Still shaken from the images of the deadly monster tornado that ravaged Moore, Oklahoma, on Monday, May 20, we are all still trying to catch our breath. Our spirits have been lifted by the hundreds of caring phone calls, dozens and dozens of compassionate emails, and countless concerned texts. So many have asked whether members of our Jewish community were directly affected, how to help, or the best ways to donate, reminding us again that we are each responsible for one another, averim zeh b'zeh.

At this time, we have not received reports of any Jewish families who were directly affected by the tornado, but information gathering is on going.

In order to coordinate a collective Jewish response to the catastrophic devastation and heartbreaking loses, the Oklahoma Disaster Fund through the Jewish CommUNITY is now in place to accept contributions for assistance in recovery efforts.

For those who wish to make a financial donation, you make click on the "ish" link below, call our office at (405) 848-3132, email us at office@jfedokc.org, or mail your gift to: Jewish Federation, 710 W. Wilshire, Suite 103, Oklahoma City, OK 73116. Please mark your gift for the "Oklahoma Disaster Fund."

For other opportunities to help, click on "Disaster Relief" below.

To make a donation to the Jewish Federation of Oklahoma City, please click on the "ish" button above. Be sure to indicate what your gift is for.

It's almost time for Camp!

THE JEW CREW reaches out to Young Jews in OKC

The greater Oklahoma City area, including Norman and Edmond, is attraching many new young, Jewish professionals, and the Jewish Federation is reaching out to them through "The Jew Crew." This new group is all about creating connections, making new friends, and networking with other Jewish young adults.

When you want to honor a friend or loved one, the Jewish Federation provides 2 ways for you to do just that -- and do a mitzvah, too!   

A Mitzvah that Keeps on Giving!

by Marcy Price 

Our organized Jewish commUNITY does as admirable job of reaching out to hospitalized patients, the sick, and the homebound through our established Caring Committees. But the mitzvah of bikkur cholim is the responsibility of us all. Click on the link below for more ways to help.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City
Phone: (405) 848-3132
Fax: (405) 848-3180
E-mail: office@jfedokc.org

OKC Families raising young Jewish children between the ages of six months and eight years old, here is a great FREE opportunity! You are eligible to sign up to receive high quality Jewish children's books each month. Our OKC Jewish community is partnering with the Jewish Children's regional service in New Orleans and a local OKC donor to increase outreach and programming. Related family programs will utilize PJ Library books throughout the year.

For more information call 848.3132 or visit the PJ Library website (link is posted below).

Anyone with an interest in business or technology should read "Start Up Nation: The Story of Israel's Economic Miracle" by Dan Senor and Saul Singer.

There is a great deal for America to learn from the very impressive Israeli entrepreneurial model--beginning with a culture of leadership and risk management. START-UP NATION is a playbook for every CEO who wants to develop the next generation of corporate leaders. -- Tom Brokaw

START UP NATION addresses the trillion-dollar question: How is it that Israel--a country of 7.1 million people, only sixty years old, surrounded by enemies, in a constant state of war since its founding, with no natural resources--produces more start-up companies than large, peaceful, and stable nations like Japan, China, India, Korea, Canada, and the United Kingdom? Drawing on examples from the country's foremost inventors and investors, geopolitical experts Dan Senor and Saul Singer describe how Israel's adversity-driven culture fosters a unique combination of innovative and entrepreneurial intensity.

To receive information about our events, send us your email address to office@jfedokc.org.

Links to Israel

 To find out what's happening in Israel, visit the JTA Global News Service of the Jewish People.

Pioneering Jews Helped Build State of Oklahoma

When the Oklahoma Territory was first opened for settlement, many Jews from the East moved here to open stores, banks, newspapers, and other businessess. These pioneers played an essential part in building what became the great State of Oklahoma. Here are some of their stories...