What a year it has been for our community. As I think back to this day, one year ago, when I was imagining what 2025 had in store, never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how our year would begin or the impact it would have on our community.

Yet, despite all of the loss and destruction, one theme ran through the entire year… the power and importance of community. Amid the unprecedented loss so many in our community faced and as they continue to rebuild their lives, the importance of being there for one another was on full display in the early days and weeks of 2025.

As the Executive Director of our Jewish Federation, I am so proud of how our community stepped up and supported one another in ways that will have a lasting impact for years to come. Throughout the year, many community members shared how much they appreciated the love and support they received (and gave). What we witnessed and experienced is what being a part of a community is all about. In fact, it epitomizes the Talmudic teaching found in Pirkei Avot 2:4 … Al tifrosh min hatzibur (Do not separate yourself from your community).

Each and every day, our Jewish Federation has not only worked to fulfill our mission to strengthen and enhance Jewish life, but also to show everyone the value we add to our community by being there and stepping up in times of need and crisis. Between the support we were able to provide to our community’s fire victims and responding to the growing instances of antisemitism and anti-Jewish hate and sentiment, our Jewish Federation has been able to be there because of the generous support from community members like you.

And in the midst of all the chaos, our Jewish Federation continued to provide a myriad of opportunities for people to find their way into our Jewish community and to participate and deepen their individual Jewish identity and Jewish involvement.

For as long as I can remember, I have felt an extreme sense of Jewish pride and have tried to share that love and passion with others. I hope that through my leadership, you, your family, and friends have felt that same pride in the work our Jewish Federation has done in 2025.

As we head into 2026, no one knows what the future has in store for us, but one thing is for sure… our Jewish Federation can and will be there to not just stand up for our Jewish community, but also when people need our support. Please help us by making one final gift to our Jewish Federation before midnight tomorrow (12/31).

Thank you to everyone who attended or participated in a Jewish Federation activity this year and to those who donated their time and resources to support our community. Lastly, I want to extend a huge thank you to my staff, and especially, our Board of Governors members, for their dedication and commitment they continue to show each and every day. I am proud of the work our Jewish Federation has done in 2025 and look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together in 2026.