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Chag Sameach From Federation
Credit John Hardwick
W
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12 September 29 • 2016
e have been celebrat-
ing Rosh Hashanah in
Detroit since the first Jews
settled here more than 200 years ago.
Throughout our history, the New Year
has remained a sacred time to pause and
reflect. And just as
we reflect on our per-
sonal lives, we should
consider the life of
our community.
It is clear that,
despite our challeng-
es, we have reason to
be grateful. In many
ways, we are expe-
Lawrence A.
riencing a time of
Wolfe
growth, rejuvenation
and possibility. Indeed, in many ways,
this is a new era for Jewish Detroit.
Today, we are seeing more individu-
als embracing their Jewish identity and
taking part in Jewish life, particularly
our “millennials,” who are increasingly
finding a place in our community and a
reason to stay in Detroit.
We are developing better ways to
ensure that our most vulnerable popula-
tions — including seniors, families in
need and individuals with disabilities
— are able to live healthy and fulfilling
lives.
And, thanks to the extraordinary
generosity of our donors, Federation’s
fundraising efforts continue to grow,
allowing us to provide more support
to our agencies and schools. This year,
we anticipate nearly 13,000 community
members will donate to our Annual
Campaign, the seventh consecutive year
of growth in our base of supporters and
the sixth year of growth in our financial
achievement. Across North America,
few, if any, other Federations have
attained this accomplishment.
Perhaps most significantly, we are
seeing a new era of cooperation and col-
laboration among the agencies, schools,
congregations and other Jewish organi-
zations that make up our extraordinarily
diverse community. This is exemplified
by a wide variety of shared programs
and initiatives, as well as coordinated
efforts to serve those in need, both local-
ly and around the world. Collaborative
efforts range from life-changing mis-
sions in Israel to potentially life-saving
health and security enhancements at
our schools and campuses.
These are but a few examples of what
is a hallmark of our community: The
ability to stand together to face challeng-
es as well as to create bold new opportu-
nities for Jewish life and experience.
We must never forget that the shared
faith and heritage that unite us are
infinitely stronger than those things
that might keep us apart. Today, in this
new era of mutual respect, partnership
and cooperation, no problem is insur-
mountable and anything is possible. As
Theodor Herzl said, “If you will it, it is
no dream.”
On behalf of the Jewish Federation,
I wish you a meaningful holiday and a
healthy, peaceful and joyful New
Year.
*
Lawrence A. Wolfe is president of the Jewish
Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.