Update from The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey • March 2017 • Volume 5
Strengthening the Jewish community locally and around the world
The Federation is the unifying thread, connecting people & partners to strengthen the community If only there were unlimited dollars to help all in need, obvious solutions for every challenge, and an overabundance of volunteers to meet the needs of the vulnerable. If only the work of making the world a better place required only a snap of the fingers. While these might seem modern concerns, our sages addressed them ages ago: “It is not your responsibility to finish the work of perfecting the world, but you are not free to desist from it either.” Rabbi Tarfon, Pirke Avot 2:21 Instead of focusing on “if only,” the Jewish Federation follows the rabbi’s advice, and focuses on perfecting the world in increments, well aware that the work is ongoing, and best accomplished by leveraging funds, connections, and community partnerships. Because it is at the center of the Jewish community, threading one part to another, the Federation has a positive impact on more lives in more places than any other Jewish organization. Intent on helping Jewish family in need and enabling as many people as possible to find their connection to Jewish community, the Federation initiates and supports programs that improve lives locally, in Israel, and elsewhere around the globe. This newsletter focuses on some of the people and partnerships that have accepted the rabbi’s challenge and together are repairing the worlds of so many, here in the heart of New Jersey and beyond. ing the engthen tr s n o s e y. riv ration th ommunit The Fede c of the Jewish c fabri