“The world stands on three things: on Torah, on service, and on acts of loving kindness.”
—Pirkei Avot 1:2
As Rosh Hashanah approaches, we enter one of the most meaningful seasons of the Jewish calendar, a time of prayer, reflection, gratitude, and renewal. During the High Holidays, we are invited to look honestly at the year behind us and thoughtfully toward the year ahead. It’s a season that reminds us that every action matters, every relationship matters, and every one of us has the ability to strengthen our community.
Rabbi Harold Kushner z”l wrote, “When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it changes the world.” Those words feel especially meaningful as we begin a new year together.
What inspires me most is the unwavering commitment of the volunteers who make our Jewish community vibrant, compassionate, and resilient. The generosity of time, talent, and heart demonstrates “Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh”—all of Israel is responsible for one another. That sense of shared responsibility has never been more important.
Throughout the summer, our Jewish Federation team has been preparing for an exciting 2026–27 program year. We have been planning new initiatives, organizing committee work, meeting with our affinity groups, and preparing programs to bring people together across generations. We are especially excited to launch our 2027 Campaign for Jewish Needs, centered around the theme Here for Good.
“Here for Good” speaks to more than where we are. It reflects who we are. It is our promise to stand with one another today while building a stronger Jewish future for tomorrow. Together, we can transform hope into action and possibilities into lasting impact.
None of this happens without YOU.
Research by Susan Kohn and Diane Wohl reminds us that volunteerism is one of the strongest expressions of Jewish communal life. They found that volunteerism strengthens trust between individuals, builds resilient institutions, deepens Jewish identity, and inspires greater generosity of both time and resources.
These findings reflect values that Judaism has embraced for generations. Volunteerism is rooted in gemilut chasadim, acts of loving kindness, and is one of the ways we fulfill our shared responsibility to care for one another.
Each of us has a role to play.
Today, there are countless opportunities to make a difference. Federation volunteers help shape our major donor events, Women’s Philanthropy, the Lion of Judah and Pomegranate Society, Young Leadership, the Maimonides Society, community celebrations, educational programs, and initiatives that strengthen Jewish life throughout the Lehigh Valley. Across our synagogues and partner agencies, dedicated volunteers continue to create welcoming spaces where people connect, learn, celebrate, and care for one another.
As we look toward 2027 and beyond, our community’s future will be shaped not by a few individuals, but by all of us working together. Every volunteer, every donor, every committee member, every participant, and every act of kindness helps build the Jewish community we want our children and grandchildren to inherit.
There is room for everyone to make an impact.
If you have been looking for a way to become more involved, I invite you to join us. Whether you have a few hours to give or are ready to take on a leadership role, your talents and perspective are needed. Federation is here because of people who care enough to show up for one another, for our community, and for the future.
As we begin this new year, may we each find meaningful ways to lead through kindness, generosity, and service.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, sweet, and peaceful new year. May 5787 be a year of hope, renewal, and blessing for our community, for the Jewish people, and may you be inscribed and sealed for a blessed new year.
Shanah Tovah U’Metukah!