Even though the holidays are early this year…it’s a cliché, but true – to me, they always come right on time, just when you need a mental, spiritual, and logistical break. Early or late, the holidays are a time I welcome to reflect on the past and look to the future.

 

 

This coming new year, the Federation is looking to the future in many ways, among them: offering world-class programs for teens – the future leaders of the Jewish community.

 

Don’t have teens in your life? Think this doesn’t pertain to you? WAIT! THINK AGAIN.

 

If you care about a strong Jewish future, tell someone with – or who works with – teen kids or grandkids that the best teen opportunities start here in the heart of NJ: gaining life and leadership skills, learning Jewish values, meeting friends, and making a difference while having fun. Find all the details at jewishheartnj.org/teens. 

 

In addition to teens, here are some other ways the Federation is focusing on a strong Jewish future. 

 

The Life & Legacy program exceeded its goals as it closed out its second year, training more than 10 Jewish organizations in our community to cultivate legacy gifts and raising more than $10 million in future value for these organizations.

 

For the third year in a row, we helped bring more than $1 million for security improvements to 18 Jewish organizations – bringing the total over three years to more than $3 million.

 

We’re addressing the evolving relationship between the Jews in the heart of NJ and our extended family in Israel through myriad efforts. The most recent development is the arrival of our ShinShinim* teen ambassadors, Maya and Dana. They’ll be with us for the year running programs to help local people of all ages discover their personal connection with Israel. Their welcome party is September 20, 6:30PM at Marlboro Jewish Center. Attendance is free but registration is required. Maya and Dana hope to meet you there. 

 

As we at the Federation see it, our Jewish future is bright and there are many ways for you to be a part of it. Read on for details and check the community calendar for all the ways to make your Jewish holidays – and your new year – more meaningful and connected with your fellow community members.

 

Wishing you and your loved ones health and happiness in the new year ahead – and beyond. 

 

*Shinshinim: Hebrew for the program bringing teen Israeli ambassadors to the U.S. Our community’s ambassadors, Maya and Dana, are shinshiniot (the female, plural word in Hebrew) but they are referred to by the name of the program.