Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids

06/10/2026

The June 2026 issue of The Shofar is here! 📰✡️

This month's newsletter is packed with community highlights, including a beautiful reflection from Board Chair Chad Zagel on the fourth annual Henry Pestka Art and Poetry Contest Award Dinner, where more than 160 people gathered at Frederik Meijer Gardens to celebrate student artwork honoring Holocaust memory. Plus, guest columnist Carolyn Shapiro-Shapin shares a powerful recap of the Stand with Israel Reading Circle's meeting with Kibbutz Ein Dor, and Sharon Spungen writes about a visit from this year's ShinShinit, an Israeli high school graduate serving as a cultural ambassador here in Grand Rapids.

You will also find an important breakdown of the ADL's 2025 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, details on the upcoming Finkelstein/Leven Community Picnic at Manhattan Park on July 21, a save the date for the Women's Lion and Pomegranate Luncheon on August 13, and your full community calendar for the months ahead.

Read the full issue here: https://okt.to/CYMwdW

JFGR is in the process of completing our Shofar archives. If you are in possession of a Shofar Issue not posted on this page please contact us by email at [email protected]. We will create a digital copy that can be shared with our community forever.

06/09/2026

You are invited! 🌟 Join us for the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 6:00pm at 1715 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids.

The evening will include our Year in Review Slideshow, presentation of Community Volunteer Awards, and Board Installation, followed by a dessert reception. We hope to see you there!

RSVP to Nicole at [email protected]

06/08/2026

Picnic Summer fun is on the way! 🌞 Join us for the Finkelstein/Leven Community Picnic on Tuesday, July 21 at 6pm at Manhattan Park in East Grand Rapids. We will have a bounce house, PJ Library crafts, BBQ, shaved ice, kosher food, a juggler, henna, and more. The park features a new playground and water features, so make sure the kids bring a bathing suit! RSVP to [email protected].

06/07/2026

We need players! 🎲 Bring your favorite board game and join us for a fun afternoon on Sunday, July 19 from 2 to 4pm. Snacks and drinks will be provided by JFGR. Please note the later start time. RSVP to [email protected] for the location and we will see you at the table!

06/05/2026

Babka Book Club

Come for the babka, stay for the book! 📚 Join us for the next Babka Book Club meeting on Wednesday, July 15 from 5:00 to 6:30pm. We will be discussing The Last Kings of Shanghai by Jonathan Kaufman, the fascinating story of rival Jewish dynasties that helped shape modern China. RSVP to [email protected] for the location. We hope to see you there!

06/04/2026

Senior Lunch Bunch is coming up!

Good food, great company! 🍽️ The Senior Lunch Bunch is gathering again on Wednesday, July 15 from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Cost is $10 per person. Our last lunch at Fuji Yama Asian Bistro was a wonderful afternoon filled with friendship, conversation, and some great new faces. We hope you can join us in July! RSVP to [email protected] to reserve your seat and get the location.

06/03/2026

Stand with Israel Reading Circle

Knowledge is strength. 🇮🇱 The Stand with Israel Reading Circle is designed to deepen our understanding of Israeli history, politics, economics, and culture.

Join us on Sunday, June 21 at 9:30am at Temple Emanuel as we discuss whether Palestine's Great Revolt (1936 to 1939) set the stage for October 7. The circle is facilitated by Robert Deaner and Carolyn Shapiro-Shapin, and all are welcome.

RSVP to [email protected] or 616-942-5553

visit jewishgrandrapids.org/swirg for recommended reading materials.

06/02/2026

JEWISH THEATRE ANNOUNCING | GAMES by Tom Dugan
June 14 – June 21 | GRCC's Spectrum Theater

Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids is proud to present GAMES, a powerful true story set against one of history's darkest backdrops.

Two world-class women athletes were poised to win gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Because they were German, the N**i government called them home to compete for the Reich. Because they were Jewish, they couldn't even practice with the German team.

Danira Stanojevic and Michaela Faith, directed by Todd Lewis, bring this extraordinary story to life.

📅 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
• Sun, June 14 at 3:00 PM
• Wed, June 17 at 7:30 PM
• Thu, June 18 at 7:30 PM
• Sat, June 20 at 7:30 PM
• Sun, June 21 at 3:00 PM

🎟️ Final Dress Rehearsals on June 11 & 13 are also open to the public for a donation — reserve your seats today!

📍 GRCC's Spectrum Theater
160 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids 49503

🔗 Reserve your seats (reserved seating): jtgr.org/tickets

▶️ Watch the promo: https://okt.to/ePnhf5

Don't miss this unforgettable production. We hope to see you there.

06/01/2026

📚 May is Jewish American Heritage Month — and what better way to celebrate than with a great book? 🌟

PJ Library has curated five more incredible biographies that bring Jewish American stories to life for young readers. From trailblazers to changemakers, these books spark curiosity, pride, and meaningful family conversations.

📖 Perfect for kids of all ages 📖 Stories of courage, creativity & leadership 📖 Great for reading together as a family

🔗 Check out the full list on the PJ Library blog and add them to your reading list this month!
https://okt.to/WX4b0g

Explore picture books, novels, and videos about Jewish American life.

05/31/2026

NOW HIRING: Director of Administration | United Jewish School (UJS)

UJS is looking for an organized, people-centered leader to help run the heart of our school community!

The role:
✦ Part-time · 20 hrs/week · Hybrid & flexible hours
✦ $26,500/year
✦ Reports to the UJS Board

What you'll do:
✦ Manage student registration, records & family onboarding
✦ Handle billing, payroll, budgeting & financial reporting
✦ Run school communications — website, newsletters & social media
✦ Coordinate logistics, supplies & Google Workspace
✦ Be a welcoming presence for students, families & volunteers
✦ Attend board meetings as an ex officio member

What we're looking for:
✦ Strong organizational & communication skills
✦ Proficiency in Google Workspace, MS Office & QuickBooks
✦ Familiarity with Judaism and/or education a plus
✦ Available Sunday mornings when school is in session

📩 To apply: Send your resume & cover letter to Rebecca Altamirano at [email protected] by June 12.