We all dream of making the world a better place

We know the High Holy days encourage us to dream big dreams. We foresee the year ahead as an open book, full of opportunities to repair the world with our acts of generosity and kindness. It’s also a time for serious reflection on the past year. We think about our proudest accomplishments and about where we have fallen short - what we might have done differently, how we might have acted more thoughtfully or shown more patience.

As a community guided by a century of Jewish values, we’re proud of the communal work we do to make the world a better place, and aware that there is still so much more to be done.

Taking care of each other In the past year, we extended a hand to those who needed assistance with food, rent and utilities; employment assistance and vocational training; psychological and family counseling; senior transportation and scholarships for Jewish preschools, day schools and camps. Thank you for caring enough to give. Many in our community are facing another difficult year. They will turn to our organization for help—and thanks to you, we will be there. Just as our local community looks to us in difficult times, our extended Jewish family in Israel and around the world depends on us—and we will be there for them, too.

Working together to do more good Because we’ve been working together for more than a 100 years as a kehillah (a community), we can bring dignity, hope and joy to thousands of people every day. We have the opportunity to help a local family struggling with illness or unemployment, a young woman from Ethiopia starting a new life in Israel, and so many individuals who will face challenges this year. Their lives will be better because we stand with them. The news from Israel has been troubling over the past few months. Our dreams for the year ahead include peace for Israel—and we are dedicated to helping fulfill that dream by expressing our steadfast support for its people. As you look back at this past year, at all that you have contributed and all we have accomplished together as a community, I urge you to look ahead as well. Take this opportunity today to begin the New Year with an act of tzedakah.

This Rosh Hashanah, donate, volunteer, make a difference. Help the Jewish Community Federation assist those in need here at home, in Israel and worldwide. Please make a generous gift to the Federation’s 2011 Annual Campaign —TODAY. We all dream of making the world a better place. Consider this your call to action. Our best wishes to you and your family for a happy and healthy New Year.