This week, like many other parents in our community, my daughter started school. While I am sure most parents are more excited about what lies ahead in this school year than their children, it is a year full of opportunities, possibilities, and a return to a more structured schedule. And to our community's teachers and administrators, thank you for your dedication to educating our students. I wish you a year of great success.

I remember vividly looking forward to the start of school because not only did I get a new outfit, but new school supplies. Additionally, it was an opportunity for me to see what I could become in the year ahead.

Recently, I was discussing with a colleague the beauty and forward-thinking approach our Jewish calendar offers, including how our tradition sets aside time to reflect on the past year. I bring this up in this week's column because on Monday, we enter the Jewish month of Elul, the month preceding the start of our High Holy Days. Traditionally, it is during this month that we begin reflecting on the year that was, taking stock of how we acted and interacted with those in our lives and in the community.

Over the past several weeks, our Jewish Federation has been working to compile our next Federation FOCUS newsletter, which will be shared with the community in the coming weeks. As you will see when it is sent out, the newsletter will include our Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Annual Report. In the report, we have highlighted the accomplishments of our Jewish Federation over the past year with an infographic.

As the Executive Director, while preparing this, I was reminded and astonished by the number of people our work has touched and impacted, along with the number of people who helped us accomplish all that we were able to do. I am looking forward to sharing it with all of you soon.

Thank you to those who participated and have helped us accomplish all that we were able to do in this last fiscal year - whether it was making a donation, attending an event, or helping us engage with a larger community. Your support is greatly appreciated.

And to those who have not yet had the opportunity to participate, now is the PERFECT time to help us make a difference in our community by making a donation or, at the very least, committing yourself to helping our Jewish Federation fulfill its mission to build community by strengthening and enhancing Jewish life. The year ahead is full of possibilities and we look forward to continuing to be a part of our local Jewish community with your help.