Stephanie Ross is reading stories to children. -Photo by Pat Krause

By: Pam Price

Photos by: Pat Krause and Talia Lizemer-Hawley

The Jewish Federation of the Desert celebrated Israel’s 75th Anniversary at Rancho Mirage’s Palm Valley School on April 30th.  The event was open to the public. 

From Left: Jewish Federation bookkeeper Bebsy Morrison, CEO Alan Potash, and CFO Alberto Tejero -Photo by Pat Krause

Alan Potash, CEO of the Jewish Federation of the Desert, welcomed the visitors. 

The following four hours were a mélange of activities and shopping, ranging from the RokDuo violin concert featuring Israel and Jewish music, a talk on “The Israel Tourists Don’t See” by Rabbi Yaakov Rone, Israeli folk dancing led by David Dassa, and additional entertainments and lectures.  

Photo by Talia Lizemer-Hawley

Children were invited to hear stories from Stephanie Ross, who captivated her young audience with Jewish-inspired narratives.  In addition, Talia Lizemer-Hawley and Chaya Posner organized a special children’s program filled with crafts, singing, learning, and other fun-filled activities.

Adding to the event was a range of kosher cuisine prepared by the Chabad of Rancho Mirage and served on the patio.

Photo by Talia Lizemer-Hawley

The endless enthusiasm and diversity included 30 vendor booths.  One table represented Volunteers for Israel (VFI), where this reporter spent her 70th birthday—her time ranged from sleeping in the barracks to sorting out knapsacks.  The activities were accentuated by exploring Israel on the weekends.  

Karl Kwait, Regional Manager, Volunteers for Israel, Southern California Region, answered questions about this unique experience with several local ‘veteran’ volunteers from the Coachella Valley.

Adding sparkle to this event was a dazzling display of artistically beaded necklaces and bracelets accentuated by various gems.  This booth captured my attention.  It’s a small world, as the designer Barbara Price mentioned her Saint Paul, MN roots, and that struck a chord, it being my hometown.

The Jewish Federation of the Desert touches the lives of many residents and visitors by connecting with local organizations and congregations to identify the needs of the vulnerable and ensure that these individuals are cared for.  Agencies like Angel View, Jewish Family Service, and Meals on Wheels, among others, partner with the Jewish Federation to address various issues, including poverty, hunger, mental illness, and much more.