“This was my first year as a Cabinet member and it was my first retreat experience. I was filled with inspiration, joining hundreds of young Jewish leaders from across North America. We all gathered to find community and inspiration, share best practices, work through the pain and continued grief of October 7th, but also rejoice and draw strength from common purpose. I met leaders who have become advocacy warriors over the past year, confronting antisemitism in city councils, university campuses, Congress and Senate. I heard stories of leaders who are building connections within their own Jewish community, bringing much needed belonging and comfort to many, in a year of tremendous sadness and anxiety. And I was humbled and in awe to hear about the incredible work, aid and support that is made possible, thanks to the Jewish Federation—on all its tremendous organizations, professional staff and volunteers.

I wrote down fervent notes, and jotted down pages upon pages of inspired ideas that I would like to bring to life. It was exhausting and rewarding; overwhelming and fulfilling. I met people that will likely become part of my network and my life in ways I cannot yet imagine. It felt new and strange, but also very much at home. 

As an Israeli-American who is raising Jewish American children, I have been on a journey for quite some time, trying to figure out my path. I have asked myself many times over the past few years, and more acutely since last October, what is the mission I seek to promote for the good of my people? Is my passion and purpose to nurture my local Jewish institutions and community? Is it to educate about, and advocate for, the Jewish community and Israel within my kids’ schools? Is it to raise proud, resilient Jewish American children, who can advocate for themselves? The answer, it turns out, is yes – to all of these, and more. I came to realize that the Jewish Federation more broadly, and Cabinet specifically, are the organizing framework—resources, people, ideas—in which I can pursue all of these missions. And I have never felt more proud and inspired to support the Federation.  

While I am a transplant in the Seattle area, I have made it my home. I have formed powerful connections within the Jewish and Israeli American communities. I took great pride in showing off our beautiful city to fellow Cabinet members who came here for the retreat: they raved about the beauty, hospitality, venues and flavors they got to experience. But even more than that, I felt so honored and proud to be part of the amazing group of Seattle Cabinet members who I am now joining. My Chevre leave such a powerful impression on everyone who meets them, thanks to their leadership qualities, thoughtfulness, intelligence, and kindness. I cannot wait to see all the great, big things we will do together…. Here’s to community, resilience, strength, joy and Chevre.”

-Tamar Heyman