Page 16 - Jewish News_04-2021

16A April 2021 FEDERATION NEWS

Dayenu – It would have been enough

By Barbara Mazer, Chief Development Strategist
ayenu, which we joyfully sing which raised money to support health Holocaust survivors - DAYENU! gramming based on the community’s
at Passover, means “it would and wellness programming, food inse- Funded by your Federation, the ongoing and evolving needs.
Dhave been enough.” Jews have curity and operational deficits for our Jewish Healing program at JFCS of Our connection to Israel re-
been singing Dayenu for more than a local Jewish organizations. As of this the Suncoast, provides local Holocaust mained strong through advocacy and
thousand years, and the verses list the writing, more than $285,000 has been survivors financial assistance, counsel- support - DAYENU!
many reasons to feel grateful – for our distributed to 15 organizations. ing, religious services and more. This The Federation is committed to
freedom, for our learning and for our Security needs at Jewish institu- year, a specially designed program keeping our ties to Israel healthy and
worship. tions were evaluated and enhanced - called Uniper was especially helpful in strong. From our work on college
This past year was challenging for DAYENU! providing live interactive classes and campuses to combat the Boycott, Di-
so many, but there is still much to be Security and antisemitism are al- other activities via television for lone- vestment and Sanctions (BDS) move-
thankful for. The Jewish Federation ways topics of interest for Jewish or- ly, isolated survivors. ment, to grants to Israeli non-profits
of Sarasota-Manatee was there to ganizations, but following two recent Engaging online programming that work with women and children, to
help those in need, offering vital re- antisemitic events locally, the Federa- kept us connected during these isolat- programming highlighting the best of
sources, critical security guidance and tion launched the “Keep Us Safe” ini- ing times - DAYENU! Israeli innovation, our hearts belong
opportunities for online engagement. tiative to specifically address growing The Covid-19 pandemic didn’t with the Jewish state.
Thanks to the generosity of our com- security needs at Jewish institutions. stop the Programming Team of your This year, as we once again cele-
munity, many people said Dayenu in With guidance from Jeff Solomon, Federation! For the past year, beloved brate Passover virtually, we are grate-
2020. our Jewish Community Security Di- local traditions such as People of the ful for all the generous people who help
More than $285,000 was distrib- rector, the Federation swiftly offered Book and the Jewish Film Festival have our community rejoice in DAYENU!
uted for COVID relief - DAYENU! recommendations and resources to or- continued via online platforms, reach- Please consider a gift to the Fed-
One of the strongest areas of phil- ganizations that could be affected by ing our community in new and innova- eration’s Annual 2021 Campaign to
anthropic giving this past year was antisemitic acts. More than 200 cash tive ways. Many more Zoom programs continue being there for our Jewish
around providing aid to those infected donations totaling more than $170,000 were also provided to keep our Jewish community. Visit jfedsrq.org/donate or
with or affected by Covid-19. More paid for on-site security personnel and community engaged and connected. As contact Ilene Fox, Senior Philanthropic
than 900 people supported the Feder- surveillance technology. we look to the future, we will explore Officer, at 941.343.2111 or ifox@jfed
ation’s “Stronger Together” campaign, Home care was provided for ways to continue to deliver digital pro- srq.org to learn more.

What makes Federation’s Camp-Style Shabbat special?

By Jessi Sheslow, Teen & Family Programs Manager, and Robby Etzkin, Sr. Director, Camp Marci Lynn
t is hard to believe that summer is for its inaugural summer. tional singing, dancing, the blessings, gether as a camp, creating a kehillah or
right around the corner. Many of As you’ll see on April 30 via Face- fun performances and an awards show, community, thereby continuing to pass
Iyou have already made plans for book Live, Shabbat at Camp Mar- too. We don’t want to give away all down Jewish customs and traditions.
your summer camp experiences. We ci Lynn will be a special way for our of the fun details just yet, but this is Our Shabbat program will be
plan to kick off summer early by bring- camp community to end each week a good warning for camp parents that something that campers from all back-
ing a little bit of camp to you! April 30 together on Friday afternoons. We will your kids will not want to leave camp grounds will enjoy. The universal value
will be a special Camp-Style Shabbat. invite campers’ parents and grandpar- early on Friday afternoons! of taking a break from a busy week and
Robby Etzkin, our new Sr. Director, ents, along with our Federation staff Every camp week will be very ac- mindfully being grateful and reflective
Camp Marci Lynn (CML), will give to enjoy the fun. It will really feel like tive, and Shabbat will be the opportu- is something from which everyone can
you a taste of what your small camper a community celebration. Each week, nity to wind down together. So from a benefit. So wear your favorite camp
or big counselor will get in the summer CML Shabbat will be a little different, child development perspective, there is shirt and bring your camp ruach and
of 2022 when Camp Marci Lynn opens but it will always include some tradi- a valuable opportunity to taking some spirit! We invite you to join us for our
deep breaths, and being able to process Camp-Style Shabbat on Friday, April
the camp week together with peers. 30 at 6:00 p.m. You can register at jfed-
From a Jewish perspective, Shabbat is srq.org/events.
For more information about Camp
a key component of the Jewish sum-
Honor someone mer camp experience. Many of us who Marci Lynn, contact Robby Etzkin at
941.552.6308 or retzkin@jfedsrq.org.
grew up going to a Jewish camp will
you cherish remember the Shabbat sounds/songs, For more information about teen and
family programs, contact Jessi Sheslow
sights and probably the smell and taste
at 941.343.2109 or jsheslow@jfedfsrq.
of challahs. Not only will we welcome
org.
the day of rest, but we will do so to-
by making a donation in Why WE belong
their memory.

The cooperation and commitment
of so many talented people are
making this dream a reality.
This whole campus is such
a game-changer for the
Jewish community here
in Sarasota-Manatee.

Michael Ritter and Nancy Wolk
THE MICHAEL RITTER
AND NANCY WOLK
TRAINING CENTER

Call Bonnie at Or visit jfedsrq.org/tribute

941.343.2115 to donate

JFEDSRQ.org/ProudStrong