Dear Chaverim,

Happy 2026! As we begin a new year together and read Parshat Shemot this Shabbat, we are reminded that Jewish leadership and action is rarely born from ambition or certainty. Instead, it often emerges from humility, responsibility, and a deep sense of obligation to others, of building kehillah, community.When Moses first encounters G-d at the burning bush, he does not rush forward with confidence. He hesitates. He questions himself. He doubts his worthiness and his ability to lead. “Who am I,” he asks, “that I should go to Pharaoh?” Moses is not seeking power or recognition; in fact, he actively resists it. And yet, it is precisely this reluctance and humility that makes him the leader our people need at that critical moment.

Moses teaches us that true leadership is not about ego or authority, but about listening, learning, and answering the call when it comes, even if we feel unprepared. Leadership, Shemot reminds us, is rooted in empathy: Moses first notices injustice, feels the pain of others, and cannot look away. Before he becomes a leader of a nation, he is a defender of dignity.

I find this lesson especially resonant as we look toward 2026. Our community, like every Jewish community today, faces real and complex challenges. These are challenges that are changing, growing, and shifting. At the same time, we are blessed with extraordinary strength. We have passionate volunteers, dedicated professionals, generous donors, and a shared commitment to Jewish continuity, security, and compassion.

The coming year calls on all of us to lead. We all have an opportunity to do so – not necessarily from the front, and not always with certainty, but with purpose and good will. Leadership in 2026 will mean showing up for one another, strengthening our institutions, supporting Israel and global Jewry, and ensuring that every Jew in Ottawa feels seen, safe, and connected. It will mean asking not “Am I ready?” but “Am I needed?” 

Like Moses, none of us can do this alone. Jewish leadership is collective by design. Federation is focused on bringing us together across generations, denominations, and perspective, so that we can meet the moment as one community. When we invest in our shared future, we transform hesitation into hope and intention into impact. We continue to roll out our new strategic plan, and even more deeply engage with our community, and we are very motivated and encouraged by what we are seeing and experiencing. We hope you are, as well.

As we move forward into 2026, may we draw inspiration from Moses’ example: to lead with humility, to act with courage, and to believe that even reluctant voices can change history when they answer the call. This is Jewish Ottawa’s year to collectively thrive!

Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your continued commitment to our Jewish future.

With gratitude, hope, and best wishes to you and yours for a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.

Shabbat Shalom,

Adam 

P.S. Are you a mother with children under 18? Join us for this informal online info-session Jan. 22 at 7:30 pm via Zoom to learn more about the MOMentum Year-Long Journey, a meaningful program for women who have children under the age of 18 living at home.

The highlight of this special experience is an inspirational (and highly subsidized) 10-day trip to Israel, which includes two days visiting Federation’s partner region in the North.

Register for info-session here.