Four months ago I was given the honor of leading our Jewish Federation and JCC. I am incredibly proud of the significant breadth and depth of engagement throughout our community. Everyday seemingly ordinary happenings provide positive Jewish communal experiences, including growing, learning and caring for those in need.
I spend a lot of time asking questions and considering the meaning and specifically, the possibilities for Jewish Louisville. In the coming year we will continue to ask questions and we will develop new directions and answers together.
The vision of our agency is to “fulfill the needs of the Jewish community.” How do we define and prioritize those needs? What is the best path towards creating a financially sustainable community? What will be most important to our community members in 10 years? Most importantly, what does our Jewish community mean to you? Each one of us has a unique answer comprised of our own experiences, interests, passions, spirituality and beliefs.
One answer needs no study or questioning. We can provide for greater needs and build a stronger Jewish community with a successful Federation Campaign. The theme for the 2016 Federation Campaign is Stronger Together. The Campaign will impact each of our community members in three areas: 1) caring for those in need; 2) ensuring and inspiring Jewish futures; and 3) changing the world together.
We need you to join us. Volunteers are needed to help with the Campaign. Join our #FantasyFundraising Draft and Kickoff on Sunday, November 1, at 4:30 p.m. at the JCC. JCL Board members will serve as co-captains for our 10 teams. Contact Kristy Benefield at 502-238-2739 to volunteer and we will put you on a team. There is no better time than now to have a Jewish conversation with a member of the community.
What does our Jewish community mean to you? I hope you agree we have a community that is truly Stronger Together every day.
Updates
Last week I was with our senior adults when they learned they lost a long time member, Carolyn Wolf, z”l. The regulars who have shared a table with Carolyn and her husband, Sy, have lost a member of their family, I know the Wolfs’ JCC family will be there for Sy the way he has supported others for years.
A new year of the rite of passage known as cotillion started this week with a new Jewish focus, incorporating the opportunity to learn about Pledge 13, the B’nai Tzedek program as well as a group community service project.
Finally, our connection to Israel is strong even in times of tension. Four Louisvillians are currently biking from the Western Galilee to Eilat in Israel’s south in connection with Partnership2Gether.