I recently read an article titled “Do You Have Jewish Exhaustion Syndrome” in The Times of Israel. Truth be told, most days I am utterly exhausted and drink a ton of coffee. I talk to family, friends, and colleagues and try to remember back to before October 7. Was it always this way or just worse since October 7? But I just cannot remember, as this is our new reality.

 

What I do know is that I am incredibly blessed to be supported and uplifted by wonderful committed lay leaders and a committed staff…we are all in this “As One” - together!

 

Managing a Jewish Federation involves navigating a complex landscape of local needs and global concerns, while serving as the cohesive force that binds the community together. UJF board member Marty Donner refers to UJF as the “glue that connects us together”…often doing what others cannot. This multifaceted responsibility demands a delicate balance of addressing immediate issues within the local community, maintaining connections with global Jewish populations, and fostering a sense of unity and purpose. And since we are blessed with a diverse community, this is not always easy. The diversity within the Jewish community itself adds another layer of complexity. Different denominations and cultural backgrounds mean that the Federation must work diligently to ensure inclusivity and representation. This often involves mediating between varying perspectives and fostering a sense of common purpose despite differing viewpoints.

 

Our community members may have unique beliefs, practices and affiliations, but for the good of our Jewish community, as a whole, Federation is dedicated to bringing us all together, As One! At the local level, Jewish Federations are tasked with addressing a wide array of needs which vary by community. UJF is proud to have brought several initiatives to the community that will strengthen us for years to come.

 

For the past four years, UJF has worked to ensure the safety and security of our community by employing a security advisor who has conducted a multitude of training sessions and consultations for all our Jewish institutions. As antisemitism and hate crimes are on the rise, UJF is there to meet the need. UJF’s community Shaliach (Israeli emissary) has made tremendous and lasting impacts on all parts of our community. With a new Shlicha to arrive mid-August, we continue to strengthen our connections to Israel and the Jewish people.

 

This is needed now, more than ever and UJF is proud to answer the call! The Grinspoon Life & Legacy program has been an integral part of our community. And in our job as facilitators of this program, UJF works hard to ensure that all generations understand the importance of securing the Jewish future. Through the efforts of our Federation, eleven community organizations were accepted as Life & Legacy participants, and together, almost 600 letters of commitment have been signed with over $15MM promised to our community for our Jewish future thus far. In addition, as the facilitator of the program, UJF has given out $260,000 in incentive grants to encourage our community organizations to meet the yearly established goals. PJ Library is one of the most recognizable initiatives of UJF, where we currently offer over 550 books to families, free of charge, throughout Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien. Programs and initiatives throughout the year continue to bring our diverse community together to celebrate the joys of being Jewish.

 

And The New Jewish Voice, the community newspaper first published in 1975, is distributed to over 4,000 homes in Stamford, New Canaan and Darien, and comes to you, free of charge, nine times a year. Within its pages, our local Jewish organizations and synagogues announce their upcoming events and successes so that everyone in the community is well aware of what’s happening. Beyond local concerns, Jewish Federations also play a crucial role in addressing global Jewish issues. This includes supporting Jewish communities in distress, combating global antisemitism, and fostering connections with Israel. Federations must stay connected to these issues and mobilize resources swiftly and effectively when crises arise.

 

Managing a Jewish Federation requires a nuanced understanding of both local and global dynamics, and a commitment to fostering community cohesion. With your continued support and involvement, UJF will effectively serve as the cornerstone of our Jewish community, addressing those important concerns, both local and global, promoting a sense of unity and purpose and continuing to provide strength and continuity for us all.

 

Our Jewish community exists and continues to flourish because of the dedication and financial support from each and everyone one of you. We are continuously grateful!