Each spring, Israel commemorates three significant days: Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror), and Yom Ha'atzmaut (Independence Day).  There are two separate memorial days: Yom HaZikaron to remind us the cost of having Israel; and Yom HaShoah to remind us the cost of not.” This year these holidays will begin on sundown of April 23 (Yom HaShoah),  April 29 (Yom HaZikaron) and April 30 (Yom Ha'atzmaut).

Do you have an extra seat (or more) at your table for the second-night of Passover Seder to offer to PSU students and members of our community?  Or would you like to be hosted in someone else's home for the second-night Passover Seder?  Let's make a match! Please contact Rebecca Thorsen (beccapthorsen@gmail.com) with your availability and/or requests.

On March 8, we observe International Women’s Day, a global day set aside to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Established by the United Nations, this date falls during Women’s History Month, a month-long effort to amplify women's voices.

If you are trained to teach English as a second language or are interested in being a conversation partner for newly arrived neighbors, there is a need in the Harrisburg area for language partners for a large group of immigrants This opportunity may be online or in person; the details are still being determined. In the meantime, State College Interfaith Council (Congregation Brit Shalom, University Baptist and Brethren and University Mennonite) is compiling a list of possible volunteers. Please let Naomi Altman (nsa1@psu.edu) know if you are interested in helping.

Excerpted from an article by Rabbi Toby H. Manewith who serves as the Program Manager for the URJ Antisemitism Partnership . For more details, go to the original text —>

1. Antisemitism encourages other forms of oppression; 2. Antisemitism is a tool of political division; 3. People with intersecting identities experience antisemitism alongside other forms of harm; 4. Relationships, allies, and education are critical to fighting antisemitism; 5. It is not the responsibility of the Jewish community to dismantle antisemitism; 6. Antisemitism is not a naturally occurring phenomenon; 7. There are many definitions of antisemitism; 8. Try to avoid "whataboutism." 9. Distinguish between oppression and discomfort. 10. Seek out hope.

Tough Questions About Gaza Answered. The American Jewish Committee is tackling several tough questions and topics related to the current situation in Israel. What should we answer next? (GO TO THE Q & A).

CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis) Visit this comprehensive website that documents the inaccurate reporting in popular news media of current issues related to Israel (VISIT THIS SITE).

The Institute for National Security Studies (Tel Aviv University) The Institute for National Security Studies launches and engages in innovative, relevant, high-quality research that shapes the public discourse of issues on Israel's national security agenda. As part of its mission, it is committed to encourage new ways of thinking and expand the traditional contours of establishment analysis (VISIT THIS SITE).

Scott Daggs, our building and grounds chair, has recently overseen and participated in several projects: vastly improved night-time lighting of both the upper and lower parking lots; remediation of water damage by the front entrance; and the placement of an AED just outside the cloakroom to provide a first-line response to medical emergencies. The remodeling of the Ark in the sanctuary and the redesign of the lower entrance to upgrade security are major projects that in the active planning stages.