Bob Silverman

Jeff Koenig

Several weeks ago we began to read the Book of Numbers, also known as Bamidbar. The first portion begins with a discussion of numbers. Moses was told to count the Jewish nation. "Take a census of the entire assembly of the Children of Israel according to their families, according to their fathers' household, by number of the names, every male according to their head count. From twenty years of age and up - everyone who goes out to the legion in Israel - you shall count them according to their legions, you and Aaron (Numbers 3:14-15).

Taking a census, or being counted, may date back to the time of Moses but it is certainly something we are well aware of in our daily lives. Our government is in the process of undertaking the census which is done every 10 years. What will the outcome be? Who, what, and where will get more or less? This remains to be seen but by participating, we are part of the process we are counted!

Bamidbar, is the opening to the fourth book of the Torah and literally means "In the desert." The Torah spends a great deal of time - this entire book and part of the next one - chronicling our wanderings in the wilderness. Our people endured this difficult life - subject to thirst, hunger, dangers of all kinds - in order to eventually enter the Promised Land. Although the journey was treacherous, there was anticipation of something better yet to come.

As Jewish leaders, we often find ourselves wandering through a wilderness, whether of dissent, of resistance to change or of some other nature. Our experience as a people in the desert reminds us that in order to truly reach our objectives, we must sometimes endure these challenges, and that the manner in which we do so will determine our success.
 
So much of what a Jewish leader does relates to lessons learned in the desert. The necessity to be strong and of good courage; the opportunity to be independent and forthright; the ability to have compassion for others and to act with mercy; and the impulse to do good in the world because it is our choice and our privilege to do so. And there is something more: the desert is open and accessible to all, just as a leader must be. The best leaders, like the desert, are open and receptive to new perspectives and ideas, and have the patience to try them out.

Our Federation's annual campaign can be looked at as a form of census taking. We are a diverse Jewish community with an even more diverse set of needs, but by coming together as one, our collective voices can be heard.  By participating in the annual campaign, you are counted and you can have a voice in our communal agenda.  Now is the time -- stand up, be counted and support the 2010 annual federation campaign.  The campaign year ends June 30th so call 845-362-4200, ext. 133 or visit our website at www.jewishrockland.org.  Please join us.

Jeff Koenig and Bob Silverman are co-chairmen of the Jewish Federation of Rockland County's 2010 Campaign.