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Dispatches from the network and updates from the Foundation.
Dec 2015
As we close Hanukah, we want light to spill over into life. In the prayer “Al Ha-nisim” , we articulate how the unexpected turned into reality. In theological terms, we call these miracles. When the weak overcome the strong, the few defeat the many, and righteousness presides over evil, we feel profound relief that along with random acts of terror, life can sometimes throw us unpredictable goodness. This sliver
Dec 2015
From the Winter 2015 issue of HaYidion, on Athletics; reprinted by permission of RAVSAK At the end of a long workday, I dragged my heels up the staircase to the cafeteria of my children’s day school for the JV basketball team parent orientation. Expecting a review of schedule and logistics, I wasn’t totally present as Coach D began addressing the parents, although I tucked my phone away out of respect.
Everything changed in one day. On September 2nd Americans woke up to see a photograph of Aylan Kurdi, a small boy whose body washed up on the Turkish beach after his family tried to reach safety by boat. For many, this picture broke open our hearts to a crisis that had been underway for years. As Jews, we were further awakened by the images and stories that immediately followed of
Dec 2015
The Wexner Foundation wishes you and yours a Happy Hanukkah in 5776. May you shine your light and pierce the darkness!
Nov 2015
The ultimate identity crisis After Jacob stole the blessings intended for Esau in Parshat Toldot, he was forced to run for his life. He flees to the home of his uncle Laban in Charan, which is a home of idol worship and deceit. Jacob, who was raised in a home of morality, ethics, monotheism has to leave his sheltered environment and goes into a home of dishonesty where they
Nov 2015
Fourteen years ago, both my parents died in a car accident. How does one cope with such a tragedy? I was immediately transformed from child to orphan. My siblings, each of whom made aliyah many years ago, and I decided immediately on burial in Israel. Thanks in part to help from the Jewish community network, we were able to handle the complicated arrangements. But my story is about what happened
Nov 2015
This first-hand account of the terror in Paris was written by Aaron D. Panken, WGF Class 8, and first appeared on JTA’s website on Monday, November 16, 2015. PARIS (JTA) — My son and I met in Paris on Friday morning, walked the charming streets of the City of Light, visited the Picasso and Pompidou museums, then went to synagogue at the MJLF (Mouvement Juif Libéral de France), one of
Nov 2015
As the world mourns the loss of innocent life in Paris, I, like many, struggle to confront my feelings; Paris, Jerusalem, New York City and so many places around the world, have witnessed a common evil that must be confronted by a unified civil world. As we all declare our solidarity, sympathy and empathy with Paris and her citizens, we must question what it really means to do so. Yes,
Nov 2015
Pictured from right to left: Marcia Cohodes, WHP Alum (Minneapolis), Stephen Hazan Arnoff, WGF Alum (Class 13) and Ofer Chen, current WIF (Class 27), meet each other at The Wexner Foundation Reception. Ofer Chen, current WIF (Class 27): My favorite thing about the GA was the feeling of a special connection bonding all participants from so many places and opinions into one community, and allowing each of us to approach others and
Nov 2015
Celebrating Mordy’s JPRO Young Professionals Award at the Wexner Reception at the GA. Pictured (from left to right): Rabbi Jay Moses (Director, Wexner Heritage Program; WGF Alum, Class 5), Jordanna Birnbaum Amsel (WGF Fellow, Class 27), Cynthia Bernstein (WGF Alum, Class 22), Rabbi Elka Abrahamson (President, The Wexner Foundation), Mordy Walfish (WGF Alum, Class 22) and Or Mars (Director, Wexner Graduate Fellowship/Davidson Scholars Program; WGF Alum, Class 6). The following is