As we enter 2022, I think back on what I’ve learned since accepting the position as President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. I’ve been privileged to see the strengths and challenges of our community. A few lessons stand out…
I’ve learned that to have a strong Jewish community you need to have three things; you have to care, you have to build and you have to save. You need to promote a caring, kind, compassionate Jewish community life, which has a ripple effect on the world around you. You have to build Jewish life, leadership and learning for all. And you have to save the world. One person at a time. Every day. There are many good organizations that do some of these. They’re important and we should nurture them. But there’s only one that does all of these – care, build, save – and that’s the Jewish Federation.
I’ve learned that there are many instances where the community's most pressing issues need collective response: Many say the Federation is simply too complex to understand. We are not a single-issue entity or cause. But to tackle the issues that can only be addressed through community collaboration, we are the organization to orchestrate that. We address complex issues faced by a diverse community using multiple entry points. From providing resources to community organizations during the pandemic, funding bomb shelters in Netivot, offering aid to holocaust survivors, educating students to combat antisemitism and BDS and caring for the vulnerable here at home. Federation is privileged and proud to address the community’s most pressing issues. It’s the embodiment of our deepest core values. With our team of volunteers, professionals and our coalition of partner organizations, agencies and synagogues, we identify issues that need to be addressed. We then develop solutions and work together to ensure individuals are served and opportunities created. I could not be more proud of our organization in those moments when we are called on to step up.
I’ve learned that transformation must not end there in the past… the stakes couldn’t be higher. I find myself often reciting an old Yiddish proverb – “G-d don’t take me from the burdens, just give me broader shoulders to carry them.” With this recital comes the questions of how much of the burden are we willing to carry and what are the legacies we want to leave?
For the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the answer must be more than just a steady hand, rather we must be transformational. Let me indulge you with a little transformational history…. In January, 1948, Golda Meir flew to the United States to raise urgently needed funds to defend the 700,000 Jews who were threatened with concerted Arab attacks. She asked the Jewish Federation’s General Assembly for $25 million. We chose transformation, and Federations gave $50 Million. We fought for Soviet Jews to be free and resettled 1.5 million individuals. We rescued Jews from Yemin (49,000), Iraq and Iran (20,000), Ethiopia (in 36 hours we flew 15,000 out). We assisted Birthright Israel in sending over 750,000 young adults from 68 countries to visit Israel, and helped PJ library get more than a million books in the hands of young children. Time and time again, we chose transformation.
Let’s transform Greater Philadelphia into a community where seniors live in dignity – no longer worried about food, basic needs or being socially isolated. Let’s ensure we are a community that provides opportunities for individuals with special needs to live independently, to participate and to thrive. Let’s grow the next generation into one that has a deep love for Israel, Jewish values, traditions and Jewish peoplehood.
There are many great causes to support and I urge you to get involved in the ones you care about – but also include Jewish Federation in your annual philanthropy and volunteer activities. Only together can we truly be transformative.
And finally, I’ve learned that each of us plays a vital role in building our community. On behalf of the grateful individuals, families and children you help each year with your acts of compassion and generosity – thank you.
May each day forward be one of fulfillment and continued transformation towards the growth of our community and our future!
Sincerely,
Michael
