As a kid, I always loved playing soccer and baseball, especially being part of a team. I enjoyed the camaraderie, the shared experiences, and the competition. Being a part of something, working together with others, competing, and working towards the same goal is powerful.

 

Over the last several months, I’ve thought a lot about this idea. While not the sports component to it (although I am very excited with the start of the baseball season earlier this month… how about my SF Giants, leading the NL West!), the power of collaborating together offers organizations and society greater opportunities for accomplishing a goal or overcoming an issue.

 

During our Every Person Has a Name Commemoration Ceremony this year, Robin Toma, Executive Director of the LA County Commission on Human Relations, of which I am a commissioner, commented on how, in light of the ongoing rise of hate and animosity towards targeted groups of people, he has never witnessed and experienced a more coordinated and collaborated approach than that taking place right now…and it actually gives him hope.

 

Between that example (which I wholeheartedly agree with) and how our community has come together following the Eaton Fire tragedy, we are witnessing the true power of what can happen when a group of people comes together.  

 

Earlier today, our Jewish Federation brought together our community’s Jewish Professionals (Rabbis, Cantors, Exec. Directors, Educators, and Jewish Federation Staff) in our ongoing effort to address and discuss the issues confronting our local Jewish community. This collection of leaders, who are some of the most dedicated and committed I have ever worked with, expounded on the necessity and interest of working together and recognizing that each one of us brings to the table a unique set of skills and interests that can be tapped into for the benefit of our greater community.

 

Whether it was the conversation gauging the interest of promoting adult education currently being offered at many of our local synagogues to the greater community, to looking into our community approaching local cemeteries about the possibility of consecrating sections as Jewish and collectively purchasing more cemetery plots, to even discussing starting a softball league, the camaraderie and commitment to our community continues to inspire me and gives me hope.

 

These are just a few examples of why I believe that even in the midst of the current climate, we will not only get through it but will most likely be even stronger because of the partnerships that are forming and strengthening.