By Nancy B. Greer
President & CEO
L’Shanah Tovah! The new year of 5782 has begun, and I hope your celebration was sweet and memorable, with the blessings of family, friends, and good health.
I know that I’ve not been alone in wondering what the future holds, especially after a year as stormy and unpredictable as the one that ended a few days ago. As we look ahead to the solemnity of Yom Kippur, it’s a time for reflecting on the past and making intentions for the future.
Since your Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle’s founding in 1928, our intention has always been to do what’s right and necessary to ensure Jewish continuity. As needs have changed, the Federation has adjusted, shifting our work to take on new challenges. In the past year, we navigated together many curves and obstacles to help our community stay strong, move forward, and adapt to changing ideas about what people want out of Jewish life. Experience taught us what worked and what didn’t. New and refreshed partnerships enabled your Federation and our peer Jewish organizations to learn and serve better together. The lessons of 5781 will inform our work in 5782.
We can’t say for certain what 5782 will bring to our world. What we can say is that your Federation, thanks to your generosity and commitment to Jewish Puget Sound, will be here, every day, to serve. To fight antisemitism. Nourish our connections to Israel and global Jewry. Be a voice and ally for justice. Imagine and reimagine Jewish experiences that connect us to each other and build a strong foundation for the future.
Throughout, our service to you has been grounded in the timeless values that have been the spark of our tradition since ancient times. Collaboration, because “a threefold cord is not easily broken.” Integrity, V’asita Hayashar V’hatov, “you shall do what is proper and good.” Respect, Kavod HaBriyot, “honor the creations.” Innovation, Hitlamdut, “openness to learn.” Community, Kehilla/Areivut, “community/mutual responsibility.”
Guided by Jewish values, the future is ours to build. Together.
Be well, G’mar Chativah Tovah.
