Although it is sad to see the summer fly by, the anticipation of a new year brings with it the hopes and possibilities of wonderful things to come. While we at the Jewish Federation have spent a good part of the summer planning for our new program year, scheduling committee meetings, preparing for a database conversion, organizing the launch of new projects and meeting with affinity group and event chairs, we are excited about the possibilities that our 2019-20 year presents. The theme for our 2020 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, chaired by Robby Wax and Vicki Wax is once again “It All Starts With You,” and we especially can’t wait to connect and engage with you to realize the greater potential that exists within our community. 

In addition to the launches of our Maimonides Society, chaired by Bill Markson, and Women’s Philanthropy, chaired by Dr. Carol Bub Fromer, we look forward to opening our 2020 Annual Campaign with a major gifts reception. Both our Maimonides Society and our Women’s Philanthropy will have a new look and feel in the coming year. Coming soon, look out for a unique challenge that will showcase the faces of our community. Stay tuned for more information about that!

We are also excited to launch a special, prestigious leadership development program, called Yesod. Yesod (which means “foundation”) will be a vital initiative for our community, building a pipeline of excellent volunteer leaders by investing in individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential. The Yesod curriculum merges Judaic text study, business skills, leadership theory and experiential application. It was developed by the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning and written by author and educator Dr. Erica Brown. The initiative is made possible in part by a generous grant from the Sylvia Perkin Perpetual Charitable Trust. 

Another highlight of the fall season will be our community-wide celebration: a one-night-only, high-energy concert at ArtsQuest featuring the band Hatikva 6 live from Israel that is sure to inspire fun and unity.  This event, chaired by Aliette Abo, Lauren Rabin and Carol Steinberg, promises to be the biggest event of the year and a celebration not to be missed. Your participation and support of all of these initiatives is what brings our communal hopes and possibilities to fruition. It All Starts With You! 

As Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, approaches, we may also find ourselves in a time of prayer, self-reflection and repentance. It is an opportunity to review our actions during the past year and look for ways to improve ourselves, our community and our world in the year to come. This auspicious time of year always gives me pause to reflect on goals and aspirations, hopes and possibilities—what can be if we work together.

Wishing you, your family and our community all the best that the coming new year has to offer. 

Shana Tovah Metukah U’mevurechet – a happy, sweet and blessed New Year!