We’re Here for You

by Nina Fondiller Woldin

It’s not unusual in the sailing community for people who don’t know each other to begin talking, just because they pass on the dock. But it is unusual for them to tell you out of the blue, when they have never met you before, that their parents were Holocaust survivors. I wear a chai around my neck, and lately, on the dock, on the street in New York City, and everywhere I go, Jewish people are reaching out. We need the comfort that comes from community – knowing that we can face our challenges together.

Chai Mitzvah has always been about connecting, and in this difficult time we took a moment to step back and recognize the many programs and materials and we offer to support and build community. Reflecting the growth of our organization, we are proud to present our new name: Chai Mitzvah: The Resource Center for Jewish Engagement.  

Here are some ways that we might be a useful resource for you:

• Helping your organization become stronger through tailored materials and leadership training
• Working on college campuses to bring deep knowledge about anti-Zionist conspiracy theories to college students (the results of which are playing out now in Israel). based on Scott Shay’s latest book, Conspiracy U: A Case Study
• Working with academic scholars to bring some of their work pertinent to Jewish education and Israel to lay audiences
• Welcoming you to our virtual community, where we offer five topics on a regular basis, and six Community Events throughout the year 
• As a curriculum bank for small group learning, and training facilitators on the best practices for running small groups 
• Working closely with you, with specific materials and programs for your cohort: teens, adults, families (including grandparents), and older seniors 
• Bringing together disparate groups across a community through our IGNITE program 
• Offering a framework for interfaith groups
• Taking an increasing leadership role as a convenor for teen programming through our partnership with Jewish National Fund and other teen umbrella organizations

We are here for you, so please join us! 

(Comments or questions, please use the box below.)