Your JUF update

During these uncertain times, it's more important than ever to come together as a community. With this email, we hope to provide you with resources, moral support and other ways to adjust to this temporary “new normal.”  

Visit our JUF Coronavirus Community Resource Page where you’ll find links to more resources, info on JUF initiatives and ways to help or donate. And be sure to check JUF's Facebook page for daily updates.

Don't miss YLD's Big Event Fundraiser

Join YLD for the biggest event of the year on Saturday, January 23, now with a virtual twist! Prepare to laugh your way through comedian Sebastian Maniscalco's conversation with his wife Lana Gomez. Start the evening with pre-show fun featuring a live DJ. A mixologist and magician help Maniscalco continue the fun—and stick around for an after-party with friends new and old in breakout rooms.

Moving moments from 2020

Ten heartwarming Jewish stories remind us of last year's silver linings—from those in the community who helped develop the COVID vaccine to the new second husband in the White House.

Find a new movie's Jewish soul

Did you know that Pixar’s new hit movie, Soul, borrows ideas from Jewish tradition? Learn more in this commentary about life...and what may come after.

Jewish rapper Nissim Black tells all

Shortly after composing his new single, “The Hava Song,” Hasidic rapper Nissim Black shared his creative process during COVID, lifestyle tips on working & studying while raising six kids, and his experience as a Jew of color.

50 Jewish pop culture moments to make you smile

From Schitt’s Creek to the “Saturday Night Seder,” check out 50 of last year’s most fun and influential Jewish pop culture moments.

A moment of reflection with Rabbi Lisa Bellows

We have been sheltering at home for close to a year: The freedom to move freely about is not possible right now. This week we read, “The Lord told Moses to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. But Moses retorted, “The Israelites would not listen to me; why would Pharaoh listen to me?!” (6:12) God reassures Moses that; God is with him, his brother Aaron is with him, and the people will be with him too. He is not alone. Indeed, this is the message of our time: we are not alone, we can’t give up--liberation is yet to come.  

Rabbi Lisa Bellows, Congregation Beth Am