When we pray classic set texts, we connect both to our ancestors who have uttered those words for thousands of years, and to others around us who are also praying those exact same pages. That’s a kind of magic, a power that derives from the collective values that a past, present, and future global community are treasuring. 

It has been inspiring to see how many of you are checking in with one another and being sources of comfort and strength to those whose lives have been upended by these devastating fires, and darn strong Santa Ana winds. Thank you for your courage, resilience and generosity. To anyone reading this who has personally been affected by these fires: our hearts are open to you and our entire community is here to help - not just through prayer but through action.

May her memory be a blessing.

We say how we are “proud to be Jewish”, but we don't always define what we are actually proud of! Well, here it is: We are proud that we act with respect, confident that we have so much to offer the world, and that we love to learn about other cultures, and partner with all faiths. That we truly seek to understand and celebrate differences because we see humanity in all, God's image in all.

For most Jewish professionals, including myself, this was the most taxing year of our careers. I think it’s safe to say that for the majority of Jews born after the Holocaust, this was the most difficult year we’ve ever had as Jews.

Yet, despite rising antisemitism, despite college campuses becoming the epicenter of America’s anti-Israel hate movement, and despite whatever else has been thrown our way, I’ve never been prouder to be the Executive Director of Hillel 818.