At last night’s first Federation Board of Trustees meeting of the year I was honored to offer a brief D’var Torah to start the meeting (that I’ve used as the basis of today’s message).  I felt a profound sense of gratitude looking across the room and up on the screen, I saw a powerful tapestry of our community: dedicated veteran leaders sitting alongside a new cohort of individuals who have stepped forward to take on the sacred obligation of leadership.  It made it even more special to have some of our Past Presidents, Steve Dane and Diane Troderman providing their experience(s) and wisdom.  

 

While some people knew others, there were some who were very “new to the game.”  If you’ve ever sat on a Board, you know just how daunting it is to sit with people for the first time who have done it before (some for many years).  You have to learn so much, understand the rhythm of the meeting, and find your place.  We are so excited to see the new and old mix.

 

This transition to the new board with many new people feels particularly resonant as we just read the closing chapters of Genesis in Parashat Vayechi. As Jacob nears the end of his life, he gathers his children to offer his final blessings. It is a poignant moment of "passing the torch"—a reminder that for a community to flourish, leadership must be both a legacy preserved and a responsibility renewed.

 

In our tradition, when we finish a book of the Torah, we proclaim: “Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek”—“Be strong, be strong, and may we be strengthened.” The commentators suggest a beautiful interpretation of this triple strength:

 

The first Chazak honors the endurance of those who have long carried the weight of our mission. The second Chazak honors the courage of those stepping into the role for the first time.

Finally, V’nitchazek describes the result: when the wisdom of experience meets the passion of new perspectives, the entire community is elevated.

 

These new trustees are bringing fresh "roots" to help us stand firmer and new "branches" to help us reach further. However, leadership is a collective journey. To truly honor those who have stepped up, we must support their vision through action.

 

How you can join us in this strength:

• Work on a Committee: Our board sets the vision, but our committees are where the work happens. We invite you to bring your unique skills to our planning and program groups.

• Provide for the Vulnerable: Our leaders have stepped up to ensure no one in our community is left behind. You can support them by helping in the Annual Community Campaign by not only giving, but helping us ask.

• Invest in our Endowment: Just as previous generations built the foundation we stand on today, you can invest in the Jewish Endowment Fund. This ensures that the Jewish future remains secure for our children and grandchildren.

   

Our Federation is a living "tree of life."  Let us surround these leaders with our own energy and resources.

 

Together, As One, may we be Chazak—strong in our individual roles—so that collectively, we may be strengthened to serve.