Every Tuesday, I look forward to our Jewish Federation's weekly eblast arriving in my inbox. Most weeks, I stop whatever I am working on to read our Executive Director, Jason Moss's, article and make sure I have all upcoming Jewish Federation events on my calendar. I think of it as "Jason's corner of inspiration". I appreciate that someone I know has taken the time each week to write something meaningful, relevant, or fun to share with our community.

As Jason referenced in his column last week, we are making a change today! While Jason will continue to inspire, we will also regularly hear from both our Board of Governors and Staff on what motivates them to be part of our Jewish Federation.

This format reflects the spirit of collaboration between our Jewish Federation's Board and Staff in everything we do. Partnership is a key theme not only in our work within our Jewish Federation, but in our work with others. Partnerships within our Jewish Federation encompass connections with local Jewish organizations, including synagogues, as well as relationships with elected officials and civic officers, and social service agencies. It means strengthening regional ties with neighboring Jewish Federations and governments and building support for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. We saw partnerships in action occur in the past year following the fires. Our entire Jewish Federation stepped up to support the community. In addition, support was received from the surrounding communities and beyond.

A particularly special partnership occurred with the Jewish Federation Los Angeles (JFEDLA), with whom we became equal partners in the Wildfire Relief Committee, formed to administer the over $7.5 million that was raised nationally to support fire victims. Through this work, we leveraged over $500k to be given directly to Union Station Homeless Services, Friends in Deed, and the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena for the work they were doing to support fire victims.

These types of partnerships are among the reasons I joined the Jewish Federation Board of Governors. Our Jewish Federation is a platform where Jewish organizations from across our region can connect and support one another. It is a place where we can share best practices and identify ways to strengthen our Jewish community. This is particularly important at this time of rising antisemitism. Our Jewish Federation is uniquely positioned to support our local community by connecting individuals and communities across our region.

One way we have strengthened community connections is by reestablishing our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). This group of volunteers, partnering with our Jewish Federation staff, is prepared to respond in our communities by attending city council meetings, writing letters to school boards, and actively advocating for the needs of our Jewish community. They have responded to fight efforts to boycott, divest, and sanction Israeli and Jewish businesses in our communities and educate cities, businesses, and the public about the importance of advocating for Jewish and Israel.

The work our Jewish Federation does is possible through your support, both through financial donations and volunteer energy. Your partnership is the most important one we have. There is much we want to accomplish in the coming year. Your support and time will enable us to continue meeting the needs of our community and remain financially and programmatically strong.

Your Jewish Federation's Board of Governors thanks you for being our partners and for inspiring us to continue our work for this community. We hope you enjoy this new format and that it offers you a corner of inspiration.

Jeanine