I want to put to words a couple things I’m feeling as we head into the end of the year.

The first is gratitude. Our community in Greater Washington is strong, passionate, caring, creative, and remarkably generous. Federation could not do the work we do to sustain and strengthen Jewish life without you. I have been repeatedly moved by the way this community has mobilized in the face of crisis, and continued the quiet, steady work of looking after one another and shaping a bright and vibrant future on our own terms. From the bottom of my heart, thank you and I cannot wait to continue our partnership.

The second thing I’m feeling is a bit harder to name but could perhaps be described as energized. A multitude of factors, ranging from longing for Jewish knowledge to a globalized feeling of uncertainty are inspiring people to want to connect with their Jewish identities and the Jewish community. As I referenced last week, a recent survey found that 60% of respondents within the DMV are interested in doing more within the Jewish community. People are looking to connect with Jewish content, Jewish practices, Jewish experiences, and with other members of the Jewish community.

Indeed, we have reached a consequential inflection point in Jewish life and we get to help determine what happens next. As Barry Shrage, former president of Combined Jewish Philanthropies in Boston (and my former boss and ongoing mentor) writes, “We are living through a hinge in history, a moment when the door to alternative futures is still open, the future is uncertain, and our actions can define our destiny.”

We have all the makings of a new Jewish awakening, but we need to help put the pieces together so that everyone coming to our door is met with the meaning, purpose, and belonging they seek. This will take a good deal of focused effort, and Federation is here to help drive it forward. In this new year, we are set to increase funding and work with our many partners across the region to expand programs to ensure everyone looking for connection finds a home within our community. This is vital work and even more so at this “hinge” moment when our collective efforts are guaranteed to echo.

It’s a weighty thing responding to a call for meaning. But it’s a privilege too. And we get there by working together to help more people access and explore the values, traditions, and relationships that enrich our lives and sustain our people.

As we move into the final weeks of the year, many in our community will step forward to support this work. I hope you’ll join them. A gift of any size helps ensure that everyone seeking connection, purpose, and belonging can find their place in Greater Washington. If this work inspires you, I invite you to help fuel the work ahead. A gift to our Annual Campaign strengthens the programs, partnerships, and pathways that welcome people into Jewish life and support them once they’re here.

Help our community step over the threshold of possibility. Please give today.