Important information regarding COVID-19

In response to the worldwide outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Jewish Federation and Foundation of Greater Toledo is sharing our current policies to protect the collective health and safety of our community. It is our number one priority. Our second priority is to continue fulfilling our mission to all of you in a manner that does not jeopardize anyone’s health. We are grateful for your understanding, flexibility, and patience during this challenging time.
 
Federation and Foundation staff and leaders are closely monitoring resources made available by the CDC, the Ohio Department of Health, and Jewish Federations of North America. Because of the changes to our programming and the need for social distancing, Federation staff is thinking about alternative ways that we may continue to serve you. We understand that community needs have not gone away, and many will increase. We are committed to doing our very best to meet them.
 
At this time, we are announcing the following in-person programmatic changes and cancellations. We will announce any further changes or cancellations as they are decided:
 
Jewish Family Service
 
Jewish Family Service will continue to operate the Food Pantry with a modified food selection procedure to protect staff and program participants. Other personal services will continue for now. If you have a need, please contact JFS at (419) 885-2561 and we will do our best to assist you.

Jewish Living Center

 
The following JLC programs at the Sekach Building are canceled:

• Men’s Bridge
• Drawing and Painting
• Zumba
• Drumming
• Get Fit
• Blood pressure and general wellness check
• Poker
• Ballet Ball Fusion
• Pallet Painting

The Israel Legacy Trip has been postponed.

Project Menchify
 
To Knit or to Knot meetings are canceled.
 
Next Jewish Generation
 
Trivia Night outings are canceled.
 
PJ Playdates
           
PJ Playdates are canceled.   
 
Gan Yeladim Preschool
 
Gan Yeladim Director Raizel Shemtov informed parents of changes to the class schedule.
 
YMCA/JCC
 
The YMCA/JCC has reopened. Federation does not control decisions about YMCA/JCC recreation programs.
 
Hillel
 
Hillel Director Elizabeth Lane has informed University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University students regarding program changes and cancellations.

Jewish Community Relations Council
 
JCRC continues to monitor national news, as there have been reports of increased antisemitic rhetoric online. We are pleased to report that we have heard from several non-Jewish members of our community expressing their continued support and concern.
 

Resources
 
For those interested in information regarding COVID-19, please consult any of the following reputable sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Overview - Centers for Disease Control
• World Health Organization COVID-19 Advice For The Public - World Health Organization
• Johns Hopkins Global COVID-19 Case Map - John Hopkins Hospital
• https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/home - Ohio Department of Health

As a warm and inclusive community, it can feel counter to our shared values to remain physically distant from one another, especially during this stressful time. Despite the directives and precautions advising against close contact, our community remains just as compassionate and caring as ever. Federation leadership continues to be a resource and an ally to all of us, working to steadfastly protect and care for one another. 
 
Netzach Yisrael lo yishaker. The people of Israel are eternal. We will survive this together because we are all responsible one for another. Kol yisrael aravim zeh bazeh.
 
With great hope and prayers of healing,
 
Stephen Rothschild
Executive Director
Jewish Federation and Foundation of Greater Toledo