As I write this message, winter is upon us, the days are shorter and the secular calendar is moving towards the start of 2023 (as you’re reading this, it is already 2023).
I would like to wish our community members a very happy, healthy and peaceful 2023.
As with the start of every new year, we make resolutions to eat healthier, exercise more, treasure our time with family and friends or try something new. All of these “resolutions” can be fulfilled here in our wonderful community building which is bustling with activities – something for everyone of every age and interest.
If it’s sports and exercise you’re after, you can get your body moving and in top shape in our state-of-the-art fitness facility with an invigorating workout guided by our fabulous instructors and trainers, swim laps in our inviting indoor pool, shoot hoops in our double gym, or play pickleball with friends.
For those who prefer cultural or recreational activities, we urge you to check out the films and author talks that fill the roster of our Beckerman Cultural Arts series, or play Mah Jongg with Women’s Philanthropy friends. For our little ones, PJ Library offers a host of enriching and educational programs. And we’re proud to announce that this month we’re launching “Shalom Baby Cafe,” an exciting new initiative that provides a comfortable environment for moms to enjoy music, coffee, conversation and their babies.
Interested in learning more? The pages of this edition of Shalom New Haven are filled with an abundance of programs and events hosted by our local Jewish organizations — including our own — that bring us together and strengthen us, both individually and as a community. I invite you to take advantage of all that our organizations have to offer.
The new year is also a time for making commitments. In my home, we always commit to striving for a better work/life balance, traveling more, volunteering for projects we are passionate about, planning for the future and giving tzedakah. Our Federation is always seeking to engage more volunteers. Simply share with us what your interests are and we will connect you to volunteer opportunities here at Federation and throughout the greater community.
As you may recall, in our last edition of Shalom New Haven we announced the establishment of the Beckerman Family PACE challenge, a $2 million matching gift generously offered by David and Ruthann Beckerman & family. The Federation must secure $2 million in new and/or increased PACE (Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment) funds to receive this match. A PACE fund is a permanent endowment fund for the Federation established in your name. Your annual gift will be there forever to carry on your acts of tzedakah and charity. You can endow your annual campaign gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven and guarantee future support for critical programs and services in the Jewish community.
As a reminder, our annual 2023 campaign runs from September 1 through August 31 — which means we are almost halfway there. If you have not yet made your commitment, please reach out to me and I will gladly discuss your gift with you over coffee, on the phone, on Zoom or over a glass of wine. Our community is always so grateful and appreciative of your generous support.
So make your resolutions and your commitments. And may we all go from strength to strength with good health and much happiness.
Amy
