Re: Jewish Federations and Chabad Find a New Way Forward

Re: Jewish Federations and Chabad Find a New Way Forward

Dear Editor,

I read with great interest your recent article about Jewish Federations and Chabad. We at the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland (Oregon) agree that cooperation is of great advantage to our community.

Our Jewish Federation is proud to support the Chabad-sponsored Maimonides Jewish Day School, including funding to assist in their accreditation process. We provide incentive grants to Jewish families to enroll their children in Jewish pre-school, including the wonderful Gan Pre-School run by Chabad. We now fund Chabad at Reed College where they have been more successful than our current Hillel program. And through the years we have provided small grants to help with Chabad programs for the community. I am sure more cooperative ventures will arise in the future.

In addition, when the Gan was remodeling its building to double its capacity, and they had yet to raise all the funds to complete the job prior to the school year opening, the Jewish Federation partnered to provide a $100,000 loan payable over ten years so the school could open on time. It was important for the Jewish Federation to see as many children attend the Gan as possible and we were delighted to partner with Chabad in this effort.

Personally, I have the joy and honor of learning with Rabbi Moshe Wilhelm on a monthly basis. His knowledge and desire to learn with me is something I cherish every time we meet.

The Greater Portland Jewish community was blessed 32 years ago when Rabbi Moshe and Devorah Wilhelm came to our community. What they have done, along with their family and now nine Chabad centers in Oregon, is truly remarkable. They continue to breathe spirit, energy and passion for Jewish life in our growing Jewish community. And our Jewish Federation is better for it and is proud to partner with them.

With commitment to a cooperative future,

Marc N. Blattner

President and CEO

Jewish Federation of Greater Portland

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Thank you for publishing Lubavitch International.

The article “Jewish Federations and Chabad Find a New Way Forward” caught my attention since we have developed a very strong and healthy relationship with our local federation. In fact, Ed Finkel, who is quoted in your article, originally lived in our community for many years. This article sparked interest and conversation in our community. Additionally, the president of our federation stopped by to pick up a copy of the paper. If you ever do a follow up article, I would look forward to speak to you about our interaction with federation.

Much success.

Rabbi Noach Kosofsky

Chabad of Longmeadow, MA

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Dear Editor,

Thank you for this article. It was very important for me to see and read.

We, too, have been building our relationship with federation here in Philly and have recently received significant more funding committed for three years in a row.

Chani Baram

Friendship Circle of Philadelphia, PA