Alison Cherry, Finance Director ali@jewishcolumbia.org
Jennifer Dearing, Jewish Family Service Director jfs@jewishcolumbia.org
Josh Edwards, JCRC Director josh@jewishcolumbia.org
Amy Weinstein, Media Director news@jewishcolumbia.org
Columbia Jewish Federation Executive Committee
President David Palkovitz
Immediate Past President Kenneth Berger
Vice President Anny Zalesne
Treasurer Meridith Goldstein
Secretary Evan Lowsky
The views and opinions expressed in Columbia Jewish News are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect endorsement by Columbia Jewish Federation or the editorial staff of this publication. We welcome all voices from our community. If you would like to contribute an article, life cycle announcement, photos, or advertising, please visit www.jewishcolumbia.org/cjn for submission guidelines and advertising rates.
Letter From the Editor
Amy Weinstein, Editor Columbia Jewish News
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how complicated it can feel to show up as a visibly Jewish person in today’s world—and what it means to do so with courage, clarity, and hope.
This year, I feel that question pressing against more than just ritual. I feel it echoing in our headlines, in our communities, and even on our screens. We are living in a time when simply wishing someone “Happy Passover” on social media can be flagged as political. When Jewish identity itself, regardless of context, is often misunderstood, questioned, or distorted. And when the ancient story of our people’s freedom is tangled with modern-day pressures to justify, explain, or defend who we are.
A few weeks ago, I watched the film October 8. It was deeply moving—and sobering. It reminded me not just of what our community has endured, but of why the work we do at Columbia Jewish Federation matters more than ever. Creating safe spaces for Jewish life—both in person and online—is not just a nice-to-have. It is essential. It is sacred.
Security, education, advocacy, connection—these aren’t just Federation initiatives. They are the pillars of our collective safety, identity, and resilience. When misinformation spreads faster than truth, we must be louder with facts. When antisemitism moves from the margins to the mainstream, we must be unwavering in our pride. When people seek comfort, meaning, and community, we must ensure they have a place to turn.
Passover reminds us that memory is a form of resistance—and joy is, too. When we celebrate openly, learn bravely, and lead with compassion, we don’t just honor our past. We shape a Jewish future that is safer, stronger, and more whole.
The Modern Exodus: Breaking Free of Our Own Limitations
Each spring, we gather around our Seder tables to retell the story of the Exodus—a story of bondage and freedom, of loss and hope. It’s a reminder that liberation is not a one-time event, but an ongoing journey we take together.
This year, we are walking that journey in new ways. Since October 7, our global Jewish community has been tested in painful and unexpected ways. And yet, Columbia Jewish Federation has moved forward— not just to protect what we’ve built, but to reimagine what comes next.
We are listening more closely, reaching more people, and laying the groundwork for a new and better Federation—one that reflects the full diversity, energy, and strength of Jewish life in Columbia today. The future of Columbia Jewish Federation is evolving, and we are leaning into change with purpose and care. We are exploring new approaches, forming new partnerships, and welcoming more voices into the conversation.
Passover reminds us that transformation begins with courage. Just as the Israelites had to leave behind the familiar to move toward freedom, we, too, are embracing new possibilities. In many ways, this is our own modern Exodus—an invitation to step out of what’s comfortable and into what’s possible. When we say “Next year in Jerusalem,” we are not only looking toward a physical place, but envisioning a spiritual and communal ideal: a place of belonging, peace, and promise.
Whether it’s launching the new Senior Buddy Program through Jewish Family Service, helping students feel seen and safe through Hillel, or standing shoulder to shoulder in advocacy at the State House, our focus remains clear: building a community where every person feels they belong.
We also recognize that true liberation is not only physical—it’s emotional and spiritual, too. In a time when antisemitism has grown louder and misinformation spreads quickly, creating spaces where Jewish people feel proud,
safe, and understood is more essential than ever. This includes secure gathering places, inclusive celebrations, honest dialogue, and informed outreach.
And we’re not doing it alone. We are strengthened by partnerships—with interfaith allies, educators, volunteers, and each of you who continues to show up and give of your time, your energy, and your heart.
In the spirit of Passover, we believe transformation is possible. That the journey out of narrow places—whether fear, isolation, or old ways of thinking—leads to a future rooted in courage, compassion, and freedom.
As we say “Next year in Jerusalem,” we are also saying: next year in a Federation that reflects our highest values and boldest hopes. A Federation renewed. A community awakened.
Wishing you a joyful and liberating holiday,From all of us at Columbia Jewish Federation
Next Year in Jerusalem: A Modern Reflection on Jewish Freedom
Josh Edwards, Director, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) Columbia Jewish Federation
Every year at our Passover Seders, we say the same powerful words: “L’shanah haba’ah b’Yerushalayim” — “Next year in Jerusalem.” These five words have echoed across centuries and continents. For generations, they represented a dream of return, a longing for home, for peace, and for freedom.
This year, those words feel different. They feel closer.
I didn’t grow up in Columbia, but I’ve grown into my Jewish identity here. This is where I deepened my understanding of faith, community, and responsibility. My time in the U.S. military taught me about service, discipline, and protecting something bigger than yourself. But my experience here, raising a family, organizing advocacy efforts, and walking with our community through both joy and hardship, has shown me what it truly means to live freely and Jewishly.
Since October 7, 2023, we’ve all felt the weight of a changed world. The pain in Israel shook us deeply. The wave of antisemitism that followed has stirred fear and unease, even here in South Carolina. But rather than retreat, this community stood up and stood together.
One of the most powerful moments I witnessed this year was South Carolina’s Jewish Advocacy Day. Watching hundreds of Jews, allies, students, and leaders gather at the State House sent a message: we are here, we are united, and we will not be silent. That moment reminded me that “Next year in Jerusalem” isn’t just about returning to a place. It’s about reclaiming our strength, our identity, and our right to live openly and safely, wherever we are.
