Jeff Finkelstein | Page 2 | Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

With the help of my Management Team, I compiled a list of some of the highlights of what we as a Federation staff, in partnership with our volunteers, accomplished in 2019. I want to share that list, in no order of importance, with you. As we enter the holiday of Chanukah, we thank you for making modern day miracles happen.

Our Jewish community’s light burns brightest when we work together—to engage with each other, to help the most vulnerable and to teach about Jewish values.

While we all believe in tzedakah, we also agree that there is nothing wrong with giving in a manner that maximizes tax benefits.

You can be part of this experience whether you have ever made a phone call asking for donations to the Federation or not.

Our Federation is proud to announce a Birthright Israel trip for Pittsburgh based 27-32 year olds from June 28-July 6, 2020.

Over the last several days, more than 400 rockets have been shot indiscriminately at civilians in Israel by the Islamic Jihad in Gaza.

Josh Sayles, Community Relations Director; Governor Tom Wolf; and Jeffrey Finkelstein, President & CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

Equally as inspiring to me was hearing from a few of these young adults about their motivations for involvement. There is no doubt, our community’s future is extremely bright.

Community Relations Council

A core component of Federation’s work is in the area of government relations and working towards actions at the local, state and federal level that can positively impact our Jewish community.

As you probably know, there are major activities planned for October 27th and all of the details can be found at pittsburghoct27.org.

Another antisemitic attack, however this one did not work out as the attacker had intended. due to improvements made through The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Security Assistance Fund.

When we all recited the prayer of Unetaneh Tokef last year at the beginning of 5779, none of us knew what would happen on October 27, 2018.

The October 27th one-year commemoration theme of the day will be “Remember. Repair. Together.” We hope you will join us for the parts that you would find meaningful.

Apples and Honey 2019

The Federation plays a convener role to help enhance communication and coordination, increase effectiveness and impact, and build strong individual and organizational relationships.

It was a fantastic but emotionally challenging Annual Meeting last night. Our FEDTalks addressed personal healing, healing for the helpers and communal healing after a tragedy.

8-21-2019 One-Year Commemoration of October 27th Update

While serving as a Board member should be taken as an honor, it also comes with incredible responsibility. Last night, our Federation Board convened for nearly four hours to better understand their roles as fiduciaries of our organization.

I want to call your attention to an article in the Post-Gazette this week about the community’s one year commemoration of what happened on October 27th. The day provides each of us with the opportunity to do what may be personally meaningful: Torah study, hands on volunteering, prayer, attending the gathering, or not doing any of these things.

Our Federation established a theme after the October 27th shooting: “Stronger Together”. I know that when organizations work together on common goals, we achieve more.

The reach of our work is profound. I feel so lucky to have been part of this year’s Cabinet retreat because it reJEWvenated me.

As we were driving along a curvy, single lane road, we passed a sign that we were entering Newtown, CT and Sandy Hook. My heart sank.

One Happy Camper

As I watched this Friday night magic and even more magic on Saturday, I couldn’t help but think about the One Happy Camper program funded locally by the Papernick Family with additional support from the Jewish Federation’s Centennial Fund for a Jewish Future.