Making the commitment in 5786 to “lean in” to your faith
It is hard to believe that in a couple of weeks, Jews all over the world will gather together for the start of the high holy days. When they arrive at their synagogues, they will continue to see a visible security presence as a result of the ongoing anti-Jewish climate we have found ourselves in these last ten or so years. I know that this can still be off-putting to see. And I agree that it is appalling that so much attention continues to have to be placed on security, including it remaining a significant expense Jewish organizations have had to cover, the reality is that it will be at the forefront of people’s minds for the foreseeable future.
Over the last several years, our Jewish Federation has devoted considerable time and energy to ensuring the security of our community, as well as helping our community come to terms with its current reality. And our work, unfortunately, continues, as you will soon hear about a new security venture our Jewish Federation is undertaking.
With so much attention on trying to make people feel safer by coming to Jewish activities and religious services, as well as the rise of Jewish hatred that existed before and after the October 7 attack, many people in our community feel even more isolated and alone than they did before.
It is in these moments that the power of community can be truly felt. It is magical, but requires community members to lean in, even more than they already are, for its effects to take hold. This means making a conscious and deliberate commitment to “doing Jewish” and being part of the community. Not only does the power of the Jewish community provide individuals with necessary support by being surrounded by “family”, but it also allows people to connect with an essential aspect of who they are.
It is for this reason that I want to emphasize my hope that our community members will commit to “doing” Jewish in 5786. Think of it as making a Jewish resolution at the start of our new year.
What does this look like? It will look slightly different for each person…maybe it is attending an adult Jewish education program, a holiday celebration, watching a Jewish themed TV show or movie, gathering friends together to celebrate Shabbat, building a sukkah for the first time, listening to a Jewish-themed podcast, donating to a Jewish organization like our Jewish Federation, or any number of other opportunities. Each Jewish thing you do will connect you that much more to our Jewish community.
Not only does our Jewish community need you to be involved, but you need it as well. And so do each of your fellow community members. We all need each other so that we can maximize the power of community and truly experience what it means to be surrounded by other Jews and supported as we begin a new year.
Now is the moment!
Jason Moss is executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Greater
San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys.
