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December 3, 1999/24 Kislev 5760, Vol. 52, No.14
Lighting the firesEditorialSome 4,000 American Jews recently convened in Atlanta, where they celebrated the formation of a new entity: United Jewish Communities.From throughout North America, community leaders flocked to a three-day General Assembly meeting to launch UJC, which is intended to be an efficient, effective successor to both the former Council of Jewish Federations and United Jewish Appeal in addressing the challenges of 21st century Jewry. Dominating the meeting agenda were requisite discussions about fund-raising, human services and Israel, as well as an intriguing and heartening dialogue on the quality of Jewish life. In a refreshing display of concern about the future of the Jewish people, which these days is predicated less on catastrophe and more on commitment, delegates looked at tough questions of identity and talked about how they define themselves as Jews. Yet while UJC is rightly engaged in articulating a vision and setting an agenda, it is up to us as individuals and as an indigenous community to breathe life and meaning into it. Opportunities for Jewish study abound in the Valley. Simply perusing the calendar listings in Jewish News reveals a broad range of classes and programs offered for learners across the spectrum of knowledge and experience. The Bureau of Jewish Education, as well as congregations Valley-wide of every denomination, offer an array of choices. Still there is more, much more, we can do: support our Jewish schools and congregations; provide enhanced opportunities for family education; increase outreach to unaffiliated Jews; and focus on adult learning. Our survival as a people is predicated on the notion that we have something very precious to cherish and preserve. As we celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah, let us resolve to kindle the lights of Jewish learning for ourselves and our families - and to light the fires of renewed Jewish life. |
