We'll all be the better for it

In COVID time it feels like everything has stood still.  Naturally, people are worried, people are scared.  Some are back to life “as it was” while others are quite guarded.  As all of our situations are different, it is understandable and there is no “right or wrong way” to approach “reentry.”
 
Nevertheless, with appropriate care, the Federation and JEA have moved forward and many of you have come along with us….classes are back to close to preCOVID enrollment, the pool remains wildly popular, our Community Maccabeats Concert was a sellout, Food for Thought is back to what it was with weekly meals and lectures (If you haven’t had the opportunity to sample our new chef’s offerings you are missing out—just ask anyone who has attended the last few weeks), and this weekend is our Community Chanukah FESTival of Lights event which kicks off at 3pm with candle lighting at 5.  There will be something for every age!!
 
During a year when almost everything changed, at last year’s Savannah Jewish Federation’s Allocation meetings, Jamie Richman proposed an idea for consideration to the Committee; an idea that would empower our community to make a move back to some semblance of normalcy and make changes for the future.
 
Acknowledging that after a long period of unsettled life (COVID)…
….innovation takes extra courage to pursue new ideas;
…impactful ideas take time, focus, and financial support;
…trying new things doesn’t always end in success, and;
…part of Federation’s charge is to empower our community partners for all of our benefit,
 
the Allocations Committee and Federation Governors enthusiastically approved the establishment of Innovation Grant funding.
 
The Savannah Jewish Federation Innovation Grants “are intended to inspire organizations, synagogues, agencies and community members to develop innovative and/or impactful programs and services that support and enrich the Savannah Jewish community.
 
All too often we hear from people, “I have a great idea but don’t have the funding to make it happen.”  Well, this is your/their opportunity to try something new in any one of five different impact areas: Heritage, Culture and Religion; Jewish Identity and Engagement; Jewish Education; Social Responsibility/Tikkun Olam; and/or Israel.
 
What a wonderful opportunity to take a chance, to do something not done before, push the boundaries, to transform, to dream.
 
We hope that one or many of the grants will help make a dream or dreams come true….and we’ll all be the better for it.  Put on your thinking caps and consider what ideas will make our Jewish community more engaged and educated, and together we can make it happen.
 
Shabbat Shalom v Chag Urim Sameach
(and Go Dawgs-beat Alabama)