6 Tevet 5786

Dear Friend,

In this week’s Torah portion, Vayigash, we witness one of the most powerful moments in Jewish history: the revelation of Joseph to his brothers. After years of separation and strife, the family is reunited not by chance, but through a profound realization that their survival—and the future of the covenant—depends entirely on their ability to stand together.

Joseph’s words to his brothers, "I am Joseph your brother," serve as a timeless reminder that our fates are inextricably linked. He understands that the abundance he secured in Egypt was not for his own sake, but to "ensure your survival on earth" and "to keep you alive for a great deliverance." This is the essence of community: recognizing that our individual resources are meant to be shared for the collective good.

Just as the house of Israel had to pool their strength to survive the famine, our community relies on the Federation%u2019s Annual Community Campaign. It is our immediate response to the needs of today—ensuring that no member of our family is left behind and that our communal infrastructure remains vibrant and responsive.  Whether it is to support our region-wide security program which is so essential, Jewish Family Service, education at Day Schools and synagogue supplementary school programs, advocacy with our elected officials, or support of our brethren in Israel and around the world, we pull together annually to support the 2025 Community Campaign which closes this coming week.

And while we talk about the Annual Campaign, the Campaign that meets current needs, Vayigash also teaches us about foresight and the future. Joseph didn't just provide a single meal; he established a sustainable system in Goshen where his family could thrive for generations. The lesson of our forefathers was honored by the many people in our community who have created endowments to support Jewish life in Western Massachusetts. By creating an endowment at the Jewish Endowment Foundation (JEF), you are planting seeds for a future you may never see, but one that will be nourished by your vision.

An endowment is more than a gift; it is a promise. It ensures that the values we cherish today—education, identity, security, and chesed (loving-kindness)—will endure long after we are gone. 

Let us mirror the unity of Vayigash. By giving today and planning for tomorrow at the Federation and JEF, we ensure that the story of our people continues, unbroken and strong, for all the generations to come.

Shabbat Shalom,

Adam Solender