GivingTuesday is a global day of generosity that will take place on November 30, 2021.
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of radical generosity to transform communities and the world.
GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. This idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
GivingTuesday is an opportunity for people around the world to come together to thank, help, give, show kindness, and share what they have with those in need.
People can show their generosity in a variety of ways during GivingTuesday—whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes—everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts.
When so much attention is given to what divides us, generosity brings people together across races, faiths, and political views.
Grassroots generosity and community action are powerful forces for good, especially in turbulent times.
GivingTuesday emphasizes opportunities to give back to communities and causes in safe ways that allow for social connection and kindness even while still practicing physical distancing.
Even in times of economic uncertainty, we each have a deep reserve of generosity, which we can deploy in myriad ways to make a difference—your time, your kindness, your skills, your voice are all things you can give in addition to charitable donations.
Wilmington, Delaware — On Friday, October 30, 2020, the Delaware Historical Society and the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware held an official signing of the lease and operating agreements between the two organizations. The Jewish Historical Society of Delaware’s Co-Presidents, Dr. Gerald Resnick and Rabbi Peter Grumbacher and the Delaware Historical Society’s Executive Director, Dr. David W. Young signed documents which affirm in writing an understanding that has underpinned their relationship since the JHSD was established in 1974.
The Delaware Historical Society was also represented by Margaret L. Laird, PhD, Board Chair, Martha Moffat, Director of Building and Grounds, and Leigh Rifenberg, Chief Curator. JSHD Board Member Richard D. Levin and Archivist Gail M. Pietrzyk attended, and the Jewish Federation of Delaware was represented by Seth J. Katzen, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Following welcoming remarks by Dr. Young and Dr. Resnick, Rabbi Grumbacher offered a prayer in celebration of the event.
Left to right: Margaret L. Laird, Ph.D., Board Chair, and Dr. David W. Young, Executive Director, Delaware Historical Society, and Dr. Gerald Resnick, Co-President, Richard D. Levin, Board Member, and Rabbi Peter Grumbacher, Co-President, Jewish Historical Society of Delaware, in front of the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware’s future home — the Delaware Center for Jewish History at the Coxe House.
The magnitude of the achievement of laying the groundwork, concluding the necessary negotiations and raising the funds to support the renovations to the Coxe House during a pandemic was not lost on those present. The fundraising effort was launched on November 3, 2019. Construction is now underway, with an anticipated completion date in early February, 2021. The initial campaign to raise funds for the construction project was successful, but the goal to establish an endowment to support the work of the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware continues. Donations may be made at https://coxehouse.org. Gifts are tax-deductible.
By attending the first meeting of the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware, on December 16, 1974, Dale Fields, Executive Director of the Historical Society of Delaware, expressed what would become the continuing supportive relationship between the two organizations. At the same meeting Rabbi David Geffen, PhD, one of the founders of the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware, announced that his article “Delaware Jewry: The Formative Years, 1872–1889” had been accepted for publication in Delaware Historical Magazine.
We are pleased that each of our organizations and historic collections have grown over the years and that the supportive relationship forged in 1974 remains strong. Through the agreements signed on October 30, 2020, we ensure that the stories and histories of the Jewish communities who call Delaware home shall have a home in the Delaware Center for Jewish History at the Coxe House, as the building will now be called.
In addition to the collections of the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware, collections of the Halina Wind Preston Holocaust Education Committee will also be housed in the Delaware Center for Jewish History at the Coxe House.
In the words of Board Member Richard D. Levin, “I have learned much from this experience. I feel fortunate to have been part of this project. I hope that our new home in the Delaware Center for Jewish History at the Coxe House will attract more people who also have had the wonderful experience of living as a Jew in our community to participate in the preservation and celebration of our rich heritage.”
The Jewish Historical Society of Delaware is pleased to participate in an upcoming holiday window exhibition at the Delaware History Museum and looking forward to this opportunity “to shine on Market Street” with historical items reflecting the celebration of Hanukkah in Delaware.
The Jewish Historical Society of Delaware is pleased to announce a grant from the Milton and Hattie Kutz Foundation for the Coxe House renovation project. News of the grant was welcomed by officers and board of directors of the JHSD.
JHSD archivist, Gail Pietrzyk, reported, “With the COVID-19 restrictions, we are not able to pick up our mail as often as we would like. It was a terrific boost to everyone to find such generous support from our members and the Jewish community in our mailbox.” Additional donations for the Coxe House and for the JHSD were also received.
The JHSD Board has been working on many of the preparations that are needed for this change. The by-laws of the 501(c)3 organization have been updated, a policy and procedure manual is under review and updated membership and financial management systems are taking shape.
“We have not only outgrown our space,” said archivist Pietrzyk, “we’ve outgrown our shoestring, bare-bones operation and the board has been amazing. They have worked very hard to help us reach this goal and prepare for the future. The generosity of the community and the dedication of everyone who has worked for this is so encouraging. I love the stories I find in the JHSD collections. So many of the organizations in the Jewish community started with someone who had an idea to serve the community and the determination and passion to get others involved. And those stories are not found only in the past. I see it happening today, for our work, and I am so happy to be a part of it.”
Work on the renovation project are moving forward and bids from contractors will be opened next month.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.
The Jewish Historical Society of Delaware is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Your contributions are fully tax-deductible. Support our mission to preserve the records of the Delaware Jewish community with a donation today. Your support is deeply appreciated.
