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JFGSB Blog

Explore news and featured stories about Jewish Federation programs, volunteers, donors, special events and updates from our partners in Israel. Learn how you can become more in engaged with the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara.

Jun 25, 2021

A Sabbath Message: Choosing Blessings and Kindness for our Community

“Mah tovu ohalecha Ya’akov, mishkinotecha Yisrael.
How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, Your dwelling places, O Israel!”

– From the daily morning prayer service and this week’s Torah portion (Numbers 24:5)

Under the full moon of Tammuz – did you see it last night?! It was bea…

Jun 19, 2021

A Sabbath Message: The Importance of Commemorating Juneteenth

“Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”  
– Inscription on the Liberty Bell from the Torah (Leviticus 25:10)

As Sabbath arrives this week, we officially move from spring to summer – and the changing seasons remind us of the cycle of our lives an…

Jun 13, 2021

A Sabbath Message: Delighting in the Traditions of the Jewish Wedding

“May sounds of joy and gladness always be heard in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, voices of happiness, voices of bride and groom, the jubilant singing of those united in marriage under the Huppah.”

– From the 6th traditional blessing of the Sheva Brachot (7 Bl…

May 28, 2021

A Sabbath Message: Tales of Mental Health

“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.”

– “Mister” Fred Rogers (1928–2003) 

Under a super moon this week, the final Sa…

May 24, 2021

A Sabbath Message: The Pursuit of Peace

“We have to work for peace, as well as pray for it.”

– Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (1948–2020)

With the Shavuot holiday observed earlier this week, Sabbath now draws near…but a strong glimmer of hope now brings a ceasefire to the violence across the world. So, perhaps it is the …