The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor is delighted to announce the allocation of four new Community Engagement Fund grants awarded to local initiatives with the goal of promoting cross-organizational collaboration and innovation in the local Jewish community. A grant selection committee, comprised of community volunteers, evaluated proposals against the fund’s principles of cross-communal collaboration, creativity & innovation, and joy & connectivity.
Community Genizah
Hebrew Day School (HDS), in partnership with the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor (JCC), Jewish Family Services (JFS), Jewish Federation, Beth Israel Congregation, and Temple Beth Emeth (TBE), will coordinate the creation of a local genizah, a space for the respectful burying of cherished ritual objects and holy documents containing G-d’s name. Rabbi Will Keller, HDS Head of School said that “the lack of a community genizah has become a concern for rabbis and other community leaders, as there is a growing amount of unusable ritual items in need of respectful care. We’re excited to be a part of initiating this important community resource.”
Fifth-grade students at Hebrew Day School will spearhead the process including clarifying what should be placed in the genizah and collecting and sorting items. The aim is for the genizah to be formally put into service in Spring 2024 in conjunction with a multi-generational community educational program.
Who Knows One
Beth Israel Congregation, Temple Beth Emeth and the JCC have joined forces to present “Who Knows One” an interactive Jewish Geography gameshow presented by Micah Hart. This cross-communal adult program is designed to connect and engage people from across organizations, demographics and religious observance. “I’m excited about this event because it aims solely to bring members of the community together for a night of comedy and connection,” says Barbara McAnelly, Director of Engagement and Programming at Beth Israel Congregation.
2024 Maccabi Games Opening
The 2024 JCC Maccabi Games takes place in Detroit this summer, and the Ann Arbor JCC aims to engage members of the community in all aspects of the games. There will be opportunities to volunteer and to join the community in bussing together to the opening ceremony to welcome the parade of athletes from around the world, including the combined Ann Arbor/Nahalal Delegation.
WISE Intergenerational Program
Jewish Family Services, together with the JCC and HDS, will build on the WISE at the J social and educational program for older adults to establish a series of intergenerational events for older adults and HDS students. The importance of reducing social isolation and offering opportunities for seniors in the community to build connections is a main emphasis of WISE at the J. Including students from HDS will add to the experience for the seniors and will provide opportunities for students to share joys and cultural traditions and to build relationships in a safe space that celebrates resilience and hope for the future.
The Community Engagement Fund is supported by the Jewish Federation’s Annual Community Campaign to encourage organizations and individuals to work collaboratively on new, innovative initiatives to cultivate a strong, engaged, connected, caring, vibrant and enduring Jewish community in Washtenaw County.
The next round of Community Engagement Grants, including the Zelma Weisfeld Fund for Culture & Education takes place this spring. Grant requests of up to $5000 ($3750 for the Zelma Weisfeld Fund) will be considered and must be submitted by a formal or informal partnership of three or more collaborators. The deadline for this grant application March 15. Decisions will be made within one month of the grant deadline.