One of the most important values in all of Jewish life is unity (achdut in Hebrew). And one of the supreme institutions that strives in the finest ways to insure unity in our Jewish community and beyond is our Jewish Federation and Foundation of Rockland County. For many, “Federation” may only be a name. But for so many of us, it is a lifeline that ensures that Jewish vibrancy is supported within our County and worldwide.

We are blessed that we have such a critical institution in our midst and we are blessed by both Federation’s vision and its actions that strengthen us all. Federation works to:

 

• BRING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER
• HELP THOSE IN NEED
• STRENGTHEN JEWISH INSTITUTIONS
• CELEBRATE JEWISH LIFE
• ACT WITH INTEGRITY

All that the Federation does, truly unifies all other Jewish institutions. It was the Chafetz Chaim, a brilliant 19th and 20th century rabbi, who taught that unity was the precursor to redemption so long ago. He went on to add that it will also be the precursor to the ultimate redemption at the end of days. According to him, when the Jewish People face challenges, we must always strive for unity for it has always been one of the secret ingredients of Jewish continuity and success.

Rockland Jewry, a microcosm of Am Yisrael as a whole, succeeds when we have this secret ingredient. And our amazing success is a result of so many remarkable individuals and institutions dedicated to fostering greater unity in our County and for the Jewish people as a whole. But we must never forget that the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Rockland County is the core institution that insures that unity exists for us all.

Your actions in supporting the work of Federation allow for so many blessings to continue. Am Yisrael Chai. May God continue to grant our Federation and all of our institutions, the blessings and rewards that come from Divine and communal service.