The beginnings of a new season
Our Jewish festivals and Shabbat are sometimes perfect metaphors for the experiences of our daily lives. Simchat Torah, which we celebrated about 10 days ago, is about the unending joyous cycle of completing the Torah and beginning anew, immediately – much like the ideal annual Federation cycle. Each of our departments, and all the staff, lay leaders, volunteers and donors who support them, work cyclically - the campaign, allocations, and endowment cycles end, and then just as quickly begin anew. One would hope this would occur as it happens with the Simchat Torah celebration - seamlessly and naturally and, of course, joyfully. So in that vein, bereshit, the first book of Genesis, was very fitting for me this past weekend, as it is all about building and creating. Were I as good as the Creator, I would have already completed our most important priorities; after all, the entire work of creation was completed in 6 days, and I’ve already had 7 business days since taking the helm as Acting CEO.
But one step at a time. First of all, I want you to be more aware and informed about our activities. To that end, we will be sending you more frequent, transparent, and substantive communications. I have been meeting with our staff, lay leaders, donors, volunteers and members of our community in every possible venue. In the past few days alone, I’ve attended meetings with our Educating and Engaging Commission, Caring Commission, and South Peninsula Regional Council, and the Women’s Philanthropy Retreat. Along with many meetings with staff, community leaders and philanthropists, I’ve met with our Audit Committee, Endowment Executive Committee, Restricted Funds Committee, and Leadership Development, to name just a few.
JCF Acting CEO Jennifer Gorovitz was pinned as a Lion of Judah by her mother at the recent Lion of Judah Luncheon.
Just yesterday, I had the enormous pleasure of speaking with the Lions of Judah and those who have endowed their annual campaign gifts. The schedule has been fast-paced, and at the same time exhilarating, as I am meeting and connecting with so many people passionate about their involvement in Federation. This past Sunday, I spoke at the dedication of Federation Way at the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life amidst an incredible celebration of the Campus and the Oshman JCC. What an incredible achievement for our community! To have seen the enthusiasm and engagement of hundreds of Federation’s committed volunteers, donors and leaders over the past week stirs my thoughts about Federation Way, which I shared with those in attendance.
Just as Federation Way literally connects individuals to our common heritage, our shared values and, in turn, to our community, so do you connect to one another and to the broader Jewish community in the vital work of the Federation and Endowment Fund – you are the expression of what it means to be in community. In the coming weeks I will be writing about our plans for an integrated annual fundraising and endowment campaign. I want to sneak a word in now to let you know we will be launching a Centennial campaign in honor of our long history, and I want you to be involved as an ambassador and fundraiser. The proud celebration of our first 100 years and the new beginnings and seeds we will be planting for the next 100 years will be intertwined with everything we do over the next year. I look forward to working with you, and I am humbly grateful for all you do on behalf of our Jewish community.
