For Cuba’s Jews, Saying “I Do” Under a Chuppah

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Every wedding is unique—but capturing dozens of Cuban Jews under a chuppah (wedding canopy) in Havana is a sight to see. Read how a Latin American rabbi, who's made some 115 visits to Cuba’s Jewish community on JDC's behalf, officiated at more than two dozen Jewish weddings, 21 of which were held on the same day.

New Early Childhood Centers Give At-Risk Israeli Youngsters a Firmer Start in Life

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With President Obama stressing the importance of early learning in his State of the Union Address, especially “for poor kids who need help the most,” read what JDC is doing for youngsters like "Danny" at its new Early Childhood Center in Jerusalem's Kiryat Menachem neighborhood.

Leadership Building Opportunities in the Nonprofit World

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Read a thoughtful exploration of leadership building and the lay-professional dynamic in community organizations by JDC Board member Steven Price and JDC senior professional Laura Spitzer—lifelong friends, colleagues, and fellow Wexner Heritage alumni.

Praise for JDC and New CEO Alan Gill Highlights Jerusalem Reception

photo: Ofir Ben Natan Click to enlarge.

Read how US Ambassador Dan Shapiro and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat coupled words of praise for JDC and our new CEO, Alan Gill, at a reception in his honor in Israel.

Helping University Students Cope with Economic Difficulties in Argentina

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by Zhanna Veyts

Read how JDC is helping young people in Argentina pursue their college and career dreams despite ongoing economic difficulties.

Soups On! JCC Cook-off Mixes Hot Soup and Warm Fellowship in Wintry Romania

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Read how JDC’s popular soup-making contest brought 350 people of all ages together at the Bucharest Jewish Community Center on a wintry Sunday in Romania.

Tu B’Shvat in Mumbai: JDC Leads a Jewish Arbor Day Celebration with an Indian Twist

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Read how JDC helped the Jewish community in Mumbai, India celebrate Tu B’Shvat—the Jewish Arbor Day—this week in its own very special way.

Stormy Global Jobs Outlook Underlines Importance of JDC Programs

photo: Ofir Ben Natan Click to enlarge.

With the International Labor Organization warning of new job losses ahead as economic recovery efforts stall, read how JDC programs are helping Jewish communities promote new job training opportunities where unemployment rates have been highest.

Argentina Revisited, with Loving Care

photo: Alejandro Cantor Click to enlarge.

by Zhanna Veyts

Read how JDC programs like Baby Help in Argentina continue to aid at-risk, impoverished Jewish children whose families are unable to secure a firm economic footing in that nation’s troubled economy.

ICP’s New Roman Vishniac Exhibit Features Treasures from the JDC Archives

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Read how the International Center of Photography in NYC is showcasing the work of the late Roman Vishniac, presenting a more comprehensive view of this legendary photographer, best known for his haunting images of the “Vanished World” of Eastern European Jewry, many of which he created for JDC.

Early Reading Programs Give Young Children a Head Start in Israel and the U.S.

photo: Debbi Cooper Click to enlarge.

Programs that encourage families at the lower end of the economic scale to read aloud to their young children are proving effective both in Israel and in New York, giving youngsters a head start as they enter primary school.

Reflections on the 3rd Anniversary of the Haiti Earthquake

photo: Lee Celano/Getty Images Click to enlarge.

On the 3rd anniversary of Haiti’s devastating earthquake, the Global Director of JDC’s International Development Program examines the way we bring our professional expertise to bear to save lives and rebuild communities following natural and man-made disasters.

Expanding Opportunities and Inclusiveness for Israelis with Disabilities

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by Jay Ruderman

Read how the Ruderman Family Foundation is spearheading a dramatic expansion of efforts—matched by JDC and the Israeli government—to promote the inclusion of all Israeli adults with disabilities by providing new employment opportunities and services.

Moving Forward in the Former Soviet Union

photo: Jay Nubile Click to enlarge.

On the 25th anniversary of the leadership mission that led to JDC's return to the Soviet Union after an absence of 50 years, JDC's Executive Director of Former Soviet Union Programs describes the challenges facing JDC in that region today.

Two Faiths Come Together in Japan

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Read how JDC has been helping the Jewish Community of Japan develop a cross-cultural relationship with a Buddhist Temple in the area hit hardest by Japan’s March 2011 disaster.

Wedding Joy in Djerba, Tunisia

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On the Tunisian island of Djerba, a traditional Jewish wedding recently had some 400 guests celebrating into the wee hours of the morning in their spacious new Jewish Community Hall.

Berlin to Experience Famous NYC Family Shabbat Program

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In Berlin, Germany this weekend, JDC is giving young Jewish children and their parents a chance to experience a unique and renowned family Shabbat program “imported” from New York’s 92nd Street Y.

JDC’s Moscow Rep. is a Jewish Community Person of the Year

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Getting a jump on the upcoming awards season, the Russian Jewish community federation last week named its own top-ranked “celebs” – and JDC Moscow Rep. Alik Nadan won a coveted Person of the Year spot.

Chanukah Programs Brighten Jewish Connections in Poland and Romania

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In Poland and Romania, JDC’s Chanukah activities mix traditional elements with innovative outreach efforts that are attracting people seeking new links to Jewish life.

Bulgarian President Adds Pride to Community Chanukah Festivities

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In a proud moment for the Jewish community, Bulgaria’s President kindled the first Chanukah light in Sofia’s historic synagogue, inaugurating a week of activities celebrating the Festival of Lights.