By Diane Sloyer, UJF CEO
As we approach the Jewish New Year, I find myself reflecting on the challenges and triumphs our community has faced over the past year. Despite the social turmoil and divisions we have witnessed, I am filled with hope for our future and the strength of our Jewish community. If we don’t work for a better tomorrow, who will?
Rosh Hashana offers us an opportunity to come together, to heal, and to renew our commitment to our shared values. It is my hope that 5785 will be a year of fostering unity, understanding, and peace within our community and beyond. Our strength lies in our diversity. We are a tapestry of different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Yet we are united by our shared heritage and values. This new year must be one where we celebrate this diversity while focusing on what binds us together as Jews and as human beings. Let us channel our energy and resources towards acts of kindness, respect for all, and community service.Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need, both locally and globally. With the one-year anniversary of the atrocities of October 7th upon us, our hearts and prayers remain with Israel and all those working towards peace in the Middle East.
My days are filled with numbness and despair. However, while the path forward may seem challenging, we must not lose hope. I keep my faith (most of the time) with the dream that this horrific tragedy will take us to a place where we work together for a better tomorrow. After a year, there is not much else to keep me (and so many of you) going! Our Federation remains committed to strengthening our Jewish community through education, cultural programs, and support services. In the coming year, we will continue to invest in each of you… from our youth to our elderly, and ensure that every member of our community feels valued and connected. May 5785 this new year bring blessings of health, happiness, and peace to you and your loved ones. May we go from strength to strength, united in our commitment to Jewish values and our shared destiny.
L’Shana Tova Umetuka - Wishing you a good and sweet new year.
This article appears in the October '24 issue of The New Jewish Voice. To receive The New Jewish Voice delivered free to your home, sign-up today at www.ujf.org.