On Thursday, May 6, the community came together virtually to celebrate the 2021 Annual Campaign with the powerful and moving program, “Staying Connected and Weathering the Storm.”
Friends and families joined together with others from across the community to commemorate what everyone has come through together over the past year, and to hear from the guest speakers to continue moving forward together…and stronger.
Attendees heard powerful stories on how the Indianapolis Jewish community helped two people on their very different life journeys.
Jeff Berebitsky shared the lessons he learned from his wife Jenni (z”l)—including a viewing of her award-winning short film “Grateful: The Jenni Berebitsky Story”—about her determination to “move forward,” the importance of having a community both to support and to have help support you, and how he has taken these valuable lessons to heart about the importance of moving forward through life’s challenges, as he has coped with her passing since August 2019.
Then, Indy native and famous American Jewish musician Dan Nichols shared his story of growing up in Indianapolis, and especially how the Jewish community was transformative in his life and instrumental in shaping both his Jewish identity and his successful career. The audience was treated to a live performance of his popular song, “Chazak,” (meaning “Be Strong”), and his message of being strong, celebrating our lives, and strengthening one another.
This well-received and touching event delivered on its promise “…to make you smile…cry…everything in between…and leave you feeling inspired.” Most of all, it challenged participants to truly, personally, and communally take to heart and consider this year’s theme of “moving forward”—what it means, what it entails, and how it strengthens all of us and the entire community.
As mentioned during the program, coming together, helping each other, and being strong for one another is at the heart of the work of the Federation, its partners, and the community’s Annual Campaign. Thank you for all you do to support the community!
A very special thanks to JFGI President Beth Klapper, Annual Campaign Co-Chairs Jen Schwartz and Larry Turow, JFGI Senior Director of Development Michael Skolnick, all the professionals and volunteers who made this event possible, and especially to distinguished guests, Jeff Berebitsky and Dan Nichols.
“They reminded us all of the strength we have shown in coming together as a community, and they inspired us with hope as we move forward, continuing to address and overcome the challenges our community faces,” Skolnick said.
For those interested in more information about Jenni Berebitsky’s story and how she grew her strength to move forward through her battle with ALS, you can learn more on her website, www.alssavedmylife.com, and from her book, “ALS Saved My Life…until it didn’t.”
And for those requesting more information about musician Dan Nichols and his work, you can find information about Dan and links to his songs and albums on his website, www.dannicholsmusic.com.
In the spirit of this special community program, thank you to those who have already made commitments to the 2021 Annual Campaign, on behalf of the community and all the lives you touch through your support. With your help, the community’s Annual Campaign has raised $1.4 million to date, with nearly $3 million to go to reach the goal.
A strong Annual Campaign allows the Federation and Jewish community to continue to navigate the current challenges in the months and years ahead. It enables the Federation and its partners to continue serving the community long after this pandemic has passed—and it will help the community emerge stronger together. And it will help address the substantially growing needs that have impacted so many.
While volunteers and professional staff will be reaching out in the weeks and months ahead, if you have not yet made a commitment to the 2021 Annual Campaign, you don’t have to wait! You can make a gift online today at www.jewishindianapolis.org/donate, or if you prefer to make a pledge and send in your gift at a later date, you can e-mail your name and pledge amount to campaign@jfgi.org.
Thank you again for all that you do to support and strengthen the Indianapolis Jewish community!