Jewish Activities Coordinator for Seniors, makes sure our isolated seniors stay connected to Jewish life. At the model Seder at the Memphis Jewish Community Center, organized by Hilly and led by MJCC Rabbi Abe Schacter-Gampel, highlights of the Haggadah were shared, Pesach songs were sung, and memories of childhood seders were sparked. Hilly also organized the packing and delivery of 150 gift bags to homebound seniors, senior living residences, and Jewish residents of Plough Towers. As always, we thank our volunteers for supporting the needs of our Jewish seniors.

Memphis Jewish Federation thanks to Tom Leatherwood, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, Director Kathy Crowder, Representative G.A. Hardaway Sr, Mayor Mike Palazzolo, Mayor Josh Roman, and Mayor David Parsons; thank you for attending our 62nd Annual Yom HaShoah Commemoration. We deeply appreciate your support during this difficult time.

Join us on Wednesday, May 22 for CATT training in the MJCC Social Hall. Learn how to counteract active threats and keep your community safe. This comprehensive training is tailored for faith-based institutions and houses of worship. A virtual CATT training course is available on Tuesday, June 4. Register for the virtual course here: https://form.jotform.com/240015612278045

Memphis Jewish Federation leaders Alla Olswanger Lubin and Kimberlee Strome are at the American Embassy in London. They are part of a group of several dozen participants visiting London as members of JFNAs National Women’s Philanthropy Board.

This Yom Ha'atzmaut, we celebrate Israel’s 76th birthday! 🇮🇱 Today, we reflect on the steadfast bond we share, rooted in history and strengthened by resilience. We remember the horror of October 7th and the resilience that followed. Through darkness and light, our commitment to Israel is unwavering. Am Yisrael Chai.

Federation thanks everyone who attended the 62nd Annual Yom HaShoah Commemoration. In these uncertain times, it is more important to ever to come together to remember our losses and give one another hope for better times. Thank you to Michael Bornstein and Debbie Bornstein Holinstat for their incredible presentation and to the rabbis, community leaders, elected officials and law enforcement officers who joined us.

On this Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, our hearts are heavy as we remember the fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism in Israel. The events of October 7th stand as a stark reminder of the horrors endured, with over a thousand lives lost in a single, devastating attack. Today, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives to the state of Israel. Let's honor their sacrifice, celebrate what they fought for, and keep their stories alive.

At Wednesday’s B’nai Tzedek grant ceremony, the teens in B’nai Tzedek presented grant awards to several non-profits in greater Memphis. B’nai Tzedek gives teens the knowledge, tools, and passion to make philanthropy and tzedakah a meaningful part of their lives. For more information, email [email protected].

Call to action from Jewish Federations of North America -

The House of Representatives is voting TODAY at 4:30 pm on the Antisemitism Awareness Act (H.R. 6090). This bill will help combat antisemitism on campus and will strengthen the tools available to government officials when identifying instances of antisemitism. Given the current climate on college campuses, this legislation is desperately needed. Send a message now to your representative to urge them to support this crucial bill - see below.

Take Action: Support the Antisemitism Awareness Act Take Action: Support the Antisemitism Awareness Act

Join us for CATT Training on May 22, 2024, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at MJCC Social Hall! Learn how to counteract active threats and keep your community safe. This comprehensive training is tailored for faith-based institutions and Houses of Worship. Don't miss out on this course! Register here

Passover Palooza was a hit with the kids, parents and grandparents who attended. The kids loved “throwing hail” (tossing cotton balls) into the air and snacking on decorated matzah while they colored Passover pictures. Kids and adults of all ages were smiling ear to ear.

We extend special thanks to our Young Family Engagement committee: Libby Skolnik Castleman, Amber & Ramon Dennis, Natalie Klaven, Lena Murrell, Rachel Notowich, Lillia Osadzinski, Lindsey Reef, Lana Rich, Hillary Samuels, and Laura Wilons

Thank you to Rabbi Ilai and Sarit Grunwald from the Kollel Torah MiTzion (a program funded, in part, by Memphis Jewish Federation’s Lemsky Endowment Fund,) for leading the Israel Orientations for Memphis teens going to Israel this summer with Lemsky Teen Israel Experience program grants.

We stand in solidarity with Jewish Federations of North America in condemning Iran’s attacks on Israel and continue to offer our unwavering support to Israel and the IDF as they work to protect themselves from these brazen attacks.

Jewish Federations condemn Iran's attacks against Israel—the first by a sovereign nation since Saddam Hussein launched scud missiles at Israel in 1991—in the strongest possible terms.

Our communities stand in total solidarity with Israel and the IDF as they work to defend themselves from these brazen attacks, and pray for their safety.

We are thankful that the United States and our allies are standing strong with Israel and helping to defend her against the Iranian threat.

See our full statement here: https://www.jewishfederations.org/fedworld/statement-on-iranian-attacks-on-israel-464444