Much work to do

Editorial

We can look back on 5763 with pride.

We witnessed the opening of the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus. We welcomed Congregation Or Chadash, Congregation Beth Hagivot and two Sephardic synagogues. Chabad arranged for a permanent presence at Arizona State University, and the Hillel Jewish Student Center expanded outreach to other ASU campuses and community colleges.

The Arizona Jewish Historical Society made progress in its efforts to purchase the Culver Street Synagogue, the Valley's first congregation. More than 11,000 gathered for "Ben Yehuda Mall Comes to Greater Phoenix" to support the Israeli economy.

We learned the results of both local and national Jewish demographic studies, offering vital information about our complex 21st century community.

And yet, despite this outreach and growth, the majority of Valley Jews remain unconnected and unaffiliated.

Insiders - community leaders, volunteers and contributors - can accuse those on the edges of abdicating their responsibility to the Jewish people. Those quick to blame others, labeling them as apathetic or uncaring, can ask themselves difficult questions: Why do local Jews remain unconnected? Have they been contacted? How have they been contacted? Local leaders can review their leadership structures and how they cultivate boards of directors.

True, many people move to the Valley with no intention of affiliating. But what about those who want to be part of the community, who tried to connect but received the wrong first impression?

During this new year, we can redouble our efforts to make connections - people to people and institution to institution.

Many organizations have already begun to think outside the box. Eighteen synagogues worked with the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center to host a first-of-its-kind synagogue fair. The Tri-City JCC, Temple Emanuel of Tempe and Temple Beth Sholom obtained a grant for an outreach advertising campaign in local newspapers.

Those still unconnected can give our communal organizations a second chance, or even a third chance.

In the spirit of Klal Yisrael, we need each other now as much as ever. Our American Jewish community is getting older, in greater need of programs and ser-vices; and our youth are in need of meaningful Jewish experiences.

Across the country and around the world, poor Jewish communities need our resources and influence.

And tragically, Israel continues its mighty struggle for security and peace. We have a responsibility to provide direct aid and to ensure that our administration and elected officials support the Jewish state.

May 5764 be a year we will look back upon with an even greater sense of accomplishment.

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