What does it mean to FIND AND EMBRACE JOY, especially in Jewish life today?
By Jessica Goldfarb
What does it mean to find joy, and how do we make space for it in Jewish life today? This November, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’ s Women’ s Philanthropy is inviting women from across Jewish Charlotte to explore those questions together at its annual Fall Kickoff. Women of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences will have a chance to spend time together, build new relationships,
The Charlotte Jewish News- October 2026- Page 9
Women’ s Philanthropy Celebrates Jewish Joy
A warm embrace at one of Federation’ s Women’ s Philanthropy events.
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and connect through the experiences and values they share.
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, bestselling author and journalist Janice Kaplan will join the community for an evening centered on happiness, gratitude, and connection. Gathering as Jewish women creates room for something we don’ t always make enough time for: joy. There is space for meaningful conversations and shared experiences, but also for laughter, curiosity, celebration, and simply enjoying being together.
Kaplan has spent years exploring many of those same ideas. As former editor-in-chief of“ Parade Magazine” and host of“ The Gratitude Diaries” podcast, Kaplan has examined happiness and gratitude throughout her work. Her newest book,“ What Your Body Knows About Happiness,” looks at the connection between our bodies and our emotions and how our physical selves can shape the way we experience happiness.
Bringing women together like this is at the heart of Women’ s Philanthropy. Moments like these give Jewish women opportunities to connect, learn from one another, and find meaningful ways to be part of Jewish life in Charlotte. Those experiences can lead to new friendships, greater involvement, and a stronger sense of belonging to the larger Jewish community.
The Fall Kickoff is open to all women in the community, whether you have been involved with Women’ s Philanthropy for years or have never attended an event before. Come for Kaplan’ s insights, to spend time with friends, to meet someone new, or simply to enjoy an evening surrounded by other Jewish women. It’ s a chance to make new connections, strengthen existing ones, and celebrate the joy we find when we come together.
The Women’ s Philanthropy Fall Kickoff will take place Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 7 p. m. at the Sam Lerner Center for Cultural Arts at Shalom Park. Registration is $ 36 per person and includes appetizers, dessert and wine. Register at jewishcharlotte. org.
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WOMEN’ S PHILANTHROPY
What does it mean to FIND AND EMBRACE JOY, especially in Jewish life today?
With Guest Speaker JANICE KAPLAN
NOVEMBER 3 Tuesday • 7PM
Sam Lerner Center for Cultural Arts
OPEN TO ALL WOMEN $ 36 A PERSON
Apps, dessert, and wine Included.