Community.

It is very likely THE word that I think, speak, and/or write about most in all of my years as our Jewish Federation’s Executive Director. In essence, it is the very reason why the entire Jewish Federation movement was created. Jewish Federations are an amalgamation of several Jewish organizations that were created between 1890 through the 1930s. Organizations like the United Jewish Appeal and Council of Jewish Federation’s driving force was to raise money to support the Jewish community – whether it was here in the US, in Europe, or other parts around the globe. Based on this, it is no wonder that you may see “community” mentioned whenever I speak or write.

So it should come as no surprise to anyone that I’ve been thinking a lot about community these last several weeks, specifically its power and importance.

I was reminded of this this past weekend as my family spent time with family from across the country. We gathered together in Laguna Niguel to celebrate a very special 100th birthday for the matriarch of my wife’s family. Before this weekend, I had never experienced a 100th birthday celebration. And by the way, if you ever get the chance, I highly encourage you to drop everything you have going on and be there for the party.

Surrounded by family and friends, the birthday girl (my wife’s great aunt) was beaming as she looked out over the important people in her life. The stories of connection were astonishing, and I was left speechless, thinking about all she had witnessed during her 100 years of life. Having had the chance to get to know her for the almost 30 years I have known her, I know how much she appreciated being surrounded by her personal community. As I sat there, listening as people regaled everyone with stories and memories, I couldn’t help but think about what it must feel like to celebrate the momentous occasion in her shoes.

I think we often forget the power of the support our community provides us. During times of great joy, we are able to celebrate together, and during those moments of sadness, the community provides us comfort and support and reminds us that we are not alone. That is the true power of community.

This Sunday, our Jewish Federation will be holding its 30th Annual Meeting. As an organization whose mission is focused on building community, Sunday is an opportunity to bring our community together to reflect on the past year and what’s ahead in the year to come. I hope you will join us as we say thank you to our outgoing President (Julie Solberg), welcome our incoming President (Jeanine Mann), celebrate our 2024 Volunteer of the Year (Robin Evans), and award scholarships to two very worthy high school students as they soon head off to college. Plus, I will be conversing with former Univerity of La Verne President Dr. Devorah Lieberman about the current challenges university presidents have faced since the October 7 attack in Israel. It will be a great day, and I hope to see you there.