Our fractured Jewish community has been in the doldrums for a while, and many members are still licking old wounds. Now that the New Year beckons and September is here, it is time to dust ourselves off and begin building a new and vibrant Jewish community.
We invite everyone to join us on Sunday, September 11 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm at ASU’s Memorial Union, for an event where everyone will have the opportunity to provide input to our community. At this event we will address important subjects like welcoming newcomers, organizational and synagogue collaboration, youth and young adults, the cost of being Jewish and many more relevant topics. Sponsored by the Jewish Community Foundation, in partnership with Hillel at ASU, and nearly 40 other Jewish communal organizations in the Valley. Everyone in the community is welcome; there is no cost to attend.
The event is titled “Can Jewish life bloom in the desert?” It is for those who have worked tirelessly for years and have provided services in the past. It is also for the next generation that is interested in being a part of the future development of our community. Also it is for anyone who has not been involved but has ideas that will help move the community forward. This is our time; this event is a powerful opportunity to get it right.
Recently, I heard that there are people in our community who feel that the leadership involved with the Jewish community are a tight clique. Whether or not this is true is besides the point. The perception is there. However, this is not the time to hold onto old judgments. Now is the time to decide what kind of community we want to build.
It is so easy to be the fence sitter who points out things that will not work, instead of contributing to be part of something that will work. While we can’t be a part of everything in the community, we can pick a niche that appeals to us, and work to make it functional. By being welcoming and collaborative, we become a positive influence for others in the community.
Attend the “Can Jewish life bloom in the desert?” event on September 11 to make your voice heard! Building the foundation for a great Jewish community in the New Year would be a wonderful way to end 2011.
I will be there. When I got the email with the discussion topics, my first thought was, “My issue won’t even be under discussion.” But I was wrong – the issues for discussion are broad and mine was on the list. I am looking forward to this event.
Hi Sandy,
You were in my “cost of Jewish life” roundtable and I was wondering what your take aways from the conference were? I am glad I got to be in the group with you that day. Thanks for your comment which are always welcome!