The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford will kick off its year-long 50th Anniversary celebration with a series of events, beginning with a Mosaic Art Project, March 30 – April 6, at the Mandell Jewish Community Center, 335 Bloomfield Ave. The celebration will culminate Oct. 20 with a reception paying tribute to its generous donors and honoring all former board Chairs.

“The people who built the Foundation envisioned a strong and thriving Jewish community – supported in perpetuity — through the power of endowment,” says Jacob Schreiber, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “Thanks to their leadership and hard work, and the backing of so many leaders, the Foundation is – and will always remain – a reliable, vital source of community support and innovation. During our 50th anniversary, the Foundation will celebrate all of our donors, who partner with us to achieve their charitable goals while ensuring the vibrant future of our Jewish community,” says Schreiber. 

The Foundation’s 50th Anniversary celebration includes the Mosaic Art Project, March 30 – April 6; the LIFE & LEGACY Reception, June 12; and the Anniversary Donor Reception, October 20.

Led by nationally renowned artist Joani Rothenberg, the Mosaic Art Project will engage small groups of people in hands-on tiling sessions in which they will create a special work of art that reflects their thoughts and feelings about Greater Hartford’s Jewish community. The final mosaic will be unveiled later this year and permanently displayed at the Mandell JCC.

“Everyone can gather and celebrate our special community as we build this unique piece of art together,” says Gayle Temkin, the Foundation’s Board Chair and Chair of the 50th Anniversary Committee. “It is the Foundation’s gift to the community crafted by the people of the community.”

Individuals and groups can sign up to join a 45-minute Mosaic Art Tiling session, March 30 – April 6, at the Mandell JCC. For questions, contact Madison Leighty at mleighty@jcfhartford.org.