-
14 March 2025
Something that has resonated throughout all of my experiences this week is a sense of agency — the power to act, make choices, and influence outcomes. Even, or perhaps especially, during this season of change and uncertainty, we have the opportunity to create positive change if we choose to act.
This value feels especially relevant as we read the Megillah and celebrate Purim.
As Tal Becker from the Shalom Hartman Institute pointed out to me this week, the story of Purim reminds us of the profound impact one individual, in this case Queen Esther, can have in changing the course of history.
Like Esther, we have both the power and the responsibility to shape a more vibrant Jewish future and community — here at home, in Israel, and beyond. I invite you to explore the opportunities below to make a meaningful difference and hope you’re inspired to take action, make your voice heard, and draw strength from our Jewish community.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Purim Sameach!
Help Shape the Future of the Jewish People: World Zionist Congress Voting Now Open!
Now through May 4, American Jews can vote to elect 152 delegates to the 39th World Zionist Congress — leaders who will help direct more than $1 billion annually to help strengthen Jewish identity, enhance communities, and foster education in Israel and around the world. Explore the diverse slates of candidates and vote for those who reflect your Jewish values and ideals. Elections matter and every vote will make a difference!
Facing Uncertainty Together: Resources and Support for our Community
Many throughout our region are feeling the effects of changes to federal agencies and funding. As I explained to Gabby Deutch from Jewish Insider, “It’s day schools, it’s camps, it’s early childhood, JCC (Jewish Community Center) memberships… All these things that are now having a ripple effect through the community because of the insecurity they have.” Even those who aren’t directly impacted by job loss are reassessing their fiscal priorities out of concern for what the future may hold.
J-Caring, our community support initiative, in partnership with JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency), offers confidential assistance with mental health care, career services, emergency cash assistance, and more. If you or someone you know is in need, call 703-JCARING today.
Tackling Big Challenges: Our Shalom Hartman Partnership
This week, through our Hartman partnership, I gathered along with other community leaders for an opportunity to learn with Dr. Tal Becker, Vice President of the Shalom Hartman Institute, veteran Israeli peace negotiator, and legal expert. We discussed, at length, what the different paths forward for Israel could look like in the wake of the October 7 attacks and what that means for the local Jewish community. I left the leadership convening inspired by Tal’s message: “A people is as great as its aspirations.” We must remain undaunted by the uncertainty of success and focus on how we invest our time, what we sacrifice, and where we direct our efforts, as these choices shape a community.
“Tal Becker is a communal gift to behold and embrace,” one participant shared with me. “Federation has an opportunity to take up Tal’s call for becoming advocates of the celebration of difference within our Jewish community as a North Star goal, one that will strengthen our ability to engage hard truths and pursue shared values-based objectives with our brothers and sisters in Israel.”
Your Chance to Give Back and Affect Change: Good Deeds Week
I’m thrilled that we will once again bring 60+ community partners together for a jam-packed Good Deeds Week of tikkun olam (repairing the world) March 30 – April 6. From preparing meals for those who are hungry to cleaning up local parks, we have dozens of projects available across the region that allow you to help give back. Most projects are open to all ages — find one (or more!) and join us in making a difference!
Welcome Helenka Shy
Speaking of change and opportunity, I’m excited to welcome Helenka Shy to our team as our new Chief Communications Officer.
She comes to us by way of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, where she served as their Marketing Director. She has extensive experience with nonprofit leadership and corporate strategy and is passionate about helping people see how small actions can make a big difference. Helenka grew up in Northern Virginia and is excited to be back in the area.
