Over the past several months, I have had many people ask me some version of the same question: What can I do right now?
In a time that feels so complex and challenging for the Jewish people, here in Detroit, in Israel and around the world, people want to know how they can respond. How can they help? How can they make a difference? How can they turn concern into something meaningful?
Those questions come from a place of deep love and responsibility. And the truth is, there are many important ways to respond. We can advocate for our community. We can stand up against antisemitism. We can support security efforts that help protect our institutions and families. We can speak clearly and publicly in support of Israel and the people of Israel. We can give generously to meet urgent needs and strengthen the organizations that sustain Jewish life.
All of that matters. All of it is needed.
But I also believe that one of the most powerful responses we can offer, perhaps the most powerful, is to live proud, engaged and joyful Jewish lives.
In other words, we must continue to lean into the “joy” and not only the “oy.”
That does not mean ignoring the challenges. It does not mean pretending the headlines are not concerning or that the moment is not serious. It means refusing to let worry define who we are. It means remembering that Jewish life is not only something we defend. It is something we cherish, celebrate and pass on with pride.
We do that when we gather around a Shabbat table. When we celebrate holidays with family and friends. When we send our children to camp, day school, Hebrew school, Hillel, BBYO or other Jewish programs where they can build friendships, identity and confidence. We do it when we attend a Federation event, come together to learn about important issues, volunteer our time, support a neighbor, welcome someone new or simply show up for one another with an open heart. And we do it when we connect with our friends and family in Israel, sustaining the bonds of peoplehood and mutual responsibility that unite us across generations and across the world.
We do it when we choose connection over isolation, gratitude over despair and community over fear.
As summer comes to a close, we have seen so many beautiful examples of this spirit. We saw it at JCC Day Camp and Tamarack Camps, where over a thousand young people experienced the joy of Jewish friendship, tradition and belonging. We saw it through the Serling Israeli Camper Program, as more than 125 young Israelis became part of our Detroit community and strengthened the living bond between us and Israel.
And now, as we look ahead to a new season, there will be countless opportunities to keep showing up. Our day schools will welcome students back. Hillels will open their doors to college students. BBYO will be in full swing. Federation will host our Annual Meeting and many other gatherings that bring people together in celebration, purpose and community. Soon, the High Holidays will invite us into a season of reflection, renewal, tradition and hope. We encourage everyone to find meaning and community at your synagogue and temple as we gather to observe the holiday.
This is how we respond. This is how we make a difference. We live fully. We care deeply. We stand proudly. We remember that Jewish life, especially here in Detroit, remains vibrant, meaningful and filled with promise.
At Federation, we are deeply proud to serve this extraordinary community and grateful for all the ways you continue to strengthen it.
I hope to see you all out in the community soon.
