The story of Noah, which we read this week, provides a powerful reminder that even after the most horrific plagues, there can be hope. We have all witnessed and experienced trauma in the past many months, from sickness to hunger to wildfires to civil unrest to loss of life. As time passes, and we continue to endure these challenges, it may feel as though we are being tossed about on rough waters without a safe haven in sight.
The Federation and Foundation pride ourselves on building the ark that sustains and supports our community in anticipation of times such as these.
Perhaps the greatest lesson we learn from Noah is that you can't build an ark the day you need it. On the contrary, visionary and disciplined leadership is required to prepare for the day the rains come and flood abounds. At the Federation and Foundation, we have built and prepared the ark that sustains and supports our community for generations.
Our professional staff and volunteer leaders have fastidiously developed a framework to allow for conscientious, intentioned giving from all who wish to and are able to contribute in this way. The foresight and generosity of donors like you have enabled us to weather the storm so that we can survive through these harrowing times, and thrive when the seas are calm again. Of course, Noah and his family did not survive the great flood, together with their animal companions, without sacrifice, rationing of resources, and deep collaboration. We too have committed ourselves to making necessary cut-backs, carefully stewarding resources, and deeply investing in collaboration to deliver us through the pandemic.
The challenges of the pandemic have called upon us to be nimble in our offerings, and to adapt our approach to communicating, engaging, and interacting with our community. We have updated our practices to allow ourselves to meet evolving needs and capabilities, and are excited to share some of the ways in which we have evolved to be better partners now and in the future.
It is a humbling challenge and a sacred honor to lead the Federation and Foundation through these times. Speaking with community members, we hear every day the deep-seated and heartfelt commitment that they have to the future of Jewish life. As we close out our 2020 campaign and begin anew for 2021, we are optimistic about the power of what we can accomplish together. Our motto, "stronger together," has never been truer.
With joy, strength, and hope from our families to yours,