Columbia Jewish Federation

10/13/2026

Some evenings stay with you long after the last note is played.

Our Hatikvah: Hope Reborn program was one of those evenings.

Dr. Astrith Baltsan, thank you for sharing your extraordinary talent, your powerful storytelling, and a performance that moved us deeply. You reminded us why Hatikvah means so much to the Jewish people, and why, even after October 7, we continue to hold onto hope.

A heartfelt thank you to Israel’s Consul General Eitan Weiss, Representative Beth Bernstein, and Congressman Joe Wilson for being with us and showing your support for Israel and our Jewish community. Your presence mattered.

Three years after October 7, we came together to remember those we lost, honor those whose lives were forever changed, stand with Israel, and remind ourselves that our community will continue to show up for one another.

The room was filled with music, emotion, solidarity, and something we all need more of: hope.

As Dr. Baltsan reminded us, our hope is not yet lost, and it never will be.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this evening so meaningful. This is what community looks like. ❤

10/07/2026

Three years ago today, October 7 changed the Jewish world forever.

Today, we remember the lives lost, the hostages, the families forever changed, and the weight our community has carried since that day.

But we also remember this:
We are still here.
We are still gathering.
We are still standing with Israel.
We are still celebrating Jewish life.
And we are still holding onto hope.

This Sunday, Columbia Jewish Federation will gather for Hatikvah: Hope Reborn, an evening of music and storytelling with internationally acclaimed Israeli pianist Dr. Astrith Baltsan.

On October 7, we’re making registration complimentary for one day only.
If you’ve been thinking about coming, this is your invitation.

Three years later, let’s gather. Let’s remember. And let’s hold onto hope.

📍 Sunday, October 11 | 3–6 PM | Forest Acres
🎟️ Register for free today only: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/55kh6k/event/hatikvahahopereborn/

09/30/2026

It’s time we redefine what “small Jewish community” means.

Last night, our Hillel @ UCS sukkah was full of Columbia's NextGen laughing, talking, meeting new friends, and staying long after the event was over.

That’s not small.
That’s community.

And when people don’t want to leave because they already feel at home, I think we’re doing something right.

Mi Casa Es Sukkah-Sa. 🌿

09/29/2026

✨ Come celebrate the light, the community, and all things Chanukah! 🕎

Our 2nd Annual Chanukah Bazaar is coming up, and there’s something for everyone.

📅 November 15 | 12–4 PM
📍 Columbia Jewish Federation

Bring your family. Bring your friends. Come shop, eat, celebrate, and share in the joy of Chanukah! ✨

09/28/2026

🌮🍹 Sukkot + tacos + tequila + rooftop views? Yes, please!

Join NextGen Tuesday night at the Hillel Sukkah on the rooftop patio overlooking Five Points.

Tuesday, 9/29 | 7 PM | 21+

Come raise a glass with us! 🌿

09/22/2026

We invite you to join us for a special evening on October 11th exploring the story, history, and meaning behind a song that is familiar to so many of us.

Columbia Jewish Federation is excited to welcome Astrith Baltsan, an internationally acclaimed Israeli pianist and creator of Hatikvah: The Story Behind Israel’s National Anthem.

Through music and storytelling, Astrith shares the fascinating history of Hatikvah and explores how it became such an important symbol of hope and connection for the Jewish people and Israel.

Join us as we hear Hatikvah in a new way and discover the story behind the song we all know and love.

We hope you’ll come be part of this special evening with Astrith and our community!

Registration: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/55kh6k/event/hatikvahahopereborn/

הזמנה לערב מיוחד – התקווה

אנו מזמינים אתכם להצטרף אלינו לערב מיוחד ב־11 באוקטובר, שבו נצא למסע בעקבות הסיפור, ההיסטוריה והמשמעות שמאחורי שיר המוכר לכל כך רבים מאיתנו.

הפדרציה היהודית של קולומביה שמחה לארח את אסתרית בלצן, פסנתרנית ישראלית בעלת שם עולמי ויוצרת המופע "התקווה: הסיפור שמאחורי ההמנון הלאומי של ישראל".

באמצעות מוזיקה וסיפור, אסתרית משתפת את הקהל בהיסטוריה המרתקת של "התקווה" ובוחנת כיצד הפך השיר לסמל כה משמעותי של תקווה, חיבור ושייכות עבור העם היהודי ועבור ישראל.

הצטרפו אלינו להאזנה ל"התקווה" בדרך חדשה, ולגילוי הסיפור שמאחורי השיר שכולנו מכירים ואוהבים.

אנו מקווים שתצטרפו אלינו ותהיו חלק מהערב המיוחד הזה עם אסתרית ועם הקהילה כולה

Columbia Jewish Federation's mission is to engage and strengthen our community to build a vibrant Jewish future.

09/11/2026

Columbia Jewish Federation was pleased to partner for this fun engaging night with the Challah Mom. Thank you Chabad South Carolina for hosting. What a night!

09/11/2026

What a year! 🍎🍯
As we welcome 5787, our team took a few minutes to look back at everything that happened at Columbia Jewish Federation this past year, and share a little about what’s ahead.

There was growth, new faces, new programs, lots of building…and, of course, a lot of meetings. 😉

We’re grateful for this community and excited for another year together.

Shanah Tovah from all of us at CJF! ❤️

09/08/2026

Do you have plans this Wednesday night? Join NextGen!

Let’s kick off the new year together! Join NextGen for a fun night at Hunter-Gatherer as we celebrate Rosh Hashanah together.

Whether you’re new to Columbia, new to NextGen, or have been around for a while, come meet some new people, catch up with friends, and celebrate the start of 5787 together.

September 9 | 6:30 PM | Hunter-Gatherer Brewery

Come celebrate and raise a glass to a sweet new year.
We’d love to see you there!

Register: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/55kh6k/event/nextgenroshhashanahtoast/

09/04/2026

What a night. ❤️

We were honored to celebrate Esther Greenberg at our Distinguished Service Award and recognize the decades she has devoted to strengthening Jewish life in Columbia.

Esther helped build this community. Now, it’s our turn to keep building.

And our community is showing up. So far, 55 donors have committed $222,080 to our 2027 Annual Campaign, including 30 increased gifts, two new Lions of Judah, and two new donors.

Every gift is a statement that Jewish life in Columbia matters, and that we believe in its future.

Ready to build with us? If you haven’t made your 2027 pledge yet, please consider making your gift today. Every gift matters, and every person who joins us helps shape what comes next.

https://jewishcolumbia.org/donate

Thank you to everyone who came, celebrated Esther, and continues to build alongside us.

This is our journey. And we’re just getting started. ❤️

You can view the entire album from the evening here: https://amberphotography50.pixieset.com/dsa2026/