-
19 September 2017
As the new CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. It seems fitting to be starting this role in such an important community as we begin the new year.
This past year, we have faced a variety of challenges. The rise of anti-Semitism, hatred and racism in this country, and recent natural disasters in Houston and in Florida and the south have left many of us on edge.
Rosh Hashanah is always an important time to look backwards and reflect on what has been. We must also use this new beginning to think about the future that we want to create together. The type of Jewish community that we all want to be a part of. Where we want to live and raise our children and grow as a community.
There is such great possibility for this community.
We live in a place with very strong, creative, and diverse organizations that are constantly asking: how do we build a more vibrant Jewish life?
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks has said, “Judaism and Jews represent the voice of hope in the conversation of humankind.”
The question that we are asking as a collective is: what is that voice? What is the hope towards which we aspire? How do we ensure that every member of our community is part of that conversation?
So, as we begin the new year, this new year with new hopes and new opportunities, I wish you all a wonderful, healthy and sweet New Year.
Shana Tova u’Metukah.