
Jeff Finkelstein
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.
Read MoreWhile 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.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreOur Federation established a theme after the October 27th shooting: “Stronger Together”. I know that when organizations work together on common goals, we achieve more.
Read MoreThe reach of our work is profound. I feel so lucky to have been part of this year’s Cabinet retreat because it reJEWvenated me.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreThis is an incredibly resilient community that is working on our healing while keeping up with our normal “stuff”. That normal “stuff” is made possible, in large part, by your support of our Community Campaign. Thank you!
Read MoreLate night of study – taking place tomorrow (Saturday) night. Be there! No reservations required! Free cheesecake! Amazing learning with high quality and diverse classes!
Read MoreWe strive for a diverse community that can come together to work on the big issues facing our people and be supportive and understanding of one another, even with those with whom we differ.
Read MoreLighting a torch at the Yom Haatzmaut (Israel Independence Day) celebration in Jerusalem opened me up to new experiences and introduced me to new individuals making a difference in Israeli society.
Read MorePittsburgh’s Jewish community is being recognized for both our tragic losses and our incredible resilience.
Read MoreThe Jewish Federation’s Community Relations Council (CRC) invited all the family members of those who were killed and those who were injured along with the leadership of the three congregations to join us on a Federation arranged bus to and from Harrisburg to participate in an historic joint session of the House and Senate.
Read MoreBecause we did little work on the Campaign from October 27th through the end of 2018, we are behind in pace, but are beginning to catch up.
Read MoreLast night I drafted my Shabbat message and this morning I decided I couldn’t send it. When I woke up this morning to the horrible news from New Zealand with 49 people slaughtered for just practicing their religion, I knew it couldn’t be business as usual. Federation is opening a mailbox to collect donations to […]
Read MoreJewish Federation put on a program to honor and thank all the first responders, including health care, Fire, EMS and others who did all they could on October 27th to protect and care for the worshipers in and around the Tree of Life Building.
Read MoreThat evolution of our relationship with the people of Israel has shown itself in the response to October 27th.
Read MoreAn Evening with Mayim Bialik Beginning on Saturday, February 9th, Federation will hold a week of incredible programs. That night, our Young Adult Division is hosting a campaign event featuring Mayim Bialik, the actress from The Big Bang Theory and Blossom. Bialik is a proud Jew with a strong commitment to the State of Israel. […]
Read MoreWherever I go, people keep asking me, “how are you”? I know they are inquiring because of the intensity of the Federation’s work post October 27th and they are deeply sincere and caring by asking about my personal state. I appreciate the thoughts, yet I am completely uncomfortable with the question. Yes, all of us […]
Read MoreOur Federation offices officially opened in our new location at 2000 Technology Drive on January 2nd. They are bright, open and are structured in a way to promote increased collaboration between and among our different departments. I know many of you will have the chance to see the facility when you next attend a meeting […]
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