As a father, I carry that mission with me every day. My son is preparing for his bar mitzvah. My daughter is stepping into leadership by
volunteering at Columbia Jewish Federation events. And with another baby on the way, my wife and I often talk about the kind of Jewish world we want to pass on. One rooted in tradition, but also in justice, in courage, and in community.
And when we think about what it means to say “Next year in Jerusalem,” we also have to ask: what are we doing right now to make sure our young people feel safe and connected in their Jewish identity? That question comes into sharp focus when we look at our college campuses. At a time when students are facing antisemitism in classrooms, in social spaces, and even in silence from their peers, the role of Hillel has never been more vital. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with our Hillel students at the University of South Carolina, and I can tell you: they are brave, thoughtful, and deeply committed to carrying Jewish life forward. But they can’t do it alone.
Supporting Hillel means we are creating pockets of Jerusalem right here. Safe, sacred, joyful spaces where young Jews can explore, celebrate, and grow. These spaces matter. They are acts of resistance and hope all in one. When we invest in our students, we invest in our future.
Passover teaches us that freedom isn’t just a gift; it’s a process. The Israelites didn’t just walk out of Egypt. They walked toward something. That same journey continues for all of us. We break free from complacency, from division, from fear. We walk together toward a better future.
This year, when I say “Next year in Jerusalem,” I’ll be thinking of Jerusalem, yes, but also of Columbia. Of our neighbors. Of our shared work. Of the bridges we’re building across faiths, generations, and perspectives. And of the kind of world I hope my children and yours inherit.
Chag sameach, and thank you for being part of that journey.
Beth Shalom Synagogue
Beth Shalom Synagogue
Women’s Seder Women’s Seder
Tuesday Tuesday , April 8 , April 8 || 6pm 6pm
Guest Speaker Sue Berkowitz Guest Speaker Sue Berkowitz
First Night Seder First Night Seder
Saturday, April 12 Saturday, April 12 || 6pm 6pm
Chabad of South Carolina Chabad of South Carolina
Saturday, April 12 Saturday, April 12 ||
(RVSP closed 3/27) (RVSP closed 3/27)
(Services begin 7:30pm & Seder begins at 8:15pm) (Services begin 7:30pm & Seder begins at 8:15pm)
*Please contact each institution for up-to-date event and RSVP information
Carrying Each Other Through the Wilderness: Jewish Family Service and the Quiet Work of Liberation
Jennifer Dearing, JFS Director Columbia Jewish Federation
Passover reminds us of the long, uncertain journey from slavery to freedom, but what often gets overlooked in the story is that the Israelites did not make that journey alone. They moved forward together, step by step, leaning on one another for strength, direction, and hope.
That is what Jewish Family Service strives to be for our Columbia community: a steady companion on the journey.
This past year has brought new challenges. The needs we’re seeing are more complex, and they’re touching people across all ages and backgrounds. Many families are facing financial stress, mental health concerns, or the burden of caring for aging loved ones. Global events have deepened feelings of fear and uncertainty. It is easy to feel overwhelmed. It is even easier to feel alone.
And when we show up for each other in practical, consistent ways, we make our community stronger and more supportive for everyone.
of someone’s week and a reminder that they are not forgotten.
“no
one shouldhave towalk throughthe wildernessby themselves”
Cola Go, our community transportation initiative launched just a few months ago, continues to support individuals without access to safe, reliable travel. Whether it’s a ride to a medical appointment, the grocery store, or a Jewish community event, Cola Go is breaking down barriers to connection, dignity, and independence.
But no one should have to walk through the wilderness by themselves. Because when one of us is struggling, we all feel it.
Through case management, financial assistance, counseling referrals, and food and supply support, JFS helps people move forward wherever they are on the path. One of our newest efforts is the Senior Buddy Program, a small but powerful initiative connecting volunteers with older adults who may be isolated or in need of extra care. These phone calls, visits, and check-ins are often the highlight
To me, this is what “Next year in Jerusalem” looks like. It means building a community rooted in dignity, empathy, and shared responsibility. It means recognizing that freedom is not just about what we leave behind—it’s about how we move forward, together.
As we sit at our Seder tables and read about the journey from Egypt, I invite you to think about the journeys still unfolding right here in Columbia. If you or someone you know is in need of support, please reach out. JFS is here.
Security is a Community Investment
Alison Cherry, Financial Director Columbia Jewish Federation
I’ve been at Columbia Jewish Federation for a long time, and in that time, I’ve seen firsthand how much our community has changed, and how some things have stayed the same. One thing that’s never changed is our priority: keeping our people safe.
When we talk about Federation’s budget, it’s easy to think about programs, events, or grants. However, behind all of that is something just as essential: security.
We work closely with the Secure Community Network (SCN) to make sure our synagogues, schools, and Jewish spaces have what they need. That could
mean helping an organization apply for a Homeland Security grant, connecting them with an SCN specialist for a walkthrough, or making sure funds are available for security upgrades like cameras or better lighting. It’s the kind of work you might not notice right away—but you’d miss it if it wasn’t there.
Right now, we’re also watching the South Carolina Safe Pray Act, which is a proposed bill that would provide more support for faith-based institutions around the state. If it passes, it could be a big step toward making sure places of worship—of all faiths— have the resources they need to feel safe.
This past year, we’ve had more and more conversations with leaders from churches, mosques, and other communities. These interfaith connections have become powerful allies. We’re all asking the same questions and when we show up for each other, everyone benefits.
At the end of the day, security isn’t just about fences and funding. It’s about peace of mind. It’s about knowing that we can gather, pray, learn, and celebrate without fear.
Thank you for being part of the team that makes that possible.
