On Gratitude and Giving

Last Thanksgiving, we were presented with difficult questions amid the pandemic. A time usually reserved for us to slow down and gather with loved ones instead brought on feelings of stress and tremendous loss for many of us.

This year, I’m thankful to be able to return to a sense of normalcy—even if it’s not quite the same as a pre-pandemic Thanksgiving. And even with hurdles yet to overcome and new and evolving challenges ahead, I’m grateful to bring back traditions and continue with new customs started during this time of change.

I’m also thankful for all of you.

Your ongoing leadership, innovative and strategic thinking, and financial support ensure that together, we can continue to strengthen and sustain Jewish life and address critical needs locally and around the world. Without you, our essential work would be impossible.

This year alone, we have come together to care for our community members; engage in meaningful Jewish learning and identity-building; and meet the needs of our newest neighbors, among many other important efforts. All the while, we have been carefully planning for our shared future, from addressing poverty in our Jewish community, to strengthening our communal relationship with Israel, to ensuring that many more people can actively engage and participate in Jewish life, and so much more.

And so, as we head into Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and, yes, Giving Tuesday, I want to thank those of you who have already made a 2021 Annual Campaign gift to Federation. We can only do our work because of you. Our campaign remains open until December 31^st, and every donation is critical in helping our community move towards a more vibrant Jewish future. To make a gift, please visit shalomdc.org/donate, or call our donor relations team at 301-230-7239.

I hope you’ll stay tuned for my next reflection on December 3^rd. In the meantime, I wish you and your loved ones a very happy Thanksgiving and Chanukah.

Shabbat Shalom.
Gil

P.S. Please join me at noon on December 14^th for a webinar conversation with Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh, the first Druze shlicha (Israeli emissary) to Greater Washington. Federation is very proud to welcome Gadeer to our region through an innovative partnership with The Jewish Agency for Israel. Our community will benefit greatly from Gadeer’s expertise, background, and ability to deepen our connections with Israel and Israelis, and I’m very much looking forward to sharing our conversation with you. Register here.

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