October 2, 2024

Dear Friends,

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks taught: “Optimism and hope are not the same. Optimism is the belief that the world is changing for the better; hope is the belief that, together, we can make the world better.”

It has been easy this year to feel like we are in a constant state of despair as a Jewish people. Yesterday, Israel faced missiles from Iran and a terror attack in Jaffa, on top of the ongoing war in Gaza and a growing war in the north. This weekend we mark one year in captivity for the hostages – an unfathomable length of time for the hostages and their families to have endured. And, here at home we face rising antisemitism everywhere we turn.

And yet, as we prepare to welcome Rosh Hashanah – the start of a new year – I am holding onto both optimism and hope, as difficult as that is at times. We are a people that has always held onto hope, but as Rabbi Sacks taught, holding onto hope isn’t enough – we have to take action to make hope become reality.

That is the work of the Federation every day. We are making the hope for a better school year on campus and in K-12 schools a reality by standing up for our students in the face of antisemitism. We are turning hope into reality by coming together as a community to support Israel, to stand up against hate, and to ensure the safety of our community.  And, we are making the hope for a bright Jewish future a reality by funding PJ Library, supporting camp scholarships, and investing in early childhood centers across our community. 

As we enter the new year, I will continue to hold onto that hope but nobody can turn hope into reality alone. I hope you will join me in that sacred work in the year ahead, and together I hope – in fact I know – that we can continue to make the kind of Jewish community we aspire for here in Seattle.

As we enter the new year, I want to wish you and your family a safe, peaceful, and healthy year ahead. May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life, and may the year ahead be one of blessing, strength, and unity. Let us stay together, stay vigilant, and continue to stay hopeful.

Shanah Tovah U’metukah,

Solly Kane
President & CEO
Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle