During its joint Annual Meeting on June 5, the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond celebrated a number of significant successes and connections in the past year.

President Josh Goldberg noted there also were a number of challenges that the Federation responded to with rapid responses, as it has for so many years. “We are stronger today.”

“The Israel Emergency Campaign was our humanitarian response to our brothers and sisters being slaughtered on October 7. This extraordinarily successful campaign brought $2.3 million dollars from Richmond, and over $865 million collectively from Jewish Federations of North America to not just help but truly sustain the economy and social systems of Israel.”

He also reported that the Federation provided critical support, guidance and resources to all local agencies and synagogues.

Goldberg provided a rundown on the growing support and engagement within the Jewish community for many programs and activities.

The Federation’s PJ Library has seen 110 families at 24 PJ Library events. The Weinstein JCC had an 80% increase of Jewish campers last summer with continued increases expected this summer. RTA has an incoming kindergarten class that is so big that the incoming class will be split into two classes. BBYO has seen a 50% increase in participation in Richmond. Our Thinking Jewishly program has seen 147 different people attend. In the past year, we have seen over 150 people visit Israel, including our Federation hosting the largest single mission to Israel from any community.  

Goldberg noted, “All of this is made possible by YOU! We raised over $3.7 million this year.”

“This is the thriving Jewish community that we dreamed about just one year ago. But we are not done. There’s still more work to do. More Jews to be found. Deeper connections to be made. And more Shabbat dinners to be enjoyed.”

At the meeting, longtime community leader Lynn Schwart received by Neil November Distinguished Community Service Award from past honoree and former Federation President Ric Arenstein. 

Arenstein said, “I came to know Lynn early on in our respective efforts to be a part of serving others in the Richmond Jewish Community. I saw a quiet, smart, patient and kind woman who paid careful attention to everything around and knew, like a gifted musician, when to join the music for the greatest impact and fullest harmony with others.”

He added, “Her accomplishments are many, and they reflect the values she holds so deeply.

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