A message from Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey
Happy New Year. May 2023 be a time when all in the Jewish community continue to gather in person once again for simchas, to share in tradition and learning, to strengthen our bonds with each other and with Israel, make the world a more compassionate and caring place, especially for those less fortunate, push back against antisemitism, and inspire young people to create a vibrant, beautiful, loving and peaceful Jewish future.
This year, we look forward to our community’s celebrations of “Israel@75” – the 75th anniversary of the creation of the State of Israel.
Federation kicks off Israel@75 programming with a panel discussion at Bell Works, Feb. 6 on the future of NJ-Israel business development and trade partnership. In connection with that, we congratulate the town of East Brunswick and the Israeli city of Yavne on their recent agreement to become sister cities. East Brunswick Economic Development Officer, Rob Zuckerman, will join our distinguished panel Feb. 6, which also includes a senior official from Teva pharmaceuticals and others.
In 2023, we welcome new PJ Library Ambassadors, often parents of children who receive PJ Library, who organize local and neighborhood-based gatherings for PJ families. Watch the community calendar (jewishheartnj.org/events) for wonderful PJ programs organized through our ambassadors as well as through such wonderful partners as Congregation B’nai Tikvah in North Brunswick and The Hebrew Academy in Marlboro, and others.
Also happening as we begin the new year, the Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) continues to engage more volunteers to advance advocacy with government and civic leaders, multifaith and multicultural allies, and with Jews from various parts of the Jewish world, to push back on antisemitism and hate. If you are interested, be sure to get in touch with us.
Lastly, please join me in welcoming Dr. Murray Katz as Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ’s new president. Murray is a long-time leader in the local Jewish community, both as a Federation board member, including in the office of Treasurer, and with Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County, where he also served as president.
All in the Jewish heart of NJ are fortunate to have Murray in our corner and Federation looks forward to more in our community getting to know him.
Once again, happy New Year. May it be one of health, happiness and peace.
—Susan Antman,
Executive Director
