I always find this time of year to be a little strange. On the one hand, we are still in the throes of summer (hope everyone is staying hydrated and finding ways to cool down), and on the other, we're in the midst of the start of the school year. Speaking of, it has been a lot of fun (and somewhat nostalgic) to see former campers of mine heading off to college for the first time, let alone my youngest having started her college career at Pasadena City College yesterday.

And, on the other hand, it doesn’t feel like it is time for us even to begin thinking about the start of the High Holy Days this year, but here we are…. Erev Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, September 11. Are you ready? I am not sure I am, but what can we do? To help you prepare and make this year’s holiday celebrations and commemorations, our annual High Holy Day Resource Guide will be sent out next Thursday, September 3.

What I do love about this time of year, though, is the feeling of opportunity and starting anew. As I wrote in my August column in JLife SGPV, these days leading up to the High Holy Days are an opportunity to reflect on the year that was and begin the process of seeking forgiveness from those we may have wronged. This is one of the many things I love about Judaism; we are commanded to set aside time to think, consider, and recalibrate (if needed) before we enter the next year.

In many ways, our Jewish Federation is in the midst of a similar process. In the next few weeks, you will receive our latest edition of Federation FOCUS that will include our 2025/2026 Annual Report. In it, we look back on what we accomplished during our fiscal year and share how community donations were used to help us work toward fulfilling our mission (to strengthen and enhance our community by promoting and advocating for Jewish values and Jewish life). We also provide an in-depth look at our PJ Library program and the advocacy work we do on behalf of the estimated 35,000 Jews who live across the greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys.

In addition, we are starting our fiscal year by actively working on our 2026 – 2028 Strategic Visioning Plan, laying the groundwork for a new outreach program and a Community Survey. Our JFed Players have been rehearsing for their latest production, Murder on the Orient Express, which will open on Saturday, September 26. (Get your tickets now!) And, THIS THURSDAY, we are announcing the line-up for our 28^th Annual Jewish Book Festival.

So much is happening as we get closer and closer to the end of 5786 and begin 5787. Enjoy these last couple of weeks, and take some time to reflect on how you are going to engage Jewishly in the year ahead.