December 15, 2023

By Solly Kane
President & CEO

Shalom,

As we conclude Hanukkah today, I hope you have been able to find some light amidst all of the darkness in our world. The Hebrew word “Hanukkah” means “dedication,” and since our founding in 1928, the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle has been dedicated to ensuring Jewish continuity. As needs have evolved, we have shifted our approach to explore new opportunities and meet new challenges, and we will continue to adapt to meet the challenges we face today.

In the wake of the atrocities of October 7, the Federation and the Jewish community have managed rapidly changing priorities and worked hard to stand with Israel. Personally, as I’ve been in touch with friends in Israel, I’ve heard over and over again how their lives have been changed forever, and the need for support and solidarity from the global Jewish community is greater than ever before. 

As 2023 draws to a close, I want to share with you selected highlights of your Federation’s activities this year that have made a difference in strengthening our community and laying the groundwork for our shared future. The work we do is only possible because of YOU. I hope you will consider making a gift to Federation by December 31 to help us enter 2024 with strength.

A highlight of this year has been collaboration, which has enabled Federation and communal organizations to accomplish more for Jewish life together than we could have done alone, especially in the aftermath of October 7. The #BringThemHome gatherings at the Stroum Jewish Community Center were a powerful example of collaboration, when the Federation and the Stroum JCC worked together to give community members an opportunity to show solidarity with Israel in a powerful and meaningful way, bringing hundreds of community members together over the course of the weekend.

Mobilizing our community to combat growing antisemitism has been front and center before and after October 7. Through our work with Project Shema, Federation equipped communal leaders to navigate discourse around Israel and build understanding of Jewish identity, antisemitism, and Israel among non-Jews. Our Jewish Community Relations Council has taken the lead in bringing the dangers of antisemitism to the attention of elected officials and educators and gaining their support for the fight against hatred.  

Throughout the year, programs like SAFE Washington, Courageous Leadership Incubator, PJ Library®, camp scholarships, and many more have been foundational for helping Jewish Puget Sound stay strong, stay connected, and to secure Jewish tomorrows. Together, we do the sacred work of ensuring Jewish continuity and a strong Jewish future. Please make your gift to Federation by December 31 to help us continue that critical work.

Shabbat shalom,