Message from the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg: February 2020

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Message from the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg: February 2020

posted here Feb 9, 2020

Dear Community Members,

As we look forward to the season of growth and renewal, we celebrate the holiday of Tu B’Shevat (New Year for the Trees) in February. This holiday marks the season in which the earliest blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. Tu B'Shevat reminds the Jewish people of our connection to the earth and to our role as caretakers of the environment.

While we look towards the future, it is also important to remember the past. This week, leaders from around the world gathered to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 75^th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. With the rise of antisemitism around the globe, these world leaders shared the importance of vowing never to forget. To raise awareness of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we participated in a national social media campaign: #WeRemember. We encouraged individuals, leaders of organizations, and government to take part in the important initiative. To see the mass amount of participation in Winnipeg, check out our photo album of posts to social media that day.

Keep the memory alive by joining us on a Mission to Poland and Israel this October. You are invited to travel with community members from Winnipeg, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa, Hamilton and Atlantic Canada on this trip of a lifetime. More information

Take 2 minutes to help shape our community’s advocacy agenda – our national advocacy partner CIJA is hosting their annual grassroots consultations survey online. What issues do you care most about? What priorities should our community be focusing on? What are we doing well? What do we need to improve? They want to know! Participate in the survey today!

Whether it is by hosting a mission or advocating for Israel or our community, we move forward together because of your support. Not only as volunteers dedicating time and talent, but also through your generous financial contributions to the Combined Jewish Appeal (CJA). This year, the CJA has set a $6,000,000 goal. According to our calculations this is the amount needed to fund the vital programs and services our community offers. This money is committed to provide support to all of our beneficiary agencies and programs managed by the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg. We have already raised $5,827,731. While we know this is amazing, we still need to raise $172,269. Every gift is truly crucial, so if you have not yet made your donation, please donate online today, or call 204.477.7428.

On May 5, we will host our annual Kavod Evening to celebrate and honour volunteers and leaders in our community. Today is the final day to submit nominations for various awards. If you know of anyone who is an exceptional volunteer or leader in Jewish Winnipeg and beyond, make sure to view our criteria and make a nomination online today.

Wishing you a peaceful Shabbat,