Jewish Community News

December 2003

Jewish humorist to speak at Connections 2004

Susan Jackson

By Michelle de Blank

The Women's Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Greater San Jose is pleased to announce the annual Connections dinner and 21st annual Women of Distinction ceremony honoring women from Jewish organizations throughout the South Bay. The event will take place on Thursday, March 11, 2004, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose.

This year's featured speaker is the very funny and accomplished Susan Jackson of the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Ms. Jackson is one of Canada's most experienced outreach and community development professionals. Described by communities throughout North America as "hysterical," Ms. Jackson draws upon her extensive involvement in the Canadian Jewish community to challenge everyone to go out and make a difference.

Working for the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Ms. Jackson serves as director of continuity, director of the Federation of Israel Advisory, director of the Cultural Services Planning and Allocations Committee, and director of community planning and allocations. Ms. Jackson works to put Jewish values, learning and outreach on the agenda of Jewish agencies and groups throughout the city.

Prior to joining the Toronto Federation, Ms. Jackson spent 13 years with the Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario region, serving as the director of community services, director of education, and director of youth activities. She has worked with over 30 communities administering leadership development programs, campus services, synagogue development, and adult education.

"I am really excited to bring Susan Jackson to our community. She appeals to all ages and her message, that everyone should go out and make a difference, is vital and timeless," says Susan Sweedler, Connections 2004 chair. "It also meshes perfectly with the theme for this year's event," she adds.

This year's theme, "Tapestry of Life: Women Weaving the Fabric of Community Together," exemplifies how each woman is important in the building and strengthening of our community. The tapestry also symbolizes the multi-faceted yet interwoven mission of Connections — to involve every woman in the Greater San Jose Jewish Community, to honor Women of Distinction who represent diverse organizations, and to raise the necessary funds to help Jews-in-need locally, in Israel and in almost 60 countries around the world.

Everyone is welcome to the Connections dinner, which will surely be a joyous and energizing evening. Cost for the March 11, 2004, event, which includes a glatt kosher dinner, is $65 plus a minimum commitment of $180 (payable over the year) to the Jewish Federation 2004 Annual Campaign. If you have any questions or would like to receive an invitation, please contact Lynn Osband-Dick at (408) 358-3033, ext. 33.