Jewish Community Partners

Embracing the tradition of mishloach manot, members of the Memphis Jewish Federation’s Community Relations Council (CRC) spread Purim joy by delivering food and gift bags to leaders and representatives of civic and faith-based organizations across Shelby County.

The initiative, spearheaded by CRC Engagement co-chair Marla Shainberg, aimed to share Jewish traditions while strengthening intercommunity bonds. Co-chairs Janet Shipman and Shainberg and CRC members Rachel Shankman and Jill Shanker personally delivered baskets to organizations such as the Memphis Chinese Community Center, the National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis NAACP, Memphis Urban League, Memphis Junior League and other religious and civic organizations on the 14^th of Adar (March 14^th).

Each gift package contained traditional Purim items—a grogger and hamantaschen—along with Jewish and Israeli foods including Bissli, a small Ricki’s challah roll, and kosher grape juice, plus educational information about the holiday’s significance and customs.

The response from recipients was overwhelmingly positive. CRC volunteers reported meaningful connections made during their deliveries, with many opportunities for future collaboration emerging from these brief encounters.

“It was truly a remarkable day filled with friendly faces and good vibes,” shared Shainberg, who delivered packages to several locations including the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis and the Chinese Community Center. Her visits revealed unexpected connections, including discovering that Community Foundation President Bob Fockler’s mother had been her teacher at Lausanne.

At the Memphis Chinese Community Center, volunteers were greeted warmly by staff and volunteers there, who expressed interest in future joint activities and potential avenues for collaboration between the two communities.

Janet Shipman found similar enthusiasm at the NAACP, where she found Executive Director Vickie Terry “surprised and pleased” by the gift, and eager to discuss building bridges between community organizations.

The Community Relations Council plans to build on these connections in the coming months, with follow-up meetings already being scheduled to explore additional opportunities for collaboration and mutual support.

“We wanted to share this bit of our tradition with others,” explained Sara First, Community Relations Manager at the Memphis Jewish Federation. “The spirit of Purim is one of joy, community building, and resilience—values that resonate across all cultures.

“We would love to strengthen our partnerships across the community,” First emphasized, encouraging those interested in further engagement to reach out to the Federation.

The success of this year’s outreach has already inspired plans to make it an annual tradition. As Shainberg enthusiastically concluded, “I vote to repeat this event next year!”