Celebrate Hanukkah with Elana Arian in Concert, 12/18, 4:30 PM
We are collaborating with Congregation Albert to present Elana Arian, a leading voice in contemporary Jewish music, in concert the first night of Hanukkah. Join the fun at Congregation Albert with music, latkes, donuts and treats. Ticket information* here.
*If you're a LIFE & LEGACY donor to any of our participating organizations, we'll treat you to the concert! Contact our Executive Director for more information.
Pop In Each Night for the Community Hanukkah Candle Lighting, 12/18 – 12/25
Jewish organizations from Albuquerque, Santa Fe and beyond will be leading blessings each night of Hanukkah as the giant Hanukkiah in front of the JCC in Albuquerque is lit. Join in person or on Zoom. Thanks to RACAA, the Rabbi & Cantorial Association of Albuquerque, for coordinating!
Enjoy the Community Hanukkah Fest on December 11!
Congregation B'nai Israel is hosting the fun this year. Latkes & Sufganyiot (jelly donuts); Craft village & Holiday bazaar; Music & Israeli dancing. Sunday, 12/11 from Noon to 5 PM, 4401 Indian School Rd., NE. Tickets: $10-12 for adults, $5-6 for kids 6-13, Free for children 5 & under.
Check Congregation B'nai Israel's website for more information.
$18,000 to Assist Local Refugees & Immigrants
The Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico awarded grants totaling $18,000 to six nonprofit agencies in the spring. The Foundation's Immigrant & Refugee Assistance Fund provides a Jewish community response to the welfare and safety needs of immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees in Albuquerque and New Mexico.
2022 grants from the donor-supported Immigrant & Refugee Assistance Fund were made to: Albuquerque FaithWorks Collaborative for the ABQ Asylum Program; EL CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos for the Guaranteed Basic Income Project; La Plaza De Encuentro for the Strengthening Pathways to Citizenship for Latinx Immigrants program; New Mexico Immigrant Law Center for the Pro Bono & Volunteer Program; Santa Fe Dreamers Project for the Family Unity Project and United Voices for Newcomer Rights for Refugee Mentoring.
Donors interested in contributing to the Immigrant and Refugee Assistance Fund to help provide grants in 2023 can donate online. For additional information, contact Erika Rimson, 505.348.4472
Superman's Jewish Origins
On April 13, 2022, UNM students took a study break and learned about the remarkable origin of comic books. The speaker was Dr. Samantha Baskind, Distinguished Professor of Art History at Cleveland State University. Baskind began her richly illustrated story with the rise of Hitler, moving her story to the emergence of two teenagers, Jerry Siegel and Joseph Schuster, who created a counterforce to Nazism: Superman. Throughout her presentation, Baskind revealed the allegorical Jewish themes underlying Superman's origins and the challenges he faced while living two identities on Earth. Following Superman, came other superheroes, most notably Batman and Robin, Wonder Woman, and The Thing, all with Jewish creators. Professor Baskind reached beyond superheroes to describe satirical publications such as MAD magazine and the graphic novel MAUS, heavily invested in contemporary Jewish themes. Questions from audience members wrapped up the stimulating lecture.
Professor Baskind's visit was sponsored by UNM's International Studies Institute and the Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico.
L'Chaim New Mexico - To Our Jewish Future!
85 legacy donors who’ve committed to make endowment gifts to Jewish organizations in Albuquerque and Santa Fe celebrated Jewish New Mexico and each other on June 12. Guests kibbitzed in the brightly decorated JCC courtyard while enjoying a Rhubarb & Elliott catered Bagels & Lox brunch. The Pop Fizz paleta truck (paleta is a Mexican version of a popsicle) provided refreshing, delicious frozen treats.
“Planting Seeds,” a song composed for LIFE & LEGACY by Elana Arian, a leading voice in contemporary Jewish music, was introduced by Albuquerque and Santa Fe community members. Mira Garin, who grew up attending Congregation Albert, led the guests in song.
Rabbi Jack Shlachter and JCF board member Dan Newman shared stories related to the value of community collaboration and planting seeds to benefit future generations. Erika Rimson shared results from the first four years of the LIFE & LEGACY initiative in New Mexico:
For more information about LIFE & LEGACY contact Erika Rimson.
Hats off to our event sponsor SEI.
